Endless Possibilities

Endless Possibilities

Author's Note: Here's the second half, enjoy.

Chapter 23 Part 2

XxXxX

"Now, search deeper...deeper...try to find the very center of your heart,"

The forest is thick, but inviting. The path is long and winding, but somehow it feels like my feet know where to go. Deeper into the wild, grand forest until finally the path gives up to a mountain. Giant and powerful, nearly ever inched covered in thick moss. Surely this mountain is my center.

"Have you found it?"

"I think so..."

"You'll know when you find it,"

Gazing high into the bright blue sky, the peak of the mountain looms just beyond view. Climbing it proves more difficult than imaginable, the moss giving it a slippery slick surface. The center lies at the top, this I know for sure.

XxXxX

Just coming over the horizon was a dark-hued rainbow of three colors. They landed across from her, gaping in amazement. Brick seemed to be filled with hatred, his fiery red eyes scanning every inch of her holy form. Boomer stared at her in awe, his cheeks speckled with a light blush. He smiled vacantly, unable to look away from her eyes. Butch, on the other hand, was staring at Bubbles. His face was red, and every few seconds his entire head jerked with a massive twitch. Blossom watched with her typical smirk.

"Well, well, well...Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb. Why am I not surprised? You're popping up all over the place, saving my helpless sisters," Brick snorted and responded, but Blossom was paying attention to Butch, who was snarling, kicking his foot like an angry bull. Brick seemed to notice and turned his gaze on Butch. He grinned and turned back to Blossom, snickering.

"Well maybe you can beat up Bubbles by herself! But you can't take on all of us! I don't know what happened to you, where you ran off to, or why you're doing this, but I don't need to know that crap to kick your butt!" Blossom laughed and crossed her arms, grinning at the snarling green ruff and the cocky red ruff. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Boomer still staring at her.

"Big talk...from a little idiot. Come on then, show me your moves," Blossom giggled and floated into the air, just as Butch tore from the fold to attack her. Unlike her sister, it seemed the Rowdyruff Boys had no trouble-now at least-unleashing all of their awesome power. Butch's fists slashed through the air like knives, tiny blasts of wind following his attacks. He brought both fists down at Blossom, tearing a crater in the ground by the sheer force of his attack. He whipped around and launched a volley of forest green energy blasts, taking out buildings, vehicles, and turning the street to a crumbling stretch of rubble. He launched at Blossom head first and shattered a building, the force of his charge knocking it flying into the few remaining behind it.

Butch tore through the rubble, growling, snarling, snorting and twitching like mad. Blossom floated back down, not a scratch on her. She giggled and leaned back, avoiding an attack from Brick. Her counterpart snarled and spun around, throwing a slicing kick at her face. Blossom ducked down and watched the wind off the kick knock a car through a shop window. She jumped back when Brick threw a punch down, the street finally collapsed, leaving a hole to the still draining sewer.

"Impressive...you guys are a lot stronger than I anticipated," She smirked and shook her head, "You're every bit as stupid as I anticipated, but I'll admit your strength is rather impressive," Brick snarled and turned to Boomer.

"Boomer! You idiot get over here and help us!" Like lightning, and with a thunderous crack, Blossom's arm lashed out and slammed Brick into, and through, the building behind him. Blossom heaved him into the air, her arm now a thick tendril, and snarled at him.

"Don't you dare talk to him like that!" Blossom swung Brick through the air and sent him spiraling across the city. Just then, Butch tore forward again, throwing another mighty punch at Blossom. Her free arm shifted into a hammer, and carelessly pounded him away as easily as she had his brother. Blossom panted, her arms returning to normal, and whipped around to face Boomer. He still stared at her with the same look of utter reverence.

"Blossom..." He finally said, taking a step toward her. Blossom was on him in an instant, clutching his throat and holding him in the air, his feet kicking uselessly. Without looking away, Blossom launched a wave of pink light at her sister, sending her tearing through the rubble and ruins. Now alone, she hit Boomer with the full intensity of her hatred. Her pink eyes seemed to be trying to tear his soul apart.

"You...you...traitor..." Boomer gasped, tugging at the mitt clutching his throat. His face turned red, his eyes watered and a wild spasm shook his body. Blossom lowered him, and slackened her hold just enough. Boomer gasped in a breath of air, while Blossom snatched his collar and held him close. She spoke just above a whisper. Her voice was like Death.

"Why...where were you?" Boomer blinked and stared at her helplessly, still clutching her arm. Blossom shook him, and Boomer noticed that her eyes were misty. He also noticed, as close as he was, how nice her hair smelled.

"I...I forgot..." Blossom snarled and clutched his throat fiercely again. She narrowed her eyes into dangerous, glowing slits.

"You...you forgot about me?!" The world swam around Boomer, Townsville seemed to be spiraling around him. He kept a tight hold on Blossom's arm, though she noticed his grip slackening. He gasped in a breath of air and muttered a response. Blossom's throat tightened and her lips quivered.

"I'm sorry..." Blossom's grip faltered; Boomer fell to the ground. He landed weakly, slouching against Blossom. She peered down at his messy blond hair, a faint blush on her cheeks. Boomer still held her arm tightly, laying against her weakly. He stood up straight, quickly releasing her when he realized what he was doing. Blossom snatched his hand, biting her lip and staring into his eyes. Boomer stared back, breathing heavily, matching her blush. He swallowed and tilted his head.

"This is...is this...is this really you?" He asked. Blossom's throat tightened again-she adored his moments of insight. Licking her dry lips, Blossom squeezed his hand tighter.

"I want it to be," Boomer stared back for a moment, before squeezing her hand. He slowly smiled and nodded.

"...Okay," Blossom shook her head and looked away. Boomer blinked in confusion and promptly fell to the ground, unconscious. Blossom gazed at him softly, her fist still held out. The others were fast approaching. Brick was snarling, Butch was howling. Blossom lowered her fist and stared at Boomer. With a smirk she turned, her fists becoming swords as she charged at the two oncoming Rowdyruff Boys.

XxXxX

The mountain seems to go on forever, every step is like a thousand years. But the sky is getting closer, the center is just over the top. I can smell smoke, I can feel heat. As I come to the summit, there is a blazing fire raging in the center.

"Have you found your center?

"...There's a fire..."

"Yes...cool your thoughts, calm your soul...put out the flames in your heart,"

"But..."

"Shh...take your time..."

The fire is raging, tinged black. Drawing closer is like walking into the sun, I can feel my skin peeling back. Closer and closer, peering deeper into the flames. The answer lies beyond, but how to put them out? Taking a deep breath, I plunge my hand into the fire.

XxXxX

Get up Bubbles

"I can't...I can't fight her...you were wrong...I'm not strong enough..."

Bubbles...sweet Bubbles...I am never wrong...

"She's too strong..."

You're stronger...you can defeat her...but you have to be willing to bend the rules a little

"No, I can't. The Professor..."

You must! If you don't...well, it won't be good, now will it?

"But how? I feel like...like I'm trying my hardest..."

Oh...I'll help you little Bubbles. The wall around you is built sooo high...

"Octi...I'm scared..."

Don't be afraid Bubbles...I'll protect you, you just have to believe in me.

"I believe in you Octi..."

Good girl...now, open your heart. It's going to be alright.

"Okay...I'll do whatever you say Octi..."

Yes...yes...now...you know what you need to do...go Bubbles.

XxXxX

The city of Townsville was torn asunder, wrought with utter annihilation by the battle taking place. The sky was a sea of black, the deathly red light coming from the flaming eyes of the demon watching them a million miles away. Blood stained the streets while buildings crumbled and explosions shook the country. Screams rang out, more blood rained down. Bubbles slowly sat up, pulling free from the rubble covering her. She opened her eyes and took a deep breath, slowly rising to her feet. Her pigtails were gone, her hair blew freely in the gentle breeze.

Bubbles looked down at her hands. Her skin was glowing, shining in the sick red light cast on the planet. Something was rushing through her, filling every inch of her body. Her injuries were gone, it was like Blossom had never touched her. She touched her face; her skin was warm. Slowly Bubbles turned to face the sky, and saw her sister. Her heart felt full, overflowing. She narrowed her eyes and watched the fight with a calm silence.

Blossom dodged Brick's heat rays and fired her own back, the air roared like thunder as the colossal walls of red tore apart the rooftops. Butch came at her from behind, but Blossom spun around and slashed at him with a sword arm. Butch put up his energy shield, which shattered on contact with the attack. Blossom giggled and seemed more frantic, slashing at Butch in a frenzy. Butch floated back slowly, sweat streaking his face, putting up shield after shield to avoid death. Finally, tired of the game, Blossom lashed out with a whip and threw him into Brick, then fired after the two, a sonic boom cracking in her wake.

Bubbles looked down at the ground. Even at their full power, the Rowdyruff Boys were no match for this new Blossom...this...this Devil Blossom. Bubbles clenched her fists and looked up, determination burning in her eyes. They weren't going to last much longer, Butch could barely see for the blood streaking his face, and one of Brick's arms had been hanging limp at his side. Bubbles trembled, slowly lifting her head and glaring into the distance.

She was afraid...more afraid than she had ever been before. But she knew what she had to do. With a deep breath, Bubbles launched herself through the air, her courage growing with the immense power now rising inside her. It had been so long since she felt this...she closed her eyes, just as she landed and slowly opened them, fixing her gaze on the dark figure across from her.

Blossom turned to face Bubbles, tossing the Rowdyruff Boys aside without a second glance. The look in her eyes, the way her skin glowed, everything about Bubbles suddenly excited Blossom. One look was all that she needed to know the truth. Bubbles had become a goddess, just like her.

"So...so you did it!" Blossom's broke into a devilish grin, her arms returning to normal. The Rowdyruff Boys started to return, but caught sight of Bubbles and froze. The glowing blue puff clenched her fists and thrust her mitt out at Blossom.

"Let go of my sister," Blossom blinked and snickered, then laughed heartily. She placed her hands on her hips and sneered at Bubbles.

"Are you speaking to Aku? I'm sorry, but he's busy at the moment. I'm the only one here," Bubbles didn't blink, she didn't falter as she spoke again, in the same serious whisper.

"Let go of my sister, you monster," This time Blossom didn't laugh.

"I am your sister, you idiot," Bubbles shook her head, gritting her teeth and summoning all of her strength.

"My sister would never do something like this! My sister is a hero!" Blossom shook her head, eyes gleaming. Bubbles didn't flinch, not this time, when Blossom approached her. Once again, they were standing toe to toe.

"No...I'm something more than a hero, Bubbles. I'm a goddess," Bubbles narrowed her eyes and stood up straight. Blossom's eyes flickered red, she was sure of it.

"Why are you doing this? Why would you throw everything away for...for a monster?" Blossom snarled. Again, Bubbles was unmoved by her intimidation, even though the Earth seemed to tremble at the pink puff's fury. When she didn't respond, Bubbles jabbed her in the chest and lowered her voice further.

"Answer me! Why are you doing this?!" Blossom took a step back, hand flying to the place Bubbles had jabbed her. She looked down at her hand and clenched her fist, stared at the glistening black appendage, wrapped so tightly in black. It was so snug under a veil of darkness. She looked up, suddenly, and took another step back. Bubbles noticed a crack in her voice.

"I don't have to explain myself to you! I'm doing it...because...because he makes me feel special! He appreciates me for who I am! He doesn't try to force me to be someone else! He doesn't insult my intellect! He doesn't restrain my strength! He doesn't try to force me to see things his way! He...he cares about me!" Blossom lowered her mitt and leveled her glowing eyes with Bubbles. Bubbles, her eyes glowing just as fiercely, shaking her head. She could feel a warmth within her. He was with her now.

"He doesn't care about you," Bubbles said, speaking as though she were a mother addressing a child. Blossom gasped, as if physically assaulted. She flared up, throwing an accusatory mitt toward Bubbles.

"Do you even know what love is?!" She screamed back. Bubbles winced and finally took a step back. She kept her arms at her sides, but nervously bit her lip. Blossom growled and marched closer, though she stopped at arms length from Bubbles, "Well? Do you!?" Bubbles slowly shook her head, standing up straight. She took a deep breath and looked into her sister's eyes. Blossom's pink eyes were trembling; Bubbles blue eyes were blazing.

"I know that...that what he's doing to you isn't love. He doesn't love you," Blossom gasped and swallowed hard, trembling with an ever-rising fury. She began to pulse with whipping pink light. She began to glow fierce and bright as a star. Bubbles didn't blink; she didn't dare look away.

"Shut up! Shut up! Don't you dare say that! You don't know anything!" Bubbles shook her head, unmoved by the snarl in Blossom's voice. She raised hers, finally finding the courage to stand up to her sister. Finally finding the courage that the Professor...that Buttercup...that Octi kept saying was there. Now, the lives of the Rowdyruff Boys...the city...no the fate of the entire world was resting solely in her hands. It was time to finally prove that she was strong.

"He doesn't love you, he's just using you. I'm not going to let you throw your life away because of him...I'm going to save you, Blossom, no matter what it takes. You're a Powerpuff girl, you're a hero. This is wrong! This isn't you!" Blossom closed her eyes and gnashed her teeth, a shiver of hatred rolling through her body. She slowly opened her eyes and fixed Bubbles with a murderous leer.

"Then I guess I'm going to have to live with that..." Bubbles blinked, then gasped and stepped back, dodging the vicious punch that had come careening towards her. She and Blossom were nose to nose, breathing each others breath. Blossom narrowed her eyes and spoke, for the first time, in the voice Bubbles' remembered as her sister's.

"I'll gladly change my name, I'll gladly give up being a Powerpuff girl if that's what it takes!" Bubbles' lips quivered and she narrowed her eyes. Without another word, the two were gone with an earth-shattering explosion. High in the sky, a pink and blue blur collided repeatedly, every collision resulting in a destructive shock wave that threatened everything in the vicinity. A wicked crack rang out and the blue blur fell back quickly.

Blossom rushed at Bubbles, no longer caring how her sister fought. Her only thought was that she wanted to watch her bleed and die. Her arms, both wicked blades, slashed through the air in a fury, whistling gusts of wind crashing into the street below with every missed attack. Bubbles ducked and dodged around the attacks with newfound speed. Finally through playing the defensive, she launched a glowing sphere of blue energy at Blossom, driving her back painfully. Blossom just growled and charged through the explosion.

"I'm done playing games!" Blossom blew a wall of fire at Bubbles, who screamed in retaliation. The sound waves tore through the screen of fire, creating a massive fire wall. Above them the Master of Masters took notice, and narrowed his eyes. The light seemed to intensify over Townsville, like a spotlight.

Blossom and Bubbles were once again moving like furious bees, crashing and ramming against one another, identified only by the brief flashes of light that flashed in the sky. Bubbles appeared on the ground and clapped her hands, knocking Blossom out of her brutal charge. Blossom landed and threw her hands out, sending a surge of lightning at Bubbles, who spun dodged at the last minute and fired back her heat rays.

Townsville steadily crumbled around them. The streets caved in, what buildings had been repaired quickly turned to rubble or ash. Precious monuments were destroyed forever, flora and fauna alike were obliterated, the park had become a dead field of fire. Blossom crashed into the Townsville Volcano, and quickly fired back a volley of screaming pink energy blasts. Bubbles dodged around them and rammed Blossom like a ball. She jumped back and shot her sister with her heat rays, knocking her airborne once more. Blossom whirled around and the two were gone again.

XxXxX

The fire burns horribly, but still I keep reaching. My fingers brush something soft, something delicate within the fire. Taking a deep breath, I walk into the flames.

"Buttercup?"

"James what's wrong with her?"

"Shh...something is happening..."

I kneel down beside the delicate center, and lightly brush its petals. With wide eyes, I look down at the flower I now hold in my hand.

XxXxX

Bubbles crashed into the ground, groaning and rubbing her now bleeding arm. It was starting to heal...but not near fast enough. Blossom advanced on her, blood trickling from her blade arm. Bubbles quickly climbed to her feet and began backing away, staring in horror.

"You...were you even trying?" Blossom grinned, her eyes glinting in the red light. She lowered her voice, ignoring the oncoming Rowdyruff Boys. Bubbles' blood ran cold.

"I am now,"

XxXxX

"Buttercup!"

The flames whip around me, screaming but unable to kill the flower. At once, I can feel something...filling me. Something freeing me.

It's starting to rain.

"Oh my God..."