Boomer was stunned, to say the least. What was she doing here? Had the girls found them? Were they hunting them down? Then again, Bubbles did look genuinely surprised to see him. But Boomer didn't want any trouble, or anything that would get him into it. He zoomed away as fast as he could.

Bubbles floated there for a few seconds, dumbfounded and trying to think over what happened. Confused as she was, she chased after Boomer. She had to find out more. The Rowdyruff boys were in this city? What if Boomer was going back to his brothers? She'd never stand a chance against them on her own. But she had just seen Boomer save an innocent child.

The last time she heard from them was when they were sentenced to that prison sentence, over 18 months ago. So this was where they were after their release? She used her x-ray vision to find him, and to see if his brothers were around. Luckily, she spotted him on his own, hiding in a forest area. She flew down to meet with him, careful to keep her distance.

Boomer thought he had lost her. Great, just great. First he messes up with that whole wallet business, now a Powerpuff was chasing him. Couldn't things just go right?

"Boomer? What are you doing here? In this city?" Bubbles questioned, keeping her guard up.

The ruff jumped and spun around. Uh oh. She'd found him. He was done for now. No, he had to put a brave face on. Not screw anything else up. "I, I could ask you the same thing" Boomer replied, slightly nervous. "Have you come for us?"

"Well, no, I didn't even know you were here." Bubbles even though facing one of her toughest adversaries couldn't help but be honest and naive. "I'm on a field trip here with the school, my sisters aren't with me." Darn it, maybe she shouldn't have revealed that.

"Bubbles, listen, I don't want any trouble." Boomer felt like the guy whom he was trying to return the wallet to. "I, can't get into any trouble, they'll only send us back" Boomer said that last part with some fear.

"Send you back?"

"The prison."

Bubbles didn't know what to make of all this. Was this a trick? Her counterpart sounded pretty genuine explaining this. And he seemed as surprised to see her as she was him.

"Why are you here in this city?" she asked quite curiously, not as defensive as she was before. "You aren't causing any trouble or hurting anyone are you?"

"No! Brick said we can't do anything bad anymore, that we just have to find a way to survive. Please Bubbles, don't tell anyone in Townsville we're here, especially your sisters. I don't want any of them telling the people of this city to be even more afraid of us."

Bubbles raised an eyebrow at her counterpart's mannerisms. This was not the same boy back in Townsville, always ready to pick a fight. "Why did you save that baby?"

Boomer looked to the floor. "I, I dunno, it was there, helpless, and it just reminded me of-, don't worry. Look I have to go, I don't think I should be talking to you anyway." Boomer tried to fly away, when the squirrel from the other day who was watching from a nearby tree chirped at him. "I can't talk now little buddy, I gotta go."

"A squirrel?" Bubbles watched her counterpart fly away. She turned to the squirrel and chirped at it too, and it chirped back, gesturing towards it's new home. "He made that? For you? He can speak squirrel too?"

The squirrel chirped a yes, and explained to her that Boomer came here sometimes to collect wood for some reason. A reason which he didn't know. Bubbles thanked him and suddenly remembered she had to get back to her school mates. She almost forgot about the field trip.

She zoomed back and managed to sneak in just in time without anyone noticing. Whilst on the bus on the way back to Townsville, Bubbles had time to think. If the Rowdyruff boys were causing trouble in this city, surely she and her sisters would've heard by now. And Boomer saving a baby, and helping a squirrel? And what did he mean by Brick telling them not to get into trouble?

She considered telling Blossom and leaving the decision to her. Bubbles remembered their latest battle with Mojo Jojo, and what Blossom said on the day the boys were sentenced. But then again, maybe Bubbles herself should analyse this more, before making a decision. After all that's what her sister always told her she had to improve.

The blue puff decided that she would have to talk to Boomer again before telling her sisters. He was very clear about not wanting to fight her, and if the other became hostile then she should tail it out of there immediately.

But wait, coming back all the way to Founders city? All by herself? Without telling her sisters? That would be a very very bad thing wouldn't it? How would she even find them? What if the worst happened and they captured her? She couldn't go to a strange city all by herself. But something about her counterpart's tone and voice. How real and afraid he sounded. Could it be? The Rowdyruff boys had given up crime? Wouldn't that be a good thing? Of course it would! She always believed there was good in everyone. Maybe there was good in them too? Had they finally seen the light? It still seemed wary; she had to see for herself. And she'd respect Boomer's wishes for now, and fly to Founders the next day alone.

When she got home that day, she was oddly quiet although her sisters didn't notice since they were too busy arguing when they were all having dinner.

"I told you Buttercup that playing kickball with a large rock was a bad idea" Blossom scolded.

"Oh c'mon, that girl wasn't hurt too bad. Besides there were no kickballs left."

"You should have known that would've gotten you into trouble."

"I wouldn't have if you hadn't told!"

"Blossom Buttercup that's enough. Buttercup in this case your sister's right, Blossom knows not to do anything that could hurt innocent children" The Professor disciplined, and Blossom with a smug face poked her tongue out at Buttercup.

"Well I hope you had fun Bubbs. Definitely had a better day than me" the green puff folded her arms.

"Huh? Oh yes. The art gallery wasn't as interesting as I thought it would be. Um, Professor." She turned her attention to her father and creator. "Since it's Saturday tomorrow, could I go out to the nature reserve?" Bubbles asked, and the Professor figured she would be fine to go out on her own as she always did to fight crime. What he didn't know was that she was planning on leaving Townsville for a while.

The little Powerpuff felt a strange twinge in her stomach. It felt wrong to lie to her parent like this. That was not something good children did, and found it hard to get the words out of her mouth. True she had done worse than this; such as convincing a sleep-walking Professor to steal toys for her and her sisters.

"Perhaps Blossom could go with you," the professor suggested.

"What about me?" Buttercup scoffed.

"Oh no, you're still grounded from the kickball incident today. You may only go out if the hotline rings."

"Sorry Bubbles but I'll pass" Blossom said. "You have fun."

Bubbles was secretly glad that she was going on her own for obvious reasons. The next day she headed out like she said she would, whilst Blossom was busy reading a book and Buttercup occupied with her punching bag.

The puff flew down the streets of Townsville, hoping nothing would come up that would cause her to delay going to Founders city. She couldn't help but stop by a store window along the way for a second, since on display they had a whole drawing arts and crafts set, which they were selling inside. She had been saving her allowances over the past few weeks to buy one, and one more week she would have enough, she couldn't wait.

Bubbles quickly remembered her task she set herself, and taking a deep breath she zoomed out of Townsville, heading towards Founders. She remembered the squirrel telling her that Boomer collected wood in that same forest area. She'll look there first. Nervousness built up in her chest. This was the furthest she'd gone without her sisters by her side. The little blonde would just have to be brave.

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Back at the warehouse, Boomer had returned last night, and Brick had encouraged him and Butch to make up with one another.

"Look Boomer, I'm sorry okay for what I said. I just want you to try to be more of a team player for us that's all" Butch apologised, trying to hide that he was secretly worried about his little bro.

"I, suppose it's okay Butch. I was just mad is all." Boomer let off telling them that he ran into Bubbles, not sure of what his brothers reaction would be.

"Well now that we know you will be fine out there on your own, in the daytime at least, could you go out and collect some firewood for tonight Boomer?" Brick asked since all the wood on the fire was burnt out.

"Sure thing Brick." Boomer headed out of the warehouse.

"And be back within an hour!"

"He'll be fine. Just as long as he doesn't bring back anything stupid" Butch dismissed.

Bubbles finally arrived at Founders city, and it was as busy as Townsville was, although it was dirtier. She managed to find that same forest area again, and hoped it was a time where Boomer would come to collect firewood. She waited around for a while and nothing happened.

'I guess he's not going to be here-' Bubbles then saw a blue streak fly past some trees not too far from her. 'There.'

Boomer had a pile of dead wood in his arms while continuing to pick up more, and not sure how to approach him, she floated up behind cautiously.

"Hey!"

"Ah!" Boomer dropped the pile of wood and saw once again his puff counterpart floating before him, who had to stifle a giggle at his reaction.

"B-Bubbles? I, what are you-?"

"Boomer, could you answer me this, honestly. Are you, going to attack me?" she rubbed her two stubs together anxiously.

The ruff cocked an eyebrow at her question, a little surprised by it. "I, no. I can't harm you" he answered sincerely. "I can't hurt anyone. I don't want to get into trouble again." He said this in a genuine believable tone.

How did she find him? Were her sisters with her?

"And what about your brothers?" Bubbles asked further.

"Brick certainly won't. He's the one who's telling us not to do anything that will get us into trouble. I'm not sure about Butch's reaction."

"Well in that case, I'm not going to harm you either." Bubbles's naivety made her thankfully believe him. "So," she asked awkwardly, not sure what to say next. What do you say to an ex-villain who's given that up. "What do you do now exactly? If you're not causing trouble?"

Boomer knew by now he wasn't going to get away from her. He was still worried this was a trick and the pink and green puffs would jump out any second and squash him like they did before. "You didn't bring your sisters did you?"

"No, I'm here on my own. I didn't tell them about you three being here. I snuck away saying that I was going to visit the nature reserve in Townsville today."

"You lied? From what I heard, that's not like you Bubbles" The blue ruff had heard stories about his old adversaries throughout the past, as well as witness her impersonate him once.

"I had to see what you boys were like for myself. To be honest I'm not too sure what my sisters reaction would be to you guys either. I'm sure they'll be reasonable though if I told them."

"Please don't tell them though Bubbles, I haven't even told my brothers I've met you again yet."

Just then that same squirrel waved over to Boomer chirping at him. "Oh, yeah, hey little fella" Boomer meekly waved.

"I didn't know you could talk to squirrels Boomer?" Bubbles flew over to the rodent picking him up and petting it, a big smile growing on her face.

"Uh, yeah, rodents in general really. You talk to these animals as well?"

"Of course." Then another squirrel and a few smaller ones poked out of the den. "He has a family? Is this the den you made for them Boomer? That's so sweet."

Boomer rolled his eyes as Bubbles awed at the baby squirrels. The puff wanted to ask Boomer a lot of things, though he wanted to fly somewhere safer, as someone might come along and recognise him. They flew to the top of a skyscraper where they sat perched on the edge.

"So Boomer, why did you give up the whole bad guy thing? Why is Brick telling you to do so?" Bubbles wondered with wide and curious eyes.

The blue ruff decided just to come out with it, and tell her the plain truth, everything that happened to them. "Well, we were sent to an offshore prison as you know for eighteen months. And after a fight we got into, in the canteen, the warden forbade us from using our powers, as well as two weeks in extreme isolation."

"What's that?" Bubbles asked.

Boomer shuddered at the memory. "It's a small room which you're not allowed out of. It's cold and lonely, with only a blanket and few toys to accompany you. I wasn't in there with Brick of Butch. We had our own separate ones."

Bubbles noticed the change of tone in his voice. He sounded afraid of those memories.

He continued "Not being able to use our powers we were vulnerable to everything. We didn't know which day or which hour we could be beaten next. The intimidation was scary, everyday we were afraid something like that would happen. The food was terrible and made me sick sometimes and the beds were uncomfortable, especially at night where it was freezing." He sighed. "My only comfort was a mouse, a pet I had named Henry."

Boomer looked down. "But then there was a day when we tried to defend another prisoner. The inmates turned on us, and since the prison had duranium bars, the inmates got a hold of them and," he squirmed, "And beat us. Henry was in my front pocket at the time. I woke up back in our cell after Brick carried us back, and he was gone. My mouse."

Boomer looked like he was on the verge of tears, and Bubbles already had a few in her eyes herself. Never had she heard this much misery. She knew it didn't excuse what the boys did, but suffering through all of that. And a little mouse dying.

"Boomer, I'm, I'm so sorry." She burst out crying and went to hug him. He didn't move, not minding the hug. "So that's what you meant by not wanting to be sent back?"

"Yeah, but I keep worrying that the people of this city will. We haven't done anything, but these days people take an accusation as evidence. Especially when you're a Rowdyruff boy. After that business with the wallet, there's probably going to be a lot of that."

"Wallet?"

Boomer explained what happened with the wallet and the citizen.

"Couldn't you explain to them what happened?" asked Bubbles.

"Brick tried to, but we were casted away."

Bubbles paused for a second before asking, "So where do you live now?"

"Well, to answer your question about what we do now, we just scavenge around for food, anything to drink, and just surviving really. We live in an old warehouse that's been abandoned in a, not so nice area of town" Boomer explained everything that the boys had been doing.

"Can I see your brothers? Just as long as they won't hurt me." After hearing Boomer's story, she actually felt quite concerned about the other two Rowdyruffs. Boomer didn't know about that. He had no idea how Butch would react. And he did not know if this was all some ploy by the girls or anyone else to capture them. He remembered when she dressed up as him to fool his brothers. But, she did sound very sincere. She even cried.

"Okay, I'll take you to our home. No tricks okay."

"Promise." Bubbles smiled.

Boomer remembered to take some firewood just before he left too, and he led Bubbles back to their warehouse. The two floated just outside. "Um, Brick, I got the firewood."

Brick and Butch were inside playing a card game to pass the time. "Come on in then."

"And, well, um, I have Bubbles with me."

Brick and Butch stopped playing, and both looked in the direction of Boomer's voice. "Bubbles? As in, the Powerpuff Bubbles?" Butch exclaimed.

"He's not kidding." Brick saw two silhouettes outside the window. "Butch you stay here."

"What the hell is that kid doing? Is he trying to get us hurt? What about the other two?" Butch's voice became louder.

"You stay here, and I'll find out. But keep your guard." Brick floated out to meet his brother holding a pile of firewood, and his brother's counterpart floating next to him. Bubbles met eyes with the ruff leader, and like Boomer, he didn't change much physically. Except that he had cut his hair so it was short again. Brick looked around to see if the other puffs were here, but he didn't see or hear anything. "Boomer could we talk for a minute?"

The blue ruff looked to Bubbles with an expression as to say 'could you wait here a second?' He followed his brother inside and dumped the wood on the floor.

Butch wasn't happy. "What is she doing here? Did you meet with those puffs? What did you tell them?"

"Butch quiet down" Brick ordered. "But really Boomer, what is she doing here?" His tone was gentle but firm.

"Brick I swear I haven't left this city or intended to meet up with her or anything like that. In fact it was just Bubbles I ran into. Yesterday actually. She was on a field trip with her school here, without her sisters, and she found me again today." Boomer told his brother. "And I told her just the plain truth. What happened to us, how we don't intend to do anything malic-, malicio-"

"Malicious" Brick finished for him. "Okay we have to be careful about this, remember when she dressed up as you?"

"That's why I don't trust her!" Butch interrupted.

"Boomer you stay in here, I'll talk to her, alone." Brick flew outside leaving Boomer and Butch to argue. He met with Bubbles waiting patiently outside. He cleared his throat, gathering the words he wanted. The Powerpuff looked him up and down, waiting for what he would do.

"Boomer told me how he met with you, or how you found him. And you're here on your own obviously."

"Yeah, I had to lie to be here," Bubbles explained, not too proud of it.

"There are no ear pieces on you. And you wouldn't have approached us in such a direct way, not without your sisters at least. And if you did tell them about us, they'd be here with you" Brick figured.

"Well, after seeing Boomer yesterday, I wasn't really sure if I should tell them. I'm pretty sure they'd be reasonable and everything, but I wanted to find out for myself before I decided to do anything" Bubbles explained.

"Hm, very smart of you" Brick observed.

"I-, really?"

"Analysed a situation before acting on it. I have to do that often to look after these two" Brick referred to the ruffs inside.

"Huh, well, about looking after them, Boomer told me everything. So you guys are homeless then?" the blonde girl's mind was becoming more and more open to them.

"I don't know why you're surprised. We were homeless before we went to prison. All we're really doing now is the same thing just without the crime."

"Yeah, Boomer said about not wanting to be sent back." Bubbles never laid a thought on it before, but it now occurred to her that, apart from trying to destroy her and her sisters, the worst things they ever did was steal and beat up people for food. And that assault on the police of course. None of which was justified but she never considered their side of things.

"Bubbles." She looked up and saw Brick had a pretty serious expression on his face. "Look, my brothers and I, we sincerely don't want to harm anyone. We just want to lay low, do what we can to survive, and try not to draw attention to ourselves. Now I'm not sure what your sisters will say, but please, we don't want any trouble."

Bubbles had never heard Brick talk this seriously. This was the same boy who couldn't spell dumb before. They genuinely did not want to do anything bad, and Brick sounded like he was pleading to her. How terrible must that prison have been? She looked inside the warehouse.

"You live in there? It looks quite dirty."

"Yeah it's quite drafty too, but it's not too different to what we're used to. Has a rat problem, but Boomer seems to like their company."

"And you're sure you're alright for food?"

"We'll look around some more. We'll find something."

"Well, okay. I'd better go now anyway." Bubbles wasn't sure she was ok with leaving them like this. "Could I say goodbye to Boomer first?"

"Sure. Boomer!" Brick called and Boomer floated out.

"I just wanted to say goodbye. You boys take of yourselves okay?" She paused, and thought of something before saying "Could I, could I come visit you? Tomorrow maybe? It's just, I would just like to make sure you guys are alright. Could I do that?"

Boomer looked to Brick, who eventually replied "Alright. Come in the afternoon."

"Okay, I'll see you then to check on you. Bye boys." The Powerpuff flew off leaving a blue streak behind her, and Brick and Boomer floated back inside.

"So, is everything alright Brick?"

"Everything's fine Boomer, don' worry."

"What's going on? Where's the puff?" Butch questioned.

"She's gone home, and she's visiting us tomorrow," Brick replied.

"What? Why?" Butch protested not believing what his brothers were thinking.

"I let her" Brick floated back down to his playing cards.

"You what! What if she brings her sisters? Or the cops? She knows where we are!"

"I don't think she's going to. She showed no signs of deceit" Brick explained.

Butch couldn't fathom why his brothers were okay with this. It may be just one of them, but the Powerpuffs were their enemy for as long as he could remember. This would only backfire on them.

He groaned "Alright Brick, I trust you. But if this all goes wrong, do not expect my help."

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Bubbles made it back to Townsville to her house. "Well you were certainly gone a long time" Blossom observed as Bubbles floated into their room.

"Yeah, well I did have a lot of fun at the nature reserve."

"Well good for you. We've not had a single call from the mayor all day, it's been so boring" Buttercup complained. "Not a thing from Mojo Jojo, nor Fuzzy lumpkins, Sedusa, or just some average criminal punks."

Bubbles had time to think on the way home. She considered telling the girls and the professor about the boys, despite what Boomer said. They needed help, desperately. She couldn't just leave them in that state. She thought she'd bring them up gingerly.

"Well, didn't the Rowdyruff boys get released a while back?"

"Oh man, now that would be a challenge" Buttercup put her fists together.

"You're right Bubbles. Strange they haven't done anything yet" Blossom wondered.

"Well, perhaps they're not interested in doing anything bad anymore?" Bubbles phrased this as a suggestion. Her sisters looked at her before laughing.

"Yeah sure, whatever Bubbles" Buttercup wiped a tear.

"Oh poor sweet innocent little Bubbles" Blossom had the 'I know everything' tone again patting her blue sister on the shoulder.

"Look, Bubbs. Remember what I said about them always being an enemy? And seeing us that way too? They'll definitely try something soon, and when they do, we'll be right there to see them stopped."

"Huh, sure girls" Bubbles laughed nervously. "Whatever you say." Bubbles floated out the room. 'Maybe I should wait first.'

Another long, but quick chapter. Hope you guys enjoy. I had some free time today so that's why I was able to write one so quickly. Anyway Bubbles has now discovered the boys and I wanted her to feel sorry for them so she would agree to meet up with them again, after being convinced they're not a threat. Plus her naivety plays into that.

Powerpuff girls and Rowdyruff boys belong to CN.