I'M BACK! At least for now. Marching band really does take a toll on you after awhile. Tries to steal your soul and all… Anyway, enjoy!

"And the point of this training is?" asked Zak. He was in his heavier armored clothes. He was in a locked stadium like room. He looked around and saw cameras. This was going to be dangerous.

"To see the extent of your newfound ability," said Van Rook over a loud speaker. Zak let out a sheepish smile. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't curious about what he could really do if he learned to control himself. Then Van Rook would take him on more missions. Less time alone in the safety of the base. And more time living like a mercenary. Weird people, bad food, questionable water, and a whole new world of possibilities. Oh what fun!

"Alright! Bring it on!" Zak yelled with confidence. He couldn't see it, but Van Rook was smiling. After a few days back at the base his confidence was blooming like crazy. He hated to admit it, but in this respect, he acted like Doyle. Or Drew when she was younger and not married. Would Zak act like her one day? He thought for a moment. When Zak was younger he had used his blood to find out where he came from. But all that got him too was a government page. His parents were important. So why didn't they bother to find him? The government always had a way to find people. Even him.

He had been to jail a few times because of government agents, only to be busted out by Argost.

"Uh hello?" said Zak again, "I'm ready."

"Ah. Yes. Your first test," he said opening a door. Zak braced himself. Van Rook never believed in an easy test. 'Where's the fun in that?' he always said. And Zak would always laugh at an annoyed ex-uncle. Zak smirked. He saw two large eyes. Zak jumped as it lunged at him.

"A Waheela? I thought you didn't want to give me an easy one?" Zak remarked.

"The Waheela won the last round," commented Van Rook to Abbey who was watching with him. She let out a smile that the kid would then say something like that.

"So what's he supposed to do?" asked Abbey. She knew all too well. But Argost had paid her to get as much information on Van Rook as possible. He paid extra for a real voice recording.

"He's going to control it. Train it like a pooch with his powers."

"And you think his powers are what exactly?" trying to get him to keep talking. He sighed. His eyes closed slowly.

"Hell. From Kur himself."

"From Kur? That's ridiculous!" she laughed.

"No. It's not," he said looking at the monitor. He was using his powers to rub the belly of the Waheela. Like a small puppy, "He is too in tune with Crypitds. Not nature. Just the cryptic part of the world. Anything that would be in Kur's domain. Something isn't right."

Abbey hit the button of her recorder.

"I'll be back. Got to use the bathroom," she said calmly leaving the room. She walked into her room and emailed the recording. A few minutes later Argost shoed up on a video chat.

"Now did I hear correctly? That boy has a power to control cryptids?" asked Argost.

"Yes. I witnessed it first hand. It would seem as though distress is a trigger for it. But now that he knows about it, he's learning to control it. And he's learning fast."

"How fast exactly?"

"He found out a few days ago and is now giving a Waheela a belly rub like a small puppy."

"How interesting. I have a new order. One only you and the boy can deliver."

She shivered a bit at the comment. He wanted her to kidnap him and bring him to Weird World. She didn't care for the kid. But she hated going to Weird World.

"How much are you paying Argost?" she asked.

"I think a million dollars is right up your alley," he replied. She let out a sly smile. It was worth a million dollars.

"Will do," she said. She signed off and walked towards the training room. Van Rook and Zak had finished the Waheela training.

"Done so soon?" she asked.

"He catches on quickly. He is much more suited for a mercenary life," said Van Rook. Zak smiled at the praise.

"Well, when I really concentrated, it sucked. But if I just think about what I want, it comes naturally."

Abbey looked at Van Rook.

"Would you mind if I took him out training tonight?" asked Abbey. She was fully aware that Van Rook had night training with Zak.

"Ah sure. You good with that Zak?" he asked.

"Sure dad."

"Dad? I don't recall having gotten a girl knocked up eleven years ago."

"Soon twelve."

"Ah right. Your birthday is coming up. And dad?"

"You raised me better than that traitor."

Van Rook felt warmth in his chest. He always wanted a son. Doyle was more of a student, little brother, or annoying cousin. But Zak, he was defiantly a son.

"Fine. But don't expect an allowance."

"All right," said Abbey interrupting them, "Zak, meet me in the hanger at eight."

"Ah, eight. Could it be seven?"

"Want to train that badly?"

"No. I want to get out of my shower."

"Training at eight. Boy bathing at seven. No excuses," said Van Rook, "I don't need your stink lingering in the jet when we fly next."

Zak frowned. Van Rook laughed. And Abbey stood waiting. For the million dollar kid.

Okay that's all for now. Please review.