You know, I never wondered what it's like to be eaten by a shark.

Wasn't really on my bucket list.

However, I kinda just assumed after the whole process, you'd be dead. Or at the very least, in a million pieces being slowly digested in a shark stomach.

Turns out… that's not the case with Robo-Sharks.

Instead of straight up death, like I assumed was my future after the cold hard jaws of a Robo-Shark came down upon my head, I found myself falling.

Yep, you heard me. Falling. Through a portal. Like, the kind you see in sci-fi movies.

Where did the portal take me, you ask?

Well, your guess is as good as mine, pal.

"Welcome!"

That's the first thing I heard when I landed.

"You must be Gage!"

That was the second thing.

I sat up and opened my eyes to see I was in some sort of sphere prison. Admittedly, a fancy prison, the floor was soft, like it was made out of expensive pillows, and the sphere looked like that fancy crystal trinket in my mom's room I'm not allowed to go near.

"Over here, sweetheart."

I look over to see who's talking to me, only to almost choke.

It's a lady, looks to be about 40, (I think). Reddish-brown hair, with streaks of gray. Tall, pale, freckles here and there. Messy lab coat and burgundy stiletto heels (for some reason). I can't get a good look at her eyes, because she's wearing a (admittedly cool-looking) visor. She strolls a little closer to my sphere, and I feel the need to lean back to keep my distance.

"Aren't you just adorable?" she croons, clapping her hands. "Don't worry about your car darling, it's in perfect condition. The teeth are really just for show. I always make sure my sharks deliver the goods intact."

I am seven different kinds of confused, but I'm also getting a bad vibe from this lady and, frankly, being in a prison isn't making me want to ask her any questions. The alternative, however, is remaining trapped and clueless, so…

"Who are you?" I ask, rapid fire style. "Where am I? "How do you know my name?" What do you mean YOUR sharks? You're the one who did all this?"

The woman blushes and waves me off.

"Guilty as charged." she says, obviously proud. "As for your other queries…"

She takes a grand bow and stands back up to adjust her visor.

"I… am Dr. Scarlet Velvet. I know quite a good deal about you, I've been watching. Precious boy, you are in my base of operations, your new home for the time being."

Oh heck no. I don't do prisons.

"Where are my friends?", I continue, hoping she knows.

"You mean, the rest of your little ragtag team?" she responds with a disturbing amount of pep.

The lady snaps her fingers and some lights come on behind her, revealing Rhett and Brandon in their own spheres.

They're okay! At least, the two of them are. I don't see Wyatt anywhere, and the last time I saw Wheelie was right before I got eaten. I don't know where they could be.

"Guys!" I shout, trying to get the guys' attention.

"Dear boy, don't waste your breath. They will only hear you if I WANT them to hear you." the doctor says, knocking on my sphere. "I'm the host here, I decide accommodations. That includes soundproof barriers to containment spheres."

I must've started glaring, because the doctor reeled and feigned offense.

"Well now, there's no need to frown at me. I'm only keeping you separated until I have what I want. Your 'boss' is a tough nut to crack, but I'll wear him down eventually." she purred.

Larry! She's got Larry too? This is bad. If we're all here, that means the city is short three heroes and a boss.

"Oh dear, speaking of which, I might have a better time convincing him if I have ALL of his new pets. …Where is your cousin and that charming country boy? I'm sure they would love to keep you company." the doctor pondered, stroking her messy hair.

The air gets really heavy on my shoulders as it starts to dawn on me the situation we're in.

This lady wants something from Larry. Something he won't give. Knowing the stuff he makes, it's probably a weapon of mass destruction. …and if we don't find a way to get out of here and stop her…

Nuts. We might be screwed.

Villain! Villain! New villain!

She's cool (I hope). I'm thickening the plot because that was the plan, it just took me a while to finally get there. Funnily enough, there was another part that was supposed to come before this one, but after careful calculation, I realized that this one should probably go first.

Let me know what you think of the story so far! I always love hearing people's criticism, even if it's not necessarily positive. Careful correction helps me learn how to be a better writer, so please feel free.

Alright, until next time everyone!