Family Matters

Chapter 14: A Different Point of View

In the silence that followed, the only sound was the furious beating of their hearts.

"What do we do?" Bubbles finally asked.

None of the metahumans knew. They looked at each other anxiously, then back at the doors. Blossom still had her hands on them, her eyes staring desolately at the lock, as if it was mocking her.

We have no choice, she thought sadly. The guards will be here any minute. We'll have to turn ourselves in.

Then, something occurred to her.

"I have an idea," she said, whipping around to face everyone. They looked at her expectantly. "It's a bit risky, but since there's a lot of us, we might be able to do it."

"Sweet. Tell us, what is it?" Butch asked eagerly.

"Of course, that means we'll have to go back in there with the guards," Blossom informed them.

Bubbles shrugged. "It's better than doing nothing."

"We'll be in so much trouble if we get caught."

"You think we'll get caught?" Brick said testily. "Then you're underestimating me and my boys."

"And us too," Buttercup snapped.

"Whatever."

"Just tell us your idea, already," Boomer told Blossom. "We can't waste time."

Blossom cleared her throat, then explained to them what she'd realized. "Now, we know everyone cleared out after someone cut the power to the building. The guards must've locked the doors after they all left. It looks like we'll need a key in order to get it open."

Brick understood at once. "You think one of the guards might have a key?"

"Either that, or there will be one in the security office," Blossom agreed.

"So, you want us to steal one? Why can't we just break ourselves out of here?" Butch inquired. "Those things are only made of glass." He cracked his knuckles and made for the doors.

Immediately, Brick threw out his arm to halt his impulsive brother in his tracks. "Hold on there, Butch. Destroying things isn't always the answer."

"It's faster."

"It is, but has it ever occurred to you that the guards might hear us if we break the glass?"

"We'll be long gone by then."

"And what about the aftermath? Think about it. We not only cut off the power, but we played cat-and-mouse with the guards—now we're going to break out? How do you think that will play out on the evening news? Unknown vigilantes break into local gaming arcade, guards thwart attempted theft?"

"They have no idea it was us!" Butch protested loudly.

"Keep your voice down!" Bubbles whispered pleadingly.

A voice suddenly came from within the arcade. "What was that? I think I heard someone."

The metahumans clammed up instantly, and all was silent. Their hearts thumped apprehensively.

Then another voice spoke up. "You're probably imagining things. Must be because of that doll head earlier."

At once, the children let out a long breath of relief.

"We're not living with Brisbaine and Weasel anymore, remember?" Brick reminded Butch. "Remember, Utonium cares about us. You think he won't notice and connect the dots if we come home all showered in glass?"

"We can just brush them off."

"And then what, genius? You think we're immune to sharp objects? What are we gonna tell him?" Brick's next words were dripping with sarcasm. "Don't worry professor, the cuts came from picking thorny roses. We definitely didn't get it from brushing glass from our bodies." He shook his head firmly. "There are too many variables."