You slept peacefully for the first time in weeks. It actually felt good to be able to do so.

However, when you did wake up, it was by something wet on your cheek. Not only that, but you weren't alone in bed anymore.

That alone made you open you eyes to see what was going on. But to your surpise, you found a pair of brown eyes staring right at you. The pink fur also gave it away.

Y/N: C-Courage?

Courage lifted his head and his tail began to wag. You quickly sat up with a smile and hugged the dog. Courage was just as happy to see you.

Y/N: Hey, buddy! What are you doing here?

Liz: I figured I'd bring him back.

You looked over to the door to see Liz leaning against it. She had a smile on her face as well and she wore her glasses.

You began to scratch the sweet spot under Courage's chin which made him thump his leg in glee.

Liz: Everything should be here by tomorrow.

Y/N: Alright. Yeah, sounds good.

Liz: The Professor also said that we can skip out on dinner tonight. I agreed, only because I know you were there last night. I'm glad you were able to meet him.

He was an incredibly kind man. A very patient one, as well. He had to be to deal with all three of those girls every day.

You looked back to the dog and smiled once more. You were glad he was safe. You were even more glad that he was here now.

Looks like you got yourself a dog.

Power Up!

You shuffled your books around in your locker to try and find the right one you needed for class.

Now that you were a bit past your mourning, you went back to your hair gel and layers of clothing. Plus the leaves were officially orange and yellow so it was chilly.

You finally got the books you needed and closed your locker, only to find someone standing there.

You and Eddy stared at each other as everyone carried on about their day. While you remained with a neutral face, Eddy was smirking like a mad man.

You looked around for a second before turning your attention back to him. You then nodded.

Y/N: Hey.

Eddy: Hey, new kid.

Y/N: It's Y/N.

Eddy: I'm aware.

You both returned to looking at each other.

Y/N: Did you need something, or....

Eddy: How nice of you to ask!

Eddy threw an arm around your shoulder and began to lead you down the hall. He smelt kind of like a scrap yard. And he looked a bit like a conman. His hair was even slicked back with gel.

Eddy: You see, new kid, I can tell that you have a very special gift.

A special gift? Wait, did he know about your powers? How? This guy seemed like a moron.

You needed to throw him off quickly.

Y/N: What are you talking about? I'm the most plain guy here.

Notice the gel. Notice the gel!

Eddy: You can't fool me. I know what you can really do.

No. This cannot be how you get found out. Not by him. Anyone but him.

Eddy: I mean, who could possible befriend all three of those Powerpuffs? You have to have a way with words to do that. Your people skills are incredible.

A dazed look fell across your face as you stared at the short boy. Was he being serious? He couldn't be serious.

Y/N: What?

Eddy: I mean, it's obvious. Some of us have super powers, some of us have people skills, and some of us are incredibly skilled at ripping people off.

Y/N: And let me guess...

You finally broke free from his grasp and turned to him as you crossed your arms.

Y/N: You fall into the last category.

Eddy just snapped his finger and pointed to you.

Eddy: You catch on quick, new kid. You see, being able to trick idiots into giving me their money only gets me do far. I have product to move and things to get. I don't know if you've noticed, but me and my boys don't have the same skills that you do.

Where was he going with this?

Eddy: Double D is smart, but he's too weird in social situations. Ed is a bit of a block head, but he's strong. And me? Well, just look at this charming smile.

Eddy struck a pose and smiled widely. You actually cringed when you saw how messed up his teeth were. Did one of them have a cavity?

Courage's teeth were nicer, and that said a lot.

Y/N: Uh-huh. And what do you need me for?

Eddy: Right to the point. I like it. What I need you to do is, let's call it a favor.

A favor? You didn't even know this guy. You had literally met him the other day and only talked to him for, like, 5 seconds.

Y/N: A favor?

Eddy: Yeah. A favor. You see, we recently ran out of some supplies for our next batch of goodies. We have someone who can hook us up, but he's in the next town over. And we may have gotten banned from ever setting foot into the place he lives due to a....misunderstanding.

You raised a brow. It was all coming together now.

Y/N: You want me to go and get your stuff for you.

Eddy: Exactly! You get it. Of course we're still paying for everything, but we just need someone else to get it for us. No one really likes to help us.

Y/N: Yeah, cause it sounds like you want me to pick up drugs.

Eddy thought about it. He then made a face of realization.

Eddy: Yeah. I guess it kind of does.

He then shrugged.

Eddy: It's nothing like that. Just some gunpowder, fuses, and some other things we need for our new gimmick. It's nothing illegal. Trust me.

You rolled your eyes.

Eddy: And you don't have to worry. You'll be getting paid for it. How does $100 sound?

You suddenly popped your head up. $100 sounded pretty good. Especially for something that would be a breeze for you.

Maybe this favor isn't has bad as you thought.

Y/N: You know, maybe I can spare some time after school. Where is this place, anyway?

Eddy just lifted his hand. You handed him your phone and he put his number in it. He then sent you a text and handed it back to you.

You looked down at the address he had sent you and raised a brow.

Y/N: "Foster's"? Is this...

Eddy: A foster home.
-------------
Buttercup: Foster's? Yeah, I've heard of it.

Bubbles: Why are you asking about that place?

You were sitting on the rooftop with two of the Powerpuffs. It was your lunch break and you wanted to ask about this place you were going to. You just wanted to know more.

Y/N: I'm heading there after school for a....favor from a friend.

Buttercup: Who's this friend? What favor involves you going to some foster home? Especially that one?

You didn't know if you could tell them exactly what you would be doing. Judging by how Blossom reacted to the Eds the other day, you didn't want to cause any alarm.

Y/N: Just picking something up. I don't have anything else to do today, so I figured I'd help out.

For $100.

Bubbles: That's nice of you. But why Foster's?

You shrugged. You didn't need to know the details. You just wanted the $100.

Buttercup: Well, you want some company? I don't have much to do either. Maybe some backup could come in handy?

Maybe it could. Plus it would be nice to have some company. Especially since you were kind of going in blind.

Y/N: Sure. Bubbles?

Bubbles: I promised Ms. Keane that I would help her rearrange her classroom.

Y/N: Ms. Keane? I don't think I met her yet.

Buttercup: She was our kindergarten teacher. We still help her here and there. She's pretty cool.

You decided to take their word on it. You eventually rose to your feet and stretched a bit. It was a nice enough day.

Y/N: Well, I guess I'll see you after school. Wanna meet at your place?

Buttercup: I don't care. See you.

You headed back to the door to get back inside. You wanted to try and get something quick to eat. Something told you that this would be the last time for a while.

However, as you walked through the hall, you were unaware of someone watching you from around the corner.

The unseen person smiled.

???: Well hello, stranger~
-------------
You fixed your jacket before you stepped out of your room. You had your bandanna tucked into your back pocket just in case anything happened that may require you to use your powers.

On top of that, you decided to keep your hood up rather than put more gel in your hair.

The gel was supposed to be a part of the disguise, but it was really annoying.

Then again, your hair was so long that it constantly got in your eyes regardless. Maybe you should just cut it?

You'll have to figure it out later.

You grabbed your bag and walked out of your room, just as Liz walked in. However, she wasn't alone.

Liz: Hey, dorkus.

Y/N: Hey...ah!

You were suddenly tackled by an unseen force. You felt something wet on your cheek and realized it was a tounge.

Then, you realized it was a dog.

Y/N: Courage?!

Courage: <Y/N!>

You hugged the pink dog who was just as happy to see you as you were to see him.

Liz smiled at the sight of you petting him. You then looked up to her.

Y/N: What is he doing here?

Liz: Well, I couldn't just leave him out there, could I? Besides, a boy needs a dog.

You smiled before you looked back to Coruage. There was suddenly a knock on the window which spooked you both. Courage looked like he just about jumped out of his skin.

You rose to your feet and found none other than Buttercup, and Blossom? What was she doing here?

You Liz walked over to the window and opened it, allowing the girls to land inside the living room.

Blossom: Hey, Liz. Did you just get back from somewhere?

Liz nodded.

Liz: Yeah. Just some family business. What are you girls doing here? Where's your sister?

Buttercup: Bubbles is busy. But we're here for him.

Everyone looked to you. You just waved before Liz turned back to the girls.

Liz: What are you two going to be doing with my little brother?

Y/N: None of your business, Nosey Nancy. We're just hanging out.

Liz narrowed her eyes at you. But you just made a motion with your hand to assure her that this wasn't some attempt to play hero.

Though she didn't trust you, she did know that she couldn't question you in front of the Powerpuffs.

Liz: Alright. Just be careful.

You nodded. Buttercup and Blossom followed you to the door, but you stopped and looked back to Courage.

Y/N: Wanna come with, boy?

Courage hurried to your side. The girls never knew you had a dog. At least, you never mentioned him before.

Y/N: Alright. Let's go.
-----------
You realized quickly that Townsvile was an odd place. At least compared to the places around it.

Smallville seemed like a very peaceful place. The danger of monsters wasn't present. Maybe it was because of the shield around Townsville.

Y/N: So, not that I'm complaining, but why did you decide to tag along?

Blossom: I don't trust Eddy.

Buttercup: Sure. That's the reason.

Blossom was confused by her sister's words. You didn't even hear her. You were more focused on your dog.

It was crazy to think that you now had him back by your side. You loved this dog.

Though he was a bit weird at times.

Buttercup: Welp. We're here.

You all came to a stop and looked at the house before you.

Y/N: Huh. Well, it's, uh, colorful?

That was a big house. But was this really a foster home?

Buttercup: Alright. Let's get in here and get what we need.

Blossom: Yeah. Let's do that.

You didn't get why they were worried, but you did figure that it was best to just get the stuff and get out. Besides, $100 was still looking pretty good.

You all walked to the front door and knocked. As you waited, you looked down to Courage.

Y/N: Wait out here.

Courage just huffed and headed off the porch. He instead decided to look around the area for something to do.

The door opened and you all stood straight with smiles. Buttercup may look like a punk, but you and Blossom could pass as well mannered kids.

???: Uh, hello?

Y/N: Hi, ma'am. Um, I'm Y/N. I'm here to visit, uh...

You reached into your pocket and pulled out a piece of paper.

Y/N: "Mac"?

The woman sighed.

???: Let me guess. You're one of Eddy's friends?

Oh. So she knew Eddy. That could be...problematic.

Y/N: Well....

Blossom: We're just here to pick something up. We won't cause any problems, Ms.....

???: Foster. Frankie Foster. Just call me Frankie.

Y/N: Right. Uh, I promise that we won't cause any problems, Frankie.

Frankie just rolled her eyes and moved to the side. You nodded in thanks and walked in with the others. There were some kids walking around.

Among them was a tall kid who was missing an arm. There was also a large Latino boy who was reading a comic book next to a girl who had the craziest green hair you had seen.

All of them seemed pretty happy. That told you that they were being taken care of. Good.

You've heard far too many stories about the foster care system.

It was actually kind of weird to think that you could've ended up in a place like this. You were lucky enough to have family willing to take you in.

Although, it was pretty warm in here. Was the heater on or something?

Frankie: Mac should be in his room. Uh, head up to the third floor. Second room on the right.

Blossom: Thank you.

Frankie just bobbed her head and walked off to do something.

Buttercup and Blossom turned to you for what to do next. You looked towards the stairs and decided that you didn't want to stay around longer than you needed to.

Y/N: Come on.

You then lead the way.

You walked up the stairs with the two following. Once you reached the third floor, you followed Frankie's directions and came across a door. You then knocked.

The door opened almost immediately. Standing there was a boy wearing a blue shirt and had a pair of headphones on his head. He looked bored.

???: Yep?

Y/N: Uh, Mac?

The boy groaned. He then turned inside and looked at the other boy.

???: Mac! You have people here.

The boy walked away as the other boy looked up.

Mac: Stop yelling, Bloo. I'm right here.

The boy, Mac, looked over to where you and the girls were. He then smiled as he got up and walked over.

Mac: Hey. You must be Y/N.

Y/N: Yeah. And this is Blossom and Buttercup.

Buttercup: Yo.

Mac just nodded as a welcome. He looked like he was your age. Or, maybe a year younger? 

Mac: Cool. You got the money, right?

You nodded and pulled out the envelope that Eddy had given you. Blossom was surpised by this but she held her tounge.

Mac took the envelope and headed towards the bunk bed he likely shared with that Bloo boy.

Mac: Thanks. Also, sorry about Eddy sending you. The last time they were here they kinda caused some trouble.

Y/N: That's what he said. Do you guys always do stuff like this?

Mac: As often as I can. I like having the extra cash on hand in case someone needs it.

This caught Blossom's attention.

Blossom: What do you mean? Why would anyone need it?

Mac chuckled a bit.

Mac: Well, we're all foster kids. But we're still kids. Some times people like to go one dates or hang out or do something that requires cash. Sometimes our allowance isn't enough. I lend money out to people.

Buttercup: Like a loan shark?

Mac: Minus the violence. I just have them pay me back when they can.

He returned to the three of you with a paper bag. On it, written with marker, were the words "Not Drugs". Blossom looked at you unamused.

Mac: I don't really know what they do with this stuff, but they keep paying me so I don't really question it.

You put the paper bag into your backpack while Buttercup looked over to the game that Bloo was playing. She noticed a very familiar sticker on it.

Buttercup: Say, isn't that the new system?

Mac looked over. Bloo was too focused on his game to pay attention to any of you.

Mac: Yeah. We're borrowing it from some friends over in Cityvile.

Blossom: You got to that place?

Mac: It's closer than Townsvile. Plus, less monsters.

Why did they even care? What was in Cityvile? Or, rather, who?

Maybe you could ask them later. You didn't want to scare any of the kids.

Y/N: Well, it was nice to meet you, Mac.

Mac: Yeah, you too. Feel free to stop by anytime. Well, anytime before 8 PM. That's our curfew.

You shook his hand and headed out. Once you were back outside, you found Courage waiting for you on the sidewalk.

His tail began to wag back and forth when he saw you approaching. You kneeled down and began to pet him while Buttercup and Blossom looked back at the house.

Buttercup: You don't think...

Blossom: It's possible. You say the sticker, right?

This grabbed your attention. You slightly turned your head to listen.

Buttercup: If that's really where the Rowdys are, then maybe we should check it out?

Blossom: We can't. You know we can't. Besides, Cityvile isn't our place to act.

Buttercup: But we can finally...

Blossom: I want to just as much as you do. Trust me, I do. But we can't just go and beat them up. We're not 6 anymore.

Who were they talking about?

And why were they so scared of them?

You decided to worry about it later. You stood up and turned your attention to the two girls with a smile.

Y/N: Hey, do you guys have to be hole at a certain time?

They both shook their heads.

Y/N: Alright. You wanna get some milkshakes after I drop this off? As a thank you for coming along?
------------
You used part of that $100 to pay for those milkshakes.

Though, you did kind of laugh when you saw what they had ordered.

Buttercup got mint, and Blossom got strawberry.

There was now end to their colors.

Buttercup: I told you it wasn't drugs. The bag even said so.

Blossom: Who puts stuff in a paper bag labeled "Not Drugs"?

Buttercup: Not a drug dealer, that's for sure. Besides, do you really think Y/N would get involved with that stuff?

They've known you for a few days. How would they know if you did drugs or not? Heck, you got your powers from a chemical.

Blossom: I'm not saying he would. But Eddy does have a way of manipulating people. He could have tricked him into delivering drugs.

Did they really think you were that gullible?

Buttercup: Duh. That's why I went with him.

They really think you were that gullible.

Y/N: Guys, I'm not stupid. I wouldn't have gotten involved if it was drugs. Also, can we stop saying drugs? This is supposed to be a PG rated book.

The girls both muttered some quick sorrys before they went back into character.

Buttercup: So, you have a dog?

The three of you looked to Courage who was drinking his own milkshake with a straw. He realized he was being watched and stopped. He then laughed.

Y/N: Yep. He's a good dog.

Blossom: I like his fur.

Courage: <I like her>

You just rubbed his head.

Y/N: Oh, when is that dance recital? I would like to go if you don't mind.

Blossom: Of course! You're practically our friend by this point. Plus you've been to our house already. It's next Saturday.

Y/N: Oh, cool.

You began to tap your fingers on the table before you noticed some kids around your age putting some flyers up on a pinboard. Looking closer, you realized what it said.

Sea You Under The Sea!
Homecoming Dance

You knew it said more, but the Homecoming dance part and the bad pun were what really caught your eye.

Y/N: "Homecoming"?

The girls both perked up at the word. They followed your gaze and spotted the same flyer you were looking at.

Blossom: Oh, no.

Buttercup: Aw.

You looked at them both confused. Did they not like Homecoming? Maybe there was some bad history there. Or, maybe you found a pair of rare girls who utterly hated dances.

Even the bozo who wrote this story liked to get her groove on.

Y/N: Uh...

Blossom: Bubbles probably already knows. Our fate is sealed, my dear sister.

Buttercup: I'm not wearing another dress. I refuse!

Blossom: The makeup. The hair. It's all too much.

Buttercup: I can't dance!

Blossom looked like she was having an internal crisis while Buttercup looked like she was having a manic episode.

What the heck happened last year? You and Courage just looked at each other with questioning looks.

Suddenly, the two looked at each other shocked.

Buttercup/Blossom: WE HAVE TO FIND DATES!

Y/N: It's still a ways out. You two have time.

Courage just went back to drinking his milkshake.

Y/N: What's the big deal, anyway? It's just a dance.

Blossom: You don't understand, Y/N. Bubbles, she turns into this....thing.

Buttercup: She's scarier than any monster we've ever faced. She gets obsessed with these dresses and this makeup and she starts to read magazines.

Blossom: The magazines, Y/N!

Buttercup: And then we have to fight off every guy in school because they always want to ask us to the dance.

Blossom: So many rejections.

Buttercup: And then the dance starts!

Blossom: I can't do it again!

Y/N: Okay! Geez. I got it.

The girls both sighed and dropped their heads onto the table. Well, they were a pair in a group of triplets.

And no, I don't care if that doesn't make sense.

Y/N: I thought you guys were complaining about not having dates. But you just said...

Blossom: No no no. You don't get it. We want dates, but we don't want to go with anyone who just wants to go with us because we're superheroes.

Buttercup: Or looking to get lucky.

Blossom: We want to ask someone to the dance. Not the other way around.

That.....kinda made sense?

They didn't want to get asked to the dance, they wanted to do the asking. Because the people who asked them only wanted to go with them because they're superheroes.

Was this what their lives were like? It sounds.....horrible.

Thank God you had a secret identity.

Y/N: Well, I'm sure you two will figure it out. And as for your sister, how bad can she really be?

The door to the shop suddenly swung open, sending the bell above it right into the wall. The three of you looked over to it while Courage hid behind you.

Standing there was a dark figure shrouded in shadows. Only glowing blue eyes were visible.

Blossom: The end is upon us.

Buttercup: Please. No. I'm still young.

Bubbles: Homecoming is near.

Y/N: What happened to her voice?

Bubbles: We shall reign supreme in the Homecoming court. We will wear the finest dresses. We will dance the night away. We will have a magical time. No one will stop me from making this happen. No one will stand in my way. Anyone who tries, will feel my fury.

Even you were shaking by this point. Her voice....it was so evil.

Suddenly, Bubbles returned to her cute, happy self and smiled innocently.

Bubbles: So don't try to fight it, okay!

She winked while sticking out her tounge a bit. Her sisters just looked absolutely petrified.

Thank God your sister wasn't like that.

Bubbles: And Liz said that I have complete reign over you as well, Y/N!

YOU HAVE BEEN FORSHAKEN!

Courage just laughed at your misery as you somehow became roped into this Homecoming scheme.

There was no escape.

There was no use in running.

All you could do is accept your fate.