The present day...
Buttercup and Bubbles sat at their breakfast table, waiting for their pancakes. It was a beautiful day in Townsville, and there hadn't been a giant monster attack in almost a week. Understandably, Buttercup was not in a good mood.
"Girls, do you want syrup or jam?" the Professor called from the kitchen.
Buttercup rolled her eyes. "Jam. Like every time."
"Syrup, please," said Bubbles, sweetly. "Buttercup, you don't seem to be in such a good mood. Aren't you happy about the interview? Didn't you always want to be world-famous?"
"Duh, but one of us isn't even coming. That'll make a good impression," she said sarcastically.
Bubbles frowned. "I know it's sad that Blossom can't come, but she's not in charge of college exams."
Buttercup crossed her arms. "If only she wasn't so much smarter," she muttered under her breath.
After breakfast, Buttercup and Bubbles said goodbye to the Professor, and flew into the city for their meeting with the press at City Hall. There had been a renewed interest in superheroes recently, and now reporters were racing around, trying to get the best scoops on various teams. It had only been a matter of time before the Powerpuffs were showcased. It seemed that the government or military was taking an interest in super-humans, but the Powerpuff Girls didn't know exactly why.
The two girls arced their flight path, and landed on the marble steps, choosing a spot next to the mayor and Ms. Bellum (who, surprisingly enough, had actually had a pay raise in the past year).
Cheers, then excited murmurs came from the assembled crowd at the bottom of the steps. Reporters scrambled to get a look shot of the girls, and many of them asked questions.
The mayor, who had been nodding off, spoke up after Ms. Bellum whispered in his ear. "Uh, everybody settle down!" he yelled. "One at a time! These are very busy girls here, you know!"
One orange-haired woman with a mic stepped forward first. "So, Powerpuff Girls, how old are you, and what grade are you in?"
"We're fifteen," said Buttercup.
"I'm in tenth grade," said Bubbles, "and Buttercup's in ninth. Blossom's really busy right now, and she's in college out-of-town."
Heated discussions started in the crowd.
"Does that mean Buttercup's the dumbest?"
"What set her a grade back?"
"Blossom's the most mature... got it!"
Buttercup grunted and glared at the reporters. "Shut up, or none of you'll be around to report again! Haven't you heard of my special ability, 'death ray'? That's real news!"
Bubbles giggled at her sister's obvious bluff. Nonetheless, the crowd was silenced.
"Um... girls, who would you say is your archenemy? Your nemesis?" asked another reporter.
"We mostly just fight giant monsters and crooks," said Bubbles. "Mojo Jojo was sorta our nemesis, but he disappeared years ago."
Buttercup nodded. "All of our worst enemies are gone. Princess Morbucks's still around, but she gave up on beating us."
The crowd was shocked. Heroines without a nemesis? How could such a thing be possible?
"Why don't you all wears those outfits you used to wear? Why is your hair different?"
Buttercup groaned. Bubbles was embarrassed. "I-I thought the pigtails were a little childish, so I picked a ponytail instead..." Bubbles felt her hair self-consciously.
"You didn't expect us to be kids forever, did ya? I like pants better than skirts and dresses!" Buttercup yelled.
The rest of the day went about the same way. The girls floated home more exhausted than they would have been if they had just fought a monster instead. They were not looking forward to the school day tomorrow.
The Professor let them in. "I saw it all on live TV, girls. Don't feel discouraged. Not everybody can understand the troubles of heroes."
Bubbles hugged him, and Buttercup went upstairs.
