Hairy Gregory: I am under the strong belief that the Girls aren't so invincible when you attack them by surprise, that's why Butercup is so easily defeated. And as for Him - well, he just loves to show off. Thanks for reviewing.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Powerpuff Girls, Cartoon Network does

Chapter 3

Upon arriving home, the Professor and Buttercup are nowhere to be seen. When Blossom and Bubbles look into the lab, they see Buttercup strapped to a table with the Professor crying on his knees besides her.

A bit hesitant, Bubbles asks: "Is Buttercup going to be ok, Professor?" The Professor looks at his golden-haired daughter and replies: "I've tried everything I could, but I can't get her to wake up. I'm afraid we're too late..." A monotone beep is heard, as the heart monitor attached to Buttercup indicates that her heart has seized all activity.

Watching her sister die is too much for Bubbles to handle, as she starts to bawl uncontrollably. Even Blossom is unable to control her emotions anymore and starts to cry as well.

Then, a knock on the door is heard and the Professor leaves his crying daughters to watch over their deceased sister's body. He opens the door, and sees the mysterious man, who's followed the Puffs all the way home. "Hello, my name is Mike and I couldn't help notice the mournful cries coming from within. Is there anything I can do to help?", the man asks politely, not sure how the Professor will react to the man's appearance.

The Professor stares at the man in disbelief and stutters: "You're... you're" "Yes, I know", Mike answers, expecting this kind of response. "It's a long story". By this time, the Girls have come upstairs, with Bubbles carrying Buttercup's body.

Upon seeing this strangely familiar looking man, the Girls' eyes become larger than usual as they stare at him with disbelief and confusion.

"I can see you Girls are surprised to see someone like me. If you let me come in, I'll explain everything", Mike said.

After letting the man in, Mike starts talking: "It all happened 10 years ago when I was in the military. I was one of few soldiers chosen to take part in a unique experiment. We were testing a black substance called 'Chemical X', which was said to have strange properties. After a while, we tried boiling the substance to see what extreme heat would do to it, but suddenly, the container we kept it in exploded and the chemical splashed all over me, turning me into this. I am the only one who survived the explosion alive and unharmed, well... kinda unharmed"

"We're made out of Chemical X too", Bubbles suddenly says, clapping her hands to her mouth as if she just said something she shouldn't have.

"I expected as much", Mike says. "After all, as far as I know, only Chemical X has this effect on people". He then turns his attention to Buttercup, lying next to him, still motionless. "I saw what happened to this poor girl. In fact, I've been watching your every move and I know that Him is the one who did this to her".

Blossom crosses her arms and looks at Mike with a stern face. "You've been following us? You must be one of Him's spies!" Blossom charges her eye lasers. "Give me one good reason why we should trust you!"

"Well, what would you say if I told you I know of a way to bring your sister back to life?", Mike answers. The Professor steps in front of Blossom, blocking her view. "If you can help us bring her back, we'll give you anything you want!"