Family Matters

Chapter 13: A Game of Cat and Mouse

Instantly, everyone froze. A cluster of beams emerged in the doorway, and voices started to call out.

"Shit!" Brick cursed. "Hide!"

Without any hesitation, everyone dove for the consoles. Not like any of them were planning to stay anyways. They pressed themselves against the machines, trying to blend into the darkness.

"Easier said than done," Blossom said ruefully, staring at her bright orange hair.

"I wish I could hide as well as Buttercup," Bubbles agreed.

Their dark-haired sister rolled her eyes. "You think I can hide well in this outfit?" she hissed. A beam of light flickered just past her shoulder, and she leaned away. "Quiet!"

"Hello?" It was one of the security guards. He stepped into their column, waving his flashlight around. "Is anyone over here?" He noticed the brightly lit claw machine, and he scurried towards it. He spoke into his walkie talkie. "I found something. One of the claw machines is on."

From between two consoles a few feet away, Brick poked his head out into another column. Another guard was posted there, but he was facing another direction. He quickly took the opportunity and crawled across the tiled expanse to the other side.

He took his place in between the consoles there. The space there was cramped, and he had his legs tucked uncomfortably against his chest, but he wasn't complaining. Way better than getting screwed.

Butch stared at his brother, impressed. A stream of light shot past them, and he drew his head back into the shadows. The guard came in a moment later. He paused less than five feet away, swiveling his head back and forth for any sign of people. Butch held his breath, too tense to even move. After a few moments, the guard walked away.

"Alright," he mumbled to himself. "Let's do this." He took a deep breath, then hurried after his brother.

"Hey, wait for me..!" Boomer called out and slipped out of his hiding place.

He shuffled across the floor, trying to move as quickly as he can. He had three limbs on the floor, and the last one gripping his new doll, Octo. His brothers watched him warily. The guard was less than five feet away from him, widening the gap one step at a time, which made for a hasty move. They hoped he would make it fast enough.

Then Boomer slipped and hit his chin on the floor. "Ow."

"Sh—!" Butch stopped mid-curse, slapping his hands over his mouth.

"Boomer!" Blossom spluttered.

The blue ruff snapped his head towards the guard. He saw things in slow motion—the guard turning around, the beam of his flashlight about to blind him, the click of his leather boots against the floor.

Boomer felt the sharp sting of the flashlight against his eyes. I'm busted.

Then, "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!"

The shrill screech boomed across the room, startling the individuals. Boomer blinked as the light moved away from him. He squinted at the guard's shadowy figure. It took him a moment to realize his attention was somewhere else, and, without bothering to get up, he skittered over and hid.

From across the room, the Powerpuff Girls stared at the boys, who'd all made it. Buttercup rolled her eyes at them.

"So much for unity," she snorted.

Bubbles looked in the direction the scream had come from. "What do you think that scream is about? Did one of the guards get hurt?"

"Nah. I bet the guy stepped on the head of that doll. The thing's creepy; probably even creepier in the dark."