Dreams of an Absolution

"I dreamt I saw you walking up a hillside in the snow,

Casting shadows on the winter sky, as you stood there counting crows:

One for sorrow, two for joy,

Three for girls, four for boys,

Five for silver, six for gold,

Seven for a secret never to be told"

A Murder of One (Counting Crows "August and Everything After")


Dreams of an Absolution

Chapter 6

XxXxX

By the time the girls arrived home, after a hard day scouring the city for any signs of trouble, it was already time for dinner. The Professor greeted them at the door with a smile.

"Hello girls! I've got supper ready, why don't you tell me about your first day?" Professor Utonium beamed as the Powerpuff Girls flew in. Blossom grinned brightly, taking her seat next to Ms. Keane. As the Professor joined the table, Blossom looked at her sisters. Buttercup was scowling, arms crossed. Bubbles met Blossom's gaze for a second, then quickly looked away, her eyes narrowed in thought. Blossom looked down...what could Bubbles be thinking about?

"My, Blossom! I haven't see you this happy in such a long time! Did you have a good day at school?" Blossom perked up and turned to Ms. Keane; she couldn't stop herself from just flying into description.

"It was incredible! I had the best time! Our teacher is-" Blossom bristled when Buttercup cut her off.

"A huge jerk! Everyone hates him!" Ms. Keane blinked and took a sip of water. She glanced down. Blossom's cheeks were red, her grip on her fork was trembling.

"I like Uka-sensei! He's very intelligent, if a little eccentric," Buttercup snorted and speared a green bean, sticking her tongue out before forcing it down.

"You're just saying that 'cause you're the only one he likes. You're such a teacher's pet!" Blossom gasped and put her hands on her hips.

"I am not! It's not my fault he likes me!" Buttercup blew a raspberry at her sister, earning her a stern look from both the Professor and Ms. Keane. She wiped her mouth and kept glaring, though now decorated with a fierce blush.

"You had to answer all those stupid problems none of us knew how to do! You were just trying to kiss up so he'd like you..." Blossom snorted and smirked, looking away and crossing her arms.

"As if I'd need to do that..." she murmured. Ms. Keane glanced back at her; Blossom shot her a disarming grin and giggled sheepishly. Ms. Keane smiled in return and turned to the last sister.

"Bubbles what do you think? How was your day?" Bubbles blinked and looked up. She glanced back and forth between her glaring sisters and swallowed nervously.

"Um...it was okay...but um...Uka-sensei is a little bit scary...he yells a lot and um...he's just scary," Blossom looked down, hiding her snarl as best she could. It wasn't a lie...Aku was scary, as he rightly should be. He was a god, they were right to be afraid of him. Blossom glanced up at Ms. Keane in mid-bite.

"Well...maybe I'll talk to him, it sounds like he might be a little unfair if he expects everyone to be up to Blossom's exceptional standard," Blossom turned away, biting her fork harder. She swallowed nervously, her stomach churning. What if Ms. Keane got Aku fired? What if...he had to go away? What if they found out that Uka-sensei was Aku?

"I'm done...um...please excuse me," Blossom pushed away from the table and flew upstairs. Trailing behind her, she could hear fragments of their conversation. She shoved her door shut and debated locking it. After a moment's hesitation, she pushed the lock and sat down on her bed, staring at the boring carpet. Blossom glanced at the door. Slowly turning to look at her pillow, she snatched her doll and held it tightly.

"I can't lose you again...not this soon," Blossom sniffed and sat her doll back on the bed, shuffling to her closet to change. As she pulled on her nightie, she became aware of a deeper darkness lurking in the shadows. Blossom grinned and jumped on her bed, peering into the darkness. To her utter joy, the darkness peered back.

"You felt my presence?" Blossom giggled and moved aside, giving Aku room to sit on the bed. He looked down with a frown before conceding and taking a seat next to her. Blossom's cheeks hurt from smiling so much, but it was simply irresistible, seeing him there again.

"I just thought...I was hoping you were there. And you were, you have no idea how happy that made me!" Blossom gleefully hugged his arm. Aku jerked but smiled and patted her head.

"It is a joyous occasion for us both, then," They sat in silence for what felt like forever. Blossom snuggled against his side, Aku gently stroking her hair. Too soon, she remembered what had been discussed at dinner. Blossom groaned and sat up, glaring toward the floor.

"Look...we need to talk about something..." Aku stroked his beard, his form shifting.

"Yes...tell me, child, what did you think of Aku's chosen disguise?" Blossom looked back at him and turned bright red. There sat Uka-sensei on her bed. She giggled bashfully and managed to meet his gaze. Uka smiled and Blossom blushed darker and looked away.

"Well? What do you think of Uka, Blossom?" Blossom licked her lips and hugged her doll tighter. She looked at him again and sighed.

"It's...a very...good disguise..." She sighed again. Uka smirked, stroking his beard. He crossed his legs and leaned back against her headboard. Blossom hesitated, then scooted next to him. Uka draped an arm around her, still playing with his beard.

"Very good...a lot of thought went into this form, Blossom. It needed to blend in, but still hold the regal majesty that Aku so rightfully deserves! I am greatly pleased that you approve," Blossom nodded and sighed, hugging him tight. For a moment, she forgot that there was anything at all they needed to talk about. She faintly caught Ms. Keane's voice drifting upstairs and her eyes snapped open.

"Oh right...um...Aku, there's something we need to talk about," Uka looked down at her, one eyebrow raised. Blossom grinned again; she almost forgot her mission again, but this time she was resolute.

"What is it, Blossom? You seem distressed?" Blossom nodded and sat up, putting one hand to her mouth.

"Well...I think you were a little too harsh today, in class," Uka snorted and crossed his arms.

"To be honest, I felt I was too lenient. These children need to try harder to earn Uka's indulgence to their childish issues," Blossom chuckled and scratched her head.

"Um...but we are children, Aku...listen, I just don't want you to get in trouble. Do you think you could tone it down just a little bit?" Uka sighed and turned to Blossom, who was giving him the sweetest look she could muster. It was Uka's turn to blush and look away, flustered.

"Very well..." Blossom hugged him as tight as she could.

"Thank you very much...I just don't want to lose you again," Uka chuckled. He gently tipped Blossom's chin up and leaned closer, his thumb lightly stroking her cheek.

"You will never be without Aku, Blossom...rest assured, you shall never lose me again," Blossom blushed and looked down. She glanced back at him, a look of deep concentration on her face. Uka frowned and started to sit up; Blossom caught his collar and licked her lips.

Was now the right time? Could she even do it right? Did he even want her to? If she did it wrong...would he know?

"Blossom! Time for bed!" Blossom froze, her eyes half-closed, lips pursed, just a few inches from Uka's cheek. He groaned and stood up, shifting back into his normal form. Aku flashed a smile as he faded into the darkness.

"I'll see you at school tomorrow, Blossom," Blossom waved and hid her doll, just as the Professor knocked on the door. Blossom flew over and unlocked the door, smiling at the Professor. He smiled back and walked with her, tucking her into bed.

"Well...I'm glad to see you smiling again. Listen, it sounds like you've got a pretty tough teacher, huh?" Blossom nodded and curled up.

"I guess so...I think he's just very old-fashioned," The Professor chuckled and sat down beside her.

"You look after your sisters, alright? I know you aren't on the best of terms right now but...they're still your sisters, and I know you don't want to see them in trouble," Blossom giggled and shook her head.

"No...I don't. I'll help them if they need me, Professor," The Professor winked and kissed her cheek.

"Goodnight, Honey, I love you," Blossom closed her eyes and snuggled under the blankets. When the Professor shut off the light, she pulled her doll into her arms and hugged it tight, a big smile on her face.

XxXxX

Before the sun had even risen over the horizon, one little girl was already wide-awake and preparing meticulously for the day ahead. What had her so excited? Why school of course! Blossom scrubbed her hair with the perfect portion of strawberry scented shampoo. She sighed and rinsed her hair, running her mitts through the long strands. As she started to lather up her body, there was a knock at the door. A very sleepy Professor Utonium poked his head into the guest bathroom.

"Blossom?" He paused to yawn and check the time, "Why are you up so early? You don't have to be at school for another two hours, Honey..." Blossom blinked and wiped the soapsuds from her face. The Professor couldn't help smiling.

"Oh, I know Professor, but I feel it's my responsibility to set a good example for both my sisters and my fellow classmates by being as well-groomed as I possibly can!" The Professor chuckled and closed the door muttering something to the extent of "Whatever you say, Blossom" as he went. Blossom beamed and went back to rinsing off the soapy lather. With one last dunk beneath the water, she drained the tub and wrapped herself in a fluffy pink towel. As she blow dried her hair, she stared at her reflection.

'Should I wear my hair the usual way? Or maybe I could try something new...maybe he'd like a traditional Japanese hairstyle? I could always look through some of Bubbles comics...no! No, I'll just...maybe normal will work. No! I've got it!'

XxXxX

Blossom looked in the mirror, adjusting her blouse and smoothing out her skirt. There, now everything was perfect. One hundred percent perfect. Blossom beamed and walked down the stairs, sniffing the delicious scents floating up from the kitchen. Apparently she'd taken so long, the Professor was already making breakfast.

"Everything smells great, Professor! Do you need any help?"The Professor chuckled and turned around, setting a plate of pancakes on the table.

"No, no, I've got it all under...con...trol..." The Professor stared at Blossom, who took her seat and licked her lips. The Professor chuckled and rubbed his arm.

"So...so you've done something different with your hair?" Blossom looked up with a nervous smile, playing with her hair. Maybe she'd gone a bit overboard...she tied two locks in the front, framing her face, each adorned with a small red ribbon. The rest of her hair had been tied up into a meticulously braided ponytail. Even as decorated as it was, it was still easily longer than she was tall.

"D-Does it look alright?" The Professor sat down across from her, still staring with a sheepish grin on his face.

"Y-Yeah it looks...great, but what's the occasion?" Blossom blushed and started eating.

"Um...no reason...I just wanted to try something new..." The Professor sighed and gave her a knowing smirk. Blossom blushed darker and swallowed nervously. She could only pray he had the wrong idea...suddenly worried, Blossom wolfed down her breakfast and flew back upstairs, just as the Professor was going to wake Bubbles and Buttercup. As she frantically brushed her teeth, flossing and rinsing and then brushing again, Blossom thought about the Professor's look.

'Does he know? He can't know! No one should know...a-am I being too obvious? Please don't let him know...please...I know! I'll just...I'll go ahead and go to school before anyone can ask me any more questions!' Blossom rinsed her mouth one final time and snatched her backpack. She shot passed the Professor, shouting a quick goodbye. Before he even had time to respond, she was already in the air, making her way to school.

"Oh no...I forgot about my hair...I hope it doesn't get too messed up..." Blossom winced and slowed down. She checked her reflection in a window and kept flying. Thankfully, her hair seemed to be holding just fine. She arrived at school before too long, touching down and walking through the big doors. It was almost surreal, being at school so early. Everything was silent, save for the odd teacher slamming their car door shut or walking up the stairs. Blossom sighed, spotting her classroom.

'I wonder if he's here yet?' To her knowledge...he didn't sleep. 'What does he do all night?' Blossom wondered as she walked in. She checked her reflection in the door window, fixing the few stray hairs that had escaped. Giving herself one more look over-wishing she could get rid of her bracelet...it ruined her perfect look-she nervously took her seat. The clock ticked ominously on the wall, every jerk of the second hand felt like an earthquake. Blossom bit her lip and glanced at the door.

Would he arrive early? Selfish as it might seem...she wanted some alone time with him before the rest of the class showed up. Blossom lowered her head and bit her lip. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea...

"You're early," Blossom nearly screamed, sitting up and staring at him. There he was, sitting at his desk with his fingers laced and a cocky smirk on his lips. She blushed and grinned back.

"Yeah...I um...I wanted to see you before...you know," Uka-sensei chuckled and stood up. He lifted her chin and looked her over.

"Your hair is different...you look...lovely," Blossom turned bright red. Uka-sensei snatched his briefcase and sighed, turning back to her, "Unfortunately, I have a...meeting of some sort that requires my attendance. I'll be back as soon as it is completed," Blossom nodded, watching him go. She sighed and rested her cheek on her hand. How could this have been a bad idea? Even if the rest of the day was bad...Blossom giggled and touched her face. She was blushing.