The truck stopped in an oddly quiet area of the Zoo. The feint commotion of the vast crowds could be heard in the distance, but it was clear that there was no-one in the immediate vicinity. However Dr Jenkins soon realised where he was when he saw a large mock-castle: this was the Mythical Menagerie exhibit, or at least it would be when it opened.
Jenkins had always wondered what was going on inside this mysterious castle-themed building. The name suggested that they would be housing mythical creatures in there, but that was impossible, surely? He could only speculate that it was going to be some kind of funhouse for the kids. But if that were the case then what the hell was he doing here?
He soon found out as he was taken inside the strange castle. The empty, dimly lit hallways were slightly creepy to the already-nervous doctor. The exhibits were all blacked-out and covered over, clearly not ready for the public’s eyes. However, Dr Jenkins was wrong to think they were all empty. He jumped in terror when a loud roar echoed out mere metres away from him. He couldn’t see what had made such a noise, and deep down he didn’t want to find out.
The men continued escorting the nervous doctor until he was brought into a huge rocky area, almost like they were inside an enormous cave. Waiting for them in the middle was a rather business-like woman in an expensive suit.
“There you are doctor,” she announced, “I’m Mrs Patterson from park development. Welcome to the Mythical Menagerie, soon to be the most amazing and lucrative attraction in the whole park. As I’m sure you are aware we are planning to open once our last exhibit arrives, and thankfully I can announce that today is that day!”
The hairs stood up on Jenkins’ arms and neck as he suspected that the woman was referring to him.
“To that end,” Mrs Patterson resumed, “we have developed a little something that will bring this place to life.” The doctor went pale as he saw the woman produce a syringe of light green liquid. The substance looked eerily similar to his own transformative serum that he had developed for the Stables.
However this knowledge did little to help as the woman approached. Jenkins struggled desperately to break free from the men holding him, but it was no use. Without any more ceremony Mrs Patterson injected Dr Jenkins with the weird substance. The doctor cried out in anguish, knowing that he was unlikely to stay on two legs for much longer.
Patterson watched as the formula started to take effect. Soon the doctor would be turned into a…