Little Moments

Chapter 4: Heist

Megamind twirls lazily in his chair, idly wondering if he should add a few new butterflies to his walls while he waits for the evening news to come on. Of course, that would involve asking for something to paint with, and he's pretty sure he's still on the 'no extra privileges' list... Maybe Uncle Larry would be willing to sneak him something?

His thoughts on whether pinky promising not to use it to escape might gain him his desired supplies are interrupted by KMCP Channel 8 News finally switching to a report on his latest, brilliant scheme.

Miss Ritchi has never taken this long between his defeat and her account of it before; he's almost worried. Ah, perhaps she just needed extra time to figure out how to remain neutral about this particular plan? It was one of his best, after all! He can't wait to hear what she thought about it, he's bouncing with anticipation–

The reporter that comes on is definitely not Roxanne Ritchi. She's a lot younger, with blonde hair and tanned skin, wearing a dress that barely counts as not-a-shirt. Megamind stares in silent shock, not really listening, and starts to panic.

Where's Miss Ritchi?! He hasn't actually hurt her this time, has he? He's sure he hasn't, he took every possible safety precaution, she was absolutely fine when he last saw her. Maybe his buffoon of a rival messed up, somehow? Megamind growls at that thought, already mentally planning a bioengineered virus to make his old friend regret it if he did.

But, no, Metro Man is with the new reporter on the screen now. He looks confused at the switch, delighted over the obvious fawning of the newbie, disgusted at the obvious fawning of the newbie — none of the guilt or horror Megamind reluctantly admits he'd be feeling if he was responsible.

So, maybe she's just out sick? But she didn't seem sick, surely she would've said something if she was? Called a Timeout or at least asked Minion for some soup? She's not likely hurt nor sick, so what else..?

Oh. Megamind sags a little, not even reacting to the new reporter calling him a monster, as a third option occurs to him. Maybe she just didn't want to do the report. Maybe she was tired, or had something else to do, or... Found the plot too boring.

It doesn't matter, of course. She's allowed to not feel up to it, she doesn't have to be the one reporting. He just– he was hoping she had liked this plot, more than most. He really tried to make sure it was fun for her, he could've sworn her laughter seemed stronger than usual...

No matter, though. He'll just try harder next time. She doesn't have to show appreciation for his efforts, he'll never be mad at her for not behaving as he hopes. Just her participation in the Game is more than enough, for all of them, certainly more than he had ever expected from anyone.

Just so long as she's not bored of him the Game, then it doesn't matter who reports on it.

A series of shouts shock him out of his thoughts, drawing him curiously to the round window of his cell door. Minion isn't breaking him out already, is he? They don't have any plots scheduled, and he was really hoping to sneak a visit with his Uncles...

A guard who is not Uncle Larry and therefore unimportant (though he remembers Uncle Larry arguing with him a few times, so maybe he can be upgraded to 'threat') approaches his cell, being forced along by a cloaked figure. Megamind groans, not really up for being captured by another Villain (again). Or maybe it's a wannabe Hero? Eh, doesn't matter, they're equally annoying.

As the lock to his cell turns, Megamind drops back into a fighting position. Without weapons or anything he can use as such, he's admittedly not the best fighter — but damn if he's going to be taken without at least trying.

The door swings open to reveal the terrified guard. Before Megamind can do more than open his mouth, there's a flash of blue, and a small cube sits where the guard was just seconds ago. His eyes catch on a slender hand, red nails curled over the handle of a high-tech gun.

Wait, that's his De-Gun, who the Hell would steal his De-Gun? His mind whirs in a panic. How did they get his De-Gun, Minion had– is Minion alright?!

His eyes follow the hand as it travels upward, catching the brim of the red hood and pulling it down to reveal–

"Miss Ritchi?" He gasps, heading tilting in confusion. "What? What are you..?"

"Hey, kid." She grins, something angry mixing with the expression to give her an air of power. "You wanna help me rob a bank?"