Dylan dodged another staccato of incoming sound while he debated about what to do next. This second phase of the fight had thrown him for a bit of a loop. His most powerful invention wasnt working here and his laser kept getting blocked by waves of sound. His dueling gloves had the same problem everyone else had in that the incoming sound kept forcing it to dodge.
Boss, what do we do? Cass asked as he ducked an incoming wave. His hat, for some reason, didnt fall with him instantly, leaving a small gap between the minions head and the hats brim. The wave darted through the opening, ruffling a few hairs.
Im thinking, Dr. Zlo said.
We could let it tire, Ms. Tama said. Though I wouldnt wish to give up such a lovely workout. Mortally dangerous calisthenics are an important part of a balanced exercise.
Its a god, Dr. Zlo scoffed. I doubt he would get tired.
If we get close I could tell him off for you, hon, Mabel said. Two nymphs were holding her up, helping her avoid the incoming blows so she didnt have to work her old bones as hard.
Too risky, Dr. Zlo said. Theres no telling when hell perform a key change and surprise you.
Well, do you have a better idea? Mabel asked.
Give me a minute and I shall come up with an infinite number of plans! Dr. Zlo answered confidently.
Mabel rolled her eyes but nodded.
Dylan tried to think about what he had in his inventory. The Dramatizer might work, but it was unlikely considering that it did nothing to Apollo the first time he appeared. He also still had his Airblaster, the invention hed made to shoot pesky fans, but there was no way a concentrated blast of air would do anything.
When there was a short lull, Dylan opened his inventory and looked at everything stored inside. Other than the absolute mess of random materials, the player still had a hold of his portable force field and his gender bender gun. He also had his older items hed used before the upgrades. The force field could buy some more time, but Dylan couldnt see his first grand invention being useful here. Not unless he wanted Apollos head to become a soprano.
The thought sparked something in him. He turned to Mabel. Do you still have your sonic purse?
Of course, hon, she answered. Never leave home without it.
Excellent! the villain cackled.
He turned to Jack, the idea starting to form. How long do you need to craft a new minion?
My creations come to life once I have placed everything in their proper place, Ms. Tama said. But I would need considerable time to make it happen. And the ability to stay still for a moment.
Then today is your lucky day! the villain laughed. He pulled out the Airblaster and tossed it over. Mabel, hand our partner in crime your purse, will you?
Hon, I love ya, but telling a lady to give away her things is about as rude as it can get, Mabel said.
Dr. Zlo rolled his eyes. Fine. Mabel, would you please hand the purse to Ms. Tama?
Will I get it back? she asked.
Ill make you a new one, Dr. Zlo said. A better one. One with a radar for hunky men or something.
Mabel immediately tossed the purse over. Youd got yourself a deal, hon.
I need more than two pieces to make a masterpiece, Ms. Tama said.
Tonedef started to walk forward, and for a moment Dr. Zlo assumed the worst. Despite his inability to hear, Apollo could still turn the minion. However, even if that were the case, neither god nor villain would have guessed what happened next.
Tonedef joined the chorus, but there had been a reason Ms. Tama named the monster the way she did. As soon as it joined the song, things went downhill fast. Its voice joined the others, but instead of a melodic harmony, or a timbre, or even just a nice tone, a screeching sound came out of the speakers.
In fact, Dr. Zlo wouldnt even go as far as to call Tonedefs attempt at singing sound. Sound implied regularity. This was just noise. A screeching, terrible noise that acted like an unpracticed band member in an orchestra. The entire song fell apart in moments, the chorus unable to harmonize with the screeching cacophony trying its best to emulate them.
What is this? Apollos head said with a groan. What is this! How horrible! How atrocious!
Ms. Tama pursed her lips. Come now. Tonedef is trying his best. You cannot blame him for his lack of talent.
This is more than a lack of talent! Apollo shouted. This is an utter void where talent should be!
Youre very rude, Ms. Tama replied. An instructor should attempt to educate, not berate.
Apollos face upturned in anger. I am a god you mortal woman! I do not educate! I
Tonedef reached another crescendo of the song, the noise doing its best to emulate the impressive tones of O Fortuna. And it was impressive, at least. The tone part needed some work. Well, more than some work.
Dr. Zlo plugged his ears as the noise vibrated the air around them. The lute shook from the attack, its strings moving in an attempt to push the cacophony away. Tonedef continued its song without a care in the world, delving deeper into the singing role.
One string on the lute snapped. Then two, then three and four. Apollos head turned in horror. You maniac! Stop this thing from singing! Hes destroying the music!
He cant learn unless he practices, Ms. Tama said. She clapped her hands. Youre doing great, Tonedef! Im sure youll get there eventually!
Stop it! Apollo shouted. His voice boomed out toward the monster, temporarily halting the noise. The lute joined in, all their focus poured toward Tonedef as he did his best.
Dr. Zlo saw his chance then and readied his cane. He flew over to the lute and blasted it with flame. Apollo whipped his head around in surprise. The lute twanged as another string snapped.
You dare! The god shouted.
I never dare! I do! Dr. Zlo said. And now, you shall perish by my hand!
He fired his laser at the god, the head too close for it to dodge. Some power left the god, weakening his defenses and letting more of Tonedefs noise in. Apollo groaned at the cacophony as another lute string snapped.
It was at that moment Quartet jumped forward and snatched the lute out of the air. Dr. Zlo whirled in surprise.
Now, I control the music! Quartet laughed maniacally. He strummed the remaining strings on the lute and a portal opened up. The minion stepped through it, waving goodbye to Apollo who shouted in anger at the minion.
The anger vanished under the noise coming from Tonedef. The head dropped to the ground in pain, giving Dr. Zlo ample time to prep his disintegration spell.
Perhaps I should have warned you about Quartets traitorous tendencies, Dr. Zlo said as he fired. Well, no matter. For this day you have fallen to the genius that is Dr. Zlo!
Apollo roared in pain as the attack hit. The last of his body started to vanish, but before he was gone he looked at Dr. Zlo and spoke.
I will return! I swear!
The head fell apart into a pile of dust.
Dr. Zlo kicked it apart. And thus falls a so-called god.