Disclaimer: I own nothing but my OC, Rosalinda.
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Chapter 2: Patrolling Madness
Three hours passed by after Max left me to myself. Half of that time, I've been stuck in the bathroom. At first all I did organize my stuff. In here I had a bed, a closet bigger than the one I once owned and had to share with both my sister and mother, a nightstand without drawers and just recently discovered the drawers came out of the wall beside my bed. This isn't the strangest thing though, the shower is. Toilet? A bit high tech looking but easy enough to decipher - I flushed it by accident. The shower was another story. Instead of having the two normal handles - one with a 'C', one with an 'H' - there was something that looked like a control panel, many, many buttons.
I had pressed random ones, with not so good results. A jutted, green one resulted in ice cubes; a plain, yellow one ended up with covering the shower in steam; a small, red one splashed a far too strong hose at me - it sent me against the far wall. Right now I was afraid to push anything else. Then again, my "tour guide" should be here soon so I can't just stand here and wait for a miracle to happen. I stepped forward and pressed an orange, square button. I saw a pipe come out above me. Yes! I smiled but my victory was short lived. Next thing I know I'm covered in a dark, sticky substance. I let out a shriek if surprise and disgust. What in blazes-?! What is this stuff?!
"Miss Pedrosa?" I heard a masculine, gentle voice come from outside the bathroom door. Rook? Oh no! I ran out of time! And now I'm even dirtier than before!
"Oh! Uh, Rook? Is that you?" I almost bit my lip when I remembered the sticky stuff over me.
"Yes...is there a problem Miss Pedrosa? I heard a scream." My face instantly heated up. How embarrassing! He heard me shriek...guess no other way out of it.
"Um...how does this shower work? Because I've been showered with pretty much everything but water!" I felt utterly embarrassed and humiliated by having to ask for help with this.
"Oh. Simply press the blue button on the bottom left." Sure enough, there it was, laughing right in my face for being so stupid.
"Thanks Rook!" I called, still feeling the heat on my face behind all the sticky stuff.
"It was no problem, I will give you some time to get ready and then we can begin the tour!" I sighed in relief, yet feeling guilty for making him wait.
"Okay! Sorry!"
"Do not worry, it is very tricky the first time!" Yeah right...he was just saying that to make me feel better.
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1 hour and 47 minutes later...
I discovered that the sticky stuff was actually mud. It shouldn't had surprised me. With so many different aliens around here, there had to be a reason for why there was an entire panel for the shower. I changed into a pair of jeans like the last ones with a navy T-shirt and my hoodie over it - I loved it because of the white fluff it had inside the hoodie. My black watch, and I changed the black laces of my black convers for shiny, rainbow ones. My hair? I just grabbed some gel, and got it somewhere between wavy and curly.
"- and right here we have the cafeteria - " Rook was showing me around. Honestly, I already forgot half of it. This place was so big! He seemed to notice my uncertainty because he stopped.
"Do not worry, it will take some time for you to memorize the entire headquarters." I nodded, smiling slightly - what a liar, I'm really worried about getting lost. Suddenly Rook had his hand against his pointed ear.
"Yes Magister Tennyson? Well I actually - yes. Oh. Alright then." He turned his red, yellowish eyes to me.
"What's wrong?" And who the heck is Magister? Mm, maybe the Tennysons are a larger family than I thought.
"We will have to postpone the tour. It is almost time for us to go patrolling. Since you are still not very familiar with the Plumber's Headquarters and the Galvans appear to be obsessed with you, Magister Tennyson suggested you come with us. Perhaps that way you may be able to see for yourself how we Plumbers work." Using the word "Plumber" for an intergalactic officer is still on the weird radar for me but I think I'm getting used to it. Wait. Me? Patrol?
"Uh...are you sure that's a good idea? I'm not very...adept to fighting or anything like that." He smiled at this. For some reason it made me feel like a child asking if she could grab a cookie.
"Do not worry. If there happens to be trouble, you can stay inside the vehicle." That...just made me feel lame but okay!
"Oh, okay."
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As it turns out, Magister is just a way by which the Plumbers call Max. Right now I was talking to Rook and Max, waiting for Ben who was late.
"What do you mean by side-effects, exactly?" I asked feeling uneasy about the whole thing.
"Don't worry. I'm sure it's nothing too extreme - maybe just some dizziness and tiredness. Nothing to worry about." Max tried to reassure me, but I wasn't buying his act as he patted me on the back gently. Next to me Rook seemed worried.
"Why hasn't Ben arrived yet? Do you think something bad could've happened?" Max then gained a stern expression across his face. Ooh. Somebody's in trouble.
"Oh don't you worry. I have an idea as to where Ben is right now." For some reason I don't think it had anything to do with aliens.
Speak of the King of Rome...
"Hey. Sorry I'm late." Said Ben who had a drink of some sort on one of his hands. Not a smart move or choice.
"Ben, you're not on your own schedule anymore. You can't keep your partner waiting." Max scolded him. I have to admit, it was kind of funny to watch.
"I was...off saving the universe!" Lame excuse when you're holding out that funny drink. Max noticed too as his vision changed directly to the beverage. Sheepishly Ben hid it behind his back. When Max walked away, shaking his head at his grandson's behavior, Ben relaxed and started drinking from the plastic cup.
"Let's go Rook, I'm parked over here." Ben started to walk away when Rook stopped him. Heh...I don't have my license yet...then again I'm not enthusiastic about driving either and it's a lot of responsibility. My parents didn't see it that way but I still refused.
"We'll take mine." Rook said as he pointed something that looked like a remote at a car and a sound came. I turned with Ben and we both gaped at the huge - and I mean HUGE - black and green monster of a vehicle. Ben even stopped drinking his...whatever it was that he was drinking. Suddenly the car moved away to show the silly van that had picked me up. Ben's face fell while I just stared. I know they said it was well equipped and everything but I never expected this to be Rook's car.
"Wow, I bet the girls all start screaming when they see this ride rolling down the block." Ben said sarcastically, to which I nudged him slightly. Rook seemed to not be bothered by this though as he pressed the "car remote" again.
"Females are not afraid of my vehicle." I glanced sideways at him, "But they probably should be." I was about to retort that I was definitely not scared of the car when said object started shifting. I closed my mouth only to have it drop slightly when it turned into some sort of high tech, flying machine. Okay...maybe a little intimidated.
"You know, sometimes, you're actually kinda awesome." Ben grinned at Rook, who smiled in appreciation. Ben quickly turned back around and the smile disappeared from his face. "Sometimes." He said as if for emphasis.
"What a jerk..." A muttered as I passed by him and to the van, followed by Rook. Unfortunately it didn't go back to being the little car it had once been. I'd been hoping for it.
"Whoa, wait! Where do you think you're going?" Ben said running over towards me. I turned to look at him.
"Who? Me?"
"Yes you! You're supposed to be with the Galvans anyways." At the mention I shuddered.
"No thanks." I said and turned to see Rook inside the vehicle but on the passenger side. He offered me a lavender hand which I gratefully took and was hoisted up with ease onto the seats.
"Wait a minute! Rook! Why is she coming with us?" Ben yelled at his partner who so far, had a ten from me of gentlemanliness and politeness.
"Magister Tennyson thought it would be a good idea." Was all he answered as he sat down on the driver's seat, me sitting next to him and leaving a space for Ben.
"Grandpa...no wonder." He shook his head as he climbed in next to me. I crossed my arms and glared at him. Deep down I was actually hurt, but for some reason I didn't feel like keeping to myself.
"Is there a problem with me tagging along?" Honestly it's not like I was ecstatic about the field trip either but as long as I stayed I'd rather be treated well - or at least have civil conversations.
"What? Oh no! Sorry Rose...it's not you. Just lately things haven't turned out pretty well. You have nothing to do with it though." Well, he apologized and he looked embarrassed too. Sigh, I must look snappish too.
"It's okay. Sorry I snapped at you. Crazy day. Not good for keeping the mood up." We both nodded at each other as if signifying that everything was cool.
We rode in silence for quite some time. It made me uneasy. I kept trying to distract myself with our surroundings but to no avail. Ben looked too absorbed by his Smoothie - I'd ask him about it right after we got out onto the highway - and Rook seemed too concentrated on his driving. I didn't want to bother Ben and I didn't know what I could ask Rook. After some more pondering my eyelids started to droop. Slowly...ever so...-
"I am unfamiliar with human emotional cues, but are you angry at me?" The sound of Rook's voice woke me up which made me look up at him with a tired expression.
"Huh?" Both me and Ben said as we looked at him. I don't know if he had said who he was referring - me or Ben - to but I didn't hear it.
"Oh. I am sorry for awakening you Ms. Pedrosa. I was actually referring to Ben's behavior." I nodded in understanding, though a bit embarrassed at being caught dozing off. I have to get a better grip of myself - I'm always easily lulled to sleep in a moving vehicle.
"Nah Rook. It's like I told Rose here," He patted me on the shoulder to make his point. "I'm just bored. I've just been feeling more like a tour guide than a hero lately." He started making motions with his hands. "Over here on your right you'll see the city. Over here on the left you'll see what we call water. Careful it's wet." I didn't get what was upsetting about that, but Rook's next comment killed me.
"Water is wet. I'm familiar with that." I started snickering when he said that. In fact, I saw Ben try to hold back a grin. No doubt to keep from laughing himself. "What?" He asked, confused about what I was laughing at.
"It's nothing Rook don't worry about it - and by the way, call me Rose. You already did so before, remember?" Rook smiled slightly at this.
"I'm sorry I left you waiting - both of you. I just don't wanna change how I work. I've saved the universe like a billion times - at least!" Bragger much?
"That is why I am looking forward to this. I hope the real Ben Tennyson lives up to the legends." Legends? Seriously? Ben stopped abruptly sipping and turned to Rook. Some of the pink smoothie felt out...yuck.
"There are legends?" He said, green eyes shining like I had never seen ever since I met him. Rook smiled too.
"Yes. They can't all be true though. For instance, Alien X," I raised a brow. What now? "That's just a rumor put on the Extranet by a fan isn't it?" Before Ben could answer I questioned.
"What's Alien X? And what in the world is the extranet?" Ben went onto summarize quickly that Alien X was a very powerful Alien DNA he had stored in his omnitrix - so powerful it sounded surreal - and the extranet was pretty much just a version of the Internet. I felt like slapping myself for that one - it was pretty obvious.
"Oh, okay."
"Anyways, Alien X 'is' real." Rook looked surprised as Ben leaned back.
"He is? Show me! Change into Alien X right now!" I couldn't tell if he really was that excited or if it was just sarcasm. Ben frowned and closed his eyes, then said that he couldn't. Rook sighed at this. "Just as I thought." Now Ben looked annoyed. I took my glasses off and started wiping then slowly with my shirt - I know I shouldn't but it's a habit I grew into.
"Look - just because you can't see something doesn't mean it isn't real. Right Rose?" I was startled when he dragged me into the conversation so suddenly.
"Well...I have to admit it does sound too good to be true - but hey! A bunch of things I never thought would exist turned out to be real today, so why not?" I beamed slightly at Ben, who seemed overjoyed at having someone believe him.
"Ha! See? Rose believes Alien X is real! It won't be bad having you around you know." He nudged me, raising his eyebrows and grinning from ear to ear. Rook still didn't look convinced. I sighed.
"Good to know...just don't try to make me choose sides when you two argue - I hate that." I warned him. In warned war, few die.
"Look, just find us some hero-ing to do and you can tell me if I live to the legend." He said talking to Rook. It was very entertaining what happened next. First we caught some strange, crab-like aliens munching on a car. As soon as Ben motioned to activating his Omnitrix the little creatures obediently started putting everything back into place. For crabs, they were quite adorable.
"Strike one." I said, teasing Ben. He glared at me then shook it off.
"Plenty more to come around." That was his retaliation. I shrugged. For some reason I was sure he'd pass the third strike and more. The guys then followed a strange alien with tentacles that carried a purse. They figured she or he had stolen it - turns out the poor thing was just returning it to an old lady who still screamed at the sight of the creature. Strike two. Though I didn't say it aloud. Ben seemed disappointed.
The next one was both cute and hilarious. We followed a slightly fat alien with the head looking like an octopus to an alley without end. It looked like it was going to attack a little alien that was transparent. Ben even threatened by pointing his omnitrix. The 'weapon'? It was a bottle. The little alien was his/her baby and he/she was trying to feed it. Ha!
"Should I say strike three or is it obvious?"
"At least the world is safe from...car munching aliens." Ben leaned forward looking somewhere between bored and sad that he hadn't been able to play the hero all night. I felt kinda bad for teasing him now. Rook on the other hand was munching on something. What was it? I have no idea and I don't know if I should ask.
"Hey, at least you got a night off." I said trying to cheer him up by being more positive. He still didn't seem to find a good side to the situation as he pointed to a guy with spiky, red and black hair that was talking on the cellphone - wait...what's that yellow cord?
"Look, some normal dude. Maybe we should arrest him for day walking." I rolled my eyes at his sarcasm.
"Geez Ben, you're pessimism is gonna end up rubbing up on me - and I already am enough of a pessimist."
"His phone shouldn't be able to be powered here on Earth." Rook said narrowing his eyes. "Is that normal?" I looked closer, the phone itself looked wacky.
"No, it's not normal." Ben said, narrowing his eyes too. i could just see the happiness inside, masking it with the tough guy look he was trying to pull off. As the guy walked off Rook went out one door and Ben the other. I was tired of just sitting here so I followed after them. As I tiptoed behind them Ben turned to me.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm bored and my butt was leaving a mark on the seat. I promise I'll be quiet!" I put my hands together, and gave the best impression of puppy dog eyes I could muster - with the glasses I wasn't sure if it would work.
"Alright, fine. Just stay close and hide yourself if a fight breaks out." Weird how authoritative and serious he sounded. I nodded all the same.
"Well you tell 'er that I'm part of something big!" The guy said forcefully into the phone before turning to where we were hiding. "I'll call you back." He whispered hurriedly and hung up. I stayed behind Rook, peeking my head over his broad, armor clad shoulder slightly to see what the soon-to-be-arrested guy would do. Suddenly I caught movement on his hand. His phone had taken on a shape that looked between a gun and a taser, then in a flash turned to fire a yellow beam directly at where we were. My eyes widened but before I could do anything Ben had shoved Rook back, which sent him right at me. I let out a strangled cry as Rook's weight squashed me. I heard Ben say something.
"You're welcome." It came out very smugly and directed towards Rook, who he had "saved" by pushing out of the way. As Ben rook off after the guy Rook stood quickly, grabbing my forearm on the way and hauling me up with him. Not letting me go as he dragged me along after Ben.
"Rose, are you unharmed?" I looked up to see Rook glance at me worriedly.
"I'm okay." Not true. Something from his armor had dug into my stomach and left a pulsing pain there but I wasn't about to worry about that now. He didn't seem convinced but dropped it as we came to a stop beside Ben. A red - I don't know much about cars so I'll go with something that looked like a Jeep with huge wheels. It came straight at us with no intention of stopping. Rook jumped to the right, pushing me against the wall with his arm over me. Ben had landed face first but managed to push himself against the wall at the same time.
"Finally, some action!" Once again, Ben took off. We followed quickly, the pulsing pain still nagging at my stomach. I heard Ben talking to himself.
"Big Chill will let me cut straight through these buildings!" He slammed his hand onto his omnitrix after changing to the alien desired with it. He has an alien that can do that? I'm gonna need a guide with all these and more alien species soon. I don't think he transformed into what he wanted because in his place was a creature made of rock with flames on his head, hands and feet. Ben slammed right into the wall.
"Ooh! That looked like it hurt." I said as we came closer.
"Heatblast? Seriously?" Disbelief was in his strange, raspy voice. He looked up at the tall building in front of him. "Time to improvise." I stood back when fire shot from his hands and feet, propelling up and out of Rook's and my view. Speaking of Rook, he grabbed me once more and with lightning speed got us to the van. He drove like a maniac!
"Woah! I don't think I've ever seen you drive like this Rook-! Eek!" Rook spiraled to block the guy's car, hoping to stop him. He growled when it had little effect. Then proceeded to turn the car and at the same time it morphed into it's flying mode. We took off with Ben in tow. I'm terribly embarrassed to say that I was literally pushed back into my seat when we launched forward. My hands automatically gripped the seat and the door. Dang...I knew persecutions were like hectic but this is another story. I saw that Ben lowered himself before firing at one of the tires of the red Jeep, effectively wearing and burning it off. The car screeched to a stop as Ben transformed mid air, his butt hitting the ground three times before his body turned and landed roughly. I cringed. Ouch. That's gonna sting. A lot. I looked up just as the guy from before jumped out of his car. Rook left the van floating above the Jeep.
"Open the door Rose!" I did as told and stood back as Rook leaped out, landing on the car and then propelling himself and landing on the guy, taking him down. I almost cheered for his capture. Instead I opted for carefully but still clumsily climbing down from the floating vehicle and onto the Jeep. A strange sound came from it. What the heck is tha?
"You guys wouldn't last a minute against 'my' boss!" I heard the guy say confidently.
"Guys! His car is making some really weird noises!" I barely noticed the three heads that turned to me as I went to the front of the car. I leaned my head down. It was coming from under the hood.
"That doesn't sound like a typical Earth combustion engine." That's what I said Rook...sort of.
"Maybe it's a hybrid." Pfft. I had the urge to flick Ben over the head for that. The guy panicked when he saw my slim hands going for the hood.
"There's nothing in there! I swear!" Uhuh, yeah right. I opened it as Ben and Rook both came to stand by my sides. A yellow container with a huge crack was what we saw. I took a step back, panicked when the crack became bigger. Like that the container exploded.
"Yikes!" I jumped back, covering myself as did the guys. The pain that had ebbed before came back to poke at me. How annoying...a yellow ray of electricity came floating out. It landed in front of the guy - wait, wait, wait! His hands are behind his back; were the guys in the process of arresting him? Darn, I missed that! I stared and tilted my head. It was a small alien; black and yellow, with tiny arms and legs - heck, the little guy could barely reach my knee. To me it had a battery-like shape. It had two signs; one for plus and one for minus on the back of it's tiny body. Ben gasped. I looked at him to see that he looked shocked. What was so scary about a little fella like him? Speaking of which, it morphed into electricity before touching the guy's backpack. When it landed back on the ground, it had a new companion by his side. Oh. That's what.
"Megawhatts?" Ben asked himself, still sounding shocked. I looked at Rook and he too looked surprised. I stared at the tiny aliens. Seriously, what is the big deal? They're cute if anything. They started flying around laughing mischievously and going from lamppost to lamppost - breaking the previous as they did. "I haven't seen any of these guys in years." They looked over at the red and black haired guy angrily - he only grinned nervously - before leaping on him and zapping him continuously.
"Ow! Hey! Stop that!" When I saw how the little Megawhatts were laughing at the boy's I couldn't help it, I had to cover my mouth to stop my giggles. They were so cute and funny! And their laughter was contagious!
"I've never faced a Nosedeenian. Any advice?" Rook took a weapon from his shoulder - mmm, I should ask him about it later. I stood back when the Megawhatts traveled over Rook's body and started repeatedly zapping him.
"Try not to let them zap you." I looked at Ben with a tired expression at his helpless "advice". Poor Rook...
"Dully noted." He said after the Megawhatts had finally leaved him alone. The Megawhatts then traveled on the electricity cables and away from us.
"Stop them!" Yelled Ben and we all took off. I looked behind me at the floating car hesitantly and at the sure-to-escape vandal. I couldn't do much about it though so unwillingly I followed Ben and Rook. They caused a huge mess with the cars - the Megawhatts, I mean. Nearly causing accidents too!
"Where'd they go?" Ben frantically looked around. I looked up and saw them, making faces at us.
"There!" I pointed above at the building. We took off before Ben stopped and looked at us.
"I'll keep after them - you two, give me some eyes in the sky." You two? Before I could ask he was gone. I turned to Rook, ready to ask him instead when I saw the weapon on his shoulder move and a grappling hook shot off and hooked to the roof of a nearby building. I didn't have time to protest as he took hold of my arm and then my feet left the ground.
"Ah!" I shrieked at the sudden change in altitude. He flung us over two buildings - I had a Spider-Man déjà vu as we did this, only that I was far more reluctant to be flung around than when I was a little girl. I hung onto him tightly even when he stopped on top of a building for a moment before dropping to my knees. He said something to Ben over a communicator but I was too busy trying to stop myself from having a heart attack.
"Rose, are you alright?" I didn't even look up at him.
"I-I've been better. J-just warn me the next time you do something like that."
"Very well, hold on." He grabbed my wrist. My eyes widened. Oh boy. Oh boy. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!
We reached Ben in few minutes - honestly? To me it felt more like hours. He was in a clock-like humanoid form, leaning over and looking - or sounding - exhausted. He transformed back into his human form just as we landed beside him; Rook landing perfectly and me stumbling before regaining my balance.
"Are you hurt Ben?" I looked at Ben concerned too.
"Give me a minute...so I don't hurl." Instinctively I took a step back, standing on the other side of Rook. Nothing personal, I just didn't like to see people vomit.
"It's a miracle they didn't escape a Chronosapien." I like Ben's names of different aliens better - again, no offense to Rook's knowledge.
"That's the thing. I think they 'wanted' me to follow them." I patted Ben gently on the back, careful not to step too close to him.
"Do you need more time?" I looked at Ben when Rook said this.
"Yeah, I almost went through a cardiac arrest but you look like you're ready to drop dead." Rook nodded before he froze, raising an eyebrow at me.
"When did this happen?"
"The whole way back here." I said sheepishly. I felt like laughing at myself for that but I resigned to shrugging it off.
"You could've just said so." I looked up at him with a half smirk.
"So could you." I said, watching as the confusion filled expression on his face changed to a knowing smile. "So, you ready to keep going Ben?" I turned my attention to the brown haired boy who was still with his hands on his knees.
"Yeah. But if you see my face turning green: Step. Back." Rook looked confused.
"No need to tell me twice." I said, placing my hands in my pockets and watching as we went into a warehouse. The sight that awaited us caught everyone by surprise. There were tons of other Megawhatts that were trapped inside cylindric containers that were attached to a huge machine. The two little ones that lead us here were trying to break the glass, and waving their little arms at us frantically.
"I see it but I don't believe it...the Megawhatts need our help." I looked curiously at Ben but right now was not the time for questions. I really wanted to know what Ben's history with the Megawhatts was.
"Someone has set up a factory that uses them as a power source." Suddenly, right after he said that, Rook pushed Ben back with me. A guy in a weird, red metallic suit came out.
"Hey! Two of the batteries got out!" At the sight of the man the Megawhatts started to run away - or fly...whatever - when he blasted them with a yellow energy beam and dragged them towards him. I jumped almost running towards them, in surprise and anger, but Ben held me back. The dumb, nagging pain came back and I subconsciously started rubbing the spot on my belly. The poor little things were sucked into the two cylinder containers on his back. I realized then that there was movement behind us.
"Better do something soon if you know what I mean..." Ben said all of a sudden. Did he see the guy...?
"I do." Exactly a seconds after Rook said that Ben threw his leg out and kicked the guy's legs from under him. It looked like a planned and synchronized move because Rook knocked him back with a powerful kick to the chest - using the momentum Ben gave him. Dang...I was about to 'try' to help but an intense pain settled in my chest. You know when you grab an orange and squeeze it to get the juice out? My chest felt like it was the orange and it was being squeezed out. I barely noticed when a yellow beam captured the three of us in some sort of energy sphere. I only put my hands to my chest and winced, leaning against the strangely smooth wall.
"Rose, did you get hurt?" I didn't need to look up to know it was Rook.
"No...I'm fine." I managed to squeeze out. Opening my eyes I decided to try and listen to Ben's conversation with a new guy. There were three; the guy that had us trapped was the one that caught the two Megawhatts that lead us here, he had a white Mohawk; the one that Ben and Rook fought had a purplish-pinkish Mohawk; and the last one had the same shade as the one that had us trapped with weird, purple tattoo on his beefy shoulders. I would've gagged if i wasn't trying to dull out the pain. I heard one of the others call him Fistrick - sounds like a magic show.
"Well, this kind of alien tech doesn't just fall off a truck." Fistrick said - I think he was the leader - as he worked on a punching bag. For some reason I found it really stupid - seriously, he looked dumb.
"I'm sure whoever you took it from isn't too happy about it going missing." I sighed in relief as the pain finally disappeared. I looked at Ben as he leaned back and glared at him. I would too. Speaking of which he punched the punching bag so hard it broke from its support and flew a couple feet away from him. He chuckled.
"He don't care anymore, bro." I shuddered at the way he said it - sounded very malicious. I looked at Rook, he seemed really busy with his little trinket. I hold back a laugh though when he stuck his tongue out in concentration.
"You steal alien tech and then use alien hostages to charge it!" Ben said as glared harder at the man.
"One alien makes it, another alien powers it; I mass produce and sell it to the highest bidder. It's just good business bro." Ugh, I hate it when people say phrases like that one too much 'bro'. It just burns out. He started walking towards us when Rook's thing-a-ma-gob flashed green. It looked like a trigger. "What is 'that'?" Fistrick said exactly what I was thinking.
"An electron entanglement disruptor." Cool. Rook pressed the glowing green button when he finished the short explanation. Almost immediately a series of green discharges flew around the yellow sphere and then it disintegrated; ultimately freeing us. Before Ben even touched the ground he had changed into another alien. It looked like it was made out of Legos. In my opinion; Coolest. Alien. Yet. He smashed his hands into the ground - the only thing missing was shouting out: "Hulk Smash!" - taking out one of the lackeys, then chuckled and said: "Ye-heah." Promptly advancing on Fistrick. I had been standing next to Rook to stay out of Ben's destructive way but my eyes grew the size of saucers when I caught sight of the huge, metal fists heading our way.
"Duck!" I yelled and dove out of the way. Rook managed to duck just like I told him to, whipping out a wicked looking, orange, energy blade. I think it came out of his weapon - the same one he used before to fling from building to building! Talk about multitasking. The guy screeched to a stop as Rook stepped back slightly, his stance ready for battle - meanwhile I just stood where I was and watched. As always, from the sidelines. That's when I looked behind me at the caged up Megawhatts. Anger surged through me. The poor things looked drained out. How could somebody do something like this?! It's terrible! Mind set I charged towards the huge machine that held them captive. It was probably a dumb idea since I honestly didn't have a clue as to how I would free them but I could always 'try' to improvise.
When I sneaked past Ben and the two 'bad dudes' I realized what a big mistake I made. How would I get up there? I looked desperately up at the little aliens. How? How? I looked around me. Maybe if I go by the other way... Looking up I started running to the opposite side, which hid me from view at the moment. I jumped various times to reach the containers. I missed every single time by a lot of inches - feet probably. I'm not a shorty the containers were just too high from where I was standing. I looked back up and was surprised at what I saw. All of the Megawhatts above me were looking directly at me. I would've said that it was just because I was visibly straining to reach and free them but the joyous, wonder filled looks they were giving said otherwise. I looked around me. Rook nor Ben were here. What were they so cheery about? I'm a lousy rescuer! That's when a very weird sensation washed over me. It was numbing. I took a step back and brought my hands up to run at my eyes which had started to see white spots. Bad idea. My hands! My hands they were...glowing. Glowing. They were freaking glowing! I stood still, frozen in shock and fear at the blue aura surrounding my slim hands. My watch didn't seem affected by it and for that I was glad.
"Oh man..." I whimpered lowly. This couldn't be good. My head shot up. The blue stuff! This has got to be a side effect! Yeah! Max said side effects were completely normal, right? We're those his exact words? Mmm, can't remember. I looked up at the small aliens, then back at my hands and so on until a wide grin came over my face. An idea surged. A crazy idea but nonetheless it was something. "Okay little guys...I'm gonna try and bust you out, kay?" It was strange. Almost as if they could understand me they started jumping up and down with huge, face eating smiles. I aimed as best as I could - I definitely don't possess marksmanship - and then tried to concentrate to let go of the energy. I don't know what I had been expecting, but it was defiantly 'not' what happened next. It was like somebody had pressed a button to defy gravity and I was off the ground.
"Eek!" I let out a small chirp of fright as my body elevated quickly off the ground. The glowing stopped but my ascent didn't. Before I could end up on the roof I took hold of the closest, upcoming container. I practically hugged it before making sure that I would neither fall or elevate to the roof. I heard a few sounds, small thumps, before realizing it was the Megawhatt beneath me, trying to punch through the impenetrable glass. "Hey little guy, you ready to get out?" He looked up when I spoke and nodded eagerly. I looked down at my hands again. At first I had wanted to get 'up' here...so maybe that's the reason I actually ended up here. If I can just concentrate I can maybe -
"Huh?" The blue glow emerged again, but this time...no, no! No! "Eeaaahhh!" I yelled as I literally went 'through' the glass, Megawhatt and all, then descended quickly to the ground. I felt something in my arms that I kept hugged to me until I roughly hit the ground. "Ow!" I stayed where I was, my back, neck, shoulder and the very back of my head were all pulsing with pain. Suddenly movement came from my arms. I looked down and realized that I had taken the Megawhatt with me. That's what I hugged to me when I fell. It jumped up in my arms as I let it go. I sat up as best as I could and the little Megawhatt flew around me chirping ecstatically. I chuckled despite the pain. "Your welcome." I said without thinking, then froze. "I - I could understand you." I said looking down at the alien that opted for sitting down on my knee. It nodded. "But -" I shut up when I heard noises closer to where I was. I stood up quickly and ran the opposite way of the sound when I felt a light tug on the sleeve of my black jacket, making me turn to face a distressed Megawhatt. "What -" I looked up just in time to see the gigantic robot standing in front of Ben and Rook. I gasped and ran to them, not noticing the Megawhatt in tow.
"Guys! What is that thing?" I asked, looking up wide eyed at the huge machine.
"A class-12 armor mega-suit." Answered Rook for me. I'd think it was wicked had it not been powered by Nosedeenians. "Ben, have you ever dealt with one before?" I turned to look at Ben when Rook said this. The Megawhatt was practically attached to my right leg now.
"No. How do you beat it?" Rook took on a look of surprise at Ben's question.
"Me? You could try Alien X." I glared at Rook slightly.
"Stop it." Ben said, apparently fed up with Rook's lack of faith. I just looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Really Rook?" He didn't have time to retort or answer because suddenly, a dozen of red dots marked the three of us. I looked down at myself, then at Ben, then Rook and my state turned into horror as I switched my attention to the Armor Suit. It's arms stuck up, pointing at us as something came up from each arm. We ran for it when - I believe there were four - missiles were launched at us. The first three didn't hit us but the last one sent us all toppling to the ground.
"Ow! Again! Dang it..." I complained to myself until I felt myself being tugged up - literally, something pulled me up to me feet. I looked at what was attached to my arm to see the Megawhatt, pointing at the big, red Armor Suit. "You want us to help your friends, right?" It started then frantically pointing at something behind me. I craned my neck to see Rook shooting at the Armor Suit. I gasped. The Megawhatt must be worried about Rook hurting his friends.
"Rook! Rook stop shooting!" He immediately stopped and turned to look at me.
"Why?"
"You might hit the Megawhatts!" Ben and I synchronized. We stopped for a second before turning our attention to the Armor Suit - I'm surprised they haven't asked about the Megawhatt in tow.
"If we can't fight back, that does tend to make our job more difficult." I felt the Megawhatt settle on my shoulder, watching us discuss the fate of his fellow companions.
"Oh we can fight. We just have to take 'him' down without hurting the Megawhatts." I nodded, agreeing with Ben.
"In other words we need marksmanship skills here."
"That won't be easy." Rook said while Ben just smiled.
"It never is." We gasped when the Armor Suit started coming our way - shooting lasers as it went. Rook took hold of my right wrist and pulled me behind him as we covered ourselves from the lasers. I looked over to see Ben talking to the Omnitrix.
"Okay Omnitrix, no messing around." That's not weird at all. "I want Fourarms. Do you hear me? Fourarms! I don't want Grey Matter, I don't want Nanomech, Fourarms!" With that he slammed a hand to his watch and a green light surged from him. I hadn't payed much attention to his transformations - much less this close - but I have to admit, it was very mind blowing. I wonder if it hurts. I don't think he transformed into who he wanted to though because he had said 'Four'arms. This alien was like a humanoid rock with only two arms. Rook gasped though. Heh, he must know which alien it is.
"Rook? What alien is that?" He turned to answer but was interrupted when the Armor Suit slammed onto Ben. He was about to run after them when he screech to a halt and looked back at me. I I was taken aback. "What?"
"Where did that Nosedeenian attached to your leg come from?" I looked down. Indeed there it was. I frowned. I figured the little fella had gone over to help his friends.
"Um, I'll explain later. Ben needs help now." He nodded and we both took off after Ben.
"Awesome!" I exclaimed when I saw Ben, holding one hand up that had a strange glow and had the Armor Suit suspended in mid air.
"Gravity powers? Nice!" I heard Ben say before slamming the Armor Suit down hard. Rook jumped onto the suit and started trying to pry off the containers. Seeing a chance to actually help the little aliens I jumped right after him and tried the same with another one - the free Megawhatt was trying to help with the one I had in my hands.
"Ben!" I screeched when he inadvertently levitated us all in the air when he lifted his arm. I almost fell off altogether - hadn't the Megawhatt helped me up by tugging on my arm hard. Rook too yelped in surprise.
"Focus your gravitational field lower!" He yelled at Ben who looked embarrassed and lowered his hand. "Ah!" We yelled when he set us down roughly. Luckily enough one of the containers popped right out. I grinned. Yes!
"Oh dear." I turned to look at whatever had caused Rook to say that before being shoved out of a laser's way by the Megawhatt. It hit Rook though, sending him flying through the air.
"Rook!" Once again Ben and I yelled at the same time. Weird. I still ran full speed to the fallen alien. Ben was there when I reached them.
"Rook, come on partner." He was roughly taken away by the Armor Suit and thrown back. I tried to climb up to get to Rook but it was impossible. Suddenly something tugged on my jacket before lifting me off the ground by the hood.
"Hey! Wha-?" When I was gently put next to Rook the Megawhatt floated in front of me. I smiled. "Thanks." Then I kneeled next to Rook.
"Rook? Rook! Wake up!" I shook his shoulder a few times, feeling panic settle in when I got no response. I tried to turn him over so I could see if he had any actual damage. Dang! He was heavier than he looked! As I turned him around I remember what they had told me. Proto-tech armor. Very resistant. He was probably just knocked out or shocked. "Rook!" I both his shoulders now, leaning over him to see if he moved. Finally he winced. I sighed with relief and leaned back. He was okay.
"What-? Where is the Armor?" Was the first thing he asked when he sat up.
"You okay Rook?" I asked him, frowning and ignoring his question.
"I am alrig - Rose! Are you alright? Did you-?"
"I didn't get hit. I dodged. Sort of. We should probably help Ben though." We turned to see the Armor beating the heck out of said teenage boy.
"Let's go." He dragged me down with him. Catching me when we landed and quickly setting me down. I yelped as he did this since I didn't like being carried.
Rook took one of those construction vehicles and managed to slam the Armor Suit hard, getting him off of Ben and giving the poor guy a breather.
"Your welcome." He said to Ben who laid on the ground, surprised at having been saved. I giggled. Pay back felt good. I turned my attention when the Suit came back for around round.
"Weak." Pfft. Says who went through a roof. Dumb dude.
"Ben! I think I can separate the Megawhatts from the suit!" I looked at him as he transformed his weapon into a bow. That thing has everything, doesn't it? "But it will be a difficult shot. Try to get the Suit to stop moving." He started climbing up something but I didn't see what, my attention was now fully on Ben and the Armor. I just laughed and put my arms on my elbow as I watched Ben dunk the Suit into the water numerous times. This was fun!
"Rook! I got it to stop moving!" I craned my neck up see Rook take a deep breath before aiming and shooting. He effectively took out all of the containers, freeing the Megawhatts.
"Yes!" I pumped my fist high in the air in victory and then ran over to Ben. "You guys did it!" Victory was short lived. The Suit suddenly fired a ton of missiles. Right at Ben. With me standing next to him! "How can he have enough power left to do that?!" I screamed, docking beneath Ben, who started trying to redirect the missiles around, almost stepping on me in the process. "Ben! Watch it! Don't squash me!" He noticed I was beneath him.
"What the heck are you doing down there?"
"Not my fault." I quickly said trying to defend myself as I blushed. Then I noticed something. "Are those rockets 'orbiting' around you?"
"I have my own orbit? Okay, that is pretty cool. I wonder...Rose, get out of here. I'm gonna try something and it's gonna be dangerous." My eyebrow twitched as I fought back a retort but ducked under the flying missiles anyways. He balled up into himself, attracting the Suit until it started orbiting around him too. Then he threw him and sent all the missiles after him. Ouch.
"I think you've had enough." After a while the Plumbers came to fix everything up and arrest Fistrick. Mmm, I need to talk to Max and the Galvans about what happened. I noticed though how Fistrick kept glaring at us darkly out of the corner of his eye. Feeling uneasy I turned my attention when Max said something about the Megawhatts helping a place called Undertown.
"Since when?" Asked Ben raising an eyebrow.
"Since now." Max said pointing at the large container that held loads of Megawhatts. I watched with a smile as a plumber grabbed one of then gently and tickled the tickled guy who playfully slapped the hand away and walked into the container. Hey...that reminds me...I started looking around for the one that kept following me. "Well Rose, it looks like somebody took a liking to you." I looked up to see Max pointing down at my leg. Indeed there was the Megawhatt, hanging on for his life to my loose pants.
"Hey, how come that little guy's sticking to you like glue?" Ben said as he crouched down to look at the alien.
"Yeah...uh that's something we gotta talk about." I said scratching the top of my head and looking at Max uneasily.
"Don't worry, we'll talk when we get back Rose." I nodded, satisfied that I at least informed 'sort of' what was happening then bent down and grabbed the Megawhatt, detaching him from my leg and placing him in front of me.
"Hey little fella. Don't you wanna go with your friends?" I pointed a finger over my shoulder at the others. He shook his head and flew up to land on my head. "You want to stay with me?" I asked in bewilderment. He just nodded. Why would a Megawhatt want to stay with me? "Why?" He started chirping and squeaking, moving his little hands about. "Oh, well...I need to ask Max...but on the meantime I guess you can hang around us." It chirped excitedly and bounce up and down on my head. "Hehe..." I tickled his belly and he tried to push my finger away, then almost fell off my head and instead landed on my shoulder.
"The Tennyson legends usually end with some sort blended beverage?" I'm not sure if Rook said, or asked that, anyways I looked at Ben.
"Smoothies? They're more of a daytime thing. At night, it's chili fries!" He walked towards the car raising a finger in the air as if to make his point. I saw Rook's face visibly twist.
"Egh, okay." He sounded very reluctant. What was wrong with chili fries?
"What? You don't like chili fries?" I asked, walking beside him as the Megawhatt played with my now messy hair - the "curls" I had were all over the place. I'm sure my face looked worse.
"I do not like the idea of such unhealthy food." My eyebrows shot up.
"Oh...I get it! So you're the really healthy type huh?" We climbed onto the vehicle.
"I prefer to consume fruits and other healthy food, yes." I nodded sitting down between Ben and Rook. I didn't notice the Megawhatt zap Ben when his elbow accidentally bumped him until he yelped.
"Hey! What the heck is that Megawhatt doing in here?" He asked glaring slightly at the new little addition to the vehicle.
"He kind of wants to stay with me - I have to ask your grandpa about it though." As I said this I patted the top of his head.
"So were picking up strays." Ben gave a smirk, which only brought on angry chirps from the Megawhatt.
"You should be glad he's not zapping away after that comment." I said, glaring at said boy.
"By the way Rose, you never did explain how that Megawhatt got out." Thanks for reminding me Rook...
"Ok well, remember when your grandpa said that there could be side effects? Well..."
R&R!