A/N: Thanks to everyone for checking out the story. Quick note on how this story will go. Some chapters will be for certain point of views. Given that this story is generally from Brick and Butch's perspective it will switch between the two. Other characters may have Their points of view but for the most part, it's Brick and Butch. There may also chapters without a POV. Just a heads up.
(BRICK'S POV):
"Alright you no good, rotten bastards! To the front of your cells! Hands on the bars where I can see them!"
The sound of the guards marching into rooms left all of us on edge. They were obviously doing the daily routine of searching for contraband. Didn't really matter to me. My brothers and I never really had anything on us. We followed the rules and did everything they told us…Most of the time. We knew what the plan was. Get the hell out of juvy as quickly as possible.
We had spent a lot of time here. The place gave us some basic knowledge classes to keep our minds sharp, ample time to exercise, and various other things to keep us productive. It was all too simple for me. I wanted to leave. I wanted more than anything to just go out and start my life. I want to see them again. The three girls that got us to adjust ourselves to the world and start over.
Yeah...Being locked away was our punishment. After all of this, we'd be free to start over. We could be just like the Powerpuffs. Welcomed by the people that once feared us.
The best part was that the wait was finally coming to an end. We were leaving today. It was just like the officer had said three years ago. We behaved well enough and now we got to leave earlier than many would anticipate.
"Clear! Back inside! Ten minutes till breakfast!" The Warden shouted.
I stepped back inside with my siblings. Both with their own differing expressions about the current situation.
"I can't believe it you guys! By the end of the day, we'll be free men!" Boomer cheered.
Butch said nothing as he continued his morning workout on the ground. He only grunted with approval.
"Yeah. We can finally kiss this dump of a place goodbye." I muttered.
Boomer laid back on his bunk and smiled brightly. "I can't wait. I'll get to see the world again. Hey you guys think they'll remember to come see us?"
I looked down at my worn out shoes and pondered on that question. "They will. I know it!"
Boomer started chuckling. "I bet you can't wait to see Ms. Pink again, huh Brick? Maybe she'll give you a new hat to replace your old one."
"Shut the hell up." I said that to him but deep down, he was right. I did want to see her again. She believed enough to give us a chance. She wanted us to be better. I was ready to show her that I've changed. We all have to a certain degree. Especially Butch.
I glanced at my green eyed brother as he finished up his crunches. Yeah, he had changed for sure. He was still more stoic than Boomer and I. However, he had gained some odd boost of confidence that seemed all too foreign for him. Yes, he was a good fighter and his pride in battle was well deserved. That's not what I was referring to though. It was his sudden drive. His willingness to act on an issue threw me off. He was more expressive than when we were younger.
I watched him stand back up and stretch his body out before doing some sets of pistols squats.
He never was like that before. He wasn't by any means submissive like Boomer is. He was more so just obedient to me back when we were younger. He listened and respected me as the leader. That all changed the day we were locked up. Now he thought for himself. He didn't tolerate my instructions anymore. He was splitting off from our trio.
I had my theories about this whole debacle. The first was that he had begun to see me as a weakling in comparison to him. It made sense for the most part. Ever since his transformation, he is easily the strongest out of us three. Before, I was able to go toe to toe with him. Granted he was still very much a rough challenge but I could outwit him and seal the win. That wasn't the case now. He was too much for me AND Boomer combined.
The second theory was that he found a purpose for himself. It would explain why he trained so much. He'd been doing so nonstop since we got in here. I couldn't say for certain what that purpose was just yet. Regardless, it had to be big enough that Butch actually wanted to follow through with something that I hadn't personally told him to do.
I really wish I knew. I just didn't understand him these days. I wanted to talk to him but I couldn't find the right words. He used to be my right hand man. The muscle of the group. Now he was acting like he wasn't a part of the team. It wasn't even like he saw us on equal footing now. He sort of held himself a little bit higher. I hate to admit it, but it pissed me off.
"Alright Ruffs! Lineup! It's time for your scheduled discharge."
"We don't get breakfast first?" Boomer whined.
The guard glared at him. "No! Now move it!"
He walked us all the way towards the front where a receptionist was stamping our documents.
"Boomer Jojo...Zero altercations, minor disruptions, minor distractions but overall good behavior. You are cleared for departure." The woman said blandly.
"So I'm really free now? That's awesome!"
She looked at Butch and continued. "Butch Jojo...Three physical altercations. All of which were during the first year of your stay. Two of those resulted in the hospitalization of senior juveniles. This would normally land you in a whole mess of trouble and your stay here would be lengthened. However, since then your behavior has been exceptional. Zero altercations in your second and third year. You haven't shown any disrespect to your chaperones and the guards. Zero disruptions and zero distractions. Your additional efforts on community service have also been taken into account. You are cleared for departure."
He nodded and walked over to Boomer who was standing off to the side. They high-fived and stood by waiting for me.
I stepped up and nodded. "I'm ready."
"Brick Jojo, you are an odd case. Only one physical altercation during Your second year. While that's not particularly bad, you have various accounts of you mouthing off to your superiors. Mild signs of disrespect, two instances of disruption, zero distraction during productivity and is written to be short tempered."
I glared at her and thought about protesting. I ultimately decided to stay quiet.
"Excuse me lady." Boomer spoke from behind me. I only prayed that he didn't say something stupid and make me look even worse right now. "Brick really isn't that bad. Most of the times he got angry were because of me."
Butch sighed and decided to open his mouth too. "Brick may be a bit of a hot head, but he's still pretty smart. He wouldn't blow up unless someone continued to pester him. That one fight he got into was the other guys fault. He wouldn't shut the hell up."
I almost smiled at the two of them. Glad to see some loyalty was still there.
"I see. Brick Jojo, I will dispatch you. Before you start to celebrate though, I need you to agree to something."
"Sure. What is it?"
She wrote down a number and handed it to me. "I'm giving you three months of community service. You will get a letter some time next week at whatever you registered address is. As for that number, it's for an anger management class. I suggest you take it so that you don't end up a prisoner in two years."
I nodded to her. "Thank you."
"You are all dismissed! Now get out of here and stay out of trouble."
"YES MA'AM!" We all shouted to her.
The front doors were right there. The bright light from the sun was waiting for us. It almost felt unrealistic. For the past three years, we were so limited. We were trapped here. Even before that, we were stuck with HIM for seven years. This would be the first time we would really be free. I was honestly a little anxious. Where would we go? What would we do? Would we get to go to school? Get jobs maybe? Where would we sleep at? How would we eat? Things would have to change from here on out. We couldn't live off of crime any more. Not if we all wanted to change like how we agreed to. We would need a plan. I just didn't have one yet.
My hands softly placed themselves against the large metal doors. Once I opened them, there'd be no turning back. We'd be different for the rest of our lives. The Rowdyruffs wouldn't be the trio of destructive little boys. We would be three young men in society. I was honestly ready to shed a few tears.
"Well...What are we waiting for guys? Let's uh, do this thing." Boomer was obviously still a bit nervous. I couldn't blame him. We'd have to figure it all out as we go.
"Brick!" Butch said with an almost sympathetic look. "Just open it man."
"R-right." I pushed the doors open and let the warm air tickle my face. After three long years, we were out. We were finally out. We could be something. Live an actual life at sixteen.
Our first steps weren't just small. They were cautious. We were already trying to adjust. It was...AMAZING! The thoughts of no worries flooded my mind! Opportunity was what I was craving! I wanted to fly around the entire world just for the hell of it.
"It's so nice out today." Butch murmured. I almost didn't catch it. I knew what he meant though. He was staring up at the sky. Clear, blue, and not a cloud in sight. Absolutely stunning.
"Hmm…" I heard Boomer looking around like he had lost something. Against my better judgment, I decided to ask.
"What are you doing?"
"Shh! I'm trying to listen out for-" His eyes went wide. He looked straight up and smiled. I followed his gaze and almost lost all of my composure.
"HEY GUYS!"
That voice was what I wanted to hear all this time. I was disgusted with myself for getting so flustered at the sight of them. Especially the one I would call my counterpart.
When they landed in front of us. It was silent. Not the awkward kind. The kind that was oh so comfortable. We all just took in the sight of each other. Our old enemies. They were the first people we'd get to see when we got out. She didn't lie to us. She trusted and believed that we would get out on time.
"B-Blossom. You guys really came."
"Of course we did. We had to make sure for ourselves. The front desk gave the Mayor a call and he let us know immediately."
Buttercup scoffed. "Also had to make sure you guys wouldn't just go on a rampage day one."
"We're happy that you guys got out. It must've been hard not using your power to just break free and escape. I'm proud of you three." Bubbles cheered.
"Ah well it was nothing! I WAS the most well behaved just so you know." I suppressed the glare I wanted to give my blonde brother and bowed.
"It means a lot. Thank you for welcoming us back to the world-"
THUD*
I turned my head to the right and looked at Butch who was on his knees. His face was one that I hadn't seen from him very often. Shame? Guilt? Perhaps it was both. I couldn't tell.
"Even me? After everything I did. I thought you'd be more pissed off at me. Tell me that I haven't made up for what I've done yet. Why are you accepting me so easily with them? I don't deserve it!"
I knew he still had a regret for being part demon and letting loose but it wasn't his fault nor was it completely a bad thing. He had power that I didn't. It honestly bugged me every time I thought about it. Regardless, he shouldn't hate himself for it.
I wanted to speak up but I couldn't. I don't know what was holding me back but I just couldn't say it. Why?!
"Butch that's enough." Blossom told him. She kneeled down and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You weren't in full control of yourself. HIM was at fault. Besides, the city has been rebuilt for the most part. Everyone has moved on from that day. You should too."
"I can't. HIM was a demon. I got rid of him with the power that he gave me. If I can do that...What'll happen if I snap and turn into one. I don't want to lose control of myself."
"You aren't as evil as you say you are Butch. The very fact that you feel this way is proof of that. I'm sure you'll get the hang of your power. We can all help you. I promise we won't treat you as a freak." For some reason, the caring smile she gave him didn't sit right with me. I tried to brush it off but it remained in the back of my mind.
"She's right you know. Even if you do get out of hand, I'll still kick your ass up and down the city." Buttercup told him. "You haven't forgotten have you?"
He wiped the despair from his face and smirked. "No way! I'll still fight you anytime. Honestly I missed beating you up."
"Yeah whatever weirdo. I could go right now!"
"Sure you don't need to stretch? I don't want any excuses." He was starting to sound a lot more different already. Blossom really had some kind of effect on him. That plus Buttercup being her stubborn self around him brought out some of his competitive nature. At least he was starting to care about something other than regret again.
"Not to completely kill the vibe right now, but what do we do now. We don't exactly have a home to go to. Not like we can just go back to Mojo's as non-villains." Boomer mentioned. He did make a good point. I wasn't too sure either.
Blossom was quick to respond to his question. "It's okay. We scheduled an appointment with the Mayor. He'll help you guys find a place to call a temporary home."
She really did think ahead and planned for us to get out today. She was incredible. Not that I'd admit it to her anytime soon for the sake of my own pride.
"That's great! Lead the way then." I said.
We lifted off of the ground and blasted towards City Hall. It felt pretty uncomfortable flying again after three years of walking. I missed the wind hitting me as I flew hundreds of miles per hour.
It didn't take us long to get there. About two minutes actually. It was a fairly simple trip. Once we landed, my brothers and I had been receiving dirty looks from the civilians. It got on my nerves but I kept myself from going berserk on them. We had to be better. Those people had every right to hate us for our childhood recklessness.
The girls led us to the main office and there sitting at the desk was the Mayor of Townsville. Only problem was that he was sleeping soundly on top of some papers.
Buttercup let out a loud groan. "Oh geez. He does this every time."
Boomer scratched his head before adding his own piece. "So who's gonna wake him up?"
"That won't be necessary."
We all turned around and saw who I assumed was the secretary of this place. A woman dressed in red with a fairly large amount of hair.
Bubbles waved at the woman with a bright smile. "Hi Ms. Bellum!"
"Hello girls. It's nice to see you all again." She turned her attention to me and my brothers. "Well if it isn't the Rowdyruffs. I see you three have grown quite a bit since your time away. I hope that you were able to mature your attitudes as well."
We nodded to her. "Yes Ma'am."
"That's good to hear because starting now, you'll begin your lives as real citizens of Townsville. If you choose to follow our city's guidelines and rules, you can make an honest living here."
"That's all we ask for. Please give us the chance." I said.
"Very polite. That's a great start. I'll start with the proper introductions." She pointed to the man sleeping at the desk. "That is our long running Mayor. He's quite the kind hearted political figure. The city looks to him for guidance when things go south. He's done a great job keeping order thus far."
From what I knew about the guy, he was more or less incompetent for a leader. I mean, the city was constantly attacked by something or someone. I highly doubt he's the one keeping all of the order.
"Is he gonna be okay?" Boomer asked.
"Oh yes! Don't be alarmed. It's just his nap time." The woman answered. "Anyway, I'm the secretary and personal assistant to the Mayor. You can simply refer to me as Ms. Bellum. If you have any issues that require immediate attention, please contact me. Now how about you three introduce yourselves."
"I'm Brick. I'm the leader so I'll take responsibility for my two brothers if anything happens."
"I'm Boom-"
"I'm Butch and I can take care of myself."
"Hey! I was gonna go next!"
Butch and I locked eyes for what felt like an eternity. His usual stoic features were shifted into a more assertive expression. It was like he wanted me to back down without saying a singular word. It made me feel...threatened? I didn't know what point he was trying to make but I knew I wasn't about to just let it slide.
"As my brother said, we can ALL take care of ourselves. We just choose to look out for each other more often than not." I said with a slight glare aimed at him.
"Can I go now?" Boomer asked.
Ms. Bellum nodded. "Um, yes you may."
"Thank you!" He cleared his throat. "My name is Boomer and I'm the most important Ruff in our trio. I'm totally like the glue that holds us together!" He slid over to Butch and lifted his face into a smile. He then ran up to me and ruffled the top of my long hair. "They'd be lost without me!"
"Well Boomer I'm glad that your brothers can count on you for that. It's nice to formally meet you all and I welcome you whole-heartedly to the city." She moved over towards a filing cabinet and pulled out a few papers. She handed them to me along with two keys.
"What's all this?" I asked.
"Well you'll need a place to stay while you attend public school so we've found an apartment for you guys to stay in. It's only a two bedroom though so you'll have to figure it out. Other than that, it's not too shabby. The rest of the papers are your state credentials, socials and your proof of residency in Townsville. Don't lose them."
Butch and Boomer hovered over me and started grinning. "No way dude. We have a home now!"
"Our own place…" Butch muttered.
"On top of that we get to attend school!" I cheered.
The other two dropped their moods. "Gross! Do we really have to?" The blonde gagged.
"Yes you do. Your education is important and getting your highschool diploma will help you on your path to adulthood. Whether that means college, the workforce, or even the army. Do your best now so that the future is much brighter for you later."
"We will! I promise!" I was happy. It wasn't often but I really was happy now. This was exactly what I wanted. Now I got to live the way I chose to. My life was finally in my own hands.
"I expect big things out of you three. You are the counterparts to the three most talented young ladies the world has even known. Knock em' dead out there!" She looked to the puffs and winked. "Would you three mind showing them to the apartment?"
"Yeah sure. It's on the way home so it shouldn't be any trouble." Blossom walked over to the door and gestured for us to follow. "Come on guys. It's not too far."
In an instant, the six of us took off at mach speed. We were led to a fairly urban part of town. It wasn't anything pretty, but it was better than anything we deserved. Honestly, it was starting to grow on me already. It was pretty quiet and fairly clean for the most part. This would work out. I had a good feeling about this.
The apartment itself was an old three story building. Pretty sure we were in number five given what the key had on it. When we actually decided to go in, the place was about as empty as it could get minus the fridge and stove.
"Seems pretty depressing in here." Buttercup scoffed as she roamed the place.
Bubbles clapped her hands together before running up to us. "This place just needs a little love and care! Why don't we go furniture shopping?"
I let out a sigh. "Not to be a drag, but we don't have a single cent to our names."
"HA! Speak for yourself! I just found a nickel!" Boomer shouted while holding the silver coin. "I'm officially the richest one in the group!"
I decided not to slap him and continued on. "We'll need part time jobs on top of going to school. Any of you know how we can go about doing that?"
They all glanced at each other before Blossom spoke up. "Well there's plenty of things you could do. Buttercup and Bubbles work at a café close to our school. I mostly do volunteer work for the city but there's also some good internships that pay well enough."
Boomer perked up and pulled Butch and I closer. "Café doesn't seem so bad. Why don't we do that?"
"NO!" We turned towards Buttercup with confusion all over our faces. Her sudden scream came out of nowhere. "I uh...I mean it's not such a good idea! Trust me you'll hate it! You're better off just working somewhere else."
"What could be so bad about a Café? All we'd have to do is serve some drinks and stuff. No biggie." Butch shrugged.
The raven haired girl grabbed him by the collar and glared in his face. "Just listen to me! Don't work there! As a matter of fact, don't even go there!"
"Buttercup would you quit being so dramatic. So what if you-"
"Stop right there Blossom! Don't say another word about it!"
"Whatever! Can you please just let go of the one shirt that I own." Butch hissed with clear annoyance.
"Look, we should probably get going. School is tomorrow and it's going to be your first day. You'll get your uniforms there so don't worry too much about your clothes." Blossom dragged Buttercup and Bubbles to the door. "We'll see you three tomorrow." With that they flew off to wherever they were going. I honestly wanted to talk a little bit more. I guess that would have to wait.
"So what now?" Boomer asked. "Not like we have a TV or anything."
Butch turned and made a move for the door. "I'm gonna go for a walk around the neighborhood. See what's up with this place."
"Oh! I'll come with you!"
I stopped both of them and sighed. "Wait a second. We need to start planning our next couple of steps."
"What for? We already know the plan. Live here, go to school and find part time jobs. What's the issue, Brick?"
"Listen Butch! I don't know about you, but I don't plan to sleep on the floor for the next couple of years! Let's break down how we're gonna spend our cash when we start working. I'd say in terms of furniture, we grab some beds before anything else." Boomer raised his hand frantically. "Yes Boomer?"
"I just wanna know who's sleeping where? I'm calling dibs on my own room just so you know."
"NO! No way! If anyone needs their own room it's me!" Butch challenged.
"What?! Why you?"
"Why else?! I need my space to workout."
Boomer pointed to the living room. "THEN JUST TRAIN IN THERE!"
Butch glared. "Oh yeah? Well what do you need the solo room for?"
"Because...I tend to snore! YEAH! I wouldn't want to bother you guys with my loud snoring at night. If I get the room, you two won't have to complain all the time. It works out just fine!"
"As true as that is, I'd prefer duct taping your mouth and sleeping in my own room." Butch said with a roll of his eyes.
"Alright, that's enough. Neither of you are getting the room because I already claimed it." I said to them. The both looked at me with anger and disbelief.
"WHO DECIDED THAT?!" They shouted.
"I did! Just now. I am the leader so I shouldn't have to share a room with my little brothers." I felt like I was justified. It made sense in my head.
"Bullshit! There is no way we are going off of that leader nonsense!" Butch shouted.
Boomer nodded behind him. "Plus we're all the same age, dumbass!"
I folded my arms and sighed. "Got any other bright ideas? I'd LOVE to hear them."
"Why don't we do rock paper scissors for it?" Boomer suggested.
I nodded. "Alright fine! You two go first."
"Why us?" Butch asked, skeptically.
"Because, no reason! Now play!"
The two went at it until Boomer eventually lost. For whatever reason he ended up sulking in the corner. Regardless, it was my turn to go against Butch. I stared right into his eyes and smirked.
"What's with the look, asshole?"
"I'm throwing rock." I said to him.
"Don't start with those chump ass mind games!"
Everything slowed down as we pounded our fist against the palm of our other hand. Neither one of us was willing to back down.
Then we shouted the chant. "ROCK! PAPER! SCISSORS!"
I had thrown rock and he had chosen scissors. He glared at me before readying up again.
"I'm choosing rock again."
"Shut up!" He growled.
"ROCK! PAPER! SCISSORS!"
Like I had anticipated. He threw out paper to my scissors. It was just too easy to mess with my two bone headed brothers.
"Well it looks like I get the room. Better luck next time fellas."
"Go screw yourself." Butch flipped me off before leaving the house.
"I think I'm gonna go too." Boomer said with a dirty look being sent my way. He walked outside, leaving me alone to bask in my victory.
The room itself was pretty nice in size. The singular window that it had showed the street and the various people strolling along the sidewalk. My two siblings were making their way to God knows where. Part of me wanted to tag along with them. Unfortunately, I knew I had work to do. I needed to plan out the budgets and set up for the essentials. Food, water, the eventual rent and utilities, toiletries, clothing and furniture. With three of us working, it should average out. We can start job hunting tomorrow. Shouldn't be too hard with our super powers. This would be a breeze.
It was just too bad that we had to go fairly hungry until school tomorrow. Plus my upcoming community service was something I was NOT looking forward to.
A/N: Thanks for reading. Feedback is much appreciated and stay tuned for the next chapter.