Three young women shivered as they huddled together for warmth. The oldest shifted, covering the younger two as much as she could. They had been given a thin blanket to cover themselves, but even that would soon be taken away. Scraps of cloth barely covering their tantalizing forms, the slave traders tempted to keep them for themselves. That thought vanished from their minds as the product ahead of the triplets sold for one million dollars. It had been an exotic beauty from the Southern Isles. The slave trader in charge of them could practically see the dollar signs floating in the air. His mouth practically watered at the amount of money the sisters would bring him. He approached the cage they'd kept them in, warily eyeing the oldest. It had been a stroke of luck to capture all three at once. The oldest had given them nothing but trouble, but the younger two had revolted when he had tried to separate them from the red head. Now, she positioned herself fully in front of her sisters as he unlocked the cage. They were chained together by their legs, while another chain hung between their wrists. He grabbed the red head's roughly, forcing her and the rest to their feet. Her exotic bubblegum pink eyes flashed in thinly veiled rage as the girls were lead to just behind the curtain. The slave trader turned to her, slapping her across the face in warning.

"Don't even think of trying anything funny. I'll kill your sisters before you lot can even make it off the stage." The fire in her eyes burned brighter at the threat, but she nodded anyway. They had barely survived as it was. The only reason no one had done anything besides light, compared to some of the others captured, violence was the traders wanted them near perfect for the auction. He turned around, satisfied that his message had been received. On stage, an older man with a mustache jovially announced them, as if they weren't bartering human lives in some shady club.

"Now this next prize, ladies and gentlemen, is truly a sight to behold! Does anyone remember Professor Utonium?" At his question, the assembled crowd sat straighter, practically leaning out of their seats to catch a glimpse of the next item. The professor was a renowned scientist, able to breathe life into his creations unlike any other. He had tragically died on the supposed verge of the greatest discovery. While he never personally had a hand in Townsville's underground, he had never bothered to thoroughly check his patron's background either. Rumor had it that as long as he didn't deem it too dangerous at the time, he would build whatever was asked of him. How people used his creations after that, he never concerned himself with.

The announcer grinned, ready to inflate the starting prices. They were the crown jewel of the night after all. He gestured to the audience's right, where the curtain began to move.

"Let me present to you Professor Utonium's finest creations - the Powerpuff Girls!" Lead by the their chains, the girls narrowed their eyes as they were hustled onstage. The bright stage lights blinded them, but did nothing for the sudden uproar of the crowd. Surprised gasps and questioning shouts rang in the auditorium. The audience couldn't believe their eyes. The girls were clearly older, no doubt in their late teens. Their shapely curves were barely hidden. The girls' striking unnatural eyes further proved that the girls on stage were in fact, the famed Powerpuff Girls. The auctioneer grinned, turning back to the suddenly excited crowd.

"We start the bidding at one million!"

In the second floor balcony seats, a young man with striking cobalt blue eyes suddenly shot to attention. He had been relatively bored thus far, cursing his brothers for forcing him to make an appearance. So far the auctioned items had been your run of mill black market items. He had motioned his attendant to pack his things when the auctioneer had mentioned the professor. Even he could appreciate the man's genius, pausing to see what would brought onstage. So imagine his surprise when three beautiful young women were brought on stage. Bound with chains no doubt coated with Antidote X, they stood resolute. But even now, with scraps that barely counted as clothes hugging their slender forms, it was the blond that enchanted him. Her hair was longer now, put into her signature pigtails. Her once joy filled light blue eyes looked haunted, darting endlessly around her. Her stance, however, looked anything but defeated. While she clung to Buttercup, her muscles were tensed, her back straightened to her full height. She was beautiful, and if he won this auction, she would finally be his.

He raised his play card when the bidding opened, keeping it raised even as the amount soared. Multiple people did the same, all clamoring for a chance at the girls. Many of their enemies were present, ready to jump the stage to get their hands on them. Through the shouts and bids, Blossom gazed straight ahead. Buttercup glared, pulling Bubbles closer to her side and trying to shield her from the leering men.

"One million!"

"One million 500!"

"Three million!"

"Five million!"

"Ten million!"

"T-ten? Maybe I should back out..."

"100 million!"

"One billion dollars!" A strong voice easily rose above the rest as he called out his offer. The crowd hushed, unsatisfied grumbles ringing from a few brave souls. The auctioneer practically fainted at the ridiculous number, only just managing to stay composed.

"Do I hear any other offers? One billion 500 million? Going once...going twice...sold! Number 26, please head to the back to claim your prize!" Boomer grinned, turning on his heel as his anxious attendant followed. His brothers would have a fit at the amount he'd just spent. But as his sinister smirk stretched his face, he knew it was worth it.