Archive of Our Own

"Can't believe we're in this town again," she sighed, peering over Townsville, standing in her confined room about five stories above.

Gazing upon the town's landscape, old memories flooded her mind, bittersweet and cold. Prominent ones, which aided in her independence and perseverance for her and her brothers' survival. Then, occasionally, a certain color would linger in her thoughts.

A light knock echoed in the nearly unpacked room, snapping her away from her thoughts.

She removed her gaze. "Come in."

Backing away from the glass, she plopped onto her mint-fresh bed, drinking in her semi-functional room.

"Pen, I finished unpacking my room and the bathroom; all that's left is the kitchen. We seriously need to get some eats in," he informed.

She rose from her seat. "We can go pick up some in thirty? First, I need to drop off some of our documents that they need at school before tomorrow."

Shuffling, she slipped on her shoes, shut her bedroom door, tramping into her now fully furnished living room. She studied her new living space, which was quite spacious and pristine, perfect for a family of four, although more than enough space for just her and her brother. A wide, high-definition TV was installed flawlessly in the center of the wall. She could already picture Alec using it often. He would most likely hook his console up. She can see him worshipping it now. Fronting the teenage boy magnet rested a cream couch that sat around eight people.

Did I need such a huge couch?

No, but it's nice to have.

She hurriedly grabbed her keys off the kitchen table, noting the bare cabinets and refrigerator.

"I'll be back in ten, be ready by then, and we can head to Malphs!" she yelled from the front door. A faint "Okay," from the other room. With that, she slipped out the front door.

Eyeing the school in front of her as she sat in the parking lot, her car speakers muttering a nineties rock band, she stared skeptically at the worn welcome sign covered in colorful signatures of teachers' names.

The semester had started a few days ago, and the Welcome sign was still hanging.

I bet the administrators wanted to lock in school spirit, or someone was just too lazy to take it down.

It was pretty high above the red metal doors.

Just in time, thirty minutes past five; the school secretary's hours close at six—good timing.

Heading into the school, it was more vibrant than on the outside. Blue lockers lined up on the beige textured walls, dozens of windows, and dark green doors down the corridors.

This school might give the circus a run for its money, so damn bright.

Eventually making it to the office on the right side, she dropped off the rest of the final documents needed for their enrollment to start immediately.

"You're all set." The secretary declared.

"Cool, thanks," she replied quickly, turning on her heels and heading out of the nauseating establishment.

Alongside her car, dialing Alec, "Head down to the lobby, I'm on my way—."

BOOM SKKRRRATT CRASH

She immediately hung up before he could respond, shoving her slim phone into her back jeans pocket, her head darting to the sound.

In the distant past, many streets had three pastel streaks soaring overhead in the sky, trailing the loud boom towards the city.

Interesting.

Shutting her front car door, hands gripped on the steering wheel, speeding the opposite way amid the chaos.

***

"Jesus fucking Christ, save some kissing for the bedroom, lovebirds!" Buttercup grimaced as she landed on the school grounds next to the blues, who were displaying a bit too much public affection.

Butch landed a few seconds after Buttercup. "Way to rub it in, Boomer. We get it, y'all happy, but not everyone wants to see it," Butch retorted.

Ever since Boomer and Bubbles got together during the summer, they could barely stay apart from each other.

Butch was happy for Boomer, as the Blues had been dancing around each other's feelings for years. What no one expected was the hours they'd spend together kissing, making up for lost time. A lot of kissing in public, at school, at the end of patrols, even at home on Bellum's couch—they didn't even care that Brick and he could hear them smacking lips in the other room. Some days, Butch felt like Boomer was giving him payback for calling him a "virgin gay loser" all these years.

"Mornin', guys." Robin walked over, sunlight hitting her brown hair. Her blue eyes are dazzlingly bright. Mike and Mitch in tow.

"Hey, Robin," Bubbles and Buttercup replied. Bubbles no longer attached to her boyfriend's face. A small huddle was forming on the sidewalk of the front courtyard, and more students congregated in the surrounding area before class.

Before a conversation could even begin, Blossom emerged, announcing to them key points from her early student council meeting.

"Remember, a class meeting is going to be held in the auditorium before noon. Make sure you're all there, especially on time."

Buttercup and Butch were pretty sure that last part was directed at them—well, mainly Butch; he was notorious for arriving late to school meetings or occasionally not showing up at all.

The group murmured several okays and yeses.

He sighed, exhaling through pursed lips.

She gave him a look; "I mean it."

Butch was glad it was just pink ones, not red ones. Don't get him wrong, he had respect for the Pink Puff and her ability to lead and her opinions, just didn't see eye to eye on anything school-related when it's a load of bullshit. Brick's smart ass would likely force him to go to this assembly, as Blossom thinks it's important — she thinks that for everything.

Speaking of, I saw him leave earlier. Shouldn't he be here by now?

"Where's Brick?" Mike questioned. "I haven't seen him yet."

Brick would usually be with the group, standing off to the side, observing the conversations, only adding input when something important was brought up, like going over patrols with her or to reprimand his brothers.

"He's here; he went inside to bring in something for Keane." The Blue Ruff brushed off.

Butch said confidently. "He was fiddling with a doohickey of his, something important; his tinkering was messing with my morning man handle the ham candle time he totally ruined my flow."

Blinks and disgusted looks aimed at the feral Ruff.

Not a single wrinkle of discomfort on Butch's face.

The freckled boy Mitch crossed his arms. "Anyway, what's this stupid assembly even about, Bloss? I really don't want to sit through another one." He lazily leaned back against the sturdy metal bike rack."We just had one on monster protocol, just in case you girls are fighting a big nasty near the school."

"Junior class-based activities like standardized testing, class rings, and…prom."

She couldn't help but trail off, finally stating, prom, preparing for the shrieks and squeals to emit from Bubbles and Robin. Already foretold their reaction to the highly anticipated event of their high school career.

"OMG! I have so many ideas for a theme—are they gonna let us vote for which one we want? Ooh, maybe I can somehow convince Prinny to rig the drawing for us when she comes back from Paris," Robin blurted.

Bubbles nodded in agreement, clearly on board with persuading Princess to use her wealthy status for the sake of saving their divine night. "Princess will definitely have a say in the theme; she wouldn't allow anyone to choose her fashion choices for prom."

Eye rolls and snorts from the guys—and Buttercup—they all can undeniably care less about the specifics of it all. Give it to Robin and the Blue Puff to debate on what would be "suitable" for prom.

Butch wiggled his brows, smirking. "I can care less what the theme is as long as I get to see some fine babes on the dance floor." Mitch, Boomer, and Mike snickered but were abruptly cut off by the girls throwing glares their way.

"Since it spiked your interest, I expect you all to be there." Pink eyes sternly looked at the group.

"Got it, sis, even though it's gonna be a pain to—." A loud engine roared, dragging up the parking lot, cutting off Buttercup's words, and gaining everyone's attention in the front yard.

***

This is for the greater good right now.

Scrutinizing her hollow black backpack lying on the edge of her bed. Never expected that she would end up back in this town, let alone attend school here again.

Placing necessary materials in her bag, laptop, and a box of pencils to give her bag some weight, she reminded herself that with her mother still at large in Citysville, she could finally get some peace here and no more jobs she had to carry out.

She needed to leave before her mom got her killed or worse, her brother.

Don't get her wrong, she loved certain elements of carrying out a job; it was thrilling, more exhilarating, weaving in and out through the night. But it gets tiresome when you're constantly called upon to do her damned modus operandi. Or to never check in on us when she placed us in life-threatening positions, more so me, plenty of times, leaving my brother alone with that sack of shit, fucking greaseball, he never left the couch, only for a cold one.

Tugging hard on the silver tap at the end of the zipper, realizing her actions, she released her irritation, slowly descending. It is what it is, just gonna have to live with it like I always do. This time, grabbing her bag by its shoulder strap, she slipped one arm through the loop; the bag hoisted on her side, ready to leave her apartment.

"Alec, hurry the hell up! Come on! I wanna get there a bit early; I wanna find a good parking spot."

He was in the kitchen leaning on the counter, hovering above his bowl, stuffing his face with mouthfuls of sugary, colorful, fruit-flavored cornflakes.

Alec said between rushed bites. "Damn, let me finish this first." A loud swallow, then a pat on his stomach."Gotta feed the gut, or I'll get cranky."

Finally, after he finished devouring his bowl, they both trailed to the lobby, exited to the parking lot, and slipped into the leather seats.

"Kind of nervous but excited, I'm gonna try out for the soccer team. I looked them up; they seem pretty good. They'd be even better if I got on," Alec remarked as they stopped at a red light.

She nudged his arm, still paying attention to the road ahead."First day jitters, I get it, you'll do fine, you've got nothing to worry about besides meeting other smelly sophomores."

"What are you trying to say?"

"Nothing, just—you'll fit right in."

A soft, playful punch to the arm.

The school appeared in view, and students huddled together outside an empty parking slot available just a few slots away from the red double doors' entrance.

She ran her hand through her hair. "Well, we're here; let's get this shitshow over with," she sighed.

***

"Hot Damn! Look at that whip! It's a fucking beauty!" Butch howled in admiration.

"Pretty sure that's a recent model! It's gotta cost a ton!" Mitch said in awe. Boomer and Mike, who both have their eyes glued to the black Camaro, both of their mouths parted in astonishment.

"Oh god! Look at the wheels—perfect for racing!" The green-eyed ruff perked. "Fuck! I need to drive it—I'm definitely gonna drive it!"

Looks like not only were they eyeing the sleek black sports car, students in the front courtyard were too.

"I can't lie, it is nice, but what kid can afford that besides Princess?" Buttercup chimed in.

"Don't know, don't care, they're gonna let give it a spin. "He licked his lips, still gawking at the vehicle as if he were in some sort of trance. He gave this car his full attention, racking his eyes all over the body of the car.

A slight twitch. His eyes twinkled with lust.

Boomer sighed at that.

"Let's calm down; now it's just a nice car. Don't start twitching out. Do I need to inform Brick about this goal of yours?" Pink eyes peered at the chaotic Ruff again.

Butch stiffened. "No need to tell him I'll chill—he then gave a cocky grin, mischief in his eyes, but I will hundred percent be making a new friend this year." Blossom pinched the bridge of her nose.

Butch was already in Brick's crosshairs from an incident last week at the gym where he broke the basketball board in a match between him and Buttercup, costing a pretty penny. Brick was beyond pissed she had to help calm him down in Ms. Keane's office, or he would've attempted fratricide… again. Luckily, the school was planning on getting new baseboards for the year anyway, so no bill was coming the team's way.

Blossom couldn't understand the sudden attraction to the car; even Robin and her sisters were discussing the appearance of the never-before-seen car. Yes, it was a nice car. She's seen plenty like that at Morebuck's mansion when Princess would invite her and her sisters, plus Robin, over for movie night. She has many lined up just to get into the kitchen, for crying out loud. It's just another expensive car.

The real million-dollar question. Who is driving that car?

Two people came out of the car, two unknown faces she had never seen attending here before.

They were heading straight to the sidewalk, finally able to get a clear view.

A young teen boy with short, trimmed black hair, freckled tan skin, a chiseled jaw, and almond-shaped, leafy green eyes. The girl mirrored the boy, especially with the peculiar, alluring eyes. Unlike her brother, she had a soft chin, sharp cheekbones, and a single maroon strip in her black hair. She was pretty, gorgeous, if she was being honest. The pair both look to be in good shape; the dark ensemble clothing they were wearing keyed in on their athletic build.

Quick familiarity washed over her, but she couldn't pinpoint where. She was sure she had never met or seen these two before. Those striking eyes were distinct from hers.

She couldn't have met them before—could she?

***

"I really appreciate this, Brick, thank you."

He shook his head, twisting a cyan wire. "No need to thank me; it's really all in the day's work, just keeping the school safe."

She pointed at a black and white infinity sign on the white digital hotline. The X-Team's logo."So, clicking this will alert you guys immediately?"

"Exactly, by clicking the button, it'll send an alert to me, my brothers, and the girls' phones, and an emergency bell throughout the halls. I figured to add an emergency bell to manage crowd control while we're out fighting whatever, just to make things easier."

"Still can't believe you programmed it yourself; it's so… advanced, but I can't expect anything less from one of my top students. I'd say it's way better than the old hotline the girls had."

"It's a total upgrade, the perks they get for working with us, Ruffs now. Couldn't have my team using old tech. Plus, its old alarm was insufferable." He shook his head in remembrance of that god-awful bell.

"I suppose so, gosh, it really was a terrible-sounding bell."

"Blossom thought so too; that's why I got her—us—all a new one." Clearing his throat, he hastily tightened the last bolt, taking a step back from the creamy wall where the white digital hotline that resembled a refrigerator screen was mounted. He crossed his arms over his chest, admiring his work.

Now let's see it on.

He clicked the large black X button at the bottom of the screen; the screen brightened up and displayed every member's ID on the team, and no new alerts. He then pressed the logo's button. Putting the alerts on hold just to test the sound in her office. A gentle bell rings from the hotline.

It's pretty damn good. I programmed it well. This is way better than that alarm clock professor called a hotline. No real criticism of him—he's an absolute genius, maybe a bit tone deaf.

"The new hotline is now in play for whatever Townsville has to throw at us."

"Great! Once again, Brick, thank you. I mean it when I say this—the school will appreciate this." "I believe so will the team."

"It's in the job description. I'll see you later, Keane."

Brick blew out his cheeks, hands shoved in his front pocket, striding down the hall, heading out to meet everyone in the front courtyard. Single foot past the double red doors, he spots dozens of kids swarming the sidewalk right where his brothers and the gang stood.

Great, what now?

***

"No. fucking. way."

"What the hell is that, Pen? Holy shit! Is that Alec?"

Shared dumbfounded looks between the green-eyed and blue-eyed brothers.

"Wait, who? You guys know them?" Buttercup was the only one to ask in the crowd.

"Oh, for fuck's sakes, Butch, Boom, what did you fuckers do?"

Shoving to the front, barely having a view from the corner of his eye as more students piled up front. His brothers better not have pulled some stupid shit again; he just got done reassuring Bellum from last week's greens incident. Making it to the front, bouncing off students, he made direct eye contact with the girl.

He abruptly stiffened his lips, slightly parted. Like a deer caught in headlights.

"It's you."

"You guys know her?" she slipped him a curious glance.

She had never really seen Brick this staggered before; it's like he's completely frozen, processing whether the girl before him is really in this moment right now. It was a sight to see the timid, antisocial, hot-tempered rowdy leader stunned, nearly lost for words, just because of this new girl. This so-called "Pen" must have some sort of history with them? She took notice of the other ruffs, who were just as stupefied.

Butch flared open his arms, running in for a hug. "Pen!"

WHACCCKKK PSUSHH

In an immediate blur of scarlet and orange, Brick launched and ricocheted Butch into the cement pavement in the parking lot. Luckily, no cars were parked, or Brick would have obliterated them, although he did narrowly miss some students. Setting off multiple car alarms. Some students scattered at the beat.

Underneath the rubble, they could hear a groan, then sudden sniggering.

Wide eyes from the student body are looking directly at the person who committed such a careless act.

"Eager, aren't you?" Boomer snickered at Brick's current impulsive behavior.

Brick, now in front of Pen, still shocked, his eyes roaming over her, trying to verify her existence.

"HAHAHAA! He got put straight on his ass." The Black-haired Puff obnoxiously cackled. "This just made my morning."

"Seriously? Brick! That could've injured a student! Mrs. Keane won't be happy with the damage!"

Brick ignored their comments. He'll acknowledge Blossom and apologize to Keane later.

"What's up, Ruff?"

Three simple words that confirmed her appearance. His face had softened instantly. He stretched out his arms and held her in his grasp, a genuine smile on his face.

"Whoa! Never seen him hug anyone before." Blonde Puff perked, just like everyone else.

"Same, I never even saw him hug his own brothers!" Mike inched forward, drinking in the sight.

Buttercup's eyebrows raised."Wow, Brick has emotions, who would've thought?"

Dusty, Butch strides back to the circle, rubble and powdery concrete on his shoulders. Buttercup grabbed a handful of crumbly stone off him, flicking it right back into his face. "Eat shit again," she chuckled, then flipped him the bird. "Wha—phfffuck! It got in my mouth." More laughs bubbled out of the Puff.

Patting the dust off his face, hands, and pants. "I'd like a hug too, you know I would've had one if you didn't throw me into shit."

Boomer gave him a dull thwack on Butch's back."Thats your fault for getting between him and his favorite girl."

Brick completely ignored his comment.

She's his favorite girl?

What the hell is going on?

"Big bro, I want one too stop hogging her up!"

Brick's arms still wrapped around her for a few extra seconds before releasing.

She definitely had history with the Ruffs, more so Brick, she thought. He never brought her up to her, at least. Brick wasn't too keen on talking too much about his past before Bellum to Blossom. He said he didn't find the need to; it was all in the papers anyway. After the Ruffs moved in with Bellum, the boys turned a new leaf. They started by helping us in fights when needed. Brick became dependable; his brothers became useful. Slowly, they became heroes, winning over the hearts of Townsville citizens. She and Brick worked so well together that they became co-leaders on the X-Team, Powerpuff's and Rowdyruff's, alongside each other to fight crime in Townsville. Over the years, they grew closer—from childhood enemies to acquaintances to a friend, she would say.

Freeing Pen from his grip, who also had a smile plastered on her face.

"Come here, you two losers."

As they rushed to her, she nabbed them in for a tight hug, the Blue and Green Ruff on opposite sides of her, her hands tousled their hair.

Three authentic smiles. A smile she never gotten from Brick before. He's smiled at her before, just never like this. Refreshing, warm, and authentic, it was charming. Buried deep down, she wished he looked at her like that just once.

"Um, excuse me, am I fucking invisible? I'm here too."

"Bro, you've gotten so big almost didn't recognize ya, stud. How are the ladies treating ya these days?" Butch threw his arm over Alec.

Boomer shook his head. "Of course you'd ask him that, man, it's good to see you; well, see you both."

"This is a cute reunion, but how do you guys know each other?" Robin asked, her voice carried above others.

These fresh faces brought chatter simply on their entrance, but the volume outside picked up as students gossiped about the Rowdyruffs' relationship to the new students.

"Oh, my bad, I'm Penelope, and this is my younger brother, Alec. We just moved here from Citysville."

"We go wayyyy back, had some fun times together in those cells, but I think Officer Boozy Beckham had more." Butch snickered.

"Dude, Larry was just too easy sometimes. I remember when we slipped those pil—."

"—She's a childhood friend when we were under Mojo." Brick interrupted, attempting to cut that last part that Boomer managed to reveal. A glare darted to Boomer.

"When we were in Juvie, this gal right here made our stay a bit more enjoyable." Butch snickered. Now it was his turn to tousle Penelope's hair.

"Juvie?" Robin's eyebrows raised.

The remaining crowd, suddenly not interested anymore, began to disperse as the second bell echoed off the outside walls, informing students that class would start in ten minutes.

"Yeah, Juvie, I was lucky enough to have these dorks by my side." Glancing at all three Ruffs. Making her way down the line, taking a slight extra second to look at Brick.

Well, that explains the whole congress meeting. The boys haven't seen her in years. They haven't gone back to Juvie since living under Bellum's care.

She peered at the black car, two questions still unanswered.

"This is gonna sound super weird. Even though this is our first time meeting, have I seen you around before?" Bubbles asked.

"Something about you two just looks so familiar—especially you, Penelope." "Did we meet when we were kids, assuming since you went to Juvie in Townsville?" Blossom also asked.

"You Powerpuffs had many run-ins with our mom when you were kids," Alec interjected.

"Really, who?" The Puffs said simultaneously.

"Sedusa," Pen simply said.

"Sedusa! She's your mom?" Bubbles shrieked.

"Well, shit, we haven't seen her in years, we guessed she left—she did Citysville." Buttercup plopped her hands against her thighs in realization. "Can't believe she had kids."

"Wait, did she have you guys before she tried to get with Professor U?" Mitch tilted his head in thought.

A sharp elbow to the ribs of the freckled boy. His eyes darted to the Brunette Puff.

Wincing in pain."Fuck that hurt."

Alec gave a flat, unimpressed stare. "Take a wild guess."

That explains the sleek black car. She's a thief, just like her mother. No delinquent teen would end up in a high-security prison that's holding the RowdyRuffs if they weren't committing high-tier crimes. Sedusa caused an immense amount of crime during her time in Townsville. She infiltrated and manipulated the professor and initiated heists with the Gang Green Gang, and now, after all these years off the grid, her children ironically enroll in Townsville High after all this time?

I don't buy it.

Sedusa was one of their top villains as children. Of course, she's gonna be skeptical.

"Is she currently in Townsville right now?"

The light chatter died; all eyes focused on Blossom.

Brick straightened up, and so did his brothers. Bubbles gave a slight nod to Blossom. Buttercup cocked an eyebrow. The rest, too, had quizzical gazes.

Peering back at Brick, his previous soft expression went blank. He knew it too, even though it's nice for him to reconnect with an old friend, there could be an alternative motive at play. Things are different now. He's a protector of Townsville, her co-leader, and an essential member of the team. It makes perfect sense for me to question them.

The heartwarming reunion turned thick.

All eyes were giving Penelope and Alec expectant stares.

"No, she's still in that shitty city."

"Are you guys currently working for her?"

"Hell no! I don't work for her; Alec doesn't carry out any jobs for her."

"So she's at an all-time high in Citysville?"

Her jaw clenched. "Yes."

Glancing at the Red Ruff, she slid him a guarded look. Her mouth set in a hard line. We just met this girl, of course, she—they won't say anything; they just got here, and technically they haven't done anything illegal—yet. I can't do anything. The Ruffs seem to be happy with their appearance. I'll let it slide today. I'll research more on them later.

She sighed.

"Since you're familiar with the Ruffs,' I'll take your word, but if I get a hint that you're scheming with Sedusa, it will disappear. Don't make me regret it. First and final warning."

She knitted her brows and huffed. "Listen, I'm not here to dick around or play super villain; that's Sedusa's goal, not mine. We're just here for an education, just like everyone else."

The third and final warning bell rings. Just about five minutes before class starts.

One serious glance towards Penelope. Another sent back.

"Uhem." Cutting through the tension. "Come on, guys, breakfast is about to be over. I wanna grab my double chocolate muffin before class." Mike whined.

"Oh, uh, yes, let's hurry. I kind of want one too." Robin rushed, pushing Mike to the red double door entrance without a look at the group.

Blossom smoothed her skirt. "Brick, did you give the last report to Keane?"

"I did. I also got yo—nevermind I'll tell you later." He rushed.

He pivoted to face Penelope. "Let's go get your schedule. I can show you to your classes."

He latched a hand onto her wrist, leading her to the doors.

"Come on, dude, let's get you checked in too," Butch and Boomer urged the rest to follow as class was going to start soon.

Blossom behind them all, slowly walking, revising the events that just happened, the information that was presented, and the one-sided feelings bubbling in her chest.

Definitely Sedusa's daughter, but what did she do to end up with the Ruffs in jail? Was she some sort of juvenile vigilante? How was I not aware of her, most of the criminals down in those cells with the Ruffs we put in there? She had to have been working with Sedusa; that's the only way she could end up in that predicament. She must have spent years with the boys down there. The Ruffs look to be super close with her, a bit too close. How could he hide from me that Sedusa had children, let alone friends with them? Bubbles is not too keen on her already, especially not with that hug. Brick literally risked multiple students' lives for a hug. He's never shown that sort of affection for anything, his brothers, or even when we were at Mike's and Big Tilly's; there's not a single stroke of her soft fur. Hell, all I get are smirks and snickers out of him, but he gives a big smile to a girl he hasn't seen since being locked up.

With an exhale, she stopped in her tracks. She turned to face the parking lot, a slight frown as she ogled the black car.

What makes her so special?

"Bloss, hurry up!"

"Coming!"