As Easy As... (3)

As Easy As... (3)

Riptide returned from scouting a minute later, his pitch-black board settling between the two villains.

"Alright, dudes," Riptide said, his body appearing as he stepped off the board. "That clock has a huge old bell inside. But I dunno what you would use it for."

"Like I said, a distraction," Dr. Zlo answered. The villain pulled out a small device from his inventory. "I made this for my last crime but never got to use it. It makes whatever it sticks to a big monster, requiring several heroes to stop it."

"Right on," Riptide said. "Want me to go stick it on now?"

"After we scout the interior," Sweet Dream said. "Switch over to your secret identity."

"Roger that," Riptide said, pressing the button on his menu.

Instantly his outfit changed, switching from his rashguard and reflective helmet to a Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts combo. Sandy blond bangs fell in front of Riptide's eyes, the villain blowing them away with a quick puff. Sweet Dream followed suit, her candy-themed dress replaced by sweatpants and a hoodie. Dr. Zlo raised an eyebrow.

"What?" Sweet Dream asked accusingly. "I don't always want to walk around in flashy clothing."

"I didn't say anything," Dr. Zlo answered, switching over to his own secret identity. The villain's signature suit, monocle, and top hat disappeared, replaced by a draping lab coat, jeans, and a polo shirt.

"And you gave me a look for my outfit," Sweet Dream sniffed.

"Let's just scout the area," Dr. Zlo huffed.

"Heck yeah, dudes! Vacation time." Riptide wrapped an arm around his two friends, escorting them inside the mall.

Sleepless City Mall's interior was like every old mall Dylan had seen in tv dramas. Large hallways separated the various storefront buildings inside the mall, massage chairs and assorted houseplants scattered around like haphazardly dropped items. In the middle of it sat a tower of elevators, the machines carrying passengers down to the shops below. A generic clothing store sat to the three's left, mannequins displaying simple outfits for mall-goers to see.

"I see some coats in there," Sweet Dream pointed.

Dr. Zlo clapped his hands, "Perfect. Riptide, head back outside and place this on the bell tower when I give the signal."

The villain pulled a small device out of his inventory, placing it in his friend's hand.

The Monsterfier

A small device built by the great Dr. Zlo! Once this invention is placed on an object, it transforms it into a giant and powerful monster. Effects may vary based on the object used.

Monster Mash (1 song)

Power Transformer (1)

Sciencium (15g)

The villain edged around the store, shuffling behind the shelves while pretending to look at the accessories. Pipes and hookahs made of reflective material watched Dr. Zlo move past, warping the villain's already thin body. Finally, Dr. Zlo made it under the security camera, next to a set of gaudy cigarette cases.

"Okay, I'm ready. Riptide, are you there?"

Riptide's eager voice spoke over the line, "Ready and rearing!"

"Alright, let's go."

Dr. Zlo closed his communicator, opening his menu and switching back to his villainous persona. The lab coat, polo shirt, and faded jeans fell away, replaced by the villain's signature look.

"Ah, much better," Dr. Zlo said as he adjusted his top hat. "I just don't feel like myself without the monocle."

The villain stepped out from behind the shelf, twirling his cane and nonchalantly walking up to the counter. The employee, a young man with facial piercings and ear gauges the size of Dr. Zlo's thumb, took one look at Dr. Zlo and paled.

"Come now, there's no need to act so scared," Dr. Zlo comforted as he laid his cane on the counter. The villain made sure the end pointed at the employee, no need to get complacent. "I only want a few simple itemscigarettes, nothing more. Of course, I'd like all of your stock. And put it on my tab."

The store employee gulped, "I-I don't think I can do that."

Dr. Zlo picked up his cane and placed it under the employee's chin, "Well, isn't that a shame. I'd hate to ruin a nice little place like this."

"L-Look," the employee stammered. "Sleepless City has more supers per capita than anywhere else. You can't think you'd get away with this."

Dr. Zlo leaned back and groaned, "Even simple shopkeeps say it now!"

"'You can't keep getting away with this!'" Dr. Zlo mocked. "Honestly. Does no one have any originality? You!"

The villain turned and pointed his cane at one of the men at the front of the store. The group, who, up until this point, paid no attention to Dr. Zlo, all turned in unison. A few of the men's eyes widened, realizing who was in front of them.

"Good, I see my reputation proceeds me," Dr. Zlo nodded. "I have a question for one of you. Don't worry, only one. The rest of you can leave."

The men all looked at each other in a panic, unsure of what to do.

Dr. Zlo rolled his eyes, "It's not a trap. I'm only going to stop the slowest one. So, you best book it."

Instantly the pack turned, save for one young man holding a defiant look.

"Well look at that!" Dr. Zlo exclaimed. "Someone wants to be a hero!"

"Let that man go," the young father said.

Dr. Zlo raised an eyebrow, "Or what?"