The Nightmare Factory
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Chapter 3
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"Argost wants WHAT?" Drew snapped.
"It's completely outrageous. In my opinion he's already had Zak one week too long. The fact that he wants an extension..." Doc shook his head, rubbing his temples. "Question is, what do we do now?"
By the way Drew looked at him, Doc feared that he already knew the answer.
"What is there to do? You heard what he said. If we try and rescue him, or even find out where he is, he'll be killed!" She wiped the tears from her eyes, trying not to lose her composure.
"As much as it hurts me to say, all we can do is wait."
Doc sighed, "That's what I was worried about." They embraced, neither of the heartbroken parents speaking a word.
The somber silence was broken by the ring of a phone.
The pair looked to each other, slightly puzzled. Not many people call their landline. This time, Drew went to answer, raising an eyebrow at the unfamiliar number shown on the screen.
"Drew Saturday speaking."
"Drew? It's Doyle! I just got your-"
"Doyle?! Where the hell have you been? We called you hours ago!"
"Look, it was a bad time when you called, and-" A loud crash could be heard in the background, followed by silence. He continued speaking in a hushed tone. "And, frankly, it's still a bad time. What's going on? I heard something about Zak, but there was a lot of static in the message, so I couldn't make it out."
Drew took a deep breath, preparing herself for his reaction."He... he was taken by Argost."
"What?!" Doyle exclaimed. Then he gasped, silencing again. "Close call," He muttered before continuing, "How did it happen? Is he alright?"
"It was during the raid to rescue Fiskerton. We rescued Fisk... but he took Zak. And if we trust what Argost says, Zak should be alright."
"What's the plan?" Drew smirked. 'Of course, that's the first thing he thinks of.'
"There is no plan." Despite Doyle's objections, Drew continued. "Argost said that if we try to save him... he'll be killed".
Drew grew worried when there was no response. "Doyle? Are you there?"
A minute passed before there was any reply. "I think I finally lost the goons tailing me." He sighed, "Man, Argost! I knew he was off his rocker, but still... I guess I should of known. He's ruthless; I learned that much from the time I worked for him."
"So... you think he would go through with his threat?" Drew's voice wavered, fraught with concern.
"I don't know... I just don't know."
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"To answer your question, we are in Africa." Argost spread his arms out, as though advertising the sparse and lifeless landscape.
"That wasn't what I asked. It's great that I now know where I am, but what am I doing here?" Zak was starting to get frustrated again. 'What's Argost's deal? Other than the obvious, of course.'
"Have you heard of the Mngwa? Otherwise known as "The Strange One"?
"Yeah, that Tanzanian cat cryptid? What about it?"
"That's what we're after."
Zak's eyes widened as he shook his head, "No! Are you nuts? The Nunda(1) is a notorious man-eater. That thing will claw your face off before you can even-"
Argost chuckled, "That's why you're here. Your powers can calm cryptids, no?"
Zak still wasn't convinced, "Even so, you really expect to be able to capture it? Even with my powers, that's nearly impossible."
"No, I won't need the entire cryptid for my purpose. I only need one of its fangs."
Zak thought for a moment, and Argost thought he saw a hint of confusion on the young Saturday's face.
"Don't tell me... you're trying to find out why I need the Nunda's fang, aren't you?" When he didn't answer, he gave an overexaggerated sigh, as though he was mocking him.
"If you don't now my purpose by now... then you're much dumber then I thought you were."
Zak slapped his forehead in disbelief. It had just occurred to him. "A key to Kur..." It was so clear now. How could he have been so stupid? 'This is Argot we're talking about. What else would he be after?'
"But not just any key to Kur. The final key to Kur."
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It was midnight.
Drew sat up on the edge of the bed, careful not to wake the man sleeping beside her. She got up, ambling in the darkness. Eventually she reached her destination. The study.
There was a picture in a frame propped up on the bookshelf. She took it from its perch, setting herself on the armchair's edge. Looking at the photo in her hands, she allowed herself a smile. It was a picture of Zak and Fiskerton, four years ago. They both had silly grins on their faces. It was a more innocent time. A better time.
'Where did it all go wrong? Zak's been kidnapped and there's nothing I can do about it.' She began to shake, tears sliding down from her cheeks and hitting the landing on the glass frame. That was before they allowed Zak to participate in missions. Before they found out the truth of Zak's powers.
"My baby boy..." She whispered, sobs wracking her slender frame. "My Zak..."
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(1): "Nunda" is another name for the Mngwa, as is "The Strange One". Yep, it's a "real" cryptid, albeit unconfirmed.
I hope you enjoyed that chapter! R&R!
-UltimateShipper2009