**Chapter 2: The Unlinked Hijinks**

The van finally came to a stop, and Lucas could hear the sound of doors opening and closing as Victor and Dr. Thompson led them out. They were in a dimly lit, damp cavernous space that seemed to be some sort of hideout. The air was thick with the smell of mildew and decay. Victor and Dr. Thompson began to secure Bigfoot, starting with a heavy-duty chain around his massive neck, attached to a sturdy metal hook in the wall. "That's number one," Victor said with a chuckle. Next, Dr. Thompson injected Bigfoot with a tranquilizer, which would keep him docile for a while. "Sedation is number two," he said, smiling. Bigfoot was then wrapped in thick, heavy-duty netting, which was tied to the floor with ropes. "That's number three," Victor said, grinning. A massive metal clamp was attached to Bigfoot's wrist, linked to a thick steel beam running across the ceiling. "That's number four," Dr. Thompson said. Bigfoot's ankles were bound with heavy steel cuffs, anchored to the floor with concrete. "That's number five," Victor said. A series of electrodes were attached to Bigfoot's fur, connected to a device that would monitor his vital signs and prevent him from escaping. "That's number six," Dr. Thompson said. Finally, a large metal collar was placed around Bigfoot's neck, complete with spikes to prevent him from trying to squeeze through any narrow openings. "And that's number seven," Victor said, satisfied. Lucas rolled his eyes. "You think that's necessary? We're not going anywhere." Victor and Dr. Thompson then turned their attention to Lucas, starting with a rope that tied him to Bigfoot's wrist. "You're linked to your furry friend, just like a pair of conjoined twins," Victor said, chuckling. Next, a wrist cuff was attached to Lucas's other wrist, linked to Bigfoot's other wrist with a short chain. "That's two," Dr. Thompson said. A small harness was placed around Lucas's waist, attached to a rope that ran up to the ceiling, where it was tied to a pulley system. "You're anchored to the ceiling, just like Bigfoot," Victor said. Lucas's ankles were bound together with a short rope, which was then tied to Bigfoot's ankle. "That's four," Dr. Thompson said. Finally, a small device was attached to Lucas's collar, which would emit a high-pitched squeal if he tried to move more than a few feet away from Bigfoot. "And that's five," Victor said, grinning. As they finished securing Lucas and Bigfoot, Victor said, "You're two peas in a pod, aren't you? Linked at the hip, or rather, linked at the wrist and ankle and neck..." Dr. Thompson chuckled. "We're going to have to start calling you the Dynamic Duo...of kidnapping victims!" Lucas scowled. "This is ridiculous. We were right in the middle of planning a prank, and you interrupt us to kidnap us? Can't you see we're busy?" Victor and Dr. Thompson exchanged a look, and then Victor said, "Oh, I think we can see that you're a pair of mischief-makers. But don't worry, we'll give you plenty of time to plan your next prank...in our laboratory, of course." Lucas muttered under his breath, "I'm going to get you two for this...just you wait..."