𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐀𝐑, COLBY MADDEN

1x14: Vials and Tribulations.

Y/N sat at the kitchen counter, absently stirring her cereal, the soft morning sunlight spilling across the table. She could hear the faint hum of the refrigerator, the distant clatter of dishes, and the occasional squeak of Colby's bed springs from upstairs. Colby was still asleep, the soft rhythm of his breathing carrying through the house, oblivious to the early morning bustle.

"Well, today is the big day," Vic said, striding into the kitchen, her hands full of gadgets and papers, a purposeful energy in her step.

"Oh, a little nip and tuck? Finally getting in shape? Getting even with your barber?" Eva smirked, leaning against the counter, arms crossed.

"If you're trying to hurt my feelings, it's working."

"A major viewing of the new principal," Vic said, giving a small dramatic bow. "Finally, gonna upgrade from substitute science teacher to full-time."

"Whoa," Y/N said, peering up from her cereal. "Do we have a say in this?"

"Yeah," Vic said, spinning around dramatically. "I think I speak for the entire school when I say that two days of you a month is plenty."

"Well, too bad," Vic said, shrugging. "Because I really want this, since I can't be Kraniac anymore and I can't use my superior intelligence for its intended purpose."

"Or failing students and rubbing it in their faces," Eva added, shaking her head.

"No," Vic said with a mischievous grin. "Inspiring the youth of tomorrow."

"Wow," Y/N muttered. "I didn't see that one coming."

"By showing them how smart a human can be," Vic added proudly. She held up a small vial. "Anyway, I did just complete my latest project. Check it out. If anyone ever discovers our villain secret, this is going to come in real handy."

Y/N raised an eyebrow. "Memory erase gas?"

Vic nodded, eyes gleaming. "Yeah. That's the last time I ever shape-shift into a couch cushion. When inhaled, this will temporarily erase every memory in a person's head. It'll give us a head start out of town before anyone can report us. I also created dizzy gas, sleeping gas, and truth gas—part of the clever gas collection by yours truly."

"I'm sorry," Eva said, exasperated. "Are you trying to protect us, or sell holiday gift sets at the mall?"

"Well," Vic said with a shrug, slipping the vials into her bag, "I'm gonna put these away and head out. I wanna get to the teacher's lounge before Ms. Billford snags the last bagel. I swear that woman could sniff out a pumpernickel from two towns over."

Y/N glanced at Eva. "I wish I had his confidence at my new job."

"I thought you liked working at The Round-Up taco truck?" Vic said, frowning.

"I do," Eva admitted. "But the manager wants me to work on my customer service."

"I'm sorry, but if you want your food fast, I ain't going to order it for you," Eva muttered scoffed.

"Oh, and to make matters worse," Vic continued, "there's a mystery shopper showing up today."

"What's a mystery shopper?" Y/N asked, tilting her head.

"A picky customer who comes in, evaluates our service, and reports back to management. The mystery is... you don't know who they are."

"So basically a tattletale who gets paid?" Jake asked from the doorway, holding a backpack.

"Exactly," Vic said, giving a small salute.

Amy huffed. "I struck out at the job fair. I lasted a day at the pizza place. I cannot lose another job." She inhaled sharply. "If I just make it through the second day, I know it'll stick."