Falsely Accused
Summary: One night, after saving the day, Blossom passed out, and woke finding herself covered in blood. Later arrested for murder, what really happened that night? Not wishing to see pink Powerpuff fall, Brick commits the Rowdyruff Boys to help the Powerpuff Girls solve this mystery. Can they clear Blossom's name before it's too late? Or will it forever tarnish her reputation?
Disclaimer: I don't own the Powerpuff Girls.
Chapter 9
TV Advertisements
A. A Surprise From Buttercup
The City of Townsville, on Tuesday, April 9…
It was ten thirty in the morning, and Blossom and Brick were flying away from school. After Mojo's attack, the principal decided to give the rest of the day to the students to allow them to recover from the shock. The two leaders decided to join their green siblings at TNN. Brick was carrying the laser gun that "stunned and weakened" him, plus the laser used by the robots to hurt the other students.
Halfway, Blossom stopped.
"Brick, if I go there, would they put me in front of TV?"
"After what happened this morning?" Brick replied incredulously. "Yes. And for the documentary and the spots too."
"Yikes! I can't go like this!" Blossom panicked, looking over herself.
"You look fine! After all, you chose to wear that, right?" Brick replied.
"But this is school clothes!" Blossom shrieked. "I need to wear something nice!"
"You're making a big deal about nothing!" Brick replied exasperatedly. "Girls!"
"I can't go like this after I sided with the Professor and insisted Buttercup wear something nice for TV," Blossom retorted. "I'm sure Butch would be peachy with you wearing that after he had to go in a suit!"
"Well, make it fast, I'll change too and we'll meet at the TV station," said Brick, who suddenly found an opportunity.
"Yeah. I'll get that," said Blossom, referring to what Brick was holding.
Blossom immediately grabbed the weapons in Brick's hands. "I'll have the professor examine this!" she shouted before flying in the direction of the Professor's house.
Brick considered chasing after her, but decided it won't matter much if she learned the truth. He went home. He knew she would take time to choose a suitable dress and make herself presentable, so he would have time to do his thing. He quickly went and changed into a black three piece suit with a white shirt and a bright red tie. He also wore a fedora hat.
He then went to the Mayor's office, where he found the city's chief executive, much to his delight, without Ms Bellum. The Mayor once again had difficulty opening his pickle jar. He was about to call them when Brick arrived. Brick offered to open it in exchange for granting a pardon for Mojo. The Mayor was only too happy to grant it.
"Hello chief? This is the Mayor. I just signed the pardon for Mojo Jojo, so release him!"
"But Mayor, he just took an entire school hostage, you shouldn't—"
"Listen! I'm the Mayor, and I already pardoned him!" he shouted on the phone.
"Yes Mayor. We'll release him immediately!" Chief Kaczinsci could be heard saying.
"Well Brick, I did as you ask. I even signed the papers! Now could you please open this pickle jar?"
"Oh one more thing," Brick said, and he explained that he wanted the city to personally give to Mitch Mitchelson a check for helping Brick and Blossom manage the situation with Mojo. Plus another thousand dollars to Mitch's parents as thanks for raising an upstanding citizen. The Mayor had no problem signing two checks on behalf of the city for Mitch and his parents.
He then went to TNN, arriving at about eleven in the morning. Blossom was still not there, as expected.
"Congratulations!" a senior executive said, shaking his hand. "The way you handled Mojo and how you shamed those students was magnificent."
"Mr Edwards, I'm so happy that you went here after what happened!" said Mr Cady as he shook his hand. "Butch and Buttercup are at the studio."
"Thank you," Brick said. "But I did nothing. Blossom did everything!"
"Still promoting her, I see," said the company president. He saw in Brick and Blossom's morning adventures a promotional windfall that would net his company millions.
The leader of the Rowdyruffs continued on to the studio, where he saw Butch and Buttercup. Butch was scowling when he saw him, Buttercup had a frown.
She, however, went to the redhead and shook his hand. She was worried what would happen to Blossom when she went to school that morning. Buttercup was present the day before, and she endured the brickbats and the taunts of "murderer" and "sister of the murderer" from some of her fellow students. It hurt her, and she knew that it would hurt Blossom especially. And her superhearing made it worse. She wanted to beat them up, but she knew she would only get into trouble if she did that. So she was very glad that Brick was able to solve that problem. She took special pleasure in seeing her school adversaries get what's coming to them.
"I'm sorry for what I said yesterday. I just watched what happened in school with Mojo. Thank you for what you did for my sister. You really do care."
"I don't care for her at all," Brick replied, embarrassed by her actions in front of Butch. "And I'm not nice!"
"I know! Thank you all the more for it," she said. "And sorry for being petty about doing this interview. I mean, it's Blossom who needs all our help! Where's Blossom, by the way?"
"Still getting dressed, I reckon!" Brick replied, glad to divert the conversation. He really was surprised by all his sudden popularity. His aim was for Blossom to gain sole benefit from his actions, but it was not unwelcome that some of it redounded to his benefit.
II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II
Meanwhile…
Blossom was looking at a mirror, admiring herself. It took a long time, but she finally found a suitable dress. It was pink, it was long, the hem between her ankles and knees, and it was elegant. Her shoulders were bare, but was covered with a shrug. On her head was her omnipresent bow, which, even if it was a bit childish at her age, she was loathed to abandon. It was still the same size since she was five years old, but with her added height, it didn't look monstrously large and looked perfect on her red hair. Completing the look was a purse, black stockings, and red heels.
Satisfied, she was about to leave when she saw the two laser guns from Mojo. Curious, she took one, went to the Professor's lab, and tested it.
II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II
B. Coughing the Truth
Meanwhile…
Brick had just finished saying his lines for the TV commercials and the upcoming documentary. Bubbles and Boomer had earlier called and said that they would also go there. They arrived, and Bubbles immediately went in and hugged Brick.
"Thank you for what you did for Blossom!" said Bubbles. "That was really nice, and showed that you care!"
"I do not care for that ugly witch, and I certainly am not nice!" Brick hissed as he was embarrassed by her display of gratitude.
"While you were having your little tryst with Blossom," said Boomer, "we've uncovered a lot of explosive information. You see—"
"Let's wait for leader girl before you say anything so you won't have to repeat everything again," Brick said. "And I did not have a tryst with her! How many times I've got drill it into your head that nothing's going on, and that Blossom and I don't even like each other?"
He was met with giggles from Bubbles, and a stupid grin from Boomer. He shook his head. It was hopeless.
"Come, follow me!" he said as he led them to the studio. Bubbles and Boomer were wearing formal black clothes for the wake so there wasn't any need to change to something nicer. Boomer and Bubbles recorded their scenes and lines for the spots and the documentary.
While Boomer and Bubbles were having their turn, he looked around. Buttercup and Butch were being given a tour by Mr Cady himself of TNN. As he was wandering, Blossom herself appeared.
"I was wondering what time you'd arrive. I didn't think it'd take more than an hour to change to that," Brick said, absorbing the appearance of Blossom from the bow on her hair to her heels on her feet. She was pretty, very pretty, he admitted to himself. Of course those thoughts would never escape his lips. Blossom was vain enough already. "Especially as it lessened the unpleasantness of your appearance only a little."
Brick was taken aback by the serious look on her eyes. "You obviously are still blind if you think that my appearance is in any way unpleasant," Blossom replied. "But I'll excuse you. Someone with a pea of brain as you would never know to appreciate true beauty. But enough of that. I want to say something."
"Yes?"
"First of all, thank you very much. I meant every word I said back at school." She was composed, and controlled as she said this. "Second. Tell me the truth."
"The truth? What do you mean the truth?" he asked.
"About Mojo's attack."
"What do you know?"
"I tested Mojo's laser—the one that supposedly weakened you and hurt you so much," Blossom said. "And you know what? I fired it on myself. It barely tickled. The one the robots used—the one that actually hurt Mitch and the others? It was actually stronger than the one Mojo used on you!"
"Is that all?" he chuckled. He then told her everything.
"So you're telling me Mitch gathered all of those jerks in one place so Mojo could easily take them hostage, and in exchange, you paid him two thousand dollars from the city's coffers?"
"Wrong! He agreed to be hit by laser from Mojo and in exchange would be given the money. You see, gathering them in one place is part and parcel of being my close friend and henchman, while getting hit by Mojo is not."
Having finally learned of the whole truth, Blossom looked at her counterpart. She was still had warm feelings towards him—he rescued her reputation at school after all. This was the nicest thing he had done for her in all his seven years of being her ally and coleader of the Ruff Puff Alliance. She wanted to hug him and kiss him on the cheeks to show how much she appreciated him, and how happy she was that he was there for her.
But he was doing it the wrong way! Using Mojo to take her school hostage, and actually physically hurting some of her schoolmates revolted her. True, it was her school enemies who paid the ultimate price—Brick and Mitch made sure of that—but it was still wrong. Even if she approved of the results, she can't possibly condone the means. Especially as Robyn got hurt. Poor Robyn!
"Brick, what you did is wrong, you know that, right?" Blossom finally said. "I can't believe that you would resort to such low tactics! We must always be superior to our enemies! And that includes being morally superior! My God! We are superheroes, dedicated to uphold the law, and we do this? Why, Brick, why?"
"Why? Because if I don't, you won't ever be able to show your face at school," Brick shot back. "Besides, I did nothing illegal. Everything we do is legal, you know."
"I know that. But that's not the point! You should've told me first so I can put a stop to such stupidity!" Blossom replied. "What if the students died? I know you told Mojo not to actually kill them, but what if he did in spite of it? What if he made a mistake and accidentally killed some of them? What if Mitch got killed? What you did was stupidly risky!"
"I didn't think it was that stupid. After all, it did restore your name at school, and no one died," he retorted. "Still, if you feel that way, go ahead and tell the world what I really did, and then you can assuage your conscience!"
"Don't use that card! You know I can't do that!" Blossom said, approaching him and pounding her fists on his chest. "You stupid, stupid fool! I can't back down now. I'm too deep into it as you are, and if I expose you, I expose myself! And I can't even say I hate the end results! I love the school loving me once more, even worshipping me as a goddess that I deserve that you whipped them into! How can I back down from that? You know what? I love what you did, but hate how you did it! And I don't know if I should kick your face or hug you in gratitude!"
"I think you should kiss me instead!" he retorted.
"I don't know what I'll do with you! Seven years and you're still being so self-centred! You have to make the law and the people's welfare your basic aim in being a hero!"
"My aim, is to further the interest of myself, my father, my brothers, the Powerpuff Girls, and the City, in that order," said Brick. "Your good name trumps the city and the people and the law."
The two then maintained an awkward silence as they waited for Bubbles and Boomer to be finished.
Brick, even if outwardly calm, bristled at the Blossom's "ingratitude". Didn't he make the school safe for the Powerpuff Girls, especially Blossom? No one died, right? So what if he made Mojo attack the school to achieve his goals? Was that any worse than when Blossom and her sisters made a deal with Mojo and repeatedly broke him out of jail for candy? Candy! She breaks the law repeatedly for the Mayor's candy and she had the gall to question him for this? [1] Especially as he got them immunity from crime? Didn't he get her out of jail and persuade a sizable portion of the city of her innocence by his bogus evidence? Wasn't Blossom being a hypocrite by her preachiness, while continuing to enjoy the benefits of his actions? He wasn't expecting her to go down on her knees and proclaim eternal gratitude, but come on! She was being unreasonable in expecting purity in means as well as in aims.
Blossom was incensed by Brick's casual disregard of the law, and of his unconcern with the welfare of his fellow students. She knew she made mistakes when she was young, but those were mistakes, and not something to emulate. But Brick was acting with no restraints whatsoever! He was not showing that he was a good citizen! Granted, his ends were noble, commendable even, but that does not excuse his disregard for all rules. Rules are made for the good of the citizens, she always thought, and every time Brick made an illegal act for her sake, it stabs at her ideals. She could not repudiate it or she might lose the things that is more precious than the law itself—the love of the citizens, and the determination to uphold justice by making sure that the innocent (Blossom) would not be wrongly imprisoned. That he got away with what he done, and that it resulted in her freedom and restored her name in school, was no excuse. It was still wrong, and reckless. Sure, he was technically not breaking any law because all laws do not apply to them, but that law shouldn't have been passed in the first place.
Yet she could not but admire him. His determination, his political skill, his masterfulness, he was a first class conspirator. He was every inch a leader. Decisive. And physically attractive too. He was highly intelligent, knew each and every one of the ruff puff alliance, and much of the important people in Townsville too. Sure he was bossy, but she was too. He demanded absolute loyalty and obedience, but she was the same too.
She reflected. The rotation of leadership was the most wonderful thing they have, for it allowed both of them to exercise their predilection for being absolute rulers, as well as to learn to bend and to follow when it was not their turn. So they became astute advisors to each other as well. And his network of henchmen, friends, subordinates, and other hanger-ons was useful to her. Many things in school she could only have done only with his help. The fact that she was too moral and too upright to wheel and deal with students for favors only reinforced her dependence on him on that matter.
If only she could fix his morals, he'd be perfect. And she was determined to try to change him for the better. In a way, he was meant for her. And he was hers. He doesn't know it yet. She doesn't even want to admit it herself. But deep inside, she knew, no one else could come close to him. No one.
He too admired Blossom. Despite his annoyance at her moralism and her holier-than-thou attitude, he actually liked her rigid morals. It was an anchor that grounded her actions, that made sure that she had a center of gravity that she could always fall back on. Her sense of right and wrong, despite exasperating him no end, he knew was her greatest asset. She was the smartest girl he knew, and no one could ever compare to her in that department. And he appreciated that she was able to keep up with him, mentally as well as physically. Who else could spend time with him in Mount Everest and on the next hour be at the Eiffel tower without spending a single cent, while discussing its history for their school project?
What's more, he valued her advice, and in the seven years of the alliance, came to appreciate that she was the best leader, apart from himself, that he knew. She would often give a moral compass to him, and stiffen his often weak ethics. More often than not, she was right. Despite all, no girl would ever come close to her counterpart. No one. Still, Blossom was so ungrateful!
Their musings were interrupted by the announcement of their lunch break. It was already noon, Boomer and Bubbles had just finished with their interviews for the spots and documentaries, while Butch and Buttercup had just finished the tour given by TNN's president, Arthur Cady. He then hosted a free luncheon in the building.
After the substantial meal, it was Brick and Blossom's turns to shoot lines for the spots and the documentary, and finally, all six appeared jointly. There were several photo shoots too. Mr Cady was delighted that all were attired formally—it made them look more dignified. Finally, at about five in the afternoon, the shooting was done. The final editing would take place the next day, and the spots would air Wednesday evening.
After leaving TNN, they went to the Rowdyruff Home for one final meeting. There, Boomer and Bubbles told the rest of the team the fruits of their morning investigations, from their visit to the Carmichael wake, to their interview with Mr Roger Sprague, neighbour of Mrs Carmichael who saw Blossom sprawled on the front porch of the Carmichael house, and called the police. He basically confirmed Lt Sanchez' story. They then went back to Townsville Jail, where they talked with Mr Turner, the leader of the gang who attempted to rob the jewelry store (which Blossom stopped) to get a description of Mr Watts, the guy who gave them the money to rob the jewelry store.
The only thing Mr Turner could say with certainty was that Mr Watts had a long bushy beard, was about six feet tall, and had black hair. And they had no luck identifying him from the mugshots given to them after Blossom were done with it.
"So Bubbles, you're saying that it can't be Princess because you're convinced she was with a boy?" Blossom asked after they were finished with their presentation.
"I think so," said Bubbles. "That would explain why Princess was like that when Mr Frank Carmichael saw her after the movie."
"Well, that certainly throws a wrench into my theory, but I think I can find an explanation for that," said Brick. "Do you know who that boy is?"
"No. Mr Carmichael didn't say that Princess mentioned his name," said Bubbles.
Brick was deep in thought. "Well, the DICCX says it's her, but Bubbles' intuition says it's not her. Whatever shall we do?"
"Bubbles, I think you might be wrong. See, we have direct evidence! Only she has the drug that can make me drunk! And she has no alibi!" Blossom explained.
"But she was in the theatre!" Bubbles retorted.
"That she could easily sneak out of," Buttercup added. "Look Bubbles, you're wrong. It was Princess!"
"Maybe I could find out who that boy she was with? I can easily ask some of Princess' friends," Bubbles replied.
"Well do that," said Brick. "We can't move anyway until Mojo completes his latest batch of DICCX and his rocket launcher. And that won't happen until Friday morning."
"So what do we do tomorrow?" asked Butch.
"Nothing. We go to school. We've been absent for two days. Dad would be upset if we don't go back," Brick replied. "Of course, Blossom, you still have the rest week off as a result of 'moral shock' if you—"
"I've been absent long enough," Blossom interrupted.
The girls then went home…
II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II
C. Wednesday at School
The next day, Wednesday, April 10, all six of the superpowered kids went to school for the first time since the murder. They were pleasantly surprised by their reception. Not only were all the ugly rumours successfully scotched because of the incident the day before, but all were talking Blossom up. They looked around, and gone were the cruel posters and graffiti mocking the pink puff, her sisters, and their male counterparts. Instead, there were banners with the words "WELCOME BACK, BLOSSOM!", "SORRY FOR DOUBTING YOU, BLOSSOM UTONIUM", "HAIL THE CONQUERING HERO, BRICK! BLOSSOM!", "THE COOLEST AND HOTTEST, BRICK AND BLOSSOM!", "THANKS, POWERPUFFS!" Then there were posters, some on cardboard, others on tarpaulin, with the pictures of Blossom, some of them when she was a five year old hero, some when she was a little bit older, others contemporary. Some of them were with her sisters, but most were of the leader's picture, alone, or with her most prominently displayed, with her sisters in the background, or as props to show how great Blossom was. Brick had a few individual posters of his own—his actions the day before had gotten him a lot of admiration—and some were pictures where Blossom and Brick together—with the words, "THE LEADERS" shown below.
Some were put up by the students appreciative of her after what she has been through. But a lot were put up by those ashamed of their actions the day before. And then some were placed by her former school "enemies" who were so frightened by what happened the day before that to prove that they indeed had "changed" and would no longer mock the Powerpuff leader, they took the lead in putting some posters. Indeed, it would not be an exaggeration to say that her worst critics and her former relentless tormentors were now her most violent and avid supporters.
Except Princess Morebucks. Herself absent during Mojo's hostage taking, she was extremely surprised by her friends' complete change of attitudes towards the Powerpuff Girls, especially Blossom. Some of them were just pretending, and were afraid to show their disdain, but others genuinely repented their derision of her. Princess herself was forced to keep her criticisms quiet when a loud criticism of Blossom and her sisters earned her the abuse of most students around her and the chilly stares from the rest, and until she too publicly apologized to Blossom, she was shunned even by her friends.
More striking to the students was that some of the members of the faculty and the school staff that were especially critical to Blossom as a result of the murder where suddenly dismissed or resigned. They suspected that Brick had something to do with it. They were right. Brick had "asked" Ms Bellum and the Mayor for the city to apply pressure on the school to dismiss teachers overly critical of Blossom, Brick, and the members of the Ruff Puff Alliance. So the students began thinking. If Brick could have the teachers dismissed for mere criticism of Blossom, how could ordinary students fare if Brick trained his ire on him or her? Those who were especially afraid of his wrath doubly made every effort to show that they were loyal to them, and they too made some of the banners and posters, and made those facts known to Blossom and Brick.
That day revealed to the students Brick's political power.
Buttercup grumbled a bit that Blossom was hogging all the glory, but understood that her redheaded sister needed this. Bubbles was impressed by the outpouring of support her sister was getting, and was happy that Blossom can go to school with her head held high. Blossom herself was overwhelmed by all of that. She was happy. She still disapproved of using Mojo to bring about all of this. But she was absolutely sure that she deserved all the praise heaped upon her. She after all, was the leader of the Powerpuff Girls, and she did save the city numerous times, so seeing her image plastered on all the walls of the school was just fitting. After all, she did not seek to have those images hung up. It was the free will of her fellow students that she be so honoured. And who was she to deny them the honor?
Butch was appalled by all of this. He thinks Blossom was egotistical, and vain, despite the murder rap. His brother Brick's actions, to his opinion, only inflamed her high opinion of herself. He looked around the walls and saw images of the red headed girl everywhere. This was not good. But, he could do nothing without Brick saying so. He was a good soldier, he will follow orders.
Boomer was indifferent to all of this. He was delighted that Brick was taking steps to make life better for Blossom, but was not so sure of the specific steps taken. Still, he was not about second guess his leader. After all, it not only restored Blossom's reputation, but enhanced Brick's as well. Brick now had an image of "stern protector" because of his actions the day before.
Brick himself was surprised. He never expected that all of this would occur. He expected a more welcoming atmosphere for Blossom, but not the extent of the hero worship that was practically expressed by the students. Still, seeing Blossom's name and face emblazoned in every empty space on the wall of the school gave him ideas to further his goals.
Bubbles immediately befriended one of Princess' close friends to learn more about Princess' love life any see if there was any truth to her theory that she the spoiled rich girl was with a boy the night Mrs Carmichael was murdered. The Rowdyruff Boys themselves met with some of their followers and laid instructions to keep the momentum of their actions. Blossom herself went to catch up with her studies.
The entire day was pleasant. The pink puff was shown every mark of respect, and saw evidence everywhere of her new popularity. Still, no boy hit on her or even tried to flirt. They were all afraid of Brick, and all thought that his actions the day before were akin to claiming her for his own—even if he denied that he was interested in that way to her.
Plus, the events of the day before so elevated Blossom's stature, that she seemed so unreachable, a goddess if you will, that ordinary students could not even contemplate being on equal terms with her. All of them, ordinary boys as well as girls, felt even more inferior next to the great hero and leader, Blossom. Even her closest human friends like Robyn and Mike Believe held her to a high pedestal, and thought themselves privileged to be close friends with such a great girl.
Blossom was a hero, a magnificent statue, made of gold, with brains and power far beyond anyone's reach, while they were only ordinary students, made of clay, full of flaws and compared to her, stupid and weak. How could they even relate to her? Only the fellow members of the Ruff Puff Alliance, among the students of the school, could even deal with her from a position of equality.
Which was fine with Blossom. All those unwanted suitors and attentions from ordinary boys, though flattering, was irritating when she wanted nothing more than to concentrate on her studies. She had a high opinion of herself, and was gratified that the school was coming to recognize her greatness. It was tragic that it took a murder and Mojo's attack to beat that into the consciousness of her fellow students, but was glad of the end result. She might sometimes wish to be just another ordinary girl, but she knew she could not, would not, give up the super powers, and the super intelligence, that she was blessed with just to be one of the crowd. She saved the city, and will save the city, and the city, and the school, will show its appreciation. She deserved it.
II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II
D. The Advertisement
After school, they went to TNN headquarters. They were to view the completed spots that would air later that night, and also the documentary that would air on Friday night. The six were seated on two soft couches, with the boys on the right couch, the girls on the left, with a giant flat screen TV in front of them.
"I hope you like this," Mr Arthur Cady, president of TNN, before pressing the remote in his hand.
II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II
TV ADVERTISEMENT
Narrator: How many times has this city been attacked? How many have died? How many times have we been scared out of our wits by all those that seek to harm our fair city?
(Townsville lay devastated by crime, by monsters, and by villains like Mojo and Fuzzy. Monsters destroyed buildings, then the next scene was of Mojo laughing and Fuzzy during his time as Mayor. Then a clip of Mojo in one of his boasts!)
Mojo: Cower, Townsville! Nobody can save you now!
Narrator: But there was a savior. One. Little. Girl. Blossom Utonium. Leader of the Powerpuff Girls.
(Then the picture changes to image of Blossom as a five year old. Then there were clips of her punching monsters, and giving a beating to Mojo Jojo. Then she aged, as another clip of her at age eight showed her busting some crime with Brick, at ten, when she was shown, again with Brick, fighting a monster, finally, at thirteen, it showed clips of Blossom the day before, beating Mojo Mojo in her school).
(Then there was a split screen, with the left part showing Blossom beating up various criminals, monsters, and villains, while at the right screen, several people show up saying how great Blossom was.)
A Forty year old man: Blossom Utonium is a true American Hero. (The scene on the left changed to Blossom, when she was younger, retrieving the man's cat stuck on the tree.)
A thirty year old woman holding a child: Blossom saved me and my child many many times. (The scene was Blossom grabbing them and preventing them from being stepped onto by a monster).
An old man: Blossom should be honoured as a true hero. (The scene was Blossom helping him cross the street)
A thirteen year old girl: I wish I could be like Blossom. (The scene was Blossom gossiping with her classmate)
Professor John A Utonium: Blossom is a very smart girl who always has the interests of Townsville at heart. I love her very much. She is my life and my joy. (The scene was Blossom hugging the Professor)
Dr William Edwards: Blossom is a great leader. She thought my son Brick how to act as a hero for the city. I won't be here if it were not for her. God Bless Blossom. (The scene was Blossom talking to him in his office)
Sandy Keane: She was my best student. A good role model for everyone else. I wish all my students were like her. (The scene was Blossom in her kindergarten days with Ms Keane as teacher)
Sara Bellum: She is the conscience of the Ruff Puff Alliance. She saved the city many times. What can I say? Blossom's the best. (The scene Blossom talking to Ms Bellum at the Mayor's office)
The Mayor of Townsville: Blossom's great! (Blossom opening his pickle jar)
Wilbur "Butch" Edwards: What can I say? She's the smartest of the Powerpuffs (Butch and Blossom fighting a monster)
James "Boomer" Edwards: I always appreciate how she can pull us out of tight situations (Boomer and Blossom calming a mob of Townsville citizens intent on burning their house and lynching the Professor and Dr Edwards, when they were six years old[2])
Bubbles Utonium: I love Blossom. She's the dearest sister one could hope for. She always right, and she's one of the greatest leaders I've ever known. (Blossom and Bubbles fighting Fuzzy when they were nine years old)
Buttercup Utonium: I might sometimes disagree with her, but I can't disagree with her heart. She is a great sister, and I'll always stand by her, and I'll beat up anyone who tried to lay their hands on her. (Buttercup being helped by Blossom fight Mojo and rescue the Professor[3]).
William Bricker Edwards Jr: Blossom is a great leader. How many times had her ideas saved our lives? When she is leader, her decisions are always spot on. When I am leader, her advice was often invaluable. There were only few times that I went against her advice, and most of those times, I regretted it. (Brick and Blossom fight Mojo the day before, on the school).
(Then the scene changes with Blossom when she was five years old, standing behind a podium, after a battle).
Five year old Blossom: Citizens of Townsville, once again, we, the Powerpuff Girls have stopped another monster! Fear not, for as long as I am leader, we will always protect you from…
(As the five year old Blossom speaks, she fades and that of a thirteen year old Blossom from the interview the day before slowly emerged, speaking the phrase "we will always protect you from…" at the same time, producing a double voice of her five and thirteen year old versions.)
Thirteen year old Blossom: ...we will always protect you from all monsters and villains. We will uphold justice, fight for law, order, and the right to live our lives in peace. The Powerpuff Girls, the Rowdyruff Boys, as long as I am here, are at your beck and call, ready to serve in whatever way we can.
(The scene changes to Buttercup looking at the camera)
Buttercup: The past few days were pretty hard on Blossom, so please, if you can show how much you appreciate the leader of the Powerpuff Girls, please do so.
(Then Bubbles appeared)
Bubbles: My fellow citizens, please cheer her up by sending letters or cards expressing your support. Send her flowers and presents. It always makes her happy. I love Blossom to death, and she loves the city like she loves her family.
(Boomer appeared and stood besides Bubbles, who blushed when he appeared)
Boomer: That's right, Bubbles. Blossom is a wonderful girl. Show that you appreciate her by putting up posters on your walls where we can see them as we fly by.
(Then Butch walked in and slapped Boomer's back.)
Butch: That's right. Show her what you think of her!
(The scene faded and showed the scene two days before where Blossom saved the city from a monster attack and Brick led the crowd in thanking Blossom)
Brick: See? She saved your life once more! Who just saved you?
Crowd: BLOSSOM!
(The fight ended, and Brick dragged Blossom by the hand to the crowd.)
Brick: What will you say to your saviour?
Crowd: THANK YOU FOR SAVING US, BLOSSOM!
Blossom: Thank you, but really, it's not only me, but my sisters and the Rowdyruffs—
Brick: See, so modest! So humble!
(Then the scene shifted to the school where Mojo attacked the day before and again, Brick was leading the students into cheering Blossom)
Brick: My fellow students. Now that you've watched this, let me ask you again! Who is the hero of the hour? (as he said this, there was brief scene of Blossom beating up Mojo)
Mike Believe: You, Brick.
Brick: No! Not me! Blossom!
Students: Yeah Blossom!
Brick: Altogether now! Shout the name of your savior! The saviour of Townsville! Blossom!
Students: BLOSSOM! BLOSSOM!
Brick: Who is the greatest hero of Townsville!
Students: Blossom!
Brick: Who is the greatest?
Students: Blossom!
Brick: Say thank you to your hero!
Students: Thank you!
Brick: Now who saved this school from Mojo Jojo?
Students: Blossom!
(Then suddenly the scene shifted to the Mayor's office where Ms Bellum and the Mayor was looking at the camera.)
Jay Mayor: I'm the Mayor of Townsville.
Sarah Bellum: And I'm Sarah Bellum, assistant to the Mayor. And on behalf of the city government, we approve this message.
END OF TV ADVERTISEMENT
II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II
"Well, what do you think?" asked Mr Cady.
"That was great!" Brick replied, applauding the station's efforts.
Buttercup was more guarded. She was irritated by the hero worship Blossom alone seemed to receive. In her opinion, all of them should have received equal credit. But looking at Blossom, she could not object. Not after what she went through.
Blossom was very happy. Extremely happy that they would do such a thing.
"Do you like it, Blossom?" Mr Cady asked the pink puff.
II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II
E. A Jingle and a Documentary
"I love it," she said weakly.
"Well, we have one more commercial. I hope you also like this one," Mr Cady said as he pushed his remote. It was a song in praise of Blossom.
II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II
START OF ADVERTISEMENT
Washington, Lincoln, Brick Edwards (Shows pictures of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Brick)
All great heroes, all great leaders (shows Washington on the Delaware, Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address, and Brick giving orders to his brothers and the PPG)
But none can compare, to the greatest of 'em (Pictures above fade to)
Blossom Utonium, the greatest of 'em! (Scenes of Blossom taking command and crushing her enemies)
(Then the tune changes)
Blossom, Blossom, Blossom Utonium (Clips of Blossom at five, nine, and thirteen years old)
Hero, defender, avenger, all! (Blossom standing against the American flag, shielding a citizen from a monster attack, punching Mojo Jojo)
Blossom, Blossom, Blossom Utonium (Clips of Blossom at five, nine, and thirteen years old)
Fighter, leader, superior to all (Blossom punching Fuzzy, Blossom directing the other ruffs and puffs, the citizens of Townsville looking adoringly at her)
Blossom the Commander and the Leader (shows more clips of Blossom acting as leader)
Blossom the greatest of all Americans! (Blossom's looking at pics of Washington, Lincoln, Andrew Jackson, and Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, and showing that she's their equal, or even their superior)
Blossom, honest and upright, moral and right! (Blossom giving back money stolen from the bank)
We of Townsville, of America, follow thee! (Townies of all stripes cheering Blossom)
Blossom, Blossom, Blossom Utonium
Hero, defender, avenger, all!
Blossom, Blossom, Blossom Utonium
Fighter, leader, superior to all
Make room for one more face at Rushmore (Shows a photoshop of Mt Rushmore with Blossom added besides Abraham Lincoln, without her bow)
Prepare a big rock for Blossom's bow (her bow appeared on her head in Mt Rushmore)
A true model, patriot and more, (Blossom saluting at the flag)
She will lift us from our deepest low! (Blossom saving people from falling on deep cliffs)
Blossom, Blossom, Blossom Utonium
Hero, defender, avenger, all!
Blossom, Blossom, Blossom Utonium
Fighter, leader, superior to all
(Then suddenly the scene shifted to the Mayor's office where Ms Bellum and the Mayor was looking at the camera.)
Jay Mayor: I'm the Mayor of Townsville.
Sarah Bellum: And I'm Sarah Bellum, assistant to the Mayor. And on behalf of the city government, we approve this message.
END OF ADVERTISEMENT
II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II
After that, Mr Cady said, "Want to see the documentary? It will air on Friday night, but you might want to see it early."
Blossom merely nodded.
Mr Cady pressed another button on the remote, and the documentary began.
BEGINNING OF DOCUMENTARY
It was titled, Blossom Utonium and Brick Edwards: Commanders, Leaders, and Heroes
It started with an account of the present day, with clips of the Ruff Puff Alliance, and stated that they were undoubtedly "the true superheroes of Townsville", and stated that the heroes were composed of two parts. The female half was the Powerpuff Girls, and the male half was the Rowdyruff Boys. It credited its success not only to their superpowers, but to their cooperation and their team-effort. And it credited that cooperation to Blossom and Brick.
"In fact it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Ruff Puff Alliance would not be able to save the day while having a normal life without the incredible skills of leadership by Blossom and Brick," and goes into detail with their rotating command structure, and how decisions were made and carried out.
"But how did this began?" the narrator asked. "Long ago, the Rowdyruff Boys and the Powerpuff Girls were mortal enemies", and it delved into a history of the past seven years.
First there was the creation of the Powerpuff Girls, with interviews with Professor Utonium, and even Mojo Jojo. Then there was the story of the acceptance of the city of Townsville of the girls, and finally, the year of heroics they did. It told the differences of the three girls, and laid bare their personalities, why they given their names, and quick shots of various fights.
"A good punch is often the best solution!" Buttercup would say from that period. "Mojo is a wuss!"
"Why can't they be nice?" Bubbles asked, referring to the villains. "Some of the monsters were really cute!"
"Tactical strategy and planning is the key to victory!" Blossom would assert.
Then it goes on to say that Blossom was the real reason for the team's success, that without her guidance, they would fail, and cited examples like from the episode Not So Awesome Blossom while ignoring the special contributions of the others. All in all, it was full of praises for the pink puff. She was called "a humble girl who was the glue of the powerpuffs", "the smartest, and the one with the most sense!", and "one who Buttercup and Bubbles always listens to!"
"Blossom would never do anything wrong!" 13 year old Bubbles said in an interview.
"Blossom is deeply caring, and would never intentionally lead us astray!" Buttercup agreed.
"It's true. I am the best of the Powerpuffs!" Blossom concurred.
"Life was good. The monsters, criminals, and villains were all weak and pathetic by their standards," the narrator continued, "until Mojo created the Rowdyruff Boys. For the first time, the girls were defeated."
"I remember that time. We really kicked their asses!" 13 year old Brick said. "I saw the girls, and we just felt a desire to punch them into oblivion. And we did. It just shows that in pure strength and combat, we were better pound for pound that those girls."
"Those were the days," said 13 year old Boomer. "I don't want to sound callous, but I really felt joy grounding their faces into the pavement. Standing over them, laughing at their prone forms, that was one of best moments of my life. I'm not ashamed of saying it now. I felt no remorse over it. I never apologized for it, neither to my dad, nor to the girls. But don't worry. I won't turn evil again."
"It really felt good doing those things," said Butch. "Even today, sometimes, I wish I could be as evil now as I was then, just to get the thrill of punching them over and over. I was ecstatic. There I said it, I miss being evil. But I would not be evil now. Too much has happened for that to occur. Do I regret it? No."
"But our heroes recovered and again confronted them," said the Narrator. "They changed tactics."
"I was devastated by our loss," said Buttercup. "For the first time, we were clearly defeated in a fair fight."
"But Ms Bellum suggested a solution. Something all boys their age doesn't like. Cooties!" Bubbles said as she giggled.
"And it worked!" Blossom finished as a clip showing the boys being destroyed.
"What did I feel? Nothing. I was destroyed afterwards," said Brick, "and that goes for my brothers too."
"But Dr William Edwards recreated them!" said the narrator, "and convinced them give up evil. It was difficult, but he finally did it!"
"It was delicate process. They were evil when they were recreated. They had that burning desire for revenge," Dr Edwards explained. "I saw an opportunity to win them over to my side, and get them to be accepted by society. But at first, they don't want to. So I had to get them to be loyal to me. And the best way was for me to allow them to beat up the Powerpuff Girls, but not to kill them. That, I hope, would satisfy their desire for revenge. In helping them, and in providing them with love, care, and comfort, I hoped to gain their complete trust. And the girls obliged me by attacking them—at precisely the moment that they had completed their training for that very fight—in the mistaken assumption that they were attacking me. And they refused to believe that they were not evil at first. It took three fights before the girls accepted they were wrong and my boys were not evil anymore[4]. The boys defeated them twice—that satisfied their desire for revenge, and lost the third fight. I was able to make them good for my sake."
"But how did the boys and girls become allies?" the narrator asked.
"We didn't need to become allies," said Brick. "The Rowdyruffs certainly doesn't need the girls. We can save the day by ourselves, thanks to Dad's contacts and technology, before the girls with their inefficient hotline could even arrive. They were desperate for it."
"We were not desperate," Blossom asserted. "They were new, and did not have experience being superheroes, and we have. I guided them to a path of righteousness. And I made Brick a better leader."
"I have to admit that Blossom taught me so many things during the initial period," Brick reflected. "That time, we didn't have the rotating system, so we always fought who would be the leader after we agreed to be allies. That was the key stumbling block. The alliance nearly didn't get made because Blossom and I each thought we should be the leader and the other a mere follower. I won't bore you with details but Blossom became leader first because she was more experienced in the superhero stuff, and boy, I have to admit, she was right on so many things. I was a leader, but I would have never been the kind of leader I am now if I didn't serve under her first, and when it was my turn, if I didn't have the benefit of her advice on so many things, I would have made a lot more mistakes."
"Brick was an excellent leader to his brothers," Blossom reflected, looking back during that time, "but deficient in matters when it comes to being superheroes. And I taught him. And in turn, he grew into an excellent one. Indeed, it would not be an exaggeration to call him my protégé. But he taught me a lot of things as well. One was that one should not let emotion guide our actions. There were things that I would not have done if it were not for him, and he was really the glue that strengthened the alliance."
"Back then, Boomer and Butch weren't too fond of me, and Brick held them for me. I was the leader of the Ruff Puff Alliance because of Brick, and without him, the alliance would fall apart. He gave good advice, but he really shined when it was his turn. The triumph at Citiesville was his shining moment. And if it were not for him, we would have thrown ourselves headlong into that island, and gotten ourselves killed by those superstrong teen-agers before we were ready as soon as they started killing those people on TV. God, that was terrible, but he kept his head cool[5]."
The Narrator then took over. "After that, Brick and Blossom resolved their leadership dispute by rotating as leader. Right now, Brick is leader, and next month, in May, Blossom would be leader. Together, they had led the team into triumph after triumph."
Then the narrator spent the rest of the hour describing several of the most famous cases of heroics done by the Ruff Puff Alliance, always concentrating on Blossom and Brick. But as the documentary ended, it began to focus almost exclusively on Blossom.
"Blossom Utonium, has for eight years, as leader of the Powerpuff Girls and half the leader of the Ruff Puff Alliance, has married a very smart mind, cool head, good judgement, great tactical and strategic mind, to an intense devotion to public service. Honest, humble, pure, beautiful, brilliant, and sound, what more can one ask for in a leader? Blossom, a dutiful daughter [shown with Professor Utonium], a brilliant student [Blossom shown getting top honors], a helpful classmate [showing her helping Mitch Mitchelson do his homework], a devoted friend [showing her playing with Robyn], a decisive leader [showing her leading her sisters], a reliable ally [showing her working with Butch fight crime], a helpful partner [showing her and Brick planning an attack], a scourge of crime [showing her beating a bank robber], a beloved hero [shown being cheered by the people], a patriotic citizen [showing her salute the American flag], what more can we ask of her?"
Then the screen turned black as the credits rolled.
II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II
F. The Reaction
"Well, what do you think, Blossom?" asked Mr Cady.
All eyes were on Blossom. She was in tears. "That was—"
"So you like it?" asked Mr Cady.
She nodded. "Thank you Mr Cady. Thank you, Brick. You're the one who set this entire thing up. That was very nice of you!" She then flew and hugged the surprised male leader.
He whispered something so that only Blossom can hear it. "Stop crying. You're embarrassing me. And I didn't do it for you. Remember, I don't like you. I don't care for you. You're not my friend. It's only a favour to a colleague who was in trouble, and also as a favour to myself. Nothing more."
"I don't care what you say. Thank you," Blossom whispered.
"So that would air tonight?" Boomer asked while the reds were whispering to each other.
"The two advertisements," Mr Cady. "If that is alright with all of you. The documentary will be shown on Friday, as I said before."
"Please air it as soon as possible," Blossom said, pushing herself away from Brick and drying her tears. "I hope it would change a few minds about me."
"It will," replied Brick. "It better!"
"Well Blossom, after being arrested and accused of murder, you needed this. I just hope you remain humble and modest even after all of this," Buttercup said. She then made an ultra-low whisper only the six kids can hear. "We can't have your head grow bigger than it already is. Don't let this get to your head!"
"Buttercup, I deserve all of this!" Blossom retorted in a similar whisper. "If the city wants to honor me as such, who am I to stop them? The city is just telling the truth by running such ads."
Buttercup looked at Brick. 'I hope you didn't create a monster!' Buttercup thought. 'Before the murder, she sometimes was unbearable. She always thinks she's right, but you're feeding it! You're making her feel like she's better than everyone around her! You're making it as though she can never do wrong. And you know better.'
Butch, even if he participated in it, was thoroughly disgusted. To his mind, it was totally unnecessary. It was simply stroking Blossom's pride, and had nothing to do with the murder. The boys better have something out of it, something tangible. Not something like affection or gratitude or such. Something that he could touch. Unlike both his brothers he would not fall for the charms of those accursed Powerpuff Girls. Brick better know what he's doing. But he kept quiet. He would not fight his brother over this.
After that, they all went home.
"That was nice of them," Bubbles mentioned as they slowly flew home. It was still bright, though the sun was setting. "I hope it really changes their minds."
"I hope it doesn't come across as too egotistical. I mean, it's nice and all, but don't you think it focused a little too much on you and Brick?" Buttercup questioned.
"It won't. And why would it be seen that way? I mean, that documentary and those commercials just told the truth," Blossom replied.
"Truth? Look, I know this thing is necessary after you were arrested and accused of murder, but let's not go overboard here. You and I know its propaganda to boost your image after what had happened."
"It's not propaganda. It's merely education. To tell the people the truth!" Blossom defended.
"Look, it ain't the truth. If it was so, then it would have not have focused almost exclusively on you and Brick," she asserted. "It's so one sided it's sickening. All of us equally have contributed to saving the day, but that documentary made it look as if you and Brick are the only ones who matter!"
"That may be so, but isn't it the truth? I am the leader, and he is the leader too, and without us, there would be no Ruff Puff Alliance!"
"You two would be leader of nothing if we don't follow you," Buttercup asserted.
"And you would be nothing if it were not for me! You always attack headlong without thinking. Without me to do your thinking for you, you would never have gotten this far!" Blossom retorted. "How many times have I had to bail you out because you're too rash and didn't think things through?"
"How many times have I saved you butt," Buttercup retorted, "when time and time again, your plans blew up in your face?"
"That's not the point! All of what was said about me by Brick and by the station is true! You didn't object to it then, why object to it now?"
"Because I didn't think it would go to your head," said Buttercup. "If you didn't get accused of killing Mrs Carmichael, I would've opposed it because Bubbles and my roles were minimized! It's all you! Blossom this and Blossom that, and sometimes Brick too, but what of Bubbles and me, or even Boomer or Butch? When we're there, we're there to sing your praises!"
"Buttercup, that is enough," Blossom said. "If you want to change it, talk to Brick."
With that, Blossom accelerated and flew ahead. 'The nerve of that Buttercup! I had the most spectacular week starting on Monday, and she had to ruin it because she thinks nobody notices her!'
"Sheesh! I'm just telling her to not get carried away with all of this," Buttercup told Bubbles, "and she thinks I'm out to get her."
"Buttercup, please understand her. She was jailed. Accused of the most horrible things. Told to die and to go to hell. Blossom needs this," Bubbles said.
Buttercup just shook her head before zooming straight for home, followed by Bubbles.
II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II
Author Notes
[1] See the episode Candy is Dandy
[2]See my fic Allies and Rivals II chapter 28, Two Crises
[3] The episode Not So Awesome Blossom
[4]The events of the first Allies and Rivals story.
[5] The events of Allies and Rivals II, chapters 25-43
For tune for the song in the second advertisement, just imagine whatever tune you like to fit the lyrics.
I
Washington, Lincoln, Brick Edwards
All great heroes, all great leaders
But none can compare, to the greatest of 'em
Blossom Utonium, the greatest of 'em!
Chorus
Blossom, Blossom, Blossom Utonium
Hero, defender, avenger, all!
Blossom, Blossom, Blossom Utonium
Fighter, leader, superior to all
II
Blossom the Commander and the Leader
Blossom the greatest of all Americans!
Blossom, honest and upright, moral and right!
We of Townsville, of America, follow thee! (Repeat Chorus)
III
Make room for one more face at Rushmore
Prepare a big rock for Blossom's bow
A true model, patriot and more,
She will lift us from our deepest low! (Repeat Chorus)
To SatoriatParis, oh I agree with you. And the events of this chapter would only blow her ego even more sky high.
To Guineapigz2002, thank you very much. Hope you like this too!
To ohme, thank you very much.
I'm guessing we see the TNN interview next chapter.
Well, not the interview, but the spots and the documentary. The real interviews will come on Saturday.
Nice to see the green's point of view which I have not read much yet.
Well, I originally didn't intend for the fic to focus so much on the blues and the reds, it just came out that way, especially when they were assigned to simply gauge the opinions of their fellow students while the others were asking questions and planning Blossom's comeback.
Also Blossom needs to go back to looking at the mudshots. It's boring but important.
Blossom hasn't forgotten. As you will see in the next chapter. But you will have to wait!
To Kyogan-Saori, whether or not it's Princess, well, you'll just have to wait.
To Pikatwig, thank you. Yup, it's amazing. I'm sure Brick himself couldn't believe what he had just done.
What'll happen next time?
The spots and the documentary were shown.
Will Butch and Buttercup cooperate long enough on the news?
Apparently, they did. But how long can they stomach all these moves to boost Blossom's popularity while ignoring them?
Will we learn anything new? Just how much longer can this mess go on for?
Well, there was the description of Mr Watts, but I can say that the next chapter has far more new revelations than this one. And well, this mess is starting to be fixed (mainly Blossom's reputation) but as to catching the actual crime? Well, we'll just see.
To John, well, Brick is a Rowdyruff, he doesn't have any qualms of hurting strangers to serve his goals. Oh yeah, her popularity is off the charts right now. As for Princess, just read the next chapters!
To William F Somebody, yup! Things has been looking up for Blossom. And how is Princess involved? Just read the next chapters!
To Bob, thank you very much!
