On the airship Doc, Drew, and their boys were having a web cam talk with Doyle, Van Rook, and Zon. After seeing that picture on the web the family was understandably concerned about Zak's well being. The sight of their son with the formerly extinct Nagas and sporting scales had nearly pushed Drew over the edge.
"It just doesn't make any sense. How in the world did Zak get mixed up with the Nagas? Dr. Paganastan's chemical formula should have eliminated them for good," Doc stated to the group. While the group was talking he was working on his consul trying to keep an eye on the SS and Argost activity.
"Well your friend failed, that's all there is to it. Right now we need to focus on what were going to do about the Mini Man. Van Rook and I haven't had the easiest time finding leads about Argost. My old nemeses Baron Finster told us before his untimely demise, that Argost got his money from him meaning that Argost lied about his past. If we found out where he came from it would give us an edge against him," Doyle said. He locked eyes with his sister. "Hey, sis keep your chin up. I'm sure that there's a good reason why Zak is with the Nagas. If there isn't we can always use that Epic of Gilgamesh you were looking for. Did you find it?"
"After our own epic battle against some of the Secret Scientist we manage to retrieve the epic from a grave in Greenland. Miranda upgraded Deadbolt again. His new laser system nearly blew up the whole thing. I was hoping to have time to translate more of the epic when the picture popped up. Now we need to translate it fast before the SS decide to hurt Zak!"
"I'll pound/bite/claw anyone who tries to harm Zak!" the cryptid siblings roared in the background. For the past five and half weeks they had been very concerned about their brother. Fisk had attempted numerous times to douse for the boy only to be mystically blocked. Zon and Komodo had asked every reptile relative they encountered for news on the boy, but they had been met with zipped lips. It was very frustrating that they couldn't find out anything about Zak.
"I would forget about the poem for awhile Drew. I just heard from some old contacts of mine that some strange activity has been reported in the Australian Outback. Lately some of the natives have been ranting about the creators and destroyers of the Dreamtime returning. It might be nothing, but I'll bet every payment I ever made that your kid is heading to the Australia to meet up with the Aborigines."
"How can you be so certain that the info you got from your old "friends" is reliable Van Rook? I will not go running on some wild goose chase to find my boy!"
"Drew, I think we should listen to Van Rook on this one. I brought up all the data on what's been going on in the Outback and the cryptid activity is unusually concentrated in a small area near Ayers Rock. I think we should go there. Even if Zak's not there, the Aborigines might be able to help us find him. We'll rendiview with you there in four hours. Remember travel as discreetly as possible. We can't let the other Secret Scientists or Argost find out our travel plans," Doc warned, as he programmed the navigation system. It looked like they were heading for the down under.
Unknown to the Saturdays their transmission had been hacked by the Secret Scientists. Bara, Grey and Deadbolt, Beamman, Mizuki and his pet, were aboard Beamman's ship tracking the airship when they managed to intercept the conversation. Beamman glanced over his shoulder at Bara, who looked to be in some kind of trance. "So Dreamer, is their any validity to what the crook was saying? Is Kur going to be in Australia or should we follow our other leads and head to Turkey?"
"Arthur don't interrupt David when he's searching the dream realm! You'll most likely get him stuck there," Grey chided her colleague.
"I never pegged you one to believe in Bara's mumbo jumbo. Aren't you the one who once said 'the facts and only the facts?"
"Is it possible for you two to not argue for two minutes? Honestly it's like watching an old married couple," Mizuki muttered under his breath. His tiger let out a low growl in agreement. Before the two of them could retort Bara came out of his dream state. "Dr. Bara?"
"The dream world is seriously agitated by something. I've never seen so many conflicting dreams. For a single moment I was connected with Kur's dream bubble. He's definently dreaming about the end of the world although I don't know if he's the one causing it. I was able to confirm he's going to Australia. I say we get there as soon as possible if we want to capture us a Kur."
"Then buckle up boys and girls were heading to the Land Down Under," Beamman said. As they headed off to Ayers rock, but unbeknownst to them Argost had hacked them.
"Well well Munya finally the little Kurling has made his presence known. Finally after all the traps I laid, all those broadcasts were finally going to find that pesky little boy. With my powers of persuasion I'm sure I can convince the little lad to come live with us in Weird World until I'm able to steal his powers! Munya follow that spaceship!" Argost cackled with evil delight.
At the moment Zak along with his Naga escorts and his faithful companion BG (the Beast). Zak could sense their apprehension as they marched across the red dusted land towards the community near Ayers Rock. Ever since they had returned from France his visions of the future had intensified, even coming to him when he was wide awake. None of Thaman's spells could decipher their true meaning. That's when Rana, who had been spreading rumors of Zak's supposed location in Turkey, had been informed them she had been contacted via some mischief cryptids called Bunyips, that a group of Aboriginals wanted to speak with Kur. They claimed they could help him with his visions so they had come to Australia riding on the Dreamtime Whale to meet them.
"My Lord, this is very risky. We should not have the left the safety of Bhogavatie. Hara, Anand, and I know for a fact that your family, the Secret Scientists, and the bastard are on their way here. Should they find you, I don't know what will happen," Rana warned him. The purple, green scaled female was concerned not only for her leader, but for her own position as well. Should she fail to keep Zak from danger she could lose her position and possibly life.
"Rana, I know you're concerned for my safety, but I need to speak with the shaman about my visions. Hara, I know you've been trying so hard to find info about Argost. It's not your fault that he's covered his tracks so well my friend. Maybe unlocking the truth of the visions will tell us what we need to know about him. Anyways I trust you three and BG here to protect me from harm. If unwanted company shows up you guys will just have to keep them busy. Now we're here. Please be on your best behavior, that includes you two," Zak addressed his familiars.
"Hey I resent that!" Kitchi-At'husis hissed angrily.
"Yeah we always behave ourselves! It's those poisonous death adders out here that you should tell to behave," Cercrops whined. A harsh glance from Zak shut him up.
The community of Aborigines, known as Gumitd, was waiting for him. They didn't bat an eye when they saw the Nagas or BG. They were all dressed in traditional clothes of red, black, and orange and had painted or tattooed themselves in honor of their visitor. A young teenage girl with tattoo markings of a lizard and long braided hair greeted them. "Welcome Zak Saturday, it is an honor to meet you. I am Bindi Dreamtime; it was my grandfather, Tijala, our shaman who arranged this meeting."
"I'm surprised that you guys wanted to even see me. I'm Kur, the destroyer of the world, king of the cryptids, bane of mankind. I'm the ultimate evil," Zak responded a bit sarcastically.
"My Lord that was rude! Apologize at once!" Rana commanded slapping the boy upside the head. They were still trying to gain an alliance with this group and offending them wouldn't help them at all.
Rubbing his sore head Zak gave her a lopsided grin. "Sorry, my advisor is right. I'm not use to people wanting to be around me. Ever since I found out my destiny might be to destroy humanity, most humans have steered clear of me."
"I understand Zak, but you must know we are not like most humans. My ancestors have lived near the holy Uluru (Ayers Roc) for centuries. We have great respect for the land and all the creatures that have come from the Dreamtime. You yourself are no different then Koala or Starfish."
"My granddaughter is right young man. As Tarrotarro the Giant Lizard told our ancestors when he separated the genders, and showed us how tattoo, evil comes in many forms. Kur is one name to describe an apocalyptical creature or monster from many different cultures. You have also been known as Fenris, a creature from Ragnarok or the Leviathan in the Bible. The names are too numerous to count," Tijala said, as he left his home and approached the group. He was an old man with gray hair, wearing traditional clothes with facial tattoos. By his side were two cryptids, a Bunyip and a Queensland tiger. Both bowed their heads in respect when they saw Kur.
"It's very nice to meet all of you. It's really great when they don't run away scared of me. Most people think I'm a monster."
"But you're not a monster are you? A monster wouldn't be trying to save the world. I know you have many questions young one and the answers you seek can be found in the Dreamtime. It was on a recent walkabout that I was told by the Rainbow Serpent himself to guide you on your path. Come with me, we must purify you first before you may enter the Dreamtime. You may bring your weapon, but the Nagas and dog will need to stay here. This ritual is a personal experience," Tijala explained. The Nagas and BG didn't like that and vocalized their protest.
"That's enough out of all of you! Silencio!" Zak chanted, casting a silencing spell over them, temporarily taking away their ability to speak. His Kur powers flared cloaking him in orange light. "I know you afraid for my safety and with good reason, but we are guests here! These people invited us to their home to help us and become our friends. So there is no reason to object to following their rules. Hara, Anand go with some of their warriors and scout the perimeter in case of trouble. Rana, continue negotiations with the Gumitd . If this is vision quest is successful we'll need all the allies in our fight against Argost. BG, you and the cryptids can guard the house while I undergo the ritual. Is that acceptable to everyone? Good, then let's get this over with."
"Rest assured my friends no harm shall come to your Lord. Our warriors will protect him with their lives. Our women will dance and sing songs to ward of anyone who would harm us both here and in the Dreamtime," Tijala assured them.
It took several hours before the purification was completed. First he needed to take a long bath in special spring water to wash away any impurities. Next he had to sit and breathe in sweet smelling smoke from the red gum tree to cleanse his spirit. Then they removed all his clothes except for his pants so they could paint the tattoos over his body. Finally he sat by the fire getting ready to drink a nasty smelling concoction that would help him enter the Dreamtime. "Ugh that smells worse then those Honey Island creatures. Are you sure this is necessary?"
"I am positive. The potion will allow your spirit to travel into the Dreamtime. When you enter be warned that time does not exist in this place. The past, present and future all occur at once so you will be confused by what you encounter. That is why I will go with you to guide you on your path. By working together we can unlock the truth about what your power has been warning you about it."
"Thank you Tijala for your help. I wish the Scientists were more open minded like you."
"The Secret Scientist are ruled by fact and logic young Zak. While they have opened their minds to the numerous mysteries left in this world their hearts are close off to the spirit of nature that is in all of us. Kur, in the past may have harmed the human race, but he also helped them."
"Helped them? How did he do that?"
"By attacking the ancient world he made humans learn to respect and work with it instead of using it for their own purpose. In return nature saw humans as way to pass on their legacy. A legacy told through conservation and story. My people are just one cultural example of this method. For centuries a balance was struck with both humans and nature existing together in harmony. However times have changed and many have forgotten to respect nature and preserve the harmony. As Kur reincarnated it is your responsibility to bring that back."
"That's what you were telling the Nagas when you brought them back," Kitchi-At'husis hissed. Cercrops agreed with his partner. They would be the last line of defense should someone come here looking for Zak.
"I thought I had enough pressure trying to master my Kur powers and learn magic. Now I have to be the ambassador between Mother Nature and the human race. I'm going to go gray before my thirteenth birthday next month. Alright is there anything else I should know before we do this?" Zak asked. Knowing his luck anything that could go wrong would.
"Once this ritual begins, there is no stopping it. Should someone attempt to interrupt your spirit and body could be separated permanently. Only once we have finished our walk in the Dreamtime can I safely guide us to our bodies. Also be warned that some creatures can hurt you in there if you're not careful. Should your spirit perish you will die for real. Do you still wish to undergo this ritual?" Tijala pressed. Zak nodded his head.
With a smile Tijala threw some crushed bones and plants into the fire causing it to leap into the air and turn a bright blue. The sweet smoke filled their nostrils and the music of the dirrabo horns relaxed the two of them. Tijala began chanting in his native tongue opening the path to the Dreamtime. With a signal Zak swallowed the bitter potion. Immediately Zak wanted to throw it back up, but he managed to keep it down. His eyes were glowing bright orange before darkening until they were almost the color of autumn leaves. With a rush of energy Zak found himself leaving his body behind and following Tijala into a rainbow ribbon of light, the metaphysical representation of the Rainbow Serpent one of the creator creatures. By passing through his mouth the two humans found themselves in the strange world that was the Dreamtime.
Zak blinked, trying to make sense of what he saw, but it was almost overwhelmed by what he saw. He was standing on a curving purple ribbon. The sky around him was orange and green. A diversity of shapes and colors could be seen hovering in the sky. Zak Kur senses were going nuts as he sensed the creatures darting about. As he tried to focus on the task at hand his memories/visions attacked him at once. He let out a cry of pain, but then it soon vanished as Tijala placed a hand on his shoulder controlling the stream of events he was seeing. "Thanks, I felt like my head was going to explode."
"The Dreamtime is confusing for anyone the first time they come here. Now take my hand and don't let go. I fear we may not have as much time as we originally thought."
Back in the real world the Saturday family had met up with Doyle and Van Rook. The group was stealthily making their way to the community. About a half a mile from the community they took refuge behind some rocks and started observing the community.
"I've spotted at least two species of cryptids. The Bunyips are causing a lot of mischief, but the natives don't seem to mind. Actually I'm surprised Bunyips aren't trying to devour them, because according to legend that's what they do. That Queensland tiger is a surprise. A rare marsupial cat with deadly claws and fangs that are suppose to be untamable, but they have it patrolling the edge of the group. I see that Beast of Gevaudin so Zak must be here," Doc whispered to group, after checking his cryptidpedia.
"The locals are performing a dance of protection. It's performed to protect the shaman when's he's on a journey in the Dreamtime so that his spirit can return safely. What's unusual is the number of hunters and warriors out about. They look like they're expecting trouble."
"Well, trouble is here isn't it? Now where the heck is Mini Man? I've done a thermal sweep and I still can't find the kid."
"Didn't I teach you anything when you worked for me? Look for your target where the least activity is, because that's usually where the big action is. My info red scopes see two bodies in the house over there sitting by a very hot fire. One of them is a child and my sensors are picking up a lot of unusual energy coming from the kid. I think we found your boy!"
"Then let's go get him!" Fisk shouted, Komodo and Zon agreed. Just then the group was bombarded by an array of boomerangs. They twisted around and saw a group of warriors accompanied by Hara and Anand were standing behind them. They drew their weapons to defend themselves, but another barrage of boomerangs knocked them away. Two hunters rushed in and used their rounded nulla nulla's, long club/staff weapons, to knock them out.
They awoke a bit later trapped in Hara and Anand coils. The sound of clap sticks and seed drums was beating in their head. When Bindi appeared with Rana and BG by her side the music quieted down a bit. "Rana, have your friends release the Saturday family. Warriors, please restrain them gently. Welcome Saturday family we've been expecting you."
"Release us at once! I don't know what tricks the Nagas are pulling on you, but they're here to harm you! All we want is my son!" Drew cried. She struggled in vain to free herself, but couldn't. The rest of the family was in the same boat.
"Typical humans, you think the world revolves around you. We are not here to harm the community. The Gumitd have agreed to assist our Lord Kur in dealing with his visions of the future. There is no need to be concerned Saturdays I assure you Kur has been safe with us," Rana informed the group.
"How safe can my son be in the company of a group of fanatics training him to take over the world?!" Doc demanded.
"Kur is not trying to take over the world; he intends to save it from itself. He has studied under his teacher Thaman in both academics and magical theory. He rules our kind with a gentle, but firm heart," Hara retorted.
"He wants a world were cryptids and humans can live in peace. He intends to fight for equality not domination. It is you and your friends the Secret Scientist who are the problem. Kur asked you to let him solve his own problems, but you insist on coming here and putting us all at risk!" Anand shouted.
"Good thing they did or we wouldn't have tracked you slimy snakes here," Dr. Beamman said, as the SS appeared at the edge of ton. The Australian cryptids and the Kur attendants let out growl of surprise and frustration at seeing them. The community raised their weapons in defense, but a roar from Mizuki's tiger made them hesitate. "We don't want any trouble here. Now put down your weapons and step aside. We have a monster to capture."
"The only monsters I see here are you! We asked the Nagas to bring Zak to us to help him. They haven't threatened us or harmed us in anyway like you are. Even if we could turn the boy over we won't. Zak is on Dreamtime journey and any disruption to the ritual could mean his death. If you refuse to leave calmly we will force you to leave!" Bindi warned her hand on one of the super sharp non returnable boomerangs. The groups were at a stand off neither side budging. That's when the final party decided to make its presences known. Balls of spider threads fell from the sky and it was thanks in part to Bindi's boomerang that it didn't capture anyone. "Show yourself coward!"
"Greetings and bienvenue my old friends. It seems that we all decided to take a little R&R in the Outback," Argost chuckled.
"ARGOST!"
"Leave this place at once bastard!" Rana hissed angrily. Next to her, BG barked threateningly at Argost, itching to rip the TV personality into a million little pieces.
"Now is that anyway to treat an old dear friend? I know why all of you are here. You Nagas are hoping to boost the boy's powers for your own gain right? While Mommy and Daddy just want their baby, but their sweet little colleagues intend to ice him for good. Personally I thought you be pleased to see me take the young Kurling off your hands. I, who know all the secrets of Kur, am the only one who can help him."
"Nobody here is harming Zak. You have all threatened our home and have tried to hurt our guests. That is an unforgivable offence. Warriors defend our home!" Bindi commanded unleashing the forces of her community.
A battle royal ensured. The Bunyip went after Miranda, Beamman, and Deadbolt trying to take them out of the fight. The two tigers were wrestling on the ground biting and clawing each other in a death match. Mizuki found himself squaring off against Doyle and Van Rook. Munya under siege by Hara and Anand. While in the meantime Argost was up against Rana who slammed her tail into him again and again trying to kill him. Doc and Drew were running amidst the chaos and the defending warriors trying to reach Zak. Meanwhile the cryptids siblings were trying to prevent Dr. Bara from entering the Dreamtime to go after Zak. Komodo and Zon rushed Dr. Bara, but he merely side stepped them throwing sleeping powder on them. He then got a lucky punch in taking out Fisk.
"Now, time to settle down and astral project myself into the Dreamtime. I can't let Kur find the answers to destroying the human race! Hmm hmm. Hmmmm," Dr. Bara started chanting. He gripped his totem tightly focusing his mental energy on the charm. After a few seconds he slumped over and his spirit was projected into the Dreamtime.
While the battle outside had been going on Zak and Tijala had made excellent progress navigating the Dreamtime. Zak had witness his past life as Kur seeing how he nearly destroyed the world. While he saw the acts of evil his past self did, he also saw the good he had done. Now they were closer to figuring out the visions about Argost. He saw Argost performing some kind of ritual with the Smoke Mirror, then he saw Argost in the past on the Himalayan mountains talking to an orange Meh-The, a subspecies of Yeti. Then the images showed Argots in the present ripping sections of Rana's skin off as he made his way to the house.
"RANA! I have to help her! They're getting hurt out there!" Zak shouted, trying to run away, but Tijala held firm.
"Rana and the others will be fine. Until you have completed the journey and find your answers, you're stuck here. Now focus your mental energies. You must let Dreamtime's power fill your soul. Take a deep breath, now release it. Center your Kur powers on Argost's spirit. Track it down and see the story unfold. The truth behind the images will come to you," Tijala instructed.
"I think that's enough of this funky party if you ask me. Stop right there Kur!" Dr. Bara's spirit commanded, pointing a dream talisman at Zak who was shocked to see him. "Well I guess its true, once a snake always a snake," he commented on Zak's scales and Nagamani jewel.
"What are you doing here Dr. Bara? How are you even here?"
"I'm the Secret Scientist of dreams remember? You think I don't know the mysterious of the Dreamtime? For instance, I know that by attacking your spirit here, your body will die as well. No more Kur!"
"Sir, you are conspiring to murder a child in the sacred realm of the Dreamtime! I urge you to stop before something bad happens," Tijala warned Bara, stepping in front of Zak.
"Back away! I'm not going to warn you again. Kur must be stopped! You don't know what he's capable of!" Bara screamed, images of his fears swirling all around him. The colors and shapes had darkened nearly vanishing. Zak was struggling to keep the timeline of Argost with him. Bara saw this and used the power of his talisman, sending a bolt of dream energy at Zak.
Tijala shielded the boy, letting power nearly kill his spirit. Zak watched in horror as he felt the man's spirit start to fade. The images of Argost were swept away. "NO! HE WAS AN INNOCENT HUMAN! HOW COULD YOU HURT HIM?!" Zak demanded, tears spilling down his face. Zak opened his mouth to voice a threat when a new power manifested itself. His orange filled eyes started pulling power from his physical body to his spirit. It then started manifesting itself above his head until it was a spirit creature. Bara stepped back as the creature attacked him forcing him out of the Dreamtime, but it didn't end there.
"Fools, they have unleashed Kur's power over the cryptid dimensions! Now his spirit will call force the Dreamtime beings to protect his body. This can't end well," Tijala whispered, as he struggled to his feet. He had to get Zak back to his body. If he didn't then the madness before them might never end.
Outside the battle had been going on for over an hour. Now when it seemed like it was nearing the end a whole new set of problems had arrived. Bursts of orange light shot out of the house and manifested themselves in the shape of creatures. There was Bobbi-Bobbie, the heavenly serpent and creator of the boomerang. The evil Dheeyabery, who had human fronts unformed flesh in the back were standing next to the Dhinnabarrada who were half human half emu. Giant Emus, Koalas, and Starfish appeared. The most dangerous of them all was the kangaroo Krantijrinja creator of many things. They all were pissed off and attacked everyone in sight.
"Looks like the little monster have shown his true colors at last!" Beamman shouted as they ran for their lives, dragging Bara's body behind him. The doctor was still unconscious from being forced out the Dreamtime so abruptly.
"Fools, the Dreamtime creatures are defending him because of you threatening to harm Kur! You are responsible for this mess not him!" Hara hissed.
"Doc, we have to get Zak while everyone's distracted. Come on!" Drew said, pulling her husband towards the house. She saw Argost also heading for the house and picked up speed. She powered up her sword intent on taking out Argost when Munya pinned them to the ground with his webs. "NO! ZAK!"
"Don't worry Drew, your boy will be safe with me," Argost chuckled entering the house. When he entered he saw that the young Kurling had created a protective orange barrier around him. Shooting out of his spiky head were orange lights transforming into Dreamtime creatures. "This is like taking candy from a baby," he whispered as he reached for the boy.
He pulled his hand back as the two familiars bit down. They refused to let go until he ripped them off and forcefully pulled Zak away from the fire. Big mistake, the resulting jolt of Kur energy sent him, Munya and the Secret Scientists back to their ships in a lot of pain. The Dreamtime creatures vanished back into their realm. Tijala came running out of the house with a teenage boy in a coma. The Saturday family tried to get to Zak, but BG blocked them threatening to eat any of them who came close to his master.
"KUR! NO Lord Kur! Why won't he wake up?" Rana demanded, as she cradled the boy to her chest. Tears were threatening to spill. The other Nagas came over to her and Bindi handed Hara the Claw with two slightly discombobulated familiars. Rana turned to the Saturdays with anger in her eyes. "Do you see what your interference has caused?! Your son asked you to leave him alone while he figured out his Kur powers. He wanted to save the world, believing it was his destiny handed to him hand by his family. Now thanks to you and other his spirit wanders unable to return to his body. If Kur never awakens it will be your fault!" With a final hiss Hara and Anand used their magic to teleport the group home leaving a distraught family wondering if they killed their son.