The Dark Powerpuff Crusade Finale: The Black Void

[rulerofice]

Bubbles came back into Timo's room.

"You called?" Bubbles said.

Timo was quiet for a while. "This is all so strange to me, Bubbles. I don't know who I am... WHAT I am nor why I'm here." He looked at Bubbles. "Tell me what happened to me, Bubbles. I want to know the reason why I'm in this state."

Bubbles flew next to Timo. "It'll sound a bit like one of those fairy tales and horror stories combined, Timo, so bare with me. Every word I tell you is the full truth. The others can back my story if need be."

And so Bubbles told Timo about his special condition, about Dark Timo, about their latest battle inside Timo's mind and Timo's decision and request.

Timo listened and tried to understand. "Wow... so much happened to lead me into this state. That girl, Angel, did something to me?"

"Yes." Bubbles said. "She destroyed the rest of the corruption inside you. And now that I try to remember, I remember she was quite sad when we took you to this room."

"Hmm..." Timo wondered as he turned around to look outside the window. It was still night. "I'd like to talk to this Angel, but it seems to be quite late now. Let's sleep first."

As Timo tugged himself, Bubbles looked at him with hopeful eyes. "Umm, Timo..." she was blushing. "... may I sleep with you tonight?"

Timo opened his eyes and looked at Bubbles. "... ... Sure."

The answer was a bit cold for Bubbles' taste, but she still climbed in Timo's bed.

Bubbles couldn't close her eyes. Instead she looked at Timo and gently wrapped one of her hands around Timo's chest. She gave a weak smile. Timo looked at her in confusion.

Bubbles hugged Timo as she shed tears. "I love you."

Timo was unable to move. All he could do was watch Bubbles with sad eyes. Eventually he hugged back.

"Please, come back, Timo." Bubbles said, sounding like she was pleading.

[blossomgb]

Next day dawned and Blossom and Steve made their way downstairs for Breakfast. Steve stopped outside Timo's room and was about to knock, but Blossom shook her head.
'Best not to', Blossom whispered. 'They are probably both knackered. I know I am'. She yawned and Steve found this infectious.
'Let's get some breakfast'.
Blossom helped him down the stairs and they walked into the kitchen. They were first up, so the kettle went on and food was prepared. Buttercup wandered in and Blossom filled her in on the last events of the night. She shocked them both somewhat by showing her sensitive side.
'Poor Bubs', she reflected. 'Somebody ought to tell him how much she's done for him'.
'The memories will come back, but it will take time', Steve said.' You didn't know me immediately after the Stroke'.
'True. But in a way I get annoyed. That's my sister that he's mucking about with!', Buttercup stated.
'Mine too, but he's not well. Make allowances for now'. Blossom told her as she brought the teas and toast over. 'How long did it take you, Steve?'
Steve thought for a moment. 'About 2 days, but I wasn't unconscious', he replied. 'When I put the TV in, I shall tip a few things into the conversation', he added.
There was one phial of Chemical X on the kitchen units. Steve wondered...

Cheers,

Blossomgb

[rulerofice]

Timo woke up, feeling a hand around his body. He gently removed the hand while turning around to see Bubbles, sleeping next to him.

Suddenly Bubbles was looking like she was in pain.

"No don't!" Bubbles said, obviously having a nightmare. "Don't go, Timo! I love you. You promised me you'd survive." Timo could swear there were tears coming from her eyes. "Come back!"

Then, just as suddenly, Bubbles bolted up, gasping for air. She was breathing pretty heavily.

"Calm down, Bubbles." Timo said, sitting up. "You just had a nasty nightmare... and I think you just woke up the entire house."

"It wasn't just a nightmare, Timo." Bubbles managed to say. "I saw him taking you away from me. I saw Dark Timo."

"It was just a dream, Bubbles. Just a dream."

[blossomgb]

Bubbles scream did waken the people in the house who were asleep. In the kitchen, cups of tea and food were abandoned. Buttercup was first up the stairs, her sister right behind her. Steve was last as he gulped down the Chemical X and then followed.
Angel and Penny came out of their room and arrived at the same time. The door burst open.
'What's up??', Angel asked.
'Bad Dream', Timo said. Bubbles leaned on him.
'What about, Bubbles'. This from Blossom.
'I though Dark Timo was taking Timo away from me', she stuttered. 'There was an incident when....' She stopped.
'Only a dream', Steve said. 'No more.'
'Thank goodness', Bubbles said, holding Octi with one hand.
'Want any food, either of you', Buttercup asked.
Bubbles fancied a cup of tea and Timo wanted a coffee. Steve reminded Buttercup to make sure it was Earl Grey as she sped off. She returned with the drinks a moment later. Steve was looking at both of them.
'It's just a dream', Angel said. 'I treated you and locked him away myself.'
'Do you want anything else', Penny asked. They both said no.
'If you need us, shout', Blossom said, holding the door as they cleared the room. Timo looked at Bubbles.
'In your dream, you said you loved me. Is that true?', Timo asked.
'Yes. You saved my life more than once and you were very fond of me', Bubbles answered. 'Can you not remember that?'
Timo thought about it. She was nice! It was possible too. It twigged in his mind...

Cheers,

Blossomgb

[rulerofice]

"She... really loves me." Timo thought.

Bubbles' eyes were almost pleading. "Can't you remember the most horrifying battle where you rescued me even when you were already down? Dark Timo was holding his weapon on my throat before you sealed him away."

Timo was quiet for a moment. Images poured to his mind. Timo was holding his forehead.

"You alright?" Bubbles asked.

"I don't know." Timo said. "Could you get Angel here?"

"Sure." Bubbles said as she went out.

Moments later, Angel came in. "You wanted to talk to me?"

"Yes, Angel." Timo said. "Bubbles told me about the battle in my mind, about the re-sealing. What I want to ask is what exactly did I ask you to do?"

Angel saddened. "You asked me to keep your body alive with other healers, if there were any others. You knew that you would die otherwise. But there was more. You remembered your last battle with Dark Timo and suspected that there would be something strange going outside your mind. You asked me to look at you carefully and if I spotted anything, I'd use my Resurrection on you."

Timo was quiet for a moment. "And you did it?"

"Yes, but I tried to warn you about the possible risk. You didn't want to listen or waste anymore time. It was then you ordered the Professor to disconnect me. After you managed to activate the seal again your heart stopped, but we managed to revive you. Before you were taken to this room, I did what you asked and checked you out. There was a small red area in your diamond, meaning Dark Timo still had some control. That was the reason why you were out for a full week last time."

Timo listened carefully and tried to remember. Images flashed in his mind.

"So you used Resurrection on me." Timo said. "What was the risk?"

"... ... Since the corrupted area was so small, the risk was that you'd have... ... permanent memory loss."

Timo went wide eyed. "But... why did I ask that of you then?"

"You suspected that Dark Timo might get out again in the future if things went the same way as before so you wanted to destroy the darkness in your mind and make the seal stronger.

Timo hung his head and closed his eyes. "I guess I can understand then."

---

Downstairs, Bubbles was mixing a bowl of cereal, not really eating any.

"Come on, Bubbles." Blossom said. "You have to eat something. I know this is hard for you, but there's nothing else we can do."

"But this is so frustrating." Buttercup said. "Timo should consider Bubbles feelings even if he is suffering a memory loss."

Before Blossom could answer, however, the hotline began beep.

"Great... talk about bad timing." Blossom said as she flew to her room and picked up the hotline. "What is it, Mayor?"

Right then, the earth shook greatly, alerting everyone.

"Never mind, we noticed... ... We're on it." Blossom hung up and as she was about to go downstairs, Angel came out of Timo's room.

"It's a monster, Angel. You stay here with Timo and Penny in case the monster comes here." Blossom said.

"Okay, Blossom." Angel said and went to get Penny.

Bubbles and Buttercup were already waiting at the bottom of the stairs as Blossom came down.

"A huge monster is attacking Townsville at the docks and I mean huge." Blossom said and then looked at Bubbles. "You're coming too, Bubbles. Angel will take care of Timo."

Bubbles looked upstairs for a short time. "Okay, Blossom."

[blossomgb]

Blossom looked at Steve. 'Stay here but be on standby', she told him.
'Will do. I'll put that TV in and have a little word', he replied, nodding at Buttercup.
Bubbles stopped for a minute. 'Be gentle'.
'I will. I am the soul of gentleness', Steve commented. He headed for the stairs. He got the TV/DVD combi and a DVD along with a few other bits and carried them across the landing to Timo's room. He waited for a pause in the conversation and then knocked gently. Angel opened the door and let him in.
Got a TV', he said in a delivery man type voice. 'Where do you want it guv?'
He put the set on a table at the foot of the bed and using his extension lead to plug the set in. He put an aerial in the back and pressed the on button. Flicking through a few channels to prove it was OK he then put a DVD in and pressed play on the remote. On the screen, Applejack was about to jump onto a plank of wood and send Rainbow Dash flying onto Twilight Sparkle's roof.
'Blossom's DVD of My Little Pony. She won't mind', said Steve as he gave Timo the remote.
'I recognise you now', he said to Steve. 'You're Blossom's guy, a scientific engineer who disguises himself as a repairnan'.
'This is true. What am I called?'
Timo frowned. 'I'm sorry, I can't remember.'
'I'm called Steve. Nice to meet you'. He held out his hand which Timo shook. 'What are you called?'
'Timo?', Timo guessed.
'Timo', Steve replied. 'And we're very lucky to have you with us. You nearly died downstairs.'
'Really'
'Yes', Angel began. 'Steve and Blossom saved your body and I saved your mind, I hope', Angel said to Timo.
'I remember more, but not everything', Timo said. 'Did Bubbles and I really...'. He let the sentence trail off.
'Yes. You did love each other. She's waiting and hoping that your memory returns, and it's not easy on her', Penny told him.
'You've got that right', Steve commented. On the TV screen, Twilight Sparkle was going to see Applejack and not a hundred percent happy. 'Being frank, you could be more reasonable towards Bubbles. She never left your side while you were unconscious and even went to face Dark Timo with you. This is tearing her apart.'
Timo paused, and another memory appeared. Bubbles and Timo in some sphere. Timo was on his last legs. Then other memories appeared. Timo began to weep. At that moment there was a knock on the door.
'Stay here, I'll go and see who it is', Steve had an idea. A moment later he arrived with Dr. Kulkarney. When Dr. Kilkarney saw what had happened, he was pleased.
'Go and get Bubbles', he told Steve.
Steve flew off to where the monster fight was. It was in full swing, but he managed to tell Bubbles the story. 'I'll take over here, you head back. Now'. Bubbles flew off and Steve got a kick to the monster's temple. Blossom looked at him.
'I'll tell you after this', he shouted.

Cheers,

Blossomgb

[rulerofice]

Timo was shuddering as Dr. Kilkarney examined him, trying to listen his heartbeats.

"Your heart is beating faster than normal." Dr. Kilkarney said. "You're remembering something painful, aren't you?"

Timo was remembering the battle with Blackskull, remembering how Blackskull's hands was approaching Bubbles. and then how his seal had begun to deteriorate and his body change.

That's when Bubbles came in through the window. "I came in as soon as I heard." Bubbles looked at Timo. "What are you remembering, Timo?"

"He has to calm down." Dr Kilkarney said. "His heartbeat is fast.

Bubbles went and held onto Timo's hand.

Timo calmed down a little and then looked at Bubbles.

"Bubbles, I..." Timo was saying. "I'm so sorry for everything."

"What do you mean, Timo?" Bubbles asked.

"For not being able to protect you, for not being there with you, for letting Dark Timo break out and... most of all, for making you worry... my love."

Bubbles' expression suddenly changed to a wide open smile and she shed tears of happiness. "Timo... ... you remember everything?"

"Not everything, but..." Timo was saying. "... but I remember you nearly being killed because of me. And... I know we are... ..." He blushed a bit. "... lovers."

Bubbles glomped Timo. "You do remember! I'm so happy!"

Angel and Penny looked at the pair with happy, teary eyes.

"I'm so glad." Angel said.

Dr Kilkarney was happy as well. "It seems your memory is coming along well."

Timo broke up the hug suddenly. "The monster... do they need help?"

"We were having tough time before I left."

Timo suddenly sat up and tried to stand up, but fell immediately on the floor in pain.

"Don't push yourself, young boy." Dr Kilkarney said. "Your legs are still quite tired from the lack of movement.

Timo was sweating as he looked at his clothes that were on the other side of the room. "Bubbles... help me put my clothes on. We're both going there to help them."

"But what about your powers?" Bubbles asked.

"We'll see when we get there."

[blossomgb]

The monster retreated from a Powerpuff Punch. It gave them a little time to organize their next move. Blossom hit it with her ice breath which froze it, but for how long nobody knew. Steve was ready to kick it in the head again. Buttercup was ready with her trademark roundhouse kick.
'I don't think kicking it's head will help', Blossom called Steve. Most of these monsters don't have that much of a brain. You're not in Wonder now!'.
Steve nodded back. 'OK boss'.
'So how do we finish this?', Buttercup asked as the ice on the monster began to disintegrate.
'Eyes are painful when kicked', Blossom shouted at Steve. As soon as it's free, kick it's eye. We'll do the rest'.
When the monster started to defrost, Steve kicked it right in the left eye. That did hurt and it howled and went back towards the sea. The other two hit it head on and it staggered but did not fall.
'Nearly', Blossom yelled. Then she looked round. Bubbles was there with Timo. What on earth, he was supposed to be in bed. Steve kicked the monster's face again and it nearly fell, but again didn't go down. He didn't have the rope as he had used it on Dark Timo. Buttercup gave it a couple of punches too as Bubbles and Timo came into the fight....

Cheers,

Blossomgb

[rulerofice]

Timo stat change:
All stats are back to normal.

Lost superpowers:
Ice Shards
Ice Shield (degraded)
Ice Telepathy

New superpowers:
Ice Beam
Ice Shield (normal)

"What are you doing here?" Blossom asked. "You should be in bed."

"Thought you might need a hand." Timo said.

Steve noticed something. "You're flying like a veteran. You remember how to use your powers?"

"Why don't we find out right here, right now." Timo said, pointing at the monster.

Everyone smiled.

Steve attacks Monster
Attack: Kick
Defense: None

Timo attacks Monster
Attack: Ice Beam
Defense: None

The Powerpuff Girls combine their powers against Monster
Attack: Powerpuff Punch
Defense: None

"Alright, everyone!" Blossom said. "Let's end this battle! Aim at the eyes!"

With no hesitation, Steve went in first and kicked the monster in the left eye again, causing the monster to go backwards a bit more. Then Timo managed to create an ice staff and fired an ice beam at the other eye, causing it to both freeze and feel pain. The monster stepped back.

"All yours, girls!" Timo yelled.

The Powerpuff Girls flew at the monster in full speed and punched the monster in the head, causing the monster to stagger greatly and about to fall.

Bubbles attacks Monster
Attack: Sonic Scream
Defense: None

"Bubbles, Sonic Scream!" Blossom ordered.

Bubbles used Sonic Scream on the monster, causing it to finally fall back into the sea unconcious.

Monster Condition: Defeated

[blossomgb]

'Are you OK Timo?', Bubbles asked.
Timo looked at her in the way he used to do, and Bubbles heart missed a bit. 'Tired but OK'.
'Can you get back?', Bubbles asked.
'Stay with me to be sure', Timo asked her. 'Darling'.
'That's why I came and relieved Bubbles', Steve said to Blossom.
'I guessed. Let's fly on behind them, I don't think they want to be crowded', Blossom told him as the two hung back. 'Buttercup, come with us'.
Buttercup came back with a mock 'Aww'.

When they got back, they flew straight into Timo and Bubbles room. Dr Kulkarney was still there, as Angel had persuaded him to stay. Bubbles helped Timo back onto the bed and lay beside him as Dr Kulkarney examined Timo.
'No damage', he told him.
'Of course not. I'm a...', Timo began.
'Silly boy! If you hadn't been up to it, it would have made a lot of people's lives harder. ' Dr Kulkarney was not entirely pleased with him. 'If you need me, call. He'll be OK. And you, Miss Bubbles, be a bit more forceful!'
Dr Kulkarney turned to leave and Blossom saw him out.
'Thanks Doctor', she said. 'It's been a pleasure.'
'No problem. Is Steve still taking it easy?'
'Er... Sometimes. I have found a way to cure him temporarily, but not permanently.' Blossom told the Doctor. 'But I'm getting there'.

Blossom came back in, Bubbles was lying on the bed alongside Timo. Buttercup was looking at the TV screen, wondering who put My Little Pony on. She wondered if any boxing or American Football was on as she picked up the remote. Steve was talking to Penny and Angel about the cure.
'Well done you two', he was saying.
Blossom came over. 'Thanks for your help. And this comes from Bubbles too, although she is otherwise engaged right now.' She looked and laughed.

Cheers,

Blossomgb

[rulerofice]

Angel and Penny smiled.

"It's so great to see Timo back to normal after all this." Angel said.

"And he'll stay normal this time, right Angel?" Penny asked.

Angel thought about it for a moment. "Well... one can never know the future, but he should be okay for a long time if not forever. He is lucky to have someone like Bubbles care for him."

Angel looked at Penny then. "What do you say we go home now, Penny? Our job here is over."

"Sure. I miss Jomo anyway." Penny said.

They both walked to the living room, Blossom, Buttercup and Steve following them. Angel created a portal to Viletown and looked at the Powerpuff Girls.

"I'm glad Timo's plan worked in the end." Angel said. "I was so worried when I did Resurrection on him."

They all smiled at each other.

"Say hello to everyone in Viletown from us." Steve said.

"We will, Steve." Penny said.

Angel and Penny helds hands as they both walked into the portal as it closed down.

Steve and Blossom hugged each other.

"It's finally all over." Blossom said.

"Finally!" Buttercup said. "I was getting sick of looking at Bubbles so sad." She then looked at Blossom and Steve who were about give each other a kiss. "... ... And now I'm getting sick of seeing you two loverbirds together." With that she left the room.

[blossomgb]

'i suppose she's right', Steve commented. 'I think there'll be Bubbles and Timo doing the same soon.'
'Yes. Leave them to it. They'll probably sleep in', Blossom said. 'By the way, you promised me something in Wonder. After I had been bitten by that serpent, if you remember.' They both sat down and the tiredness finally hit them both.
Steve looked at her and pretended he'd forgotten for a moment. How could anyone forget that?
Then he laughed and gave up the pretence. 'What's first then. Property or Ponies?' He produced a folder full of hotels and said 'We can go looking any time.'
Blossom looked through it and then she gave him a kiss. 'Come on, let's get some supper and go to bed....'

AND ONCE AGAIN, THE DAY WAS SAVED, THANKS TO THE POWERPUFF GIRLS.... AND FRIENDS.