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Dreams of an Absolution	By : DeusExProcella Category: +M through R > PowerPuff Girls Views: 9670 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own the Powerpuff Girls or any related characters. All characters exclusive to this story do belong to me. I make no money from these writings.

Chapter List
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"Be still, wild and young

Long may your innocence reign

Like shells on the shore

And may your limits be unknown

And may your efforts be your own

If you ever feel you can't take it anymore

Don't break character

You've got a lot of heart

Is this real, or just a dream?

Rise up like the sun, labor till the work is done"

Be Still (The Killers "Battleborn")

Dreams of an Absolution

Chapter 48

The Professor snuck through the hallways, barely able to hold back his own childish laughter. The day had finally arrived! Tonight would be the Utonium family Christmas Party, an extra special event he'd been planning for three weeks now. The house was sure to be packed, and he had to make sure everything was ready before the girls woke up. He hoped they would be so excited it would take all of his effort just to keep them contained until everyone started to show up.

Shivering, he paused by the thermostat to raise the temperature. For some reason, the house just seemed downright cold lately. A smile came to his lips as he snuck into the living room. That wouldn't be a problem later, once he had a roaring fire going. Well, maybe not a roaring fire. There were going to be children, it wouldn't be very safe to have too big a fire. But big enough to keep them all cozy.

"Now let's see...ah! Here we go, now just...hm?" He peeked up, hearing the floorboards creaking up stairs. The Professor retreated to the base of the stairs, an old vinyl record still held delicately in his hands, "Did I wake you?" he called up the stairs in a low voice. His stomach did a flip when the newcomer stifled a yawn behind one of her tiny hands and shook her head, slipping quietly down the stairs.

His cheeks were bright red when he greeted her with a kiss, "Did you sleep well?" He chuckled when she grumbled in response and stumbled into the kitchen. The Professor returned to the living room, putting on the girls' favorite Christmas record. Sure, it was early, but it was never too early to get into the spirit! He licked his lips, hearing the tell-tale sound of the coffee maker.

Cassandra Keane yawned and took a seat at the table, watching the coffee pot expectantly, "Aren't you up a bit too early, Jim?" she asked, resting her chin on her hand. A sleepy smiled lit up her face when he joined her at the table.

The Professor was already humming along to the tune of "The Christmas Song" from the other room, "Maybe, but I was anxious all night," he chuckled. He jumped when her hand slid across his lap. With a blush he caught it in his and gave it a squeeze. "The girls have always loved Christmas, they even saved Santa Claus once!"

Ms. Keane nodded, "I remember," she stifled another yawn.

They sat in silence, both eagerly watching the coffee maker. Finally, the Professor broke the silence with a sigh. Ms. Keane cocked her head, "What is it?"

"Blossom loved this song," he mumbled. After a moment of hesitation, he climbed from his seat and began to dig through one of the counter drawers. He ignored the disapproving look on Ms. Keane's face as he lit up his pipe and took a few puffs.

He blew a small ring out and shook his head, "I feel like I don't know her anymore. Bubbles and Buttercup...they're upset, traumatized by whatever it was that happened. But, Blossom...she's been drifting away for so long. The past few weeks, it's been like having a stranger in the house," he mumbled.

His Blossom, his bright little girl. Though it wasn't true, especially given the nature of the girls' birth, he'd always thought of her as his oldest. She was responsible and very mature for her age. Sometimes, she tried a bit too hard, maybe even believing herself that she needed to be an older sister, or even mother, to the other two. But...he'd always been able to count on her. Not even a year ago, he'd have known for sure she'd like to hear that song. He'd have known she would be excited to smell french toast in the morning. He'd have known what to do...to make her smile again.

Now, he barely recognized her when he managed to get her to even look at him.

He glanced up. Cassie never stayed quiet for so long. Sure enough, she was peeking up at him, her lips pursed. He tilted his head and took another puff of his pipe. She sighed and rose from the table, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"She's changing...that's for sure," she muttered. The Professor accepted the cup she'd poured for him, but waited for her to continue. She returned to the table and stared at the cup in her hands.

"You mentioned," the Professor began, thinking back to April, "a while ago, before the...incident," Ms. Keane nodded, "that she seemed...different." He didn't dare use the word she'd used. He wasn't sure he could accept that, even now.

"I said she seemed older," Ms. Keane corrected him, not lifting her eyes from her cup.

The Professor nodded, "That's right, older." He took a sip of his coffee. Now he could hear Nat King Cole singing "Joy to the World." Outside, another flurry had started to fall. Pokey Oaks was likely covered in nearly a three inches of fresh powder, and it was still piling up. What a crazy winter…

"I don't know when it happened, Jim," Ms. Keane began. She hesitated when he took a long puff of his pipe, but managed to continue, "But, I don't think she's a little girl anymore," She took another drink. Whatever was mulling around in her head, she didn't want to just blurt it out. She could tell he was on edge already. It had been a rough month.

"It wasn't overnight, no, it's been...a little bit, every day, since the incident. I think whatever was left of the little girl she used to be…"

The Professor cut her off, "I didn't pull it out of the ocean, that part of her, I mean." She nodded; he nodded in turn. His little Blossom, something had been different when she left on her vacation. And something had certainly changed in her while she was gone. But...he was certain of it.

"Something happened then," he muttered. Ms. Keane looked up.

When he wouldn't continue, she asked, "What, Jim?"

He tapped his pipe and sighed, finally setting it down. The Professor took one last, long drink and sighed once more, "When she left, to visit Ikra. I remember waking up one night, just...horribly sick. I couldn't stop throwing up. I think, at that moment, something happened to her," He sat down at the table and tapped his fingers against the wooden surface.

"I could see it in her eyes when she came up to me at the airport. I could hear it in her voice when she spoke. I can feel it now, clearer than ever, when she just looks at me." His hands were shaking. His heart was pounding. When Ms. Keane touched his hand, he visibly flinched, "My little girl really has...changed. She's not the same Blossom I created anymore,"

"Don't say that, James. She's still your daughter. And, I know she's upset, and you're upset, and you're both confused, but she still loves you. And you still love her," Ms. Keane shushed him, slipping her fingers through his and giving his hand a tight squeeze.

"Of course." He muttered, squeezing her hand in return, "Of course I love her, she's my daughter. I'll always love her...no matter what happens. No matter what she…" he trailed off. In his mind, he saw a flash of her glowing pink eyes, heard her harsh, angry voice. For a second, he saw that doll they'd found.

For just a second, he remembered Devil Blossom.

James Utonium frowned, a tear slipping down his cheek, "No matter what she's become. I'll always love her,"

They both looked up, hearing the creak of the floorboard at the top of the stairs. Ms. Keane slid away from the table, pouring the Professor another cup of coffee.

"I'm going to shower, alright?" she said with a smile and a soft kiss. He nodded, taking a sip from his coffee. Once she was gone, he slid from his seat and walked to the window, watching the snow fall outside. He sighed and cleaned out his pipe, packing it again and lighting it one more time.

Of course he loved his daughter...it was the rest of the world he worried for.

XxXxX

It was a really cold day, Boomer thought, as he and his two best friends trudged through the snow-covered city. Most businesses were closed early. It was Christmas Eve, though, so it made sense, he guessed. Boomer shivered and rubbed his arms. He glanced to his side and smiled, his cheeks flushing.

She didn't look cold at all. He tried to tell her to wear a jacket, but even the cold couldn't get to her. Blossom had her head down, a scarf around her neck, and was wearing her favorite pink dress. No long sleeves, no jacket, just her normal dress and a scarf. A green scarf with bananas; Boomer grinned. Pops had told him to get her that one, he was so happy she liked it!

On her other side was Aku, though he was pretending to be Baku right now. Unlike Blossom, Aku was all wrapped up in jackets and scarves and gloves. He looked kind of silly, but Boomer remembered Miss Honeydew saying it was the coldest winter in Townsville's history. Whatever that meant, he was pretty sure it meant Aku wasn't a wuss for dressing warm.

Like it was trying to prove a point, the wind blew by causing Boomer to shiver and shove his hands in his pockets. "Man, it's cold. Blossom are you okay?" he mumbled through his own scarf. It was blue, with bananas, matching hers.

"I'm fine," she mumbled through the scarf. It really looked good on her, Boomer thought with a grin. It would look better if she wore her bow, but she didn't want to for some reason. Her hair was blowing everywhere. Maybe he could brush it for her later...she let him every now and then. Not lately, but back before the thing with her sister. Boomer frowned, suddenly sad.

Without thinking, he blurted out, "I'm sorry,"

He smiled sheepishly when Blossom and Aku both turned to glance at him. Aku shuddered when another breeze blew by. Blossom, though, she just cocked her head.

"Why?" she asked. She wasn't talking much lately. That was too bad, Boomer frowned. He loved it when Blossom talked, even if he didn't understand what she was saying most of the time. She just had a pretty voice.

"About what happened. I wish I could have helped," he sighed and pushed his bangs out of his face. It had started to snow again. Who decided it was a good idea to snow so much? It was good thing they could fly because the TV people were saying it wasn't safe to drive. Though, Boomer thought with a grunt, it was really cold up high too.

He glanced up when he realized Blossom hadn't said anything. She was staring at the ground again. She wasn't crying, though. Lately, if he mentioned that thing, she could cry. Not today. Instead, her eyes seemed...different. He wasn't sure how, but there was a look in her eyes he hadn't seen before. Or maybe he had, and it had just been a really long time.

"It's not your fault, Boomer." she murmured.

He could hear her grinding her teeth. He could see her mitts trembling as she clenched her fists. Boomer swallowed nervously and faced forward, trying to think of something to make her happy again. He gasped and jumped into the air, spinning around to his companions.

"Tomorrow is Christmas!" he exclaimed. Boomer began to bounce in the air, suddenly excited, "That means it's Aku's first Christmas, right? Right? What did you get him, Blossom?" He dropped to the ground and grabbed her hands.

She looked up at him, her lips parted, eyes wide. Slowly, she turned to look at Aku. He was frowning, he looked really confused.

"A gift for Aku?" He asked, pointing at himself. Boomer nodded eagerly in return. Blossom turned away, lowering her eyes. Aku seemed more confused, "Does this have to do with the cheerful fat man? Or these repetitive old songs Blossom's father insists on playing at all times?"

"Christmas Carols! And presents! And Santa Claus! Yeah! All of that!" Boomer cheered, grabbing Aku's hand in his. The monster bristled, but still seemed intrigued. Boomer tore away from them and spun around, flailing his arms for emphasis.

"Santa is an awesome old man who comes at night and leaves a ton of toys and presents and stuff for you! Miss Honeydew says it's only if you've been good, but we got stuff last year and we were totally bad. So you'll probably get stuff too, Aku!" he shouted, a grin spread across his face.

Boomer looked up when he heard Blossom laugh softly and his grin grew even bigger. She peered up at him with rosy cheeks, was she blushing?

She was waiting for him to continue.

He nodded, now pacing back and forth as he continued his explanation, "So like, there's these songs you sing because it's just what you do, and those are Christmas carols. Like they're all super stupid and don't make sense, but everyone does it anyway. And then you eat a ton of food and HEY!" Boomer jumped and pumped his fists, "The party! Your dad is having a party! We're gonna party! It's gonna be great!"

Aku looked at Blossom, then back at Boomer. He was stroking his chin, probably wishing he had his beard as Baku, "You mentioned gifts...other than what this fat man brings?" He was trying to look serious, but Boomer could hear the excitement in Aku's voice.

Boomer grinned, "Yeah, everyone gets presents for people that are special to them. You know like...brothers, sisters, parents, and friends!"

Boomer continued to explain different Christmas traditions. With each one, Aku seemed to become more and more excited. By the time he was done, they were both practically jumping with excitement. Aku was determined to find the perfect, greatest, best gift ever for Blossom. Boomer wasn't sure he could get her another present, the scarf had cost most of his allowance.

But...then he saw caught sight of a smile on Blossom's face, peeking out behind her scarf. Her cheeks were still bright pink, and now she was smiling. It was the first smile he'd seen since she came back. She was smiling so big, watching Aku hurry down the sidewalk to find a store still open.

She paused when she hurried after him, pausing beside Boomer. Her cheeks flushed a bit more. She grabbed his hand and leaned close, kissing him on the cheek. She bit her lip and didn't say anything, but Boomer understood.

It was a better gift than he deserved, the best he could have imagined, seeing her smile again. But still...the kiss was nice too!

XxXxX

Bubbles took a bite of her sandwich, glancing across the couch at her sister. She'd been out with Baku and Boomer all day. Honestly, Bubbles was surprised when she agreed to eat lunch and watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" with her.

Here she was though, ignoring the peanut butter and jelly sandwich Bubbles had made for her. It wasn't the best, but Ms. Keane told her she'd made up for the mess with a whole lot of love. Bubbles smiled when Blossom glanced over at her. Her smile faded when her sister turned away.

"I'm sorry if it's not good. I tried really hard to make it like you like it," Bubbles explained. It was killing her to miss out singing along with the show, but it was so much worse to have Blossom not talking to her.

As if she read Bubbles' thoughts, Blossom picked up the sandwich and took a small bite. It wasn't much, but it made Bubbles smile. She knew what it was like to not have an appetite. It had taken her several days to be able to finish even a little food after they got back to Townsville.

That must be it, Bubbles thought with a sigh. Biting her lip, she scooted a bit closer to Blossom. She waited, trying to seem nonchalant until her sister looked away again. With a little grunt, Bubbles scooted closer. Blossom glanced back again. Bubbles smiled and waved.

Blossom looked away and Bubbles scooted closer. Eventually, they were pressed up against each other. Before Blossom could run, Bubbles laid her head against her shoulder and gave her a tight hug around the waist. For someone who wasn't eating, Blossom's tummy felt full.

Blossom looked up, one eyebrow raised, when Bubbles continued rubbing her tummy. Bubbles giggled and kissed her on the cheek. Blossom sighed and looked away, but Bubbles was sure she could see her fighting against a smile!

"Are you excited about the party?" Bubbles asked. The room started getting colder. With a determined frown, Bubbles snuggled closer to Blossom, forcing her sister's arm around her. That kind of passive-aggressive silliness wasn't going to make her go away this time! Bubbles kissed her cheek again and this time she definitely saw a small smile crack on Blossom's face. So she kissed her again and, when Blossom started to squirm away, she started tickling her tummy.

That did it, Blossom finally laughed and spoke to her, giggling out, "Stop it!" Bubbles just grinned and kissed her cheek again.

"See!" she exclaimed, "You can talk and you do love me," Bubbles' heart did a little flip in her chest when that last part slipped out. She hadn't meant to say something so accusing, but…"I'm sorry! I didn't mean that," she apologized when the smile faded from Blossom's face.

"..." Blossom didn't say anything, but the smile was long gone and that distant, glassy look was in her eyes again. Bubbles continued to hug her, resting her head on Blossom's shoulder. Had she gotten taller?

"I'm sorry…" Bubbles murmured.

Blossom took a deep breath, then, in a soft voice, replied, "I do love you,"

Again, Bubbles couldn't stop herself from voicing her worst fears, "Do you really? Cause," she bit her lip, but now she had already said too much. She might as well say everything, "It feels like you hate me. Is it because I know...about him?"

There were snowflakes in the living room.

Outside, Bubbles could hear the wind picking up.

Blossom shuddered, "No, I don't…" she closed her eyes and bit her lip, "I don't hate you. I really...I really do love you, Bubbles," Blossom finally looked at her, pulling her arm out from around the blonde girl. Bubbles refused to let her pull away from her hug, though. She seemed scared, it wasn't something Bubbles was used to seeing in Blossom.

"Do you hate me?" she asked, her voice barely even a whisper. It was the most vulnerable, the most frightened question Bubbles had ever heard from her. Her breath caught in her throat and she was afraid she might start crying.

"No, I don't hate you…" Bubbles mumbled. She bit her lip and tightened her embrace until she couldn't squeeze any more, "I love you," she sighed and said it again, "I love you," taking a deep breath, she finally released her hold on Blossom and sat back on her haunches, "I love you, Blossom."

Blossom swallowed and a few tears finally broke through her chilly expression. They refused to freeze, dripping to her lap when they reached her chin, "I'm sorry I couldn't save her," she cried. Finally, she threw her arms around Bubbles, returning her hug.

"It's not your fault," Bubbles whispered.

"I'm sorry I let you down,"

"You never let me down," Bubbles whispered.

"I'm sorry I've been a horrible sister,"

Bubbles bit her lip and held Blossom protectively. She caught sight of Octi at the other end of the couch and turned away from him. She closed her eyes and pressed her head against Blossom's, "You'll never be a bad sister,"

XxXxX

Abigail Keane yawned, pulling her hat down over her protesting hair. She shushed the snapping locks and trudged through the snow piled up along the sidewalk. Her shift at the cafe had been rougher than she had hoped. Christmas Eve was always one of their busiest days, but did the customers have to be so rude? It was supposed to be a religious day, for Blossom's sake!

Abby stopped and cocked her head, rolling that last thought over in her mind. Had that been an accident, or was she trying to be cute? Either way…"For Blossom's sake…" she murmured. It rolled off the tongue nicely.

Stifling another yawn, she sat down at the bus stop, petting her writhing locks of hair, "Shh, babies, it's okay. Mama'll get you home and out of the cold soon. I just need to take a little break." After running around for hours, she needed to give her poor feet a rest. This blasted cold didn't help matters. It was terrible for her hair, and her uniform was hardly winter appropriate. She pulled her jacket tighter and stuffed her hands in her pockets.

"If it gets any colder…" she trailed off and climbed to her feet. Across the street, staring at her was the one person she hadn't expected to see. The one person she'd hoped against hope she might see. With a bright grin, Abby rushed across the snowy street and embraced the little heroine.

"Blossom! What are you doing out in this weather? Sweetie, where is your jacket? Would you like mine? Aren't you cold?" she rambled, brushing Blossom's hair away from her face. She took a moment to admire the scarf wrapped around the little girl's neck and mouth. Bananas, she could only guess it was a gift from Mojo. Abby rolled her eyes, the monkey was a tacky gift giver, to say the least.

"I'm not cold," the small voice cut through her thoughts and brought a fierce blush to her cheeks. She giggled and nodded, still running her hand through Blossom's pretty hair. It was so much nicer than hers, even if it wasn't quite so alive.

Abby sighed, "Of course, of course! You are the little Ice Princess, aren't you?" she said with a wink. The rosy tint on Blossom's cheeks brought another grin to her face. She gave the little heroine a tight hug and a kiss on her cheek, "What were you doing out here, alone? Where are Baku and Boomer? Or your sisters?"

Blossom looked back in the direction she'd come from, "They're helping set up the party," she explained.

Abby nodded. The girls had been telling her about the party for days. Well, rather, they'd been telling Miss Elise about the party for days. Blossom, she noticed, didn't seem nearly as excited as her sisters. What could be going on in that little head of hers?

"So why are you out here? Are you feeling alright? You aren't…" she paused when Blossom shook her head. Again, the little girl's cheeks took on a rosy tint. She reached out and touched Abby's shoulder. It was like electricity shooting through her; she was certain she might die if she dared to pull away from the touch.

Blossom cleared her throat, "I wanted to find you...so I could invite you to the party," she explained. Abby stared at her, wide-eyed and incredulous.

"You mean Miss Elise, right?" she squeaked out. Her heart stopped for a moment when Blossom shook her head.

"No...I mean you, Abigail Keane," Blossom smiled under her scarf and cocked her head, "Aunt Abby Keane," she clarified.

After several moments of silence, Abby finally managed to blurt out, "Why?"

Blossom just smiled and took a step closer, giving her a small hug. Then, she began to walk away. A few steps down the sidewalk, she stopped and finally said, "It's...a Christmas present. For you and for Ms. Keane," Abby looked up just in time to see Blossom's smile before the little girl trudged her way through the snow, back to her house.

Abby shivered and wrapped her arms around her waist. How could she just show up, after she was supposed to have died? Was Blossom really going to throw away their lie, their carefully crafted cover-up, just to...Abby's eyes watered and her hand flew to her mouth. Just to give her a chance to make up with her sister.

Blossom was an incredible goddess...she thought with a nervous smile.

XxXxX

It was just after six, and the party was coming along wonderfully, Cassandra Keane thought with a giddy grin. The girls and the boys were piled in the living room, playing games and watching cartoons, while the adults mingled and played games of their own. Honeydew, Monkey, the Professor and Dexter's father were at the dining room table, fussing over a card game, while Dexter's mom, Miss Durry and Mr. Green were chatting in the living room.

The Rowdyruff Boys were on their best behavior. Rambunctious as always, they had been especially caring and warm with her girls for the past few weeks. Brick went out of his way to be nice to Blossom, something she'd frankly thought she'd never see. Even Dexter was being especially nice to his sister, who had joined the younger kids' intense game of Monopoly.

Cassie paused at the doorway, hands on her hips, smile on her lips, watching them and humming along with the song from the television. She blinked and looked around, spotting the little red-head sitting on the steps with her boyfriend. Blossom had her head on Baku's shoulder, while the two shared some of the sugar cookies she'd made. The two made eye contact and Blossom, who still hadn't taken off the scarf Boomer had given her, blushed and looked away.

Cassie giggled and retreated to the dining room. It was wonderful seeing everyone so...so happy! The last few weeks had been hard on everyone. Now, it just seemed like that had all disappeared, if only for the night. She paused behind the Professor, giving him a small hug and winking at Honeydew. As if on cue, Honeydew called her lover's bluff.

"Gosh darnit! How do you do this, Honeydew? Every time I think I have you…" he muttered, tapping his empty pipe on the table and taking another drink of his eggnog.

Cassie kissed his head, "Now, James, remember to set a good example for the kids. There's something to be said about a man who can lose gracefully!"

"That's right, James!" Dexter's dad piped up from the other side of the table with a laugh, "Might as well lose with a smile," the Professor and Cassie both laughed, the former sighing and passing the cards to Monkey.

He smirked and glanced back at Cassie, "Good thing we decided on no gambling, huh?" he muttered under his breath. Cassandra giggled and gave him a pat on the back. She perked up, from the corner of her eye, she noticed Blossom perk up as well, hearing a knock at the door.

"Now that's strange," she said to herself, scurrying to the door, "I didn't know we were expecting anyone else…" She unlocked the door and pulled it open, her hand dropping to her side and her eyes widening when she recognized the person on the other side.

She looked how she remembered her. Taller than the older woman, with bright green eyes and pale skin with a bit too much make up for her liking. Her hair was pulled up in a ponytail that reached all the way down her back. It twitched, but seemed otherwise calm and normal. She wasn't wearing a catsuit and she didn't have scales or claws. Instead, she wore a colorful Christmas sweater, one that matched the one Cassie herself was wearing.

The long lost twin to her sweater, one she hadn't seen in years. One she was sure she'd never see again.

When the wind began to blow, the younger woman on the porch shivered and smiled bashfully, "Are you going to invite me in?"

Cassandra, already weeping, pulled Abigail into her arms. She could feel everyone staring at them, but couldn't begin to care when her baby sister returned her hug for the first time in forever.

"It's really you? This isn't...this isn't a joke, or one of your...this is real?" Cassie stammered out, pulling away and staring at Abigail's wonderful face. She was dabbing her eyes. The smile on her face just wouldn't go away.

Her sister nodded, "No...this time it's for real. At least...for tonight, it's just me. It's just Abby," Cassandra choked back another joyful sob and pulled her into one more crushing hug.

Cassie closed the door behind her and turned around. She flushed and giggled sheepishly when she saw everyone staring at them. Some in shock, others in confusion. At the top of the stairs, she caught a glimpse of the knowing smile on Blossom's lips. Cassandra shook her head, still smiling so much her face was starting to hurt.

"Sorry everyone! I'd like you all to meet my little sister, Abby," she very nearly started crying again.

Abigail bit her lip and chuckled nervously, "It's nice to finally meet you all. Merry Christmas," A chorus of Merry Christmas rang out from the Dexter family and the Honeydew family. The Utonium sisters stared incredulously at Abigail Keane. It was the first time for two of them seeing her like this. Seeing Abigail Keane and not Sedusa.

But, again, at the top of the stairs, Cassandra saw Blossom's little smile. While Abby joined Anne and Barthandelus in the living room, Cassandra scurried to the stairs. Blossom's cheeks were flushed, barely hidden by her scarf. Baku's cheeky grin was more than enough to give away the little heroine's scheme. Cassie pulled her oldest daughter into her arms and gave her a big kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you, thank you so much," she whispered as she pulled away. Blossom mumbled a "You're welcome" turning and burying herself in Baku's arms to hide her sheepish blush. Cassie turned and grinned at the Professor, who quickly returned the look. With an excited squeal, she hurried back to the living room.

If it was just one night, she was going to make it one to remember.

XxXxX

The party ended almost an hour ago and the evening was finally settling down. Part of her wished her friends had stayed longer. But, part of her was glad they were gone. She didn't want to risk losing control in front of them. She didn't want to risk breaking down when she needed to be strong. With a shuddering breath, Buttercup started for her room. Bubbles was downstairs, sleeping on their Aunt Abby's lap while she, the Professor, and Ms. Keane all chatted about high school and past Christmases.

Buttercup didn't want to be around them anymore. Her heart was pounding and she was having trouble catching her breath. She could feel the walls closing in around her. Biting her lip, she turned away from her door and walked the rest of the way down the hall. She only hesitated a moment before slipping inside her sister's room.

"Blossom?" Her sister was nowhere to be found. Buttercup paused by the bed, picking up her doll. She glanced back at the door. Licking her lips, she hugged the doll tight, taking a deep breath. It smelled just like Blossom. Somehow, that helped settle the panic building up in her belly.

"But where is she?" Buttercup muttered, looking around the room. She noticed that Blossom's window was open and slipped outside. She immediately regretted it. The night was cold, much colder than she had expected it to be.

"I'm up here," Buttercup looked up, hearing Blossom's voice from the roof. Shivering, still hugging Devil Blossom close, she floated above the house. Blossom was laying against the chimney, knees pulled up to her chest, sitting in the snow in just her dress, bare feet pressed into the snow. Buttercup shivered and settled in across from her. She blushed when she realized she was still holding the doll.

"Uh, here," she tossed it to her sister, landing it square in her lap. Blossom picked the doll up and stared at it. Buttercup wrapped her arms around her waist and looked away.

How could Blossom just ignore the cold? Maybe it was her ice breath...but she'd never been able to before. Buttercup remembered how they used to snuggle close together on cold nights. She'd press her back up against Blossom, who would hug her and hold her close. Buttercup always pretended to hate it, but...truth be told, she always enjoyed being close to her sisters like that.

A part of her liked feeling small and safe when Blossom hugged her.

"You can go back in," Blossom murmured. Buttercup looked up and shook her head. Now that she was outside, the thought of going back inside made her feel sick. It sounded so cramped and closed in.

"I'll stay here with you, if that's cool," Buttercup mumbled back. She couldn't stop shivering, but she couldn't bear the thought of going back in. It was too cold out here, but it was much too warm in there.

The party was fun. But so many people, all in their house being loud and exciting. Buttercup shivered again and buried her head in her arms. She tried to enjoy herself, maybe she had, but she couldn't shake the anxious feeling in her belly. She couldn't help but want to run away and hide from everyone. She couldn't help feeling crowded and uncomfortable, even surrounded by her best friends and family.

She jumped when she felt someone settle in beside her. Blossom glanced up, face half-hidden by that stupid scarf Boomer had given her. Buttercup bit her lip, but scooted closer to Blossom.

The twisting feeling in her stomach felt easier to deal with. She didn't feel quite so cold now. Steeling her nerves, nearly throwing up as her stomach did flips and twists, she laid her head on Blossom's shoulder. The sick feeling in her stomach melted away when her sister's arm slid around her shoulder.

She felt so much better when her big sister held her.

"You okay?" Despite the cold edge to Blossom's voice, Buttercup knew it was sincere. Knew that she really cared.

"I'm...I don't know," she admitted. Buttercup closed her eyes; the twisting, empty feeling inside kept eating at her. Her voice cracked, "I don't know…" Blossom's hand slipped over to hers and held it tight. Buttercup bit her lip. She was tired of crying. She didn't want to cry ever again.

She hiccuped and swallowed the lump in her throat. She had to think of something, anything to ignore the pain tearing at her insides, "How did...how did you do it?" she asked, surprising herself.

"Do what?"

Buttercup took a shuddering breath and angrily rubbed away the tears in her eyes, "This is...what you felt before, right? B-back when...before he came back,"

Before Aku came back into their lives. Before Uka-sensei walked in the classroom and turned on the light inside Blossom that Buttercup had bitterly stomped out. Before Baku popped out of nowhere and made her smile bigger than Buttercup could ever hope to.

Before that monster saved Blossom from the horrible, terrible sadness her own sister had caused her.

"...Yeah,"

Buttercup felt a few more bitter tears slide down her cheeks. What kind of monster was she? How could she hate Aku, when she'd caused her sister to feel so much pain? So much...despair. She didn't know a better word to describe it. She could only imagine how bad it hurt to have to feel it again. Right now...she wasn't sure she'd ever be able to get through it. She tried to act happy, tried to seem like she was getting better, but it wouldn't go away. She couldn't stop feeling upset, and angry, and bitter, and…

"Does it ever go away?" She asked, her voice cracking again. Blossom's hold around her shoulders tightened and, though she began to really cry for the first time in days, Buttercup felt some kind of relief. She didn't feel ashamed, crying for Blossom. She didn't feel weak, or pathetic, or stupid. She felt…

"Eventually," Blossom explained, sighing. She shook her head, "Not really...eventually it stops hurting so much. Eventually you start to taste things again, you start to remember what happy is like...but, it's always there. Just around the corner," Blossom took another deep breath. She was holding Buttercup so tight, the green-eyed girl flinched from the intensity in her embrace.

"So you get angry. You get upset. You let yourself feel everything, and you own up to those feelings because the alternative...it's so much worse, not feeling anything except empty…" Blossom laughed softly, turning to face Buttercup. She was smiling, "But that's just me. You're so much tougher than me, this is only going to make you stronger,"

"Don't say that…" Buttercup hissed back, grinding her teeth, "Don't you dare say that. It's not true. I'm not as strong as you. I'm not as powerful as you. I'm not as tough as you. I never will be…"

Blossom laid her head against Buttercup's, rubbing her shoulder, "I don't believe that." She tightened her hold on Buttercup's hand until it started to hurt. Around them, the night felt even colder, "I don't believe that at all."

She didn't say it, but Buttercup was certain she felt it. Blossom believed in her. Blossom knew she'd be able to get through this. If Blossom could put that much faith in her, believed that much in the girl who had hated her, who had taken away all her happiness, how could...how could she not believe it too?

Buttercup closed her eyes and smiled. "Yeah...you're right,"

Of course she was right.

She was Blossom.

XxXxX

Aku's eyes shot open. The room around him was drenched in darkness, devoid of even the light of the stars from outside. He peered around anxiously, searching desperately to find the missing warm beside him. She was gone; his Blossom was missing. Aku rose from the bed and snatched the clock from her night stand.

It was almost midnight, where could she have gone?

"Blossom? Child, where are you?" he called, lighting up the room with his fiery power. She was nowhere to be seen. Merging with the shadows, he slid through the Utonium house, checking every nook, every cranny to find his missing love.

Not in her sisters' room, nor her parents'.

Blossom was nowhere to be found.

Aku appeared back in Blossom's room, breathing heavily and holding his now glowing chest, "Where has she gone? Why would you leave, child?" Aku caught sight of the window, wide open and letting in the frigid winter air. With a growl, he shot through the window, tearing through the yard, following a set of tiny footprints leading him through the dark, sleepy city.

The snow was still falling, harder than ever. By morning, the city would likely be buried in the wretched stuff. What purpose did his beloved have out in this blizzard?

No, Aku realized silently. The blizzard wasn't a curse on the town, nor was it a coincidence. Maybe the others couldn't feel it, but he could. He knew his beloved well; she was as much a part of him as he was of her. This blizzard, this terrible winter. It wasn't an obstacle in her path, it was a product of her stormy soul.

This was her snow storm.

Aku slid to a halt, shifting back into his natural form. He'd finally reached her. His angel with the orange tresses, his beloved creature of darkness and destruction. She looked absolutely stunning beside the moonlight gleaming off Townsville Bay. The moon alone dared to show it's face high overhead, as if to create a spotlight on the most beautiful, wonderful girl that had ever lived.

Aku slid closer to her. She stood in the storm in nothing but her night gown. Snow swirling around her, raging around her, bringing the blizzard in her soul to life. As he got closer, he saw what it was she was staring at. Clutched in her hand was a piece of purple cloth. It looked like it belonged to the dress her lost sister had been wearing.

When he got close enough, she laughed mirthlessly, speaking to him, but still staring at the cloth, "She said she didn't want to come back. She was tired of this dark, twisted, disgusting world. One that had only hurt her…" with each world, her voice raised, becoming a dark growl deep in her throat.

"Why have you come here so late, my Blossom? Let us return, before the morning. You need your rest," he tried reasoning with her. She just smiled and shook her head, turning to look at the bay. It was entirely frozen over. Though he'd been with her through every stage of her transformation, Aku couldn't help but be amazed even now by his beloved's unrelenting power.

Did she have a limit? Was there no end to her capabilities?

"Blossom?" Aku called. Her eyes lit up suddenly, twin flames that gave the night a rose glow.

"I could have saved her," she began. She gestured for him to stay silent when he tried to reassure her. The girl's death wasn't Blossom's fault, why couldn't she see that? "I," she poked her chest and finally turned to face Aku. His entire form trembled, "I could have saved her. I could have vaporized that man before he could take control. But, I didn't. I let him speak because some part of me was still interested. Some part of me was afraid of being found out. A part of me wondered...could I end this while keeping my hand hidden? She died because I took a risk,"

Blossom tightened her hold on the purple cloth, "I will never get another chance to save her. She died because of me. But...never again," Blossom's mitt began to tremble. The ground beneath her feet began to shake. The blizzard around her picked up and the temperature dropped so low, Aku felt his own eyebrows go out.

"Whenever I try to be a hero, someone gets hurt. Whenever I play by their rules, I get slapped in the face. And because they can't hurt me, they hurt someone I love. Bunny died and I'm the one who killed her,"

"Blossom, no, you know that isn't true,"

"Yes it is," The purple cloth in Blossom's hand lit up in pink fire. With a snort, a wave of fire erupted from her lips and melted the ice on the bay. With one last glance down at the burning cloth in her hand, Blossom threw the ashes into the bay. In seconds, the ice on the surface froze once again.

Aku stood in awe, hands dangling at his sides. Blossom was glowing brighter than the moon overhead. The ground was shaking so hard, he could see snow and icicles falling from the buildings around them. The fire in her eyes was getting brighter. The storm was getting stronger, if it weren't for the fire surrounding her, he'd have lost her in the icy deluge.

"Every villain we defeat, a new one pops up. Worse than the last, more powerful than the last, more determined to hurt me and my sisters. My loved ones..." Blossom's teeth clenched and a new growl rumbled in her throat.

"I won't let them take anyone else away from me. I am Blossom, not Powerpuff Blossom, not Blossom Utonium, no! I am Blossom, the...Goddess of Death. That sounds right, doesn't it? I couldn't save Bunny, no, instead I killed her. And I killed Tyler Benson. And I'll kill Dick Hardley and everyone else who ever dares to get in my way."

"If I can't protect them as a hero, I'll make sure no other villain ever touches them. When I'm through with this world, they won't have a need for heroes or villains ever again. There won't be good, there won't be evil. There will just be Death," Blossom turned around to face him finally.

Her skin was on fire, the light around her was bright enough that even Aku had to avert his gaze. Her eyes were wide, fierce, erupting with power. Her jaw was clenched, barely holding back the scream building up in her chest. Her chest heaved and her eyes bulged, Blossom threw her head back.

"THERE WILL JUST BE ME!" she screamed as the power inside her exploded, tearing a crater in the ground. The sky split open overhead, and the world lit up like the middle of the day. Her scream grew, suddenly twisting into a pained, horrified cry.

"BLOSSOM!" Without a second thought for his own safety, Aku dove into the heart of the searing, unrelenting explosion of power.

XxXxX

"Hm...mm?" She moaned, running her fingers through her hair and pushing it away from her sweat-streaked face. She licked her lips and sat up, flinching when a stream of sunlight poured through the window and hit her face. Her nose scrunched up; she threw her hand out, blocking out the light. She coughed, brushing her hair back and looking around.

She was in her room. It must have been the middle of the day, judging by the sounds downstairs. Blossom yawned and stretched, moaning as she arched her back and heard it pop a few times. With a small giggle, she threw her legs over the edge of the bed. Her toes brushed against the warm carpet, with another groan, she swung herself out of bed and rose up on the balls of her feet, stretching once more.

"Hm?" Blossom rubbed her nose and blinked, looking around her room. Something was different. She felt...taller?

With a sigh, Blossom tugged at her night gown. It felt shorter now, she thought with a grunt. She blinked, scrunching her nose up and peeking back in the direction of the kitchen. Was the Professor making french toast? What day was it? Christmas...right, so why make her favorite breakfast?

Blossom shrugged, finally reaching the mirror. She turned her eyes up and froze. Her eyes widened, her hands came to her face. Her fingers, ten real fingers, brushed across her face. Touching her nose, a cute little nose, and ears. She looked down and scrunched up her toes, real toes. She was trembling as she lifted her leg and ran a finger across the sole of her now fully formed foot. She flinched, a smile tugging at her lips, and her toes spread.

"Blossom, are you awake? Honey, everyone is getting-" A dark tendril shot out, slamming into the door and holding it shut before the Professor could finish opening it. Blossom's skin, from the neck down, was already turning black. She flinched slightly as her six horns rose up from her head and her eyes lit up like flames. Five more tentacles, her beautiful wings, spread from her back and flexed.

Blossom was shivering, touching her chest, her stomach, her arms and hands. She kept kicking her feet and bouncing on her toes. It couldn't be real.

It had to be a dream.

"I'm fine, Professor…" she called back. The smile on her face kept growing. Before she could help it, she began to giggle. Her tentacle tightened its hold on the door to keep the Professor out. She doubled over laughing wildly, touching her face. With a gasp, she turned.

He was there, by her bed, staring at her with wide eyes and a blush on his cheeks. Blossom threw her head back and continued laughing.

She didn't care how it had happened.

This time, it wasn't a dream.

This time, it was real.

Now, she was beautiful.

Now, she was perfect.
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Dreams of an Absolution