Plotting

That day, people across Townsville were thinking and talking about the news. National news networks had so far given it little more than a passing reference, but even local ones didn't dwell on it for very long. In truth, most people didn't think it possible that this was anything serious. Princess was a known antagonist of the girls. Few would deny she was capable of staging something like this.

Still, interest from the media was building. They wanted answers and many of them went straight to the Utoniums to find them, simply calling their residence. They all received responses but not necessarily answers.

Efforts to find the source of the picture turned up dead ends. The most anyone managed was to trace it to Princess herself.

The circus hadn't erupted yet, but it was only a matter of time before they grew tired of waiting for answers. The lack of definite response from Professor Utonium, rumors that Bubbles had been missing yesterday evening, and the fact that not one of the girls attended school that day fueled suspicions that there was something interesting going on.

For Princess, it wasn't enough. She'd paid a private investigator millions to find something, anything she could use to tarnish the public image of the Powerpuff Girls. To her surprise, the man hadn't even needed to fabricate anything. He'd captured a rather tender, awkward moment between Bubbles and Buttercup outside the school.

Everyone knew about the picture. Only Princess, the detective, and a single technician were aware of the existence of the video from which that still had been extracted. From that, it was impossible to deny Buttercup's motivation, and the sight of shock and confusion on Bubbles's face was golden.

That evening, Princess watched the news with the hope of scandal. Instead she found speculation. Worse, there seemed as much concern over her involvement than possible incestuous implications.

Princess threw the remote at the flat screen television that covered most of the wall, cracking it and breaking the remote open. The pulled a cell phone from her pocket and made a call to one of her contacts in the local media. At this point in her life, she had at least one or two people under her thumb in almost any industry.

She reminded herself she needed to find another private investigator. After sending her the video, Danny Rye had left town in a hurry. She'd leave him to it, though. After all, if he really did develop a conscience next would be a backbone.

"Jerry, it's Morbucks. You want more on the Powerpuff story? I've got something that will erase anyone's doubts."

The voice that replied was definitely not Jerry's. In fact, it had an otherworldly, feminine quality. "I'm sorry, but there's nobody here by that name, little girl."

"Little... What!? Do you know who you're talking to!"

When the speaker replied again. Princess gradually recognized the voice's owner. "Oh, I know very well. Do you know with whom you are speaking?"

"Him," Princess answered, scowling so hard one could imagine it carried over the phone. "Whatever you're up to, I've got better things to do."

"Oh, I doubt that." When Him spoke again, the voice came from behind Princess instead of from her cell. She didn't turn around, but she closed her phone as he continued speaking. "Let me guess," he said as he sauntered around the chair to stand between Princess and the cracked television. "You wanted to share that little video, didn't you?"

"What do you care?"

"Why, I care so very much. You understand I've had a...vested interest in the girls for some time now." His voice briefly deepened with "vested interest."

Princess narrowed her eyes. "Are you saying you had something to do with this?"

Him waved the idea away with a flick of his pincer and a dignified "Hmph!"

"Then tell me why you're bothering me."

"Oh, I'm not bothering you," Him replied sweetly before switching to his deeper, menacing voice. "I'm helping you, you pathetic fool!"

Princess stood up, looking ready to throw a tantrum. She held her tongue, though. What threats or insults could anyone level at Him, after all?

"You're being far too impatient, child," Him continued, voice again sweet and effeminate. "Let them deal with it. They have to answer to the torch-bearing mob sooner or later. Do you expect they'll tell the truth?"

Princess remained silent.

Him bellowed deeply, "Of course not!" Sweetly, he continued, "There is, perhaps, a small chance they will spew out some drivel near enough to the truth without damning them outright. But that is irrelevant to our concerns. As I said, they cannot remain forever silent. When they come forward with whatever lie they choose, then, child, and only then should you share that little piece of truth."

Princess saw where he was heading, but however much she liked the approach she didn't show it in her expression. "So you mean catch them in a lie on top of everything?"

Him replied with a deep voice and malicious, toothy grin, closing one pincer with a sharp clack. "Precisely!"

Princess attempted to put on a modicum of obeisance. "So, knowing who you are and what you can do, is there anything else you can tell me about this dysfunctional little family?"

Him's grin grew to unnatural proportions and the room grew darker. His eyes glowed red and a low growl emanated from his throat. The images and sounds from the damaged television were replaced by an inferno of fire. "Keep watching."

Princess blinked and Him was gone, everything in the room restored to normality, save for the damage she'd caused when she threw the remote.

She looked at the phone, still in hand. She flipped it open, preparing to make some different phone calls.

She'd make sure they were reputable. As reputable as any who would illegally spy on someone. Princess was still miffed about being accused of faking the photo. She didn't want anyone denying the authenticity of this.