The Absconders: Issue 22

Welcome!!

This is the TWENTY-SECOND issue of our new Marvel Fanon-Made storyline called ''The Absconders. ''To read the previous issue, click here. This storyline is Role-played and made by a certain number of experienced RPers. These are our RPers, and their OCs: If you want to join this RP, please ask in the comments and you will need most of our approvals to RP in here. Also, you need to have a Marvel OC (Original Character) submitted to deviantART OR this wiki and must share it with us so we know who we are RPing with. Disclaimer: Any real-life or fictional brands are used in as a parody. None of us are actually sponsored, nor do we care to be sponsored. Now let us begin the RP and enjoy :)
 * TheSuperiorOne - Trey Soniak (Earth-2025)
 * Thecryingwolf3553 - Eliana Rosenheim (Earth-2025)
 * PyroHunter16 - Haruto Higashikata (Earth-2025)
 * Infamoussnake - Dominic Bernedicci (Earth-2025)
 * Guilthegreat - Raa-4 (Earth-2025)

Key: -
 * Normal writing is the dialogue between the characters.
 * Italic writing is a special writing type for characters with second personalities or long distance dialogue (telepathy or calls).
 * Bold and italic writing are the actions that characters do.
 * Writing in between the *asterisk* means that the character is talking in their heads.

Later that night
'Viviane was assisting in rebuilding Dinomo tower, as Dominic watched his father's company, attacked, this time by man, not his own fault. A true monster attacking his father's work, despite being able to take advantage of the situation by being a martyr, he hated the fact he didn't take Richard's instanility into account, now here he was, a Carbonadium bullet being broken down by his body, and life support, he then smirked, as he heard the window open.'

Dominic: Where did you run off to for the past month? He then looekd and it was Antonia, as the new symbiote host, for Spoil's spawnling, Glory.

Antonia: How many died Bernedicci? Those idiots were supposed to be good, why, just why... She was obviously distraught, but in a tough way.

Dominic: Viv is keeping everything stable, the Hivemind, my company, hopefully the team, but now, actually getting shot, and risk actually dying permanently, I have some perspective. Antonia raised an eyebrow I want you to form a team, it's obvious at this point that the Absconders should not get their hands too dirty, and considering you lineage, maybe you can form-

Antonia: A "Dark Absconders"? You're telling me to form a black ops group...

Dominic: Fits doesn't it? The ninja badass, daughter of the trainer of most henchmen. My temporary spot filler when I went on hiatus.

Antonia: If you want a group, I'll need people....

Dominic: Toni, you know who we hang out with, go... She nods, as she leaps out the window.

'After an hour, Dom was asleep, passed out due to the pain of his carbonadium poison aftereffects. Eliana had come to visit him again, but not alone. Thad accompanied her, but the room was empty otherwise. They both sat on one side of Dominic's bed, and Eliana had brought some flowers and other gifts for him.'

Eliana: He looks peaceful, asleep like this.

Thad: Yeah. Think about how much it hurts though.

Eliana: Thad...

Thad: What, it's a penny shaped hole in his chest that'll never heal. Not to mention the fragments constantly poisoning him.

Eliana: Oh God... The doctors said there's not much else they can do, they removed most of the fragments but there's still dozens of tiny ones left in. Magic won't heal this.

Thad: Of course it won't. Magic and science, both branches of the same understanding, that's what Myron said. Neither can really counter the other, but instead can compliment. But this medical technology is just tat, it can't help him.

Eliana: So, what? He's just gonna stay in pain for who knows how long? He's currently defenceless, physically and socially. After he recovers then what? He'll be arrested again.

Thad: He has guards waiting outside, and didn't he want to be arrested? His dumbass way of making up for things.

Eliana: It was brave, he did it for the Absconders.

Thad: Bravery, stupidity, again one and the same. Regardless, he barely cleared anything.

Eliana: He became a martyr. He didn't get shot in vain.

Thad: Whatever, just hope Richard's taking this just as hard.

Eliana: Richard did this. He had himself get shot to not get framed for assassinating Dom.

Thad: Wow, that's pretty clever.

Eliana: Oh shut up. 'In the distance they hear gunfire, a few screams and men shouting. They turn to the direction of the noise, listening intently and preparing to fight. One of the Dinomo guards bursts in, yelling to them a warning, before suddenly being interrupted by getting shot in the back of his head. Several guards run in, all with Leon Corps logos on their uniforms. They aim guns at Dominic, Eliana and Thaddeus.' Sh-t! 'She shields Dominic, but the men prepare to fire anyway. Thad notices this and stomps the floor, as a large appendage of visible blue telekinetic energy, much like the arm of a translucent giant, appears coming from Thad that smacks all the guards into the walls or the floor. He walls forward as the men struggle to get up and steady their aim, but Thad waves his arms at some of the men as they start floating up to the ceiling, being lifted by their throats. One man stands up and pulls the pin of a grenade, about to throw it at Dominic. Thad aims his hand at the soldier, as his hand freezes in place, not letting go of the grenade. The man looks confused and checks his hand, desperately trying to pry his fingers open as he screams. The man gives up and runs at Thaddeus, attempting to suicide bomb him; Thad simply waves his hand at him without caring as the man flies back into the nearest wall and blows up with the grenade. The soldiers he choked to the ceiling drop to the floor dead.'

Thad: Everyone stay down! He shouts as his voice resonates around the room, and every remaining soldier stops getting up, and stay sitting or lying on the ground. You. He points at one soldier. ''These men are your best friends, but they failed their mission. Look them in the eyes and kill them all.''

Eliana: Thaddeu-! She shouts, before Thaddeus turns to her and yells.

Thad: SHUT IT, ELIANA! 'As he says this he swings his arm downwards as she feels a blast of air strike her, and suddenly she ignores Thad and continues caring for Dominic, forgetting the bloodshed. Meanwhile the soldier walks up to all the other men and shoots them in the face after looking them in the eyes. He is visibly crying as he kills what Thad made him believe are his best friends. Thad notices him crying and calls him over after he kills the last man.' Come here. Are you crying?

Soldier: Yes...

Thad: Wipe your tears off. Now tell me, did Richard sent you?

Soldier: One of his advisors did.

Thad: Who's your commanding officer?

Soldier: Sargent David Messenger.

Thad: Do you have a knife? The soldier takes out a combat knife Good. Report back to Sargent Messenger, tell him Dominic Bernedicci is dead. Then stick this knife in his jugular. Got it?

Soldier: Yes...

Thad: Now go. And stop crying! The soldier leaves, as Thad heads over to Eliana and comforts her from behind. It's okay, I saved him for you.

Eliana: That was Richard, wasn't it?

Thad: Yes. His men are gone, now.

Eliana: See, I told you he's defenceless, he's not safe here!

Thad: Then move him somewhere else if it pleases you.

Eliana: But the carbonadium...

Thad: Let me handle that. 'He leans over to Dominic and places his finger around his bullet wound. After a few seconds small pieces of carbonadium pop out the wound and into Thad's hand.' See? Now all he needs is rest. Are you happy now?

Eliana: Woah, thank you Thad- wait, where's your finger? She looks at Thad's missing finger

Thad: You don't care anymore.

Eliana: We should move him now, before the police arrive.

Thad: Right. Where?

Eliana: Somewhere I know will be secure.

During that Night
'Haruto was sitting in the VP's workshop, reading through the data on the Monomer Driver belt. Its data showed copious amounts of code, the design of the belt itself, an estimated design of the undersuit given by the Driver, as well as various readouts on the different Arcana Batteries and their compatibility with the Driver.'

Haruto: According to this... Exiled or Void battery, Elimina Battery, and... Acqua? Strange... The essences with the highest compatibility are all from the Celestial and Sinful councils, but... Acqua's among the top three? Perhaps... it's foreshadowing something?

'He waved it off and clicked on the Acqua Battery data. The screen transitioned into a simulation showing the transformation sequence: the user with the belt already equipped twisted the cap on the Battery before loading it into the belt cap-first. The belt announced "Acqua Battery!" before playing standby music. Following that, the user took a pose and began the transformation sequence.'

Monomer Driver: ''Extracting... Compiling... Deploying! Operative of Acqua! '''It announced as a beaker-like construct rose out of the ground around the simulated user. Filling with a bluish liquid, the beaker compacted into a test-tube before disappearing in a brief flash of light as the silver undersuit displayed previously formed. From there, the bluish liquid left behind on the upper torso condensed and solidified into armor themed after Acqua, thus completing the transformation. The bluish liquid appeared to have been frozen in place, retaining their fluid, flowing designs. Its mask resembled a bunch of icicles embedded in a mound of spiked snow with the orange of the compound eyes contrasting against it the light blue.'

Haruto: Operative of Acqua? I'm supposing that's a stand-in name... Haruto watched the animation demonstrate the finisher attack sequence, with the stand-in user splitting into two.

Monomer Driver: ''Solitary Strike! '''Light blue energy gathered at the user's leg on the right side and in their fist on the left. The former jumped upwards before rocketing forward as a vent on the back of the suit expelled blue flames to rocket the user into a flying side kick. On the other hand, the user with the charged fist blasted forward without the need for a jump before executing a powerful straight punch.'

Haruto: So that's how the Monomer Driver operates... Before he could do anything else, his phone rang. Who could that be at this hour...? It's midnight, dammit.... Haruto looked at the number calling him. From Tokyo?! This isn't either of my parents' phone numbers either... Whatever... Hello?

Female Voice: ''Moshi moshi? Kore wa... Higashikata Haruto, desu ka? A teenage girl's voice answered him.''

Haruto: ''Uh... Hai. Boku wa Higashikata Haruto. Anata wa?'' *Her voice sounds awfully familiar...*

Female Voice: ''Hehe... I've found you, Haruto~ She spoke in perfect English, surprising him a bit.''

Haruto: Who is this?

Female Voice: ''Did you really forget your oldest childhood friend? The girl sounded almost heartbroken.''

Haruto: ''A-Akeno? How did you get a hold of my number?''

Akeno: ''Our parents are still in contact, silly. In fact... I'm moving to America soon! My parents are going to be meeting yours concerning their jobs, but I'm really glad I'll be able to see you again!''

Haruto: I see... 'He looked at the computer in front of him, which was silently replaying the demonstrations of the "Solitary Strike." He closed the animation and instead brought up a photo of him from his childhood: a little Haruto with a goofy grin hugging a cute little girl who was smiling at the camera.' So when are you coming over?

Akeno: ''Very soon, actually! We're just about to leave for the airport, so I've got to go. I'm looking forward to catching up with you soon! Ja ne, Haruto-kun! With that, Akeno hung up.''

Haruto: Akeno's coming over to live here now, huh...? He saved her phone number into his contacts before setting it down and looking at the photo in front of him, remembering the silly childhood promises they had made to each other. Better call Katie and Belle and let them know they've got competition... As he dialed Katie's number, he clicked over to the next photo showing his 5th birthday party, where little Akeno was kissing little Haruto's cheek as his childish self was bright red and embarrassed by the action. Saiaku da... Right after that, Katie picked up the phone.

Katie: Hey Hunter, what's up?

Haruto: Remember when I told you about that one girl I was friends with when I was a little kid back in Japan?

Katie: ''Yeah, and how she told you she had a crush on you and all that. Why?''

Haruto: She just called me to let me know she's moving to the US.

Katie: I see Hunter's building himself a harem, hm~?

Haruto: ''Aaaah, not you too...! This really is the worst...''

Katie: ''I'm just kidding, jeez! I'd love to meet her soon, did she mention when she was going to arrive?''

Haruto: She said she was about to leave for the airport, and the flight's about 10 hours, so...

Katie: By Saturday at the latest?

Haruto: ''Considering it's now the middle of the night on a Thursday, and it's about 5PM over there on Friday... that sounds about right.''

Katie: Well I can't wait to meet her!

Haruto: Did I ever mention she was kind of protective about me...?

Katie: Protective?

Haruto: ''You know... she gets jealous if I hang out with other girls. Katie chuckled a bit on her end. It might not end well for you, ya know...''

Katie: I think I'll be able to handle myself around her just fine, Hunter.

Haruto: ''We'll see... I need to look some stuff over, so I'll call you later.''

Katie: ''Alrighty. Love you.''

Haruto: ''Love you too. With that, he hung up the phone and sighed.'' *I'm pseudo-dating Katie and Belle, and when Akeno comes, she's gonna flip her s-it. This is a disaster waiting to happen...* He decided to close up shop for the night, returning to his room in the VP and gently patting his pet Phoenix Engetsu before falling asleep in his bed.

The next day
'Dominic was waking up on his bed in the VP, realizing the life support machines weren't there, he got up groaning, realizing he had no shirt, as he looked into the mirror, the hole in his chest, the black eyes, and still, he remembers his mother's death, his "clone" killing her, he started panting, his fists shaky, he wished, he absolutely wished, he had his green eyes back, the fact he didn't feel alone, now this new feeling, it sickened him. He snapped back to reality when he heard a knock.'

Dominic: Come in... It was Antonia, with a good six other ninjas in a mix of a typical ninja outfit, with militaristic gear.

Antonia: Defectors that I found, so far, the only ones willing to use guns and more...So these are the first recruits, anything else?

Dominic: Your first mission...

Antonia: Oh. *I wanna shoot Gardener.

Dominic: Find who shot me, bring him here, in the suit he was wearing, with his gun, alive... 'Antonia nodded as she motioned the ninja to follow her, as they all turned invisible and exited. They traveled through the city, as they got a tip of a warehouse that is owned by Gardener, as she used her new powers to try and find clues, as her other ninja stayed in ambush positions.'

'Some workers were working at the warehouse, moving storage in and out on trucks which made noise loud enough to mask the presence of Antonia. This came to her advantage, as she managed to find a clipboard that contained information for some of the storage items. There was a shipment of weapons, specifically carbonadium sniper rifles, to be delivered today. The truck carrying them was leaving soon, as her ninjas spotted crates of weapons being loaded in by workmen. When the truck left, Antonia and her ninjas followed it across the city, and by their luck it lead them to a building owned by the Leon Corps, mercenaries hired by Gardener. Antonia and her men snuck into the garage where the truck disappeared into, and searched around the building. They saw soldiers unloading the weapon crates and taking them with them to another room. Antonia stayed outside the room and listened, hearing the soldiers talking.'

Soldier 1: This is the last of them.

Soldier 2: Great, hopefully this puts grapefruit sized holes in them.

Soldier 1: It will, you saw what it did to Vanquish.

Soldier 2: Bernedicci survived the shot. It was Messenger's men who had to finish him off, too bad some f-cktard rogue killed him...

Soldier 1: Yeah well blame it on Tobias for not shooting straight. Otherwise Vanquish would've gone down in one shot.

Soldier 2: Whatever, let's just get these ready so we finally get our pay. 'Antonia heard them mention the name of Dominic's shooter, she wasn't certain how many men were in the room, as she only heard these two. She went on the intercom.'

Antonia: Everyone, prepare your trackers, take pictures of the shipment, find any info on where they can end up in, government soldier deaths shall not be tolerated, Gardener's goons can bite bullets, dispose of them quick if needed... She whispered

Ninja 1: We wont destroy the shipments?

Antonia: ''Too risky, I don't want to put your necks in the guillotine. Not enough members, for now, we get Tobias, smuggle any info, and at east get an idea where the crates end up. But, permission to booby trap them is good, don't go overboard, we need the weapons identifiable still.''

All Ninja: Understood. She then looked at the door and felt it was pure metal, steel, potentially stronger.

Antonia: *We must get in, old powers are given, upgraded...* 'When she used her Qi sense she could see their shapes even, and all forms of life, her entire symbiote suit then gained a rock like appearance, she kicked down the door surprising both soldiers, but there were actually seven as she predicted. She then got into normal symbiote mode and lifted the steel door and webbed it back in place. Some soldiers went for the crates, some reaching for their batons, she blitzed the ones trying to open the crates, webbing the crates up to prevent the soldiers from using the guns. A soldier then tried striking her, but she casually dodged all attempted hits, as she then threw a right hook at the soldier, launching him into a wall, one soldier with an UZI tried opening fire, but Antonia slid around like air or water, almost taking inhuman forms, one had two electric batons though, as he managed to hit her, causing her to screech in pain. She went down, stunned, as they started kicking her as she was down, unloading bullets, shocking her, even spitting on her for the Hell of it.'

'She was growling in reaction, sizing up each soldier, as her mask slowly showed teeth, her claws sharpening, and the hoood disappearing, she pushed them all off easily. Antonia looked more monstrous, as she grabbed three soldiers, one had a shotgun, she grabbed it and all decapitated the three with it, the remaining three, looked scared, she chuckled menacingly, forming guns as she shot two, it was silent, but they fell, she grabbed the last one by the throat and pinned him to the wall, her long tongue sliding across his face.'

Antonia: I have questions, and I'm expecting answers that line up.... She hissed with disdain, she could bite out his throat at any moment.

Soldier: What do you want?!

Antonia: ''Tobias! Give us Tobias! The guns, the source, give it all! She tightened her grip on his throat, he could feel her claws break some skin.''

Soldier: Tobias?! He's on the top floor! The guns, were made by Pangolin Industries! That's all I know! We're just hired mercenaries! Please spare me!

Antonia: We better not see those fingers on a trigger or else, you'll lose something more precious than the ability to fight... 'She then squeezed enough on his throat to knock him out, as she carried some of the crates back, and brought the soldier and crates to a spot where the ninjas can pick them up, she decided to use the vents to climb to the top floor. She came across the top floor and peered into a room containing four men sitting down on some sofas and smoking cigarettes. They were dressed in gear but their weapons weren't holstered. They weren't talking much and seemed mostly unfocused. She grinned widely, as the three soldiers were shot with some black fire, Tobias was shocked to see Antonia behind him, but, he got his rifle from under his table, as he opened fire, again, Antonia dodging each, she then webbed him up with his rifle, and contacted her ninja.'

Antonia: ''Target secured, bring crates and soldier to sewer base... She made her way to the VP, entering, as some time later, To ias woke up in the hangar area, where he was suddenly kicked in his helmeted face.''

Dominic: Remember me? He glared at Tobias, kicking him again Shocking isn't it? He walked a few feet away with his back turned, when Tobias grabbed his rifle, Dominic reacted fast enough to push the rifle's barrel in his face, with the recoil of the gun shot increasing damage, cracking the visor, making Tobias grunt.

Tobias: W-What do you want!?

Dominic: He foes near the power tools, grabbing a metallic pipe Satisfaction... He started beating Tobias with the pipe, knocking off his helmet, but Tobias got up, tackling Dominic, but Dom was able to still get the upper hand, he started beating Tobias up into a bloody pulp, grunting, almost twistedly laughing as he did, his knuckles bleeding, he saw the bruised up face of Tobias, as he grabbed him by the suit's collar, pinning him to a wall, his head in front of the natural rock formation, Dominic wavering to hit him, as a punch like this would kill Tobias.

Eliana heard the noise and rushed in, seeing Dominic beating a bloody, bruised man.

Eliana: Dominic! What are you doing?! Who's this?! 'She ran to them. Dominic let go of Tobias, who was breathing slowly.'

Dominic: E-Eliana! Let me explain! Please, this is the man who tried to kill me!

Eliana: What? The sniper? You went after one single hired gun? Regardless of how stupid and uncalled for this was, you're not in the condition to do this. Your carbonadium poisoning is only going to get worse the more you stress yourself.

Dominic: I-I- Eliana, I know I'm hurt, but, this man- this piece of sh*t...He almost took me away from you, and I didn't want anything like that again, ever since I got this, all I could remember was him in that building, I don't want to get away from you...and I certainly wont let someone like him do it... He was looking down in shame

Eliana: Richard is the one you should be mad at. He ordered the assassination, not this man. He deserves justice sure, but certainly not you hunting him down and beating him silly. How did you even find him? You brought him here, were you planning on killing him?

Dominic: I- I don't know. He admitted one of the only times he did not know himself, would he have killed Tobias, would he have just let him live to let him suffer, due to everything crazy that was happening, he had no proper answer.

Eliana: This is crazy. Let him go, he's had enough by the looks of it. But he's seen me now. 'She kneels to Tobias and places her hand on his forehead, as Sapphire energy leaks between them as he starts screaming, her ripping his memories out of the past couple hours and destroying them. Dominic left Tobias in the forest, as he decided to take a break in the newly made sauna, sighing a bit, but he only let his waist in the water, as he did not want to risk hot water entering his chest.'

Meanwhile, Viv had just entered the VP in Speed Demon mode, entering the main room and tripping over the table, grunting as she fell.

Vivian: Damn it!

'The Vanishing Point computers marked her presence, and Eliana came in to see her, dressed up as Volatile as she was ready to head off. Her helmet was held in her arm.'

Eliana: You okay? She said with mandatory mannerisms

Viviane: How does Dominic do this, he's got like, at least a thousand voices, and six of them are the most chatty...Oh piss off you coated b-stard! it was obvious she meant Wicked

Eliana: A dozen voices telling him off and he still ends up doing something stupid. You'll probably learn to ignore them.

Viviane: Maybe I need something that can actually apply them more fluidly, maybe I can come with you?

Eliana: We may not be fighting huge threats on the street but hero work still isn't training. I don't want you messing up out there.

Viviane: Didn't Dominic basically learn by messing up a lot?

Eliana: You want to take training tips from Dominic? The guy who messed up more times than braincells he has? He may be bright but he can be such a dumbass at times. Like that little stunt he pulled that nearly cost his life or his freedom.

Viviane: Is there some problem going on with you two? She raised an eye brow, a bit scared

Eliana: No, we're perfectly fine. Every relationship has its bumps. Anyway, I'm heading out, if you think you'll manage then you can come.

'She nodded, following her, as she went into Rebirth Protocol, as that was a mode she was most used to now. They exited the VP together and patrolled the city. They stayed on rooftops and looked down alleyways for petty crimes. After a while of searching they saw someone walking around with a weird metal box in hand. Eliana read their mind and found out the box was potentially very destructive, but the carrier was unaware just how destructive.'

Eliana: See that boy down there? I think he's carrying a bomb...

Viviane scanned it, and instinctually she approached the person.

Viviane: Excuse me, I believe you have no idea what's in there, do you?

'The boy turned to her and gasped. Instantly, he ran down the street, in-between citizens trying to escape. Instinctually, Viviane went into Widower Protocol (Widow in this case), swinging from building to building, firing the freezing plasma bolt at the boy's legs to stop him from running. The boy was struck and fell over, the box toppling out of his hands and onto the middle of the pavement. It opened up and started beeping, as the boy was shocked and started screaming. People didn't notice the box but those who did scattered fast. Viviane looked at it, as each of Dom's personalities were telling her to defuse it, she decided to go Gamma Protocol, and due to her own strength without nanites, and a massive boost from Gamma Protocol, she threw it high up into the sky. The cube didn't detonate, instead it landed back down and drilled into the floor, staying immovable now attached to the concrete. It started beeping harder and faster as Eliana approached.'

Eliana: What kind of explosive is this? Kid, what is that?!

Boy: I-I don't know! I was supposed to drop it by that restaurant down the street!

'Viviane went into Submariner mode, repurposing the sonar for a sonic screech weapon, checking if that effected it. Nothing happened, the beeper was continuously becoming louder as most of the civilians ran off believing it to be a bomb. The boy shielded himself and cried out.'

Boy: No! Please let me go! Please!

Viviane went into Dove Protocol, creating a domed energy shield around the bomb.

Eliana: Kid you better tell us how you got this. Did someone give it to you?

Boy: A secret agent did! He said he'd arrest me if I didn't! He said it's powerful and it needs to be put there.

Viviane: Eliana! She called out, basically checking if she had a solution to this.

Eliana: Uh, crap! 'She tried to dismantle the device with her powers but she stopped, sensing it was unstable. The beeping was loud enough that Eliana couldn't hear anyone talk.'

Boy: No! No! LET ME GO!

'Viviane then kept the shield around the bomb up, hoping she had a will like Dominic that can keep the shield strong. The streets were empty now, and the beeping was deafening. Suddenly the box unfolded, spreading flat out against the concrete. The beeping stopped and a party horn sound was heard. The kid started laughing in the spot.'

Viviane: W-What?

Eliana: Kid, what the f-ck?!

Boy: Soooorry, a bad joke.

'Viviane glared at the kid, as she went into Beast Protocol, growling at him. Suddenly Viviane caught a bullet in the arm, a sniper from three blocks away shot her. The bullet wasn't carbonadium. Then, over a dozen mercenaries came out from behind buildings and surrounded them, instantly firing at them and shouting about how they found two Absconders. The kid broke the ice and ran away. Viviane went back to back with Eliana.'

Viviane: Should we chase the kid as well!?

Eliana: There's bigger problems! 'She generated a fire bolt and shot it at a soldier. Gardener trapped us! A helicopter flew in and started firing at them from above.'

'Viviane stood in front of Eliana, shielding her, growling whilst she did. Eliana used the sapphire energy she gained and uses telekinesis to disarm some soldiers, giving them time to prepare. Viv went into Speed Demon mode, preparing to bump into a lot of soldiers. Due to her being inexperienced with this, she was being careful, as she rammed into one soldier, knocking him away, she looked at two others and ran towards them, before they knew it, a flurry of speed punches hit them, as all focus was now on Viv. Eliana jumped up and landed into the centre of the ambush. She absorbed some weapons into Emerald then generated throwing knives that incapacitated some soldiers. Viviane went into Gamma protocol so each soldier can get incapacitated much faster. Suddenly though, a grenade was thrown at Viv, which emitted an EMP, stunning her greatly, as the soldiers surrounded her, she was forced to go back into Widow Protocol, blocking with arms and legs, shooting the plasma that freezes, but she was slowly getting cornered by many. Eliana grabbed a soldier from behind and absorbed some of his life energy, then knocked him out. She threw a small Ruby grenade which hit the back of one of the soldiers attacking Viviane. It blew up, knocking out several soldiers prompting the rest to aim and fire and Eliana. She erected a plasma shield wall that disintegrated the bullets, then kicked the wall as it headed towards them quickly and burned through several of them.'

'Only a couple soldiers remained, but the helicopter was circling them, still firing. Viv saw it as she fired a freezing plasma shot, aiming for the helicopter's guns. The helicopter dodged then fired a missile at the pair. Viv went into Dove protocol to shoot the missile down, prompting her to fly fast toward the helicopter. She grabbed it by the front punching open the window, shooting the soldiers who were piloting, she was enduring several gun shots.'

Viviane: Volatile! Neutralize any incoming debris! 'She yelled as she was grabbing what soldiers she could, she then shot off the helicopter blades and tail. The tail and main blade of the helicopter came off, while Viviane was flying down with the soldiers she could get out. Eliana defeated the last of the soldiers as the helicopter crashed in the centre of the road.'

Eliana: Viv!

'Viv was shielding some soldier from the fire, as some pieces of the armor started getting damaged, while she was desperately trying to get out with the soldiers. Eliana helped Viviane out and pulled the soldiers out too.'

Eliana: It was a damn tracking device.

Viviane: How much money is he spending just to get to you? She panted out, retracting the helmet.

Eliana: She sighs Guess he's not stopping at Dom. 'They heard more helicopters in the distance. Eliana turned to the device and it started beeping again.' We should probably get out of here.

Viviane nodded, running off, when they got somewhere safe, Viv decided to talk.

Viviane: What are you planning to do to Gardener anyway?

Eliana: When I find him I'll decide. I'm hoping to strip him of everything before that point, though.

Viviane: As long as it gives Dom the chance to come out of hiding... It was obvious she cared for Dominic.

Eliana: That's if you don't replace him. She laughed, quite obviously joking.

Viviane: Oh God She chuckled I'm okay with taking care of Dominic alone, and even he's a handful, then you have aliens, and, well, it's like taking care of Dominic, but he's in various places...

Eliana: Can't imagine how that's like... Anyway, you did good on your first day as Vanquish. No innocent died at least.

Viviane: Thank you... Once this is all done I could help you and the Absconders, when needed.

Eliana notices the helicopters patroling the city.

Eliana: Looks like Richard won't give up this manhunt. Probably time to abscond again...heh.

'Viv chuckled, they then returned to the VP. Meanwhile somewhere else, Antonia found Jason's apartment, and stealthily entered, waiting somewhere. Jason entered his apartment, but before walking in he heard his demon whisper to him. He quickly became a shadow, and flew around his apartment until he found Antonia. He didn't reveal himself, but instead whispered to her.'

Jason: Who are you waiting for?

She was surprised at first, but smirked.

Antonia: A friend.

He turned back into flesh form.

Jason: I hope it's not me. My pineapple pizza is getting cold. 'He smiled, referring to the pizza he brought home. Antonia just went to the point, showing her face.'

Antonia: I'd have a job opening for you though Jason.

Jason: Wow, work. I was busy working on myself as an excuse for not turning up to the VP for a while.

Antonia: Ha, well, guess who your boss is. She had some holographic projector, and it showed Dominic.

Dominic: Jason, it's been a while...

Jason: I don't have to offer this hologram a drink, do I?

Dominic: Don't be a d-ck, anyway, considering that the Absconders are now a household figure, I want a team that can handle things we shouldn't...

Jason: Oh crap, this isn't a soliciting service, right?

Antonia: Black ops group...

Jason: Against?

Antonia: Any target that the Absconders should not face... Basically, get the hands dirty.

Jason: I thought all you c-nts were dirty already. That's what the news showed...

Antonia: They were framed, some organization, lucky for you, me, and an ally they have, we remained inconspicuous. Also explain why they'd attack people randomly.

Jason: Ha, that sucks. Anyway, black ops? Eh sure whatever, I'd prefer that over stupid regular petty crimes.

Antonia: Good. Welcome to the Dark Absconders. She smiled.

August 15th, 2026
'Haruto had arrived at the airport at the request of his parents. Since they were preoccupied with work and unable to meet up with Akeno and her family at the airport, Haruto had to go in their place. He was holding a sign that had the Kanji for Akeno's family name on it: Amamiya. To avoid the bustle of the airport, Haruto had his phone blasting music through his headphones to drown out the sounds of people.'

Haruto: *First time I'll be talking to Akeno in 12 years... Damn...* 'He thought to himself as a group of four walked towards him. A mother and father, with a daughter about Haruto's age and a younger son seemingly in middle school, approached him.' *Ah, here they are.*

Akeno: Haruto-kun! The daughter ran towards him, hugging him tightly. It's been so long~!

Haruto: Y-yeah. 12 years, right? Way too long since we've talked. He was blushing, but hugged her back as Akeno's family caught up.

Akeno's father: Haruto, it's been so long! How have you been? He greeted him with a smile and a pat on the back.

Haruto: Hello, Amamiya-san. I've been... very busy with school and extra-curricular activities. He then had several flashbacks to his activities as Anomaly and Override.

Akeno: Ah, did you hear? There's someone running around the city dressed like Build! Crazy, right? He claims to be a "hero" and all, but I don't know... kinda suspicious to me.

Haruto: Yeah, it's wild. I think he calls himself Override or something? It's not bad to have a hero roam around the city to protect us.

Akeno: But still... do you really trust him?

Haruto: If he looks like Build, he's gotta be a good guy, right?

Akeno: The government in Build did label him as a government weapon, so...

Haruto: Hey, hey! Don't spoil it!

Akeno: For who?

Haruto: It's... complicated...

Akeno: Jeez.. you've really changed, haven't you? She ruffled his hair and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Haruto: Very much so... He blushed heavily and looked away shyly.

Akeno: In any case... Can I go explore the city with Haruto, Dad? Please?

Akeno's father: Sure thing, but be back before dark. I'll text you the address, Haruto. Don't have too much fun. 'After texting Haruto the address, Akeno's family took their luggage and left, calling a taxi to take them to their house. Haruto exited the airport with Akeno holding his arm. He led her to his Harley Bobber, starting the engine and tossing her a spare helmet.'

Akeno: You really took after bikes, didn't you? She put the helmet on and secured it.

Haruto: I like motorcycles, so what? He revved the engine a bit and put his helmet on as Akeno sat behind him. In any case, I need to introduce you to my friends Katie and Belle. So... first stop is their place.

Akeno: Are you... dating either of them...? She said with a bit of a sad tone.

Haruto: Uh... that's kind of... complicated... 'They talked all the way to Katie's house. Before they stopped by, they grabbed some snacks and drinks from a nearby convenience store before they headed over. When they did arrive, Katie and Belle greeted them happily, and they spent several hours catching up and getting to know each other.'