Hello readers, I want to let you know this is my first Ben 10 story. I have watched all the series, but if I make a mistake, I'm only human. From the title you most likely figured out this is adaptation of a fairy tale. I will use elements from the original French, Disney, and Beastly, (book and film; highly recommend it). The only thing I ask is for constructive reviews. As always please support my original novel, "Battle for the Stars" by purchasing it or asking your local library to carry it. Thank you. Check out the Deviantart link in my profile to see a picture of my OC Eiar.
"Once upon a time," we've all heard that opening before. How about the saying, "A long time ago in a faraway land." Maybe, the most famous openings is "According to legend." No matter how you start a story, there is always an ending. But what else is there to a story?
Fairy tales, fables, myths and legends, why do we love the stories so much? Is it because of the magical, fun, and lessens hidden in their story. There has to be a reason we've kept them alive for so long. There are more than hundreds of different adaptations of the same story, finding the origin of one is hard; especially if it's possible the story isn't from Earth.
Across the known universe, all species have its own versions of fairy tales and legends. Whether the stories inspire fear, kindness, or anger, the point of it all; is that the child listening takes their meaning to heart. The lessons we learn from them shape us for the rest of our lives, but what if we forgot those stories. What happens when we ignore that part of us which heard the grain of truth in it? Sometimes stories need to be lived to help a person transform into all they could be and remember a vital lesson. After all, who doesn't want a fairy tale to have a happily ever after?
It was typical day in the universe. Planets were settling their problems, the Plumbers were hard at work keeping the peace, and somewhere out there Ben 10 was rescuing someone while making a mess of someone else's life. None of that mattered to passengers, of the Intergalactic Civilian Transport Shuttle Service, aka a ship that bussed people to different planets for a fee. It even looked like a bus you might see in a big city, a long rectangular vehicle with two sets of doors and a white, blue, black paint job. It include a number registration in the back and a flashing sign above the windshield.
The inside was simplistic. There was a female Uxorite behind the wheel in a blue uniform. She used her tentacles to handle the controls, while her telekinesis took passengers tickets and separated passengers that got too riled up. The aisle behind her had many different types of seats, poles, or stations for passengers to rest. The windows gave a grand view as music played. There was also a small monitor for picking up news feed. Just a typical alien bus.
Two seats behind the driver, was a female girl looking over the schedule map, calculating how long until she reached her stop. The girl's name was Eiar, (pronounced eeeaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrr,) who appeared to be seventeen years old. While her body looked human there were some major differences as well.
She was pale white with pink eyes with heavy eye shadow and had purple lipstick. Her long off to the side ponytail was mainly orange with purple high and lowlights. She wore a tight-fitting black body suit that she covered with a pink sweater vest and maroon colored pants. That just left her chest open to exposure. Her boots went up to her knees were pure black. She had on a long purple coat with yellow designs on it. Her accessories include yellow belt with upside down crescent moon shape, on her right hand a single purple cut out glove, and lastly an orange V-shape necklace. What set her apart from humans was the occasional magenta flashing eyes and sparkles from her fingers along with the orange and purple aura that surrounded her.
Putting away the map in her brown saddle bag, she pulled out a file and started reading it. Her seatmate was a male Chalybeas (Fasttrack), dressed up for a sporting event. He looked over her shoulder staring at her travel ticket. "My name is Chetcoln. So you're heading to Earth? Why would you want to do that? It's a boring spot with humans causing more ruckus than any invader. Without Max Tennyson and his grandson, that place would never been a blip on the intergalactic map."
Eiar ignored him, instead pulling out a few pictures comparing them a written report. Taking a map out of Undertown, she marked the spots in the report before clipping the picture in place. She finished reading a few more reports before shutting her folder, but one picture fell out. Chetcoln grabbed it and stared at it. "What gives? You a Ben Ten fan girl? Oh your one of his groupies who hopes to get his autograph and make him fall in love with you. My dear that's not going to happen. Why don't you come to Alpha Centauri with me? I'm competing in a three-day marathon! I'm sure to win," he laughed at her.
Eiar glared at him with annoyance. Clenching her fist she released a bit of manna dust on his feet. Before Chetcoln could stop laughing his feet had taken off dragging him all over the bus getting yelled out. The driver used her telekinesis to lift him up, not waiting for an excuse, she tossed him into the back locking him down.
"Pedestrian, I'm not Ég er ekki fangirl, ég ætla að jörð til að kenna drengnum lexíu. Ben Ten won't even see me coming. Ms. Xena? How much longer until we reach the stop at Undertown?"
"Another hour miss. Don't worry our buses are never late. I suggest keeping yourself occupied for a while. I'll ring the bell when were on the approaching vector," the driver reassured her. Smiling, Eiar settled back down reclining in her chair. She pulled out a large book from her bag. The title was written in a strange wispy language and the cover had an image of several species in fantastical outfits. Whatever it was, Eiar propped the book open, flipping to the story she wanted to read and lost herself in the book.
Time flew by quickly and before she knew it, the ship was ready to make entry into Earth's atmosphere. Buckling up tightly she prayed that entry would be smooth. The bus bulked and shook, the stars disappearing as they enter the blue sky. Seeing smoke covering the bus her aura went crazy lashing out, until Ms. Xena told her it was their cloud cover so humans wouldn't spot them. With a hard yank to the left the ship skimmed through a raise opening in a vacant lot. The smell of the sewer filled the ship causing many to gag. At last the ship docked at a waiting station. Turning everything off, the driver called out.
"Undertown Earth Station. Would all passengers with tickets here disembark? Remember go through customs and trade your money for human currency. Check in with the Plumber Base here to let them know your plans. Thank you for riding Intergalactic Civilian Shuttle Transport. Hope to see you again." Finally, she pushed open the door and Eiar disembarked with a few other passengers.
Looking at the whole of Undertown and knowing there was a thriving city above took her breath away. Sixteen hours on a bus and she was here at last. Once she made it through customs and found that youth hostel her mother recommend then she would be set for the next step.
Getting through customs was a challenge in itself. The office resembled something you find at an airport, only with more lines for different species. There was also a ton of scanners, guards and patrol animals. The agents on duty were serious about their job, not bothered at all by strip searching or taking people out of line for questions.
Finally it was her turn to be processed. The agent on duty, a Biosovortian, used his magnetism to check for hidden weapons or illegal tech on her. Afterwards he asked her to step into the full spectrum bio scanner to for health, safety, and deterring the criminal element. Her aura started flaring up as the scan began. "Ouch, hey, your scanner is hurting me!"
"I apologize, but this is standard procedure. Please attempt to control you aura so that the scan doesn't cause pain," the robotic response she received. Sighing, Eiar closed her eyes entering a meditative state. Taking deep breaths, she counted backwards from ten, until her aura was dim and small. The Biosovortian checked the results clearing her. Her bag had also passed the scan as he handed it back to her. "You may proceed, please go to the nearest window to verify your documentation."
Eiar nodded, going through the roped line until she reached the first open window. A female Lewadan hovered behind the window, checking something on her computer before turning her attention to the young alien girl. "May, I please see your passport, visa, and itinerary?" Nodding, the teen pulled out the proper file slipping it through the barrier. The Lewadan looked over the paperwork before entering the information in the computer. It pinged accepting these as official documents and not forgeries. She handed back the paperwork back to the girl. "Please keep your documents with you at all times. You may leave, the currency exchange is just down the hall to a right. After you've settled into your lodgings, please remember to contact the Plumbers HQ, to verify your paperwork is on hand and that you've registered with their list of visitors.
Eiar was glad when she finally got out of the station. Taking a deep breath she got her first taste of Earth's air. It was a little dank and recycled in Undertown, nothing like the clean sweet air she was used to, still it was exciting to be away from her planet for the first time. The giddiness was overwhelming. Stopping long enough to grab a map of Undertown, she hailed a rickshaw, paying the man to take her to the hostel.
The Younglings Youth Hostel, looked architecturally like something you might find in Europe, that is, if the building was colored gold while the floors rotated around the twenty story tower. Bridges connected the different floors to the main tower. The tower itself was imposing with an impressive garden of non-earth plants. Paying the driver, she walked towards the entrance, barely glancing at the youths playing on the different sport fields around the tower.
The lobby was very cozy with neutral tones. Pieces of art hung around the wall. Display screens called out the different amenities for the youths. A small staff was bustling about taking care of the hostel. She walked up to the desk tapping the bell. A female alien, of a species, that resembled what Earth originally thought aliens looked like, stretched her head behind her to see the new arrival before straightening and walking to the desk. "Welcome young one. My name Kad, if you need anything at all, please contact me at the friend desk. Walk in or reservation?"
"Reservation, it should be under the name Dagurdottir." Ignoring the surprised look on the lady's face she started counting out her Earth currency trying to understand how it worked. At last, Kad confirmed her reservation for one Earth year before giving her a keycard to room 824. "You'll be sharing with rotating visitors. Currently, you don't have a roommate, don't be surprised if that changes."
Eiar nodded, taking her key before taking the portal transfer to the eighth level. Rocking back a little she, steadied her balance. Her planet's gravity was one fourth of Earth, so she learning how to get use to feeling heavy. Crossing the bridge she enter the right hall heading to her room. The neutral designed carried throughout the hallway, with minimal decorations. Slipping in her card, she entered her room.
Instantly, the lights came on reveling four beds of different sizes and styles lined up against the corners. Each bed came with a small dresser and nightstand. There were two Xtranet linked computer stations on the right wall between the beds. On the left, was a TV with games with a nearby couch. She spotted in the back a small bathroom for visitors to share. It wasn't much, but it would be her home for the duration of her stay.
Placing her bag down on the bed on the right side, next to the door, she let out a big yawn. Her aura, which had regained its glow after leaving the station, was now dim again, showing how weary she was. She used her power to grab her nightgown as she entered the bathroom. With her imagination she created all sorts of items to help her get really clean and tend to her face. Finally she settled under to comforter, intending to rest for the next several hours. Tomorrow, she would start her investigation. Hopefully she get what she needed to help her find her target.
The next morning, her clock woke her up with an announcement. "Greetings young ones. Today has a wonderful forecast up top; healthy blue sky, with warm temperatures around 60, with light cloud coverage and simple breeze. If your body allows it, please feel free to take our tour of Bellwood for free. For all those who are hungry, there's a free breakfast with delicacies from around the known galaxy. Enjoy!" Kad's voice annunciated before Eiar shut the device off. She felt tired and very groggy. The trip and switching to human time had given her shuttle lag.
All the same, the sooner she got up, the sooner she could start her investigation. Before she even got close to Ben Tennyson, she wanted to complete her survey on him; specifically his negative traits. Freshening up, she grabbed her bag and headed for the free breakfast. Once there she delighted at the selection of fresh fruit mixed with greens from other planets, berry juice from Arachnar, and lastly her favorite cereal.
The food was delicious, she even went for seconds. Looking around she counted the species she knew by name and the others by sight. No surprise to see groups of Kincerlerans racing around together. She ducked her head as a duo of Aerophibians flew above her. In the corner she spotted a lone Methanosian, most likely due to his methane smell. "Maybe I'll talk to him later. Time to get going. I wonder if they have a personal transport for guests?"
Ten minutes later, she was zooming down the streets of Undertown on a rented solar bike. She enjoyed the speed and loved the onboard computer that not only kept track of her position, but warned of traffic conditions. Slowing down, she entered the bazaar section, looking for a particular stall. She finally found her quarry, a vendor of exotic food. Coming to a stop, she hopped off the bike and started asking questions.
It took a while for the vendor to finish her survey and elaborate on some answers. Thanking the vendor she continued down the list of people who had the most interaction with Ben in the main part of Undertown. She stopped average citizens who lived there asking if they tell her stories about interactions with Ben. Many of the stories overlapped, incidents taken from different povs. Reviewing her surveys she noticed that negative traits seem to be higher than the good traits. Before she came to a conclusion, there was someone she needed to interview.
Her bike's computer system gave her some trouble. Apparently the man she was looking for moved around a lot. Several buildings of his had been destroyed and the paperwork for new business, hadn't been filed yet. After asking for directions she finally found where she wanted to go; Packmar's Rare Book & Movies. Parking the bike, she hopped off. "Considering what I know, I hope he's in the mood to talk."
A bell rang as she entered the store. Taking a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of ink on paper. Opening her eyes she looked lovingly at the shelves of books and the glitter of e-readers. Walking further in, she saw that the movie section was against the wall with electronic signs telling her what she could buy. She stopped at the Iceland Sagas, carefully taking the book off the shelf. Carefully, she flipped through the pages, reading a passage or two.
"Are you going to buy that or just hold it? Packmar is a busy man and has no time for browsers!" Packmar voice spoke up. Surprised, she looked down at the little alien smiling. He grunted before continuing to speak. "Are you a human? No, wrong coloring and they don't glow. You interested in that human book? Found it in a crate marked junk."
"This book is not junk, it's a valuable piece of history, worth a lot of money. I would love to buy it if you help me in exchange."
Packmar looked at her with suspicion. He could tell she was a literary buff with knowledge of rare books. Still, what could she want in exchange? "Packmar willing to make trade. You can have the book for free, if your trade is worth my time."
Flipping her colored hair over her shoulder, she pulled out a survey handing it to him. His eyes widen and he was just about to yell at her to leave when she spoke. "Mr. Packmar, I'm not here to get Ben Tennyson off of any charges, I'm here to find complaints so that I can bring justice to his victims."
Packmar gave a little cheer. A chance to turn the tables on Ben and get revenge? He would give her the whole bookstore for that if she could deliver on her promise! "What do you need me to do?"
"Please describe your encounters with Ben Tennyson. Describe his actions and your responses. Did he apologize or fix what he destroyed? Tell me more about his habits. I would also like to know about any incidents that you know of, that aren't in public records," she explained tapping the bottom part of the page. There were ten questions with bubbles to fill in. They were all about Ben's personality and quality traits. Packmar quickly filled in everything, needing a second sheet to finish his experiences. Then with great flourish he filled in the circles. "Here, I hope this enough for you to bring justice to Packmar's poor emporiums."
"Don't worry Mr. Packmar, I promise nothing with will happen to this place. If Ben Tennyson attempts to destroy this place, he'll be answering to me!" Eiar promised putting the survey away. She would finish the comparison back at hostel. Once she found the overlapping data, she would be able to figure out what kind of punishment Ben deserved. Thanking Packmar for the book, she turned to leave when the whole building started to shake. Loud noises were coming from outside. Running to the window she was shocked by what she saw coming.
Citizens were scrambling to get out-of-the-way of a dozen of high-speed alien mopeds tore through the streets. Riding on them were several known thugs. There was; Tummyhead, Sunder, SevenSeven and even Liam riding with Vulkanus. They were firing a multitude of weapons into the crowd as they tried to find a clear way through to the exit. Judging by the direction they came from and where they were heading, plus the saddlebags full of rare artifacts, they must have raided Undertown's Antiquities.
If they stole rare, priceless relics, there's no telling if they come for these ancient tomes and classic movies. I have to protect this store she thought quickly. Already Liam and Vulkanus were turning their ride around ready to smash the place apart for the items in stock.
"We're all going to die! Packmar will lose business again! Packmar will go bankrupt! No, fate worse than death!" the little alien cried as he ran around, trying to protect his precious treasures. He suddenly blinked his eyes as the aura around Eiar got brighter.
"I promised I keep your shop safe, and that's what I'm going to do!" Cupping her hands together, a glowing purple energy ball started to grow. Within seconds more colors appeared. Thrusting her hands open the colorful dust went in all directions. Using the string connections on her fingertips she directed the dust shaping it. Green became a solid castle, with pink turning into living plants to attack. The windows now had cannons inside them to fire protection. As she pulled her hands back the creations become solid and strong. "Let's see them wreck this store now."
Packmar looked in wonder of what his store had turned into. As Liam and Vulkanus got closer, both raised their laser weapons before shooting rapid fire lasers. The castle like structure didn't waver absorbing the energy and feeding it to the plants. The vine like poppies grew rapidly before spraying a large amount of pollen at the two cyclers. Liam squawked once before falling off the bike snoring loudly. A covering opened up as wind sucked him inside. He would be retrieved later. Vulkanus was trying to get inside smashing his fist against the structure. "Do you really think your puny force field will keep you safe Packmar? One way or another you're going to lose another business!"
Packmar yelled before hiding behind the teen. Eiar refused to lose to an undersized Detrovite. "You want in? Well, I'm stamping you rejected!" Snapping the first cannon string; she let out a beam of super sunlight blinding the man. Before he could recover she attacked with super freezing water that iced up. The last cannon released a ton of annoying parasites that started to bite him and make him itch. Furious, the thief ran away screaming in pain.
All the dust creations disappeared except for the castle structure. She told Packmar it would vanish in a few hours, right now she needed to after those thugs. Judging by the shouts, she knew Ben Tennyson was nearby. Grabbing her solar bike she zoomed down the road, carefully avoiding objects and people.
"Computer, scan for any Plumper frequencies. Are there any details of who is responding to the theft in the southern business sector?" the bike hummed for a few minutes as it got permission to hear the frequency. "Agents Rook Blanco and Ben Tennyson are in pursuit." Rolling her eyes she pushed the bike faster trying to find a side route to cut the criminals off before either they or Ben caused trouble.
She pull up next to the escape tunnel, just as the villains arrived. Pulling the bike into an alley, she hid it behind a dumpster before heading out to stop the crooks, but was forced back as a protoblast nearly took off her foot. It seemed that Ben and Rook had arrived.
"This is the end of the line. I mean if two bounty hunter are forced to team up with a low level thug, then how do expect to beat me?" Ben laughed with arrogance. Ignoring Rook order to wait for backup, he punched the Omnitrix turning into Chamalien. Not losing his grin he changed his color disappearing from sight.
That trick didn't last long as both Sunder and SevenSeven equipment located him. Chamalien attacked with his retractable tail stinger trying to pierce through SevenSeven' armor. The alien simply rolled over activating his jet boots gaining momentum before sending Chamalien straight through a tea house. Jumping up, she snagged the side of the building climbing effortlessly. Her body was lithe and light as she jumped rooftops landing on the tea shop roof and swinging down to land on the canopy to see inside.
The teahouse was a mess. There was massive damage to the tables, the walls were cracked and most of the tea sets had been destroyed. Her expression was horrified as Ben, (who had reverted to normal), didn't even apologize or offer to come back and fix the damage, making him disrespectful and inconsiderate. "None of this would have happened if he used his brain instead of rushing in for the thrill," she muttered.
Flipping off the canopy and landing in a split, she hurried inside to see what she could do to be helpful. The owner, an alien resembling a panda bear, thanked her as she helped the customers out of the wreckage. She tended to their wounds and soon everyone was helping out to fix the mess. Hearing the sounds of battle still going, Eiar was hesitant to leave, but the owner nodded for her to go.
She came out just as Cannonbolt came rolling backwards heading for a few citizens, trapped behind some benches for cover. Using her powers, she created a goldish powder, lifting him up and over the citizens before he barreled into the bad guys. Yelling over his shoulders, he called out, "Sorry about that, but you shouldn't really get in the way when I'm saving the day!"
"Of all the selfish things to say! Rook better finish up this fight now!" Eiar growled tp herself. By luck, Rook was able to use his prototool to snag everyone. At last, backup arrived as they took the criminals in custody. As she listened to the conversation between partners, she was furious at Ben. He didn't ask about the places he destroyed or the people who got hurt. No, he was too worried about his face getting wrecked, ruining his public image. "Such vanity! I've seen enough. My surveys were right about you. It's time that a little justice and humility befell you," she whispered.
Ben had finished his after mission lecture from Rook. He took off back Rook's truck, thinking that his partner still needed to lighten up a bit. Okay, sure he was right about the people of Anur Transly, not really being monsters. The lecture he gave me about being more responsible and start thinking my actions through. What did Rook even mean about being considerate so I don't have girl problems again? Girl's love me! There's nothing wrong with, "ooffffffff! Ben hadn't watched he was going and walked right into a girl. "Sorry, you should watch where you're going."
"Excuse me? You're the one who walked right into me!" the girl said, pushing herself up and dusting the grime off her jacket. She ran a hand through her hair, "Eww, slime, it's going to take forever to get this out!" the girl grumbled as twisted and squeezed the gunk from her hair. The strands of goo hair were twisting around getting tangled in knots while tugging at her scalp.
Ben winced, witnessing at her tugging her hair tightly, glad he didn't get that stuff in his hair. "That looks painful, maybe you should see a beautifier about that. Better yet, stay out of Undertown, it's not exactly safe for humans, even if you're a punk." Once again running his mouth, he failed to notice she was attacking him until his right kneecap sent massive pain signals to his brain. Hopping on one foot he went, "owwwww owwwwwwww owwwww. Why did you do that? More importantly, what's in those boots that makes them so heavy?"
Eiar put her hands on her hips standing tall, her aura getting brighter. Her eyes flashed as the goo vanished from her hair. Stepping closer she reached out, yanking the poor teen onto a bench before standing in front of him, her right foot on the bench. "First off, you need to mind your manners. Second, I'm not a human, though you could consider us distant cousins. As for my attire, it's none of your business how I dress. Understand?" she asked, counting with her fingertips each point before shoving her index finger into his chest.
Ben nodded his head, he was getting really bad vibes from her. Cautiously, he moved around, searching for a way out. His hand hovered over the Omnitrix, only for her to cover it with her hand. "Don't think about. Why don't you just go ruin someone else's life? You're very good at that, at least according to my surveys on you." Eiar left him sitting on the bench, walking at a fast pace. She was heading to an empty square, where statues of the builders, stood. It was because of them, this town and Bellwood, survived a ten year old's tantrum, years ago. Straining her ears she could hear the sound of Ben's footfalls hurrying after her, trying to cover his tracks by hiding behind stuff. "Typical arrogance. He's falling right into my trap."
Getting into place, she positioned herself so she was leaning at an angle up against a statue. She pulled out the surveys and pretend to review them, her left hand at her side, the tips were sparkling lightly. She had dimmed her aura. After a few minutes she put the surveys away. "I know you're there, I can sense you. If you want to continue our conversation just come over already."
Flushing, Ben walked out with his head down and his hands in his pocket. He was ignoring a call from his partner, tapping the communication off. The girl just studied her nails waiting for Ben to speak. "I want to know who you are and why would you be taking surveys about me? Are you fan or work for someone?" he demand, looking at her. There was a slight crackling from his wrist, he heard the muffled sound of the Omnitrix trying to work, but suddenly it stopped. "Hmm what's wrong with this thing now?"
"I don't know, it could be that your slamming it so hard has damaged it. It wouldn't be the first time you broke something and didn't bother to go back to fix it or help people," Eiar mentioned, in annoyed tone of voice. She was clearly being sarcastic as she could be. "Oh, what about being respectful to others or using that brain power you demonstrated when you were 15."
Ben couldn't believe her attitude towards him. "Do you have a problem with me? Because it sounds as if you have something you want to grind me with." Again, his Omnitrix started to act up, but stopped. Looking closely this time, he saw green dust on the faceplate. "What is this stuff?"
"You'll find out later, first I do have something against you," Eiar said, taking out the surveys and handing them to Ben to read. Judging by his look of disbelief, he never heard someone saying this to his face. "You were taking a survey, about how much people hate me?"
"No, you idiot, the survey was answering what bad traits you display most often and how people feel about the way you handle things. Most citizens agreed that you have a bad habit of not understanding your actions have consequences," she told him. Her aura was getting vibrant again. She could feel Rook approaching and the dust wearing off. "According to the list; you have five traits that are unbecoming of a human. There are several reports against you for damages, emotional pain, and misrepresenting yourself and the human race. It time someone did something about that."
"Oh really, I think I'm just fine the way I am. If people have a problem they should say it to my face. I'm a good listener," he remarked cocky. Noticing her eye brows raised, he gave her an acquisitive stare of his own. "What, you don't belief me? It's true!" As he said that the last of the dust fell off the Omnitrix as it went into scan mode. Ben was shocked when she create a solid purple wall to protect herself. "Scan complete. New alien unlocked."
"You're an Anodite? But I thought they didn't have DNA," Ben exclaimed as he looked at the new glyph. It didn't look like the face of an Anodite, but a human with a glowing light around the head. Glancing between the glyph and the girl, he wondered what kind of trap he just walked into.
"That's not entirely true, just a secret Azmuth never figure out. Oh, and I'm not an Anodite, but I'm distantly related to them. Before you ask, no I'm not a hybrid; at least not in the sense you're thinking," Eiar said. Looking behind Ben she saw Rook running towards her. Time to put her plan in action. Gathering her power she scatter her manna, this time in the form of solid wall of sapphire blue mixed with brown chips. The walls started rotating faster and faster, as she created a solid storm above with indigo dust making it impossible to escape.
"Whatever you're doing, I'm going to put an end to this right now!" Ben shouted. He raised his hand to slam on the Omnitrix when a frozen light blue dust frosted it, making it unable to work for a time. "Cooooooooooollllllllllllld! It's cold!" He whined. Hearing pounding, he turned to see Rook. "Get me out of this partner!"
"I am attempting to, but whatever she's created has no reaction to my prototool. I will attempt to break it down by force!" Rook backed up taking a flying kick, he bounced off the wall, not even leaving a crack. Driving back his fist he attempted to punch through nearly breaking his hand. His continued efforts of physical attacks were only causing him pain. That wall wasn't coming down. "I will call Magistrate Tennyson for backup. They should be here momentarily. Try to hold on!"
"That's easy for you say, you're not the one stuck in here!" Ben tried to rush her, but she jumped up on top of the statue, balancing on the head of one of them with ease.. Seeing him climbing she jumped off doing a front flip landing on her feet. She lunged, grabbing his foot and pulling him down before spinning him around sending him skidding across the courtyard. "Ugh, I'm being beaten by a girl. Gwen is never going to let me live this down."
"Why not? You're cousin seen you in action before, it's not like it's a big secret you don't work with what you have. How many times, has she told you, work on your physical body to improve yourself?" Eiar asked, strolling over to him with a purpose. Seeing his reaction her eyes flashed as she rolled them. Once again his lack of brain power was astonishing."You're a "universal hero". Anyone who can read knows about your cousin and weaknesses."
Angry, he tried to punch her, but she caught his fist bending his arm backwards pinning him against her chest. He tried to kick her only for to adjust her footing so he didn't connect. Twisting about she tossed him over her shoulder. He managed to do a rough handstand into a somersault. "Okay, I'll admit it, I need to work on my skills, but what is it, that you want from me?"
"As I stated before, I'm here on behalf of those you wronged. It's time you to face the consequences of your actions and grow up. The only way that's going to happen if what inside shows on the outside," she hissed. Her fingers were sparking with different colors of manna. With a flick of her fingers the colored dust lifted Ben up in a mini tornado. The teen tried to hold it together, ignoring the pain that came when the dusts covered his skin before burrowing inside him. He doubled over in pain. Feeling his insides twist about as his body changed. This was different than when he went alien. It was a smoother transition, but this, it was torture as he spun around in all directions. All Rook could do is watch helplessly behind the wall as his partner started to change. His ears perked up, as he focused on what Eiar was saying.
The alien girl's voice echoed as she delicately moved her fingers controlling her manna dust. Her eyes were glowing as her aura's light grew stronger. Her entire mind was focused on the task ahead. It was time to curse him.
"Benjamin Kirby Tennyson, you've been charged with five bestial traits from inside you. Arrogance, selfishness, disrespect and inconsideration, lack of using your brain, and lastly vanity. I cast the curse of the beast on you. Thy ugliness inside shall now appear outside as what you value turns inward for a time. No escape from the monster you'll become, except for one. In one year of human time, you must find someone to love you, who can see and understand better than you can. With love's confession from both beast and beauty, a reborn human you shall be. If no love is found, the curse remains forever more. By my command become as unattractive outside as you were inside!"
Ben screamed at the same time Eiar yelped as her manna abilities surged. There was a brilliant flash of light that was seen over all over Undertown. There was a tremor felt by all. There was some panic as the air became chock full of charged dust. An echo of a blasted sound boom bounced off the walls until it became silent again. At the square, the air was clearing up as the dust faded away. Rook rubbed his eyes, grabbing his weapon, he quickly moved towards Ben. When he reached his partner he seemed to be covered in some fur. He was about to turn him over to check for injuries, when coughing drew his attention. "Halt, you are being detained for assaulting a Plumber."
Eiar, leaned against the solar bike she had summoned. Though her hair was a mess, she still had the strength to stand. "If…you…check my… itinerary… you'll see I have all the proper paperwork filed. When he wakes up, have him examined to see, if my curse caused damage." She pulled out something from her bag, sending it spinning towards Rook, who snagged it. "Talk with Magistrate Tennyson. He'll explain everything. You'll find me waiting at Twisty Freeze on St. Vincent Avenue, when you're finished with my paperwork. See you later."
As she rode away, Rook moved to go after her, when he heard Ben groaning. It sounded very gruff, almost like a growl. "Ugh, what happen to me? I feel as if I went through a marathon of all my transformations. Cough, Cough, am I in a new form? Is that why I feel weird?" Before Rook could ask him to sit down to be check out, he stood up. Rook gasped as his scanner started to beep. He couldn't believe what it was saying. "Um Ben, I have something to say to you…"
He was interrupted when Ben caught a glimpse of himself in a nearby window. He yelped, caught by surprise of his reflection. He twisted around taking a tumble as he found a piece of the sapphire wall intact. Staring at he kept asking, "What kind of alien am I?"
Ben's appearance was very different then any alien he turned into. Instead of looking like something foreign and out of this world, he seemed to be mismatch of animals. He had grown to at least six and half feet. His entire back was covered in thick brown fur of a bear while his face looked like a lion's head. His entire torso was covered in thick yellowish black crocodile scales with ridges. His upper arms down to his elbows, were covered in brightly colored fish scales with a mini fin attach to either side. Below the elbow to his hands were dark green slimy skin and toad like hands. His legs were bird of prey like with sharp talons. Twisting around he saw attached to his butt was a small scorpion tail that shared the color pattern of a bee. "What the… I'm ah… who did she… tuuuurrrrn, me into?" He asked spinning around too fast and tumbling on top of Rook.
"Ben, this may come to a shock for you, but you're not an alien. All the DNA in your form is from Earth animals, which have attached to certain sequences in your own genetic code. In agagnorisis, you have become a human beast," Rook told him. Backup arrived just to see Ben let loose a howl of anguish. How could this happen to him?