Fusion and Iron

26. Science Fair Fumble

"I can't tell vhat's worse: how destructive my sister is vith my inventions or the fact that you want to steal them."

Dexter's voice echoed in the spacious room, bouncing off metallic chrome walls. His arms were crossed over his lanky frame, fidgeting with his lab coat while attempting to size up the man next to him. His fiery red hair hadn't been brushed in a while, and his glasses were slightly at an angle. There were dark circles under his eyes, indicating he was suffering from a significant amount of stress. His intense gaze pinned down the young man beside him, a foot tapping on the ground rapidly. He appeared to be calculating his next response like an overworked computer.

On the other hand, the taller man cleared his throat. "Stealing your equipment? For someone as 'brilliant' as you are, you really are paranoid. I have no interest in your childish toys! Besides, I have something much better in the works."

His presence was demanding, his demeanor frustrated and his mindset arrogant, the bright flood lights beat down on his sharp-angled face. A hand adjusted his round glasses, pursing his lips and narrowing his eyes. The young man could easily be seen by his pitch-black lab coat, being the polar opposite of Dexter's. He mimicked the scientist's pose by crossing his arms too, though took advantage of his height by towering over him.

"Childish toys? These 'toys' are the pinnacle of modern science! You vouldn't understand the complexities even if you tried," Dexter clenched his fists, knuckles turning white.

His opponent scoffed, "Oh please, like you can. Some of your greatest inventions came out of an interdimensional school notebook."

"Like you could even attempt it!" the scientist shouted, waving his fist in the air like an old man. "It is a huuuge hill to climb! Each page is a mathematical wonder, something your microscopic cranium cannot comprehend!"

The other scientist snorted, smirking. "Oh, I understand plenty, Dexter. I understand you're jealous of my superior intellect! You always have been!"

"Jealous of you, Mandark? Don't make me laugh! I've been working on projects that could change the very tide of this war, while you've been busy vith... what? Magnets?"

Mandark's smile faltered, his face turning a little red. He took a deep breath and voiced, "They are not magnets! They are electromagnetic forcefields!"

"WILL YOU TWO SHUT UP?!"

Blossom burst into the room, her fists firmly planted on her hips. Hovering slightly above the ground, she glared at them with a look that could cut through steel. Her presence immediately diffused the tension between the two boys, who turned to her, wide-eyed and genuinely frightened.

"How can two geniuses argue so much that they up sounding like broken records? You both are dumber than a couple of squirrels fighting over an acorn!" she continued, pointing an accusatory finger at them.

Mandark nervously lifted a finger, "U-Uhm, actually-"

"You leave Bullet out of this!" Blossom's eyes narrowed dangerously and cut him off instantly. "I'm not messing around with you both tonight. We're in serious trouble here!"

Dexter rubbed the back of his neck, sighing. "Sorry, Blossom."

"I apologize," Mandark followed, his confidence completely gone.

The red Powerpuff pinched the bridge of her nose. "Now if you two will quit bickering, we have a serious problem here in the lab. I just got off the phone with Buttercup."

"What did she say?" Dexter blinked, rubbing one of his eyes.

Blossom spoke simply, "There's a fusion here in the lab."

"What? That is preposterous," The scientist shook his head. "Dexlabs is one of the most secured places in Downtown."

Mandark crossed his arms, shooting him a side-eye. He didn't say anything, clearly holding back a retort.

"Buttercup says otherwise, and I'm not gonna get in her way unless she goes too far," Blossom crossed her arms. "She was pretty frantic about it."

Dexter sighed, fixing his red hair with a hand. "If there is a fusion in Dexlabs, it means our security has been compromised! This is a serious breach."

"Exactly. We need to act fast and figure out where it could be hiding. Can you lock down the labs?"

Dexter nodded his head rapidly. "Yes! I vill finally get to use a protocol that I've been waiting for!"

"Very well Dexter," Mandark uncrossed his arms, showing a subtle hint of curiosity. "Show us your little project."

Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved a small tablet and jammed his fingers on it. Holding up a hand dramatically he shouted, "Behold! The power of... security!"