Chapter 7: Smoke and Mirrors

The stage was bright and foreboding as Professor Utonium stepped out into the light. He looked up into the audience and saw a wall of eyes looking back down at him, holding him for judgement. They were some of the best minds in the world, and they had all gathered to hear his plea for help.

This was the culmination of two years' worth of research and untold suffering under Kare's wrath. He remembered how his own son fell victim to the menace and suffered. Yet thanks to that event, the professor had the breakthrough he needed.

Clearing his throat, Utonium stepped up to the podium prepared for him, and began to speak. "Good Afternoon, Ladies and gentlemen, and thank you all for responding to my invitation. Most of you are aware of the plight that befell the city of New Townsville. Over the past two years, my city has been ravaged by a terrible and ancient being. Long thought vanquished, the demon Kare terrorized the city, and left his malice to spread and consume many innocent civilions. Those who have suffered under his influence, exhibit increased aggression and extreme deformity, such that they transform into eldritch abominations, capable of destruction and terrible mischief.

"Lately, a rift has formed between the unaffected citizens and the so-called monsters. Victims of the plague also become victims of prejudice. Even those who desire a normal life are treated like pariah in their own city. Many are fired from work and kicked to the streets. Even worse, many of the cursed have turned to more desperate ventures to support themselves and their family. I fear that one day, this feud will tear Townsville apart. This is the reason that I called you here. With your help I hope to find a cure and end the growing divide."

"Just a moment!" A high haughty voice interrupted Professor Utonium's lecture, and a tall lanky man stood up from his seat. A spotlight fell on him and revealed him to be a blonde-haired man with thick rim spectacles and a long queue, like those worn by the Chinese during the Qing Dynasty. He smiled roguishly at the Professor and said, "All this talk about demons and curses sound like excellent material for a fantasy novel! Surely you did not come here to bore us with such nonsense."

Silent murmuring erupted throughout the crowd, and many seemed to be in agreement with the interloper. Utonium only smiled. That objection was not at all unexpected, and he was ready for it. "Thank you, Mr..."

"Hardly, Professor Richard Hardly."

"Yes, Thank You, Professor Hardly," said Professor Utonium, "You make an excellent point. Truly, none of you should be taking me seriously had I not had any evidence to support my wildest claims," He smiled. "But as you will see, I do have evidence."

He snapped his fingers, and three aides appeared, rolling in a large white cart. On top was a single large bell-shaped glass jar with a glass knob. Inside this jar were thousands of black particles whizzing around like flies. The jar rattled loudly as the particles struck the glass, trying to escape. Wild mutterings turned into rumblings all through the audience again.

To Utonium, they were as sweet as music.

"These are Dark spores, animate particles that radiate dark aura. They are capable of infusing with a person, animal or object with dark aura, transforming them into grotesque creatures. Right now, they are kept in this jar and insulated by a layer of chemical Z, but if I open this jar, they will fly out and turn you all into 'Monsters'."

Once again, professor snapped his fingers, and the bell jar was taken away.

"Ladies Gentlemen," he said, "I believe that these species are the key to our solution. I call upon you all to help me develop this further. I hope that by the end of this month, we can develop a cure. Thank you."

With that, Professor Utonium stepped off the stage amidst thunderous applause

The staff lounge looked as promising as Professor Utonium collapsed onto the tweed couch. So far, the conference was a success, as he had probably convinced a dozen or so scientists to remain on his team. The rest would either deny his presentation as a hoax or they would remain skeptical of his new discoveries. He would know for sure on the morrow.

Sighing, he raised himself a little and turned on the TV and switched to a news channel.

"We come to you live, reporting on a high speed pursuit currently underway on our city streets. A fleet of police cruisers are chasing what looks to be four small but agile motorcycles. What's more, it appears that the riders are none other than the Gangreen Gang! Only hours ago, these monsters held up the city stock exchange for reasons currently unknown."

"I am here at the city hall to talk to the mayor about this new, troubling development. Let's see what he has to say."

Mayor Mayer grimaced as he walked into the press conference. Swarms of reporters erupted from their seats and began shouting questions. The mayor raised his hands and motioned them silence.

"Mr. Mayor, what do you make of this development? Cried one reporter, "Have you any idea what they are doing?"

"Well, I haven't got a clue why the gang were there," said the mayor, "This situation is highly unusual. It is the first time any monster has done crimes of this magnitude."

"What do you mean?" asked another reporter, "Do the monsters not always terrorize the city?"

"Yes, but all of those past incidents were mere tantrums against some slight of injustice. Before this, they only participated in shoplifting and disorderly conduct. This is much different."

More voices erupted loudly for answers, but the mayor stood.

"I will take no more questions. I thank you for keeping Townsville within your hearts. Good bye."

And so, he retreated from the podium and wormed his way out the door, amidst an avalanche of journalists.

When the mayor got back to his office, he slammed the door shut and slumped against him. He watched as the chase continued broadcasting behind his chair. The magnitude of his failure mocking him on the city surveillance system

At this moment, Ms. Bellum appeared from the secret war room. As she closed the concealed entrance, the mayor asked, "Have you hear any news yet?"

"No, there is no sign of them anywhere. I can't seem to contact them."

Mr. Mayor winced. "What do you mean? Have they gone rogue? Why now?!"

"No, I don't think they're rogue," Ms. Bellum replied, "I think that they're just ignoring all communication. I don't know why, though. Maybe they are being pursued."

The Mayor gnashed his teeth. This was the worst news yet. Had they been spotted? Suddenly, there came a loud ringing. He lurched forward and reached for the phone.

"Hello?"

"Mayor-sama, it's me!" Ms. Keane's voice came over the line. She sounded terribly agitated. "There's something wrong," she said, "I haven't heard or seen from the girls for a while!"

"Have you seen the news?" asked the mayor, "The Gang is fleeing for the bridge! Where are the Powerpuff Girls! They should be flying overhead, but I can't see them!"

"I don't know," said Ms. Keane, "For some reason, they've gone off for something else, and they've refused to answer my calls."

The Mayor groaned. "I understand," He said at last, "Give me a momment and let me think. I'll call you back." He hang up. Kuso, where the heck could they be!

He sauntered back to his chair and collapsed into it. Everything had gone wrong, and the delicate balance he had worked so hard to create was falling at the seams.

He thought back to earlier, when this whole affair began. The drop had gone off flawlessly, and those three made it inside safely. Nothing had gone wrong until after they were leaving.

...Right when the girls arrived.

A cold icy dread seeped into his heart, and the mayor wheeled around to his monitors. His eyes scanned for the screens, silent for a moment. They, he gave a cry of distress.

"There! I found them!" He pointed at the far right, the camera watching the business district. He saw them: three boys dressed in red green and blue, running over the rooftops, exiting the screen. They were pursued by the Powerpuff Girls.

A/N: This chapter is fairly short, but it is chalked full of exposition. I hope you like it.

Next chapter will be coming soon, and will cover most of the Girls' exploits. Stay tuned for more!