A/N: This is my first fanfic. It's a little different, a bit darker than most. Hope you enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Powerpuff Girls

Beta'd by amythist7. Thanks for your thoughts!

Prologue

A young man walked down a shadowy hallway. His father had summoned him. At the end of the hall was the door to his father's room. The young man took several deep breaths, preparing himself for what was ahead and the turned the knob. He hated this place. Not because he hated his father but because of the assault on his senses. The first thing to hit him was the smell: decaying meat and disinfectant. Next was the constant beep of the monitors and hum of the machines. Then, finally, there was the sight of his dad lying in a hospital bed, his once-strong body a mere husk of papery skin and fragile bones. He loved his father and hated seeing him like this, barely alive while machines breathed for him and fed him. His father's eyes were so bloodshot they appeared red, his black irises seeming to drink in any vestiges of light.

"Come…closer…, son," the sick man breathed as he noticed the young man, each word seemingly forced from his desiccated frame. The youth stepped to his father's bedside. " It is time to put our plan into action," he said struggling for air between each word.

"I'm ready," the young man replied.

"Son, if you have any doubts at all, now is the time to express them. This is your last chance to back out." That was the longest speech the youth had heard from his father in months and it seemed to take all the strength out of him.

"Dad," he began, "this is like the hundredth time you've offered me a way out. I've spent my life preparing for this. Utonium deserves everything that's going to happen to him. I'll make them pay, Pop, I'll make them all pay."

"Well, since there is no changing your mind, you need to be aware that there is a very real chance that you'll die tonight. I would prefer that you live your life for your own sake and not for my revenge. I will be gone soon. My hate has destroyed me and it should not consume you, as well. You're still young and this path will cost you your life one way or another."

"We've been over this, old man," the young man stated. " I can think of no better way purpose than to fulfill my father's dream, or die in the attempt. He's on his way now, I have to be in place before he reaches the ambush spot. I have to leave now."

"Okay, boy, everything you need is there," the sick man indicated a satchel next to his sickbed.

The young man picked up the bag and clasped his father's hand. "Wish me luck, Pops."

"Be careful, son.

Somewhere in Townsville-

Boomer was late. He was always late he thought to himself as he flew over the city. He stopped in front of a high rise to check his reflection. Impeccable, as usual Boomer thought. His blonde hair was perfectly coifed; his sapphire eyes gleamed in the early evening light. He was wearing a blue designer suit, white shirt and blue silk tie.

"Man, Boomer, you sure are one amazing looking fella," he told his reflection. He pat his left chest pocket to make sure the package was there. "Tonight's the night," he said. "Crap!" Boomer exclaimed checking his watch, " She's gonna kill me."

Boomer flew over the restaurant where he was meeting Bubbles. It was the same place they had their first official date. He would land in the back and then walk through the alley to the front of the place. He didn't want to land at the entrance because he didn't want the citizens gawking at him. Just because they knew he had powers didn't mean he had to flaunt them.

He couldn't wait to see Bubbles' face when she saw his gift. It was their third anniversary and he would make it unforgettable. Even though they had just turned twenty, he knew he didn't want anyone else, ever. Boomer loved Bubbles. Her beautiful blue eyes, her silliness, even her high-pitched laugh that was just this side of annoying. This is what he was thinking when a stranger stepped from behind a dumpster to block his path.

"I don't have any change," Boomer said before the bum could ask.

"Do I look like a hobo to you?" the guy asked. Boomer looked up to see a well-built young man about his age in a black overcoat.

"Dude, I'm late for a very important dinner. I don't have time for autographs."

"I don't want your autograph, you arrogant prick," the young man spat as he removed the coat to reveal black slacks and a black turtleneck. He had black hair and even black eyes.

"Do you know who I am?" Boomer asked nonplussed. Who was this jerk?

"I know exactly who you are, Boomer. Unlike most of the fawning sheep you encounter, however, I don't care," the man stated. "Well, that last bit isn't entirely true."

"Since you know who I am, then you know not to screw with the RRB."

"Going to meet your girl?" the man asked. "Correct me if I'm wrong but weren't you supposed to kill her?" Boomer's eyes went wide at the inquiry. "You're nearly four years late in your assignment. So are your brothers."

"Who are you? Why do you know that?" Boomer asked looking around nervously.

"Who I am doesn't matter, Blueboy. What does matter is whether or not you will fulfill your mission. If Bubbles is dead by the end of your date, then I'll report it to our patron and you can go scot free. If not, things might get a little more…interesting."

"Who are you to threaten me? What can he do anyway? He'll be dead in a couple months and my brothers and I will be completely free. What can you do, anyway, tell on us? Who do you think they'll believe? Us or some stranger?" Boomer retorted.

"Tattle? Oh, no, Boomer. Do as I ask, or I'll kill you. Here, now. "

Boomer lowered his head. He knew who had sent this guy but he didn't know what kind of powers he had. If he was anything like Boomer himself, then this would be one hell of a fight. He'd agree then take this dude by surprise. "Fine," Boomer said despondently.

"Good," the young man responded, "I'll need proof, of course, something that can't be faked. Bring her head to this addre-oof!" the breath had been knocked out of him as Boomer pinned him to the alley wall.

"Wait a second," Boomer couldn't believe it, "You're a regular human! Why would you even think of threatening me?"

"Yes, I'm normal, freak," he stated as he jabbed a syringe into Boomer's wrist with all his strength. It barely punctured the skin but it was enough.

"Ouch!"Boomer wasn't sure what just happened. The guy rolled his wrist around Boomer's, breaking his hold and then delivered a knee to his sternum. All the breath left Boomer's body and he collapsed in a heap. He felt the stranger grab his hair and watched a knee drive toward his face then there was pain and he saw stars. "How is this possible?" Boomer thought aloud, spitting out blood and teeth. " You're normal."

"And, now, so are you." The stranger reached into his pocket and pulled out a knife then flipped it open. "Goodbye, Boomer." But Boomer wasn't going to let this ordinary human get the best of him. He swung at the young man with a right only to have it dodged. His opponent countered with a jab to Boomer's chin. The RRB took the blow and caught the stranger with a hook to the jaw, staggering him.

Damn, thought the assailant. Even without powers Boomer was strong as hell. He hoped he could pull this off. Boomer, taking advantage of his adversary's stumble, kicked the guy in the ribs, doubling him over. An uppercut sent the young man reeling into the alley wall. "Not so high and mighty, now, are you?" Boomer taunted going in for the kill. A vicious right aimed at the stranger's head. The stranger sidestepped easily and chopped Boomer across the throat with his palm, dropping him to the pavement.

There was a crunch as Boomer's larynx was crushed. He lay on his back looking at the sky between the buildings choking while the strange young man spoke to him.

"You know, I really didn't want to involve you in this, but it is necessary for my plan to work. I truly wish there were a different way. Okay, not really. You're a traitor. You deserve this. Huh, that sounded better in my head. Oh, well." The youth knelt next to Boomer who struggled weakly to defend himself and drove the knife into his chest. He carefully then stood Boomer up and leaned him against the alley wall a he bled onto the concrete. The stranger then went through Boomer's pockets while trying to ignore the gurgling and wheezing sounds coming from Boomer's airway as he bled to death. He took Boomer's wallet and cash. He found the small velvet box in Boomer's jacket and opened it to see a flawless diamond engagement ring.

"Aww, Boomer, you shouldn't have. You really, really shouldn't have." He decided to leave the ring so that Bubbles would know what she had come so close to having.

"…eally, really shouldn't have," were the last words Boomer heard as everything went dark and he slipped into oblivion. The stranger let Boomer's body fall, checked to see if there was any blood on his clothes or if anyone had noticed the confrontation. They didn't. He put his overcoat on to cover any stains he may have missed. He then exited the alley and walked in front of the restaurant where Bubbles waited for her boyfriend at their usual table. She looked stunning in a sparkling blue dress that accented her eyes. The stranger saw her check her watch, looking around impatiently.

"Hmph," he grunted, "You won't have to wait too long Bubbles. I promise you'll see Boomer again soon, "he whispered then walked into the deepening gloom.

Inside the restaurant-

Bubbles had had it. She was sick of Boomer being late all the time. It even looked like he was going to stand her up this time. Even worse, it was their anniversary. Every time the door opened she looked to see if it was him. It wasn't.

Bubbles decided to call and see where the tardy RRB was. She'd give him an earful. He knew how scathing her tongue could be. And, as far as she could see, anything that she said was his fault. No answer. Oh, he was going to get it. What could he possibly be doing? Bubbles decided to wait a little longer. She was certain Boomer had a good reason. He better have a really good reason she thought to herself.