The Powerpuff Girls copyright Craig McCracken
Dexter's Laboratory copyright Genndy Tartakovsky
Green Lantern copyright DC Comics/Warner Brothers
Lantern's Light
Chapter 11: Love Is a Battlefield..
It was long into the afternoon in the city of Townsville..
school was over, and the Powerpuff Girls were flying home.
and, as usual..Buttercup had been silent (and, distant) the whole time.
Bunny eyed her sisters.
then, at last exhaled and spoke up.
"Ssoooo..." began Bunny
"We doing anything paticular, today?
summer is nearly here and all..meaning Vacation Time!"
Blossom glanced at Bunny.
"we're Superheroes, Bunny: we don't do "vacations."
Bunny scowled.
"We're also teenage girls.
and, we're not on-the-job "24/7"
"I think Bunny is RIGHT, Blossom." said Bubbles
we've been working pretty hard.
and, besides: it's been a Slow crime wave, lately."
"no kidding." said Buttercup, finally speaking
"it's like most the criminals in town are too scared to show their faces.
i mean, don't get me wrong: we can be pretty intimidating.
but, i've NEVER seen crooks so..so Afraid."
Blossom narrowed her eyes as she looked ahead.
she had to admit: something (or, someone)
definently had the criminal element spooked.
and, as much as she'd like to think so: it WASN'T The Powerpuff Girls.
"Maybe there's a new hero in town.." said Bunny
"i do hear stories, they say it's someone in a Batman-type costume."
Buttercup scoffed.
"oh, yeah..just what WE need: a rich nutcase in a halloween costume."
the girls soon arrived at their house.
curiously, Professor Utonium was already outside at the front porch.
but, Bubbles got excited when she saw who were with him.
"BOOMIIIIE!"
Bubbles zeroed in on Boomer and, with rapid speed, zipped over to the Rowdyruff Boy in a blue light trail.
she easily tacked him down, hugging and kissing him.
"YOU'RE BACK!"
Boomer blushed bright red.
the other three girls landed and approached.
they saw that Boomer was indeed there..along with Brick and Butch.
"Well..this is unexpected." said Blossom
"Yeah..where've you guys BEEN?!"
Brick crossed his arms, acting Serious and Official.
"working."
Bunny cocked an eyebrow.
"working?"
"Yeah, unlike YOU girls..who protect this city.
me and my bro's have had our hands full with the rest of the world." said Butch
Prof. Utonium stepped up.
"yes, we've been talking about that.
Did you know these fine young boys prevented a civil war from breaking out in the Middle East?!"
the Girls looked at the Boys blank stares.
Butch just smirked, and spoke.
"we gave 'em two choices: they could either spend the next several years killing each other..
or, we could do THAT ourselves in only a few hours."
"Did it work?" asked Blossom
"no." said Brick
"so, we went with Plan B: we kidnapped their "leaders"
and, marooned them on a deserted island for a few months.
when we came back for them, they had "settled their differences"
Now, they don't even wanna THINK about starting another war, again."
"wow, jus..just: Wow." said Blossom, stunned
Butch shrugged.
"eh, so what if we bent a few rules..
in the end: we got the job done."
Boomer looked at Bubbles (and, the other girls)
"Anyway, things are looking more peaceful.
so, Mom said that we could stop by and spend some time wi-"
"WHOA-Whoa-whoa..MOM!?" said Buttercup, shocked
Boomer looked at her.
"yeah..we got a new mom."
"EEEEEEEE!"
Bubbles embraced Boomer, again.
"That's WONDERFUL, Boomie!
Now, you have a family of you're very own..a REAL family!"
"Who is she?" asked Blossom, equally excited
"sorry..that's classified." said Brick
the Girls looked at him.
"Huh?!"
"She's a Secret Agent." added Butch
"you know, like James Bond..if he were a "Chick."
"so, we CAN'T tell you." said Brick, again
the Powerpuff Girls stared blankly..then, Boomer scowled.
"Oh, guys..COME ON!, it's THEM."
Boomer faced the Powerpuffs.
"Her name is Honeydew, AGENT Honeydew.
she's a real nice woman..i like her."
"She's got a weird obsession for Monkeys, though." added Butch
Buttercup scoffed.
"ANY parent is better than Mojo or Him."
Bubbles smiled.
then, hugged Boomer again.
"all the same, i'm happy that you're back...i missed you."
Boomer smiled weakly..then, hugged Bubbles back.
"i missed you, too."
the other Girls, Boys and Utonium watched this scene silently.
Boomer finally pulled away to speak.
"i..we got you're letters and e-mail messages.
i'm..i'm sorry about what's happening with that Eric guy."
Bubbles frowned, looking down.
though, Buttercup's expression showed the most pain.
"it..it was like he came back from the dead." began Bubbles, softly
"i was So Happy when i saw him again after so long..
but..but, Eric, he..he's CHANGED."
moist tears formed in Bubbles sapphire blue eyes.
"he's not the same person i remember..
so Bitter..Angry, so full of Hate."
"eh, can you blame 'em?" said Butch, his arms above his head
everyone looked (mostly eying) him.
"From what i've been told, the guy was like Boomer: a shy softy.
and, "B.C." totally blew him off for no real reason."
Buttercup glared at Butch, growling softly in her throat.
"alright, Butch..that's enough." warned Brick
Butch wasn't listening.
"eh, if you ask me: 'Big Butter' had it coming." continued Butch
"you Girls act so High and Mighty, thinking that "Feelings" are a female privilage.
and, that because we guys aren't girls like you, that we don't have any feelings."
Butch scoffed.
"bunch'a stuck-up snobs is what you all ar-"
POW!
Butch was suddenly cut off by a swift punch in the jaw..courtesy of Buttercup's fist.
enraged, Buttercup tacked Butch to the ground and, angrily started beating on the Rowdyruff, angry tears in her eyes.
"YOU THINK I'M STUCK-UP!?, YOU THINK I'M A SNOB!?"
"BUTTERCUP!" exclaimed Blossom, shocked
Buttercup gripped Butch by his shirt.
she angrily glared at him, their faces inched apart.
"do you get some sick pleasure in seeing me in pain?!
Yes, Butch: I had it coming, I hurt a good man, and i DESERVE every bit of it."
Buttercup's grief soon became greater than her rage.
she got up off of Butch (who quickly got up) and walked off.
Buttercup paused, beginning to cry.
"you..are right (for ONCE.)"
Butch looked surprised.
"i..am?"
"yes." replied Buttercup
"Eric was sweet, kind and pure of heart.
and, all he wanted..was to loved me, and BE loved."
Buttercup then stared off at the sky, her eyes shiny from her tears.
"but..i-i was a sexist jerk.
i couldn't see him as anything more than a stupid boy.
i demoralized him in my mind..as just another Ace..or, BUTCH."
Butch gulped, looking down.
Buttercup continued.
"i..i did a terrible thing.
one that i still regret and loath to this day.
it's my fault Eric has changed, 'I' made him what he is."
Buttercup shut her eyes tight.
tears escaping her closed eyelips and flowing down her cheeks.
"i wish i could just..go back in time.
and, stop myself from ever throwing that punch..saying those horrible things."
Buttercup crossed her arms and cried silently.
Blossom, Bubbles and Bunny immetiatly went to console her.
Brick glared at Butch, giving him the "evil eye"
"well..'I' did terrible things, too." said Boomer
Buttercup (and, the rest of the girls) looked at the blue rowdyruff.
"i've done things in my life that i wish i could undo.
but..i can't..what i AM thankful for, however..
is that someone saw fit to forgive me, and give me a second chance."
Bubbles smiled at her boyfriend.
"you weren't there, Boomer.." began Buttercup, her voice still broke
"his anger and hatred was so strong.
and, nothing i did or said could change him in the slightest."
Boomer remained firm to Buttercup.
"our new mother always told us: "It's easy to Hate..but, HARD to forgive."
Buttercup looked away, Boomer's words not getting through to her.
"you hated us, right?" asked Boomer, calmly
Buttercup looked at him, again.
"what?!"
"did you HATE us?" repeated Boomer
Buttercup stared at him.
she darted her eyes..then, exhaled.
"yeah..i guess i did."
"do you STILL hate us?"
Buttercup looked at Butch for a moment..
Then, looked back at Boomer.
"i wouldn't say i "love" you guys..
but, "No": i don't hate you, anymore."
Boomer smiled a warm smile (one that remined Buttercup of Bubbles.)
"then, if YOU could learn to forgive me, and my brothers..despite all that we've done.
then, why can't Eric learn to forgive YOU for what you did to him?"
Buttercup froze still, her eyes wide in shock.
Boomer's words had a strange air of truth that made ALOT of sense to her.
Butch eyed his "dimwitted" brother.
"Wow, Boomer..that was really DEEP." said Brick
"Yeah, since when are YOU brainy?!"
Boomer blushed bright red.
"I like listening to Mom when she talks about Morality."
Butch raised his arms over his head again, stretching.
"figures..i usually fall asleep whenever she spouts off like that."
Blossom embraced Buttercup.
"you SEE, Buttercup?: there is HOPE."
"YEAH!, you'll see!" exclaimed Bubbles
"I just betcha one of these days Eric is gonna come back to Townsville, and EVERYTHING will be better."
Buttercup scoffed.
"yeah..well, i don't count on THAT ever happening soo-"
At that moment, the group all heard what sounded like an approaching motorcycle.
they all looked..and, saw none other than ERIC riding an ALL GREEN motorcycle down the street.
the bike sputtered, then finally disolved and faded away (revealed to be naught but an energy construct)
leaving Eric sitting in the middle of the road on his rear, with only a "Green Lantern" beside him.
the Powerpuff Girls and Rowdyruff Boys stared blankly.
"is..that HIM?" asked Butch
Buttercup nodded, a shocked expression frozen on her face.
"okay..just checking."
Butch then stood near Boomer.
"dude, you're girlfriend is some kinda witch or something." whispered Butch
"no!, she's not." snapped Boomer
"i bet she is.
now, make her say: "it's going to rain diamonds and gold"
Eric grumbled as he sat up and brushed some dirt off.
he then bent down and picked up his Lantern by it's handle.
he then looked at his ring.
"great..outta juice.
and, i'm nowhere near the city.
(sigh) things can't get any worse, can it?!"
"ERIC!"
Eric looked and saw Buttercup gliding over to him.
he then scowled.
"ugh..and, the Hits just keep on coming."
Buttercup rammed into Eric and, pulled him into a tight embrace.
"YOU'RE BACK!
You came back, I KNEW you's come back!" exclaimed Buttercup, crying happy tears
a sour look was on Eric's face.
with some effort, he forecfully shoved Buttercup off of him.
"Get Off Me!" snapped Eric
Buttercup steppped back.
shocked, and slightly hurt at this.
the other Powerpuff Girls and Rowdyruff Boys ran up.
"Hey, Eric..what's up?!" said Blossom, trying to be civil
Eric eyed Brick, Boomer and Butch..who waved nervously.
"hmm..From the looks of it: ALOT."
Blossom blushed, realising just now that they never got around to explaining the Rowdyruff Boys reform to Eric.
"oh, right..(clears throat)
Eric, meet the Rowdyruff Boys: they were Bad Guys who are GOOD, now."
"YEAH!" chirped Bubbles
"Boomie is my boyfriend, now!
It was our idea to all be friends and not fight, anymore."
Eric took a moment to look at the three Boys (whose resemblance to Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup was..Strangely Exact.)
"One..Two..Three?" began Eric
"but, there are FOUR Powerpuff Girls in total.
where is the Fourth Rowdyruff Boy?, the Purple One."
"we don't have a fourth." said Brick
"When Mojo created us, BUNNY didn't exist."
Eric smirked at this.
"Must make you feel 'short handed' then, don't it?"
Brick just scowled at Eric, growling in his throat.
"Seriously, what ARE you guys?: Clones or something.
because, if you are..then, it looks like Bubbles dating her "Brother".
"WE'RE NOT CLONES!
we just happen to Look like them, that's all!" snapped Butch
Eric smirked once again.
"Riiiiight..."
"So, ANYWAY.." began Bunny, trying to change the subject
"What brings you back to Townsville, Eric?"
Eric exhaled, aggravated.
"i'm...i'm moving back."
the Girls widened their eyes and smiled each of them feeling a swell of Joy and Hope.
"I tried to make in Citysville..i really did.
but, things just didn't work out the way i planned it."
"oh..i am SO SORRY." said Blossom, not meaning a word of it
"yeah, well, I certainly didn't have much choice when i returned to my apartment, only to find it ransasked from burglers."
Eric groaned/growled.
Clearly in a very fowl mood.
"NOW, i'm LITERALLY right back where i started: Homeless."
the Girls (and, even the Boys) looked at Eric with sympathy.
"No Problem!" said Bubbles, finally
"you can come live with US until yoy find you're own-"
Eric scowled at Bubbles, growling angrily in his throat.
"or..n-not?"
"No..i'm NOT.
not so long as 'SHE' is going to be there." said Eric, pointing at Buttercup
Buttercup frowned, looking sadly at Eric.
"you're still mad?"
"Are the Amoeba Boys stupid?" said Eric, sarcasticly
Butch snickered at this remark.
despite the obvious seriousness of the situation.
Buttercup walked closer to Eric..but, also kept her distance.
"Eric..i'm sorry."
Eric crossed his arms and, coldly turned away from her.
which made Buttercup feel even worse.
"yeah..i'm sorry, too." said Eric, coldly
Buttercup eyed Eric.
"you..Are?"
"yeah..when i left..i was Angry.
and, i said some things back then that i didn't mean."
Buttercup smiled, feeling Hope for the first time in a long time.
(Blossom, Bubbles and Bunny ALSO felt the same Hope.)
"Truth is..i DON'T hate you, Buttercup." continued Eric
Buttercup's eyes grew WIDE.
if she were a cartoon character, she'd have "hearts" for eyes.
"Really?!"
"yeah..but, i don't love you, either."
Buttercup grimaced, feeling her heart shatter.
the other Powerpuffs ALSO felt that "sinking feeling".
"wa-wa-What?"
"I don't Hate you..but, i don't Love you."
Eric then turned and looked right at the Powerpuff Girl.
"I just Trust you as far as i can throw you..WITHOUT my ring."
Buttercup froze still feeling a rush of sadness return, again.
"but..you CAN'T throw her." said Bubbles
Eric looked at her.
"My point exactly."
Butch leaned over to Boomer.
"so much for "forgive and forget."
"SHHH!" shushed Brick
Eric pulled away, refusing to look at Buttercup any longer.
Bunny then approached Eric.
"But, ERIC..you can't just go out into the streets."
"SURE i can!" said Eric
"I spent most of my childhood as a homeless orphan begging for scraps.
i survived just fine BEFORE i met the Powerpuffs..and, i can STILL survive, now."
"But, you don't HAVE to!" exclaimed Bubbles
"If you don't want to see Buttercup, FINE.
she can just stay in another room..and, L-LEAVE whenever you come in."
Eric crossed his arms closed his arms and looked away.
"sorry, Bubbles..but NO.
I don't want to be anywhere near Buttercup.
it's bad enough i have to stay in the same city where she lives!"
Butch groaned.
"O-Kaaaay, i know what i said before.
but, this guy is starting to get annoying with his whining."
Eric scowled at the Rowdyruff Boy who looked like Buttercup.
"You got a PROBLEM with me, Punk?!"
Butch glared at Eric.
"PUNK!?"
As Butch walked up to Eric.
Brick groaned, rubbing his temples stressfully.
"oh..no."
Butch faced Eric though he had is usual angry expression..Eric remained stone cold emotionless.
"Listen, PAL!" began Butch, poking at Eric's chest sharply
"nobody, and i mean NOOOOOBODY calls me "Punk" and gets away with it!"
"Butch, NO!" called Buttercup, worried
both Butch and Eric were ignoring her.
"I just call 'em like i see 'em..PUNK." said Eric, a smug grin on his face
Butch grinded his teeth and glared green sparks flying from his clenched fists.
"(shouting) YOU WANNA TAKE THIS OUTSIDE!?"
Eric scowled.
"we ARE outside, you moron."
Professor Utonium walked up.
"uhhh...maybe you boys shoul-"
"YOU STAY OUTTA THIS!"
"YOU STAY OUT OF THIS!" said Butch and Eric in union
"okay."
with that, Utonium left.
Eric and Butch returned to their arguing.
"LISTEN!, i'm not like "Butterfly" over there!
I'm not afarid to bust you up just because you're NORMAL!"
"tell THAT to my Sore Jaw." growled Eric
"and, would you PLEEEASE stop poking me!"
Butch smirked.
"Oh, i'm sorry..like THIS?!"
Butch sharply poked Eric in the chest again.
"QUIT IT!" snapped Eric
"POKE-POKE-POKE!" said Butch, poking Eric with each word
"Alright, THAT'S IT!" shouted Eric, angrily
"If you do that ONE. MORE. FLIPPING. TIME: i'm gonna knock you're lights out!"
Butch found this notion amusing.
he then raised his hand, sticking his finger out.
with a smug grin, he slowly moved his finger closer to Eric's chest.
"po-"
POW!
with lightning fast action, Eric socked Butch across the jaw with an energized fist.
the force of the impact knocked the Rowdyruff down, flat on his back.
Butch was out cold, knocked completly unconscience.
the whole group stood frozen still.
their eyes wide in shock at what just happened.
Eric stared at his green ring..which fizzled as it powered down completely
"well, there goes my last charge.." said Eric
Eric looked down at the KOed Butch..and, grinned.
"but, it was Soooo worth it."
At that moment..a familiar limosine drove up and stopped.
the drive stepped out, ran to the door at the end.
and, after clearing his throat, promptly opened it.
and, there..sitting inside with a smug smile, was Princess Morbucks
"Eric!, DAR-ling.." began princess, oddly sweet sounding
Buttercup raised an eyebrow.
she didn't paticular like how Princess called Eric "Darling".
in fact, she didn't like it AT ALL.
Eric sighed, as he looked at Princess.
"hi, princess.."nice" to see you, again."
"again?!" mouthed Buttercup, shocked
Princess snickered in her throat.
then, put on her best "sympathetic" face.
"I heard how you were robbed.
(tsk-tsk-tsk..) terrible, just Terrible.
BUT, that's what happens when you live in Citysville.
you almost ALWAYS encounter the most vile of humanity."
Eric raised an eyebrow, suspiciously.
"How did you kno-"
"I hear things.
you know..Gossip, News traveling Fast, that sorta thing."
Princess then leaned out of her limo her face just a few feet away from Eric's.
"So, ANYWAY..it would appear that YOU, my dear friend.
are in desperate need of some living quarters."
Eric was about to say something, when Princess continued talking.
"WELL, it just so happens that i have 'Plenty' of room back at my mansion!"
the Powerpuff Girls (plus Brick and Boomer) looked stunned.
Buttercup then scowled, growling angrily
Princess sat back in her seat and, smiled down at Eric.
"SO, just hop right in..and, i'l get you settled."
Eric placed his fists on his hips, eyeing Princess.
"i don't kno-"
"Oh, COME ON!: this is a Good Deal!" began Princess
"Live in my "castle", and you'll eat like a King and, best off all: it's RENT FREE."
Princess smirked at the teen.
"Heckva better deal than sleeping in a musty hotel.
or, WORST: having to live on the streets like some diseased vermin."
Princess then made a smug expression.
"or..do you WANT to go back and, live in the same house with the girl who ripped out your heart?"
Buttercup widened her eyes in shock.
now, she KNEW Princess was deliberetly doing this to spite her.
Princess flipped open her make-up mirror took some lipstick and applied it to her lips.
"You're choice, Eric: Stay here, and be treated like dirt.
OR, come with ME..and, get the Respect and Graditude that you rightfully deserve."
Eric stood in place, thinking.
he looked at Princess..then, looked back at Buttercup.
the girls all had concerned (and, shocked) looks on their faces.
Sure of herself, princess stepped out of the Limo.
she bent down, and motioned Eric to the door with her hands.
"After YOU: you're chariot awaits.." said Princess, smugly
Eric took one last look at Buttercup.
his memory flashing back to shen she punched him.
with an angry scowl, he quickly picked up Power Battery.
turned right around and climbed into the limo.
Buttercup stared brokenhearted.
"e-eric?.."
as Eric sat down on the fine leather seat..Princess looked at Buttercup.
with a smug looke, she quickly pulled her lower eyelid down and, stuck her tounge out at the Powerpuff.
Buttercup gritted her teeth, growling.
Princess then got back into the limo.
Buttercup walked to the closed door.
to which Princess just rolled the window down.
with an evil look..Princess spoke quietly to Butercup.
"scram, butterb*tch.
you had you're chance and blew it.
now..eric is MINE."
Buttercup narrowed her eyes, glaring at Princess angrily.
"i don't know what you're trying to pull..
but, you WON'T get away with this!"
Princess laughed cruely.
"why, my dear powerpuff: I already have..you just don't know it, yet."
Princess began to roll the window back up.
"i'll send photos from our eventual honeymoon to you, someday..twa-la."
a look of sheer disgust and shock was frozen on Buttercup's face.
Princess smiled, taking great pleasure in this.
"Home, Bruce."
"yes, madame."
with that, the Morbucks Limo drove off..
leaving Buttercup standing alone in the road as it departed.
"what did you say to her?" asked Eric
Princess smirked.
then, looked at Eric, sweetly.
"Oh, nothing much, DEAR.
i just told Buttercup to stay away from you, if she knew what was good for her."
Eric scoffed, looking away.
"yeah, right..like SHE would listen to you.
"She'll have no choice." began Princess
"After those girls robbed me blind during my brief stint at Mayor of this city.
i took the liberty of outfitting my mansion with the BEST security system money could buy.
Custom designed..to be Powerpuff Proof.
from lead shielding, motion sensors, surface-to-air weaponry
AND, an advanced targeting system programs to detect ANYTHING with Chemical X.."
Princess chuckled to herself.
"Trust me, Eric..if YOU want to get away from Buttercup
and, NEVER have to see her again: then, MY HOUSE..is the best place to be."
Eric looked at Princess..then, exhaled sharply.
as he looked down, Princess smiled to herself.
Everything was going according to plan.
Meanwhile, Buttercup continued to watch them leave.
Blossom and Bubbles soon walked up to her.
"b-buttercup?" said Bubbles, concerned
Buttercup continued to stare blankly
"she..she's taking him." said Buttercup, finally
Bubbles watched (which Super/X-Ray Vision)
as Princess Limo drove further and further away.
"uhh..Yeah, i know.
Princess IS taking Eric away in her lim-"
"No, i mean she's TAKING him!" snapped Buttercup, suddenly
Buttercup then hunched her shoulders her arms stiff and fists clenched tightly.
she grinded her teeth and, growled loudly in her throat.
"Princess KNOWS how i feel about, Eric..
and, she's trying to take him away just to P*SS ME OFF!"
Buttercup was burning with a jealous rage.
Blossom knew this, and tried to calm her.
"Now, Buttercup..calm dow-"
"SHE'S 'NOT' GOING TO TAKE HIM!" shouted Buttercup to the skies
"Eric and I BELONG together..I KNOW IT!
and, i won't let that B*tch win..(shouting) I WON'T!"
with that, Buttercup shot up high and, flew off at a tremendous speed.
her green light trail generating shockwaves.
as the girls watched with wide eyes as she disappeared..
Brick, Boomer and Bunny approached them.
"man..she looks Mad." said Brick
"you have No Idea." replied Blossom
at that moment..Butch woke up.
"ugh..wa-what happened?"
[Morbucks Manor]
the stretch limosine pulled up the front of the manor.
there, both Princess and Eric were greeted by a large group of Maids and Butlers.
one of the servants opened the limo door.
and, out walked Princess..along with Eric.
"Welcome home, Princess Morbucks." said a servant
"yes-yes, that's nice." said Princess, not caring in the least
as Princess approached her mansion Eric took the time to servey his surrondings.
the Mansion itself was HUGE.
nearly twice the size of a Football Stadium.
the front yard (or, "Courtyard") was miles wide as well.
decorated with scuptures, and sporting a large foutain at the center.
"HEY!" called Princess
Eric looked over at Morbucks.
"You coming or what!?"
Eric blushed with embarassment.
then, finally ran up to Princess.
"sorry."
Princess sighed softly.
then, waited as the servants opened the doors for her.
the two teenagers entered the mansion..and, walked into what looked like a "Lobby"
the "room" itself was fairly large and wide open.
Eric could see a Grand Staircase that sorta resembled the one the Titanic had.
several chandelearss hung high above the cealing (which was near as high as the sky itself.)
the place was HUGE.
and, Eric was only at the "Front Door"
(Eric feared i might need a "Map" just to find a bathroom.)
"This is a HOUSE!?
looks more like the Smithsonian Museum!"
"yeah-yeah, i get that ALOT." said Princess
Princess then lightly closed her eyes and, clapped her hands twice in a row.
"SEEEEEEEEER-VANTS!"
Eric heard dozens of rapid footsteps.
within moments, hundreds of men and woman dressed in british servant uniforms were in the room.
there were so many, that Eric couldn't count them all.
SOME of them looks alike, giving Eric the idea that those were "related" in some way.
Princess approached the many Butlers and Maids.
walking by them like she were a Drill Sargeant in the Army.
"Everyone..this is Eric, the Green Lantern." began Princess
"He's my new bo-err, FRIEND.
he's homeless, and in need of a place to stay.
and, being the Generous and Charitable person that i am-"
at that moment, Princess heard a stifled chuckle.
she GLARED at the servants..but, due to the sheer numbers, she couldn't pinpoint who it was.
"whoever that was is FIRED."
"ANYWAY..as i was saying: being the Charitable person that i am.
'I' have offered Eric a place to stay in my mansion (least until he finds his own place.)
SO, for the time being: He will have free reign of the place.
and, you will show him the same Respect, Loyalty and "Servitude" that you grant ME.
If he wants something, YOU GIVE IT TO HIM!
If he sneezes, then you'd BETTER have a tissue ready.
As far as any of you know..HE, is a Morbucks.
and, will be treated as such: CLEAR?!"
"YES, PRINCESS MORBUCKS!" said the crowd all at once
"GOOOOD..you may go, now."
the dozens of people departed in a "calm stampede".
before Eric could say anything, Princess put her arm around him.
"NOW..let's get you settled into you're room." said Princess, batting her eye lashes
"uhh..okay."
Princess parted and, led Eric up the grand staircase.
as they walked down the long corridor..Eric spoke.
"are you SURE you're parents won't mind me staying here?"
"oh, Not. At. ALL." said Princess
"Daddy is ALWAYS working..even when he's at home.
in fact, the only time he ISN'T is whenever he's asleep."
"and, you're mother?"
Princess sighed, a hint a sadness in her eyes
"i don't see her, she runs Morbuck International overseas.
she sends me gifts, but..i don't really know her."
Eric frowned, actually feeling sympathy for Princess.
"soooo..if you're parents are never around then, i don't understand: who raised you?"
Princess chuckles.
"why..my SERVANTS, of course!"
Princess and Eric walked into a long hallway.
"Turns out, they are all the "Family" that i needed.
like have Hundreds of "Mommys and Daddys" to make me happy."
at that moment, a Maid walked over with a silver platter in her hand.
"Pizza Bites, Mistress Morbucks?"
"no, not now."
the Maid faced Eric.
"Pizza Bies, Master Eric?"
"uhh..m-maybe just ONE."
Eric took the bite-sized snack and ate it.
as he did, a Butler walked up to him.
"may i take you're coat, sir?"
"uhh..Sure.
it could use a good wash."
the Butler removed Eric's black leather jacket and, promptly left.
Princess smiled to herself.
feeling confident at her "success".
Princess and Eric soon stopped at a door.
"Well..here we are."
Princess opened the door, revealing a medium sized room.
Eric walked inside..amazed.
the bed was huge, and looked rather soft.
the windows were as tall as trees with thick red curtains to match.
"You're NEW room.
feel free to make yourself at home."
Eric stood at the center, wide eyed.
"uhh..thanks?"
Princess smiled darkly.
she then enter the room and faced him.
"Let's get clear on some Ground Rules..
As i said to my servants, you have Free Reign of the mansion.
so, you can go ANYWHERE you want within the grounds..Except MY ROOM."
Princess touched Eric's shirt.
and, seductivly pulled him closer.
"you will need.."special" permission to enter MY sacred dwelling."
Eric blushed bright red, feeling nervous.
"s-sooo..it's the only place here Off Limits?"
Princess chuckled lightly.
"not...Totally.
you can entered my room if i SAY you can." said Princess, lightly tapping Eric's nose
"and, for now..you CAN'T.
so, you'll have to wait if you want a 'Full Tour' of the place."
Princess then parted from Eric.
"NOW, go find one of my servants and, ask them to direct you to the nearest bathroom.
I'd like to have dinner with you.
and, i you need a SERIOUS bathing."
Eric blushed bright red.
"ye-yeah..i s-suppose."
Princess smiled seductfully at Eric.
with a smile, she leaned over..and, tapped his nose again.
she giggled as she pulled away.
"so cute.."
Princess turned and walked out of Eric's room.
once she was gone..Eric exhaled sharply.
he then walked over and closed the shut, locking it.
Eric walked over to a nearby table.
and, placed his Green Lantern Power Battery on it.
Eric then looked at his ring.
balling up a fist, he put his whole hand into the lantern's energized core.
"in brightest day..in blackest night.
no evil..shall escape my sight."
Eric's power battery began to glow brighter reacting to his emotion as he spoke his oath.
"let those who worship evil's might.
beware my power..green lantern's light."
the Power Battery glowed brighter.
Eric groaned as he felt energy surging from it.
he then pulled his hand out.
and, looked at his now glowing power ring.
(("POWER LEVELS AT 100% CAPACITY.")) said the Ring's computer voice
Eric smiled.
"back in business.."
[Meanwhile, in Princess Morbucks Room]
Princess stood before a large painting of her Mother, Father and Herself.
taking a moment to look around she grabbed the painting..and, pulled it back like a door.
behind it was a large, metallic safe within the wall
rapidly punching in a code in the computerized console.
Princess unlocked the safe, and with a smile..opened it.
Inside..was a YELLOW LANTERN.
which, was actually Princess Power Battery.
Princess made her yellow power ring visible on her finger.
(("POWER LEVEL AT 0.2% CAPACITY.")) said the Ring's computer voice
"oh, shut up."
Princess balled a fist and, put it all the way inside her Lantern's energized core.
"In Blackest day, In Brightest night.
beware you're fears, made into light.." began Princess
Princess dark safe became illuminated by the golden light shining from her Power Battery.
"Let those that seek to stop what's right..
BURN like his power: SINESTRO'S MIGHT."
the Yellow Lantern glowed brighter as energy surged from it and into Princess ring.
Princess herself arched her back, groaning.
the process of recharging felt..GOOD.
letting out a pleasurable sigh..Princess opened her 'golden' eyes.
ripping her arm out, she gazed at her glowing ring with a greedy smile.
(("POWER LEVEL AT 100% CAPACITY."))
Princess eyes returned to their normal dark green.
"what a rush." said Princess, under breath
Author Note:
I felt that the Rowdyruff Boys haven't been getting enough attention. so, for this chapter..i decided to bring them back, and explain what they've been doing.
For those who don't know, 'Agent Honeydew' is a character from the "Dial M for Money" segments of 'Dexter's Laboratory'.
i wanted the Rowdyruff Boys to have a Mom in contrast to the Powerpuff Girls having a Dad.
though, most PPG fans tend to do this with 'Ms. Keane' which, i couldn't really do for technical reasons. (Keane and Utonium are dating, and will marry in the future. also, Boomer and Bubbles are a couple.
if Keane adopted the Boys, then married Utonium later. then, the Powerpuff Girls and Rowdyruff Boys would be "siblings"
and, i don't know about you..but, i tend to Steer Clear of "Incest")
Besides, i found Honeydew to be a much better Rowdyruff Mom than Keane.
she definently could help influence their careers as Anti-Heroes. since as a Secret Agent, her job is to maintain Order within the world.
and, as i just described in this chapter: they've done a pretty good job.
the bit with Eric knocking Butch out in one punch was based on a scene where Batman knocked Green Lantern Guy Gardner out in one punch.
it is also a sign of things to come. as Eric will CLEARLY not get along with Buttercup's male counterpart anytime soon.
The highlight of this chapter, however.. was revealing Princess intent to romance Eric and, immediatly start the conflict/rivalry between Her and Buttecup.
some of Princess and her Mansion was based on the PPGZ version of Princess Morbucks (Himeko Shirogane) in that she has hundreds of servants, her manor is HUGE and Princess has strained relationship with her parents.
Yes, the PPG version of Princess HAS a mother. i saw a scene in an episode where she was talking to her over the phone ("MAN!, My mom is such a PAIN!")
I know it's a Longshot. but, i'm trying to make Princess seem..sympathetic.