You took a chip from the plastic bag that was tucked snuggly in your arm and took a bite. The crunch reminding you of the sound your ribs made just the day before. You were fine now, lounging on the couch with Courage watching TV, but it still hurt to think about. Physically and mentally.

Liz: You're not planning on staying inside all day, are you?

You and Courage looked up to see Liz walking over, putting her earrings on as she did. She looked at the TV to see you watching the rerun of the premiere of that new show.

Liz: Oh, who are you rooting for?

Y/N: Owen.

Liz: I'm gunning for Duncan.

She finished messing with her earring and checked herself in the mirror real quick. She and the Professor had some meeting with the big wigs that were funding their project. Something about security concerns, you weren't really sure.

Liz: Why not call the girls or one of those other kids you met?

Y/N: I don't have their numbers.

Computer: I have everyone's number. You want to call the President?

You lifted your wrist and arched your brows at your watch.

Liz: Please don't. We don't need to be on another watch list. But, yes, you should call someone and see if they wanna hang out. What's the point of coming here for a new life if you won't live it?

She...had a point. Yeah you got your butt kicked yesterday, but you were fully healed thanks to this Chemical stuff in your system. Super healing was actually a pretty neat power.

Liz: But, if you don't, please don't burn down the house.

Y/N: Well there goes all my plans.

Liz walked over and ruffled your hair, leaving it even messier than usual, before she walked towards the door.

Liz: Love ya! Call if you need anything!

Y/N: Be safe!

Once Liz left you found yourself wondering what you would do today. Yeah, just laying here would be pretty lame when there was so much stuff you could do. And as if the universe itself made the decision for you your phone began to ring. You sat up while Courage remained laying unbothered.

You answered and found the call actually connected to the home's audio systems.

???: Uh, hello? Is this Y/N?

Y/N: Blossom?

You were surpised to hear her voice. You didn't recall giving her your number.

Blossom: Oh good! Liz gave us your number. I hope you don't mind.

You didn't, actually.

Blossom: Anyway, we were gonna go into town today for a day out with some friends. We were wondering if you wanted to come?

Well, looks like you found out what you were gonna do today.

Y/N: Can I bring my dog?

Power Up!

Interlude 1-1
By
Morning Blankets
&
Da Evil Sunz
(WAAAAAGH)

You and Courage found the sisters waiting for you at the Monorail station. Buttercup was crouched by one of the rails while Bubbles leaned on the wall beside her, scrolling through her phone. Blossom seemed to be spaced out judging by the glazed look in her eye as she stared at the roof. Must still be getting over that beat down.

Buttercup: Hm? Oh, yo!

Buttercup raised her hand as a greeting when you approched them. Bubbles and Blossom also looked up. Bubbles smiled when she saw Courage, immediately going to pet him.

Blossom: I'm happy you decided to come along.

Bubbles: Mike and Robin are on their way. Once they get here we can get going.

Mike and Robin will be joining you? Must be those friends Blossom mentioned. Then this was the perfect time to work on making friends. The more the merrier, right? You could handle five people. You just fought a giant pink monster, you could survive a day of social interaction. Besides, Courage was here and Computer could come in clutch if you needed it to. Today should be pretty laid ba-

Robin: Y/N!

You had exactly .00000000000000002 seconds to react before the full weight of Robin's body crashed into yours at the speeds equivalent to Herbert James "Burt" Munro at Bonneville, New Zealand on 26 August 1967. While you fell forward, still not quiet processing what was happening even with your super human speed, Robin wrapped her arms around you. She squeezed with such force that you were sure your ribs were about to break again. By the time you had hit the ground, her cheek was pressed up against yours, making it nearly impossible to breath with what little airflow you already had.

Robin: Oh, I've wanted to see your adorable face since Friday! You're skin is so soft to, and you smell just like coconut breeze! Can you get any cuter?!

Blossom: Robin!

Blossom stomped her foot as passerbys began to take notice of your current state. Buttercup only pointed and laughed while Bubbles snapped pictures at as many angles as possible for Liz. When Mike arrived, he found Blossom trying to pry Robin off of you while Courage tried to pull your now limp body free.

Mike: Uh, what....happened here?

Buttercup rested an elbow on his shoulder and shrugged.

Buttercup: You know. Robin.

Mike said nothing more. He just watched in baffled amusement.

♡♡♡

Robin: Hello, Main Street!

You all reached the quiet, well formally quiet, street that were lined with shops. The brief time you were here with Liz was pretty pleasant. You didn't get to look at many of the stores but you did notice a few other things around to do.

Buttercup: I say we hit up the batting cages. I wanna see what the new kid got.

She playfully punched your shoulder with a smirk. Though, even with your strength it kinda hurt. You just smiled awkwardly, not really knowing how to respond to her enthusiasm.

Bubbles: Oh! I know how to test his might!

Bubbles flew ahead of the group, hovering a foot above the ground with a smile.

Bubbles: Let's hit up the game shop!

The game shop? You had heard of those before. But how would that test your might? Buttercup seemed to agree, however, by snapping her fingers.

Buttercup: Yeah! Come on, pint size. You're gonna love this place!

Buttercup flew ahead with Bubbles as you stood there with Courage. You both shared a look of slight concern. Blossom walked over and placed a hand on your shoulder.

Blossom: It's alright. It's not like you can control your height.

That wasn't the issue here. Besides, it wasn't like you were the shortest one her-oh my god YOU WERE! HA HA!

Ahem

By the time you had reached the shop Buttercup and Bubbles were already looking at a display of what seemed to be miniature figures.

Buttercup: I think he would be a good thief. He's pretty quiet.

Bubbles: What about a warrior? It's a good starting class.

Mike: Here we go.

You looked to Mike who sighed.

Mike: They're gonna try to get you into Cats & Calamity. It's a table top role-playing game.

You tilted your head to the side in confusion.

Mike: You don't know what that is?

Y/N: Never heard of it.

Mike: Well it's pretty neat, actually. See, you make a character with a character sheet, then you build and paint your miniature, then you....play the game. It might seem a bit intimating at first, but once you get going everything just falls into place and you can focus more on the story.

So this game had layers. Interesting. Though, that did sound like you'll have to invest some time into it to be any good. And you were still unsure what that "role-playing" part meant.

Robin: Actually now that you mention it, what kind of hobbies do you have?

Hobbies. Yeah, you had those. Uh...like......oh my G*d you really don't do anything besides video games. Wait, video games ARE hobbies!

Y/N: I play video games. And I just started watch that show on TV with the island and the contestants and the actual psychopath of a host.

Robin: You watched Total Drama Island?! What did you think? I'm going for Gwen.

You, Robin, and Mike ended up falling into conversation while Courage walked through the shop on his own. He browsed through the newest release of Secret Mountain Fort Awesome cards, particularly the Slog's Booster Pack, when he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. He looked but ended up seeing nothing. Hm. Weird.

Robin listened as Mike explained some of the rules to you before she spotted something over your head. She had a thought and smiled at you.

Robin: Hey, they got Hero 101 stuff.

You followed her gaze to a wall of games based on properties but something else immediately caught your eye. Mike and Robin watched as you suddenly walked over to a blue box with two figures on the front.

It was the Blue Falcon and Dyno-Mutt boardgame that you had growing up! Oh, man, you used to play this game all the time with Liz and...

Everything suddenly felt so...quiet. The last time you played your mom won. Liz declared that she would beat her next time. Next time...

Your eyes narrowed a bit as you ran a hand across the smooth surface. You haven't played it in a while. Blossom looked back from her sisters to call you over but stopped when she saw Robin and Mike nervously looking at each other. They had a feeling that something was...off. When Courage returned with his card pack he saw you. When he saw the game it clicked what was happening and he hurried over. He gently took the game from you and placed it back onto the shelf before he returned to you, putting his head under your hand.

You were brought back to the present and smiled as you petted the dog.

Y/N: I'm good, bud. Thanks.

Blossom: Do you...like Blue Falcon?

You lifted your head and looked to Blossom.

Y/N: Oh, yeah. He's my favorite. I know he's not with the Justice Friends anymore, but he's still the best hero.

Blossom raised a brow and crossed her arms. A smirk began to form.

Blossom: Really? You'll saying your favorite hero isn't the one you're talking to?

You only smiled.

Y/N: Yep. He's the coolest.

Blossom pointed her nose up and struck a pose.

Blossom: Oh yeah? Well can he do, this?!

Blossom cupped her hands as frost began to coat her skin. The air got cold enough for you to see your breath before she opened her hands to reveal a rose perfectly crafted by ice. While it was impressive, Blossom seemed to misjudge her hold on it. It slipped from her hand and shatter all over the rug, leaving a large ice everywhere.

Blossom's face went from worry to panic when the store owner yelled from behind the counter.

Freddy: Hey, what did I saw about you using your powers in the store?! We don't need another Sumo Slammers incident!

You raised a brow before you noticed a corner of the store that had what appeared to be a burnt table with most of the wall having seemingly been hit by what looked to be a Rhino.

Blossom tensed up. Mike and Robin slid up on other side of her with smug faces.

Mike: Blossom getting in trouble? That's rare.

Robin: Naughty~ naughtynaughtynaughtynaughtynaughty...

The two continued to tease her while Blossom whined. You and Courage just watched before Buttercup and Bubbles returned, each holding some boxes for you to choose from.

Buttercup: Alright, freshmeat, time to pick your destiny.

Y/N: My destiny?

Bubbles: Your class!

She held up two small boxes. They each seemed to be small animal-like creatures. Buttercup had two others.

Buttercup: So, what kinda player are you? You a tank like me?

Bubbles: Or do you like more speedy support? I like doing quick damage.

Buttercup: I guess you could be lame and be a strategist like leader girl over there. I dunno if you like thinking too much.

Was...that a good thing? You looked at the three, but the fourth was what caught your interest. Bubbles lifted her second one with a smile.

Bubbles: No way. Did we finally find an anomaly player?!

Anomaly?

Buttercup: You know, yeah I can see that.

Y/N: What is it?

Courage took a look at the box and began to read the back.

Bubbles: It's a sort of jack-of-all-trades kind of class. It's a bit more difficult since you have to be able to fill in wherever, but that also means you're a pretty important member of the team.

Buttercup: It means you gotta be reliable though.

Reliable? Able to fill in wherever. Filling in the cracks. That didn't sound too bad actually. Courage handed you the box and you looked at the creature.

Y/N: Guess I'm an anomaly.

Bubbles: FINALLY!

She grabbed you and held you up like a trophy towards the store owner.

Bubbles: FREDDY, WE FOUND AN ANOMALY PLAYER!

The man slapped the counter and let out a loud "WHOOP" noise. He then typed something onto his register and rung you up.

Freddy: First one's always free for new players, kid. Godspeed on your journey.

You blinked before Courage awkwardly lifted up a smaller assist miniature. Freddy rung him up to.

♡♡♡

Your little group made their way down the street chatting among yourselves. Bubbles and Robin were talking about an upcoming Drama Club meeting and Mike was talking to Blossom about the Fuzzy incident. Seemed like he was looking for some inspiration and, despite her awkwardness about it, Blossom seemed willing to give him some details to use for his story.

Buttercup, however...

Buttercup: Hey, come with me.

You found yourself being dragged away by the short-haired girl. Soon your group was gone and it was just you and Buttercup who kept pulling you along down to an alley way.

Buttercup: You can keep a secret, right?

You tell me.

Buttercup: There's this cool place. You can't tell my sisters about it, though.

Your curiosity was peaked. You eventually reached a small path that lead down into what looked like the river that dipped into Townsville. The clearing was filled with a red van that gave you a strange ominous feeling just by looking at it.

Buttercup walked over to the back of the van and knocked on the door. It suddenly swung open to reveal....pitch blackness. Nothing at all. Even with your sight, you couldn't make out anything.

Y/N: Uh....

Buttercup: Welcome to THE AWESOME STORE! You can buy a bunch of cool stuff here. One time I bought this card game that actually brought the monsters to life! I mean we had to fight them to stop them from destroying the city, but it was cool while it lasted!

The Awesome Store?

No.

THE AWESOME STORE.

That's better.

Anyway, yes, THE AWESOME STORE didn't look like a store, but that suddenly shifted when a pair of eyes became visible, a low raspy voice reaching through the shadows to speak to you.

Owner: Welcome, children. What do you desire?

Y/N: Uh....

You looked to Buttercup who shrugged. You turned back to the store.

Y/N: What do you....even sell?

The Owner seemed to chuckle. It sounded like nails on a chalkboard.

Owner: Take a look.

You barely blinked, but the doors of the van and the floor were suddenly filled with items that definitely weren't there before. You stepped back in surpised which earned Buttercup's smile.

Buttercup: That always creeps me out. I love it.

You looked back to the van and took a gander at the options. They looked like a bunch of junk, but you could sense some weird energy coming off of a lot of these things. Your eyes soon settled on a necklace. Unlike everything else this seemed actually normal. You picked it up and looked at it.

The pendant was round, made of some kind of metal. Probably silver? The symbol you didn't quite understand though. It looked like three lines curving into each other. Like it was making a kind of spiral shape but it looked like it was supposed to be something more specific. Still, something about it called to you.

Owner: Hm. Good selection. It may yet save your life one day.

That wasn't concerning at all. Still, you ended up buying it and before long, you and Buttercup were on your way back to meet up with the others. You found them near an ice cream shop.

Robin: They you two are. Where did you run off to. Hogging Y/N all to yourself?

Buttercup: Nah. Just wanted to show him something.

You both shared a look. You weren't gonna tell Bubbles or Blossom about THE AWESOME STORE out of respect for Buttercup. For now, you'll stick with the necklace.

Courage noticed something down the street and looked, but just like in the store, whatever it was was gone. Huh. Weird. Well, no time for that. Right now it was time for ice cream!

Y/N: Oh yeah, you guys have your own Popsicles?

The sisters immediately started to cry.

Next Time: Interlude #2-1

A/N: Heyo, Lexi here. So this is a character sheet just for funsies.

Clearly Buster can look like however you want, I just needed a base look for the covers and stuff and this was just what I settled on. And has you can tell, Interlude chapters will be shorter just cause they're more for stuff that's either not super relevant to the overarching plot or setting stuff up for future arcs.

Pretty much, if you wanna read the Interludes from this point on, more fun and stuff to be had. If not, you can still enjoy the main story.

Anyway have a good day, night, whatever! And thanks for reading!

-lexi<3