"Good citizens of Townsville."
Surrounded by an American dream grassy front line, a bolstered and elegantly crafted building stood out amongst the large number of people crowding in front of it. The marble walls took the shape of a capital, an American flag fluttering in today's rather vicious wind. The glass windows surrounding it allowed anyone curious to peer into the professional and pristine condition of its contents. Overall, it stood righteously on the top of a dozen steps. Two enormous doors practically embroidered with a stoneworker's expertise hid the contents from within. All around City Hall, Townsville spread out in a sprawling tapestry of neighborhoods, businesses, and parks, each contributing to the city's dynamic character. The distant sounds of cars and the occasional bark of a dog added layers to the urban symphony. Despite the city's vastness, City Hall remained its beating heart, a place where decisions were made and the future was shaped.
In front of it, perched up on a mahogany wood podium, a miniature older gentleman had taken the crowd with his charm. He was so miniature that he was standing on an elevated stool to help him look over everyone!
He was rather dressed to impress, his bald head accompanied by a tiny black top hat. Just over his left eye, a singular monocle helped add a formal charm to his demeanor. With a big round nose and excellently bushy mustache, his pasty gloved hands adjusted the clown-red bowtie sitting on his neck. His plum sleeves were a tight fit, the podium hiding the brightly colored banana green shirt and orange pants. By all means did his clothes not match any sense of serious professionalism, though, for some odd reason, it added to his charm as a man of government.

Standing beside him at the same height with her hands behind her back was none other than the City Hall's favorite powerpuff girl (at least for the past three months that is). Bubbles had her usual addicting smile on her face, her wide blue eyes scanning the people from left to right. She had been decorated in her usual baby blue and black uniform, fists balled up on her hips to form a heroic pose. Everything about her appearance was nearly perfect, except for the couple of loose strands of blonde hair over her forehead. Unable to help this, usually she just went with it and didn't bother to fix it until later. There was a bit of tame pride, knowing about today's speech. For now, all she could do was just act cool and happy. Today was one of those rare days for her career, a perk for being someone so loved and well-regarded.

The crowd stood at the edges of his podium, judging both every move and mannerism of the Mayor and Bubbles. On one end of this large bundle of people, a handful of reporters were tirelessly snapping photos and reaching for any form of writing content they could scavenge. They were quick to get any article out by next week, even if it was deemed to be a useless one.
Citizens of all sorts of races, sizes, and humanoids had been invested in what this old man had to say. There was no telling how they were feeling other than one word: eager. Many of them had smiles on their faces, others simply focused on what he had to say.
"It is with great pride to say that I am very proud of how far we have reached as a city; with the help of your delegation, as well as our hard-working patrons, I feel joyous. Today is a very special day, you see, as we have achieved a goal I had personally never thought of reaching!"
The Mayor adjusted his monocle, turning his paper and onto the next page.
"I can say for certain that every person who stands before me today, as well as those who were unable to attend, those who have been fighting, those who have been aiding, all of you have given us a safer place. In the midst of this chaos, threatened by that green mold that tries to take away our great home, we have prevailed. Dexter's recently invented technology, as well as your help in cleaning the streets and taking care of one another, has greatly improved the way we live. I am happy to announce that all of Townsville's Terraformers have been removed!"

There was a great uproar; the people threw their hands as well as a few handkerchiefs into the air. This tumult echoed across the entire city itself; even though it stood quiet, just for a second, it bolstered its hope.
The Mayor had been received with a firm and loud applause, some handfuls of people hugging and patting on one another to relish in this beautiful moment.
"On that day, the day that Planet Fusion made itself known, I was worried. Not only had I been alarmed for the sake of myself, but for the sake of you all and for the Powerpuff Girls. Never could I believe in my many years of service to you good people that we would face such a horrific threat. I must admit, at first it was grim. Our streets were flooded with this green goop, strange monsters terrorizing us all. I thought at that moment, nearly all hope would have been lost."
He lowered his head, grabbing onto his little hat in his hands.
"Regardless, we have prevailed. To all of you, even the slightest change can make the biggest impact. We are well on track for a brighter, safer future for the city of Townsville. You have all shown courage, determination, and teamwork."
A gloved finger held itself up.
"Not before I forget one of our main models of today!" the old man turns his head, smiling and gesturing for Bubbles to come closer to the podium.
She does so, bobbing left and right while she does it. For the cameras, she strikes a cute pose and holds up a peace sign with her fingers.
The man continued, "Bubbles, you and your sisters have helped us so much in our struggle. Even as younger babes, without the three of you, Townsville would be nothing but dust and old history. You are our heroes and for that, we all love you."

From his gloved hands came a dazzling golden metal, shimmering under the sunlight. Engraved on it was a symbol of Townsville, reflecting hope and congratulations. Wonderfully it was held together by a royal blue silk, extra soft to the touch. The Mayor looked down at it, then up at her with a bittersweet smile.
Bubbles widened her eyes, then made a gesture. Knowing this well and done, a sudden fear for his senile nature caused her to reach out and speak, "Oh, mayor! You forgot to flip your page."
He stopped, slightly stammering a little bit, and slowly turned to look down at the page. With a shaky and elderly hand, he flipped it over and began to read.
"I, Mayor Barney of Townsville, do humbly award Bubbles Utonium with the metal of hospitality," he turns to look at her, hesitating. "Not only have you shown great effort in these trying times, you have gone out of your way to help any person you can. Your method of solving our problems is like no other and your zeal is a standard for today's heroes. We have cherished you as you have grown up and I can safely say I will continue to cherish you for as long as I live; I thank you, Bubbles, not only as the mayor but from the bottom of an old man's rich heart!"
He chuckled rather playfully, then stretches over to wrap the metal over her shoulders.

Together, the two of them reach and wrap their arms around each other and go for a tight hug. Bubbles does her best to be gentle with him while the older man puts all of his fragile might into squeezing her back. They exchange a great hug, Bubbles slightly nuzzling her head into his shoulder as he does the same.
"Awwww!"
The crowd immediately cheered them both on again, though this time slightly quieter out of respect. The paparazzi still flash a couple of pictures, remaining silent and relishing in this moment between the two.
When the Mayor let go, he squinted his eyes up at the girl and blinked, "Care to say a few words, my dear?"
Bubbles nodded, helping him get off his podium and stepped up to the plate.
The Mayor snatched his stool, placing it at the side for now and shoved his hands in his pockets. He grinned from ear to ear, twirling his mustache like a proud grandpa.
Her hand fidgeted with the metal as she cleared her throat, looking out to everyone, "Well hi guys! Aheh, you know I'm not the best with speeches since that's Blossom's thing. I will, however, be honest. This kinda thing is the thing I live for; I have to admit, it's a bit odd not fending off the usual guys who try and destroy this city but rather the fusion invasion. I'd like to thank the mayor for giving me this award, my sisters for the emotional support and my dad for always encouraging me to do what's right."

She sighed, "The fusion invasion, it kinda flipped everyone's lives over, especially the girls and I. All three of us have been busy, split apart, rarely ever back together again. Like, recently, the three of us combined our efforts to fight the fusion of Major Glory a while back. Well, I say that but we all beat him. Since then, it's been a struggle to come together and work like we used to when we were younger. Times are, well, different. Regardless, I have all of you to thank for your words of encouragement and your loving support. We'll continue to do what we can when the time is right; since Townsville is a lot safer than it used to be, there's a chance the girls and I may get to reunite! Thank you guys, and uhm, thank you Mayor!"
Once again she had been met with the cries and cheers of the crowd in front of her, cameras frequently snapping and the love of the public being expressed in front of her.

"We love you, Bubbles!"
"Thank you so much!"
"You're the best! You go girl!"

When she stepped away from the podium, she skidded the stool back over and assisted the mayor back to where he once was. Afterward, the girl remained on standby while playing with the metal over her chest. Admittedly, she grew dull to receive rewards due to the countless times she had gotten them. It was the words and the acknowledgment that she enjoyed, feeling that sense of pride in her work. Still, it was another award to be cherished in her long history of achievements.
The Mayor adjusted his monocle and scanned over his page, then continued onward right where he was before.
"I would like to thank every one of you for coming out today to enjoy this gracious celebration! Through the perilous struggles, the sleepless nights and fighting the fusion scourge, we have achieved victory. Our next steps from here may prove to be much harder, or perhaps much easier! Only time will tell as we rebuild Townsville. For now, please treat yourself to our very own Sunken Mall! I will be stopping by for a good afternoon lunch, so please come up and talk to me! I am more than happy to answer your questions, concerns and compliments! Ahohoho~!"
For one last and extended time, applause rained down on the Mayor as he stepped off the podium with his papers. With a smile and a wave, he made his way back down and approached the people. They began to split up, now moving into their respective groups and dispersed to the mall.

Before he was about to leave, Bubbles approached the old man and cheered, "Thanks again, Mayor! Congrats on the cleaned town! Now all that's left is just construction and revamp I'm guessing?"
The two of them stood together by the steps in their own way, the paparazzi still grabbing a few quick photos before making their way over for a lunch break. A couple of them waited patiently, eager to get a hold of either one of them for conversation.
"I believe so," the old man grabbed onto his vest and puffed out his cheeks. "It's about time we do some upgrades! Townsville is still advanced, as you know, but the Dexlabs technology works wonders when building. We'll have this place cleaner than even the white house at this rate!"
The girl nodded, though not before widening her eyes to an odd sound up in the sky. She raised a hand to her eyes and squinted to look up, witnessing something approaching them from the sky at an incredible speed.
The Mayor squinted his eyes too, holding a hand up to get a good look at what was approaching.
Jet thrusters hit the air, slightly deafening everyone for a second as the figure descended beside the two of them. With a pair of arms outstretched, two smaller flames emerged from the palms to help balance the landing.

Niles landed with a controlled yet forceful impact, his boots touching the ground with a heavy thud. The thrusters on his suit retracted as he stood upright, his presence immediately commanding attention. The black cape did its thing, his eyes hidden behind his superhero mask. He had a grin on his face, turning to look over at the paparazzi and did a little wave just to show off. Then he looked over at the two of them and said in an uplifting voice, "I hope I'm not late! I got a little bit carried away with shining the suit this morning."
"You just missed the whole thing, silly," Bubbles giggled with a jesting smile, crossing her arms. "We're already done!"
His smile crept off his face as his jaw dropped. Great going, Niles.
"Oh, sorry about that, and where are my manners?" The man shook his head, turned to look down at the Mayor and extended his hand for a handshake. "Mayor, thank you so much. My name is Niles; it's a pleasure to get to meet you and I apologize for missing your speech."
Humbled by this interaction, the Mayor had his eyes locked on the suit though shook the plated hand, "Ah! Good day and good to meet you, sir. It's no worries! I apologize but.. I'm afraid I don't know you all too well!"
"Mayor, this is the hero that the girls and I took under our wing. He's the other addition to the roster," she said wholly, approaching Niles and levered her weight on his arm. "Not to mention, he's been doing amazing so far."
The man chuckled a little bit, his face red, "Ah, well, I try my best for you guys. Aheh-"
Suddenly, he remembered and turned to look down at Bubbles. Without much thinking, he leaned in and wrapped an arm around her. The two embraced each other as he said, "I almost forgot!"
Bubbles widened her eyes at this, though got adjusted and hugged him back. Even so, she gripped him a little tighter.

"Hey! What are you doing with my girl?!"

Niles widened his eyes a little bit and let go, stiffly sitting up straight and turning to look at whoever just yelled.
Marching from the opposite side of the stairs, a young man had his black sleeves rolled up and a firm glare on his face. His probing eyes were a brilliant blue, his wavy blonde hair bobbing with every step. He appeared to be wearing a bright blue t-shirt, a black silk shirt underneath, black sweatpants and white force shoes. Compared to most, he appeared to be identical to Bubbles in nearly every visual aspect except for his mannerisms.
"You got a lot of nerve holding her like that, buddy!"
Bubbles chuckled shyly and held her hands up, "No, no, Boomer! This is Niles, you dingus!"
"Huh?" he blinked, looking up as his angry expression went away. "You're the tin can?"

Boomer. Niles faintly recalled the Rowdyruff Boys in the back of his mind; both Bubbles and the Professor mentioned him a couple of times, though never fully got into it. Back in the future, he followed the same timeline of separating from his brothers and choosing to follow the path of good since they never listened to him. Although his usually innocent and happy-go-lucky attitude helped with morale in the war, he changed into a deflated and tired man with broken dreams. He, much like many of the heroes who didn't participate in the war as much, passed away from drowning in a pool of liquid fusion just to save a full shelter of innocents.
This memory flashed in Niles' mind, grabbing onto his head for a moment as he just stared at the young man, "Y-Yeah, that's me. Nice to finally get to meet you, Boomer."
The two extended hands and shook on it before letting go, standing respectively across from one another.
"Sorry about yelling at ya pal, gotta be careful about any fella who tries to snatch my perfect girl," he smiled coyly and approached Bubbles, wrapping an arm around her waist and tightly pulling her in at his side. "Nice of ya to drop by!"
The Mayor held his hands together, "Oh, Boomer! It's good to see you! Thank you for coming!"
"Hey, it's no worries," while Niles would initially get reactive from this, he shook his head and simply let it pass. "I'd get protective too, though I'd be careful about jumping to conclusions like that."
Bubbles flushed a little bit at his comment, simply holding him close and shaking his head, "Oh yeah, so this is Buttercup's student I've been telling you all about."
The young man widened his eyes a little bit as he loudly went, "Oooooooh, thaaat guy." His dumbfounded look went into a sly grin as he said, "Good luck with her, Niles. I heard if you get her mad, she'll beat you up!"

As Niles blushed, the Mayor interrupted, "Now I hate to intrude but I must go see my citizens! Let's have a conversation another time, shall we?"
"Yes, mayor. Thank you for the metal once again! I'll take good care of it!" Bubbles cheered.
Boomer gave a little two-finger salute, "See ya later, Mayor!"
"Thank you, sir," Niles replied last. "It's been a pleasure."
The paparazzi and reporters followed the shuffling Mayor like a flock of birds, venturing into the mall down below. The other three were left behind for just a moment, conversing with one another. It made no difference as they followed behind him, though in their little super trio.
"Well that happened yesterday and I didn't even make her mad." He chuckled in response.
Boomer asked, "You guys fought yesterday?"
"We had a practice fight and worked out, yeah."
He grinned coyly again, "What kinda workout- OOF!"
His sly comment had received a sharp elbow jab and dagger-eyed glare from Bubbles, unamused.
"No, not like that," he laughed a little back, letting out a sigh. "We won't be training for a little while, though."
"Remind me again where you guys are headed?" Boomer asked, scratching his scalp.
Bubbles poked a thumb in Niles' plate, "We're heading over to Major's villa. Mister Hero here wants to help him get his powers back, which is very sweet! I'm just here to help him out."
"So that's why you guys are gonna be gone for so long," Boomer lifted his chin. "Got it."

The mall was an architectural marvel, the wide sweeping ramps and stairs leading down to the vibrant center. Lush grass and trees lined up on the edges, creating a natural contrast with the sleek and modern storefronts on the edges. The air was filled with the mixing smells of nearly a dozen food stalls and restaurants. The citizens of Townsville had a variety of choices like street tacos, gourmet burgers and much more. The options seemed endless, yet somehow every single store was busy.
On one corner of the mall, the handful of teens who hadn't signed up for any service were practicing their skating. BMX riders and skateboarders showcased their skills, bobbing from one end to the other of this massive (and recently repaired) ramp with ease. Their laughter and the hum of their hoverbikes and hoverboards sang against the pavement.
A local band hosted up on stage were banging their heads to a punk rock song, even the loudest of music barely making it to the other side of the plateau. People gathered around, vibing to their tunes and breaking into spontaneous dancing just to get loose. The lead singer's voice soared, throwing her passion into the lyrics as if she just lost her own emo boyfriend.

"I'm telling you Six, I don't think that was an EVO," a providence soldier made a gesture with his hand, grease staining his white glove. The visor on his helmet had been lifted, munching on a burger wrapped around his fingertips. A blocky rifle laid beside him while he sat on a couple of storage crates he piled for himself. "These fusions are seeming more and more human by the day. How is that?"
A tall man dressed in a dark green suit adjusted his tie; a pair of black sunglasses hid the expression in his eyes, and his greasy hair slicked back into a perfect blend. He looked unamused, a hand in his pocket while the other had a slightly unfolded taco. He engaged in a quiet, intense scan across the lively crowd. Never did his stoic demeanor change, making him enigmatic. The man just took another bite out of his taco, shaking his head, and swallowed, "It's so odd. If I know Rex, he probably couldn't care less. I have to admit, he gets a bit out of hand sometimes."

All around, the mall thrived with life and activity. Nearly all of the outdoor tables were crammed full, sharing meals and stories. Children played near the central fountain, their shrieks of excitement and fun blending in with the hum of conversation between the parents. Though many had something to say about the summer heat, there was no doubt that today was likely one of the best days in a long time.
"Three cheeseburgers please!" Boomer slammed his hand on the counter of one of the burger joints, flashing a big smile to the cashier.
"Sounds good," though the girl behind the register was very tired, she pushed a smile for him. It was Boomer after all, including Bubbles and some other guy in armor standing behind him. They were likely the strangest three she had seen all day. "Anything else?"
The boy nodded wildly, "Uh huh! Three medium drinks."
"Your total is down on the screen below and the soft drinks are on the right," she said. "Thanks for stopping by!"
As Boomer got his hands on the monitor, he pulled out a little communicator and slid a chip inside. Moments later, it was approved as he watched his taros balance go down a bit. "Lunch is served! You can thank me later."
"What about a kiss? Will that suffice?" Bubbles grinned. She pointed her thumb back at the Iron Warrior, "Two if it'll cover him too!"
There was a little pink hue on his face as he giggled playfully, rubbing his arm shyly, "Awe, from you? Those are priceless!"
"Aw come on guys, don't make me the third wheel here-" Niles snorted.
Bubbles turned her head back, looking up at him, "Ah, so you do have a sense of humor. For a second I thought my sister was going to date a super serious soldier boy from the academy."

There was a corner for the three of them to sit by, given that nearly all of the tables were full. With the three of them and their notoriety, it was more than okay to sort of stow away from the main center of attention.
Niles carefully took off his mask and placed it in his chest compartment, switching it out with some sunglasses and started unwrapping his melted burger, "Is it alright if we head on over right after this? I don't want to stay too long."
"Yeah! No worries! I think I got plenty of time today, given the celebrations." Bubbles replied, taking a bite out of hers and watching the crowd.
"We aren't doing anything today, so take your time if you'd like! I might head over to the ballpark in Pokey Oaks just to go play with some of the rangers." Boomer ripped open his like a Christmas gift, almost destroying it in the process. Seconds later, he crammed his entire mouth onto the bun and took the biggest bite.
"Oh yeah, I forgot you were pretty good at baseball," Niles looked down at him, taking a bite. He just remembered something. "You should try and compete in the leagues."
Boomer shook his head, "I heard they won't take guys like me. I'm too strong."
"Give it a shot, you never know."

The strong scent of perfume quickly caught the attention of all three as they stopped, high heels clicking confidently against the tiled floor. The bright color of yellow had them fixated on the obnoxious beam standing in front of them, a strained and regretful feeling falling over them almost immediately. A girl plated in a full black titanium and golden metal suit stood before all of them, her wide eyes staring at all three. She had her black-gloved hands on her sides, bumping a hip out just to show some sass in her curve. Her red eyes were hidden behind a bubblegum pink visor, a brilliant crown with a sparkling ruby fighting through the huge and bushy ginger hair bouncing with each step. Resting on her back were a pair of metal wings, almost like a jetpack hooked up to this suit waiting to go off at her request.
Flanked on her left and right were a group of equally wealthy and well-dressed girls, a loyal posse to this constantly reflective figure with adoration and envy of her vibe.
"Well, well, well," Princess said, her voice loaded with condescension. "Look at who we have here."
First, she looked at Boomer, "The dim-witted family failure."
Then came Bubbles, "Townsville's biggest kiss-up."
Lastly was Niles, "And.. a newcomer. Huh."

The woman took a moment to eye him up and down, especially at the suit he had until she met his face. She flashed her brilliant white teeth, lowering her eyes in a suggestive tone while she spoke, "If I recall those colors right, I'd say that's Blossom's territory. She's got good taste in boys, I have to admit. You her pet project or Dexter's biggest competition?"
A cacophony of giggles came from the entourage behind her, equally judging Niles for his overall appearance. It was clear they enjoyed these little displays of power, likely because their lives had no fun like this anyhow.
"If you've ackshually got shomething important to shay, then shay it!" Boomer spouted with a full mouth, swallowing. "We don't need your glamor-filled life ruining our good day!"
Bubbles nodded, "Yeah Princess, what's your problem? Haven't found anyone else to pick on yet today?"
As Princess continued to speak, her confidence radiated outward, filling the space and making it clear that she expected nothing less than complete deference, "Oh no! You know how it is, of course. I happened to come by to attend the good mayor's speech today on behalf of my family. I wanted to congratulate you for your, what, five-hundredth metal?"
"The metal of hospitality," Bubbles blinked, her face forming into a glare. "Clearly something that isn't just bought out."
She grit her teeth, "Money is still important, you know. It's not just about selfless acts. Regardless, I hope you enjoy it. Not like it won't be collecting dust in your crammed collection anyways."

"Do I gotta beat you upside the head with my bat to tell you we don't want you here?" Boomer snapped. "Buzz off!"
She dramatically gasped, her eyes widening as she placed a gloved hand on her chest, "Ugh, you savage! I can't believe Bubbles actually sees something in you!"
The girl turns to look over at Niles, a sly grin forming on her face again, "Speaking of seeing something, I can see something in a man when he makes an effort to look good. Love the suit."
"I don't have the energy to put up with this today," Bubbles sighed miserably. "Let's just head out and eat somewhere else-"
A little smirk formed on Niles' face as he held up a metal hand, and then it disappeared, "Just a second."
Handing his burger over for Bubbles to hold, he took a few confident steps forward and approached Princess face-to-face.
As if there was some sick satisfaction out of getting his attention, Princess's smile only grew wider once she had reeled him in. She crossed her arms, puffing out her chest a little bit for him, and tilted her head, "Say, why don't you give these two some time alone to do whatever weird thing it is and come spend time with me and my friends? I'm sure we'd love to get to know you, right girls?"
Princess in the Future was simply just a tragedy. Initially, at a young age, he didn't know her too well but knew she was the sad one who always tried to squeeze in to become a Powerpuff Girl herself. She was filthy rich, a sick kind of rich that made anybody kill just to get a portion of the wealth she had. Her nature slowly faded away into a crazed, almost lunatic state trying to fend off for her own life. In the end, Fuse made her into a living trophy by actively assimilating her into a fusion. Even with her bratty attitude, she didn't deserve that. No one did.

"As tempting as the offer may be, I'll have to decline," he took off his glasses, staring into her eyes with his easy ones. "I love a girl who is strong, self-reliant, one who knows what maturity looks like."
Niles continued, his voice calm but firm, "So while your offer is.. interesting, I prefer spending my time with people who have real substance. But hey, thanks for the compliment."
Princess's smile faltered for a split second, her confident facade cracking at his comment. An eye twitched, while her entourage exchanged uncertain glances. It was quiet, awkwardly quiet.
He flashed a quick, polite grin before putting his sunglasses back on and turning to go back to the couple.
"You're right Bubbles, let's find a quieter place away from the buzz. I'm starting to get irritated from the heat." he replied, feeling just fine in his air-conditioned compartment.
Boomer snorted and started giggling to himself, holding his burger up to his mouth to hide the wide smile on his face as he started walking.
"See ya later." Boomer snickered, taking Bubbles by the hand and started following him.
Princess's face turned red, feeling a mixture of both anger and pure embarrassment. Her friends, recognizing this, actively went out of their way to avoid eye contact with her. One or two of them shuffled their feet, tugging at a sleeve, mumbling something maybe helpful but the girl simply just wasn't having it. Generally, every guy she had swayed rarely ever said no and it was a travesty when that rare one did.
"You know what?! Yeah, that's right! Walk away! This is my turf anyhow! I don't need you littering it with your presence!" she shouted after them, catching the attention of a few of the nearby families. The girl turned back to her posse, trying her best to regain her composure.
"Ugh, leave them. Gosh, I needed that outta my system. To hell with that guy," she snapped, leading them away with a forced confidence. "Probably kissing Blossom's ass anyways."
One of the girls chimed in, "Yeah! Forget about that kiss-up! He doesn't deserve you, queen."

"To think I would get hit on by Princess Morbucks out of all girls is.." Niles paused. "Atrocious."
Boomer snickered a little bit, taking a giggly bite out of his already-almost-gone burger.
"She is desperate for any guy, mainly since she can't keep one for more than a month," Bubbles chuckled, letting out a sigh and shaking her head. "You'd think she'd mature by now, but no not really. I'm surprised that the mayor still likes to have her around."
The blonde-haired boy nodded, "Yeah, she's just so.. icky!"
"I understand," replied the man in the suit. "She isn't mature but this war will humble her fast. Just wait."
Boomer sighed, "I'd like to take a moment to say I can be pretty immature at times, though at the end of the day, I still try my best."
"That's all I can ask for," Bubbles smiled, rubbing on his shoulder a little bit. "I appreciate it regardless."

Niles continued, taking a bite out of his burger, "Right, well in any case I'm ready to head out before she comes back for round two. Bubbles?"
"Yeah," she turned to look at Boomer and dragged him into a tightly squeezed hug. "I'll see you later, Boomybear! Have fun at the ballpark and hit some home runs for me, will you?"
The boy wrapped his arms around her tightly and nuzzled into her, smiling brightly, "Of course!"
Boomer turned to look at Niles, reaching over and fist-bumped him, "It was nice to meet you, Niles! Maybe we can hang out sometime?"
"Yeah, if I'm back home from my mission," he replied with a warm grin. "I'll send you a message."
"Alright, sounds good! See you guys around!" Boomer waves off the two of them, still keeping that bright smile.
Come to think of it, staring at his smile was just as contagious as Bubbles'. They were a lot more common in ways than the man could count. A thought came to him in that moment, slightly anxious though careful. "Say, Boomer, before we head out. Could I ask for a favor?"
"You just did," he snorted. "Go ahead."

Popping open the chest compartment and reaching inside, Niles retrieved old Blossom's bright red bow. He closed it back up, holding it out to him, "On your way. I'd like you to stop by Dexter's and give him this. Say it's from me and that I'd like a nano."
Boomer wrapped his fingers around the bow and held it in his arm, giving a thumbs up, "Yeah, can do! Anything else?"
"No, that'll be all." Niles shook his head.
Bubbles watched from the sidelines, scratching her chin. She recalled the fight from a while ago, only now realizing that she left her bow behind. He had it this entire time? "Oh, you wanted to make a nano?"
"It took some thinking, though eventually I made up my mind," he nodded, turning to her. "I don't know if I can let that go, not just yet. Not until the war is over."
She smiled, "That's so wholesome; I hope it does so you can make that peace."
"Well, if the time comes," he sighed, then shrugged. "I'll know."
Boomer stood up from his seat and fidgeted with the bow, lifting up into the air already and was the first one to head out. "Alright, well I'll head out! See you guys later!"
With the flash of a blue light, he disappeared sheer seconds later.
Bubbles and Niles both watched him go, before turning to look at one another.
"You know where Major's villa is?" the girl asked with a smile.
Niles just shook his head, "No, I don't. You?"
"Yeah, come on!"

Under the new midday sun, the city of Townsville had thrived. Now that nearly every square inch of fusion matter had been destroyed, the untouched territory had been left to thrive. Dazzling skyscrapers made of shimmering glass and sleek metal stretched across the landscape, more so a mixture between the colors of a pewter silver and royal blue. Each building was a marvel of architecture, not just designed for aesthetics but also for function.
Hovercars glided smoothly in straight lines, silent propulsion systems emitting a soft hum that added to the city's orchestra. There were dozens of them, not only organized by two-lane sections but also three layers of altitude.
Bubbles and Niles soared through the air, keeping a high enough distance to keep away from traffic. The rows of hovercars created intricate patterns, acting more like a network than anything else. Based on this bustling aerial traffic, it almost felt choreographed.
Down below, the streets teemed with life. Dozens of citizens went about their everyday lives on the immaculate sidewalks, nearly a hundred different emotions able to be read. Each person had a different story to tell, a different life they lived. Cafes and restaurants were busy with outdoor seating, patrons enjoying meals, coffees and conversations under elegant shade awnings. From laughter to crying, to the clinking of glass, at least on every other corner there was either a single street performer or a homeless person searching for any ounce of change they could give. In these better times, the people who could pitch in did, dropping bundles of taros now and again. The sense of normalcy was present, almost making it feel like the war honestly wasn't there.

The two continued their flight, veering towards the southside beach. It sprawled out beneath them, bustling with ocean life. The near-white sands were covered by handfuls of colorful umbrellas and towels. People were lounging under the warm sun, bodies stretched out on beach chairs too just to get a soak of the summer sun's rays. The rhythmic crash of the waves played as an ambiance for those who relaxed. Some tanned lazily, their eyes closed blissfully, while some were heavily involved in the energetic games of beach volleyball.
The azure waves were occupied by swimmers and surfers, spread out all across the sea. Families splashed in the shallow part, playful banter mixed with an occasional squawk from the seagulls. Now and again, a parent would be yelling at their child for something they're doing wrong, followed by a smack or tugging in the water to keep them close.
Further inland, the beach had been lined with a series of picturesque beach houses and royal villas. These structures, given their pastel concrete and modernized designs, created a perfect blend of both comfort and style. Balconies adorned with hanging plants and outdoor furniture practically gave front-row seats to the view of the ocean.

The duo landed right on the sidewalk in front of one, standing out from the rest of them. Niles' helmet folded back as he asked, "This is the place?"
"Yep! Right up this way! You wanna knock or should I?" Bubbles looked back. "I know all about your rave with the Justice Friends. Buttercup had a phase too."

He waved a hand, chuckling at her reaction, "I'll knock."

The home in front of them had the perfect blend of sophisticated elegance and minimalist design, kind of like the home a millionaire would just sit on somewhere near the beaches of California. It was clean with angular lines and a flat roof, the exterior walls predominantly a shade of gray. The window frames were black, including the door trims. Large windows stretching from the ceiling to the floor wrapped around the structure, giving it plenty of sun. A white stone pathway led up to the entrance, surrounded on its left and right by a pair of black-plotted plants. The occasional shrubs lined up against the front entrance too to add a touch of greenery, all cut to perfection in little squares.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Major!" Niles shouted politely from the other side of the door. "Major Glory?!"
Bubbles just awkwardly kicked a shoe, putting her hands behind her back and rubbing on her arm. This was not the way she would have done it, "N-Niles, there's the doorbell."
He widened his eyes, "Oh, oops-"

Ding!

The sounds of faint footsteps echoed inside, a growing sense of anxiety in the air. Niles took a deep breath and adjusted himself, placing his hands on his hips and striking a pose. Just to even keep it honest, he took off his sunglasses and popped them in his chest plate. Old Major Glory, back in his prime, was a superhero not to be messed with. Given the amount of time he had spent with the hero, all of that wiped away left him a perfect opportunity to grow their relationship once again. The same man who assembled the Justice Friends, a prime example of true Americana fashion, was just behind that door.
Bubbles also remained beside him, an eager grin on her face just to see how Niles would react. Being a superhero herself, she had been all too familiar with the time spent with Major. He was almost like a fun uncle to the girls, frequently talking to Professor Utonium now and again too. Outside of his obsessive personality, which could be bargained with, he was just the sweetest guy ever.

"Hello-? Yes, it is I, in the flesh.."
The door opened slowly, revealing a figure that was both familiar and startlingly different. Starting with the floor, it was his bare feet with clean-cut nails and body hair lining up on his legs. Adorned in a simple white bathrobe, the fabric looked soft though well-worn from frequent use. The muscles were present, though hidden underneath. The man's face was covered in a thick, slightly graying beard that hinted at the passage of time. Behind the polished, golden-winged helmet were a pair of tired white eyes. His hair, once perfectly styled, was now a bit longer and touched with that old gray tone too. The tan on his skin was apparent, formed from spending long days lounging on the beach under the sun rather than battling villains. There was a noticeable slouch in his posture, a physical manifestation of pure misery. The once mighty hero was now just a man, trying to find his place in a world that had moved on without him.

"Major Glory?" Niles asked, almost in disbelief.

The man before them nodded slowly, a small, tired smile on his lips. "That's what they call me, yes," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of the powerful timbre he once had. It was now melancholic, "What can an average, everyday hero do for you?"
Despite his attitude, Bubbles swept in and threw her arms open, "Major! It's so good to see you! Oooooh!"
She squeezed his body tightly, pushing her face into his abs and gave him the warmest grip in the whole, wide world.
Major chuckled a little bit, wrapping his arm around her with a bright smile, "It's good to see you too, girlie! I haven't seen you in quite some time! Who's your friend here?"
His eyes turned to look over at Niles, blinking. He scanned him up and down, getting a good look at his physique, "That's a fine outfit you've got there, son."
Bubbles beamed, "This is Niles! He's a hero in training, under me and the girls!"
"Thank you, sir," Niles smiled. "Blossom made it for me."
The man widened his eyes and placed a hand on his head, "Gaw, Blossom is in the tech industry now? Yeesh, I am way behind!"
"My name is Niles, nice to meet you… again," he waved a hand nonchalantly. "It's a long story."
It took him a second to get himself together, letting go of Bubbles and waving them over, "Please, please come in! Make yourself at home."

The first floor was an open-concept space, designed with sleek lines and plenty of room. The living area was dominated by a large, low-profile sectional couch colored in deep gray. The cushions were slightly askew as two other figures sat on it. In front of them, beyond the steel and glass coffee table, a wide flat-screen television was at a moderate volume showcasing a platforming video game between two combatants. Right underneath it, a few magazines were strung about accompanied by an empty coffee mug. It left a circular stain over one of them, showing little importance.
The walls were a cool white, adorned with images and mementos from the past. Here and there, pictures captured the moments strung up between three various figures: Major Glory, a giant muscular purple man and a guitar-wielding rockstar as a surfer. From saving civilians, beating villains, and attending luxurious parties, these three had one thing in common in almost every picture: a smile. It contrasted sharply with the present picture of Major as he walked past, his hands shoved in his bathrobe pockets.

To the right, high-end stainless steel appliances sat on dark granite countertops. The small kitchenette island doubled as a breakfast bar with a bowl full of fruit, bringing some color. While the surfaces were spotless, a few signs of everyday use were there such as a half-empty coffee pot, a stack of unopened mail, and a can opener.
A set of stairs stood on the other side of the room, leading up to the second floor. Beside it, there was a door that opened directly into the basement of the home as well simply for just convenience. The dining area was just right next to it, a white oak dining set underneath a flat chandelier with geometric designs. As of right now, it was only set for three: three plates, three forks, three knives.
Major Glory distanced himself from the two and rolled out a hair arm over one of the chairs, making a gesture with a sharpness in his voice, "Krunk! Valhallen! We've got guests! I thought I told you about cleaning up a little, huh? Even if it's just us!"
Niles just stood there like a stiff cat, the hair on the edge of his neck standing up with his hands swaying at his sides. Instinctively he turned to Bubbles, who in turn had a similar though slightly happier tone to this.

Boosh! Womp womp!

The screen had bold letters in red blaring 'Game Over' on the table, causing the larger figure on the couch to set down the controller in his hands and let out a grunt. Turning his back over, a pair of sunken eyes looked at the three of them.

"Guh?"
Unkempt dark purple hair waved over part of his face, hiding some of the blemishes and marks. His mouth had opened up naturally, showing off large, jagged yet flat yellow teeth. His entire body was a lighter tone of purple, with the slightest hints of muscle left though was simply just deflated. Parts in his biceps or over his neck where it should be thinner were thick, indicating weight gain. On his chin, including over his large pecs were bits of cheese balls that littered him.
He sat up a bit and forced a little smile, holding up a sausage-fingered hand and waved, "Oh hello! Krunk not see you, too busy."
Beside him, lifting his head from the sofa, the other figure squinted past a set of elegant blonde hair. It flowed down to his hips, a bony arm lifting some of it away to reveal a singular eye that looked at all of them. It looked like he was shirtless, though when showing himself a little bit further had a sleeveless black top on. A pair of thin arms rested over the counter, almost down to the bone itself. A laidback smile widened underneath his tall nose, the gray sweatband around his head holding it up together.
"Sorry about that dudes; Krunk and I were, like, totally into it. Nice to see ya."
Major crossed his arms, "Eh, I'm sure the two of you remember Krunk and Valhallen. Do mind some of the messes, as some of us don't clean up after ourselves!"
"Oh no need," Niles waved a hand and chuckled. "My workplace gets messy all the time from tinkering, so I understand. It's a pleasure to meet you guys."
Krunk grinned.
Valhallen stroked a thin hand through his hair, "Who art we esteemed with meeting?"
"Guys, you remember Bubbles the Powerpuff Girl," Major Glory smiled brightly, gesturing a hand. "Beside her is one of her friends, a hero wannabe as well."
The young man cleared his throat once the spotlight was on him, "That's why I was hoping to get to talk to you guys."
"That so?" Major asked, heading to the kitchenette and snagging an apple to snack on. "What for, son?"

Niles replied, "I know this is straightforward but: I want the Justice Friends to come back."
Krunk made a face, raising an eyebrow at him, "Huh?"
Valhallen bit his tongue, rubbing the back of his neck rather awkwardly.
"You what ? You don't know, do you?" Major asked, mid-bite from his apple.
He shook his head, "No, I know Demongo stole your powers. I'm heading to the Darklands to track him down and beat him."
A stiffness filled the air.
Bubbles fidgeted with her hands behind her back and swayed left and right, not quite wanting to look at anybody just yet, and stared out at one of the windows towards the beach.
Major Glory let out a heavy sigh, chewing on the first bite for a second and swallowed, "Listen, I admire your bravery but there's really no need to. I'm afraid.. I'm afraid the Justice Friends are over. That fiend not only took my powers, but Krunks, and Valhallens! Even with our strength combined, we weren't able to defeat him. What makes you think you can?"
"Experience," he countered simply. "I've fought with him before on the battlefield. I know his moves, his mannerisms and the way he thinks. If given enough time and with just the right amount of luck, I could take him down with no problem at all. You guys would be free, you could come back!"
A grin formed on his face as he looked between all three of them, even if they didn't return the gesture.
"Well," Major began. "I think it's better this way. The Justice Friends have been disbanded for some time. We've lost contact, though some of us wanted it to be like this. I think it's important to know, son: we're retired."
He made a gesture with a hand, frowning a bit.

"So that's it?" Niles asked. "You get beat in one fight and lose access to your powers, and you don't even try to get them back? You don't ask for help? You just give up."
Glory shook his head, "Not like that, at all. You don't understand: our powers are everything . They're who we are as heroes, how you recognize us for our talents! To have them taken away is.. devastating, almost your way of living gone from you. Besides, I think at that moment I've come to realize it was probably for the better."
"B-But Major," Niles stammered, nearly in disbelief. "That's not the hero I know. As someone who looks up to you guys, it's great just to get to even meet you. This? This isn't you. I know it isn't you!"
Major Glory just looked him in the eyes, his frown apparent. The apple spun around in his grasp, his other fist crammed into his pocket. For just a moment, his gaze went over to his two pals on the couch. They just stared back, an equal power of silence between the two. Neither of them had anything to say, especially at this moment. It was just him, the floor reserved for his performance.
He set the apple down, lowered his head and sighed heavily, "Alright, alright. I think you deserve the truth."

The air in the Darklands had been thick with a menacing green fog, swirling ominously in the twirling landscapes. All three of the Justice Friends had stood together on the precipice of a rocky mountaintop, standing toe-to-toe against the demonic sorcerer that loomed before them. His form wreathed in shadow and malice, his eyes burned in an otherworldly fire. His iconic taunting laugh had them on the edge ready to charge at any moment.

"The day we went out, the day we were called, I remember it being an odd one for certain. The forces of earth had called us to thwart that dastardly sorcerer Demongo for kidnapping the essences of hundreds of their soldiers. He had put a hold on the war, a threat we simply couldn't let linger for the sake of the American people."

The battle had been fierce; Major Glory, clad in his vibrant red, white and blue suit charged with a zealous punch. Valhallen hoisted his mighty axe into the air, channeling the power of rock and roll to strike at the sorcerer. Lastly came Krunk, prowling quickly at him and stretched into a devastating lunge. One by one they were cast down, the mirror images of fallen foes previously before them deflecting their strikes with ease.

"We fought, not only against him but his legion of minions. I remember every second of that moment like it was yesterday, to feel the strength of my patriotism drained from my body. I felt hollow, empty, abandoned. My invulnerability had been stripped and.. I remember the colors on my old suit faded just a little bit too. We were left there, not slain in battle, but simply doomed to the harsh conditions of the infectious lands up north."

One by one, the three picked each other up and sagged home. They traversed across the landscape together, scraping by with what little effort they had in a depressed desperation. They hitched rides, followed alongside escorts, scraped up enough taros to get a one-way ticket back to Sector V and departed on foot from there. Major Glory looked up at the triumphant view of Townsville before him while they walked, a somewhat determined gaze on his face.

"Given that I was rendered to be no longer useful to the Justice Friends, I shared the bad news with the others. One by one they said their goodbyes and departed from our league. The prevalence of the planet up in the sky became more and more of an issue by the day and more regular day citizens were called to help aid in the fight against Planet Fusion."

Major Glory, Krunk and Valhallen all stood in front of a recently built home. It was the same replica, though empty with little to no furniture in store. Glory found himself changing his routine, putting a gym set in the basement, then going on jogs throughout the neighborhood, then relaxing out on Bravo Beach with his hands behind his back. In his hand was a bright red smoothie, his eyes protected by a pair of sunglasses.

"Though it was sad, I had plenty of time to think. No longer bothered by the amount of calls I had received every day about helping out the fine citizens, I reflected on who I was, what I was meant for. I had helped out so many people, thwarted so many villains trying to destroy earth, and the other old heroes were out there doing their part in the world. They were just fine without me, without us."

Over time, Major Glory, Krunk and Valhallen slowly changed. Their appearances grew less groomed, lazier and sluggish over time. Major Glory's hair grew out, Krunk gained weight and Valhallen lost weight. From being anxious and wide-eyed to relaxed and laid back, the time they spent on the couch increased from weeks to months, to now years. Though Major still insisted on keeping their new home clean, trash was frequently unattended almost everywhere.

"My Uncle Sam told me it was for the American people, though I had come to realize: what did the American people ever do for me? Sure they hosted parties, gave out awards, and signed big checks but where was the fun in all that? Everyone's smiles and freedom were swept away with this arrival. We tried to adapt, to find some semblance of a normal life, but it wasn't easy to go from being a hero to being just another face in the crowd. Every day was a reminder of what we lost."

Major Glory stopped reminiscing for a moment, turning to look down at Niles in front of him, and shook his head.
"Our strength, our abilities—everything that made us who we were—was gone, and the world just kept on going without us, so I've seen. It's a privilege to hear that you care but.. I'm afraid we simply just aren't interested in fighting anymore. Years of service, and celebration, it's lost its luster. The Justice Friends, or what's left of them, they live just fine here in our villa."
Bubbles frowned widely; at the edges of her eyes were little tears, swelling as she sniffled a little bit. Her hands held together tightly while she listened to his story, feeling as if her heart had been shattered. She didn't say a word, turning to look over at Niles. The girl knew she'd choke up, hoping he had more bravery than her to say anything about it first.

Niles was flabbergasted, a dumbfounded look on his face. The man he knew in his timeline had fallen far, yet never actually got to see it in person. Almost like getting hit by a semi-truck, he smacked a hand on his head as another sense of deja vu washed over him.
"Major," he started. "If you don't want to fight for glory or recognition anymore, that's fine. Without you, without Krunk and Valhallen, without the entirety of the Justice Friends, our chances of winning diminish. We need you, especially now more than ever. And about Demongo, there's a way to reverse what happened to you. Samurai Jack knows and I intend on finding out what it is. We can defeat him, restore your powers and reclaim what legacy you left behind. It isn't over! Not yet!"

There was a bitter silence on the other end as Major Glory stared at him, both with endearment and disappointment.

He sighed, "Major, in all honesty, you were my hero. I remember one day my dad and I went to one of your award ceremonies. He held me high on his shoulders and I sat there; the event was delayed since it began to rain. My dad insisted on going home and seeing you another time, but I knew at that moment you would come. I said no to every command he gave and stuck my foot in the ground. I waited for hours, standing in the rain but never lost hope. It was worth it, even getting to see you for just a measly five minutes. That's what you taught me more than anything: never to lose hope."
Niles held his hands up, continuing, "I know that sounds cheesy, I know, but it's true. Every time your episodes came on, I watched them. Every time you defeated another villain, my dad used to read it to me in the newspapers. Like when you beat Doctor Diablos, Comrade Red, hell.. even Silver Spooner. I even ate your fruit pies, like the ones from the commercial! I didn't like them but I still did it because you influenced me. Everything I've been given, everything I know now, you were a reason for it. Without you, or Krunk, or Valhallen, I wouldn't be the person I am today."
Krunk had a little smile on his face, the edges of his eyes tearing up. He lifted a hand and wiped one away, sniffling a bit.
Valhallen reached a hand and patted his friend on the shoulder, grinning from ear to ear as he let out a sigh. He was moved, placing a hand on his heart, "That's, like, totally nice of you man."
Major Glory shoved his other hand in his pocket and looked down at his feet; he stared down long and hard before finally building the guile to look Niles in the eye too.

"Please, Major Glory, consider this one last fight. It's not that we've all moved on without you, but we're adapting to a new norm that isn't meant to be. We all still believe in you; the people of Townsville, we all look up to you and for the heroes you still are inside." Niles begged.
Bubbles took a couple of steps forward and added, "The Powerpuff Girls, we.. we miss you guys too. You remember Buttercup, right Major? She looked up to you too more than anything."
There was a mix of current doubt and old determination as he glanced between the two of them, their earnest faces reflecting hope and urgency. The room somehow now felt like it was holding its breath, the weight of their words settling on his broad shoulders. He rubbed his temple, "You.. gah, you make a good point. That drive, the belief that a team can make a difference, it's been so long since I've felt that fire."
His eyes moved over to Bubbles, her bright eyes hitting him heavily in the heart. Next, he went back over to Niles, who stood with an unwavering conviction.
"Alright, I can't promise we'll jump back into action just like that. The Justice Friends have been out of commission for quite a long time, but if you manage to defeat Demongo and get our powers back, I'll do everything I can to rally the Justice Friends again for one last fight. It'll be just like old times, only this time for the fight against the fusion invasion."

A pale bare hand extended as a smile formed on his face, "Deal?"
Niles reached a plate gauntlet and shook his hand, staring back up at him with newfound hope, "Deal, and.. thank you sir, for everything."

5/27/24
Welcome back! Sorry for the day-late upload, I had a slightly extended break to rest.
The areas mentioned in this chapter were Town Hall, Townsville Center and Bravo Beach. Based on the city area south of the entire map, this served as a nod to all three of those places. The ripple effects have started to take place and now Townsville is in a much better state. I enjoyed getting to drop in a handful of characters who were (or otherwise would've) been in these places. What better way to have a chapter than with a celebration! In game. It's always been so empty, so it was fun to imagine it nearly fully.
For reference, the characters mentioned here were Mayor from the PPGs, Agent Six from Generator Rex, Princess Morbucks from PPGs, Boomer from the PPGs, Major Glory, Krunk, Valhallen, Doctor Diablos, Comrade Red and Silver Spooner from the Justice Friends.

With how much he had been mentioned, including his counterpart in the Future, I wanted to expand on Major Glory a bit and build him up as much as you'd want to anticipate. I can say for sure he'll play a pretty important part in this story. A partial inspiration for this chapter was Megamind, especially the scenes when he found out Metroman wasn't actually dead. I just loved that concept and wanted to make him feel much more well-rounded. Speaking of, there were a couple of references for his show like when Niles mentioned the newspaper and the fruit pies.