Sunday, December 8th, 2024

Snowflakes started mixing with the rain. The clouds aren't particularly happy in this city, as they blew hard against the tall skyscraper windows. At least the Christmas decorations down below had civilians cheering all around downtown at night. Mobsters enjoying their $500 stakes in the newest, finest restaurants there were. Criminals filling up their bathtubs with money they definitely didn’t steal from a gas station.

Ah, Townsville. A city in New York, also called Pokey Oaks County, has crime getting more rampant, and corruption keeps rising higher than some grandmother’s blood pressure. This was the Christmas spirit. How delightful.

Around the upper part of Townsville, there is this one guy, one scientist, that had a tall figure. His head and body being rectangular, which was easily recognizable around his neighborhood. This man dealt with constant fear from criminals all over his state. Simply going to his local supermarket, there was always someone robbing the cashier, or something a little bit funny that he’ll admit.

Like one drunk guy stealing eight glass bottles of whiskey inside his pants by the liquor store. But tonight, he’s done with it. He tried doing an experiment that he had never done before that ultimately failed. Well, sort of.

In his own home, downstairs in his basement, the scientist was leaning back against the wall. A huge explosion happened inside. Smoke coming out of a cooking pot on top of a stove led to black gunpowder slowly filling up the air. His lab coat dusted in black marks. He tried to grasp if he was still alive, muttering, “Jojo… Jojo?” He slowly opened his eyes, but they immediately widened without a second thought.

A gasp escaped from the scientist’s lungs. He’d stood up. Walking slowly at the pot. Getting a closer look at what appeared to be three normal preteen girls? All of them standing next to each other, wearing different-colored dresses filled with one big black stripe in the middle with white tights. Their dresses match their eye colors.

He didn’t know what to say. His jaw dropped wide open, taking a few moments to respond, “uhm, hello.”

“Hey! How are you?” the girl in pink barked. Showing a friendly wave. Wearing one huge red bow behind the top of her head.

“Good. Great actually! You’re able to understand what I’m saying.”

"Mhm, what’s your name, sir?" the pink-eyed girl asked.

"Oh, that's right. Where are my manners? I'm Drake. Professor Drake Utonium. But everybody just calls me Professor Utonium,” he smiled nervously.

All of the girls started speaking in a synchronized tone, putting their hands in front of them. "Hello Professor Utonium, it's very nice to meet you!"

“I like how you did the place here. Did you make it all by yourself?” the green-eyed girl awed in question.

Utonium nodded, saying, “Yup. All made by me, hehehe. Uhm, what about all three of you? What are your names?"

"We don't have names. You're the one that made us, so that means you should name us!" the pink-eyed girl said.

“Yeah!” the other one with bright blue eyes giggled. Covering her mouth with her hands.

Utonium rubbed his fingers against his chin and crouched slightly down. “Well, alright then. God, this is so cool!” he whispered the last sentence to himself. “Let’s see. You’re more open and straightforward, so I’ll call you Blossom.” He said. Pointing at the pink-eyed girl.

Blossom put her hands behind her back. Showing off a confident tone. “I think that’s a great name. Thanks, Professor!”

The bright blue-eyed girl kept giggling weirdly, making everyone look at her in confusion. Was it Utonium’s hair being struck up? “Why, look at you being all sweet and bubbly.” Utonium said, then a lightbulb lit up above his head. “That’s it! You’ll be my little Bubbles.” He snaps his fingers directly at her.

“Ahem! You forgot about me. What about me? C’mon!” The green-eyed girl jumped rapidly.

“Hmmm, let’s see. We got Blossom, Bubbles, and thennn… Buttercup! You kind of look like one actually.”

“WHAT?!”

"What's wrong? I could've called you Bud instead if that's what you want.”

"Hmph! N-no, Buttercup’s a good name." Buttercup pouted. Crossing her arms before she looked away from Utonium, whose eyes started to tear up. Clapping his hands together. “Let’s go upstairs.”

All of them followed Utonium, going into the kitchen, then inside of the living room that was enormous. Dim lights showed a couch with a glass coffee table in front of it. Also, a couple of bookshelves were set between by one 58’-inch TV hooked up onto the wall. There also appeared to be stairs, leading up to another floor.

“You girls can watch some TV. The remote’s right here,” Utonium pointed at the couch. “I'm leaving real quick. I need to get presents! After all, it’s your birthday, so please behave. I’ll be right back in a dash!” Untonium walked towards a light switch near the front door. Tuning one slider up, which made the room brighter. He took off his lab coat, replacing it with a winter coat.

Once he headed out, he ran, nearly slipping on the sidewalk covered in ice. He managed to catch himself on his white car door handle, though. He got inside the car and drove off from his driveway. Letting out everything he had to say out of his chest.

“It worked, it actually worked! All it took was sugar, spice, and everything nice! That's all it takes for the concoction to actually create humans, eh, anyone! Those girls can do some good in this town. I just need to raise them right and be a good dad and-” Utonium paused as he slowly braked at a red light on an empty street. Using one hand to stroke his hair stressfully.

“What about Jojo? Oh no...” Sweat formed on his forehead. Thousands of thoughts rushed through his brain. Utonium takes a hard gulp, slowly exhaling through his mouth. Waiting patiently for the stoplight to turn green.

Meanwhile, in Utonium’s living room, the girls were doing their own thing. Bubbles giggling, jumping on the couch cushions right next to Buttercup biting her fingernails. Trying to find a movie to watch on Netflix. Blossom on the carpet reading a book titled ‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell. Buttercup’s right eye twitches. Hearing Bubbles giggle. Jumping over and over and over and- Buttercup snaps, turning her head over toward Bubbles.

“When are you going to quit jumping like a monkey?! I'm trying to pick something here!”

“But I’m having fun! Jump with me!”

“No, thanks. Now shut up and sit down, please. I’m trying to find something to watch,” Buttercup smugly says.

“Let her be, Buttercup. She isn’t doing anything besides jumping on the couch,” Blossom said. Turning another page in her book.

“Think it would be better if she jumped outside on the snow instead!”

Bubbles stopped jumping and started questioning herself. “But I thought we were only supposed to stay inside the living room? We can’t jump on snow either.”

"Nah, trust me. I know we were just born, but we’re totally different from humans. We can jump on snow.”

“Oh, we can?” Bubbles tried questioning before Blossom cut her off. Putting a small piece of paper inside her book as a bookmark. “Buttercup, that’s enough. Don't listen to her delinquent antics, Bubbles. She’s tricking you.”

“Aw, c’mon! I wasn't going to actually let her go outside. Well, maybe a little, but I was just testing to see if she would actually fall for it.”

“Why would you try to trick me? That’s mean,” Bubbles said. Rubbing her eyes with her index fingers, she plopped down on top of the couch.

“I wanted to know how easy it was to trick you. In case someone worse would try doing the same thing. I don't want my sister being easily fooled.”

“So that’s your excuse?” Blossom questioned.

“Yes! I mean, no! She shouldn’t have taken the bait. You’re making me look bad.”

“Don’t worry, Buttercup’s right. She wants me to be more careful around strangers. So it’s okay,” a yawn came out from Bubbles. She turned herself around, grabbing a square pillow to rest her head on.

“See?” Buttercup said bluntly.

“Okay, okay. Only because Bubbles said so.” Blossom’s eyes began drooping. She took off the red bow above her head. Placing it beside her. “Can someone pass me a pillow, please?”

“Yeah, here.” Buttercup threw a rectangular pillow over at Blossom. Blossom catches it, neatly patting it down on the floor. “Thank you, Buttercup. Uhm, goodnight everyone.”

“Goodnight Blossom!” Bubbles shouted.

“Mhm, yeah, goodnight.” Buttercup mumbled under her breath. One by one, they all began closing their eyes. Twenty-five minutes passed by, and the front doorknob started to twist a few times. Making a small ‘click’ sound, the door immediately swung open.

Utonium held a pile of bags, nearly hitting the top of the door frame. He rushed inside, kicking the door behind him shut. Catching his breath with a shiver running down his body. “G-G-Girls, I’m sorry for taking so long. I heard the weather is going to be the worst this year. I shouldn’t have left you alone for so long,” he said. Placing the gifts down on the floor.

“Hello?” Silence echoed throughout. His eyebrow raised up as he began walking slowly into the living room. Noticing how peaceful the girls looked sleeping. He sighed, showing a smile. Utonium picked up the girls one by one. Taking them to his room upstairs, tucking them all in his bed.

Once he’d walked away. He said to himself, “I need to find him, that little critter couldn't possibly be gone without a trace...”

———————————————————

Monday, December 9th, 2024

Blossom slowly opened her eyes, noticing she was lying on a king-sized bed all by herself. Covered under a huge blanket. She pushed it off of her, the sun shined brightly through the window directly at Blossom’s eyes. Making her nearly go blind. She turned away from getting up, heading out of the room. Overhearing laughter coming downstairs.

Blossom walked down into the living room and then to the kitchen where the laughter came from. Seeing Utonium at the stove cooking pancakes and eggs while the girls sat next to each other on a high stool in front of a counter.

Buttercup’s hair was completely messy. Like a big pot of spaghetti. Bubbles' hair looked completely normal, though. Waiting patiently for her plate, except for Buttercup stuffing her mouth with pancakes and fluffy scrambled eggs.

“Good morning, everyone…” Blossom said. Walking towards a chair next to Bubbles.

“Shup! Oh wait, I mean ghood morning! Buttercup smiled. Her cheeks being puffed up.

Utonium chuckles to himself. Saying, “Good morning, Blossom. I'll get your plate in a second. Let me finish Bubbles’ first.” He grabbed two pans, plopping two big stacks of pancakes onto Bubbles’ plate. Then landed some fluffy eggs right on top of them. Trying to make a smile with dotted eyes. (Though horribly.)

He served the dish in front of her. “Thanks, professor!” Bubbles said. Scooping up a small piece of scrambled egg.

“I’m trying, but it’s sho ghood!” Buttercup's eyes sparkled with pride. Her cheeks turned red due to the flavor of- basically everything! Who knew that the professor was so good at cooking?

“I know my cooking skills are phenomenal, but I don't want you choking. So please slow down.”

“Mhm, yeah, I'll try not to!”

Utonium placed his elbow on the counter. His hand below his chin. Watching them eat, except for *gasp* Blossom. “OH RIGHT! Hold on, Blossom! I’m so sorry, how could I have forgotten about your plate even though I said I’d get yours?!” He screamed in fear. Running back at the stove.

Blossom tilted her head in confusion. “It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean to forget…Hey Professor, can I ask you something?”

“Sure! Go ahead.”

“Do you know where we are? Like in the whole world?”

“We’re in the city of Townsville. The big, beautiful state of New York.”

“The city with the Statue of Liberty right?”

“Yup! Well, technically it’s in New Jersey, but nobody likes New Jersey. Or Citiesville.”

“Okay. What day is-”

“December 9th, 2024, Monday, 9:32:37 A.M.! Food's almost done. Anybody want more?” Utonium asked in a cheery tone.

Buttercup covered her mouth from burping. Her whole plate was left in little pieces of crumbs. “Scuse me. No thanks, I’m so full right now.”

“Nuh-uh. I’m going to be full from all of this!” Bubbles gleefully said. After a little bit, Utonium finished cooking Blossom’s plate. Handing it over to her. “Alright, Blossom. Here you go.” Utonium walked away, going to the sink. Turning on the faucet. Blossom stabbed the eggs with her fork. Taking a small bite to taste the flavor of what occurred to be ‘shooo ghood.’

“Mmmm, wow. This is really good. I thought Buttercup was exaggerating.”

“Wait, you thought I was joking? Why would I lie about this perfect piece of food?” Buttercup burped again.

“I never thought you’d actually be serious. Especially after yesterday,” Blossom quietly laughed.

“Shut up,” Buttercup whispered back.

“Something going on between you girls?” Utonium asked before turning around.

“Nope, not at all! Blossom’s loving me a lot more than yesterday!”

“Yeah, totally. Seeing how quickly you slept yesterday.” Blossom giggled.

“Alright then.” Soon afterward, the girls finished their plates and carried them over to the sink. Once they sat back down, Utonium turned around.

“I'm going to tell you girls something really important. Since you seem to understand what your environment is around the house. I’ve decided that we should go out near downtown so you’re all familiar with Townsville.” He walked into the living room, patiently waiting for them.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Utonium cleared his throat. “C’mon. I got you all coats and some pants you can wear.” He opened up a small closet. “We're going winter shopping!”

The girls got dressed in puffy, furry, brown coats. Their hoods were above their heads and they got inside Utonium’s car in the back. Utonium went in the front, starting his car. Getting out of his driveway.

“Professor, look! There’s a house for sale right by us. Do you think we're going to get neighbors soon?” Bubbles pointed at a house directly nearby theirs. A big white sign spelling ‘SALE’ and a phone number right below it.

“In this weather, no. Probably once Spring comes back.”

They arrived at the mall after that conversation inside of the main entrance area. Utonium stopped dead in his tracks, checking all over his pockets. “Oh, this would be a perfect spot to take a photo. You all look so adorable! Let me find my…”

Buttercup's eyes immediately widened. She took off her fluffy hood, desperately looking all around her. Then there was her savior. She blurted out loud, “Why don’t we check out the toy store? Right, Bubbles?” Bubbles looked at Buttercup, then at the toy store.

“Oh yeah! Professor, can we go there?” Bubbles asked politely.

Blossom suspiciously eyed over at Buttercup. “Are you trying to-” Blossom tried asking, but Utonium cut her off by saying, “I guess I left my phone back in the car. Let’s just go.”

"Cool, see ya!" Buttercup ran to the toy shop. The others followed along. Inside of the toy shop were mini aisles scattered around. A bunch of plushies in the middle of the store, stored, *pun unintended,* inside a big cardboard octagon-shaped container. Blossom wandered around, searching for Buttercup. Bubbles ran at the cardboard box. Staring down at every plush.

“Is there something that you want?” Utonium asked, looking down at Bubbles.

“Uhm, I don’t know. Which one should I get? There's so many!”

“I'll let you decide on that. I can't make all of the decisions for you.” Utonium smiled.

Bubbles gasps. “Really? Okay, if you say so.”

Blossom finally found Buttercup, due to her hair sticking out like a sharp fingernail at the Play-Doh aisle. Blossom tapped her shoulder from behind. She turned around to face Blossom, showing an annoyed tone.

“Ughhh, What?”

“Nothing. You seem very eager to be here. I wonder why?” A smug crept up on Blossom.

“Yeah, because it seems pretty cool over here.”

“Right, right. It’s not like you were avoiding something earlier. Hold on, why do they make this stuff look like food when it isn’t edible?”

“I don't know? Why are you acting so stuck up? I don't know what you're on about, but I didn't do anything.”

“I’m not being stuck up. I’m only noticing how you became so scared! Maybe from some particular picture?”

Buttercup's eyes widened. Her voice became shaky. “Shut up already! So what if I didn't want a picture?! It's none of your business to be all up on my... business!”

“You’re a terrible liar, you know that?” Blossom laughed. Covering her mouth.

“So what? You got me over some stupid picture the Professor was gonna take. Can we move on?”

“Alright, I’ll quit, I'll quit. Only if we go over to the silly string shop next door.”

"Seriously? Ugh, fine. Let's go already then. This place is boring me." Buttercup said, rolling her eyes. The two began walking at Utonium and Bubbles near the payment counter, where Bubbles gave a purple, derpy-looking octopus to a cashier smiling so kindly.

“Maybe when we get back home, I'll remind him to get us one photo,” Blossom smirked.

“…I’m really close to socking your shoulder.”

The cashier handed back a bag to Bubbles. Waving goodbye to them once they left the cashier. Utonium looked over at Blossom and Buttercup, saying, “So you girls are ready to go then?”

“Yeah, we’re ready to go. Right, Buttercup?” Blossom tilted her head.

“Yeah, I’m ready. Nothing interesting here.”

“Okay. Where should we head off to then?”

“Let’s go to that silly string shop!” Blossom tried saying, before Buttercup yelled, “How about that silly string shop, right, Professor?" Buttercup’s teeth grated together.

It took Utonium a few seconds to try to figure out what to say. His face became puzzled. “Uhm, sure. Let’s get going, I suppose.”

“Can we go to the shoe store after?” Bubbles asked. Reaching out her hand to grab Utonium's tightly.

“Of course! Let’s make sure that we-”

“Thanks, Professor!” Buttercup and Blossom both yelled. Clashing next to each other while they ran. Utonium looked at Bubbles. Bubbles doing the same.

“What do you think is up with them?” Bubbles questioned.

“I honestly have no idea. Probably some sort of sibling thing. Oh well, what's the point of-wait-whoah!” Bubbles ran forward, dragging Utonium’s hand with such strong force.

“Bubbles! Could you slow down a little bit, please!?” So she did right in her tracks, quickly letting go of Utonium's hand.

“I’m sorry! Are you okay, Professor?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, sweetie. It’s that you seem way stronger than you look. Go on ahead. Give me a minute.” His voice shook.

“Okay!” Bubbles skipped along. Catching up with the two. Utonium began to question himself. How on god’s earth is a kid so strong?

After spending a whole day at the mall. Utonium tucked the girls into his own bed. Blossom at the left side, Bubbles at the middle, and Buttercup at the right.

“Are you sure it’s fine that we sleep here again?” Bubbles asked.

“I already told you it’s fine. You will all get your own bed soon.” Utonium chuckles.

“But we can’t just let you sleep on the couch again.” Blossom said.

“No buts. I love each and every one of you. Besides, there's going to be a special show airing tonight! Wait, what am I saying? Ahem! Love you.”

“We love you too, Professor,” the girls said. Utonium gave each of them kisses on their foreheads. He then got up and walked to the light switch near the door. Giving one last look at the girls. Before turning off the light switch.

———————————————————

Thursday, December 12th, 2024

“Are you sure it’s a good idea to even be here?” Buttercup asked nervously. Turning away from a school she was going to enter. Jogging away from Utonium and the girls.

Utonium tried to reply to Buttercup’s question but noticed her attempted escape. He extended his arm around 5 feet, grabbing right behind her hood. Pulling her back where she was at. “ACK!!!”

“Now, now, Buttercup. Remember what we talked about. If you want to have a successful career and not become like that guy who stores liquor in his pants, you have to be in this conference.”

“But, Professor-”

“What did I say about ‘no buts’?”

“But, Professor, you're rich for being a genius. Why can’t you teach us at home?”

“Because I’m busy with work. I don’t have time.”

“Why not hire a tutor?”

“Enough questions! Public school is perfect for you all to understand people and get educated at the same time. Simple.”

“…This is going to be embarrassing.”

“Buttercup, there’s barely anyone here.” Blossom said.

“Okay and? There’s still a few people here. Professor, please. Can all of us go home and talk about a different approach for learning?”

“We already discussed this before. Do I really need to explain it to you again, Buttercup?” Utonium asked.

“There’s still a small chance to convince you not to work though, right?” Buttercup shrugged her shoulders nervously.

“I’ll admit that no matter how many times I say no, you still try your hardest to change my mind.”

“So is that a yes?”

No,” Utonium said bluntly. Buttercup’s eyebrows furrowed, letting out a huge sigh before she dropped her head down in disbelief. They all went inside the school called ‘Pokey Oaks Middle School.’ A public school that was three stories high and nearly the width of two football fields.

Inside of the school were a bunch of Christmas decorations all over the place. And of course, who could forget about a huge Christmas tree near the attendance office? Nobody should!

A rectangular man in a gray-coated suit waited patiently near his office. He’d fix his glasses once he saw Utonium. Walking over to him, Utonium offered his hand for a handshake. Showing an awkward smile. “Hello, Kumar. It’s nice to see you again! It’s been a few months since we’ve chatted.”

“Nice to see you too, Utonium. I didn’t know you had kids,” Kumar firmly shook his hand. His face curiously turned over at three of the girls.

“I thought everyone knew? I guess I'm too caught up with my work.”

It's fine. Oh, where are my manners? Hello girls. I’m glad you'll be going here. After all, this school has the best ratings compared to any other place in Townsville!”

“Girls, say hi to Mr. Kumar. No need to be nervous.” Each of them looked at Mr. Kumar. Saying hi in their own awkward ways.

“Now come along then. Time to show you around the whole building.” Principal Kumar put his hands behind his back and started walking. Everyone followed him, going from different classrooms the girls were each assigned to. Principal Kumar kept yapping about how great his own school was. Explaining his accomplishments, who he is today. Which bored the girls out of their minds.

Suddenly, a sky-blue-eyed woman saved their day! She had short black hair, wearing a beige long-sleeved turtleneck sweater and jeans. She walked out of a classroom. Papers stacked on top in her hands. Going directly at the group Mr. Kumar was leading.

“Excuse me, Mr. Kumar! Mr. Kumar! I need to tell you something!” A soft, crisp voice yelled out. Everyone in the group looked directly at her. “Oh, hey, Drake. Nice to see you with that scarf I knitted for you last year.” She said but uttered a surprised expression when she looked down. “Uhh, wow. I didn't know you had kids.”

“Nice to see you too. Have I never told anybody about my girls? Hehehe.” He rubbed behind his neck. Showing some blush dimming on his cheeks.

“Ah, Ms. Keane! We were about to go directly into your room right after I was done talking about these amazing trophies the football team had won,” Kumar proudly said. His chest all puffed up next to the glass case displaying golden awards.

“As if we couldn’t die from boredom any longer,” Buttercup groaned.

“Cheer up, Buttercup! This place won’t be so bad. We could do a bunch of fun stuff here instead of being at home!” Bubbles gleefully remarked.

“Did you seriously make a pun? Ughhh, Like what?”

“We could go meet up at recess and swing around the hanging tire I’ve seen outside!”

“That’s recess! What about when all of us do work?”

“Hmmm… Blossom, do you know?”

“Hm? Oh, of course. What subjects do you think you would struggle with the most?” Blossom questioned.

“Math, uhh, history, music class, and reading.”

“Okay, let me give you a couple of ideas to help you to make it more fun! Math, you could use different types of methods to figure out the solution. For example, you could use a type of food that you really like and blah blah blah blah-”

Buttercup blinked slowly, her mind completely going blank. Her brain began feeling like a pile of mashed potatoes. She kept staring at Blossom even though she couldn’t comprehend all the talking that was going on.

One specific sentence snapped out of her mind. Ms. Keane cheerfully said, “I should get going already. I hope I see you soon, Drake. And you too, girls. Goodbye.” She headed off, going downstairs.

“That was nice of her to give out a quick introduction to us all. I didn’t even know you two went to the same school together back then.” Kumar said at Utonium.

“Y-yeah. Let’s hurry about this conference. It’s starting to get pretty late.”

“Of course, Mr. Utonium. Now about the 2012 awards…”

After one hour, Utonium and the girls made it back home safely, enjoyed dinner, and then Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup went right to Utonium’s bed to sleep on for one more day.

Utonium tucked each of them into bed. Buttercup whining along the lines of, “I can’t go to sleep! I’m going to be up all night thinking about this!”

“I think everyone is,” Blossom said back. Letting out a sigh.

“School isn’t that bad. Meeting new kids that have the same interests as you is perfect! Besides, tomorrow you all get your own room.

“Professor, what’s going to happen in school?” Bubbles asked.

“Just like what I taught you girls, but with more people. It’s not that bad. I actually used to go to the same school you’re all going to.”

“And what was it like?” Bubbles asked again.

“Well, for me. I used to be good. It was, uh, you know?” He cleared his throat. “You’re a lot smarter than I was back then. Remember, don't feel nervous, and the one and only rule we discussed before is not to-”

“Tell anyone we were made in a lab,” the girls all said.

“Good! Now goodnight.”

———————————————————

Friday, December 13th, 2024

The girls stood at the front entrance, staring at how many people were going inside. Making them more nervous.

“Maybe we should’ve reconsidered this? Anyone else agree?” Blossom gulped. gripping tightly on her backpack straps. Looking up, down, even around.

“I told you,” Buttercup groaned.

“There’s nothing to be worried about! Remember what the Professor said. We’re all going to be doing fine here!” Bubbles yelled.

“Can we go inside and talk about this? We’re going to freeze to death!”

“B-Buttercup’s right. Let’s hurry before our ears freeze off,” Blossom rubbed her mittens together. The girls walked inside. Seeing at least what they’d assumed, hundreds of students walking into the cafeteria or going into different hallways. All of them sighed in relief once they felt a warm gush of air overflowing them.

“So much warmer…” Bubbles hugged herself.

“…Less slippery,” Buttercup added.

“…And hungrier,” Blossom also added. Her stomach growled, feeling that emptiness rumbling inside. “Want to get some breakfast real quick?” The girls nodded, heading towards the cafeteria.

Language Arts. Nothing sounds better than, “YEEUCK, IS THIS MILK EXPIRED?!” Buttercup yelled. Sticking out her tongue at the 2% fat-free milk carton in her hands. Dropping it inside the trash can.

“I haven’t even opened mine yet. Are you exaggerating?” Blossom questioned confusingly.

“Don’t believe me? Check it out yourself!”

“C’mon, there's nothing to over-exaggerate, exaggerate about-AHyuCK!-” Blossom opened her milk carton. Revealing chunky bits inside, which she’d immediately dropped inside the trash can as well. Covering her mouth from her gagging. Tears watering down from her eyes. “You’re right. I need a minute. For myself-EHHH HYUK, pull myself together.”

“Are you sure you got the right milk? Mine isn’t so bad. See?” Bubbles drank her chocolate milk. Then showed it at Blossom and Buttercup. Looking perfectly healthy.

“HOW?!” Buttercup uttered loudly. Blossom dropped her mouth in disbelief while Bubbles drank her chocolate milk. Replying back by saying, “Maybe because this flavor is better?”

“Pfffft. Yeah, as if. Chocolate isn’t any better,” Buttercup huffed.

“Have you ever tried chocolate milk though?” Bubbles questioned.

“No. Hey, shouldn’t class start soon anyways?”

“Five more minutes Buttercup…you can wait for five more minutes,” Blossom uttered. Fully collecting herself from that…abomination. That ‘milk’ if you can even call it that.

Time passes for the three to introduce themselves in class. Everyone gossips about them as the school day goes by.

Once school ended, Blossom and Bubbles got out of their own final class together. Walking out the back entrance. Searching for where Buttercup was.

“Okay, Buttercup said to meet her here. See her anywhere?” Blossom tilted her head.

“Maybe we're the first ones here?”

“That’s not Buttercup. Something’s off. I'll wait for now.” A few minutes later. They heard yelling in the distance. More specifically, Buttercup’s voice in the middle of it. The girls looked at each other anxiously. Immediately running where she kept yelling at.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Blossom yelled out. Stopping dead in her tracks. Five taller, greener, differently shaped boys, all facing Buttercup and two other kids who looked defenseless. The green-colored boys all turned around to face Blossom, Bubbles hiding behind her.

One in the middle showed one bright shark smile. He had a skinny figure with a pair of black shades covering his eyes.

“Well, well, well. Look what we have here, boys. More little ass kids snooping around our business.” His voice had a New York accent, more so a nasally Italian accent. Chatters in the gang discussed whatta do.

“Who are you guys? Why are you bothering them?” Blossom finally yelled out.

“These jerks have been messing with these guys! I’ve been trying to make them back off before you guys came here,” Buttercup curled her mittens tightly.

“We’ve never seen the threes of you in this area before. So let me cut the chase for y’all. Name’s Ace, kids. And the’s rest of us are called the Gangreen Gang. Right Snake?”

“S-S-S-S-S-S, Yess Aceee,” he’d said. His tongue sounded like a sizzled snake.

“Ehem, and Lil’ Arturo. Do you think it’s smart of this little boy to try and stop us?”

“Hehehe, No.”

“Hold on, I’m not a boy! I’m a girl!” Buttercup shouted out loud.

“Oh, wow. I didn’t know they allowed boys to play dress up,” Ace said sarcastically, making the boys laugh out loud. Buttercup lunged at Ace, attempting to attack him, but Ace's hand held her head back. Making Buttercup’s arms reach out of range.

“So, Big Billy and Grubber. What should we do with these kids since no one’s nearby?”

“Duhhh… teach em’ a lesson!” Big Belly responded. Meanwhile, Grubber blew raspberries.

“Wait, stop! Okay, please stop hurting these people. Can we make some sort of deal?” Blossom asked.

“Hmm,” Ace hummed to himself. “I’m willing to spare you all for a couple of bucks. Something around $15.”

“Like we would do that! You two, run away from here.” Buttercup stopped swinging her arms. Looking down at the two innocent children.

“They’re going to kill you!” One of them shouted out at Buttercup.

“You really think they can hurt me? Just get out of here!” So they did. Thanking her before running away. Ace immediately turned impatient. Tapping his foot.

“Buttercup, stop it! I’ll pay him and we can go one about our day.” Blossom checked her pockets.

“No way! We’re not going to let these people tell us what to do!”

“Dohhh, should we go after them?” Big Billy scratched his head in confusion.

“Nah, leave them. We’re already in too much trouble with these ones. Especially the boy.”

“Excuse me?! I already said I do not look like a boy! At all! I should kick your butt right now for even saying that!”

Ace immediately laughs. “You know, you’re really lucky I didn't raise the price up about $35. Especially in this type of economy. Sheesh, they should make younger people run for mayor.” He picked up a bunch of snow, curling it into one big snowball. Throwing it at Buttercup. Directly hitting her face. Making her face completely red.

Blossom ran directly between the two. “Okay, we’ll give you $15! My sister didn’t mean that at all.”

“What are you doing, Blossom?! Stop getting in my way. I can handle this!”

“Just calm down. You know fighting against five people is impossible!”

“I-okay. I could’ve taken out the little one. Maybe even the big one!”

“Hey!” Big Billy cried.

“Here, take this and you’ll leave us alone.” Blossom handed Ace $15.

“A kid showing some common sense. I never thought I would see’s da day. Maybe you should be like her, girly boy,” he’d laughed again. The boys did too. Again. Buttercup really wanted to punch him right on his chin. Only for Blossom standing in front of her, no matter which way she went.

Ace and his gang all left. Fighting over who could hold that sweet, sweet money.

“They didn’t hurt you, right? And Bubbles, are you okay?”

“Yeah…I-I’m okay,” Bubbles answered.

“I’m not! You seriously gave those punks your money?”

“That was the only way to stop things from escalating further. I’m glad you managed to get those two away from danger. Only issue is you could’ve gotten seriously hurt!”

“I didn’t know snow hurts people,” Buttercup remarked.

“I can see you're flinching from pain. Don't act smart.”

“Stop arguing. Both of you helped each other in your own ways!” Bubbles shouted.

“I’m only saying my solution's better than hers! We could've easily beaten them up.”

“And how would that work out? Seriously, Buttercup?”

“I don’t know, Blossom! I'd rather get beaten up than ever dare to even give a penny to those freaks!”

“You’re not thinking logically. Look, it’s over. I’m glad everyone’s safe. I don’t want to see my sister being bruised up. The Professor is waiting for us.”

Buttercup started to tear up, her right eye twitching. She screamed at Blossom. Her mittens slowly dissolved from her hands when she kept yelling.

Blossom tried calming her down until then. A spark of green lightning flashed through Buttercup’s whole arm once she lifted it up. Hitting a light pole nearby, more precisely the lightbulb. Making the bulb pop like a balloon. Slowy, the light pole fell down. Luckily, nothing had been below it.

“I didn’t mean to do that, I swear! I’m sorry!” Buttercup apologized profusely.

Nobody said anything. No one could. Bubbles ran at Buttercup. Grabbing her hand, pulling her away from this sudden incident. Blossom had no choice but followed along as well.

Before anyone could have noticed what had just occurred.