12. The Night of the Nasty Nostril Nuggets

CHAPTER 12 THE NIGHT OF THE NASTY NOSTRIL NUGGETS Melvin turned on the Combine-O-fron 2000. A high-pitched tone pierced the air, getting higher and higher in frequency as the machine charged to full power. "Oops," said Melvin as he quickly turned the Dramatic Effects setting to "off" so he wouldn't disturb his parents. Silently, the machine continued to charge as Melvin entered calculations to account for his clothes and glasses. When the laser extractor had finally warmed up, Melvin stepped in front of the Combine-O-Tron 2000, standing perfectly still beside his new robot.

Suddenly, two streaks of red glowing light flashed onto Melvin and the robot as the Combine-O-Tron 2000 began assimilating information on the two elements it was about to combine. Finally, a computerized voice started the countdown: "Combining buo elemenbs in Pive seconds." Melvin stood perfectly still. "Combining buo elemenbs in Four seconds." Melvin's nose began to twitch. "Combining buo elemenbs in three seconds." Suddenly, Melvin felt an uncontrollable urge. He cupped his hands over his mouth and nose as his eyes squeezed closed involuntarily. "A-a-a—" "Combining buo elemenbs in buo seconds."

"—A-Chooo!" Melvin looked down into his hands, which were now glistening with mucus and crusty chunks of semi-dried booglets. Instantly, the Combine-O-Tron 2000 began to recalculate the elements in its laser sights. "Combining three elemenbs in one second."

"THREE elements?" Melvin screamed in horror. "W-W-What's the THIRD ELEMENT???" Quickly, Melvin's eyes darted around the room, searching for any new element that might have accidentally made its way into the sights of the laser extractor. "WHAT'S THE THIRD ELEMENT???" he screamed again. Then he looked down into his crusty, dripping, phlegm-filled hands. "Uh-oh," said Melvin as a blinding burst of white light enveloped him.