Dreams of an Absolution

"I hear hurricanes a-blowing
I know the end is coming soon
I fear rivers over flowing
I hear the voice of rage and ruin"

Bad Moon Rising (Creedence Clearwater Revival "Green River")


Dreams of an Absolution

Chapter 20

The search had turned up empty. No leads, no suspects, and worst of all, no sign of the victim. The girls had done their best, God only knows they had tried their hardest. But by midnight, they were forced to give up. With the police force only back up to about ten good men and women, there was only so much they could do to make progress. Blossom sat on Aku's lap, staring at the frozen fire. Sometimes images appeared to her, just like they did for Aku. She kept hoping this would be one of those times.

"Your search gathered nothing?" Aku asked, tentatively touching her arm. Blossom shook her head. Had they found anything, any shred of evidence, she wouldn't have felt nearly as helpless as she did now. But to find nothing, not one single hint of a clue. It was infuriating.

"Nothing..." She repeated. Aku sighed and gave her a tight squeeze.

"Something will arise. Aku could always employ his minions..." Blossom shook her head. That would be helpful, no doubt. But if even one person saw one of the minions, they'd know Aku was still around. And, much as she wanted to help that girl, she wouldn't risk Aku's safety for anyone.

"I'll figure out something..." She assured him. Aku nodded, a proud smile playing at his lips.

"You will, no doubt, Blossom. There is no need to trouble yourself so deeply," He pointed out. He was right, of course. He was usually right, there was nothing to worry about. They'd figure this out, they always did. She always did. Blossom perked up, suddenly remembering something she DID have a lead for!

"Oh! Aku! I think I know how you can get your job back!" Aku blinked in surprise and leaned closer, eying Blossom warily.

"Do you now, child? Please! Inform Aku of this plot," Blossom smiled and brushed her hair out of her face. Aku tenderly tucked the other side back.

"Well...you know Mr. Green, right?" Aku chortled and sat back in his throne, stroking his beard.

"Barthandelus! Of course! We are most well acquainted...he is an exceptional monster, though...significantly less destructive than the last Dark Master Warlock...nevertheless! He is a trusted companion of the mighty Aku," Blossom squealed happily. Her plan could work, it had to!

"He can help you get your job back!" Aku perked up, again leaning in close to Blossom, eying her carefully. She grinned brightly, her cheeks flushed.

"Principal Durry apparently has these really big Halloween parties every year, and Mr. Green was invited...but he doesn't have a date! See? You could go with him and convince Principal Durry to give you your job back!" Aku sat back in his throne, staring at Blossom incredulously. Blossom was still beaming with pride. It was the perfect plan!

"See? Principal Durry is way less strict outside of school, so if you and Mr. Green could just butter her up, you could talk her into letting you come back as a teacher!" Aku narrowed his eyes, his eyebrows thinning to smoldering embers. Blossom only beamed brighter.

"You intend for Uka to attend this...party as Barthandelus' escort?" Blossom giggled and shook her head.

"Of course not, silly! You'll be disguised as a woman!" Aku narrowed his eyes more. Blossom sighed and stood up on his lap, putting her mitts on her hips. "Do you want your job back or not?" Aku pouted, but slowly nodded.

"Then we're using my plan! It will work! We just have to create the right disguise. I want you to shapeshift into a sexy, seductive woman! Then we'll get a name for you and work on your mannerisms," Blossom floated out of Aku's lap, while he stood up, grumbling and began to change.

"What fault is there in the mannerisms of Aku?" Blossom slapped her forehead.

"That's exactly it! The way you speak is too unique! Anyone would be able to tell it was you if you spoke the same way," Aku grumbled again, nodding. He continued shifting through various forms until suddenly Blossom gasped, hands flying to her mouth.

"Use that one! Please!" Aku stood up straight and crossed his arms, still glaring at Blossom, who was flying around him, nodding and grinning wildly. Aku was tall, though definitely shorter than he had been as Uka. He was probably about Mr. Green's height, with dark green skin and short black hair. His outfit, it would actually compliment Mr. Green's quite well, she noted. A long, Gothic, form-fitting black dress with thigh high boots and gloves that came all the way up his arms.

"Did you just think of this form?" She asked, still in awe. It was perfect! Aku grumbled and stroked his chin, obviously missing his beard.

"Do not doubt the creativity of Aku," Definitely an accident, Blossom figured. She crossed her arms and tapped her chin.

"You'll need a different voice..." Aku, ever the happy camper, glowered and cleared his throat.

"Does the sound of this voice please you, Red Child?" He asked, speaking without his godly tone. Honestly...it was just Uka's voice in a falsetto. Blossom glared at him.

"No, that's terrible! You always do the same voice! You need to really try. Think of the sexiest voice you can imagine!"

"But that would just sound silly," Aku responded, mimicking Blossom's voice perfectly. Blossom turned three shades of red, covering her mouth. She giggled and wiped her eyes, giving the womanly Aku a tight hug.

"O-Okay...h-how about just...really different..." Aku chuckled and hugged her, whispering in her ear in a new voice.

"Perhaps this voice is suitable for Aku?" That would work, that didn't sound a thing like Aku. It sounded like...like an older Buttercup really, but it fit, perfectly. Blossom pulled away, looking Aku up and down again. They had a voice, they could work on speaking differently, and they had a look...all they needed now was-

"A name...what do we call you?" Aku put his—or rather, her—hands on her hips and grinned brightly.

"Why, Akura of course! It is a fitting name for a such a form for the mighty, Aku!" Blossom only glared at her, and shook her head.

"No one will be fooled by that! Man...you are terrible with names...we need something that no one else will be able to figure out," Aku pouted again, crossing her arms and sitting angrily in her throne.

"Aku was most pleased with the name Akura...very well, then, smarmy child! What is your suggestion? Put that fantastic mind to use!" Blossom blushed and glared playfully back. Still, it was proving a little harder than she anticipated.

"Akura...Akura...I...Ikura...no that means something um...I..kra...Ikra! We'll call you Ikra!" Aku raised an eyebrow and tapped her lips.

"Ikra...it is...I suppose a fitting name, though do not think for a moment Aku is unaware of how you started with his suggestion, child!" Blossom squealed, giggling when Ikra pulled her into a playful, ticklish hug. The two giggled, as the Pit of Hate faded away and they laid back on Blossom's bed. Blossom yawned and rubbed her eyes.

"You're tired, Blossom...you should rest now," Blossom shook her head, stifling another yawn.

"First, we have to work on how you speak!"

XxXxX

It was yet another boring day in class. And yet, Blossom was on the edge of her seat, staring at the clock and praying for the bell to ring. She had an important mission, more important than any super heroic activity she'd ever taken part in. The moment that bell rang, she needed to...to confess something to one of the few people she felt she could still trust.

"Triton," Blossom answered half-heartedly. Mr. Green said something, probably praise for getting the answer right, but she was too concerned with just how to convince him to follow through with her plan. Like Aku had said last night, Mr. Green was ultimately a good person and that could get in the way of doing something a bit...sneaky, like sneaking Aku into Principal Durry's party. And just how much did she need to tell him? Should...she say it was Uka, or should she tell him the truth? Did he already know the truth? Aku was a notorious braggart, it's possible Mr. Green already knew.

"Alright, class, so remember, we'll be having a test tomorrow, and I expect you all to do your best!" With that, the bell rang and the class began to file out for the day. She didn't have long, her training was only thirty minutes after class let out. Dexter wasn't about to let them skip on training...even if they had a kidnapping to figure out.

"Hey, Bloss, are you coming?" Buttercup asked, stopping by her desk. Blossom blinked and looked up. What was that on her sister's jacket sleeve? She'd seen that mark before...

"Oh right! Yeah, I just need to ask Mr. Green a few questions about the test, I'll be there as soon as I'm done!" She responded, regaining her train of thought. Buttercup shrugged and gave her a pat on the shoulder as she left.

"Alright, I'll keep Super Nerd busy until you get there," The two laughed and Buttercup hurried out to catch up with Bubbles. Mr. Green shuffled the papers on his desk, smiling as Blossom floated up to him.

"So you had a few questions? How can I help you, Blossom?" Blossom scratched her head and looked back at the door. Anyone could walk in...it needed to be fast. She took a deep breath and looked at Mr. Green again.

"Can...I trust you with something...really...really important? Like...really important?" Mr. Green blinked and folded his hands, peering at Blossom with his one good eye. She always wondered what happened to the other eye...

"Is this about Mr. Uka?" Blossom bit her lip, glancing at the door again. She turned back and nodded, kicking one leg.

"Kind of..." she muttered. Mr. Green sighed and sat back in his seat.

"I tried to ask Principal Durry to let him come back, unfortunately, she seems content with him gone. He has that...effect on people," Blossom blinked and looked up. Did he know?

"Mr. Green...about Uka-sensei..."

"You mean, about Aku?" Blossom stared at Mr. Green in shock. He smiled and got up, glancing in the hallway before shutting his door. "He told me, right from the get go, actually. Even if he hadn't, the way you two are, I'd have figured it out. Part of me is surprised no one else has," Blossom blushed and rubbed her arm. There it was again...that...tearing pain.

"You haven't told anyone, have you?" Mr. Green chuckled and shook his head.

"Of course not! We're...friends, he and I. Not only that, but I think if I did, it would make things worse...on you, actually. And, well I know you've both done some horrible things, but well...maybe my being a monster gives me a different perspective,"

"See...I love children, and I love teaching. I'm just not into the whole genocidal, world domination scheme like the warlock before me was. But, does that make me a bad monster? Of course not. It means I'm comfortable with who I am, even if it's not what I'm expected to be," Blossom narrowed her eyes. Was he really...condoning...her attempt at destroying the world? She shook her head, she didn't have time for thoughts like that.

"So...so I have this plan to get Aku his job back! And I need your help!" Better to bite the bullet, she thought. Mr. Green blinked, kneeling down beside her.

"I'm listening...it's been too quiet around here without Mr. Uka stirring up the humans," he said with a chuckle. Blossom giggled and dug her foot into the ground.

"Well...he can...shapeshift, so I thought...maybe...he could be your date to the party, and then you could um...try to convince Principal Durry there?" Mr. Green gave her a look that...reminded her eerily of the look Aku had given her.

"You want me to escort...Uka?" Blossom shook her head, blushing.

"Of course not! We came up with a girl form he'll disguise himself as! She's really, really pretty! Everyone will be jealous of you!" Mr. Green chuckled and patted Blossom's shoulder as he stood up.

"That, I doubt, but...I'd be willing to give it a shot," Blossom squealed and flew up, giving Mr. Green a tight hug around the neck.

"That's great! Um...the party is Friday, right? Friday at seven? My parents...um the Professor and Ms. Keane, I mean, they're leaving around six-thirty, so maybe we could all get together a little after that and figure things out?" Mr. Green shook his head and sighed.

"I can't believe I'm asking but...will you be sneaking in too?" Blossom nodded, rubbing her arm again.

"For a little bit...but I'll probably be leaving to work on that kidnapping case..." Mr. Green nodded and sighed.

"Poor Amanda...I hope you find her, she's a great girl, if just a bit shy," Blossom nodded, then glanced at the clock. She slapped her head and groaned.

"Ugh...I'm going to be late for my training...then my tutoring...then my patrolling, I'm sorry! But thank you so much, Mr. Green! Thank you!" Mr. Green blushed a bit when she hugged him again.

"It's...my pleasure, really, now you be good. I expect you to do your best on the test tomorrow," Blossom grinned and nodded, grabbing her backpack as she rushed out the door.

XxXxX

"No, no, no! You stupid girls! That is not how that maneuver is to be performed!" Dexter yelled, glaring at the modified Danger Grid's display screen. The scene vanished, revealing three very irate Powerpuff Girls. Blossom's hair was a mess, and there was a bloody cut on her cheek. Buttercup had a black eye forming and was favoring her right leg, while Bubbles couldn't seem to stand up straight, or still for that matter. Dexter sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"We will just have to begin again from the beginning until you can perform the maneuver properly," The girls groaned and Buttercup strode forward, pounding her fist on the glass.

"Your stupid 'maneuver' doesn't work, Dexter! It's just getting our butts kicked!" Bubbles and Blossom nodded, backing up their sister's claim. The maneuver was, on paper, less complicated than most of Blossom's old formations, but in practice, it required more precision than was possible in the heat of battle. Dexter stood up and glared back at Buttercup.

"It works flawlessly! You stupid girls just can't focus! Stop daydreaming about candy and ponies and ribbons and whatever it is you girls think about and keep your heads in the game!" Buttercup screamed and punched the glass, this time cracking it. She stormed back to the other two, glaring through her right eye—her left eye was too swollen to really notice.

"Let's get this stupid formation right so we can get out there and look for that girl!" Blossom and Bubbles nodded, and the three heaved a synchronized sigh as the Danger Grid whirred to life once more. It should have been easy. There were four monsters, and the formation required them to, essentially, defeat them all in one go. Easy enough on paper.

"Begin!" Dexter shouted, and the girls took off, avoiding a slew of laser beams, heat rays, spikes, boulders, poison, razor blades, everything that could possibly be thrown at them. The girls got into position, in the middle of the four monsters, a few yards closer to the one throwing the razor blades at them.

"Blossom, how much time do we have?" Buttercup shouted, latching arms with Blossom. Blossom was keeping careful track of the time since the simulation started. They had to move at the precise moment, otherwise they'd end up in the dirt, again.

"Five seconds and counting," Buttercup nodded and tugged on Bubbles' arm.

"Get into position," Bubbles flew straight up, the moment Blossom shouted "Mark" and began spinning. There was just enough time for her to create a tornado, sucking up the razor blade flung at them. Buttercup threw Blossom toward Bubbles and caught a boulder hurled by the third monster. She spun and used the boulder to catch one of the razor blades, and then spun again, using it to block a laser beam shot by the second monster.

Bubbles stopped spinning, latching arms with Blossom the moment she reached her. The two started spiraling, while the razor blade that had been in the tornado shot through the third monster. Buttercup hurled the rock at the first monster, ramming the razor blade back into its throat, killing it, while Blossom and Bubbles...proceeded to spiral out of control and crash into her. The trio landed in yet another crater, and were promptly blasted by a heat ray and a shower of spikes.

The Danger Grid faded away again, the chaos replaced by the sound of Dexter's fist pounding on the console.

"What was that? Can't you do anything right?" Blossom groaned and sat up, pushing away from a spike that hit her arm. There was blood streaming down her left arm now.

"Bubbles came out of the tornado too hard, it threw me off balance..." She responded sharply. Bubbles frowned and muttered a half-hearted apology. Dexter slammed the console again.

"She came out of it perfectly! You screwed up! Didn't you invent that stupid Screaming Sunday Driver attack?" Blossom groaned as Buttercup grabbed her good arm and pulled herself up.

"It's Sonic Screwdriver you nerd! The Sonic. SCREWDRIVER!" Buttercup screamed, with enough force to shatter the busted glass. Dexter brushed the debris off his lab coat and crossed his arms.

"Whatever, the point is, you screwed up my perfect plan! Now we have to start over again!" Buttercup looked at her sisters. Blossom was hunched over. It was bad enough it was, that time, but now she was battered up twice as bad as her sisters. Bubbles was nursing a badly bruised cheek, but otherwise she was still good to go.

"No way, we're done, this stupid formation doesn't work," Blossom groaned and held her head. Did they always have to yell? Every single time, always yelling...and then yelling more.

"I have to go, Boomer needs my help on his homework, I'm already late..."

"I contacted his guardian and informed her that you wouldn't be showing up," Dexter said, cutting off her exit. Blossom whipped around, glaring at Dexter with renewed strength.

"What? Don't you ever change my plans for me!" She shouted, standing toe-to-toe with Dexter now. All the frustration of the last week was starting to surface. Her chest hurt, her stomach her, and her arm was killing her.

"I am your Coordinating Officer! It is my job to ensure you are spending your time wisely. You sneak out at night to see that stupid boy enough already!" Blossom gasped and stared at Dexter. Bubbles and Buttercup, in turn, stared at Blossom.

"You sneak out to visit Boomer?" Buttercup asked, a slightly...teasing tone in her voice. Blossom blushed bright red and shook her head.

"Of course not! You're lying!" Dexter rolled his eyes and pressed a button on his wrist watch. A holographic display appeared.

"At nine-fifteen last night, you were absent from your room. According to the tracking beacon, you were somewhere near Townsville Public Library for about an hour before returning," Blossom blushed darker still, while Buttercup snickered. Bubbles, she noticed, was only half-heartedly giggling.

"Alright fine! I went to see Boomer...but it wasn't what you think! I am just helping him with school, he has a really hard time with it!" Dexter smirked drolly, while Buttercup continued snickering.

"I'm sure...fine, training is over, get out on the town and find that missing girl," This time, the girls didn't argue. Blossom ignored Buttercup's suggestion to get patched up first. They had already wasted so much time, who knew where Amanda Beguile was now.

XxXxX

Blossom landed near a bus stop, panting and looking around frantically. It had been hours. The search was just as helpless as it had been the night before. Every shady bar she investigated, every Gang Green Gang member she cornered on the street, none of them had seen hide nor hair of Amanda. A good number of the Gang Green Gang members had been her classmates, and were just as horrified by her disappearance as Blossom herself was.

"This is hopeless...maybe his minions could help..." She whispered, sitting on the bus stop and nursing her still bleeding arm. It wasn't bad...but it was still bleeding. And worse, the more she aggravated the cuts, the more the pain that had been there for weeks now hurt. She got the distinct feeling that something in her arm wanted out...

"Blossom? Blossom, are you okay?" Buttercup flew down like a streak of lightning, landing at her sister's side. Blossom nodded, wiping the blood away from her cheek.

"I'm just...taking a break...ugh, I can't find anything! Please tell me you did..." Buttercup swallowed nervously and lowered her head.

"I f-found...something," Blossom perked up, jumping up and grabbing her shoulders.

"What! What did you find!" Buttercup shivered and looked up. Blossom's blood ran cold.

"Another girl is missing..."