Captain Gargle

Chapter 8

The city streets were eerily quiet as Captain Gargle flew above them, still in his hovering seated position. His mind raced, panic twisting his gut as he replayed Belle's message over and over. She was following a lead—a dangerous one that could put her directly in Blaguda's path. He knew she was fearless, but Blaguda was a force Belle couldn't comprehend, and Michael had to reach her before it was too late.

His phone buzzed again. Another message from Belle.

"I think I've found something huge. Call me as soon as you get this."

Michael's heart pounded. He pushed himself to fly faster, his minty aura leaving a trail of fresh air behind him as he raced toward Belle's last known location. His mind was a whirlwind of fear and guilt. This was exactly what he had wanted to avoid—Belle getting tangled in his superhero world.

As he approached the abandoned warehouse district on the outskirts of town, he spotted Belle's car parked near one of the rundown buildings. The sight of it made his chest tighten. She was already inside, and whatever she'd found was likely more dangerous than she realized.

Landing softly on the rooftop, Michael transformed back into his civilian clothes, his heart still hammering in his chest. He quickly made his way down into the building, the shadows of the old warehouse looming over him as he moved through the empty corridors.

"Belle!" he called out, his voice echoing off the walls.

No response. His anxiety grew, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. What if Blaguda had already found her? What if—

A muffled voice caught his attention from deeper inside the building. Michael's breath hitched as he followed the sound, his footsteps quickening until he reached a large, open space in the center of the warehouse.

There she was.

Belle stood in the middle of the room, her phone in her hand, looking around cautiously. Relief washed over Michael, but it was short-lived.

"Belle!" he called, running toward her.

She turned, surprised to see him. "Michael? What are you doing here?"

Before Michael could answer, a cold, high-pitched laugh echoed through the building, sending chills down his spine. The shadows around them seemed to shift, and out of the darkness emerged a figure that made Michael's blood run cold.

The creature was tall and androgynous, with long, thin limbs and skin that seemed to shimmer with an unnatural light. It had sharp, angular features, and its eyes glowed a sickly green. Draped in dark robes, it slithered across the ground with a predatory grace.

"Ah, Captain Gargle's little friend," the creature hissed, its voice dripping with malice. "You're just in time for the feast."

Michael's heart raced as he realized who—what—he was looking at. This was Baklang Linta, one of Blaguda's most dangerous lieutenants. A parasitic villain, Baklang Linta had the power to drain life energy from its victims, feeding off their vitality until they were nothing but husks.

"Michael, what's going on?" Belle asked, her voice tinged with confusion and fear.

Michael had no time to explain. "Belle, get out of here. Now."

Before Belle could respond, Baklang Linta moved with blinding speed, closing the distance between them in an instant. Its long, clawed hand reached for Belle, a sickly green aura surrounding it.

Michael acted on instinct. He threw himself between Belle and Baklang Linta, grabbing her arm and pulling her out of harm's way. "Go!" he shouted.

Belle hesitated, her eyes wide with shock, but the fear in Michael's voice spurred her into action. She turned and ran toward the exit, but not before casting one last glance over her shoulder.