THE MAYOR'S OFFICE
While the Mayor, Ms. Bellum and the Powerpuff and Rowdyruffs were discussing the animal mystery
the oil sample donated by Blossom had being examined with some very interesting results. The
discussion in the room was interrupted by a call to the Mayor's private phone line from the police lab.
"Mayor here, what's up with the oil?" He put the caller on the speakerphone so everyone could listen all at once.
The lab technician began speaking, "Sir, this is not your common car oil. It's aviation oil, specifically, a type not made since the 1950's. It was manufactured for the old piston driven passenger planes. It's full of little nasties that current federal emission standards have eliminated on aircraft piston oils now being made. Does this help?"
"Well, I'm not sure, where would oil that old COME from?" he asked, totally perplexed.
"Sir," a second voice from the lab spoke, "There's the old Townsville Municipal Airport on the south side. Remember, it was closed nearly 30 years ago when Townsville International was constructed. The older piston planes flew out of Townsville Municipal on a regular basis. If that oil is anywhere in town, it'll be there!"
The Mayor turned to order the puffs and ruffs to go to the old airport, but he was too late. They were already there by the time he turned around! Smiling proudly, he shut the window, and proceeded about his business of running the city.
TOWNSVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
The seven Chemical X-ers arrived at the old airport. It was deteriorated, and collapsing in several places. Countless weeds and plants had grown up through the ramp giving the place an almost carpeted look. Pigeons protested their entry in a hangar with loud coos and flappings.
"Well, there's nothing here." Blossom said. "Let's search the next one."
Bubbles was looking around when she stopped, stood upright, and craned her head to listen, "Am I imagining things, or did I just hear a horse?" she asked.
Quickly, they all ran outside and listened for the horse. Sure enough, the distinct, rhythmic whinney of a horse caught their attention. Bubbles pointed, "There, the far hangar, the largest one, that's where it's at!"
Determined, they all zoomed into the hangar. From their position on the airfield they actually entered the back of the hangar, and as such, didn't initially discover the hundreds of cages in the main part of the hangar. However, they did notice the smell!
Boomer waved his hands in front of his face, "EWWW, what reeks?"
Blossom answered, "I don't know, but it's a powerful clue!"
Bunny agreed, "I'll say!"
Bubbles saw a door leading to the main part of the hangar. She went towards it along with everybody else. About the time she was going to open the door, it opened from the other side! Standing there, looking totally shocked, was the boss and his two goons. As soon as they realized they were looking at The Powerpuff Girls and friends they tried to escape. Bubbles grabbed the boss by his collar and lifted him high off the floor. Brick and Bunny each grabbed a man and did likewise.
"Hey, put us down, we have RIGHTS you brats!" The boss was trying to intimidate Blossom into letting him go. Blossom was not fooled for a moment. "Oh, we'll put you down, if you insist." She motioned upwards with her head. Brick and Bunny caught on right away and the three of them flew up into the support rafters and left their captives about 60 feet off the floor. Blossom commented, "If you can get down alive, you're free to go. We'll be back, don't go anywhere."
Bubbles looked up, smiled, and went through the door. About that time her smile vanished and a glazed, stunned look came over her face. She had seen the cages, and the tortured, abused animals within!
All the puffs and ruffs looked on in stunned disbelief. It was hard for them to comprehend a human being doing this to mostly defenseless animals. None of them had ever experienced this level of cruelty before. Bubbles was weeping without crying as she moved from cage to cage numbed, and almost in a trance.
Buttercup spotted something in a corner and gasped in surprise, "I know that dog!" She pointed to a shivering greyhound in the corner. "That's Go-Go Gertie, she used to be all over the news. No dog could touch her at the track!"
Bubbles approached the scared dog and asked her in fluent canine. "Is it true, are you Go-Go Gertie?"
The dog answered back, "Yes, I am, until I wound up here!" she growled angrily.
"What happened" Bubbles asked concerned.
"You're OK at the tracks until you begin to lose races. I grew old, and slow, and nobody wanted me anymore!"
"THAT'S TERRIBLE!" Bubbles cried. At this time the other puffs and ruffs wanted to know what was wrong and Bubbles began to answer. Bubbles was in the midst of explaining when she was interrupted by an overly loud whinneying snort. They all turned and faced a rather upset chestnut mare. The horse began to whinney and snort again. Bubbles translated for her sisters and the Rowdyruffs.
"She says it's the same with her. She used to love racing at the track until she grew older and began to slow down."
The horse began to shake her head violently to affirm Bubbles' translation! At the same time Gertie spoke again, "So we can't race anymore, we're still useful! All we'd like is some little boy or girl to love us, is that too much to ask?"
Bubbles was trying to reassure the dog and horse they would be rescued when Boomer came up to her with a very sick puppy in his hands. He was quite upset and could barely talk, "I think I found...Robin's puppy. He has two different colored eyes...and he's...really bad off!" What Boomer couldn't know about was the massive internal damage the hypodermic chemicals had caused.
Bubbles saw the horrible state the puppy was in and tried to talk to him in canine. "Hang on, we're here to help. We'll get you to a vet."
Mr. Peepers seemed to understand and spoke weakly, "So tired...nice to know...there are good humans. Need to help...others like me."
Bubbles answered back, "Yes, the others, we'll help them, don't worry." Bubbles glared at the many cages. Mr. Peepers gave one more gasp and continued, "Your friend, Val...Val...Valentino. Mr. Peepers took one last, long sigh and was still. His long struggle was over. Bubbles began to cry as if her heart would shred, "WHY DO PEOPLE DO THIS! WHY?" She flung an empty cage into the wall in anger!
Bunny shook her head sadly, and tried to comfort her older sister, "We tried, and I'm sure Robin will appreciate that. Did he say anything else...before he..?" Bunny stopped, unsure how to proceed.
Bubbles was crying, "He said VALEN-TEEENO was here! We hafta FIND him before..." Bubbles stopped,
not daring to think the worst.
Brick looked at Blossom and asked in shocked disbelief, "Did she say, VALENTINO? Oh MY God!"
Blossom was also shocked and issued an immediate order, "FAN OUT, search every room, find him!"
Determined to find Valentino, lest he too meet an unfortunate end, each child took a room and began searching. It was Butch who found Valentino still in his cage. Relieved to see a friendly face, Valentino began a loud purring and scratching at the cage door.
"Hey Buddy, I'm glad to see you too!" Butch ripped the cage door off and tossed it aside. Valentino leapt into his arms and looked at him as if to say, "Let's get the HECK OUTTA HERE!"
Butch hollered out to alert the others, "I FOUND HIM, HE'S OK!" Instantly, everyone except Buttercup showed up to see Valentino. He was purring loudly, enjoying all the extra attention, and relieved to be free of the cage.
Bunny was curious about the absence of Buttercup and went to look for her. She didn't have to go far because Buttercup was returning, "Hey, guess what I found everybody?" Bunny looked curious and shrugged her shoulders. Buttercup continued, "It's dangerous, white, and lives in Australia."
Bunny was all excited, "You found the missing crocodile, is he OK?"
"Yeah, he's fine. Mad too, most likely hungry! But, that's not all I found either."
Blossom gave her a nod to keep talking so Buttercup continued, "I found van and a truck with
animal cages and medicines. They had leaking oil cans inside too!"
Blossom was relieved, "Well, it looks like this is wrapping up nicely. Let's call the police for the men, and get these animals some help. Brick, call the police. Everybody else, go to the survivors cages and set them free. Buttercup, call the zoo, we'll need vets. If they need more people, tell them to call other vets in town." Buttercup nodded, and went for a phone with Brick while everybody else set to freeing the caged animals.
Bubbles was still dazed from all she'd witnessed. "What about...the others?"
Blossom was sympathetic for her stunned sister, "They'll need autopsies to see what killed them. I'm sorry, but we can't bury them yet. The police will need them as evidence."
Bubbles winced, but understood, "Let's put them all in one room then, let them have the dignity they never had in life." Bubbles paused for a moment as a hard expression formed on her face. Blossom had seen that look on Bubbles' face from time to time and knew what was happening, Bubbles was going HARDCORE!
"Sis, you OK?" Blossom asked, concerned.
Bubbles took in a slow inhale, and let it out, "After we're done here, after the vets are done, and after the police haul the men and the victims away, I'M LEVELING THIS BUILDING!"
EPILOGUE
It was mid evening a few nights later at the Utonium's house. Ms. Keane and the Rowdyruffs had been invited over for a pot-luck dinner. It was thought the friendly get together would help Bubbles over her deep sadness concerning the extreme animal abuse she witnessed. She had been further saddened when she found out many of the survivors had to be euthanized to end their suffering. They were simply too far gone to recover. There was one sparkle of hope that she clung to, the abandoned greyhound, Go-Go Gertie, had found a home with Robin Schneider. It was wonderful, the two providing much needed therapy for the other. The horse also found a new loving family as a police patrol horse. Not a shining, happy, saves the day ending Bubbles was used to, but at this point, she'd take whatever she could get.
The puffs and ruffs, minus Bubbles were watching television in the living room, while the Professor and Ms. Keane were playing a game of chess. The Professor was just about to make his move when his concentration was interrupted by the doorbell!
"I'll get it," he announced. Before he left he made a move on the chessboard. "Careful Sandra, you'll be in check soon." She frowned at his warning, and returned her attentions to the board for her countermove.
"BUBBLES!" Professor Utonium called out. "There's someone here to see you."
Bubbles had been upstairs, not wanting to eat, or watch television. She heard her dad, sighed, flew downstairs, and promptly collided with none other The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin HIMSELF!
"Crikey, are you the kids what rescued me croc, Casper?" he asked. All the puffs, ruffs, and adults were amazed at the sight of the unexpected celebrity in their midst!
Bubbles asked, face all aglow, "He's named Casper?"
"Sure nuff, but he's not too friendly tho!" He smiled.
Professor Utonium asked Steve to sit. He did so, and began speaking, "I wanted to thank you amazing children for what you have done. What happened here in Townsville was just the tip. The arrests here led to hundreds of arrests worldwide, and the release of thousands of captive animals.
The Crocodile Hunter looked at the faces of the amazed kids and particularly, a very sad Bubbles! "Hey little missy, I hear you're having a bad time of it. Listen to ol' Steve. You helped break up an international smuggling ring that was using strays and abandoned animals for illegal research. It's true many of them died, but thousands more were saved!"
"I didn't know people could be so totally heartless." Bubbles spoke slowly.
"Aye, you're right luv, but we nailed 'em with their own evidence. A lot of the cages had mini-cams that taped the animals, and the men involved. That was a BIG break! Usually, people like that got away more often than not."
"I wish I could do more Mr. Irwin." Everybody in the room was watching, and listening to the converstion.
"Call me Steve, OK?" He smiled and put her in his lap. "I've heard that you can actually converse with animals, is that true?" he asked, amazed!
"Sure, it's one of my powers."
"Well, I just get all ASTOUNDED when I imagine how much we could LEARN about animal behaviour
from someone WHO could actually TALK to them! It's so MIND BOGGLING, I just SHIVER when I imagine what humanity could find out!" Steve began to get all excited at the educational implications and his accent became more noticeable.
"Just think wha we could LEARN! Seems ta me that would be right up yer alley, Bubbles. You could protect and learn from tha' living animals, while honoring tha' unfortunate ones."
At that moment all Bubbles had done in her life with animals came into focus. She remembered the kindness she had shown Bullet the squirrel, and the sorrow she later felt when she apologized to the Talking Dog for beating him up that one time.
She began to jump up and down with excitement, She actually loosened one of her pigtails in the process! "OH THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU," She gave him a large hug that caused him to exhale rather forcefully, "I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, a career talking to animals, and learning about them. I'd like that!"
THE END
DISCLAIMER: No, Steve Irwin doesn't know about this story, but it sure sounds like something he'd do if he ever met Bubbles! Additionally, Steve Irwin has worked with a real life, white crocodile
named Casper.
http:www.adoptagrey.com
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small.
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
While the Mayor, Ms. Bellum and the Powerpuff and Rowdyruffs were discussing the animal mystery
the oil sample donated by Blossom had being examined with some very interesting results. The
discussion in the room was interrupted by a call to the Mayor's private phone line from the police lab.
"Mayor here, what's up with the oil?" He put the caller on the speakerphone so everyone could listen all at once.
The lab technician began speaking, "Sir, this is not your common car oil. It's aviation oil, specifically, a type not made since the 1950's. It was manufactured for the old piston driven passenger planes. It's full of little nasties that current federal emission standards have eliminated on aircraft piston oils now being made. Does this help?"
"Well, I'm not sure, where would oil that old COME from?" he asked, totally perplexed.
"Sir," a second voice from the lab spoke, "There's the old Townsville Municipal Airport on the south side. Remember, it was closed nearly 30 years ago when Townsville International was constructed. The older piston planes flew out of Townsville Municipal on a regular basis. If that oil is anywhere in town, it'll be there!"
The Mayor turned to order the puffs and ruffs to go to the old airport, but he was too late. They were already there by the time he turned around! Smiling proudly, he shut the window, and proceeded about his business of running the city.
TOWNSVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
The seven Chemical X-ers arrived at the old airport. It was deteriorated, and collapsing in several places. Countless weeds and plants had grown up through the ramp giving the place an almost carpeted look. Pigeons protested their entry in a hangar with loud coos and flappings.
"Well, there's nothing here." Blossom said. "Let's search the next one."
Bubbles was looking around when she stopped, stood upright, and craned her head to listen, "Am I imagining things, or did I just hear a horse?" she asked.
Quickly, they all ran outside and listened for the horse. Sure enough, the distinct, rhythmic whinney of a horse caught their attention. Bubbles pointed, "There, the far hangar, the largest one, that's where it's at!"
Determined, they all zoomed into the hangar. From their position on the airfield they actually entered the back of the hangar, and as such, didn't initially discover the hundreds of cages in the main part of the hangar. However, they did notice the smell!
Boomer waved his hands in front of his face, "EWWW, what reeks?"
Blossom answered, "I don't know, but it's a powerful clue!"
Bunny agreed, "I'll say!"
Bubbles saw a door leading to the main part of the hangar. She went towards it along with everybody else. About the time she was going to open the door, it opened from the other side! Standing there, looking totally shocked, was the boss and his two goons. As soon as they realized they were looking at The Powerpuff Girls and friends they tried to escape. Bubbles grabbed the boss by his collar and lifted him high off the floor. Brick and Bunny each grabbed a man and did likewise.
"Hey, put us down, we have RIGHTS you brats!" The boss was trying to intimidate Blossom into letting him go. Blossom was not fooled for a moment. "Oh, we'll put you down, if you insist." She motioned upwards with her head. Brick and Bunny caught on right away and the three of them flew up into the support rafters and left their captives about 60 feet off the floor. Blossom commented, "If you can get down alive, you're free to go. We'll be back, don't go anywhere."
Bubbles looked up, smiled, and went through the door. About that time her smile vanished and a glazed, stunned look came over her face. She had seen the cages, and the tortured, abused animals within!
All the puffs and ruffs looked on in stunned disbelief. It was hard for them to comprehend a human being doing this to mostly defenseless animals. None of them had ever experienced this level of cruelty before. Bubbles was weeping without crying as she moved from cage to cage numbed, and almost in a trance.
Buttercup spotted something in a corner and gasped in surprise, "I know that dog!" She pointed to a shivering greyhound in the corner. "That's Go-Go Gertie, she used to be all over the news. No dog could touch her at the track!"
Bubbles approached the scared dog and asked her in fluent canine. "Is it true, are you Go-Go Gertie?"
The dog answered back, "Yes, I am, until I wound up here!" she growled angrily.
"What happened" Bubbles asked concerned.
"You're OK at the tracks until you begin to lose races. I grew old, and slow, and nobody wanted me anymore!"
"THAT'S TERRIBLE!" Bubbles cried. At this time the other puffs and ruffs wanted to know what was wrong and Bubbles began to answer. Bubbles was in the midst of explaining when she was interrupted by an overly loud whinneying snort. They all turned and faced a rather upset chestnut mare. The horse began to whinney and snort again. Bubbles translated for her sisters and the Rowdyruffs.
"She says it's the same with her. She used to love racing at the track until she grew older and began to slow down."
The horse began to shake her head violently to affirm Bubbles' translation! At the same time Gertie spoke again, "So we can't race anymore, we're still useful! All we'd like is some little boy or girl to love us, is that too much to ask?"
Bubbles was trying to reassure the dog and horse they would be rescued when Boomer came up to her with a very sick puppy in his hands. He was quite upset and could barely talk, "I think I found...Robin's puppy. He has two different colored eyes...and he's...really bad off!" What Boomer couldn't know about was the massive internal damage the hypodermic chemicals had caused.
Bubbles saw the horrible state the puppy was in and tried to talk to him in canine. "Hang on, we're here to help. We'll get you to a vet."
Mr. Peepers seemed to understand and spoke weakly, "So tired...nice to know...there are good humans. Need to help...others like me."
Bubbles answered back, "Yes, the others, we'll help them, don't worry." Bubbles glared at the many cages. Mr. Peepers gave one more gasp and continued, "Your friend, Val...Val...Valentino. Mr. Peepers took one last, long sigh and was still. His long struggle was over. Bubbles began to cry as if her heart would shred, "WHY DO PEOPLE DO THIS! WHY?" She flung an empty cage into the wall in anger!
Bunny shook her head sadly, and tried to comfort her older sister, "We tried, and I'm sure Robin will appreciate that. Did he say anything else...before he..?" Bunny stopped, unsure how to proceed.
Bubbles was crying, "He said VALEN-TEEENO was here! We hafta FIND him before..." Bubbles stopped,
not daring to think the worst.
Brick looked at Blossom and asked in shocked disbelief, "Did she say, VALENTINO? Oh MY God!"
Blossom was also shocked and issued an immediate order, "FAN OUT, search every room, find him!"
Determined to find Valentino, lest he too meet an unfortunate end, each child took a room and began searching. It was Butch who found Valentino still in his cage. Relieved to see a friendly face, Valentino began a loud purring and scratching at the cage door.
"Hey Buddy, I'm glad to see you too!" Butch ripped the cage door off and tossed it aside. Valentino leapt into his arms and looked at him as if to say, "Let's get the HECK OUTTA HERE!"
Butch hollered out to alert the others, "I FOUND HIM, HE'S OK!" Instantly, everyone except Buttercup showed up to see Valentino. He was purring loudly, enjoying all the extra attention, and relieved to be free of the cage.
Bunny was curious about the absence of Buttercup and went to look for her. She didn't have to go far because Buttercup was returning, "Hey, guess what I found everybody?" Bunny looked curious and shrugged her shoulders. Buttercup continued, "It's dangerous, white, and lives in Australia."
Bunny was all excited, "You found the missing crocodile, is he OK?"
"Yeah, he's fine. Mad too, most likely hungry! But, that's not all I found either."
Blossom gave her a nod to keep talking so Buttercup continued, "I found van and a truck with
animal cages and medicines. They had leaking oil cans inside too!"
Blossom was relieved, "Well, it looks like this is wrapping up nicely. Let's call the police for the men, and get these animals some help. Brick, call the police. Everybody else, go to the survivors cages and set them free. Buttercup, call the zoo, we'll need vets. If they need more people, tell them to call other vets in town." Buttercup nodded, and went for a phone with Brick while everybody else set to freeing the caged animals.
Bubbles was still dazed from all she'd witnessed. "What about...the others?"
Blossom was sympathetic for her stunned sister, "They'll need autopsies to see what killed them. I'm sorry, but we can't bury them yet. The police will need them as evidence."
Bubbles winced, but understood, "Let's put them all in one room then, let them have the dignity they never had in life." Bubbles paused for a moment as a hard expression formed on her face. Blossom had seen that look on Bubbles' face from time to time and knew what was happening, Bubbles was going HARDCORE!
"Sis, you OK?" Blossom asked, concerned.
Bubbles took in a slow inhale, and let it out, "After we're done here, after the vets are done, and after the police haul the men and the victims away, I'M LEVELING THIS BUILDING!"
EPILOGUE
It was mid evening a few nights later at the Utonium's house. Ms. Keane and the Rowdyruffs had been invited over for a pot-luck dinner. It was thought the friendly get together would help Bubbles over her deep sadness concerning the extreme animal abuse she witnessed. She had been further saddened when she found out many of the survivors had to be euthanized to end their suffering. They were simply too far gone to recover. There was one sparkle of hope that she clung to, the abandoned greyhound, Go-Go Gertie, had found a home with Robin Schneider. It was wonderful, the two providing much needed therapy for the other. The horse also found a new loving family as a police patrol horse. Not a shining, happy, saves the day ending Bubbles was used to, but at this point, she'd take whatever she could get.
The puffs and ruffs, minus Bubbles were watching television in the living room, while the Professor and Ms. Keane were playing a game of chess. The Professor was just about to make his move when his concentration was interrupted by the doorbell!
"I'll get it," he announced. Before he left he made a move on the chessboard. "Careful Sandra, you'll be in check soon." She frowned at his warning, and returned her attentions to the board for her countermove.
"BUBBLES!" Professor Utonium called out. "There's someone here to see you."
Bubbles had been upstairs, not wanting to eat, or watch television. She heard her dad, sighed, flew downstairs, and promptly collided with none other The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin HIMSELF!
"Crikey, are you the kids what rescued me croc, Casper?" he asked. All the puffs, ruffs, and adults were amazed at the sight of the unexpected celebrity in their midst!
Bubbles asked, face all aglow, "He's named Casper?"
"Sure nuff, but he's not too friendly tho!" He smiled.
Professor Utonium asked Steve to sit. He did so, and began speaking, "I wanted to thank you amazing children for what you have done. What happened here in Townsville was just the tip. The arrests here led to hundreds of arrests worldwide, and the release of thousands of captive animals.
The Crocodile Hunter looked at the faces of the amazed kids and particularly, a very sad Bubbles! "Hey little missy, I hear you're having a bad time of it. Listen to ol' Steve. You helped break up an international smuggling ring that was using strays and abandoned animals for illegal research. It's true many of them died, but thousands more were saved!"
"I didn't know people could be so totally heartless." Bubbles spoke slowly.
"Aye, you're right luv, but we nailed 'em with their own evidence. A lot of the cages had mini-cams that taped the animals, and the men involved. That was a BIG break! Usually, people like that got away more often than not."
"I wish I could do more Mr. Irwin." Everybody in the room was watching, and listening to the converstion.
"Call me Steve, OK?" He smiled and put her in his lap. "I've heard that you can actually converse with animals, is that true?" he asked, amazed!
"Sure, it's one of my powers."
"Well, I just get all ASTOUNDED when I imagine how much we could LEARN about animal behaviour
from someone WHO could actually TALK to them! It's so MIND BOGGLING, I just SHIVER when I imagine what humanity could find out!" Steve began to get all excited at the educational implications and his accent became more noticeable.
"Just think wha we could LEARN! Seems ta me that would be right up yer alley, Bubbles. You could protect and learn from tha' living animals, while honoring tha' unfortunate ones."
At that moment all Bubbles had done in her life with animals came into focus. She remembered the kindness she had shown Bullet the squirrel, and the sorrow she later felt when she apologized to the Talking Dog for beating him up that one time.
She began to jump up and down with excitement, She actually loosened one of her pigtails in the process! "OH THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU," She gave him a large hug that caused him to exhale rather forcefully, "I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, a career talking to animals, and learning about them. I'd like that!"
THE END
DISCLAIMER: No, Steve Irwin doesn't know about this story, but it sure sounds like something he'd do if he ever met Bubbles! Additionally, Steve Irwin has worked with a real life, white crocodile
named Casper.
http:www.adoptagrey.com
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small.
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.