Evil

Evil

XxXxX

Chapter 1:

Blossom – 10 Years Later

Blossom slept in later that next day. It wasn't that her sisters hadn't tried to wake her, but Blossom was a notoriously hard sleeper. So, feeling that the redhead was better off spending her Saturday morning in bed, the two had left her. Blossom shuddered, throwing the sheets off her body. She was sweating heavily, breathing hard. She swallowed and licked her lips, rolling over onto her stomach. She groaned and rubbed her hips against the bed, shuddering. Blossom pursed her lips and let out a breathy sigh, rubbing against the bed again.

“Hey Blossom, are you still asleep?” Blossom gasped and sat up, red-faced and panting. She looked around, seeing Bubbles coming in and roaming over to her desk, digging through her belongings.

“N-N...No...no I'm awake now Bubbles...” Bubbles looked up with a curious glance. Blossom quickly looked down, trying to get her breathing back to normal. Bubbles just shrugged and grabbed what she came for.

“Okey dokey! Just wanted to make sure, we've got breakfast in the refrigerator if you want to heat it up,” Blossom nodded, thanking her now retreating sister. When the door clicked shut, Blossom let out a long sigh, rubbing her eyes with her mitt, looking around the room dizzily. She licked her lips, bringing her hand up and wiping off the moisture. A blood stain, she'd bit her lip in her sleep again.

“That's what it was...no wonder I had one of those dreams,” Blossom shuddered and quickly climbed out of bed, stretching, making up her bed and making a b-line for the shower with a fresh pair of clothes. Blossom's mind was still foggy and heavy, thinking of the heist the day before. Steam began to fill the bathroom, while searing hot water poured free from the shower head. She stripped out of her nightgown and stared at her reflection in the mirror. The cut on her lip was already healed.

She took the tie out of her hair, fluffing it and brushing it out. She grimaced at just how much she must have been sweating. Her hair didn't feel particularly savory. Blossom rubbed her arms and looked down at her feet. Her eyes slowly trekked from her stubby feet up her legs, stopping at her panties. She sighed and rubbed her arms in embarrassment, looking the rest of the way up, over her stubby hands, and over her essentially flat chest. Blossom bit her lip and looked in the mirror.

“I hope I wasn't doing anything embarrassing while they were still in the room...” Bubbles hadn't mentioned anything, so hopefully Blossom was safe. Buttercup, on the other hand, would wait until they were alone and hold it over her head just for the sake of making her miserable. Blossom shook her head and pulled off her panties, throwing them into the clothes basket with a disgusted look. Blossom took one last look in the mirror before stepping into the shower. The hot water was a welcomed relief to her mental dilemma.

“Ooh...that feels good...” It'd feel better if it was hotter, but unfortunately the water was as hot as it was going to get. Past experience had proven that heat rays and shower heads didn't mix very well. Blossom tugged at her hair, running her hands through it over and over again until it was sufficiently soaked all the way through. Blossom stayed like that, head down, hair falling around her, watching the water swirl down the drain. She took a deep breath and slowly let it out.

Three fatalities...numerous injuries. Even the thieves had been horribly injured by both Bubbles' Sonic Scream and the subsequent beating she and Buttercup had unleashed on them. The little girl who had been a hostage had gone deaf. Most of the others, including a large number of the police officers had suffered severe hearing damage. All eleven of the thieves had been rushed into critical care thanks to the attack from the pink and green puffs. That had been one of the better incidents in the recent scope of things.

“This isn't working...we're going to have to go back to immediate response. This is just unacceptable,” Blossom squirted out some shampoo into her hands, strawberry scented, and worked it into a thick lather, massaging it into her scalp and working it through her long hair. She smiled softly and leaned against the wall, massaging a little harder. Blossom licked her lips and rinsed, her mind steadily drifting back to the dream she'd been having. The Powerpuff leader coughed and quickly pulled her mind back from the gutt—from that road.

“...I should take that book back today,” Blossom smiled and nodded, continuing her shower with a little more vigor. A trip to the library was just what she needed to invigorate her spirits.

XxXxX

Blossom floated down the stairs, trailing her hand along the wall. She peaked into the kitchen, feeling relieved to see that it was empty. She hurried to the refrigerator, taking out the plate of food Bubbles had mentioned before. She quickly nuked it with her heat rays while picking up the paper and idly perusing it. She poured a small dab of syrup onto her waffles, only half-heartedly eating them while looking over the obituaries. Blossom tapped her fork on her now empty plate, amazed that she'd eaten so fast.

“Hm...wow I can't believe that senior died...horrible wreck...I wonder if it's going to be an open casket...” Blossom shrugged and put her plate in the sink, leaving the newspaper on the table. She snatched her book bag and hurried out the door. Blossom took to the sky, reaching into her bag and taking out the book she'd been reading. An analysis on Medieval Torture, she'd barely put it down since checking it out!

'I'm going to miss this one...the descriptions and records were so fascinating...not to mention the illustrations...' Blossom smiled fondly and shook her head, tucking the book back into her bag and landing at the Townsville Public Library. Blossom took a deep breath, sighing blissfully upon walking through the doors. The librarian looked up, smiling when he saw her. Blossom grinned and waved, hurrying over and setting the book on the counter.

“Hey there Blossom, it's been a while since you came in,” Blossom looked away, chuckling.

“Yeah sorry, this one was a little more interesting, it really kept me hooked the whole way through,” The librarian took the book, raising an eyebrow and shaking his head. He laughed and gave her a wry grin.

“I can't imagine why you would be interested in this stuff,” Blossom blushed slightly and scratched her head.

“Yeah it's kind of weird...but I needed it for a history report,” She beamed and gave the librarian a dorky V-for-Victory, “I got an A though,” The librarian chuckled and clapped. He gave Blossom a knowing smile, looking over his glasses.

“Very good...so will you be checking out something else?” Blossom smiled and waved as she sauntered off to find a new book to cozy up with. She could feel the librarian watching her, and involuntarily clenched her fists. She couldn't blame the poor guy, she probably came off a little coy...but the library had a way of bringing out a more childish side of her. Blossom saw her favorite section coming into view and hurried in.

The medical section was a big draw for her. Something about learning about all the diseases, bacteria, surgery techniques...all of the graphic beauty of the human body. Blossom trailed her hand over the spines of the books, licking her lips and pulling one down randomly. She opened the book, leaning against the shelf behind her and flipping through the pages. She stopped at one article, describing a man who was decapitated on a fence while fleeing from the police. She glanced around, swallowing and turning her gaze back to the book. She brushed her hair back, softly biting her lip. A loud thump resonated behind her. Blossom jumped and quickly shut the book, looking around for the source of the noise.

“Oh sorry, dropped my books,” The young woman laughed and quickly picked up the heavy medical dictionary, hurrying off with it. Blossom swallowed hard, putting her hand over her chest. Her heart was pounding like an engine. Blossom put the book back and decided to look over a different section.

The next section she happened to wander to was the fiction section. Blossom, yet again, ran her hand along the spines of the books, stopping at one and pulling it down. She flipped it open, not bothering to look at the cover, and just started reading. A cheesy mystery novel, one of her favorites. And yet...something was off. Her mind kept wandering, and no matter how much she tried to care about who murdered Mr. McGee, she just couldn't focus. Blossom huffed and closed the book, putting it back in its place.

Blossom rubbed her head, glancing around the library. Something felt out of place, but she just couldn't put a finger on it. Shrugging, she grabbed the nearest book she could find and went to the front desk to check it out.

XxXxX

A shadowy wraith drifted through the shelves, wafting up around a chair in the back. A ghoulish red form appeared, grinning wickedly. Gleaming green eyes watched Blossom leave.

It's been far, far too long...little Blossom...we haven't danced in nearly six years now. Would you like me to lead? Hahahaha!

The shadowy wraith melted away, leaving behind no trace that it had ever existed at all. The lamp next to the chair, casting a warm glow on the cozy nook, suddenly sparked. The lightbulb shattered. The cozy nook suddenly seemed that much more menacing.

XxXxX

Blossom stepped out onto the street, deciding that some fresh air and a bit of downtime would be good for her. She looked over the summary on the back of the book she'd checked out.

“Melissa...” She bit her lip, smiling and quickening her pace slightly. Much as she knew a quiet walk would be good for her, the Powerpuff couldn't help being anxious to dive into this new book.

“Stop that man! He stole my purse!” Blossom glanced over her shoulder, then leaped into the air, spinning around and throwing a brutal kick at the head of the man rushing toward her. He went flying through the air, crashing through the glass window of Cooper's Convenience Store. The little old woman came to a stop in front of Blossom, huffing and puffing. Blossom casually snatched the purse from the unmoving thief, smiling and handing it to the old woman.

“Here you go Ma'am,” The old woman smiled, though it faltered when she looked at the thief.

“Oh dear...is he alright?” Blossom nodded, taking a slight step back.

“He should be fine, I didn't kick him too hard,”

“Oh no...my window!” Blossom blinked and winced, looking up at Mr. Cooper with an apologetic smile.

“I'm sorry sir...listen the Mayor will take care of that...” Mr. Cooper sighed and nodded, rubbing his bald forehead. His white hair was nearly gone.

“Right...right...just be more careful next time,” Blossom nodded and took off into the air. While she flew, her mind drifted back to what had just happened.

XxXxX

“Stop that man! He stole my purse!” Blossom glanced back, spotting a man charging down the sidewalk. His face was red, he was breathing heavily, gasping for air and rubbing his chest. He seemed to be having an asthma attack. Blossom looked passed him and spotted the woman who was screaming. It was a little old woman. She looked even worse than the crook. She'd come to a stop, holding out one hand—a useless gesture to try and stop the thief—while the other clutched her chest. She was covered in sweat, and hacking and gasping for air. The old woman looked like she was about to have a heart attack. Blossom's pulse began racing, her blood heating up.

Blossom smiled and bent her knees, leaping up just in time. She swung her leg around, gritting her teeth and putting extra force into the blow. Her heel collided with the man's cheek. She could hear bones grinding and snapping. His mouth fell open at an awkward angle, his jaw more than likely shattered. She saw blood pouring from his mouth as he flew off his feet. For a moment Blossom heard his heart stop beating. Blossom's heart began to beat faster.

His head collided with the glass window, shards tearing into his face. He landed with a resounding “THUD!”, the sound of flesh being torn just barely audible. She could see blood leaking out from beneath his head. More than likely a shard of glass had gone through his cheek or some other part of his face. He wasn't moving, and his breathing was sporadic and shallow. Blossom subtly licked her lips.

XxXxX

Blossom licked her lips, and gave a sigh. She felt hot and sweaty. She shuddered and clenched her eyes shut, forcing her mind back on track. She had to pay a visit to the mayor and let him know that Mr. Cooper needed financial aid in repairing his store.

As she flew, Blossom shifted uneasily, swallowing hard. She flew faster, hoping the cold air would clear her mind and cool her flushed cheeks. She had to wonder if she was coming down with a cold or the flu. It seemed like she'd just randomly get hot and start sweating.

XxXxX

A crimson claw wrapped around a spherical image. A dark voice chuckled and wicked eyes watched as the Powerpuff leader went about her day. A nasty, vicious leer fell on the orb as the holder stroked his crooked beard. A second crimson claw traced the outline of the heroine's round face.

A cold? The flu? Oh no...dear, dear Blossom...you aren't coming down with something. But rest assured...you've been sick...all along...Hahaha!

The dark figure brought his claw to his lips, shushing his own mental cackling. He giggled quietly and narrowed his eyes, his fangs gleaming in the darkness.

That day I've waited for is finally coming...tomorrow we'll begin our game anew...but tonight we dance, little Blossom!