Endless Possibilities

Endless Possibilities

Author's Note: Less plot! More action! But first...some plot.

Chapter 5

XxXxX

“Why can't we go in with you?” Bubbles asked in a watery voice. The girls floated next to the Professor, standing just outside the security gate at Townsville International Airport. The Professor sighed and gave his blonde daughter a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“It's a security regulation, Honey. Don't worry everything will be just fine,” He said reassuringly. Bubbles nodded and sniffled, her hands clasped behind her back. Blossom put on a brave face and gave the Professor a confident smile.

“I'm sure you can figure out what to do Professor...we'll take care of Townsville while you're gone,” She said, though her voice wavered toward the end. Buttercup nodded; she hadn't spoken a word since they left the house after the girls returned home from school. The Professor smiled and gave Blossom a hug and kiss, ruffling Buttercup's hair. The green puff looked up, frowned and looked down again.

“I know you will girls. Everything is going to be alright. You'll get through this just like every other enemy,” He said, smiling sadly. Bubbles and Blossom nodded, but the Professor had his eyes on Buttercup, who was still staring at the ground several feet below her, “Buttercup...I need to go, Sweetie,” Buttercup sighed and looked up, swallowing hard. The Professor gave her an extra tight hug, and whispered in her ear before kissing her.

“Take care of your sisters for me, alright?” Buttercup nodded and managed a small smirk. The Professor nodded and ruffled her hair one last time. He turned to the girls' babysitter, chuckling and giving her a sheepish grin.

“I'm so sorry to spring this on you, but I couldn't think of anyone else,” He apologized. Ms. Keane giggled and shook her head.

“No Professor, it's alright. Your girls mean the world to me and I am honored you'd ask me to look after them,” She admitted with a slight blush. The Professor chuckled, blushing himself. He set his bag down and stepped forward, giving Ms. Keane and awkward, but nonetheless meaningful hug.

“Thanks Cassandra, I don't know what I'd do without you,” He whispered. Cassandra Keane blushed a little darker, giving the scientist a tight squeeze.

“It's nothing, James...I'm happy to,” She whispered back. The girls watched the exchange with dreamy expressions. Bubbles giggled and blushed, remembering when the sisters had set the two up on a date a while back. Buttercup snickered and crossed her arms, smiling warmly for the first time that day. Blossom's smile faded to a distant blush. She looked down, gently rubbing her cheek.

“Well then, I'd better get going! You girls be good and don't give Ms. Keane too much trouble!” The Professor said sternly. The expression he wore was a misty-eyed half smile, too emotional to really be stern. The girls nodded and gave him one last hug, before he started the trek through airport security. Ms. Keane stood behind the girls, smiling and resting a comforting hand on Bubbles' back.

“Don't worry, he'll be back before you know it! Now why don't we decide what to do for supper, hm?” The girls smiled and nodded.

XxXxX

The wizard stood and watched the Powerpuff Girls say goodbye to their father figure. He stroked his beard and glanced away. They were without the samurai wannabe. Although they still seemed to be really from his bout with them, they were recovering. He could quite literally feel their awesome power. He narrowed his eyes, turning and staring at the one he assumed to be the eldest. The Red Child seemed different from her sisters when the scientist hugged the woman. Her face was red, and she seemed almost...wistful.

“Just how powerful are you children? Hm...” Aku grinned as he stalked the Pit of Hate. All around him, visions began to appear in the fire. The fire was filled with the the wickedness of Townsville. Countless crooks, monsters, villains, and most interesting of all: supervillains. Aku looked around at all of the abominations, narrowing his eyes and smirking on one.

“This...creature is truly an interesting case. Perhaps it is strong enough to show me their true power?” The sorcerer gently cupped the vision of a furry pink creature. His grin darkened, and his dark power began to flood the vision.

“Ah! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Yes...you will serve me well...”

XxXxX

“Yes, tighten this screw...no, no! That's wrong, incorrect, not right!” Mojo threw down his wrench and looked over his blueprints once again. He sighed and sat back in his rolling chair. His desk was filled with documents and printouts, every last available bit of information regarding Chemical X that he could find. Every past device, every planned device, every single theory was scattered over his work bench.

“All of my brilliance, all of my know how, it is useless, meaningless, and hopeless! How can I hope to contain a creature of such power?” Mojo sighed and got up, setting back to work on the machine. He blinked as a light bulb clicked on metaphorically. He grinned and threw the machine across the room.

“Wait! I've got it! Yes...” Mojo turned and spotted one of his worn down Robo Jojos in the corner. He cackled evilly and rushed over to it, patting the metal leg, “He took over my last robot...I need to build one that can contain him and use him as a fuel source! He drew power from my robot. Thus, I need to build a robot that draws power from Aku!” Mojo laughed and got to work, wiping the sweat from his forehead. A thin stream of smoke left the empty cockpit of the Robo Jojo.

XxXxX

A gentle Southern twang rang out through the Townsville forest. A strange hill-billy of a creature sat on his front porch, eyes closed and a serene smile across his face. He gently plucked the strings of his beloved banjo, playing a song he knew so well. Overhead fluffy white clouds gently blew through the blue sky. The leaves rustled with the calm wind, and the forest critters scampered around playfully...well away from the creature's front yard.

Fuzzy sighed and stopped playing, laying back in his chair. A dark shadow fell over his face. Fuzzy's eyes snapped open, wide and raging. He began to snarl and slowly stood up, his giant muscles rippling beneath his fur. He looked around, smoke coming from his nose as he searched for the trespasser.

“What in tarnation is goin' on here? Who's on mah properteh?!” Fuzzy bristled and spun around. His rage faded away, replaced by absolute terror. He whimpered and took several steps back as the great black shadow loomed over him. “Wh...what the...” Fuzzy swallowed and went limp. The shadow grinned, flaming eyes burning brighter. A dark hand reached out toward Fuzzy.

The silence of the forest was broken by a bloodcurdling scream.

XxXxX

It was a new day in Townsville. The children were hard at work at Pokey Oaks Kindergarten, starting work on a project done every year. Ms. Keane beamed and clapped her hands.

“It's my favorite time of the year students! We're going to begin working on a very special project called 'My Special Person'. Everyone is going to put together a research project about someone special to you. It can be your mom, your dad, a brother or sister, or even a friend. You'll need to put together some kind of 'visual aid' to help with your presentation to the class. Now, does everyone know what a 'visual aid' is?” Hands went up around the room, among them was Bubbles. Buttercup leaned on her hands, sighing and half listening to Ms. Keane. Blossom had tried listening...but her mind was very far away at the moment.

'What are we supposed to do if Aku attacks again? There's no way to beat him right now...nothing we can do at all!' She sighed and leaned back in her chair, looking up at the ceiling. She saw fiery eyes once more, and could almost feel hot breath on her face. Blossom blushed and looked down. Was that another power of his? Embarrassing her? Blossom blushed darker, and shook her head. That was stupid; obviously, she was just flustered from losing the fight. That was all...right? Blossom sighed and tilted her head.

“Blossom is something wrong?” Blossom blinked and looked up at Ms. Keane. The class was staring at her, most of them giggling. Blossom glanced at her sisters, who looked concerned. Blossom quickly shook her head and looked down.

“No...everything is fine, Ms Keane,” She mumbled. Blossom frowned, even she wasn't convinced. Ms. Keane sighed and smiled, nodding to the class.

“Alright class, I'll let you get started. Think of someone very special to you! If you need any help, just raise your hand and I'll come to help you!” Ms. Keane said cheerfully. The class went straight to work, except for the girls. Bubbles and Buttercup were checking on Blossom, who still seemed distant and embarrassed.

“Blossom what's wrong?” Bubbles asked, leaning close and keeping her voice low. Blossom shook her head.

“Nothing...just thinking,” She replied, looking up at Buttercup. Buttercup nodded and looked up. Ms. Keane came over to the girls and hunched down next to their desk.

“Is everything alright girls?” She asked, looking at Blossom specifically. Blossom nodded and faked a bright smile. Ms. Keane nodded and returned the smile, going to help the other students. Blossom sighed and looked up at the blackboard.

'My Special Person...' Blossom put her mitt to her chin and thought deeply. Who was her special person? As she thought, her cheeks began to heat up. She could almost hear the flames flickering. Blossom swallowed and rubbed her cheek. The Hotline began buzzing, interrupting the low roar in the classroom. Blossom snapped out of her daze and flew over to the Hotline.

“...Yes Mr. Mayor?...Uh huh...oh...r-right! Right...we'll be right there!” Blossom swallowed hard and set the phone down. She took a deep breath and turned around, putting on a brave face.

“Girls, the Mayor s-said that there is a black monster attacking the town!” Her voice cracked at the end and Blossom slouched miserably. Bubbles and Buttercup froze, the color draining from their faces. Blossom swallowed and pointed out at the town, “C'mon...l-let's roll!” Blossom flew through the window. Bubbles and Buttercup looked at each other and nodded, following after their sister. Bubbles whimpered and looked at Buttercup nervously as they flew.

“B-Buttercup...I...I don't wanna go,” She whispered. Buttercup turned and looked at her, the two slowly coming to a halt. Buttercup sighed and crossed her arms, looking away. She swallowed nervously and nodded.

“Yeah, I don't either. We don't stand a chance against that Aku jerk. But, we have to...I bet Blossom knows what to do, right?” Buttercup grabbed Bubbles' hand and smiled. Bubbles smiled and nodded, wiping her eyes.

“Uh huh...Blossom will figure it out...let's go!” Bubbles cried, with a confident smile. Buttercup smirked and nodded, pulling Bubbles toward the commotion. While they flew, their smiles slowly faded into nervous frowns. They arrived in the center of town and stopped next to their red-haired sister. Blossom was staring, her eyes narrowed, at a bulky, black creature at the other end of the street. It's massive hands clenched and unclenched, and a pair of dangling antennas bounced in front of its face. Buttercup leaned forward, and then glanced back at Blossom.

“That's not Aku...” Blossom shook her head, wincing in what almost looked like...disappointment? She put her hands on her hips and floated down to the ground.

“That's far enough, monster!” She called. The monster spun around, snarling and staring them down with glowing red eyes. Bubbles floated down next to Blossom and gasped.

“Blossom...that's...that's Fuzzy Lumpkins!” Bubbles exclaimed. Blossom and Buttercup nodded, getting ready to battle. Fuzzy was snarling and foaming at the mouth, practically howling in a rage.

“Yeah, I think Aku did this...this isn't going to be easy girls,” Blossom muttered. Bubbles nodded and raised her fists, ready to fight.

“Do you...do you think we can win?” Bubbles asked nervously. Blossom bit her lip and looked down. She sighed and looked at Buttercup, nodding.

“I think we can handle this...just don't go easy on him,” She whispered. Buttercup smirked at Fuzzy and took a step forward, thrusting out her mitt at the monster.

“C'mon, Fuzzy! Let's do this!” Fuzzy howled and charged at the Powerpuff Girls. Buttercup dodged the first strike, watching in amazement when Fuzzy's claws tore through the street, throwing rubble and debris every where. Buttercup lunged forward and punched Fuzzy with all of her might. The enhanced Lumpkin snarled and slammed her into the ground with a quick slam. Bubbles and Blossom gasped, charging at Fuzzy.

“Buttercup!” The girls attacked the monster head on, but were quickly knocked away just as easily as their sister had been. Buttercup groaned and climbed out of the ground, stumbling around. She looked up at Fuzzy, who turned on her with murder in his eyes. Buttercup swallowed and took a step back, dodging the wild spit and drool coming from Fuzzy's lips. She swallowed and looked around. Her sisters were up and watching. Blossom's eyes were scanning wildly, she was planning something.

“Uh...a l-little help here girls...” Buttercup took another step back. Fuzzy took a step toward her, his foot smashing into the ground. Fuzzy lifted his arm, his muscles so tensed that the veins were visibly pulsing beneath his skin. He howled and swung at Buttercup. The green puff flew forward, going between Fuzzy's legs and jumped up kicking him in the back. Fuzzy tumbled forward, smashing the ground once more. He spun around and charged at Buttercup.

“Bubbles, Sonic Screwdriver!” Bubbles and Blossom flew toward Fuzzy at full speed. As they went, they linked arms and began spinning around, becoming a swirling tornado of pink and blue. They both began to scream, a super sonic yell that wrapped around the tornado. Rocks were flung away and a loud crack shattered nearby windows when the drill head slammed into Fuzzy's chest. Fuzzy lost his breath, driven back so hard his feet dug trenches in the pavement. He yelped as he was thrown into the air. Bubbles and Blossom flew apart, landing in dizzy heaps on the ground.

“Ooh...my head is spinning...make it stop...” Bubbles moaned, sitting up and holding the offending body part. She stuck her tongue out and fell backward, rubbing her stomach. Blossom pushed herself up off the ground and gasped. She shook her head and turned to look around.

“We so have to practice that more...” She mumbled. Buttercup laughed and helped her sisters to their feet. She grinned and steadied them.

“Nice one! I haven't seen that one before!” Blossom nodded, rubbing her stomach.

“We don't like it...” She complained. Bubbles swallowed and wiped her mouth.

“It's not fun...” The blue puff whined. Buttercup shook her head and put her hands on her hips.

“Hey, at least it looks like you beat him...” She trailed off when the ground began to quake. A black fist knocked over a mailbox. Fuzzy stalked the street, every step smashing the ground. His mouth hanged open, his long fangs glistening in the light. He roared low, clenching his fists and causing his muscles to bulge even more. Blossom sighed.

“This doesn't look good...” She groaned, standing up straight and wiping the dirt from her cheeks. Fuzzy crept closer, every step causing a small tremor.

XxXxX

The Dark Master, Aku, sat in silence. He didn't even blink as he watched the battle between the Powerpuff Girls and that pink creature he'd found. The creature had been strong before he found it, but infused with Aku's own dark power it had become a veritable juggernaut. But it was an expendable creature. Aku narrowed his eyes and wore a wicked smirk. He'd never intended for the beast to win the fight.

As he'd imagined...in top fighting form, their power was unbelievable.

XxXxX

Fuzzy smashed his fists through the ground, panting and stumbling with every harsh breath. The girls flew overhead, battered and bruised, but for the most part faring better than their opposition. The problem lay in figuring out just how to take him down. The Lumpkin was relentless.

“What's the plan? What haven't we tried?” Buttercup asked, keeping her eyes glued on the monster staring up at them. He hunkered down and dark steam began to rise up from his skin. A tactic he'd used earlier, instantly all of his wounds faded away. Blossom sighed and clenched her fists, looking at her sisters. She turned back to Fuzzy and nodded, putting her mitt to her chin.

“If he can heal himself like that then we need to take him out in one swoop...let's try the Cosmic Cannonball!” Bubbles and Buttercup narrowed their eyes and nodded. The three shot straight up, beyond the sky. Fuzzy snarled and finally remember how to speak.

“Argh! Git back here! Get back here!” He screamed and stomped his feet, swung his arms around in a fury. He howled and threw over a parked car. The raging Lumpkin tore a street lamp from the ground and began to smash it into everything in sight. Panting and snarling, he heard a strange whistling sound. Fuzzy dropped the lamp and looked up in a rage. His rage disappeared instantly, replaced by a wide-eyed look of horror.

“Oh...” The flaming black sphere of energy came crashing down through the sky, colliding with Fuzzy in a spray of subatomic energy. The collision released a shockwave that took out the power across the entire city. The light fades, revealing the Powerpuff Girls floating over a defeated Fuzzy Lumpkins. They stared in awe, waiting for him to get up, to recover and fight back. Fuzzy rolled over and moaned, but didn't wake up. The girls grinned and began to celebrate, trading hugs, high fives and shouts of praise.

“That was great! We did it! We beat him!” Buttercup shouted, pumping her fist. Bubbles giggled and Blossom grinned, looking down at Fuzzy. Her face fell, as black smoke began to rise up from their defeated foe. It kept rising up until Fuzzy was returned to normal.

“G-Girls...” She whispered. Bubbles and Buttercup looked up, staring in horror at the black cloud of smog. A pair of flaming eyes and a green face appeared in the smog. They slowly floated to the ground. Bubbles grabbed Blossom's arm, shaking all the way to her bones. Buttercup stood somewhat in front of the other two, trying to appear brave, but failing and looking just as scared. Blossom stared in awe. She licked her lips and stared in confusion. She felt strange and fluttery. The demon seemed to have looked directly at her the moment he appeared. Blossom found that she couldn't look away.

“Ah! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Very good, Powerpuff Girls! You have proven yourselves to Aku by passing your first test!” The girls gasped and looked down at Fuzzy then back at Aku. Buttercup gulped and held out an accusatory mitt, one lacking in confidence or courage.

“W...Who do you think y-you are?” Aku grinned as the smog began to fade away.

“Even greater challenges await you! Show Aku your true power! Ah! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!” Aku faded away, his laugh lingering after his smog was gone. The girls stared at the spot where he'd once been. The city grew eerily silent. Blossom half-closed her eyes, confusion overtaking her. Why wouldn't her heart stop beating so hard?

XxXxX

The Professor sat, cramped between two vastly larger travelers. He sighed and shifted uncomfortably, trying to get a glimpse out the window. He had no such luck and settled back in his seat. He took a deep breath and slouched, staring down at his lap. The trip wasn't even close to finished. He carefully reached into his pocket, smiling apologetically at his neighbor when, by accident, he elbowed her in the side. The massive woman huffed and turned away, returning to her copy of Sky Mall. The Professor frowned and looked at the photo he'd taken out. A photo of the girls at Christmas. He smiled sadly and looked up.

'Don't worry girls...I'll figure this out. I know this is the only solution, the only way. I won't let you down,' The plane rocked, hitting a brief turbulence. The Professor choked down his lunch and looked around nervously. He sighed and returned to the magazine he had been reading before. Every so often his gaze drifted to the picture of his precious angels.