The weekend passed swiftly. Kamari, Mitch, and Princess met up with the existing company on Saturday to discuss tryouts next week, and promotion strategy. There would be a signup sheet in the cafeteria, and each member would do their best to scout other classmates in their study halls and electives to recruit. The goal was to grow the company from ten members to twenty, pairing each member with a "little" to sponsor their first year. Tryouts would be after school on Thursday, so it didn't interfere with Princess's detention.

Sunday, she was swamped with getting ahead on homework for the semester. She was in her office in her wing of the manor on the east side. Her great-aunt had fought for Bas to give Princess this wing. "All the darkness in this house, Basilio, give the girl the side where the sun rises!" The east wing was in the furthest back of the house and more private to conduct business. He only conceded when she mentioned that it'd be safer if she had to pass his wing to leave and that no one had easy access to get to her. She was his Princess, after all.

So there she was in her gaunt ivory marble and eggplant tower, slaving over her top-of-the-line Mac with a matching laptop and iPad. Her hair was wrangled into a low bun, not to disturb the AirPod Max's over her ears. They were connected to the phone on her desk. The walls were soundproof, but the extra precaution did wonders. Her father always said, "Sundays are for the lord's work." He did his diligence in exorcising information, managing the closet skeleton crucifixions, and purifying the family reputation at the end of the week. It was a good day to condemn and a good day to repent.

Princess was listening to Rotten Flowers' discography and knee-deep revising her Frankenstein essay when a notification popped up on all four devices.

UNKNOWN NUMBER: I got ur number from my bandmate who got it from Mitch

UNKNOWN NUMBER: what song are u going to use for tryouts?

No, "Hey, Hello, This is …" Very BC of her. True to PowerPuff arrogance. Princess was quick to type her response.

Who is this?

BC: I'm insulted. Who do u think it is?

No clue, I've been pretty popular lately…

It's hard to remember all ofmy royal subjects

BC: so I'm a peasant to u? :..( I thought we'd make pretty good partners

A queen without a king is historicallymore powerful

BC: what about another queen?

Princess was smiling at the screen of her phone, feeling lighter than she had when her father shut the door to her office with a knowing look. BC's ability to lift her mood with mere conversation should concern her. Kamari and Mitch knew not to text or disturb her on Sundays so that she could focus. She had become accustomed to homework and witnessing the harsh reality of her life on this ungodly day. Buttercup disturbed that peace, and yet she was not bothered. For a moment, it felt like she had escaped hell.

I'm not too sure about the song.

Maybe something everyone would know?

I'm going through your discography now

BC: see u do know who I am ;) It'd make sense if u use the song from the assembly and use that choreo. Everyone's already seen it and can follow the moves.

That's the point though. I need to make

sure they're teachable and original.

Not YouTube University taught

BC: okay so two songs. Freak Fantasy from The Basement for free form and the assembly for choreo. Who cares if they learned from YouTube? Self-taught is still well-learned.

Princess considered her words. BC made sense. Most of the company already recorded rehearsals to practice on their own, so the recruits would likely do the same. Freak Fantasy has been going crazy online since Friday… The green puff had good business sense.

Not a bad idea

BC: two queens are better than one lol. The band is working on more stuff but I'll loop u in on Friday to see what you think.

I don't want OK to get in

the way of RF's creative process.

We like your stuff as it is

BC: ur not in the way it's business. The music has been going up since the assembly. If u look good, we look good. It's a win-win.

Okay I'll let Kamari and Mitch know

BC: they already do ;) we'll meet up after on Friday. See u tomorrow Princess 3

Princess pursed her lips, contemplating the interaction. BC was serious about being her partner. It's what she wanted, but at the same time, she couldn't help but feel handled. Not in a pushy way, but BC was pushing her and her band in the right direction. She wanted her input, and BC already mapped out the best way to share information and get the job done. BC was a boss. Knowing this side of her felt intimate.

She always came across as the brash and impulsive Puff. Everything she said and did seemed to come second nature without initial thought or consideration. Now, here was a different perspective into the mind of Buttercup Utonium. Maybe she was calculating. Always a few steps ahead with her focus on the result, using charm and underestimation to her advantage. Yes, Princess should be more concerned regarding Buttercup Utonium.

Maybe this wasn't about the company or band at all. Maybe this was undercover work. She was sent to get close to Princess, uncover her father's secrets, and divide her little family even more than it already was. She couldn't allow that. Despite how genuine she thought she was, despite the good feeling she gave her, despite how kindred and seen she felt by her, Princess would keep Buttercup Utonium at arm's length. Buttercup Utonium was a Powerpuff girl, and Princess Royalty Morbucks was a Morbucks. The two were undeniably two different kinds of monsters.

Princess stopped tapping the spacebar absentmindedly as the dread set in. The shackles in the name are heavier than before. She removed her headphones just as her father had opened her office door with a handkerchief. His once bloody sleeves were dry and rose-stained, and the sweat of his exercise was rancid in the already-soured air.

"Sunday dinner will be ready in an hour," he announced.

Dinner had been bearable. On Sundays, the family that made it to Townsville came to dine at the manor. Most of them were brutish; her uncle made sure Bas had the best muscle, but now older, they still behaved kindred and well aware of their fragile circumstance. Her favorite cousin was always in attendance. Dom Louis. Dominic Louis Richard was her mother's favorite cousin's son. Antoinette was a few years older than Angelique and was already roped into the business. She had Dom Louis three years before Princess was born, and he was sent up with other cousins after Antoinette's untimely death. He was only eight years old.

Since he came to Townsville, he had grown from the curly-haired, pudgy, high-cheekboned boy to a muscular, tattooed, afro-headed man. He still had the high cheekbones with a low-cut beard, signature Richard almond eyes, and full lips. When Kamari had met him for the first time, she swore she'd be married into the family through him. "Ouuuu, Prin, just wait until I turn 18! That's my man, my man, my man, my-…"

The two shared a similar disdain for the family business, but Dom Louis was a bit different. He had known his family for eight years. He witnessed the ugly, love, and sacrifices that were made in the name of providing opportunities. He told her he was a hardened man, willing to do whatever was needed for his family. "You are fortunate that Townsville is all you know, cousin. Baton Rouge would've changed you. There is no joy in this work. Just duty. Do your best to stay free of it." The two had chatted in the sitting room, catching up while the old heads played cards.

"I've got a buddy (informant) whose younger brother plays bouncer at this hidden nightclub on the Southside," Dom Louis began nonchalantly. "Ever heard of it?"

Princess maintained a cool composition across from her knowing cousin. Dom Louis was the keeper of Princess's tabs. Her father thought it best if her tail was someone she could trust. It was his job to know her whereabouts and monitor her public image. Thankfully he only told Bas what was necessary, and never inhibited her free will. He just advised, warned, and cleaned up any mess she made. She tried not to make his job too hard, but this year might be a first for many things.

Dom Louis continued. "Said a golden trio were the stars of the night, especially this little queen who got on stage with the band." He fished his phone out of his pocket and played a clip of Princess on stage with BC with her arm around her waist. The announcement of her name must've been cut off thanks to monitoring. The scene from the outside looking in was even more intimate than living it.

"Quite the girlfriend you got there." He smirked. "Hot, talented, superpowered."

"She's not my girlfriend, she's my business partner." Princess corrected.

"Still tricky business dealing with a Puff," he crossed his arms in a way that let Princess know she was about to get a lecture. "Keep her at arm's length if you can, watch it with your name out there, and stick with the look it makes it harder to believe it's you."

Princess nodded and rolled her eyes. Must he always be her tail?

Dom Louis relaxed and gave his cousin a perfect smile. "Now, outside of being your tail. You're killing it, Prin!" Princesses eyes widened from the praise. "Show these fuckers who the queen is; you're a great dancer, and your style is straight Louisiana bred."

Princess twiddled her thumbs and cast him a small smile, trying not to sink into her chair. "Thank you, I um… don't get to show too much of myself around here."

He tilted his head to the side and reached across the coffee table to offer a hand a small squeeze. "Well, you don't have to hide around me… mostly because you can't with my job and all." Princess gave him a small chuckle before he leaned back. "Feel free to show who you are to me, even if you want a girlfriend." He waggled his eyebrows.

Princess scrunched her face and let out a true laugh. "Ew, is that what I look like when I do that? I've got a different focus this year than relationships."

"You sure? You two looked cozy… it's okay to want a girlfriend. Shit, I haven't even seen you have a crush! Well, there was when you wanted to be a Powerpuff girl and beat Blossom Utonium at everything…" He trailed off contemplating.

It was true. Princess had never had a crush, or at least had never recognized when or if she liked someone. Maybe her home life was too emotionally traumatizing. Forever stuck on detachment for the safety of her family and lifestyle. How could she ever let anyone in?

She shook the thought from her mind and shrugged at her cousin, "A queen without a king is more powerful than with one, and two powerful queens know how to get shit done."

"What is that, Ru Paul?" He rolled his eyes. "By the way, next time you go to The Basement, ask that bouncer how his eye is."

Princess took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of her nose. "For the love of God, why Dom Louis… why?"

"Well, since you asked," he broke into a crazed smile. "He had a lot of nice things to say about you and way too many nice things to say about Kamari."

The week was flying by as Princess relished the changes she was experiencing at school. She was noticed. Not just her but the other misfits around the school. Suddenly, all the bystanders showed interest in them, and the original reigning hierarchy couldn't stand it. The bullying and shoulder checks were met by someone else stepping in and defending. The balance of power was shifting in Princess's favor. The signup sheet was filling up fast, and they considered splitting the tryouts into two days. She wanted the team to get specific with their recruits. See who would talk to them and watch how they exhibited loyalty, leadership, and compassion. Oaks Kingdom's legacy was that it was a safe space for outsiders and the first to wage war on the status quo. She wanted only the best in her court.

She and BC would pass each other in the hall. They offered curt nods and acknowledged smiles. The video of the two of them from The Basement was generating buzz. Mixed emotions about the proximity between the two brought their sexuality into question. Princess had already decided that BC was best at a distance. No matter what she may or may not feel. She'd give BC her space and let the chatter die out. They were business partners, and the last thing she wanted to do was lead to any harassment after her very public break up. She'd check in with her on Friday.

Thursday finally rolled around. By the time Princess entered the gym, the bleachers were already packed. Hand-picked recruits were sitting on the bottom row, and behind them were a variety of classmen eager to join the team. Some with their phones out documenting their experience, some more serious with locked jaws visibly counting steps in their heads. She made her way to Kamari and Mitch on the floor.

"This turnout is crazy, Prin," Mitch whispered to her.

"Yeah, I don't know how we'll get through everyone today," Kamari chewed her bottom lip.

"Maybe we can-" Princess began.

"No, no, no, no, NO!" Heather's grating voice bounced against the walls, cheerleading squad in tow. "We have the gym on Thursdays to practice, you all can find your way out."

Heather was leading the front with Blossom's chilling stare, never leaving Princess. She had been quieter lately, but it made Princess wary. She seemed plotting like a madwoman seething with anger. She was a time bomb waiting to go off.

"Do you not see all these people?" Kamari shot back. "We would've gone to a classroom, but there's no way everyone would be able to fit!"

"Then go outside," Blossom's low voice demanded.

Princess took a step forward. "It's over 90 today. You can't be serious."

Blossom walked right up to Princess and looked down her nose at her. "I'm dead serious. Get out." She cut the hardness of her tone, "Use it as an opportunity. Those who really want to be in OK will stay, and those who don't will leave."

Silence settled between the two, and Princess considered her words. She had a point. There were nearly 50 students in the bleachers wanting to try out. It was a cruel but effective way to weed out the imposters, clout chasers, and undetermined. Princess blinked and then smiled.

"Everyone serious about this tryout, line up behind Kamari and we'll lead you outside!" Princess announced.

The bottom bench quickly got up and filed in line, and ten or so other students shuffled down from the bench to secure their spot. This would be the order they would try out. The faster they moved, the sooner they'd get out of the heat. Just like that, 50 students were cut in half.

"Next time y'all think about wasting someone's time, remember this day!" Mitch hollered to the remaining students.

The recruits followed the trio to the track field, and Mitch lugged sound equipment from the rear. The acoustics were going to suck out in the open, but a real dancer knows how to make do with what they have. Next to her, Kamari was announcing the tryout process as they passed the soccer field. The team was out practicing, and she was surprised that BC was on the bench and out of uniform. Her socials were devoid of sporty background, but Princess didn't expect that she would quit the team. Though she chose to be on the outskirts, she still appeared to long for her teammates, an old life she sacrificed to focus on her new one. She noticed the line of students marching to the field.

"Mitchelson, you know all of that is gonna sound like shit out here, right?" She bellowed.

"You got a better idea, Pookie?" He hollered back.

Like a moth to a flame, her eyes locked on Princess, and her green eyes sparkled in the unforgiving sunlight. "I just might."

Thanks for reading, and if you're into this story, feel free to leave a review! This is a niche pairing and I'm open to hearing what you all think!