The City Of Townsville The city of Townsville...is celebrating Christmas. Snow littered the ground and floated all over the sky. People bustled everywhere buying gifts, returning gifts, or having gifts wrapped. On ever corner stood a Santa Claus, ringing his bell, collecting money for the poor. And, of course, children. They were everywhere enjoying the holiday. Several kids were building a snowman while another group had a snowball fight. Yes, everyone in Townsville was ready for the Christmas season. Everyone except for the students at Pokey Oaks Kindergarten. They still hadn't been let out from school for the Christmas break yet. So while the younger kids played and the adults shopped, these poor children sat in their seats and waited, impatiently for the clock to read three p.m. Their teacher, Ms. Keane, was busily writing out words on the chalkboard. She was completely oblivious to the time. She was also oblivious to the fact that the only student listening to her was Blossom. Blossom always listened closely to the teacher. She enjoyed learning and was always striving to get all the education she could. Her bright pink eyes would search the board as Ms. Keane wrote, trying to find even the smallest details. She brushed her red hair away from her face and continued to listen intently. She knew her sisters weren't listening, which meant she'd have to explain it to them later. Even though they were all the same age, she felt, at times like this, that she was the most mature. Perhaps even like the big sister to the other two. Beside her sat Bubbles. Unlike Blossom, she acted like the six year old she was. She enjoyed coloring, stuffed animals, and singing. At the moment, she was going with the first of her three loves. Before her on the desk sat a picture she was working on of her and her sisters. She quickly grabbed a blue crayon to finish her own eyes and dress. She didn't catch any of the things Ms. Keane was saying, but she wasn't worried. Blossom always made sure she learned anything she had missed during school. Without giving a second thought to the class, she continued her drawing. Buttercup, the middle child of sorts, wasn't enjoying herself as much as her sisters were. She didn't like drawing and couldn't have cared less for what the teacher was saying. She like action and excitement. She wished the hotline would ring so she could leave to fight a monster or something. She cocked her head and her large green eyes looked at the clock for the hundredth time. Two fifty-eight, it read. She let out an exasperated sigh and tried to think of a way to pass the time. The three of them were created by Professor Utonium. He had been attempting to create the perfect little girl, using sugar, spice, and everything nice. However, he had accidentally added Chemical X to the concoction creating the Powerpuff Girls. They soon discovered that they had superpowers and had dedicated their lives to fighting crime and the forces of evil. Unfortunately for Buttercup, being a superhero didn't exclude her from school. What she found even more unfortunate was the fact that things had been extremely quiet lately. Very little crime had taken place, which meant no fighting for her. Finally, the bell rang and they were free to leave for two weeks of vacation. Buttercup was the first out the door followed closely by her sisters and the other kindergarteners. "Free at last!" Buttercup screamed. Bubbles squealed, happily, and yelled out, "Presents" "Remember, girls. Just because we're on vacation, it doesn't mean crime stops. We have a responsibility to protect the city no mater what" Buttercup looked at Blossom with distain as she finished her speech. Boy, she sure knows how to ruin a good time, she thought. Bubbles, however, wasn't fazed by what Blossom said and continued to happily talk about what she wanted for Christmas. Finally, they reached the front door of their home to be greeted by Professor Utonium. "Hello, girls," he began. "I'm glad you're home from school. I have a surprise for you." "A puppy?" Bubbles guessed, hopefully. The Professor chuckled. "Not quite, but it's still pretty good." He stepped aside and the girls were shocked to see three boys who looked very similar to the Rowdyruff Boys. The only difference was the color of each boy's shirt and eyes. One was purple, one was gray, and the other was brown. The girls weren't sure what was going on, but something didn't seem right. A Christmas story The girls stood stunned at the sight of these three boys. For a moment, the Professor just stood happily. Finally, he noticed the worried looks on the girls' faces. "Oh, I guess I should explain. Come inside." He said. They all went in and sat down, the boys on one side and the girl on the other side. "Well, girls," Began the Professor. "This started a few years ago. The very year you were born. A friend of mine from college by the name of Professor Zinc was inspired by my creation of you. "It took him several months, but finally, he discovered what he needed to create male versions of you." "But Professor," Blossom interrupted. "Didn't Mojo try that and make the Rowdyruff Boys?" The Professor smiled. "Yes, but Professor Zinc thought of that when he was working on his creation. He added the ingredients needed to make boys: Snips, snails, and a puppy dog tail. However, he thought that seemed too tough. Therefore, he added an extra ingredient: Very sweet whipped cream." "Whipped cream?" Buttercup asked. "Yes indeed. After adding Chemical X, these three boys were created. Since it was Christmas at the time, he named them the Guardian Angels. They have the same powers you have, though they each have their own powers, just like you." As they sat in silence, Blossom took a moment to get a good look at the three boys across the room. The boy in purple had a cap over his head, but she could still she his short brown hair underneath it. He seemed to have a friendly face but it was hard to tell, what with the way he was stuff handful after handful of food in his mouth. Second, she looked at the boy in gray. It looked like he at one point had had dark hair, but it was shaved so close she couldn't really tell. He had several bruises on his face, which made it seem that he had either seen a lot of action or had been in a number of accidents. The third boy's brown eyes scanned the room, but from what Blossom could tell, he didn't seem to be seeing anything. He seemed almost like he was completely out of it. His sandy colored hair was all over his head as if it had never been combed. What a contrast between the three boys. Just like us; she thought. Finally, to break the silence, the Professor said, "Well, why don't you three get to know each other. I've got some work to do in the lab, so why don't you six go upstairs and introduce yourselves." For a moment, nobody moved, but finally, they floated upstairs. The Professor watched them with a smile on his face, hoping they could like each other. If they didn't, it would a long Christmas season. Getting to know you The six kids sat in the girls' bedroom, still unwilling to talk to one another. Finally, Blossom decided to try to spark some excitement with music. She got her guitar out and began playing. Catching on quickly, Bubbles got behind her drum set and Buttercup picked up her bass guitar. For a few minutes, the boys just looked at them. Then the boy in purple went to one of his suitcases and began setting up a keyboard. His brother in gray followed suit, getting an acoustic guitar. The third brother pulled a saxophone out of his bag. Before long, the group was jamming to Jingle Bell Rock. This seemed to lighten things up so they finally decided to talk to each other. Blossom started for the girls. "Well in case you hadn't already heard from the Professor, I'm Blossom." The other girls quickly introduced themselves and for a moment all was silent. Finally, the boy in purple, who had been eating for the past few minutes, stood up. "Well, I guess I'll start for the boys. My name's Jingles and I'm the leader of the Guardian Angels." With that, he sat back down and began eating again. Next came the boy in gray. "Tinsel's my name. And I'll kill the first person that makes any mean comments about it." He turned to sit down, but tripped on the rug and fell on his face. As the other's laughed, the third boy stood. His brown eyes flashed as he prepared to introduce himself. "Snausages!" He cried, happily before sitting down. Tinsel, who was getting up now, decided to explain. "That was Gabriel. He the stupid one." "Tinsel!" Yelled Jingles. "Just because he's a few seeds short of an apple tree doesn't mean you have to pick on him." Tinsel glared at him before sitting down. Blossom took a moment to think about whom these three were. They had a bottomless pit, a klutz, and a moron. This was definitely gonna be an interesting Christmas. First battle together As the kids were finally getting to know one another, the hotline went off. Blossom was quick to answer. "Yes, Mayor...The Gangrene Gang...We're one it." She had barely hung up before she and her sisters flew off to save the day. The boys looked at them for a moment. "Shall we?" Asked Jingles. Gabriel looked at him, confused. "Shall we what?" Tinsel was about to reply but chose instead to just pick Gabriel up and lead him as the three of them raced off to help the girls. The Gangrene Gang were not the greatest criminals in the world. But they were definitely some of the meanest. They enjoyed sophomoric pranks and just causing trouble. And that's what they were doing at that moment at the Townsville Bowl o rama. Each member stood at a different part of the alley, causing all kinds of problems. At the snack bar, the largest member of the gang, Big Billy, was busily finishing off numerous food items. Crumbs from chips, popcorn, and soda dripped from his mouth as he shoved more and more down his throat. Meanwhile, at the bowl o rama's small arcade, Grubber, perhaps the oddest of the group was causing all sorts of carnage. Oddly enough, for being the weirdest one of the group, Grubber also seemed to be the smartest, knowing how to play violin, the languages of several countries, and why hotdogs come in packages of ten when hotdog rolls come in packages of eight. Not that any of this stopped him from causing trouble along with the others. At the alley itself stood the leader of the Gangrene Gang, Ace. By his side was his lackey, a creature that could only be referred to as Snake. In Ace's hand was the smallest member of the gang, Lil' Arturo. Ace rolled Arturo down the lane hitting all but one of the pins at the end. Snake turned to him. "S-s-s-s-sorry, Ace. No s-s-s-s-strike for you." He was met by a fist to the face by Ace. Before Ace could do anymore, the Powerpuff Girls burst through the ceiling. "Not so fast, Said Blossom. "Gangrene, Continued Buttercup. "Gang." Finished Bubbles. The Gang looked to them in fear. They'd been beaten senseless by them many times and knew what was coming. The girls proceeded to begin taking out the troublemakers. Before long, it looked like another victory for the girls. However, while Bubbles was taking care of Snake, Ace got a hold of a bowling ball and threw it at her. She turned in time to see it coming but not in time to move. The ball came speeding at her only to be intercepted by Jingles. Ace looked on in horror at the site of three more puffs looming down. Tinsel looked at Ace and commented, Boy, Ive seen a nose like yours before, but it looked better on the baboon. With that, the gang was practically demolished by the six youngsters. After mere minutes, the gang lay in a pile, unconscious. I hate saying goodbye, said Tinsel. But in your case, Ill do it gladly. As they flew back towards the house, the girls got a little ahead. Blossom whispered to her sisters. I was just thinking. Weve got these three staying for Christmas. We really should get them something present-like. Maybe we could draw them a pretty picture. Suggested Bubbles. Buttercup looked at her in disgust. Thats a stupid idea. They wouldnt want one of your stupid drawings. Tears began to swell in Bubbles eyes. Luckily, Blossom was there to attempt to settle things between them. Meanwhile, the boys were having a similar discussion. All Im saying, began Jingles. Is we need to get them something. They are taking us in for the holiday. Why dont we take them to the fireworks? Asked Gabriel. Thats for the fourth of July, Sushi brain! Taunted Tinsel. Gabriel retorted, Yeah, and I suppose turkey is for Thanksgiving. Before Tinsel could comment again, the girls flew back. Listen. Blossom announced. We need to take care of some things. No problem. Answered Jingles quickly. I was just about to suggest the boys and I go for a little sightseeing. We can find the house, so well meet you there later. They all agreed and soon were flying away from one another. Tinsel looked back to see how far away the girls were. Do you really think well come up with something to give them for Christmas? He asked. I think you should look ahead when you lead. Answered Jingles. Tinsel looked at him confused before running into a telephone pole. Jingles shook his head sadly. Christmas with Jojo In his lair atop volcano top observatory, a sinister creature lurked. Usually this one would be planning ways to torture his most hated enemies, the Powerpuff Girls. But today, he hid in fear from the torture he was facing himself. "Jojo!" Called a shrill voice. He cringed, hoping she wouldn't find him. Mojo Jojo, who had been created by the same blast that made the girls, feared very little. However the sound of this voice sent chill racing down his spine. "Jojo," the voice screamed again. "You answer your mother!" Indeed, the thing Mojo feared most was the visitation of his own mother. He began praying that she wouldn't find him. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. The door to his lab burst open and she loomed over him. "Curses." He muttered to himself. She grabbed him by the ear and dragged him out into the main area of the observatory. She would have chastised him further, but there was a sudden knock at the door. Mojo quickly opened the door to see three young boys who looked a lot like his old creation, the Rowdyruff Boys. He looked at them, confused. They gave him a similar look before the boy in purple stepped forward. "Uh, hi." He began. "We're friends of the Powerpuff Girls and we were hoping you could help us find Christmas presents for us." Mojo couldn't believe what he was hearing. Why would three boys ask him of all people, what to give the Powerpuff Girls for Christmas. "No. I will not help you choose presents for the Powerpuff Girls. The Powerpuff Girls are my enemies. I hate them, because they always foil my plans. Because they foil my plans, I hate them and will not help you choose their Christmas presents." The boys looked at one another, not sure what to make of his words. Before they could come up with anything to say, Mojo's mother appeared at the door. "Oh, children." She squealed. "Come in and have some milk and cookies." Mojo's eyes widened. "No! I do not wish to give milk and cookies to the friends of the Powerpuff Girls. For the Powerpuff Girls are my enemies, and- -" Before he could continue, she grabbed his ear again and dragged him indoors. "Curses." He muttered, a little louder. The boys followed and sat at a small table Mojo's mother had set up. Before long Jingles had wiped out the entire plate of cookies. He then smiled, happily. Gabriel looked at him for a moment. "Dolphins like to play baseball to save the whales." He said. Mojo looked at him confused. Tinsel, however, had his own idea of how to react. "You know, Gabriel." He began. "I'd like to pick your brain but I don't have tweezers that small." Mojo got up and went into his lab, hoping to find a way to get rid of the Powerpuff Girls' new friends. For a while, he searched before his mother called in. "Jojo. Are you okay? Did you have and accident?" Mojo grimaced as the boys could be heard laughing. He stood still for a moment. Jingles voice came next. "Listen, we'd love to stay, but we've got to finish searching for Christmas presents." As they flew off, Mojo continued to stand still. Finally, all the rage inside him came out. "CURSES!!!!!!" As he was letting his pain out, another vile villain was planning the pain of others. However, this villain was different. This villain was worse then any other. This villain was the ultimate evil. This villain could only be referred to as Him. "Yes," He said in a terribly sweet tone. "Soon, I'll make this a Christmas the girls will never forget." Suddenly, his voice changed to an evil growl. "When the girls are separated and destroyed." With that, he disappeared into a dark mist, and flew out to put his evil plan into action. Seperation Townsville mall. The center for all sorts of action, especially during Christmas. People crowded around the mall making last minute preparations for the upcoming big day. Among those people were the Powerpuff Girls. Unfortunately, despite all the time they spent there, they couldn't find a good gift to give the boys for Christmas. The main problem they seemed to have was the fact that they still didn't really know the boys well enough to find good presents for them. "This is hopeless." Sighed Buttercup. "How are we going to ever find the right gifts for them. I don't know why we're doing this anyway." Blossom was quick to retort. "We're doing this because they're our guests. It would be rude not to give them something. Now stop complaining!" "Don't tell me what to do, Leader Girl!" Buttercup yelled back. "Girls, please don't fight." Pleaded Bubbles. "Shut up and stay out of it." Was the response from Buttercup. Bubbles baby blue eyes began to swell with tears. Before Buttercup could say anything more, however, a dark mist entered the mall and slammed into her. The other two didn't see it. Buttercup stood completely still and stared straight ahead. Her sisters looked at her, concerned. For Blossom, the concern turned to rage as Buttercup continued to stand still and not answer. Finally, Buttercup, turned and flew out of the mall. This only infuriated Blossom further. "Fine!" She yelled. "Go on then!" She turned away and sulked while Bubbles continued to look at where Buttercup had been. Meanwhile, Buttercup flew, with a glassy look in her eyes, to the lair of Him. Once there, she stood against the wall and fell into an even deeper trance. Him appeared beside her. "Now that I have you, my sweet Buttercup." He said. "The other girls will have no way to stop me." He laughed evilly as his plan continued to unfold. Blossom and Bubbles returned home, expecting to find Buttercup sulking in their room. Much to their surprise, she was nowhere to be found. Bubbles was really beginning to worry but Blossom attempted to calm her. "Don't worry." She said. "I'm sure Buttercup just needs to blow off some steam. She'll be back when she feels better." Bubbles wasn't convinced, but she tried to put on a strong front for Blossom. She knew that Blossom had enough problems going on after the fight with Buttercup to worry about her. Her thoughts were interrupted by the hotline. Blossom ran to answer it. "Yes, Mayor. Wow, really. We're on it." She hung up and turned to Bubbles. "We've got another monster." She began. "A big one according to the mayor." They flew off, but Bubbles was extremely worried. She knew neither her nor Blossom had the fighting skill to beat a monster without Buttercup's help. Somehow, this was not going to be good. Another loss Monsters in Townsville were a common occurrence. It seemed unusual for a monster not to be attacking the city. This was no exception. But this monster was particularly ugly. Its green skin almost appeared to be just poured onto its body. Its large eyes pierced the sky and its razor edged yellow teeth seemed to be just searching for something to clamp down on. The worst part was the large horn on top of its head. A weird clear liquid seemed to pouring from it. As it saw the Powerpuff Girls flying towards it, the monster let out an earth shattering roar. This didn't phase the girls, however. They'd faced many monsters before and a simple roar wasn't enough to scare them. They began attacking from all ends, trying to confuse the monster. For a while it seemed to work, however, the lack of Buttercup's fighting skill proved evident. The monster simply swatted them away and moved in for the kill. Suddenly, the earth began to shake, causing the monster to stumble. Everyone turned to see that Tinsel had been the cause of the quake. His brothers stood beside him ready to fight. With the sides even, things started looking very bad for the monster. But, as Bubbles flew above it to attack, it caught her in the arm with its horn. She fell to the ground. Blossom flew forward and took a deep breath. Using her ice breath, she froze the monster. Jingles cam forward next. Instead of ice, it was fire that came out of his mouth. The sudden switch from cold to hot caused the monster to explode. Tinsel looked at the remains in distain. "Take your face to outer space!" His expression changed when he saw the others huddled around Bubbles, who hadn't moved. Gabriel picked up her arm and looked at the wound. "Schlamek." He said. Jingles was the only one who seemed to understand him. "Poison." He translated. He moved the others back and kneeled down beside Bubbles. As he picked up her arm, he seemed to be bracing himself for something. Then, without warning, he began sucking on the wound. Blossom turned quickly to ask Gabriel what Jingles was doing, but thought better of it and asked Tinsel instead. Hes sucking the poison out of her and taking it in himself. He answered, in a matter of fact tone. After a few minutes, he let go and fell to ground. For a moment, he didnt even breath and Blossom thought he might be dead. Finally, he sat up, licked his lips, and said, I love spicy food. Seeing the look on Blossoms face, he told her not worry because nothing could damage his stomach. They picked up Bubbles, who was still unconscious, and carried her back to the house. Once there, while the Professor checked on Bubbles, the others sat, worried in the living room. Blossom, as would make sense, seemed to be taking it the hardest. Seeing this, Gabriel decided to help make her feel better. Ill tell you what it is. He began. Is she injured? Is the other missing? Dont worry. Its circuses. Its pepperoni and cheese. People are people. With that, he happily sat down. Blossom couldnt help but giggle a little at this comment from Gabriel. Then she turned to Jingles. Why did you guys get involved anyway? She asked. Youre here for a break. Jingles smiled. Being a superhero never ends. Its what we do. Continued Tinsel. Its who we are. Added Gabriel. Not all angels are female. Finished Jingles. Youd never believe how long it took to teach Gabriel that. Thats good. Responded Blossom. She thought again about the three new boys. Gabriel was truly an idiot, but he really meant well, she could tell. Tinsel was very not only a klutz, but also sarcastic and a little mean. And then there was Jingles. He had taken poison for Bubbles. She knew that shed never forget that. Her thoughts were interrupted by the Professors entrance into the room. Jingles quickly put down the few remains of the extra large pizza hed eaten and joined the others who had run to see what was going on with Bubbles. Calm down. Professor Utonium began. The injection of the poison sent her into shock and right now shes slipped into a coma. All we can do in wait and pray. Blossom couldnt believe it. Shed lost two sisters in one day. This was turning out to be the worst Christmas of her life. Buttercup found From his lair, Him watched happily at the sad group waiting for Bubbles. His plan was working perfectly and now, he was ready for the next part. Of all the items he had in his lair, right now he was most pleased with his own version of the Powerpuff hotline. And now was the perfect opportunity to use it. He led Buttercup to the phone and began the next stage of his sinister plan. Meanwhile, the kids were still wondering what to do next. Buttercup was missing and Bubbles was sick. Before anyone could think of anything to say, the hotline rang. Blossom hurried to answer it. "Hello...Buttercup!...Are you alright?...Don't worry. We'll help you." She hung up and turned to the others. "Buttercup's in trouble. Let's go." She had barely spoken the words before the group was flying to out find Buttercup. They didn't have to fly far to find the alley Buttercup was sitting in. She appeared hurt and Blossom was quick to go over to her. However, before she could say anything, Buttercup nailed her, sending her flying back to the group. Catching them off guard, she began beating down on them. Gabriel however seemed completely unharmed. He acted like he was firing a blast from his hands but nothing came out. Instead, it came from his shadow and hit Buttercup's shadow. She recoiled from this. "Schlamek!" He cried. Buttercup pulled herself up and her eyes began to flash red as she prepared her eye beams. As she charged up, the redness began to darken. Blossom, knowing what was coming, yelled to the others and jumped out of the alley. Jingles grabbed Gabriel, who wouldnt have been smart enough to do anything himself and flew out of the alley with him. Tinsel was about to follow, but he tripped on a pop can and fell to the ground. He looked up to see Buttercup about to fire the now blood red beams. Oh man! he groaned. She fired. The entire area lit with red light. Finally she stopped and flew upwards. Jingles looked in. Gabriel. He yelled. Follow her! Gabriel flew off in the direction Buttercup had gone. Jingles and Blossom flew over to Tinsel who wasnt moving. Blossom checked him over and turned to Jingles. Quick. She said. We need to get him to the Professor. They carried him off. Blossom couldnt believe this. There was only three of them left. What kind of Christmas was this turning out to be? Inner thoughts Blossom and Jingles sat together thinking. They were all that was left of two once great crime fighting teams. Buttercup had turned on them, Bubbles was in a coma, Tinsel was almost killed by Buttercup, and Gabriel had disappeared. "I never should have sent him after her by himself." Jingles said, partially to himself. "He can't take care of himself out here. I should have followed her myself." Blossom turned to him. "If you don't mind my asking, why did you guys come here anyway?" "Professor Zinc had a science expo he was gonna teach at and we needed to go somewhere. He thought this would be a good time for us to meet you." "But don't you worry about crime back home?" she asked. "Things have been extremely quiet lately. We haven't had much trouble since the death of Blackpool." She looked at him confused. "Blackpool?" "Blackpool was a dangerous man back home who wanted to create a killer army. He made a substance using different animals. His plan was to use the serum to give his army the powers of animals. His first victim escaped after being turned and came to us. His mind couldn't take the change and, well, he died. Not knowing of the death, Blackpool tried to turn Tinsel into one of his soldiers. We stopped him and he ended falling into the serum. That was the last we've ever seen of him." Blossom was amazed. There were so many new things she was learning about these new friends. She turned to Jingles again only to see him with a large sandwich in front of him. He sure can eat, she thought. He had other things on his mind, however. He felt bad for Blossom. Tinsel was hurt, but at least he was conscious. Bubbles still hadn't come to. She had to be taking this terribly despite her cheerful demenor. Then another thought occurred to him. "It's kind of funny." He said. "Tinsel never admitted it, and he'd kill me if he knew I was telling you, but he likes Buttercup. I can see it in his eyes. Not something I thought I'd ever see in him." He chuckled at this. Blossom thought about it and began giggling. "I've noticed the same thing about Buttercup. She'd never say anything, but I could tell she liked him." They laughed for a moment. Suddenly, Jingles stopped laughing and thought about what they'd just discussed. A smile crept across his face. Before Blossom knew what had happened, he jumped up and flew to the bedroom where Bubbles and Tinsel were laying. Not sure what was going on, she followed. Jingles tapped him on the shoulder, startling him. The surprise almost knocked him out of the bed. He glared at Jingles. "I've got an idea of how we can come back from behind." Jingles told him. Blossom went over to him. "But what about Gabriel?" Jingles smiled at her. "I think I've got an idea about that too." She looked at him, confused. But she had confidence that he knew what he was doing. At least, she hoped he did.
To be continued...By Staledogg |