The Powerpuff Girls stood in front of a small, dilapidated building on the outskirts of Townsville, which bore a large sign that read, "Feminist Summer School - Changing Minds, Changing Lives." Blossom's eyes sparkled with excitement as she practically skipped toward the door. Meanwhile, Buttercup and Bubbles trailed behind, both wearing expressions of deep annoyance.
"I can't believe we're actually here," Buttercup grumbled, shoving her hands into her pockets. "I'm not even sure this place is safe, let alone worth a whole summer."
"It'll be enlightening!" Blossom chirped, as if she hadn't heard her sister. "We're going to learn so much about feminism and sisterhood!"
Bubbles sighed, glancing at Buttercup. "Can't believe we're missing summer for this."
Inside, a woman in her late fifties with stern glasses and a tightly bound bun stood at the front of the room, scribbling on a chalkboard. She had a determined look in her eyes and carried an air of fervor. She wore a t-shirt emblazoned with the words "Dworkin Was Right" and a necklace with a tiny replica of the SCUM Manifesto. The girls found seats at the back of the room as the woman turned to face the small group of attendees.
"Welcome, sisters!" she announced with a grand gesture. "I am Doctor Agatha Thorndike. This course is dedicated to the highest ideals of feminism, inspired by the words of Valerie Solanas and the indomitable Andrea Dworkin. Those two women dedicated their lives to fighting our enemy: MEN! They knew that men haven't done, made or created anything noteworthy in human existence, therefore we must overthrow and get rid of every single one of them. This is the only way we can liberate the world and achieve fulfillment. Today will be one of the most important steps you'll make in your life."
Blossom sat up straight, giving her full attention. Buttercup crossed her arms, rolling her eyes, and Bubbles offered a polite forced smile.
Dr. Thorndike continued, her voice heavy with reverence. "We stand here today because of those who came before us, blazing trails for us with their wisdom. The SCUM Manifesto has shown us the light we need to guide us through the darkest of times." She lifted a well-worn copy of the manifesto and waved it as if it were a sacred text. "Before we begin reading this important book we need to get to know each other. We're sisters, after all. I want each of you to share why you've chosen to dedicate your life to feminism."
Blossom's hand shot up first. "Feminism is essential for everything! It's our path to empowerment and justice. I believe it's our duty to challenge any system that marginalizes us as women, and I'm proud to be here to further that cause!"
Dr. Thorndike nodded approvingly, smiling with satisfaction. "Excellent, Blossom! You are a true beacon of hope for the sisterhood."
Buttercup was up next, though she had no intention of matching Blossom's enthusiasm. She looked around the room at the solemn faces, then raised her chin defiantly. "Honestly, I think this whole thing is outdated. The women here are totally out of touch. All this talk about some 'sisterhood struggle' just feels divisive and backwards."
The room fell silent. Dr. Thorndike's face paled before flushing with rage.
"How dare you?!" she seethed, her voice shaking. "To come into this sacred space and spew such blasphemy? Do you even understand what you're saying? Do you even know the sacrifices—"
Buttercup smirked, leaning back. "Oh, I understand all right. You're more concerned with yelling about imaginary oppression than doing anything useful. If anything, the only dent you'll ever make in this world is on your scale."
Dr. Thorndike gasped, her face turning crimson. She pointed toward the door. "Out! OUT! I will not tolerate such disrespect in my classroom! Leave this room, immediately!"
Buttercup shrugged, rising from her seat. She threw her sisters an exasperated look before sauntering out of the classroom, slamming the door behind her.
Dr. Thorndike adjusted her glasses and then turned her gaze to Bubbles, who sat wide-eyed and fidgeting in her seat. "And you," she said, with an intense glare, "what brings you to feminism? Why are you here to fight the patriarchy?"
Bubbles blinked. "I… I'm not here to fight anything, really. I just want to help people and do good. You know, overall good!"
Dr. Thorndike scowled, her voice dripping with contempt. "Helping people isn't enough! Feminism requires loyalty and dedication. You need to follow orders, dedicate yourself completely to the cause! Here are some basic steps you need to start immediately…"
Bubbles shook her head at each command, her voice soft but firm. "No."
Dr. Thorndike's eyebrows arched. "You will take action. You will dedicate yourself. You will commit to—"
"No," Bubbles said again, crossing her arms.
Dr. Thorndike's face contorted in rage, and she seized Bubbles by the arm, dragging her out of the classroom and slamming the door shut. She pushed her toward Buttercup, who stood with her back against the wall, clearly bored.
"You two are hopeless!" Dr. Thorndike shouted. "You're brainwashed beyond repair, a disgrace to the sisterhood! You are a burden to the cause and have no place in this space!"
With a final huff, Dr. Thorndike stormed back into the classroom, leaving Buttercup and Bubbles standing alone in the empty hall.
Buttercup looked over at Bubbles, surprised. "I heard everything. I can't believe you actually told her no to all that stuff."
Bubbles shrugged, giving a small smile. "Well, she was rude and never said 'please.'"
Buttercup snickered, clapping her sister on the back. "Good call, Bubbles. Come on, let's get out of here. This whole thing was a waste of time anyway."
The two sisters walked out of the building, feeling a strange sense of relief as they left the oppressive summer school behind. Blossom might still be inside, preaching with Dr. Thorndike, but they had each other—and that was more than enough for their own sisterhood.