Dylan pulled the Zlomobile off to the side of the parking lot, checking again to make sure hed retrieved everything he and Jack needed. The clothes for the new Dr. Zlo line were in his inventory. Stacks upon stacks of black suits, pants, top hats, and more lay in their perfect squares.
Forget anything else? Jack asked.
No, were good, Dylan said. You ready to knock their socks off?
Ready to do that and replace them with the official Dr. Zlo branded merch, Jack said with a smile.
Dylan popped the Zlomobiles door open then swung around to open it for Jack.
My lady, he said with his best Dr. Zlo voice.
Oh, youre too kind, Jack answered, her voice taking on a higher pitch.
Dr. Zlo moved to the back of the car and popped the trunk, activating the Jacques-a-pult. The machine sputtered to life, launching a bevy of the faceless minions onto the pavement. They grew in moments, stretching out like Olympic athletes warming up for an event. One started running in place, ready to take on the world.
You lot! Dr. Zlo shouted. Our target today is the Aged Suede store at the end of the lot here! I want you to go in and remove all the clothing off their shelves! It is time for the world to learn of a superior sense of fashion!
The Jacques made various nods and salutes to their leader before marching off in unison. Once they reached the doors, they decided as one to enact the worst of Black Friday sales events. They rushed forward as a single unit, pushing past the NPCs walking out and clogging up the doors as they attempted to push and shove past each other.
Eventually, one or two Jacques were able to squeeze in, and they instantly went on a rampage. Two security guards attempted to stop the incoming tide, but a Jacques somehow got ahold of a purse and swung it upside the head of the guards. The Jacques then clutched the bag close to their chest like an old lady that didnt quite know what just happened.
The other Jacques all rushed past, grabbing shopping carts and baskets. Some jumped in the carts like children, pointing around at the various clothes and demanding to see them. Others made a beeline for various garments, grabbing entire bundles and tossing them in. Others just ran along the sides of the shelves with an outstretched arm, pushing everything into their respective carts.
Yes, excellent! Dr. Zlo cackled. Remove the offending overwear from their perches so that I! Dr. Zlo! Can sell a snazzier brand of clothing!
Ah, it does a body good to witness all this chaos, Ms. Tama said. She placed a hand on her cheek. If only my late husband could see it now. Im sure his heart would jump right out of his chest!
Indeed? Dr. Zlo asked. He seems like a rather apprehensive fellow.
Oh no, he always loved the little frights, Ms. Tama recalled. Tama, youll be the death of me! he would say. Oh, he had such a way with words.
Ms. Tama leaned over to Dr. Zlo. It was such a shame that his heart gave out on his birthday. He did so look forward to my surprises.
Well, perhaps you can act toward his memory, Dr. Zlo said. I feel the people here need a bit of a shocking!
Now, now! No need to act like this! Dr. Zlo shouted. You see, I bring gifts!
Dr. Zlo pulled sets of suits out of his inventory and tossed them to the NPCs.
I have noticed that many my future subjects dress in such drab and ill fitting clothing. Fear not! I have remedied this! What you see before you are my patented ZloClothes! Youll find they are breathable, light, but suspiciously good at keeping you warm. They are also adroit at keeping you cool in the summer! Yes! With ZloClothes youll never need another set of clothes! Which is why I have taken the liberty of removing such offending garments from the shelves. No need to thank me.
Where are the heroes?! shouted a guard that looked like every grizzled sergeant ever.
Ten seconds out sir! one of the guards shouted.
The NPCs all visibly relaxed, just in time to hear a rocking blues tune far off in the distance.
Who dares to play such an inopportune tune?! Dr. Zlo shouted.
A blur landed in the mix of cops with a bluesy strum. Another strum blasted the dust away, revealing a blue skinned alien with a pompadour and a bright white rhinestone suit. Pointed ears twitched in different directions, as if taking in the situation. A rhinestone guitar hung on a strap around the heros neck.
Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen, he said.
Its the Memphis Flash! one of the cops yelled. Were saved!
Alright everybody, Memphis Flash said. How yall doin tonight?
And who are you supposed to be? Dr. Zlo demanded.
Why, nothing more than a simple singer from outer space dedicated to bringing rock and blues to the world, Memphis Flash said. The hero strummed his guitar as if to emphasize his words. I heard tell of a ruckus going on at my favorite clothing store and decided to hold an impromptu concert.
Dr. Zlo scoffed. If you believe a simple concert will be enough to stop my genius, think again!
The villains monocle glowed a sharp blue as he shot his laser. Memphis Flash brought his guitar up and strummed. The simple chord echoed out in a wave that somehow completely negated the incoming laser.
Impossible! Dr. Zlo shouted.
The hero winked at the guards, causing many to blush. Lets leave the light show for a little later, alright?
Memphis Flash fingered a complex melody, which sent him moving past Dr. Zlo in a blur of light. He stopped in front of the store, his hand ready to strum a series of chords.