Chapter 11

BACK AT SCHOOL...

"... And if you take your work seriously, he won't be a ghost organization," Mark retorts, but the man remains calm. "Supreme Global Defense operates undercover; we are not the police, nor are we a government agency. We are an independent global-scale crime-fighting unit," the man explains. "I assure you, we have been monitoring S.A.B. Labs for some time now. We just haven't had the opportunity to seize them and put an end to their sinister activities. But with your help, perhaps your team's assistance, we will have the chance to bring them to justice and put them behind bars where they belong," the man elaborates. "So, what do you think about this, Mark?" he inquires, awaiting Mark's response patiently before they are interrupted by someone.

"Luck?" Mark calls seeing his friend, "Bale?" Now he is perplexed. "What's happening guys, and why is Bale here? I thought you are supposed to be with Malik on your patrol."

"Something happened; Malik got trapped. Something was watching him; he needs your help. We have to leave now, or we will be too late," Bale explains, out of breath, disregarding the unknown man in the black suit.

Mark become troubled hearing his friend is in ultimate danger. He has to think fast, act quick.

"I would like to offer you my assistance. You can't do this alone; let Supreme Global Defense fight this war with you," the man proposes. Mark nods in agreement. "By the way, you can call me David," he introduces himself finally.

When Bale is away, Malik is rendered unconscious with sleeping gas and carried away by unseen individuals. After a few minutes, he regains consciousness and finds himself shackled like a prisoner in a highly secured room. He tries to use his powers, but he is shocked to realize they are not working. Horror fills his soul; his life is at stake.

Shortly, the room's door opens, and Dr. Abu enters, followed by a woman in a tight costume, equipped with dangerous weapons and a gaze that can zip life out of someone.

"Looks like our little captive has awakened," Dr. Abu says, approaching Malik.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Malik demands as he struggles to break free.

"Nah Ah, no need to struggle; there's no possible way you're getting out of those shackles. And I'm really sad and disappointed you couldn't remember who I was. What can I say? Looks can be deceiving," he clears his throat before proceeding.

"It is I, Dr. Abu, the one and only Ironclad. Ring a bell?" He reveals with sarcasm.

The name makes memories flash before Malik's eyes. That's when he realizes this is a bigger problem than he imagined. Abu finds himself a sofa to sit on while he continues the discussion with Malik.

"Yes, I remember you now," Malik replies, which makes Abu chuckle.

"You know I never thought catching you would be easy, and here we are with you chained up like a... what can I call it? Hmm... I don't know, just a nemesis of the week. Uninterested, weakling, and pathetic!" Abu spits out with disdain.

"What do you want?! How did you even know I was the one?" Malik asks, desperation creeping into his voice.

"Which one of your questions should I answer first? Hmm... What do I want? Huh? Yeah, you people are obstacles in my work. I have been dealing with Howler for some time now, and now you also pop up out of nowhere. Ahh!" Abu yells in annoyance. "I just want you people out of my way; you are all nothing but a pain in my f*©king ass, and I've had enough of you already. Finding you wasn't hard at all, thanks to the big man. You won't know what that really mean. I'm just letting curiosity kill you. Tsk!" He winks at Malik.

" Big man? "Malik repeat before the large computer screen before commence to peep with a red dot on it. Abu noticed the confusion on Malik's face and decided to put things straight.

"Oh, you're looking at the dot; technically, that's you. During our fight the last time, I managed to place a tracker on you. Actually, on both of you, but Night Howler's suit fried it, but yours stayed intact. Isn't that good? I always love a rematch, though. Haha!" Abu laughs evilly. "And now I'm going to put an end to all of this drama, including Howler's love one," He says with a wide sinister grin.

"Do not do this! You won't get away with this, I promise!" Malik warns.

"Hahaha! I've already succeeded, and how do you plan on thwarting me while you're shackled? Hmm? Or do you think Night Howler will interfer because I will give him something to be concerned about?" Abu walks towards the exit, but before he departs, he instructs the woman who has been accompanying him the entire time to take care of Malik. "You know what to do, Annabel." And she responds with a nod.

Malik watches as he is approached by the lethal assassin.

Galban is having the best moment of his life in a bar where a pop song plays softly in the background, accompanied by the murmur of conversations from the patrons. However, a breaking news report catches his attention, showing footage of a nearly demolished house. Galban's heart skips a beat when he recognizes whose house it is. "Mark!" He rushes out through the bar's back door before vanishing into thin air.