"Escape attempt in progress. Cell Block C. Prisoner Piotr Rasputin."
[The Raft: Maximum Security Super Prison]
"Domino, stop this! Those guards did nothing to–"
No way you're trying to guilt-tripping the fun out of this one, Pete. These guards are rocking body armor. I can drop the hammer without breaking their ribs. It's a victimless beat down." Domino cut off Piotr Rasputin aka Colossus while her and Rouge were outside the cell taking out a multitude of guards with practiced ease and grinning the entire time. While inside the cell Piotr was on the ground, hands behind his head as a guard had a gun at his head.
"On the ground! Now prisoner! Right now!"
"Please understand, I am not attempting to escape. I do know one of these women but she has come here against my wishes."
"You really expect to convince him you don't want me here? You haven't even convinced yourself yet." Domino questioned slamming the back of a gun she grabbed a gun and slammed the back of it into the guards neck with a resounding 'THWAK' knocking him out as Piotr turned to her.
"It's a bit funny."
"Damn it, Neena! This is not funny!"
"I don't know, Domino has a point, this is pretty funny." Rouge commented walking into the cell looking at Pitro painting with curiosity while the man just stared at her with a confused frown on his face.
"And who are you? I don't recall ever meeting you."
"Oh, don't worry, just call me Rouge." Rouge said, leaning against a wall with Piotr sighing as he got up, turning his attention back to Domino.
"Listen Neeva… I'm here trying to EARN my life back and you dismiss that like it's nothing. Your coming here will ruin–"
"Oh come off it." Domino cut Piotr off her expression changing to a more serious gleam in her eyes.
"Look, I'm a big fan of yours. What can I say, big, burly and all sorts of broken. I've got a type. You wanna come with, when this is over, that suits me great. But right now you and me, we're believable diversion. I'm sorry it gums up your pity party, but this is the plan. The more hacks they throw in here trying to stop me springing you. The easier time Boom Boom will have down stares."
"Huh, so that's why Boom Boom is here… I've never seen Neeva so serious." Rouge thought to herself, toning out the conversation to think about her next move.
"Let's see… I don't currently know where Shadow is. If I could take a guess what caused those explosions then it was either Boom Boom or Shadow fighting Emerl… I'm betting on the second. I better get moving before I have any more problems, maybe find I.R put a face to the guy." Rouge continued her thinking until she heard the sliding of an elevator and already saw Domino on the move as more guards appeared.
"So quit your grousing, hang back and try to appreciate how good I look when I'm kicking a guy in the throat." Domino finished talking to Colossus, turning to Rouge. "Hey mind landing me a hand with these guys?"
"Hmph, never thought you'd ask." Rouge replied. Oh well she could have a quick warm up.
Meanwhile a wall erupted in dust and concrete flew around the room as Emerl was hurled backward, landing in a crouch just in time to jump back to dodge Shadow's fist. But Shadow was already back on him going for a kick aimed to Emerl head that was blocked but Shadow twisted getting out of Emerl grip and slammed a palm strike to Emerl shoulder denting the metal that immediately reformed as Emerl went to slam a punch into Shadow that he dodged to the side for jumping back then skating to Emerl side then behind and then going for a kick that Emerl blocked and threw him away as he recovered again.
As another clash happened both took damaged Shadow managing to dent its stomach while a bruise formed on Shadow's shoulder both healing as Shadow threw out a kick a burst of flames forming into an arc as Emerl jumped over it landing behind Shadow and swept his legs only for Shadow to recover rolling back to his feet before Emerl could land a blow and creating a Chaos Spear aiming to cut off Emerl arm but Emerl grabbed the spear and goes to slam a back hand into Shadow throat but Shadow jumped back before he could land a hit.
"Dammit he already adapted to everything I threw at him and I don't want to use Chaos Control in case he can somehow adapt to that as well. Even with all my skills back I still can't remember how to use them to their full potential. Come on, think Shadow, is there any way to shut this thing down even for a minute." Shadow thought as he jumped back as Emerl threw his own kick causing an arc of flames to nearly hit Shadow scorching the sleeve of his jacket. Before he continued an explosion rocked the facility causing both Shadow and Emerl to stagger away from each other from the force coming right underneath them.
Shadow looked down. "That sound, water is flooding into the floor underneath us. I need to get us to a higher floor." He thought until Emerl sparked again as Emerl looked up as it seemed to scan the base for a second before looking at Shadow.
"New orders." Emerl proclaimed as he rushed at Shadow who immediately got ready to dodge only for Emerl to jump and kick the ground causing it to split open as both fell for only a moment until Emerl feet exploded with energy as he flew back up while Shadow continued to fall until his body hit the water.
Meanwhile Ivo and Abraham continued to struggle against each other. Despite Ivo clearly not being in the… best physical he was still keeping pace with Abraham as the both panted from the exhaustion both felt. Then a 'Boom' rocked the area causing both to stagger.
"Huh, such a powerful shockwave, wonder what caused that?" Ivo wondered as he turned only to see Abraham holding his gun to his chest making him sigh at getting caught off guard.
"This is over Robotnik… we need to speak about this but I guess we'll discuss this at… Prison Island instead."
"Oh really… well I think he might have a different saying." Ivo said as Emerl came from behind Ivo ran forward and socked Abraham in the face sending him flying back and skitting across the ground unconscious. Ivo laughed as he turned to Emerl.
"Excellent work Emerl and I see you incapacitated Shadow even more impressive. We shall be leaving. I will have to see what data you collected on Shadow. Oh-Ho-Ho I think this will be the start of a beautiful partnership." Ivo told Emerl as the Gizoid nodded as they walked through the facility Ivo snapping his fingers while whistling a tone the guards that tried to stop him were taken down by Emerl.
"Whoa! What the hell was that?" Domino said as the ground underneath quaked. Turning to Rouge Domino saw the clear confusion on her face clearly feeling that. She walked over back to Piotr cell as the man had a palette and a brush.
"Pete, did you feel that?"
"Yes. It felt like another explosion downstairs. Bigger this time."
"Yeah, but, see There aren't supposed to be any more explosions. Certainly not bigger. She oughta have him by now." Domino said a small bit of worry creeping into her voice while Rouge wondered who she was talking about.
"Okay, change of plans. I have to go downstairs and check on Boom. Come with me." Domino said while a guard began to sneak towards her while Piotr put down his brush and palette.
"No." Piotr said simply slamming a punch into the guard's face knocking the guy out while one of his teeth fell out. Domino just sighed, shaking her head and looking down.
"What do I have to say to get you to pick me over jail?"
"I can't."
"You're killing me, Pete."
"Sorry for ruining this moment but I better take my leave." Rouge commented from the door. Domino just turned and walked out the cell leaving Piotr there.
"Yah, don't worry about it, I should take my leave as well. Thanks for the help against the guards… even if I didn't need your help." Domino replied with a smile extending her hand and Rouge took it.
"Hey any time." Rouge said as she broke the handshake and took off with Domino turning to Piotr cell one more time before taking off in the opposite direction.
"Sir, are you okay?" a GUN agent asked as he pulled Abraham Towers up from the debris. The commander groaned, clutching the side of his head where blood trickled down his temple. His ears rang from the earlier explosion, and his chest felt like it had been hit by a freight truck.
Abraham swayed on his feet, bracing against the agent's shoulder. His voice rasped, but his eyes burned with determination.
"Report…"
"Sir Emerl and Robotnik are gone. They tore through half the security wing on the way out. Casualties and Injuries are still being counted."
Abraham cursed under his breath, pushing the agent away so he could stand on his own. He staggered a few steps toward the shattered control consoles, watching sparks spit and die.
Ivo freed Emerl and is now controlling the Gizoid. Shadow's MIA. Rouge is loose with mercenaries. This whole prison is a disaster zone at this point.
The agent looked at him nervously. "Orders, sir?"
Abraham's jaw tightened. He retrieved his sidearm from the floor and holstered it, eyes narrowing.
"Lock down what's left. Evac who we can. Get me Brand, now she needs to know Emerl is active ." He paused, fists clenching. "And find Shadow. If he's still breathing, then I want him back in stasis by the end of the day."
"Yes sir"
Underwater Domino swam through the salty water but turning her head she was confused to see a cloudy bubble of purple psionic energy within containing Boom Boom the alien they were looking for and… a kid? No it was just another teenager, she couldn't get a look. Was this the guy Rouge was talking about or was this someone else. Before she could question it more suddenly the mist formed around her waist surprising her and also causing her to lose the air she had in her lungs. Then the mist extended until it covered her entire lower half as she tried to get rid of the mist. It pulled her towards the bubble until she entered it.
"Ooh another one." The alien spoke up as Domino coughed after having to hold her breath as the alien stared at her holding Boom Boom while the other guy was covered in the purple smoke immobilizing him as his black hair was drenched in water showing more of the red highlights. It even covered his mouth to stop him from speaking. The alien even seemed amused by the struggling a small bit of blood dripped off his neck. It was a small minor wound not enough to be fatal but the boy's eyes scream for murder clearly hating the alien. He seemed to notice her and narrowed his eyes but Domino turned to the alien pulling out a pistol and pointing it at the monstrosity in front of her.
"Let them go!" Domino demanded.
Oh, ho ho ho feisty. Alien females do indeed trip my trigger. But you earth women are delightful conundrum. Your meaty, soft, furtufted bodies… And that boy has such a spirit!" It turned his head to Shadow who glared at it with murderous intent. "Just as the rest of his race. Royalty of the Black Arms is rare to come upon one in a millennia. I've only seen one and she was the devil behind a captivating face. And yet he has the stench of a human haha."
It turned back to Domino. "I've had hold of these two for several minutes and still can't decide if I'd rather play, eat or in the boy's case sell." Shadow struggled more at the alien words, his body sparking until the mist that already surrounded him seemed to hold him down rougher.
"I get that a lot. Dom, please shoot his head." Boom Boom said, struggling against the alien grip.
"Please do." Shadow thought.
"Wouldn't that be something? Sadly you'll find it's my head keeping all of this water at bay."
"Earth girls can swim."
Can't shoot him, Boom. I'd love to, but we need him alive." Domino told Boom Boom then turned back to the alien. "Listen, fella, we came here to crack you out of jail."
'They wanted to release this thing? Why didn't the idiots that catch this thing just kill it?' Shadow thought his eyes were still boring into the alien. "And why did he refer to me as royalty to some Black Arms race. I was created in a lab." Shadow would have to think after he got out this situation he just had to listen as Domino continued.
"And you've already made things way more difficult than they need to be."
"Guilt as Charged."
"Actually, the flood's on me. But he was being Horror, movie creepy and got his goo all over me."
"Don't care. We have a Rendezvous in five minutes. Time to get this show on the road." Domino said finally lowering her pistol and Shadow let out the closest thing he could make to a sigh of disappointment.
"Why would you want something like me loose on your piggy planet?" The alien questioned.
"We don't. We're taking you off world." Domino replied as she sat up against the psychic bubble her hands crossed.
"Interesting… How do you intend to get me past Brand and her massive S.W.O.R.D.?
"Don't worry about it."
Confidence… You must have quite a ship." The alien guessed still palming Boom Boom head.
"We have your ship." Domino clarified.
"My Ship?" The alien said before.
"NNYARK! NNYARK! NNYARK!"
"Mother trucker! My ear holes! Stop Screaming!" Boom Boom yelled over the alien strange noise. Even Shadow wanted to cover his ears. The sound wasn't painful but very annoying and now giving him a headache.
"NNYARK! NNYARK! NNYARK! This is not the sound of screaming, delicious earth girl." The alien explained. "NNYARK! NNYARK! NNYARK! I'm laughing." It spoke as what looked to be a second version of it completely made of psychic energy appeared.
Rouge ran through the Raft following the trail of destruction mostly walls or floors while having to deal with a few idiots who thought the armed woman with bat wings was an easy hostage. Then she followed the trail of bodies mostly unconscious as she made it to a destroyed wall and jumped out and flew up noticing Emerl and a man next to him.
She smiled as she flew down landing in front of Ivo and Emerl. Emerl got in a ready stance until Ivo held up his hand and walked forward with a grin.
"Rouge."
"I.R"
"Please call me Ivo Robotnik."
"Hah, alright fine Mr. Robotinik. Will I be getting any more jobs?" Rouge asked, crossing her hands while Ivo's grin became larger.
"Unfortanently no you have given me all I needed, I will have Stone send your final payment… But if you're willing once I reestablish my empire I wouldn't mind having you as one of my personal thief."
"Not a good idea, I only work for the people who can offer me the most. If someone offers more than you can, I'm going to betray you."
"HAHA, so true especially when you worked with me behind GUN's back. Fine well you have a nice life, Rouge." Ivo said as he looked behind Rouge to see his proper ride as Stone went to the coast line riding a small yacht. Rouge whistles while Ivo and Emerl walked off. Rouge watched for a second then frowned as she turned back to the prison.
"I better find Shadow." Rouge muttered as she flew back to hole entering it. While Ivo, Emerl, and Stone rode off.
She flew through the halls luckily the halls had enough space to fly as she made her way back to the last wall she saw destroyed but as she made her way she heard a massive explosion and had to fly faster as debris fell freely and then a massive splash. She made it back to Colossus' cell huffing and puffing from exhaustion. God this entire day was very long. But then she noticed that a wall of his cell was destroyed as he looked out.
"What in seven hells. Domino? Oh, god…" Colossus said quietly as Rouge ran up as a massive ship lifted from the sea piloted by a hideous alien. Inside the cockpit was Domino, Boom Boom, Shadow, along with Forge and Dr. Nemesis who all were enveloped in psychic energy.
"Do you feel it, Giant hideous Earthman? That tickle at the back of your neck? That's freedom. You enjoy it." The alien said and before the ship flew off he finished with four words.
"I know I will."
Meanwhile, aboard the yacht, Ivo leaned against the railing with his arms spread wide, the sea breeze whipping at his coat. He looked every bit the victor—even with half the Raft still burning in the distance.
"Stone, tell me you have the uplink ready," Ivo demanded, turning to the coffee in hand and taking a sip smacking his lips and nodding. "Mmhh, Steamed australians goat milk brewed to perfection as ever."
"Thank you sir. It's already transmitting, Sir but must I say it's an honor to serve you in person once again" Stone confirmed, typing on a tablet having a joyful smile on his face. "Emerl's combat data syncs as we speak. Shadow's energy readings, S.W.O.R.D. response tactics, guard formations… all of it was uploaded."
Ivo let out a long, satisfied sigh. "Perfect. A symphony of chaos and order, and I'm the conductor. Abraham Towers can choke on his precious command logs. I have something far more valuable."
Emerl stood silently nearby, his head tilting in small jerks, like he was still processing the fight. His eyes flickered red for a moment before dimming back to their default blue glow.
"You've grown," Ivo told the Gizoid, almost with parental pride. "Adapting, countering, evolving. With you at my side, Emerl… no mutant, no alien, no weapon on this planet will be able to stop us. But first you're going to need upgrades"
Then Ivo laughed a little manically while Stone watched, not phased at the laughter as he walked over to the brewing machine on the yacht as he began to prepare another drink.
"Truly sir it's an honor to serve you directly again." Stone muttered.