"Hey, Blossom!" Bubbles said.

"Sup, Leader-Girl?" Buttercup asked.

"Oh. Hey girls. Nothing much." Buttercup looked at her uniform and the part of the table with Blossom's saliva and said "Nothin' much, huh, Drool Mister? Ha ha ha ha." Buttercup laughed.

"Oh Ha Ha, Buttercup."

"Where's Dexter? I thought I saw him with you earlier." Bubbles asked.

"He's getting me some napkins so I can clean up the mess I made."

"Man, you must've been REALLY tired last night." Buttercup said.

"Yeah. Mr. Teacherman is really giving us a hard time with this project."

"Which is why I'm not doing it."

"You do know it's 30% of our final grade right?"

"So?" Buttercup said, folding her arms.

"Soooo, if you fail the project, just think about what the Professor's gonna do when he finds out."

"….So, uh, 30% huh?"

"Yep."

"Pssh. Whatever. (nerd)."

"Say something?"

"No!"

"Hey, here comes Dexter. But who's that with him?" Bubbles asked.

The girls turned around and saw Dexter approaching with Jake. "Hey, Buttercup, it's that boy you were staring at this morning." Blossom said.
"Well, duh. I can see that."

"I wonder how Dexter knows him."

"He's probably another nerdy friend of his. Like Neutron and Otto."

"Be nice."

"Whatever."

"Hey girls." Dexter said.

"Hey."

"Hi Dexter."

"Sup dork?"

"Hmph. Anyway, this is my long time friend, Jake Pheonix."

"Hello. I'm Blossom." Blossom said. She extended her hand out for a handshake.

Jake took her hand and said, "I know who you are. Leader of the Powerpuff Girls. May I just say that it is a great honor to finally meet you, Ms. Blossom.", then he bowed and kissed her hand like he did with Ms. Meryl, making Blossom blush and giggle. Dexter raised an eyebrow at Jake's action.

"And you must be Bubbles. Wow. It's true what people say; you ARE really cute." Jake took her hand and kissed it. Bubbles then blushed and let out a goofy giggle.

"And last but not least, Buttercup. I have to say you are by far the toughest fighter I've heard of. The stories I've heard about you are the stuff of legend."

"If you say so." Jake tried to take her and kiss it as well but Buttercup quickly took it back and said "Hey! No touchy. My sisters may buy your suck up and kissy kissy crap, but I don't. Got it?"

"Buttercup, be nice! He's only being polite." Blossom said.

"That's all right, Blossom. I totally understand. It's not the first time that's happened."

"Whatever. So how long have you and Dorkster know each other anyway?" Buttercup asked.

"Oh, me and Dex go WAY back. Let's just say that, uh, things weren't really looking good for me until I passed out in front of Dexter's home."

"Passed out? What happened to you?" Bubbles asked in a concerned tone.

"Well, it's kinda personal. I really don't that many people knowing about my past besides the time I spent with Dexter and his family. You understand, right?"

"Uh-huh." Bubbles said.

"Of course." Blossom said.

"I don't." Buttercup said.

"Buttercup." Blossom said sternly.

"Anyway, once I woke up and recovered, they treated like I was part of the family. Me, Dexter, and his sister would do everything together. I was like another brother to them. A few weeks later his parents located my Auntie Helen and I moved with her to Alabama. I really didn't want to leave, but I didn't have a choice. But before I left Dex and I promised that we would always be brothers, no matter how far we're apart." Dexter and Jake then fist bumped, smiling as they did it.

"Awww! That SOOOO sweet." Bubbles said. She was about to cry.

"Wow. That IS sweet. Jake, you are a really interesting person." Blossom added.

"Why thank you." Jake said blushing.

"How come you never told us about Jake, Dexter? It'd seem a person so close to you would be mentioned sooner or later." Blossom asked.

"Well… the day Jake had moved away….it was 3 weeks before Dee Dee was killed." Dexter said.

"Oh. Sorry, Dexter." Blossom sadly said.

"It's okay." He said with a smile on his face, which shocked Blossom a little. With a puzzled look on her face she said "Really?".

"Um…yeah. Why do you seem so surprised?"

"Well, no offence, but whenever Dee Dee's name is mentioned you never smile about it. It just caught me off guard is all."

"Well, usually I would be sad about it. But I'm okay with it now thanks to Jake. He gave me some really good advice. Now, I can truly move on."

"Wow. A good friend AND a advice giver. Very cool, Jake." Bubble said. Jake couldn't help but smile. As he smiled, Buttercup looked at him. *Hmm. I can't help but wonder that he's hiding something BIG time. What doesn't he want people to know?* she thought. Just as she was going to ask him something, a loud bang was heard from across the cafeteria. A lunch tray was slammed unto the ground and sounds of a struggle and laughter was happening.

"Oww! Let me go, Francis!" Timmy said.

"Why don't you make me, twerp." It was one of the school bullies, Francis, putting Timmy in a chokehold. Jimmy was getting a wet willy from Sperg, and Danny was missing on account that he sensed a ghost nearby and went on to fight it.

"Oh great. It's Sperg and Francis." Buttercup said.

"They famous around here?" Jake asked.

"They're the two of the meanest, nastiest, rudest, most immature bullies in Megaville Elementary." Bubble said, trembling. She still remembers the time those two stuck 30 wads of gum in her hair. It took her 5 weeks to get it all out.

"And they're about to be two of the most hurt bullies after I get done with them." Buttercup said raising her fist. She started to walk towards the bullies until Jake stopped her. "What are you doing?"

"Don't worry, Ms. Buttercup. I got these two." Jake said.

"Uh, no offence, but those two are taller AND stronger than you. You won't last 10 seconds."

"Just trust me on this. It won't last long." Jake said, giving a thumbs up and winked at her. Buttercup's cheeks went pink as he walked to the bullies. "Hey! You there!" Sperg and Francis turned around and saw Jake a foot from them. "Let them go."

They both looked at each other and laughed hard. "And whose gonna make us? You, shorty?" Sperg said. Both of them laughed.

"If you don't, then yeah. I'm gonna make you."

"I'd like to see you try." Francis said.

"Then c'mon. Bring it on." They laughed again.

"Listen, newbie, you're new here so we'll give a break just for today. Now run along." Francis said. Jake didn't move.

"I said let them go." Jake said with some anger in his voice.

"Hey, I told you beat it. What, are you deaf or something?"

"No, but you seem to be." Some of the other students laughed a bit.

"Oh yeah?" Francis said as he dropped Timmy to the floor. He walked over to Jake and got in his face. "You got some nerve trying to mess with me."

"Hey, Francis. I know this guy. He was in my class earlier. He kissed Ms. Meryl's hand like she was royalty or something. Ha ha!" Sperg said.

"So, you 're into older women huh?" Francis asked, laughing.

"Yeah. Just ask your mom. She knows me VERY well." Jake replied with a grin on his face. At least everyone in the lunch room laughed at his joke, save for Francis. Even Sperg was laughing until Francis turned and gave him a 'STFU' look. Jake noticed that and said "Hey, don't blame your friend. He was the one that introduced me to her in the first place."

"What?! That's a lie!" Sperg shouted.

"Oh, and, Sperg right? Can you do me a favor and tell your mom to bring me my money before I slap the taste out of her mouth again? And she better not be late again either." The other students "Ooh"'d at the response. Even Eddy let out an "Oh s# $!"

"WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME!" Sperg screamed.

"That's is! You're going down, new meat." Francis said. He tried to punch Jake in the face but he dodged it. Francis went for another punch only to end with the same result. A fury of punches was aimed for Jake, only to hit nothing but air. "Stay still will ya?"

"Why would I do that? It's fun messing with you like this. I'm getting some exercise."

"That's it!" Francis pause his assault for a second and grabbed his shirt. He ripped it of to reveal a red and black karate outfit with a chain around his waist.

Jake raised an eyebrow and said "Uh….ok. And you had that under your uniform the whole time?"

"Yeah."

"Uh-huh. So what to do practice?"

"Deathkwondo."

"Interesting."

"Now, prepare to takes the floor." Francis ran towards Jake and jumped up. He then extended his leg out and attempted to kick him, however Jake caught the kick, grabbed Francis' leg, and spun around. Over and over Jake spun, making Francis scream and get dizzy. Sperg had enough and ran towards Jake to help Francis, but Jake saw him coming. With one last spin he let the pale skinned bully go and sent him flying towards Sperg. "Oh crap." he said as Francis collided with Sperg. Their heads collided and both were on the floor with dazed eyes. Everyone stood shocked and silent but a second later everyone cheered for Jake.

"Whoa. Jake is an awesome fighter." Blossom said.

"Yep. He's pretty amazing." Dexter added.

"Amazing? He's the greatest EVER!" Bubbles blurted out with sparkles in her eyes.

"Pff. He's not that great. I could've taken those two with my eyes closed. *Though that was kinda cool.*" Buttercup thought.

Jake smiled as the student cheered for him, but the cheering ceased when a teacher walked behind Jake. It was Mr. Lancer and he did not look happy. Jake slowly turned around and saw Lancer string at him. "I'm in trouble, aren't I?"

"More than you can imagine. Principle Scar's office; NOW."

"Aw man."

"I must say, Mr. Pheonix, your first day of school and you're already in trouble. I am very disappointed." Principle Scar said the Jake. Jake was sitting with his head down in a chair across Scar's desk. "Fighting is a very serious offence here. You know this, yes?"

He looked at the principle and said "But I had a good reason to. Francis and Sperg-".

"Are now in the nurses office with possible concussions. They claim that you were the one that started the fight AND that they have witnesses to prove their claim."

Jake squinted his eyes in disbelief and said "What?! They're lying! I didn't start the fight! Francis threw the first punch, not me! If anything I was defending myself! And the so called "witnesses" are some of their victims they've terrified into saying that crap!".

"Well, until I see some proof, I'm afraid I'm going to suspend you."

Then Jake got of his chair and was really pissed off now. "I was helping Timmy and Jimmy AND I was DEFENDING myself! What, Francis and Sperg can beat up people left and right and get away with it, but whenever I try to stand up to them I'M the one in trouble?!". Then his skin started to go from light brown to light pink and started emanating heat. But Scar didn't notice.

*Phew, is it getting warm in here?* Principle scar thought to himself. "Mr. Pheonix, sit down NOW!"

Jake's voice got a little deeper as he yelled "No! Not until you un-suspend me and suspend those two f%& s instead!"

"MR. PHEONIX! IF YOU DO NOT SIT DOWN AND WATCH YOUR TONE THIS INSTANT I HAVE HALF A MIND TO EXPELL YO-" Principle Scar was interrupted by a knock on the door. "WHAT?!"

"It's Buttercup, sir. I have something to show you."

"Can't it wait until after I'm done dealing with Mr. Pheonix?"

"Actually, it has to do with Jake, sir."

"{Sigh} fine. Come in." Buttercup walked in with her hands behind her back. She looked at Jake who was still staring at Scar out of anger but he was calming down. She noticed his skin was returning to it's original color and the room's temperature was decreasing. *Whoa.* She looked to Scar and said "Principle Scar, I have proof that Francis and Sperg started the fight."

He raised an eyebrow and said "You do?" Buttercup nodded. "Well, let's see it."

Buttercup moved towards Scar, took out a Iphone and said "One of my fan-club members recorded the whole thing on this. I asked her if I could borrow it to show you that Jake's innocent." She tapped on the screen and it displayed a picture of Tootie and Suzy giving the 'peace' symbol and giggling. Buttercup tapped on the camera button and pushed play. It showed Francis and Sperg messing with Timmy and Jimmy, then it showed Francis throwing punches to Jake, then she fast-forward to when Sperg ran to them in an attempt to attack Jake. "As you can see, sir, Frances and Sperg were torturing the two nerds and Jake was defending them and himself."

Scar pondered on this for a minute and said "Well, in that case, Jake is off the hook….for now. The both of you may leave now."

"Thank you, sir." Buttercup said. As Jake and Buttercup were leaving, Scar added "However, Mr. Pheonix, it you ever talk to me or any of the faculty like earlier I WILL suspend you. Understand?"

"Yes sir. I apologize."

"Hmm. Just don't let it happen again. On your way." The two left. "{Sigh} kids today. So desensitized by movies and television."

Buttercup and Jake were walking the empty halls. Jake was staring at the ground with an angry look. Buttercup turned to him and asked "Hey, are you ok?" He didn't answer. She looked at him with a concerned look. *Man, Scar must've really got him upset.* she thought. She continued to look at him and found out that Blossom was right this mornig, Jake was cute. Hell, he was hot! It was no wonder every girl at school wanted to be his girlfriend. She blushed a little bit. Then she remembered about his skin changing colors and the heat. *What was that about?*. "You know…it was pretty cool the way you handled those two assholes in the cafeteria. Where did you learn to fight like that?"

"My…my 'step-father' taught me." He said with a grim look.

"Well, if you're anything like you're step-father, I bet he can kick ass like a bos-"

"Why did you help me?" He interrupted.

"I dunno. Why do you need to know why? I did save you from getting expelled."

Jake stopped walking and said "I didn't need your help! I would've been just fine on my own!"

Buttercup turned around and responded "Oh really? 'Cause by the way you were acting, I'd thought otherwise! The least you can say is 'Thank you'!"

"Why should I thank you?! Why should you care if I got expelled?! You don't know me!"

"Wha-what are you saying?! I didn't do it for me, I did it for Dorkster!. What, you'd rather get expelled on your first day of school and, most importantly, be separated from Dork-, I mean Dexter, your 'brother', again than to have someone try to help you?! What the hell?! I didn't HAVE to help you, you know! I could've let Scar kick you out of here!" Jake looked at her and Buttercup looked at him with anger on their faces.

After a few seconds, Jake let out a little chuckle and said "You should've seen your face. Getting all mad. Nice speech by the way. If I wasn't messin' with you, you definitely would've convinced me." Jake then walked away, leaving Buttercup to wonder what the hell just happened.

"Wait. Are you saying that you faked that little argument…just so you could see me get mad?!"

"Yep."

"Oh you asshole son of a d# $ head! I should kick your ass!"

"Yeah…but you won't…Butterscotch." He grinned.

"It's BUTTERCUP!"

"Whatever."

"GRRRRR!" She turned the other way and walked. "Such an asshole!"

Jake stopped and said "Oh, and Buttercup?"

She sharply turned around and yelled "What?!"

He turned his head and said "….Thank you… for helping me. I really appreciate it." She blushed a bit. "You know, I've been through a lot of s% # you can't even begin to imagine. Not many people helped me. Not even for one minuet. You, Dexter and his family, my 'step-father', and my aunt are the only ones I can really rely on. So….thanks."

Buttercup didn't know what to say. She'd never really felt sorry for anyone before. But Jake was different. She crossed her arms and said "Pff. Whatever."

Jake smiled and continued to walk away. Buttercup started to walk away as well, but stopped and turned around only to find Jake was gone. She thought to herself for a bit. *…You're welcome.*

The final bell rang. Every student walked out of school and conversed amongst themselves. "And I was, like, no fringing' way."

"I know, right."

"Yo, man, you check out da new Gucci Man song, homie? That s$ # off da hook."

Blossom, Bubbles, Buttercup, and Dexter were outside. Blossom asked "So you're coming to our house tomorrow, right Dexter?"

"Yeah. I'll be there around 4:30."

"Oh, great. The dork's coming over. I gotta find my disinfectant spray." Buttercup said.

"Hey, Dexter, why don't you ask Jake if he wants to come over. It'd be more fun with him around." Bubbles said.

"Yeah Dexter. It'd be nice to have him visit. It'll be a good way to get to know him too." Blossom added.

"Sure, I'll ask him."

"Where is he anyway?" Buttercup asked.

"He went home already. He said he had some 'work' to take care of."

"Oh…ok." she said with disappointment in her voice.

"What's up with you, Buttercup? You sound like you miss him or something." Blossom asked.

"What? No. I…just….never mind."

"Hmm. Well ok then."

Jake was walking home. He wasn't too far from the school. He heard a low growling sound coming from an ally way across the street. Then something flashed in his pocket. He took out a small, grayish black container. The container was flashing red and humming a low sound. "Crap. Not another one NOW." he said to himself. He walked across the street and into the ally way. He looked around and tried to find the source of the growling.

"I know you're here somewhere! Show yourself now and I promise you're trip back will be quick and as painless as possible! Don't make me come look for you!" he yelled. Silence. Utter silence filled the ally. Then, out of the corner of his eye, Jake saw a figure moving very quickly out of the ally way. "Damn it, this one's fast."

Just as he was about to follow the figure, he heard a familiar voice saying "Hey Pheonix! We got a bone to pick with you!" He turned around and saw Francis and Sperg with bandages on their heads. They walked to him.

"Hey Pheonix." Sperg said. "You think you're funny, don't you? Smashing our heads together."

"Yeah, then having your girlfriend get us suspended. We should kick your ass right here, right now. But…I'm feeling generous. You give us your lunch money for the next year and we'll leave you alone…some of the time. What do you say, newbie?" Francis said. Jake just stood there, emotionless. "Well, what's your answe-" Francis was interrupted as both him and Sperg saw Jake's eyes turn from blue to dark red. They gave a worried look to each other and backed up slowly. Jake's eyes went to red once again. That was all it took for the bumbling bullies to run and scream in terror. Jake then lifted his left hand and, as he did, Francis and Sperg were lifted off the ground and landed into a dumpster face first. He then chuckled to himself and walked off.

Francis and Sperg poked their heads out of the dumpster, shocked up at what happened.

"What is with that guy?" Sperg asked.

"I don't know but he should have his eyes checked."