The Lost Angel
By Cmd1
The Powerpuff Girls and all related characters and content are the property of Craig McCracken.
Prologue
When she opened her eyes, she observed her surroundings, a hospital room filled with strangers. She slowly moved her head to take in the unknown observers who were watching her, staring at her. The young girl lifted her arm and wiggled her fingers. For some reason she didn't understand, it seemed wrong.
"How are you feeling?" A male voice brought her attention to a young man, about in his late twenties. She blinked trying desperately to identify her inquisitor.
"Wh-who..?"
"I'm your father. Do you remember?"
"Yeah." She did remember. Cold hard facts seeped into her mind, names, faces of her relatives, the location of her home, her identity. A voice in the back of her mind screamed it was wrong but faded as if it were smothered by an unnatural force. "Um, why am I here?"
"You had an accident, but you'll be fine." The man whom the girl recognized as her father answered in a strangely unemotional voice. She watched the chestnut haired man turn towards a doctor to discuss her immediate future.
"Try to get some rest dear." A pretty nurse told her. "You'll be on your way home before you know it." The girl closed her eyes, ignoring the fading voice screaming that everything was wrong.
Chapter 1
Twenty Years Later
A red sports car sped down a seldom-traveled highway. Behind the wheel was the twenty-six year old, heiress to the world's most successful and largest company, Luceid Incorporated, Bethany C. Luceid. The company's success had been credited to the wise leadership of the Luceid family. The family was known for having only one child in each generation, each child was groomed to take over and run the company according to a strict, yet successful tradition. Bethany, know affectionately as B.C. to her friends and caretakers, was no exception. However, she wasn't just going to be handed the title of CEO, she was expected to work her way to the top.
"Power on." B.C. spoke activating the notebook computer resting in the passenger seat. She patiently waited for the computer to boot up and play the welcome sound, indicating it was ready for her commands. "Run Voice Player; play file 'lucassign.wav.'"
"Bethany, as you know the government is taking bids for the rebuilding of Townsville." The voice of her father emanated from the device. "Your assignment is to go to the city of Townsville and determine the feasibility of Luceid's involvement."
"In other words be worth our time and money, eh Dad?"
"You are to meet with the current Mayor, Sara Bellum, and determine the costs of reconstruction and the overall psychological status of the remaining citizenry."
"Only help those willing to help themselves, help those who are willing to repay, help those who will appreciate it. Standard Luceidian philosophy." B.C. muttered. "Looks like that must be it." Rising from the horizon, shattered buildings revealed themselves, a grim monument to the fallen city. B.C. knew the history mostly from the civic classes she took while at the Luceid private high school. Approximately twenty years ago, one of the child super heroes that protected the city was murdered. The father of the remaining heroes packed up his babies and skipped town. The police were so under prepared and incompetent that it didn't take long for all hell to break loose. The rioting and chaos was so bad that riot squads, SWAT teams, federal agents and the National Guard were called in to quell the pandemonium. There was even some speculation that the military had gotten involved. Tens of thousands were killed; many more had fled never to return to their beloved city. It was known as the worst civil incident in recent American history. The city had been left in shambles when it was all said and done.
After the riot, a firestorm of controversy erupted throughout the world. Many people began to question the wisdom of relying on super powered individuals for law enforcement and general protection. Politicians demanded that super criminals be treated as terrorists and a special prison was built especially for them in Antarctica. The Luceid Corporation developed a super power neutralization device to aid in the government's crackdown on super criminals. An island known to be teeming with monsters that attacked coastal cities was decimated in an international nuclear strike that was guaranteed to ensure that no life remained. However it wasn't enough, the United States followed by the European Union and eventually the United Nations, decreed super powers illegal due to potential threat. Former super heroes and some of the more radical civil rights groups protested but to no avail. The fall of Townsville heralded the tragic end of the age of real life super heroes.
B.C. pulled into the parking lot of a dilapidated motel. The only other vehicle was a rusted out pickup truck. A trio of filthy children happily played on the cracked pavement casting a curious glance her way before resuming their game. The rotted door to the main office gave a sickening creak as B.C. opened it. B.C. gave the dusty bell a ring to get some service. A blonde man about her age emerged from what B.C. could easily tell was a den of filth, and flashed a borderline menacing smile.
"How ya doin' gorgeous?" the creepy guy asked her.
"Uhh, fine." B.C. nearly shivered at the sight of the man. It wasn't so much the lack of cleanliness and basic civility that troubled her, but the smoldering flames of malice that burned in his deep blue eyes.
"Da name's Boomer, I run this joint. You another one of those corporate types looking to see if you want to rebuild this craphole?"
"Um yeah."
"Ha-ha, well at least you have enough brains to stop here rather than try to find some luxury place in the city like a lot of those stupid pricks." Boomer snickered. "Yeah, it may not be the Ritz but this is about the only place your gonna find to stay."
"Lucky me." B.C. muttered. "So were you here during the riots?" B.C. immediately regretted asking that question when she saw the burning malice in Boomer's eyes flare up to a raging blaze.
"Oh hell yeah! I was one of the rioters. Me and my brothers."
"Brothers?"
"Yeah, we were trashing the place and having a great time, til those army bastards capped Brick. Soon as that happened, I gave up, but not Butch. Dumb s.o.b. charged 'em and got blasted into a million pieces. Ha ha, not me though, yeah I was a lot smarter than that. That's right I'm still alive! HEAR THAT YA BASTARDS!! HOW YA DOING DOWN THERE BROS?!! WHO'S DA STUPID ONE NOW!!!" An enormous and irate red headed woman appeared suddenly from the back door and grabbed Boomer by the back of his neck and threw him back into the living quarters with a resounding crash.
"Yeeouch, ya nearly broke my neck ya fat bitch!"
"I'm going to do a lot more than that if you don't stop scaring away our customers, you moron!!" The piggish woman glanced at B.C. before giving her an accusing look. "You, I know who you are." B.C. only gave a perplexed look in return. "You're Bethany Luceid, right?" B.C. nodded in assent. "Yeah, I knew it. I used to be like you. I was rich once. Yeah, I had it all and then this goddamn city took it away from me."
"City nothin, you lost your money cuz you wanted to be a Powerpuff Girl, and had a big hissy fit and became a criminal when they said 'no.' Ha, you're lucky your ass isn't rotting in Antarctica."
"Not a lucky as you are, you jerk." The woman grumbled.
"You-You're Princess Morebucks?" B.C. nervously enquired.
"Yeah, that's me alright. I recommend you take the 'luxury suite.' It's $119 a night. It might be a lot but I got kids and this idiot husband of mine to feed, and as you can imagine we don't get too many visitors."
"Sounds fine." B.C. couldn't ignore the pleading eyes surrounded by the pig woman's red matted hair. 'Though you could stand to skip a few meals yourself there, jumbo.' she thought while signing the registry.
'Christ, I thought that Morebucks kid was an urban legend.' B.C. thought as she carried her suitcase and notebook into the hotel room. B.C. looked over the "luxury suite" and groaned. It was a basic room with an old TV and a dusty kitchenette, complete with a bed with an old magic fingers plugged into it. "Hate to see what a standard room is like." she chuckled. She tossed off her leather jacket and fell back into the bed in the center of her room, reflecting upon her own childhood memories.
B.C. had a relatively happy upbringing. Her father was Maxwell Luceid, one the wealthiest CEO's on the planet. Though he was usually busy, he did take the time to nurture his only daughter. When he wasn't there, her grandfather Bryant Luceid and her nanny and bodyguard Kay Scion were there to give the attention she craved. Despite her station, B.C. was expected to earn every luxury afforded to her as per the Luceid family philosophy. If she wanted anything, she was expected to pay for it with grades and hard work. Of course she complained but her father would always wink and tell her, "Nothing good in life is free, kiddo. Sooner you realize that, the better off you are."
In school, she was always the most popular student with both the teachers and her peers. She had always excelled at her studies, though she did have trouble with math. At sports she was an unstoppable force, whether it was soccer, field hockey or basketball she always the best player on the team yet she never allowed herself to dominate her teammates. Her fellow students loved her. While she acted shy at first, the many who got to know her found her to be a funny and charming individual. She loved to play pranks on the snotty girls and God help anyone she caught bullying. As she grew older, her raven black hair and soft green eyes caught the attention of the boys who attended classes with her. Her tomboyish flair only added to her charm. B.C. loved life and life loved her back, and not a day went by where she didn't thank God for everything she had.
B.C. grabbed her cell phone from her jacket, and rung up her boyfriend James Peterson, an up and coming programmer for the Luceid Corporation.
"Yeah, waddaya want?" A tired voice greeted her.
"Heh, nice greeting nerd."
"Oh, hiya B.C. You make it to Townsville alright?"
"Sort of, I'm staying in some piece of crap motel. I think the owner is one of those 'Rowdyruff Boys' they said helped trash the place."
"You're kidding! You do have your gun, right?" James was referring to the pistol B.C. carried with her as a last resort self defense.
"Yeah, I got it. Doubt he's any threat though. His wife has him on a short leash."
"He's married? To who?"
"Princess Morebucks."
"Holy Shit! The Princess Morebucks?"
"God you're a geek." B.C. snickered. James was a huge fanatic when it came to super hero history and comics.
"Yeah, yeah, by the way how did the new voice recognition system work?" James personally developed and installed the technology in B.C.'s notebook computer.
"It worked fine. Which means Hell is a having a fine winter right about now." B.C. chuckled.
"Ha ha ha." James replied drolly. "You're killing me. Look, just be careful, alright. I'd hate to lose the only girl in the world desperate enough to date me."
"You flatterer. Don't worry I'll be fine. Don't forget who kicked Ryan Baird's ass for you in middle school."
"Yeah, I know. Just watch yourself, okay? Love ya sweetie."
"Love ya too. Bye" B.C. hung up and dialed one last number.
"Luceid residence."
"Hi, Kirk, is Dad home?" Kirk was the family butler.
"Ahh, Miss Luceid, Yes I shall summon your father immediately."
After a few minutes her father answered, "Hello Beth, I trust your trip went well?"
"Yeah, I made to a motel on the outside of Townsville."
"Good, I've made arrangements for you to meet with Mayor Bellum at 10 o'clock tomorrow. So don't be late dear."
"I know, Dad."
"Are you safe?"
"Yes Dad, c'mon it's me remember." B.C. laughed.
"Just looking out for my little girl." B.C. giggled and wished her father good night.
Done with her calls, she went back outside. She watched the children play until Morebuck's screechy voice called them inside. As she watched sun set behind the ruined skyline she couldn't help but wonder why this place felt so familiar. 'Must be from the books from class.' She thought as gazed at the remains of the once great city. As she wandered back into her room, a small part of her doubted it was true.
By Cmd1
The Powerpuff Girls and all related characters and content are the property of Craig McCracken.
Prologue
When she opened her eyes, she observed her surroundings, a hospital room filled with strangers. She slowly moved her head to take in the unknown observers who were watching her, staring at her. The young girl lifted her arm and wiggled her fingers. For some reason she didn't understand, it seemed wrong.
"How are you feeling?" A male voice brought her attention to a young man, about in his late twenties. She blinked trying desperately to identify her inquisitor.
"Wh-who..?"
"I'm your father. Do you remember?"
"Yeah." She did remember. Cold hard facts seeped into her mind, names, faces of her relatives, the location of her home, her identity. A voice in the back of her mind screamed it was wrong but faded as if it were smothered by an unnatural force. "Um, why am I here?"
"You had an accident, but you'll be fine." The man whom the girl recognized as her father answered in a strangely unemotional voice. She watched the chestnut haired man turn towards a doctor to discuss her immediate future.
"Try to get some rest dear." A pretty nurse told her. "You'll be on your way home before you know it." The girl closed her eyes, ignoring the fading voice screaming that everything was wrong.
Chapter 1
Twenty Years Later
A red sports car sped down a seldom-traveled highway. Behind the wheel was the twenty-six year old, heiress to the world's most successful and largest company, Luceid Incorporated, Bethany C. Luceid. The company's success had been credited to the wise leadership of the Luceid family. The family was known for having only one child in each generation, each child was groomed to take over and run the company according to a strict, yet successful tradition. Bethany, know affectionately as B.C. to her friends and caretakers, was no exception. However, she wasn't just going to be handed the title of CEO, she was expected to work her way to the top.
"Power on." B.C. spoke activating the notebook computer resting in the passenger seat. She patiently waited for the computer to boot up and play the welcome sound, indicating it was ready for her commands. "Run Voice Player; play file 'lucassign.wav.'"
"Bethany, as you know the government is taking bids for the rebuilding of Townsville." The voice of her father emanated from the device. "Your assignment is to go to the city of Townsville and determine the feasibility of Luceid's involvement."
"In other words be worth our time and money, eh Dad?"
"You are to meet with the current Mayor, Sara Bellum, and determine the costs of reconstruction and the overall psychological status of the remaining citizenry."
"Only help those willing to help themselves, help those who are willing to repay, help those who will appreciate it. Standard Luceidian philosophy." B.C. muttered. "Looks like that must be it." Rising from the horizon, shattered buildings revealed themselves, a grim monument to the fallen city. B.C. knew the history mostly from the civic classes she took while at the Luceid private high school. Approximately twenty years ago, one of the child super heroes that protected the city was murdered. The father of the remaining heroes packed up his babies and skipped town. The police were so under prepared and incompetent that it didn't take long for all hell to break loose. The rioting and chaos was so bad that riot squads, SWAT teams, federal agents and the National Guard were called in to quell the pandemonium. There was even some speculation that the military had gotten involved. Tens of thousands were killed; many more had fled never to return to their beloved city. It was known as the worst civil incident in recent American history. The city had been left in shambles when it was all said and done.
After the riot, a firestorm of controversy erupted throughout the world. Many people began to question the wisdom of relying on super powered individuals for law enforcement and general protection. Politicians demanded that super criminals be treated as terrorists and a special prison was built especially for them in Antarctica. The Luceid Corporation developed a super power neutralization device to aid in the government's crackdown on super criminals. An island known to be teeming with monsters that attacked coastal cities was decimated in an international nuclear strike that was guaranteed to ensure that no life remained. However it wasn't enough, the United States followed by the European Union and eventually the United Nations, decreed super powers illegal due to potential threat. Former super heroes and some of the more radical civil rights groups protested but to no avail. The fall of Townsville heralded the tragic end of the age of real life super heroes.
B.C. pulled into the parking lot of a dilapidated motel. The only other vehicle was a rusted out pickup truck. A trio of filthy children happily played on the cracked pavement casting a curious glance her way before resuming their game. The rotted door to the main office gave a sickening creak as B.C. opened it. B.C. gave the dusty bell a ring to get some service. A blonde man about her age emerged from what B.C. could easily tell was a den of filth, and flashed a borderline menacing smile.
"How ya doin' gorgeous?" the creepy guy asked her.
"Uhh, fine." B.C. nearly shivered at the sight of the man. It wasn't so much the lack of cleanliness and basic civility that troubled her, but the smoldering flames of malice that burned in his deep blue eyes.
"Da name's Boomer, I run this joint. You another one of those corporate types looking to see if you want to rebuild this craphole?"
"Um yeah."
"Ha-ha, well at least you have enough brains to stop here rather than try to find some luxury place in the city like a lot of those stupid pricks." Boomer snickered. "Yeah, it may not be the Ritz but this is about the only place your gonna find to stay."
"Lucky me." B.C. muttered. "So were you here during the riots?" B.C. immediately regretted asking that question when she saw the burning malice in Boomer's eyes flare up to a raging blaze.
"Oh hell yeah! I was one of the rioters. Me and my brothers."
"Brothers?"
"Yeah, we were trashing the place and having a great time, til those army bastards capped Brick. Soon as that happened, I gave up, but not Butch. Dumb s.o.b. charged 'em and got blasted into a million pieces. Ha ha, not me though, yeah I was a lot smarter than that. That's right I'm still alive! HEAR THAT YA BASTARDS!! HOW YA DOING DOWN THERE BROS?!! WHO'S DA STUPID ONE NOW!!!" An enormous and irate red headed woman appeared suddenly from the back door and grabbed Boomer by the back of his neck and threw him back into the living quarters with a resounding crash.
"Yeeouch, ya nearly broke my neck ya fat bitch!"
"I'm going to do a lot more than that if you don't stop scaring away our customers, you moron!!" The piggish woman glanced at B.C. before giving her an accusing look. "You, I know who you are." B.C. only gave a perplexed look in return. "You're Bethany Luceid, right?" B.C. nodded in assent. "Yeah, I knew it. I used to be like you. I was rich once. Yeah, I had it all and then this goddamn city took it away from me."
"City nothin, you lost your money cuz you wanted to be a Powerpuff Girl, and had a big hissy fit and became a criminal when they said 'no.' Ha, you're lucky your ass isn't rotting in Antarctica."
"Not a lucky as you are, you jerk." The woman grumbled.
"You-You're Princess Morebucks?" B.C. nervously enquired.
"Yeah, that's me alright. I recommend you take the 'luxury suite.' It's $119 a night. It might be a lot but I got kids and this idiot husband of mine to feed, and as you can imagine we don't get too many visitors."
"Sounds fine." B.C. couldn't ignore the pleading eyes surrounded by the pig woman's red matted hair. 'Though you could stand to skip a few meals yourself there, jumbo.' she thought while signing the registry.
'Christ, I thought that Morebucks kid was an urban legend.' B.C. thought as she carried her suitcase and notebook into the hotel room. B.C. looked over the "luxury suite" and groaned. It was a basic room with an old TV and a dusty kitchenette, complete with a bed with an old magic fingers plugged into it. "Hate to see what a standard room is like." she chuckled. She tossed off her leather jacket and fell back into the bed in the center of her room, reflecting upon her own childhood memories.
B.C. had a relatively happy upbringing. Her father was Maxwell Luceid, one the wealthiest CEO's on the planet. Though he was usually busy, he did take the time to nurture his only daughter. When he wasn't there, her grandfather Bryant Luceid and her nanny and bodyguard Kay Scion were there to give the attention she craved. Despite her station, B.C. was expected to earn every luxury afforded to her as per the Luceid family philosophy. If she wanted anything, she was expected to pay for it with grades and hard work. Of course she complained but her father would always wink and tell her, "Nothing good in life is free, kiddo. Sooner you realize that, the better off you are."
In school, she was always the most popular student with both the teachers and her peers. She had always excelled at her studies, though she did have trouble with math. At sports she was an unstoppable force, whether it was soccer, field hockey or basketball she always the best player on the team yet she never allowed herself to dominate her teammates. Her fellow students loved her. While she acted shy at first, the many who got to know her found her to be a funny and charming individual. She loved to play pranks on the snotty girls and God help anyone she caught bullying. As she grew older, her raven black hair and soft green eyes caught the attention of the boys who attended classes with her. Her tomboyish flair only added to her charm. B.C. loved life and life loved her back, and not a day went by where she didn't thank God for everything she had.
B.C. grabbed her cell phone from her jacket, and rung up her boyfriend James Peterson, an up and coming programmer for the Luceid Corporation.
"Yeah, waddaya want?" A tired voice greeted her.
"Heh, nice greeting nerd."
"Oh, hiya B.C. You make it to Townsville alright?"
"Sort of, I'm staying in some piece of crap motel. I think the owner is one of those 'Rowdyruff Boys' they said helped trash the place."
"You're kidding! You do have your gun, right?" James was referring to the pistol B.C. carried with her as a last resort self defense.
"Yeah, I got it. Doubt he's any threat though. His wife has him on a short leash."
"He's married? To who?"
"Princess Morebucks."
"Holy Shit! The Princess Morebucks?"
"God you're a geek." B.C. snickered. James was a huge fanatic when it came to super hero history and comics.
"Yeah, yeah, by the way how did the new voice recognition system work?" James personally developed and installed the technology in B.C.'s notebook computer.
"It worked fine. Which means Hell is a having a fine winter right about now." B.C. chuckled.
"Ha ha ha." James replied drolly. "You're killing me. Look, just be careful, alright. I'd hate to lose the only girl in the world desperate enough to date me."
"You flatterer. Don't worry I'll be fine. Don't forget who kicked Ryan Baird's ass for you in middle school."
"Yeah, I know. Just watch yourself, okay? Love ya sweetie."
"Love ya too. Bye" B.C. hung up and dialed one last number.
"Luceid residence."
"Hi, Kirk, is Dad home?" Kirk was the family butler.
"Ahh, Miss Luceid, Yes I shall summon your father immediately."
After a few minutes her father answered, "Hello Beth, I trust your trip went well?"
"Yeah, I made to a motel on the outside of Townsville."
"Good, I've made arrangements for you to meet with Mayor Bellum at 10 o'clock tomorrow. So don't be late dear."
"I know, Dad."
"Are you safe?"
"Yes Dad, c'mon it's me remember." B.C. laughed.
"Just looking out for my little girl." B.C. giggled and wished her father good night.
Done with her calls, she went back outside. She watched the children play until Morebuck's screechy voice called them inside. As she watched sun set behind the ruined skyline she couldn't help but wonder why this place felt so familiar. 'Must be from the books from class.' She thought as gazed at the remains of the once great city. As she wandered back into her room, a small part of her doubted it was true.