CHAPTER FOUR: STUNNING BLOWS
The PowerPuffs arrive home minus Bubbles and DyNaMo. They look terrible with disheveled hair
and torn uniforms. There isn't a one of them that doesn't have a bloody cut or nasty bruise
somewhere either. The ongoing battle with the RowdyRuffs has clearly worn them out! As they
enter they startle the Professor and Ms. Keane who were talking on the couch. Ms. Keane had
dropped by to talk to the Professor as it was his photograph she was holding at Pokey Oaks.
They are surprised not so much by the timing as they are by the girl's unsightly appearances.
"Professor and Ms. Keane together chorus the same comment, "WHAT happened?"
Blossom blankly responds, "We have...some bad news Professor."
Ms. Keane chimes in, "Where's your battle robot?"
Buttercup who looks to be in shock just mumbles quietly..."she's gone."
Professor says, "That's too bad, but her paramount duty was to protect you and"...he trails
off as he realizes Bubbles is missing. "Where's Bubbles?" he asks.
Ms. Keane "Yes, girls, where is your sister?"
Buttercup mumbles again slowly to herself..."she's gone" Buttercup looks haunted and grief
sticken.
The Professor says, "Now I know you're feeling bad about DyNaMo but it's"...he gets a cold
chill down his back as something horrible begins to form in his mind. Bunny's eyes are filling
with tears along with Blossom's.
Blossom explains to them, "We were fighing in Mojo's lab. Mojo tossed Bunny into a glass
chamber that looked really freaky, he was gonna do something bad to her and..." Bunny finishes,
"Bubbles pulled me out of the way... and took a beam meant for me. I didn't mean for it to
happen!"
With that the Professor and Ms. Keane stiffen. Blossom loses it completely and slowly buries
her head in the Professor's lap. Loud wracking sobs shake her body. Her muffled cries of, "I'm
sorry Daddy!" just serve as confirmation that a tragedy has occurred. Blossom has never called
him daddy before, and if she did now, and in such turmoil, then something unspeakable had to
have happened.
The Professor puts a voice to the unspeakable and asks, "She's...not coming back...is she?"
Blossom does not answer but shakes her head no.
Ms. Keane gasps, "OH NO!" and puts her right hand to her mouth in horror!
Bunny is now sitting in Ms. Keane's lap holding her tightly, her face is buried in Ms.
Keane's busom, and she is crying.
Ms. Keane talks softly to Bunny, "Talk to me, tell me how you feel."
Bunny answers sadly, "Bubbles sacrified herself for me, I'm sorry"...and begins to cry even
more, "I didn't mean to cause any trouble, I just wanted to go on a mission! It's my fault!"
she finishes sadly.
"Listen to me, "I'm sure Bubbles died happy, do you know why?"
"No?"
"Because the Bubbles I knew liked helping others and she probably felt you needed your second
chance to live more. She was like that."
Buttercup is still sitting stony faced and rigid next to the Professor. He notices her
silence and gently tries to talk to her, "Buttercup, honey?"
With this Buttercup's shock finally explodes, she screams first at Bunny, "MY SISTER IS GONE,
WHY DID YOU COME BACK, WHY, WHY, WHY!?" Then she wheels on Blossom, "YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT
US LEADER GIRL, WHAT HAPPENED?"
With that Blossom and Bunny both start crying louder and leave in a pink and purple streak
for the bedroom. Buttercup screams in rage, "IT'S YOUR FAULT, IT'S YOUR FAULT, IT'S YOUR FAULT!"
and streaks off in a green blur in the opposite direction towards the Professor's basement lab.
The Professor buries his head in his hand and begins to cry. Ms. Keane holds him from the
side and they rock slowly in their grief.
The Professor mutters, "That furry fanatic, he went TOO FAR this time, it's my fault he's in
this world, it's time I fixed that!" Ms. Keane looks uncomfortable at the determined hard look
on his face.
Sadly he states, "I guess we'd better let the Mayor and Townsville in on the bad news." He
picks up the PowerPuff Hotline as Ms. Keane kisses him on the cheek for support. She suggests
that maybe he should call his parents afterwards.
Professor Utonium has the Hotline to his ear. We hear the Mayor's voice over his speakerphone.
"Yes girls, what can I do for you?"
"Mayor, Professor Utonium here, sit down sir, we've terrible news."
"You're not moving are you? That WOULD be terrible." In the background Professor Utonium
hears Ms. Bellum make a mild sigh of exasperation.
"Uh, No your Honor, during their fight with the RowdyRuff Boys and Mojo Jojo one of the
PowerPuff Girls made the supreme sacrifice."
He takes a deep breath and finishes, "We've lost Bubbles."
"Well, where did you see her last? When I lose something I go back to the last place I
remember having what I lost."
Ms. Bellum speaks, "Sir, I think he means Bubbles"...she pauses..."died in the line of duty?"
She puts a questioning tone in her voice hoping against all odds she is so very wrong.
"I'm afraid so."
-------
Blossom and Bunny enter the bedroom in tears. Blossom buries her head in her pillow. Bunny's
crrying is halted as she begins to notice the bedroom and its belongings. She sees many things
as she walks about. Blossom's library on Crime and Theory, Buttercup's Swing and Dance CD's,
Bubbles' collection of stuffed animals. A stuffed octopus doll grabs her attention and she picks
it up. She notices a photograph frame that is on the wall above the headboard and puts the doll
back down.
The frame has a piece of purple cloth inside. The cloth is shredded around the edges and has
what's left of a black belt across the middle. On the case is a piece of brass engraved with the
following words:
In Memorium
PowerPuff Girl Bunny
"She was good after all, we were the ones who were bad."
Bunny gasps and puts her hand to her mouth in surprise. A wave of memory floods her brain and
she remembers sitting on a mountain top far at sea bawling her eyes out, "WHY THEY MEAN TO
BUNNY? Sistahs neeeddd helpppp!" The battle, "What wrong with me...darkness come."
Bunny has to sit down as she is a bit overwhelmed. The recent tragedy and her renewed
memories are mixing up her emotions!
Blossom, (sniff) "What's wrong?" She turns to Bunny bleary eyed from crying.
"This cloth, it was part (sniff) of my original uniform. You kept it?"
"Yes, we kept it, you were our sister and we missed you. (sniff) We weren't sure if we'd ever
see you again."
"All of you care for (sniff) each other so much?"
"Yes, that's why Buttercup is under so much anguish and turmoil now. (sniff) She didn't mean
to explode at us, She'll apologize eventually. I just hope she doesn't supress her grief trying
to be strong."
Bunny adds, "There's something else bothering her, I'm not sure, but she seems very ashamed
about something I think." Bunny looks perplexed.
"We'll have to help her as best we can then. She could put herself and us in danger if she's
that distracted."
"What will we do?"
"Get out of these dirty clothes, take a bath and get cleaned up, that's what we'll do. A good
hot soak will help us think and relax."
"Soak?"
"Follow me, I'll show you what I mean."
-------
On the opposite side of the world, far away from Townsville, in the land of the rising sun,
Sam and Michiko Utonium were outside in their garden tending to their prize collection of Bonzai
trees. It was morning and the couple had just finished admiring Mt. Fuji as it sat majestically
in front of a russet colored sunrise. Sam was a burly man with big arms and a heart to match. He
had retired from coaching in Townsville years ago and settled outside of Tokyo with the love of
his life, Michiko Imagawa. Together, they had a wonderful son named John Utonium of whom they
were very proud.
In the garden insulated from life's trials and tribulations Sam and Michiko enjoyed their
retirement and each other's company. Life was good...at least until the phone rang!
Michiko called out to her husband Sam, "I'll get it, I'm closer."
Sam acknowledged with a, "Ho-kay dear, I'm looking for the shears anyway,thanks." and went
back to looking for the missing garden tool.
Michiko noticed the Caller ID and became all excited, "SAM, IT'S JOHN!"
Sam was equally excited, "WELL, PUT THE LAD ON THE SPEAKERPHONE!" Michiko pushed the speaker
button and motioned to her anxious husband.
"Hi boy, you forget about your old Mom and Dad?" Sam teased!
Professor Utonium's voice answered back, "Of course not, I love you both. I...uh, have some
bad news. It's about one of the girls."
Sam and Michiko knew about the PowerPuff Girls but hadn't met them yet. In fact, they were in
the process of planning a surprise trip to meet them for the first time. They also knew John
loved them dearly and could tell by the anguish in his voice something was very wrong!
Michiko asked as only a mother could, "What troubles you so, my son?" Sam was listening right
beside her.
Professor Utonium spoke, "Mom, Dad, there is a new PowerPuff Girl named Bunny. I'll tell you
more about her later. She rushed into a situation inexperienced, and well, Bubbles had to help
her, and...and was killed in the process." He could barely talk at this point and in fact,
stopped completely to avoid a total breakdown!
Sam and Michiko didn't talk for a moment. They looked at each other and then Sam spoke, "Son,
we're so very sorry. We were planning to visit you as a surprise, but now it seems we're needed
more than ever at your home."
Michiko came on the line again, "Yes, we'll catch the first flight from Tokyo."
Sam spoke again, "Hang tight son, we'll be there in a day or so."
Professor Utonium answered, "I could use the support, Thanks, see you then. Bye Mom, Bye Dad."
Sam and Michiko said their goodbyes to their wonderful, but troubled son, hung up the phone
and whispered a Japanese prayer for the dead in honor of their fallen granddaughter.
-------
As the Professor hangs up the phone with his parents he tells Ms. Keane, "I'm going to Mojo's
lab to determine what he was up to. Judging by the condition the girls were in I should say
there's plenty of doors for me to choose from, getting in should be no problem. I'll need my
camcorder, laptop, and digital camera."
Ms Keane starts to protest but he cuts her off, "I'll be careful, just watch over the girls
please. I have to do this, for me, and for Bubbles. I have to know what Mojo was up to!"
"John, don't you go all obsessive psychotic on me OK?" she replys.
"I won't, I assure you. The girls will need me now more than ever...and you too." It's just
that this would be so much easier..." he stops unable to continue.
"What John, what would be easier?"
"The funeral, we don't even have a body, the casket will be empty. I have to go, excuse me!"
Before Ms. Keane can say anything else Professor Utonium heads down to the lab to collect his
needed equipment. Ms. Keane takes a seat in the living room recliner and just sadly shakes her
head and sighs!
-------
After their departure from Mojo's lab the RowdyRuff Boys head towards the center of town.
Brick speaks to his brothers, "Guys, we messed up bad, I feel awful! What's happening to us,
why are we feeling this way?"
Boomer, "I feel like one of the girls kicked me in the stomach, only from the inside. Why is
that? Earlier we wanted to ring their necks! Now that one of them really died I feel sick!
What's going on?" he asks.
Butch, "I'm so confused, drat that Mojo! What do we do Brick? This is weird!"
Brick to his brothers, "Look below." They all look down and see Townsville Veterans Cemetary.
It is a sacred and pastoral place with a US Flag fluttering prominently in the breeze.
Boomer, "A place where the honored dead rest, what about it?"
Butch, "Yeah, what?"
Brick explains, "Guys, we got super powers. Maybe we can't undo what Mojo did, but maybe we
can build a memorial for Bubbles. Show those girls, this town, we're really sorry. We can get
some ideas from the library."
Boomer, "That'll make the awful feelings go away?"
Butch, "Can't hurt, it's a great idea, I'm for it." and with that the RowdyRuffs do a U-turn
and head for the Townsville Public Library.
-------
After telling the Mayor of Townsville, Ms Bellum, and his parents the tragic news about
Bubbles, we find the Professor in Mojo's lab. He has been examining Mojo's machinery for hours.
He looks gaunt and tired, it's obvious he's not leaving until he solves the mystery of what
Mojo was doing.
Professor Utonium has found data on crude oil stock prices, information on cargo tanker
shipping procedures, airline industry operating protocols, and railroad schedules. He also finds
a quote from "The Laws of Matter" that Mojo had highlighted; "Matter can neither be created nor
destroyed, only changed in form" and most puzzling of all, photos and measurements of the Easter
Island statues and the English Stonehenge Monument!
In the Professor's front pocket is a notebook with sketches, over his shoulder is a
camcorder, the PAUSE light is on. A laptop computer is sitting on Mojo's desk and he is typing
furiously. After he finishes with the laptop he begins with the camcorder again, the REC light
on in silent testimony to his unwavering determination.
"What were you up to?" he wonders. "I need some help" he thinks. Frantically he searches the
top of Mojo's desk, and finds what he is looking for---a telephone! Quickly, he places a long
distance call.
A short little boy with red hair, black glasses and a white lab coat answers the phone.
"Hello, ah Professooor Utoonium, my old Physics teacheer, how are yeww?"
"Not good Dexter, I have bad news."
"Oh?"
Professor Utonium proceeds to explain the events of the past few hours. Dexter is almost in
tears. "I'm so sorrrry for youuu and her sisssters. Is there anything I can dooo for my old
teacheer?"
"Why yes, I'd like videofax you some data from Mojo Jojo's lab. Look at it and tell me what
you think he was up to. I just can't think straight right now and I need you to be my
objectivity. I have an idea but it's so far-fetched and unbelievable I dare not utter it. Mojo
has so much material here I can't tell if it's one big project or a bunch of disregarded little
projects."
"Of course, send it over. I'll give it top priority."
"Thanks Dexter" as he hangs up the phone.
The Professor looks around the lab one last time, at the chamber where Bubbles perished, then
turns and slowly walks outside, down the stairs, and heads for home in the fading daylight.
-------
Blossom and Bunny are getting dressed after their bath when Blossom got an idea, a
wonderfully awful, incredibly twisted idea. "HUDDLE" she motions for Bunny. They can be heard
whispering and giggling.
It's late at night in Mojo's cell and he's asleep on his cot dreaming yet again of the day
when he would rule the world. He is facing towards the bars, snoring softly and is covered with
a light blanket.
"Moooojoooo"
He continues to snore.
"Moooojoooo, waaaake uuuppp." He snorts and rolls over towards the wall.
"Mojo, remember me? A killer should always remember his victims."
Mojo turns his head with eyes as big as saucers! "Who is there, who dares? SHOW yourself!"
He looks around an apparently empty cell.
"Moooojoooo, it's meeee, the ghost of Buuubbles" At that instant Bubbles appears, or rather
her spectral white disembodied head bobbing up and down just a few feet away!
Mojo is wide eyed even more!
"Buh, Buh, Buh"
"Yeees, it's meeee, Buuubbles, you killed me remember?"
"Buh, Buh, Buh"
"I've come back to check up on you Mojo. You'd better behave or I'll be back." She
disappears, grabs the blanket Mojo was cowering so bravely under, and quickly pops him on his
furry rump.
KERSNAP SNAP SNAP!!!
"OW OW OW!!!"
"Behaaave or I'll be baaack"
Her pale white form materializes briefly to point at him for emphasis and then disappears
leaving Mojo shivering with fear in the corner of his cell.
"GUARDS, GUARDS, get me a crucifix, A Star of David, a priest, a rabbi, THE POPE, the
Ghostbusters, get me OUTTA here!!!"
As Bubbles leaves we see the jail office. Blossom is laughing and talking to Bubbles, or
rather Bunny made up as Bubbles courtesy of some white flour, a bleached wig cut from a certain
Sailor Moon costume to look like Bubbles's hairstyle, a bleached spare uniform from Bubbles's
closet, and an ability to turn invisible. They are watching a taped replay from the cell monitor
that watches Mojo.
Blossom to Bunny, "This is PRICELESS, if this doesn't cheer up Buttercup I don't know what
will. You make a good ghost."
"Thanks, it was the comment about Casper that gave you the idea?"
"Yep" Blossom smiles wickedly
"Oh, I think I'm gonna like being a PowerPuff!" Bunny smiles a big smile.
Blossom compliments her by saying, "I think you'll fit in just fine."
Bunny beams; clearly pleased with such praise from the PowerPuff leader.
"Let's get this to Buttercup." Blossom finishes.
Bunny to guard, a Don Knotts looking kinda fella, "Thanks for the tape."
"Oh, thank you, Ah enjoyed watchin' yew rattle Mojo's cage lehk that. Ya'll come back now,
ya hear. It was nice meeting you..an' don't worry little lady," he points to Bunny, "I promise
I'll not tell I saw you." He waves bye to Blossom and Bunny having been sworn to secrecy about
Bunny's existance. Blossom wanted to run the gag but had to still keep Bunny a secret like the
Professor asked.
When they return they find Buttercup just exiting the simulator. Before they can look at the
controls Buttercup quickly pushes the Delete key on the panel. She trys to act nonchalant. "Oh,
Hi, just running through the new monthly scenarios ya know, gotta keep in shape, life goes on,
right?"
Blossom looks at her and says to herself, "Yeah, whatever sis, I'll check those settings next
chance I get." What Blossom would find out later was Buttercup had been running scenerio after
scenerio that all unsuccessfully ended with Bubbles dying in Mojo's chamber. Buttercup's guilt
at teasing her sister and then failing to save her life was the reason behind this. Buttercup
was also confused at wanting to get to know Bunny now that Bubbles was gone.
Just then Blossom hears Bunny's voice in her mind, *"Buttercup is hiding something, she'd
like us to go."*
Blossom just looks at Buttercup and says, "You've GOT to see this tape, it's really FUNNY!"
She puts the tape in the simulator's playback console which is used to review scenerios for
improvements.
"Watch", Blossom says. Buttercup watches the whole thing without so much a snicker.
"You spooked Mojo, big whoop." She makes a circle motion with her right hand.
Blossom clearly having had enough of this moodiness gets upset. "Now I know you're in denial.
The Buttercup I know would've nearly wet her pants laughing so hard!"
"I'm fine, really, now go away."
Blossom sighs a deep sigh, "Come on Bunny."
Bunny asks as they leave the simulator, "De-ni-all?"
"In this case denial is not a river in Egypt. It means Buttercup is refusing to deal with
what happened to Bubbles. It can hurt her mentally and physically if she doesn't come to terms
with it. She sighs a big sigh of frustration and asks Bunny, "I'm tired, it's late, you ready
for bed?"
Bunny nods her head and follows Blossom out the door. Buttercup is left behind. As Blossom
and Bunny are walking down the hall Blossom cocks her head and listens. She hears the simulator
powering up again.
While Blossom and Bunny are getting ready for bed the Professor arrives back home. Ms. Keane
is sitting in the living room waiting.
The Professor asks, "Well, how did it go while I was away?"
Ms. Keane answers, "Well, I think Blossom and Bunny went out. They came back giggling, it was
nice hearing laughter considering what has happened. Buttercup however, has been in your lab
running the simulator for several hours and refuses to come out. I'm worried about her, I think
dealing with Bubbles has traumatized her."
The Professor looks concerned, "We have to try and crack that stubborn resolve of hers. I
didn't have much luck determining Mojo's plan. I have an idea but it's really out there!" He
switches topics and talks about Buttercup again. "Maybe we can get her to open up. It's got to
be subtle or she'll catch on and we'll get nowhere. Where are Blossom and Bunny?" he asks.
"They're in their bedroom." Ms. Keane answers.
"Good, follow me." Together they go up to the girls bedroom, knock, and slowly enter.
Blossom and Bunny are asleep on the bed with the lights on. Gently,the Professor nudges them,
"Girls, wake up, I need your help."
Blossom stirs first, "Wwha, help, how?" She rubs her eyes.
Bunny wakens, blinks, yawns, and listens.
"We're worried about Buttercup." he explains. "She needs to deal with what happened to
Bubbles. I understand she is still in the lab. Ms. Keane is going to go down there and try to
get her to come up here. When she arrives try and get her to talk about Bubbles without alerting
her you're trying to get her to talk about Bubbles. Be subtle. Maybe she'll open up."
"Ok, we'll be ready" Bunny nods her approval also.
"Good, Ms. Keane go get started. I'll wait in the living room and wait for the two of you to
come up. I can see from the sofa."
Ms. Keane nods and heads for the lab.
Moments later Ms. Keane is knocking on the lab door. It is locked. She knocks again and
Buttercup finally answers. She opens the door, "Yes, Ms. Keane?" she asks, clearly bothered at
having been interrupted!
"Can we talk?" Ms. Keane asks.
Buttercup says nothing. "I talked with the Professor, we're worried about you dear, holding
in your grief can make you sick, maybe even cause a Post Traumatic Stress problem. I'm glad the
others didn't get Survivor's Guilt!" she thinks.
"It's OK to cry, it's healthy." Buttercup is still silent.
"There's something else, isn't there?"
Buttercup sadly, "Our last real conversation wasn't very nice, I teased her about crying,
said she was our weakest link"...Buttercup blows her nose with a hankie she has..."I wish I
could take it back, I was mean to Blossom and Bunny too. It wasn't their fault, Bubbles would
have sacrificed herself for any of us."
Ms Keane just nods and puts her hand on Buttercup's head for a show of support. "I'm glad you
realized that, but maybe you should tell that to your sisters, they are still up in the bedroom"
as she motions upward with her hand. Buttercup takes the cue and floats out for her bedroom.
Ms. Keane exits after her, spots the Professor and motions towards the girls room. Quietly,
he goes to the stairs.
As Buttercup enters her bedroom she notices a new quilt covering the bed. Ms. Keane has
already made a replacement to reflect their new numbers. Blossom's pink stripe is on the left,
Bubbles's blue stripe is next, followed by new PowerPuff Bunny's purple stripe and finally
Buttercup's green stripe.
"How appropriate" she thinks as she notices Bubbles and Bunny were next to each other. "She
was certainly glad to see Bunny. Can't blame her for that, I'm always raggin' on her for
something."
Just then Blossom and Bunny notice Buttercup's entrance and make a dual motion to leave.
"Oh, we're bothering you, we'll leave." Blossom states flatly.
Buttercup asks, "Please stay...won't you?" She moves to the bed and motions them back.."please?"
Blossom and Bunny look at each other shrugging their shoulders as if to say, "OK, we'll give
it a shot" and join Buttercup on the end of the bed. Sheis quiet for a moment, as if coming to
some internal decision. Her sisters wait patiently.
Finally Buttercup speaks, "I'm sorry...I'm sorry I blew up at you Bunny, it wasn't your
fault. It wasn't a very nice way to welcome you to the team." She looks at Blossom, "Leader
Girl...Blossom, I know you would have stopped Mojo if you could, it wasn't your fault either.
Bubbles would have sacrificed herself for any of us."
With that Bunny says, "She was a good sister huh?"
Buttercup, "Are you kidding?" Her face lightens up as she begins to talk.."she was GREAT, she
was SUPER, Once she beat up Mojo all by herself, we were so surprised, then she saved me and
Blossom when Rainbow the Clown turned bad, and she gave you your name Bunny, and when she was
scared of the Boogey Man she still beat him, then she came up with a great idea that defeated
the Sandman, she...she...Buttercup stops and chokes back a sob, "I never once said...I loved
her!"
Blossom says gently, "Let it go sis, now before it eats you up."
Buttercup looks at her and then Bunny. Bunny nods to affirm Blossom's statement. Buttercup
speaks in a ragged voice, "The last time...time I really spoke to her I said...she was our
weakest link. I didn't MEAN it, she...she deserved better, she...Oh, MY!" Buttercup could hold
it in no longer; the shock, guilt, and grief all combined and overwhelmed her as a tsunami of
sorrows flooded her emotions. Her eyes brimming with hot salty tears she held both her sisters
and cried hard and long.
Blossom said gently to Buttercup as she rocked with her in a hug, "I'm glad you're back sis."
Bunny gives her a sisterly kiss on the head for support and whispers in Buttercup's ear, "I
know you're hurting, need a hug?"
Buttercup, still crying, responds by moving over to Bunny and accepting the hug offer. She's
sobbing for her lost sister, calling her name over and over!
The Professor and Ms. Keane having followed Buttercup suspecting this would happen watched
silently from the bedroom door. "Poor kid" Professor whispers to Ms. Keane. "Yeah, but now she's
on the road to a healthy mental recovery." The Professor just nods in agreement.
-------
The RowdyRuffs return to the PowerPuffs house the next morning having slept in Mojo's
abandoned lab the night before. The Professor and Ms Keane are in the living room. Upon hearing
the RowdyRuff's entrance Blossom, Bunny, and Buttercup arrive from their bedroom.
Brick says, "I said we had something to do before we turned ourselves in. We're done."
Boomer adds, "But before we go to jail, will you all come with us?"
Butch, "We'd like to show you something." The PowerPuffs look at the RowdyRuffs and Blossom
declares, "OK, but no tricks, we're really not in the mood."
Brick shakes his head to the negative, "No tricks, you've trusted us this far considering
what's happened. I'll lead, you follow."
He takes to the air followed by his brothers. Blossom grabs the Professor and follows them
out. Buttercup takes hold of Ms. Keane and does likewise as Bunny flies alongside. In a few
short minutes they land at the entrance to Townsville Veterans Cemetery.
Brick says, "Now please trust us just a bit more. You have to walk with your eyes closed
some...and no X-Ray vision, OK girls?"
The girls agree and they begin to slowly walk. Bunny trips but Butch grabs her arm briefly,
"I got you, slow ahead now."
Boomer adds, "We're not far, soon see you will" he says in Yoda like voice.
Blossom stops dead in her tracks, "That's not funny!" she replies angrily!
Boomer is confused and very much aware that the whole group is watching him. If he's not
careful the surprise will be ruined and he knows it.
Blossom continues, "Bubbles could talk like that when she wanted to."
Boomer realizes she thought they were insulting Bubbles and explains, "No, no, we watched a
movie in the Townsville Public Library. It had this little green guy in it that talked that
way, honest!"
Buttercup breaks the tension and asks, "What's that nice smell?"
Boomer pleading, asks everybody, "Would you all please close your eyes?"
Brick, "Almost there Buttercup, you'll see."
They continue down the pathway as the gentle sound of trickling water becomes more and more
prominent. The sounds of ducks and geese feeding can also be heard not too far off.
"Are we on a bridge or platform? Our steps sound a bit different." Ms. Keane asks.
Butch says gently, "Patience Mam, it won't be long."
"OK, we're close enough" Brick announces. "You can open your eyes now"
The Professor, Ms. Keane, and the PowerPuffs open their eyes.
"SURPRISE!" the RowdyRuffs yell. "Do you like it?" they ask.
They are standing in a semicircle of Magnolia Trees on an island in the middle of a large
duck pond. The Magnolia blossoms are in full bloom, their scent penetrating but gently fragrant.
Spanish Moss can be seen hanging down from the branches high above. On the near shore squirrels
can be seen and heard playing. Ducks and geese are slowly moving across the pond. Deer can be
seen on the far shore.
It is a beautiful, peaceful, and tranquil place. A rainbow of assorted flowers with every
color imaginable ring the outer rim of the trees. Hummingbirds can be seen zipping amongst the
flowers like bezerk fighter planes. Nobody says a word until they spot the marble memorial at
the far end of the trees. It is flanked and shaded by two Weeping Willow trees, one on each
side. In front of the memorial a blue colored eternal flame flickers in the breeze.
The memorial is a double life size marble replica of Bubbles sitting on a pedistal. One foot
is on the ground as if she's ever ready to leap into action, the other tucked beneath as if she
is enjoying her rest. Her gaze is directed upwards as if to see any future trouble. Her left arm
is resting on her waist as if waiting for something while the right arm bekons toward the wooden
footbridge in invitation for people to come and relax. There is a neatly chiseled inscription on
the memorial that reads:
In Memorium
PowerPuff Girl
Bubbles Utonium
Loving daughter, Super sister
Best friend, Devoted protector
"A greater angel hath never fallen"
Nobody says a word at first, the only sounds are the ducks and geese quacking and feeding.
Finally Brick breaks the silence, "You don't like it, I was afraid of that, we're...." Ms
Keane gently interrupts, "Shush now, they like it, trust me, don't change a thing. It is a
beautiful and moving gesture."
Professor Utonium, visibly moved, tries to talk but can't. He takes a deep breath and asks
Brick, "You boys---did this for our Bubbles---why?"
Brick, "We were affected by her death...he points to the monument...more than we realize. We
don't understand it either. When Mojo first brought us back we were totally enraged, uncaring
about anything" he said with distaste.
"Yeah", Boomer adds, "Mojo was all we had, but Bubbles showed us life could mean something
and if necessary, be worth dying for."
Butch finishes, "We wanted to show you, this town, we were sorry. We also have another peace
offering."
Butch motions to Brick, "It was your idea Leader Dude go ahead." He whispers to Brick, "We
hope you're right about this." Boomer nods his agreement with Butch.
Brick takes a deep breath, "I said we'd return, and we have, do with us as you will, we
surrender."
After that bombshell had settled the Professor commented, "Well boys, if you wanted to start
my day off with a bang you succeeded!" He smiles at the boys and keeps talking, "Blossom, go get
the Mayor and Ms. Bellum, we're having the funeral here. I couldn't think of a more fitting
place." With that Brick, Butch and Boomer smile, really smile for the first time since they were
recreated. Blossom looks at the boys and the memorial briefly and takes off for the Mayor's
office.
The Professor continues and addresses Buttercup, "Dear, I know you're having a rough time,
but I need you to take Ms. Keane and get something for the funeral."
She answers slowly, "Uh, sure, what exactly?"
Ms. Keane finishes, "I think I know...white with gold trim right?"
Buttercup pales! "You don't mean a casket do you?"
"Yes, I do. There's no other way to get it here fast enough honey. Ms. Keane has agreed to
pay for it but I need you to carry it...please?"
Buttercup looked like she would have rather had twenty bowls of Broccoli for supper than do
the errand she was just asked. "I don't feel...like I want to" she stammered. "I was mean to
her...and can't someone else do it?" Buttercup pleaded.
The Professor kindly replied, "I know you feel guilty about your fights with Bubbles. I think
she'd forgive you---as do I. It's OK honey."
With that Buttercup brightens and says, "Really? OK, let's go Ms. Keane"
The Professor is left with the RowdyRuff Boys and Bunny. He looks at the four of them, "Now,
let's talk about how you were recreated. You four have more in common than you think." During
the time Blossom and Buttercup are gone he explains why he believes the RowdyRuffs are larger.
"You mean Bunny was much larger and we somehow absorbed some of her energies?" asked Brick
afterwards.
"Yes, in equal portions until the process balanced out. Mojo had not realized there was a
fourth Powerpuff Girl, it threw off his equations. I have an idea what he was really up to but
I haven't had it verified yet."
As the RowdyRuffs and Bunny pondered the facts of their existance Blossom returned followed
shortly by Buttercup.
The adults set up the funeral proceedings as the children watch. It is a private ceremony
because of the solemn occasion and private because Bunny wanted to attend. Had she went in
public her existance would have been discovered before Professor Utonium was ready to announce
her. There would be a public funeral for the media later. As the funeral started all the
mourners stared at the small child-sized white and gold trimmed casket at the front of the
memorial. Inside,as the Professor lamented, was no body, just an empty uniform from Bubbles's
closet and a photograph of her as well.
Professor Utonium stands and speaks, "When I first created the PowerPuff Girls I wanted to
make a difference in society, I wanted to help others. As the girls grew I began to realize
another difference was being made. The difference was in my heart because the girls filled a
void I didn't know was empty. As I taught them they taught me and having known that Bubbles died
helping another has made me so very proud of her. I'm afraid I succeeded all too well in
teaching them how to love and care. Lately I wish I had been a little lax in my duties, maybe
Bubbles would still be here. Rest in peace my little angel, you did well." The Professor sits
down and invites Blossom to speak.
Blossom stands and begins, "Even though the Professor created us all at the same time we
always considered Bubbles the little sister because of her innocence and playful ways. She had
another way about her that heaven help you if it was used on you. Sometimes, in the name of
righteousness, she went hardcore to right a wrong. Recently she gave of herself to save another.
In doing so she showed us all what true love is capable of. I hope I can live up to her example.
Rest in peace dear sister, I'll miss you always." Blossom sits down having finished her eulogy
and invites Buttercup to speak.
Buttercup stands and opens her heart, "I'm kinda nervous, Uh, I miss Bubbles and I think she
deserved better than what I gave her. I wish she could hear me say, "I love you Bubbles, what
you did was really brave." She looks uncomfortable and stands nervously, clearly wanting to sit
down.
The Professor, Blossom, Bunny, the Mayor, Ms. Bellum, and Ms. Keane all notice her
discomfort. The Professor just quietly whispers, "She's having a bad time of it, please
understand" and everybody just nods and lets it pass. Buttercup motions for Bunny to speak and
then finally sits.
Bunny stands and sadly proclaims, "I lost a sister I'll never know. I wish I'd stayed home
like I was told, she'd still be alive. Bubbles showed me what a true PowerPuff can do. I hope I
can be like her someday. Bye big sister." Bunny sits and doesn't move. She is in her own little
world for the moment so the Professor motions for the Mayor to speak.
The Mayor gets up and begins, "The Professor has asked if I'd like to say a few words. I
thought, "I'm not worthy, what could I possibly say that he hasn't?" He continues, "I never
expected to be making this speech, this awful eulogy, for the Powerpuff Girls are so young and I
am so very old. Bubbles was a wonderful breath of fresh air in a world grown cold with
indifference. I am sad that she is gone and will miss her terribly." He sits and motions for
Ms. Keane.
Ms. Keane begins her eulogy, "Bubbles was always slow to anger and quick to apologize. Those
are qualities that make for a peaceful life with others. Pokey Oaks won't be the same without
her." She walks over to the casket and kisses it gently. Afterwards, she motions for Ms. Bellum.
Ms. Bellum stands and tries to keep her hair from fluttering in her face. A sudden wind gust
has disturbed it. She gives up and begins, "Bubbles was open, innocent, caring, and giving. For
one so small it seemed to me that she was very insightful and fair-minded. Truly, the Professor
taught her well." She finishes and sits back down.
As a conclusion to the somber ceremony the casket is slid into its niche in the memorial.
Everybody has their hand on the casket at some point. The positioning over, Professor Utonium
slides the cover in place and says a final goodbye as everybody slowly departs.
The PowerPuffs arrive home minus Bubbles and DyNaMo. They look terrible with disheveled hair
and torn uniforms. There isn't a one of them that doesn't have a bloody cut or nasty bruise
somewhere either. The ongoing battle with the RowdyRuffs has clearly worn them out! As they
enter they startle the Professor and Ms. Keane who were talking on the couch. Ms. Keane had
dropped by to talk to the Professor as it was his photograph she was holding at Pokey Oaks.
They are surprised not so much by the timing as they are by the girl's unsightly appearances.
"Professor and Ms. Keane together chorus the same comment, "WHAT happened?"
Blossom blankly responds, "We have...some bad news Professor."
Ms. Keane chimes in, "Where's your battle robot?"
Buttercup who looks to be in shock just mumbles quietly..."she's gone."
Professor says, "That's too bad, but her paramount duty was to protect you and"...he trails
off as he realizes Bubbles is missing. "Where's Bubbles?" he asks.
Ms. Keane "Yes, girls, where is your sister?"
Buttercup mumbles again slowly to herself..."she's gone" Buttercup looks haunted and grief
sticken.
The Professor says, "Now I know you're feeling bad about DyNaMo but it's"...he gets a cold
chill down his back as something horrible begins to form in his mind. Bunny's eyes are filling
with tears along with Blossom's.
Blossom explains to them, "We were fighing in Mojo's lab. Mojo tossed Bunny into a glass
chamber that looked really freaky, he was gonna do something bad to her and..." Bunny finishes,
"Bubbles pulled me out of the way... and took a beam meant for me. I didn't mean for it to
happen!"
With that the Professor and Ms. Keane stiffen. Blossom loses it completely and slowly buries
her head in the Professor's lap. Loud wracking sobs shake her body. Her muffled cries of, "I'm
sorry Daddy!" just serve as confirmation that a tragedy has occurred. Blossom has never called
him daddy before, and if she did now, and in such turmoil, then something unspeakable had to
have happened.
The Professor puts a voice to the unspeakable and asks, "She's...not coming back...is she?"
Blossom does not answer but shakes her head no.
Ms. Keane gasps, "OH NO!" and puts her right hand to her mouth in horror!
Bunny is now sitting in Ms. Keane's lap holding her tightly, her face is buried in Ms.
Keane's busom, and she is crying.
Ms. Keane talks softly to Bunny, "Talk to me, tell me how you feel."
Bunny answers sadly, "Bubbles sacrified herself for me, I'm sorry"...and begins to cry even
more, "I didn't mean to cause any trouble, I just wanted to go on a mission! It's my fault!"
she finishes sadly.
"Listen to me, "I'm sure Bubbles died happy, do you know why?"
"No?"
"Because the Bubbles I knew liked helping others and she probably felt you needed your second
chance to live more. She was like that."
Buttercup is still sitting stony faced and rigid next to the Professor. He notices her
silence and gently tries to talk to her, "Buttercup, honey?"
With this Buttercup's shock finally explodes, she screams first at Bunny, "MY SISTER IS GONE,
WHY DID YOU COME BACK, WHY, WHY, WHY!?" Then she wheels on Blossom, "YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT
US LEADER GIRL, WHAT HAPPENED?"
With that Blossom and Bunny both start crying louder and leave in a pink and purple streak
for the bedroom. Buttercup screams in rage, "IT'S YOUR FAULT, IT'S YOUR FAULT, IT'S YOUR FAULT!"
and streaks off in a green blur in the opposite direction towards the Professor's basement lab.
The Professor buries his head in his hand and begins to cry. Ms. Keane holds him from the
side and they rock slowly in their grief.
The Professor mutters, "That furry fanatic, he went TOO FAR this time, it's my fault he's in
this world, it's time I fixed that!" Ms. Keane looks uncomfortable at the determined hard look
on his face.
Sadly he states, "I guess we'd better let the Mayor and Townsville in on the bad news." He
picks up the PowerPuff Hotline as Ms. Keane kisses him on the cheek for support. She suggests
that maybe he should call his parents afterwards.
Professor Utonium has the Hotline to his ear. We hear the Mayor's voice over his speakerphone.
"Yes girls, what can I do for you?"
"Mayor, Professor Utonium here, sit down sir, we've terrible news."
"You're not moving are you? That WOULD be terrible." In the background Professor Utonium
hears Ms. Bellum make a mild sigh of exasperation.
"Uh, No your Honor, during their fight with the RowdyRuff Boys and Mojo Jojo one of the
PowerPuff Girls made the supreme sacrifice."
He takes a deep breath and finishes, "We've lost Bubbles."
"Well, where did you see her last? When I lose something I go back to the last place I
remember having what I lost."
Ms. Bellum speaks, "Sir, I think he means Bubbles"...she pauses..."died in the line of duty?"
She puts a questioning tone in her voice hoping against all odds she is so very wrong.
"I'm afraid so."
-------
Blossom and Bunny enter the bedroom in tears. Blossom buries her head in her pillow. Bunny's
crrying is halted as she begins to notice the bedroom and its belongings. She sees many things
as she walks about. Blossom's library on Crime and Theory, Buttercup's Swing and Dance CD's,
Bubbles' collection of stuffed animals. A stuffed octopus doll grabs her attention and she picks
it up. She notices a photograph frame that is on the wall above the headboard and puts the doll
back down.
The frame has a piece of purple cloth inside. The cloth is shredded around the edges and has
what's left of a black belt across the middle. On the case is a piece of brass engraved with the
following words:
In Memorium
PowerPuff Girl Bunny
"She was good after all, we were the ones who were bad."
Bunny gasps and puts her hand to her mouth in surprise. A wave of memory floods her brain and
she remembers sitting on a mountain top far at sea bawling her eyes out, "WHY THEY MEAN TO
BUNNY? Sistahs neeeddd helpppp!" The battle, "What wrong with me...darkness come."
Bunny has to sit down as she is a bit overwhelmed. The recent tragedy and her renewed
memories are mixing up her emotions!
Blossom, (sniff) "What's wrong?" She turns to Bunny bleary eyed from crying.
"This cloth, it was part (sniff) of my original uniform. You kept it?"
"Yes, we kept it, you were our sister and we missed you. (sniff) We weren't sure if we'd ever
see you again."
"All of you care for (sniff) each other so much?"
"Yes, that's why Buttercup is under so much anguish and turmoil now. (sniff) She didn't mean
to explode at us, She'll apologize eventually. I just hope she doesn't supress her grief trying
to be strong."
Bunny adds, "There's something else bothering her, I'm not sure, but she seems very ashamed
about something I think." Bunny looks perplexed.
"We'll have to help her as best we can then. She could put herself and us in danger if she's
that distracted."
"What will we do?"
"Get out of these dirty clothes, take a bath and get cleaned up, that's what we'll do. A good
hot soak will help us think and relax."
"Soak?"
"Follow me, I'll show you what I mean."
-------
On the opposite side of the world, far away from Townsville, in the land of the rising sun,
Sam and Michiko Utonium were outside in their garden tending to their prize collection of Bonzai
trees. It was morning and the couple had just finished admiring Mt. Fuji as it sat majestically
in front of a russet colored sunrise. Sam was a burly man with big arms and a heart to match. He
had retired from coaching in Townsville years ago and settled outside of Tokyo with the love of
his life, Michiko Imagawa. Together, they had a wonderful son named John Utonium of whom they
were very proud.
In the garden insulated from life's trials and tribulations Sam and Michiko enjoyed their
retirement and each other's company. Life was good...at least until the phone rang!
Michiko called out to her husband Sam, "I'll get it, I'm closer."
Sam acknowledged with a, "Ho-kay dear, I'm looking for the shears anyway,thanks." and went
back to looking for the missing garden tool.
Michiko noticed the Caller ID and became all excited, "SAM, IT'S JOHN!"
Sam was equally excited, "WELL, PUT THE LAD ON THE SPEAKERPHONE!" Michiko pushed the speaker
button and motioned to her anxious husband.
"Hi boy, you forget about your old Mom and Dad?" Sam teased!
Professor Utonium's voice answered back, "Of course not, I love you both. I...uh, have some
bad news. It's about one of the girls."
Sam and Michiko knew about the PowerPuff Girls but hadn't met them yet. In fact, they were in
the process of planning a surprise trip to meet them for the first time. They also knew John
loved them dearly and could tell by the anguish in his voice something was very wrong!
Michiko asked as only a mother could, "What troubles you so, my son?" Sam was listening right
beside her.
Professor Utonium spoke, "Mom, Dad, there is a new PowerPuff Girl named Bunny. I'll tell you
more about her later. She rushed into a situation inexperienced, and well, Bubbles had to help
her, and...and was killed in the process." He could barely talk at this point and in fact,
stopped completely to avoid a total breakdown!
Sam and Michiko didn't talk for a moment. They looked at each other and then Sam spoke, "Son,
we're so very sorry. We were planning to visit you as a surprise, but now it seems we're needed
more than ever at your home."
Michiko came on the line again, "Yes, we'll catch the first flight from Tokyo."
Sam spoke again, "Hang tight son, we'll be there in a day or so."
Professor Utonium answered, "I could use the support, Thanks, see you then. Bye Mom, Bye Dad."
Sam and Michiko said their goodbyes to their wonderful, but troubled son, hung up the phone
and whispered a Japanese prayer for the dead in honor of their fallen granddaughter.
-------
As the Professor hangs up the phone with his parents he tells Ms. Keane, "I'm going to Mojo's
lab to determine what he was up to. Judging by the condition the girls were in I should say
there's plenty of doors for me to choose from, getting in should be no problem. I'll need my
camcorder, laptop, and digital camera."
Ms Keane starts to protest but he cuts her off, "I'll be careful, just watch over the girls
please. I have to do this, for me, and for Bubbles. I have to know what Mojo was up to!"
"John, don't you go all obsessive psychotic on me OK?" she replys.
"I won't, I assure you. The girls will need me now more than ever...and you too." It's just
that this would be so much easier..." he stops unable to continue.
"What John, what would be easier?"
"The funeral, we don't even have a body, the casket will be empty. I have to go, excuse me!"
Before Ms. Keane can say anything else Professor Utonium heads down to the lab to collect his
needed equipment. Ms. Keane takes a seat in the living room recliner and just sadly shakes her
head and sighs!
-------
After their departure from Mojo's lab the RowdyRuff Boys head towards the center of town.
Brick speaks to his brothers, "Guys, we messed up bad, I feel awful! What's happening to us,
why are we feeling this way?"
Boomer, "I feel like one of the girls kicked me in the stomach, only from the inside. Why is
that? Earlier we wanted to ring their necks! Now that one of them really died I feel sick!
What's going on?" he asks.
Butch, "I'm so confused, drat that Mojo! What do we do Brick? This is weird!"
Brick to his brothers, "Look below." They all look down and see Townsville Veterans Cemetary.
It is a sacred and pastoral place with a US Flag fluttering prominently in the breeze.
Boomer, "A place where the honored dead rest, what about it?"
Butch, "Yeah, what?"
Brick explains, "Guys, we got super powers. Maybe we can't undo what Mojo did, but maybe we
can build a memorial for Bubbles. Show those girls, this town, we're really sorry. We can get
some ideas from the library."
Boomer, "That'll make the awful feelings go away?"
Butch, "Can't hurt, it's a great idea, I'm for it." and with that the RowdyRuffs do a U-turn
and head for the Townsville Public Library.
-------
After telling the Mayor of Townsville, Ms Bellum, and his parents the tragic news about
Bubbles, we find the Professor in Mojo's lab. He has been examining Mojo's machinery for hours.
He looks gaunt and tired, it's obvious he's not leaving until he solves the mystery of what
Mojo was doing.
Professor Utonium has found data on crude oil stock prices, information on cargo tanker
shipping procedures, airline industry operating protocols, and railroad schedules. He also finds
a quote from "The Laws of Matter" that Mojo had highlighted; "Matter can neither be created nor
destroyed, only changed in form" and most puzzling of all, photos and measurements of the Easter
Island statues and the English Stonehenge Monument!
In the Professor's front pocket is a notebook with sketches, over his shoulder is a
camcorder, the PAUSE light is on. A laptop computer is sitting on Mojo's desk and he is typing
furiously. After he finishes with the laptop he begins with the camcorder again, the REC light
on in silent testimony to his unwavering determination.
"What were you up to?" he wonders. "I need some help" he thinks. Frantically he searches the
top of Mojo's desk, and finds what he is looking for---a telephone! Quickly, he places a long
distance call.
A short little boy with red hair, black glasses and a white lab coat answers the phone.
"Hello, ah Professooor Utoonium, my old Physics teacheer, how are yeww?"
"Not good Dexter, I have bad news."
"Oh?"
Professor Utonium proceeds to explain the events of the past few hours. Dexter is almost in
tears. "I'm so sorrrry for youuu and her sisssters. Is there anything I can dooo for my old
teacheer?"
"Why yes, I'd like videofax you some data from Mojo Jojo's lab. Look at it and tell me what
you think he was up to. I just can't think straight right now and I need you to be my
objectivity. I have an idea but it's so far-fetched and unbelievable I dare not utter it. Mojo
has so much material here I can't tell if it's one big project or a bunch of disregarded little
projects."
"Of course, send it over. I'll give it top priority."
"Thanks Dexter" as he hangs up the phone.
The Professor looks around the lab one last time, at the chamber where Bubbles perished, then
turns and slowly walks outside, down the stairs, and heads for home in the fading daylight.
-------
Blossom and Bunny are getting dressed after their bath when Blossom got an idea, a
wonderfully awful, incredibly twisted idea. "HUDDLE" she motions for Bunny. They can be heard
whispering and giggling.
It's late at night in Mojo's cell and he's asleep on his cot dreaming yet again of the day
when he would rule the world. He is facing towards the bars, snoring softly and is covered with
a light blanket.
"Moooojoooo"
He continues to snore.
"Moooojoooo, waaaake uuuppp." He snorts and rolls over towards the wall.
"Mojo, remember me? A killer should always remember his victims."
Mojo turns his head with eyes as big as saucers! "Who is there, who dares? SHOW yourself!"
He looks around an apparently empty cell.
"Moooojoooo, it's meeee, the ghost of Buuubbles" At that instant Bubbles appears, or rather
her spectral white disembodied head bobbing up and down just a few feet away!
Mojo is wide eyed even more!
"Buh, Buh, Buh"
"Yeees, it's meeee, Buuubbles, you killed me remember?"
"Buh, Buh, Buh"
"I've come back to check up on you Mojo. You'd better behave or I'll be back." She
disappears, grabs the blanket Mojo was cowering so bravely under, and quickly pops him on his
furry rump.
KERSNAP SNAP SNAP!!!
"OW OW OW!!!"
"Behaaave or I'll be baaack"
Her pale white form materializes briefly to point at him for emphasis and then disappears
leaving Mojo shivering with fear in the corner of his cell.
"GUARDS, GUARDS, get me a crucifix, A Star of David, a priest, a rabbi, THE POPE, the
Ghostbusters, get me OUTTA here!!!"
As Bubbles leaves we see the jail office. Blossom is laughing and talking to Bubbles, or
rather Bunny made up as Bubbles courtesy of some white flour, a bleached wig cut from a certain
Sailor Moon costume to look like Bubbles's hairstyle, a bleached spare uniform from Bubbles's
closet, and an ability to turn invisible. They are watching a taped replay from the cell monitor
that watches Mojo.
Blossom to Bunny, "This is PRICELESS, if this doesn't cheer up Buttercup I don't know what
will. You make a good ghost."
"Thanks, it was the comment about Casper that gave you the idea?"
"Yep" Blossom smiles wickedly
"Oh, I think I'm gonna like being a PowerPuff!" Bunny smiles a big smile.
Blossom compliments her by saying, "I think you'll fit in just fine."
Bunny beams; clearly pleased with such praise from the PowerPuff leader.
"Let's get this to Buttercup." Blossom finishes.
Bunny to guard, a Don Knotts looking kinda fella, "Thanks for the tape."
"Oh, thank you, Ah enjoyed watchin' yew rattle Mojo's cage lehk that. Ya'll come back now,
ya hear. It was nice meeting you..an' don't worry little lady," he points to Bunny, "I promise
I'll not tell I saw you." He waves bye to Blossom and Bunny having been sworn to secrecy about
Bunny's existance. Blossom wanted to run the gag but had to still keep Bunny a secret like the
Professor asked.
When they return they find Buttercup just exiting the simulator. Before they can look at the
controls Buttercup quickly pushes the Delete key on the panel. She trys to act nonchalant. "Oh,
Hi, just running through the new monthly scenarios ya know, gotta keep in shape, life goes on,
right?"
Blossom looks at her and says to herself, "Yeah, whatever sis, I'll check those settings next
chance I get." What Blossom would find out later was Buttercup had been running scenerio after
scenerio that all unsuccessfully ended with Bubbles dying in Mojo's chamber. Buttercup's guilt
at teasing her sister and then failing to save her life was the reason behind this. Buttercup
was also confused at wanting to get to know Bunny now that Bubbles was gone.
Just then Blossom hears Bunny's voice in her mind, *"Buttercup is hiding something, she'd
like us to go."*
Blossom just looks at Buttercup and says, "You've GOT to see this tape, it's really FUNNY!"
She puts the tape in the simulator's playback console which is used to review scenerios for
improvements.
"Watch", Blossom says. Buttercup watches the whole thing without so much a snicker.
"You spooked Mojo, big whoop." She makes a circle motion with her right hand.
Blossom clearly having had enough of this moodiness gets upset. "Now I know you're in denial.
The Buttercup I know would've nearly wet her pants laughing so hard!"
"I'm fine, really, now go away."
Blossom sighs a deep sigh, "Come on Bunny."
Bunny asks as they leave the simulator, "De-ni-all?"
"In this case denial is not a river in Egypt. It means Buttercup is refusing to deal with
what happened to Bubbles. It can hurt her mentally and physically if she doesn't come to terms
with it. She sighs a big sigh of frustration and asks Bunny, "I'm tired, it's late, you ready
for bed?"
Bunny nods her head and follows Blossom out the door. Buttercup is left behind. As Blossom
and Bunny are walking down the hall Blossom cocks her head and listens. She hears the simulator
powering up again.
While Blossom and Bunny are getting ready for bed the Professor arrives back home. Ms. Keane
is sitting in the living room waiting.
The Professor asks, "Well, how did it go while I was away?"
Ms. Keane answers, "Well, I think Blossom and Bunny went out. They came back giggling, it was
nice hearing laughter considering what has happened. Buttercup however, has been in your lab
running the simulator for several hours and refuses to come out. I'm worried about her, I think
dealing with Bubbles has traumatized her."
The Professor looks concerned, "We have to try and crack that stubborn resolve of hers. I
didn't have much luck determining Mojo's plan. I have an idea but it's really out there!" He
switches topics and talks about Buttercup again. "Maybe we can get her to open up. It's got to
be subtle or she'll catch on and we'll get nowhere. Where are Blossom and Bunny?" he asks.
"They're in their bedroom." Ms. Keane answers.
"Good, follow me." Together they go up to the girls bedroom, knock, and slowly enter.
Blossom and Bunny are asleep on the bed with the lights on. Gently,the Professor nudges them,
"Girls, wake up, I need your help."
Blossom stirs first, "Wwha, help, how?" She rubs her eyes.
Bunny wakens, blinks, yawns, and listens.
"We're worried about Buttercup." he explains. "She needs to deal with what happened to
Bubbles. I understand she is still in the lab. Ms. Keane is going to go down there and try to
get her to come up here. When she arrives try and get her to talk about Bubbles without alerting
her you're trying to get her to talk about Bubbles. Be subtle. Maybe she'll open up."
"Ok, we'll be ready" Bunny nods her approval also.
"Good, Ms. Keane go get started. I'll wait in the living room and wait for the two of you to
come up. I can see from the sofa."
Ms. Keane nods and heads for the lab.
Moments later Ms. Keane is knocking on the lab door. It is locked. She knocks again and
Buttercup finally answers. She opens the door, "Yes, Ms. Keane?" she asks, clearly bothered at
having been interrupted!
"Can we talk?" Ms. Keane asks.
Buttercup says nothing. "I talked with the Professor, we're worried about you dear, holding
in your grief can make you sick, maybe even cause a Post Traumatic Stress problem. I'm glad the
others didn't get Survivor's Guilt!" she thinks.
"It's OK to cry, it's healthy." Buttercup is still silent.
"There's something else, isn't there?"
Buttercup sadly, "Our last real conversation wasn't very nice, I teased her about crying,
said she was our weakest link"...Buttercup blows her nose with a hankie she has..."I wish I
could take it back, I was mean to Blossom and Bunny too. It wasn't their fault, Bubbles would
have sacrificed herself for any of us."
Ms Keane just nods and puts her hand on Buttercup's head for a show of support. "I'm glad you
realized that, but maybe you should tell that to your sisters, they are still up in the bedroom"
as she motions upward with her hand. Buttercup takes the cue and floats out for her bedroom.
Ms. Keane exits after her, spots the Professor and motions towards the girls room. Quietly,
he goes to the stairs.
As Buttercup enters her bedroom she notices a new quilt covering the bed. Ms. Keane has
already made a replacement to reflect their new numbers. Blossom's pink stripe is on the left,
Bubbles's blue stripe is next, followed by new PowerPuff Bunny's purple stripe and finally
Buttercup's green stripe.
"How appropriate" she thinks as she notices Bubbles and Bunny were next to each other. "She
was certainly glad to see Bunny. Can't blame her for that, I'm always raggin' on her for
something."
Just then Blossom and Bunny notice Buttercup's entrance and make a dual motion to leave.
"Oh, we're bothering you, we'll leave." Blossom states flatly.
Buttercup asks, "Please stay...won't you?" She moves to the bed and motions them back.."please?"
Blossom and Bunny look at each other shrugging their shoulders as if to say, "OK, we'll give
it a shot" and join Buttercup on the end of the bed. Sheis quiet for a moment, as if coming to
some internal decision. Her sisters wait patiently.
Finally Buttercup speaks, "I'm sorry...I'm sorry I blew up at you Bunny, it wasn't your
fault. It wasn't a very nice way to welcome you to the team." She looks at Blossom, "Leader
Girl...Blossom, I know you would have stopped Mojo if you could, it wasn't your fault either.
Bubbles would have sacrificed herself for any of us."
With that Bunny says, "She was a good sister huh?"
Buttercup, "Are you kidding?" Her face lightens up as she begins to talk.."she was GREAT, she
was SUPER, Once she beat up Mojo all by herself, we were so surprised, then she saved me and
Blossom when Rainbow the Clown turned bad, and she gave you your name Bunny, and when she was
scared of the Boogey Man she still beat him, then she came up with a great idea that defeated
the Sandman, she...she...Buttercup stops and chokes back a sob, "I never once said...I loved
her!"
Blossom says gently, "Let it go sis, now before it eats you up."
Buttercup looks at her and then Bunny. Bunny nods to affirm Blossom's statement. Buttercup
speaks in a ragged voice, "The last time...time I really spoke to her I said...she was our
weakest link. I didn't MEAN it, she...she deserved better, she...Oh, MY!" Buttercup could hold
it in no longer; the shock, guilt, and grief all combined and overwhelmed her as a tsunami of
sorrows flooded her emotions. Her eyes brimming with hot salty tears she held both her sisters
and cried hard and long.
Blossom said gently to Buttercup as she rocked with her in a hug, "I'm glad you're back sis."
Bunny gives her a sisterly kiss on the head for support and whispers in Buttercup's ear, "I
know you're hurting, need a hug?"
Buttercup, still crying, responds by moving over to Bunny and accepting the hug offer. She's
sobbing for her lost sister, calling her name over and over!
The Professor and Ms. Keane having followed Buttercup suspecting this would happen watched
silently from the bedroom door. "Poor kid" Professor whispers to Ms. Keane. "Yeah, but now she's
on the road to a healthy mental recovery." The Professor just nods in agreement.
-------
The RowdyRuffs return to the PowerPuffs house the next morning having slept in Mojo's
abandoned lab the night before. The Professor and Ms Keane are in the living room. Upon hearing
the RowdyRuff's entrance Blossom, Bunny, and Buttercup arrive from their bedroom.
Brick says, "I said we had something to do before we turned ourselves in. We're done."
Boomer adds, "But before we go to jail, will you all come with us?"
Butch, "We'd like to show you something." The PowerPuffs look at the RowdyRuffs and Blossom
declares, "OK, but no tricks, we're really not in the mood."
Brick shakes his head to the negative, "No tricks, you've trusted us this far considering
what's happened. I'll lead, you follow."
He takes to the air followed by his brothers. Blossom grabs the Professor and follows them
out. Buttercup takes hold of Ms. Keane and does likewise as Bunny flies alongside. In a few
short minutes they land at the entrance to Townsville Veterans Cemetery.
Brick says, "Now please trust us just a bit more. You have to walk with your eyes closed
some...and no X-Ray vision, OK girls?"
The girls agree and they begin to slowly walk. Bunny trips but Butch grabs her arm briefly,
"I got you, slow ahead now."
Boomer adds, "We're not far, soon see you will" he says in Yoda like voice.
Blossom stops dead in her tracks, "That's not funny!" she replies angrily!
Boomer is confused and very much aware that the whole group is watching him. If he's not
careful the surprise will be ruined and he knows it.
Blossom continues, "Bubbles could talk like that when she wanted to."
Boomer realizes she thought they were insulting Bubbles and explains, "No, no, we watched a
movie in the Townsville Public Library. It had this little green guy in it that talked that
way, honest!"
Buttercup breaks the tension and asks, "What's that nice smell?"
Boomer pleading, asks everybody, "Would you all please close your eyes?"
Brick, "Almost there Buttercup, you'll see."
They continue down the pathway as the gentle sound of trickling water becomes more and more
prominent. The sounds of ducks and geese feeding can also be heard not too far off.
"Are we on a bridge or platform? Our steps sound a bit different." Ms. Keane asks.
Butch says gently, "Patience Mam, it won't be long."
"OK, we're close enough" Brick announces. "You can open your eyes now"
The Professor, Ms. Keane, and the PowerPuffs open their eyes.
"SURPRISE!" the RowdyRuffs yell. "Do you like it?" they ask.
They are standing in a semicircle of Magnolia Trees on an island in the middle of a large
duck pond. The Magnolia blossoms are in full bloom, their scent penetrating but gently fragrant.
Spanish Moss can be seen hanging down from the branches high above. On the near shore squirrels
can be seen and heard playing. Ducks and geese are slowly moving across the pond. Deer can be
seen on the far shore.
It is a beautiful, peaceful, and tranquil place. A rainbow of assorted flowers with every
color imaginable ring the outer rim of the trees. Hummingbirds can be seen zipping amongst the
flowers like bezerk fighter planes. Nobody says a word until they spot the marble memorial at
the far end of the trees. It is flanked and shaded by two Weeping Willow trees, one on each
side. In front of the memorial a blue colored eternal flame flickers in the breeze.
The memorial is a double life size marble replica of Bubbles sitting on a pedistal. One foot
is on the ground as if she's ever ready to leap into action, the other tucked beneath as if she
is enjoying her rest. Her gaze is directed upwards as if to see any future trouble. Her left arm
is resting on her waist as if waiting for something while the right arm bekons toward the wooden
footbridge in invitation for people to come and relax. There is a neatly chiseled inscription on
the memorial that reads:
In Memorium
PowerPuff Girl
Bubbles Utonium
Loving daughter, Super sister
Best friend, Devoted protector
"A greater angel hath never fallen"
Nobody says a word at first, the only sounds are the ducks and geese quacking and feeding.
Finally Brick breaks the silence, "You don't like it, I was afraid of that, we're...." Ms
Keane gently interrupts, "Shush now, they like it, trust me, don't change a thing. It is a
beautiful and moving gesture."
Professor Utonium, visibly moved, tries to talk but can't. He takes a deep breath and asks
Brick, "You boys---did this for our Bubbles---why?"
Brick, "We were affected by her death...he points to the monument...more than we realize. We
don't understand it either. When Mojo first brought us back we were totally enraged, uncaring
about anything" he said with distaste.
"Yeah", Boomer adds, "Mojo was all we had, but Bubbles showed us life could mean something
and if necessary, be worth dying for."
Butch finishes, "We wanted to show you, this town, we were sorry. We also have another peace
offering."
Butch motions to Brick, "It was your idea Leader Dude go ahead." He whispers to Brick, "We
hope you're right about this." Boomer nods his agreement with Butch.
Brick takes a deep breath, "I said we'd return, and we have, do with us as you will, we
surrender."
After that bombshell had settled the Professor commented, "Well boys, if you wanted to start
my day off with a bang you succeeded!" He smiles at the boys and keeps talking, "Blossom, go get
the Mayor and Ms. Bellum, we're having the funeral here. I couldn't think of a more fitting
place." With that Brick, Butch and Boomer smile, really smile for the first time since they were
recreated. Blossom looks at the boys and the memorial briefly and takes off for the Mayor's
office.
The Professor continues and addresses Buttercup, "Dear, I know you're having a rough time,
but I need you to take Ms. Keane and get something for the funeral."
She answers slowly, "Uh, sure, what exactly?"
Ms. Keane finishes, "I think I know...white with gold trim right?"
Buttercup pales! "You don't mean a casket do you?"
"Yes, I do. There's no other way to get it here fast enough honey. Ms. Keane has agreed to
pay for it but I need you to carry it...please?"
Buttercup looked like she would have rather had twenty bowls of Broccoli for supper than do
the errand she was just asked. "I don't feel...like I want to" she stammered. "I was mean to
her...and can't someone else do it?" Buttercup pleaded.
The Professor kindly replied, "I know you feel guilty about your fights with Bubbles. I think
she'd forgive you---as do I. It's OK honey."
With that Buttercup brightens and says, "Really? OK, let's go Ms. Keane"
The Professor is left with the RowdyRuff Boys and Bunny. He looks at the four of them, "Now,
let's talk about how you were recreated. You four have more in common than you think." During
the time Blossom and Buttercup are gone he explains why he believes the RowdyRuffs are larger.
"You mean Bunny was much larger and we somehow absorbed some of her energies?" asked Brick
afterwards.
"Yes, in equal portions until the process balanced out. Mojo had not realized there was a
fourth Powerpuff Girl, it threw off his equations. I have an idea what he was really up to but
I haven't had it verified yet."
As the RowdyRuffs and Bunny pondered the facts of their existance Blossom returned followed
shortly by Buttercup.
The adults set up the funeral proceedings as the children watch. It is a private ceremony
because of the solemn occasion and private because Bunny wanted to attend. Had she went in
public her existance would have been discovered before Professor Utonium was ready to announce
her. There would be a public funeral for the media later. As the funeral started all the
mourners stared at the small child-sized white and gold trimmed casket at the front of the
memorial. Inside,as the Professor lamented, was no body, just an empty uniform from Bubbles's
closet and a photograph of her as well.
Professor Utonium stands and speaks, "When I first created the PowerPuff Girls I wanted to
make a difference in society, I wanted to help others. As the girls grew I began to realize
another difference was being made. The difference was in my heart because the girls filled a
void I didn't know was empty. As I taught them they taught me and having known that Bubbles died
helping another has made me so very proud of her. I'm afraid I succeeded all too well in
teaching them how to love and care. Lately I wish I had been a little lax in my duties, maybe
Bubbles would still be here. Rest in peace my little angel, you did well." The Professor sits
down and invites Blossom to speak.
Blossom stands and begins, "Even though the Professor created us all at the same time we
always considered Bubbles the little sister because of her innocence and playful ways. She had
another way about her that heaven help you if it was used on you. Sometimes, in the name of
righteousness, she went hardcore to right a wrong. Recently she gave of herself to save another.
In doing so she showed us all what true love is capable of. I hope I can live up to her example.
Rest in peace dear sister, I'll miss you always." Blossom sits down having finished her eulogy
and invites Buttercup to speak.
Buttercup stands and opens her heart, "I'm kinda nervous, Uh, I miss Bubbles and I think she
deserved better than what I gave her. I wish she could hear me say, "I love you Bubbles, what
you did was really brave." She looks uncomfortable and stands nervously, clearly wanting to sit
down.
The Professor, Blossom, Bunny, the Mayor, Ms. Bellum, and Ms. Keane all notice her
discomfort. The Professor just quietly whispers, "She's having a bad time of it, please
understand" and everybody just nods and lets it pass. Buttercup motions for Bunny to speak and
then finally sits.
Bunny stands and sadly proclaims, "I lost a sister I'll never know. I wish I'd stayed home
like I was told, she'd still be alive. Bubbles showed me what a true PowerPuff can do. I hope I
can be like her someday. Bye big sister." Bunny sits and doesn't move. She is in her own little
world for the moment so the Professor motions for the Mayor to speak.
The Mayor gets up and begins, "The Professor has asked if I'd like to say a few words. I
thought, "I'm not worthy, what could I possibly say that he hasn't?" He continues, "I never
expected to be making this speech, this awful eulogy, for the Powerpuff Girls are so young and I
am so very old. Bubbles was a wonderful breath of fresh air in a world grown cold with
indifference. I am sad that she is gone and will miss her terribly." He sits and motions for
Ms. Keane.
Ms. Keane begins her eulogy, "Bubbles was always slow to anger and quick to apologize. Those
are qualities that make for a peaceful life with others. Pokey Oaks won't be the same without
her." She walks over to the casket and kisses it gently. Afterwards, she motions for Ms. Bellum.
Ms. Bellum stands and tries to keep her hair from fluttering in her face. A sudden wind gust
has disturbed it. She gives up and begins, "Bubbles was open, innocent, caring, and giving. For
one so small it seemed to me that she was very insightful and fair-minded. Truly, the Professor
taught her well." She finishes and sits back down.
As a conclusion to the somber ceremony the casket is slid into its niche in the memorial.
Everybody has their hand on the casket at some point. The positioning over, Professor Utonium
slides the cover in place and says a final goodbye as everybody slowly departs.