Townsville mall. The center for all sorts of action, especially during

Christmas. People crowded around the mall making last minute preparations for

the upcoming big day.

Among those people were the Powerpuff Girls. Unfortunately, despite all

the time they spent there, they couldn't find a good gift to give the boys for

Christmas. The main problem they seemed to have was the fact that they still

didn't really know the boys well enough to find good presents for them.

"This is hopeless." Sighed Buttercup. "How are we going to ever find the

right gifts for them. I don't know why we're doing this anyway."

Blossom was quick to retort. "We're doing this because they're our

guests. It would be rude not to give them something. Now stop complaining!"

"Don't tell me what to do, Leader Girl!" Buttercup yelled back.

"Girls, please don't fight." Pleaded Bubbles.

"Shut up and stay out of it." Was the response from Buttercup.

Bubbles baby blue eyes began to swell with tears. Before Buttercup could

say anything more, however, a dark mist entered the mall and slammed into her.

The other two didn't see it. Buttercup stood completely still and stared

straight ahead.

Her sisters looked at her, concerned. For Blossom, the concern turned to

rage as Buttercup continued to stand still and not answer. Finally, Buttercup,

turned and flew out of the mall. This only infuriated Blossom further.

"Fine!" She yelled. "Go on then!"

She turned away and sulked while Bubbles continued to look at where

Buttercup had been.

Meanwhile, Buttercup flew, with a glassy look in her eyes, to the lair of

Him. Once there, she stood against the wall and fell into an even deeper

trance. Him appeared beside her.

"Now that I have you, my sweet Buttercup." He said. "The other girls

will have no way to stop me."

He laughed evilly as his plan continued to unfold.

Blossom and Bubbles returned home, expecting to find Buttercup sulking in

their room. Much to their surprise, she was nowhere to be found. Bubbles was

really beginning to worry but Blossom attempted to calm her.

"Don't worry." She said. "I'm sure Buttercup just needs to blow off some

steam. She'll be back when she feels better."

Bubbles wasn't convinced, but she tried to put on a strong front for

Blossom. She knew that Blossom had enough problems going on after the fight

with Buttercup to worry about her.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the hotline. Blossom ran to answer it.

"Yes, Mayor. Wow, really. We're on it."

She hung up and turned to Bubbles.

"We've got another monster." She began. "A big one according to the

mayor."

They flew off, but Bubbles was extremely worried. She knew neither her

nor Blossom had the fighting skill to beat a monster without Buttercup's help.

Somehow, this was not going to be good.