"Eat Your Veggies..."
by Ed Becerra
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, which are the creation of Mutant Enemy and King Features.
Ethan looked on in curiosity, as the boy he'd just dared proceeded to pick through his collection, choosing a set of white duck pants, a blue shirt, a cap and a neckerchief, adding them to a few other small items.
"What, young man, do you expect to assemble from that?"
"You don't get it? I thought everybody knew him."
Ethan shook his head. "As I said, lad, if you stumped me, yet it was a legitimate character, you might have the costume for free. I AM stumped, but how will you prove the character is as justly famous as you claim?"
"Oh, that's easy. Got a piece of paper, some tape, a marking pen and a large can?"
Ethan frowned, and procured the requested items. He watched as the boy scribbled on the paper, then quickly taped it around the can like a label. Holding it up to view, the boy grinned.
"See?"
Ethan couldn't help but smile. The child HAD won the wager, fairly so. And the character in question WOULD add to the chaos, particularly if it had access to what it needed. Granted, it would be a force for Good, but Ethan had already empowered enough minor demons, ghouls and such for the other side of that equation.
"The costume is yours, lad. Wear it in good health. Particularly good health, if you remember to eat regularly."
Xander grinned again. "Thanks, Mr. Rayne!" He strolled out of the shop humming under his breath, and Ethan smirked as he recognized the tune.
Rayne enjoyed the last few fading bits of melody as his customer strolled down the block. Oh, yes. Tonight would be a night of True Chaos, particularly now that HE would walk the streets this night.
"... I'm one tough Gazookus Which hates all Palookas Wot ain't on the up and square. I biffs 'em and buffs 'em And always out roughs 'em But none of 'em gets nowhere... Oh, I'm strong to the finich...."