Two
Future Imperfect
I arrived on Earth 7952; I then find the earth under attack from the Elder Ones. "Whoa, talk about déjà vu." A ship flew under me; I changed into Jetray and pursued it. I catch up to it and it was a Elder One ship. I then board it. "Hi." I defeat the crew, jumped off the ship and it crashed. "Now, I better find Miguel Rodriguez," I said. I flew into the city and changed back. I encounter a group of resistance fighters; they aim their blasters at me.
"Who goes there?" one of the fighters asked.
"Friend," I answered.
They weren't convinced. They were about to open fire on me when their superior officer arrives at the scene. "Stand down; our scans indicate he's human." They stood down and he then notices the Omnitrix. "And he's wearing the Omnitrix. This'll complicate things, we need to find Miguel. Perhaps he can fill us in. It's not safe, we need to head underground." He removes a manhole cover and we then head underground into the sewers. We then followed the officer. "I never did get your name?" he asked.
"Oh, I'm Ben Tennyson," I answered.
"The Ben Tennyson, the one who saved the universe more times than he can count," he said.
"I find that hard to believe. Maybe its a Cyrus Corporation android," a resistance fighter said.
"Cyrus Corporation?" I asked.
"It's the company that owns eighty eight per cent of everything. They even own the copyright to the Guardians," another fighter answered.
"In other words, they're the ultimate evil here or was until those creatures showed up. We're here," he said.
We enter the main sewer junction, Miguel then stares at me. "I don't think he's happy to see me," I said.
"In a manner of speaking, I'm happy to see, but I wish it could be under better circumstances," Miguel said.
"Nice Omnitrix, does it come with a MP3 player?" I asked.
"It's him all right. Who else tells jokes at a bad time? My name is Miguel Rodriguez and you already met my friend, Silas," Miguel said.
"Things are getting intense up there. Even the police force can't handle those creatures," he said.
"Those creatures are Elder Ones," I said.
Miguel is then concerned by this. "It looks like things got a lot worse," Miguel said.
"How worse are we talking about?" I asked.
I then walked up to Miguel's computer and he then uses it. "Recently, the Cyrus Corporation made some discoveries in Egypt, Columbia and New Zealand. They discovered some artefacts that predate human history and the Cyrus Corporation is willing to use those artefacts for evil purposes," Miguel said.
"What kind of artefacts?" I asked.
"The unexplainable kind. I'm sorry, I'm letting my work get ahead of me," Miguel said.
"Its all right, I should introduce myself. My name is Ben Tennyson and I got quite a story to tell," I said.
It took a few minutes to tell Miguel my story. "So these Elder Ones came out of a dimension and started attacking everything?" Miguel asked.
"Yep and we failed to stop them. I came to your Earth to get this recharged," I said.
I showed Miguel the Arc Cube. "Hmm, I did see one of the Elder Ones use a smaller version of this cube. As for recharge, I got the machine that can do it. However, it'll take somewhere between two to four hours to recharge. In the meantime, I need your help to deal with the Elder Ones," Miguel said.
Miguel takes the cube off my hands plugs it into the machine to recharge. "Okay, where should we start?" I asked.
"The Cyrus Corporation has a building in the city centre. It's also where they store those artefacts they found," he answered.
"It's also the first building to be attacked by the Elder Ones. The area is still crawling with them," Silas said.
"I think a stealthy approach would be needed to get into the building," I said.
"Agreed, I know where it is. You better stay with me; you don't want to get lost." We left the area and headed up to the service. We head over to the Cyrus Corporation building. "There it is, the home to the Cyrus Corporation," he said.
"Silas was right. This area is indeed crawling with Elder Ones. Luckily, the element of surprise is still on our side," I said.
We entered the building and we found ourselves in the lobby. "They left the lobby intact." Miguel heads to a security console and looks at the monitor. "They're in the labs and they're trying to get in. They're people trapped down there," he said.
"We need to get down there and help them," I said.
Miguel then uses his Omnitrix to change into a mole like creature. "Are you coming or not?" I then got on. "Hold tight, this can get dirty," he said.
We head down a few levels and arrived at the labs. I got off Miguel. "What do you call this guy?" I asked.
"Digger," he answered.
I used my Omnitrix to change into Rath and we both defeated the Elder Ones in the area. We both changed back to our normal selves. "You got some moves," I said.
"You too," he said.
The scientists then walks up to us, relieved to see us. "Thank you both for saving our lives. I'm Dr. Ren, head scientist," she answered.
"I'm familiar with your work. What were the Elder Ones doing here?" he asked.
"We were analysing the latest find when the Elder Ones showed up," she answered.
I then notice something. "You seem to know a lot about them. What's really going on here?" I asked.
"We can't discuss it due a gagging clause in our contracts," another scientist replied.
"That clause will become useless if the Elder Ones win. Now tell us what's going on?" he asked.
"Weeks ago, we found fossilised remains of an Elder One. As you know, any worthy find is of interest to the Cyrus Corporation. The senior management then ordered us to clone the Elder One," she answered.
"That would explain why they were trying to attack you. Any cloning attempt on a Elder One is a insult to them," I said.
Miguel then inspects the fossilised remains. "It's different from the other ones we encountered. Can't tell how old it is though," Miguel said.
"We tried to clone it a dozen times, but we failed," a scientist said.
An Elder One general and his men burst in all of the sudden. "That's because cloning an Elder One is near impossible. I'm General Riger, General of the Crimson Corp and your executioner. It's a shame your blasphemer friend isn't around, pity," Riger said
"I'll deal with the general. You lot better find a way to deal with those remains," I said.
I changed into Water Hazard and I fought Riger. "Now then, open the pod," Miguel said.
"You can't, these remains will shape Cyrus Corporation's future. There's no way we're doing it," Dr. Ren said.
"In case you haven't notice. My friend over there is doing everything to save the multiverse. What's more important?" The scientists stood in front of the remains. "Don't say I didn't warn you." Miguel uses his Omnitrix to change into a different alien and renders the scientists unconscious. He grabs the remains. "I got the remains," he shouted.
We made a run for back up to the lobby. "After them, they must not desecrate those remains." The Elder Ones then began to pursue us. "The Empress will have our heads if we don't deliver those remains," Riger said.
Outside the building, Miguel teleported us back to the main sewer junction. I stared at the Arc Cube as it recharges. "It's taking too long," I said.
"You can't rush science, Ben," Miguel said.
"Yeah, sorry. So what's your story? How did you end up with the Omnitrix?" I asked.
"Hmm, I guess that's fair. The 2050's were a turbulent time. The last intergalactic war pushed humanity to the brink of destruction and it nearly crippled the galaxy. When it ended, world governments were barely holding together. The Cyrus Corporation, founded by J.B. Cyrus stepped in and helped rebuild the world, piece by piece. However, there was a cost. J.B. has this philosophy that heroes should be owned, not be free. In gratitude, some of heroes on this Earth signed up to the corporation's infamous Watchtower Scheme. They work for the corporation, in exchange, they turn a blind eye to their illegal operations," Miguel answered.
"The scheme is controversial. It means the corporation controls the entire world's hero populace. Also, they control a lot of copyrights to past superheroes, including the Guardians. I formed a group of resistance fighters to fight the Cyrus Corporation," Silas said.
"How did you get involved?" I asked.
"I was an intern working for the corporation's bioscience division. Their job is to provide Neo Bellwood with medical equipment and supplies. However, there was more going on. I was leaving the building one day when I stumbled onto a secret lab. It turns out the bioscience division was creating clones. Not ordinary clones, but an army of dead superheroes, including you. A month before, the corporation sent a black ops team to acquire the Omnitrix from Galvan Prime," Miguel answered.
"You mean they stole it?" I asked.
"Exactly, I wasn't alone. J.B. was there and he explains by controlling the superhero community. Earth shouldn't be threatened by anyone. He believes superheroes should be controlled. It wasn't philosophy I was, it was paranoia. The soldiers opened fire on me and dodged the bullets. I grabbed the Omnitrix, slapped it and I use it to escape. Since then, I use the watch for good and I been against the corporation's tyranny," Miguel answered.
"I was reluctant to team up with Miguel at first. But after seeing what he can do and saving my people. I invited him to join the resistance," Silas said.
"On a part time basis," he said.
"So we got fossilised remains and a recharging Arc Cube. I wouldn't mind knowing what these remains mean?" I wondered.
Aeon then appeared. "When I sensed a disturbance, I would never imagine it would come from a fossil." Aeon then inspects the remains and is deeply disturbed by what he discovers. "These fossilised remains are that of the Empress's late husband," Aeon said.
"Wait, she was married?" I asked.
"Like the Empress, Lore was also a tyrant. He, along with the Empress were responsible for the creating the mess that led to the war. It was at the Battle of the Ashlands when Lore met his end. A young Dark Sai was leading a battalion against his forces. Then, the two of them engage in a fight to the death. Dark Sai was victorious in his fight and Lore died from his wounds. Even thought King Zale was proud of his son's victory, but he thought he should be given a burial. So, he was buried at an undisclosed location," Aeon answered.
"That undisclosed location would be Earth 7952. Hmm, we got leverage and maybe we can use it to convince the Elder Ones to abandon their plans," I said.
"Don't be stupid, the Empress doesn't care for negotiations. It does put us at a tactical advantage. As long as the remains are with us, they would back off," Aeon said.
"I appreciate the info, but I didn't get a name?" Miguel asked.
"My name is Aeon and you'll do better to show some respect. I came to tell Ben the Duke's Run is ready to go," Aeon answered.
The Arc Cube is nearly recharged. That leaves one loose end, what to do with Lore," Miguel said.
"The Empress will not stop at nothing to get those remains. Even if it meant killing a lot of innocent lives," Aeon said.
"Since negotiation isn't an option. That leaves one option left," I said.
"I'm not sure destroying Lore's remains is a good idea. It can give away our current position and they'll know we survived," Aeon said.
"I'll destroy the remains. You two better get going. It won't take Riger long to figure where we are," Miguel said.
I then removed the Arc Cube from the recharging station and put back into my bag. "You're sure about this?" I asked.
"Something tells me the Elder Ones are a bigger threat. Get going," Miguel said.
Aeon opens a portal up and we walked through just as Miguel change into a different alien and he destroys the remains.
Back in Dimension 23, we arrived just the Duke's Run is nearly repaired. The Sage Father then walks up to us. "What happened out there?" he asked.
"We had a close call with the Elder Ones and the fossilised remains of Lore," I answered.
"So you found her husband's remains. I sense they're destroyed," he said.
"Yeah, so how's the barrier?" I asked.
"Not good, the Elder Ones are getting closer with every minute. We must the Arc Cube back into the core." I head onboard the ship, plugged the Arc Cube into the core and the ship powers up. "Good, we're making progress," Sage Father said.
"We're good to go," Legion said.
"There's one last thing I need to do." The Sage Father vanishes for a moment and comes back. This time, he's carrying a sword with him. "I want you to have this. This sword belonged to your great-grandfather," he said.
"That sword, it's the Redeemer," Legion said.
"The Redeemer?" I asked.
"It was King Zale's prized sword. It was the blade that ended the war," Legion answered.
Aeon then senses something. "Riger is here," Aeon said.
We left the ship and the cave to confront Riger and the other Elder Ones. "So, you thought you can get away from me. Your friend has paid the price for destroying Lore's remains. It'll be a shame you won't join." Riger then notices Legion. "So, the blasphemer has survived and what's this. Two more blasphemers, this should be fun," Riger said.
Riger lashes to attack Legion. I change into Feedback and blocks the attack. I went into the Burst Mode. "Are you sure you can do this? You may've mastered the power aspect of the Burst Mode, but can you learn the control aspect?" Legion asked.
"Ever since the Hyperion mission, all I been thinking about is my past failures and how you came close to losing your life. I will not let that happen again," I answered.
For first time, I learned how to control the Burst Mode and Legion is amazed. "I don't believe it. He actually did it. He learned the control aspect of the Burst Mode," Legion said.
"Okay, what's a Burst Mode?" Ben asked.
"The Burst Mode enables Ben to become a being of pure energy and enables him to use every alien that is in the Omnitrix," Aeon answered.
I then grab Riger, threw him into the air and fired a energy blast to kill him. I stared at the other Elder Ones. "Boo," I said.
The other Elder Ones retreated back into the portal. "Congratulations, you did it," Legion said.
I then powered down. "Well, I did have a amazing teacher after all," I said.
"You're not out of the woods yet. You still need to learn the balance aspect and that will be the hardest lesson to learn," Legion said.
"You lot need to hurry." We then head back into the cave and back onto the Duke's Run. "Everything is nearly set," Sage Father said.
"Where's Raiden?" I asked.
"He had to head back to his clan. How will we meant to find our friends?" Legion asked.
"The ship has a scanner that detects life signs that're not of a multiverse's origin. Good luck, you're going to need it," Sage Father said.
Ben and the Sage Father leave the ship. Legion powers the ship and we flew into a portal. We travelled for hours. "Now we're operational, I need to head back to our Earth. I'll give you a progress update once you find your first set of friends," Aeon said.
"Take care, Aeon," I said.
Aeon vanishes into the thin air. "Back in Dimension 23, you mentioned Carter and Julie were right about you being big. I know what Julie meant, but how does Carter fit into this?" Legion asked.
I then told Legion about the month after the Dark God incident. It was the first day of the high school. I stared long and hard at the high school I attend. I then hear an arrow being fired into a tree. I turn around and notice Carter was standing on the other side of the street. He comes over to me.
"So, this is where you attend high school. I received some education from Special Projects. I just recently got my high school and college diplomas thanks to the education policies they have in effect," Carter said.
"What brings you here?" I asked.
"Do you honestly think that the other students will treat you as a student? No, they'll treat you as the kid who saved the multiverse. Everyone now knows that superheroes and super villains do exist. It'll be a matter before the entire planet finds out that ET is living right next door to them," Carter answered.
"I don't see anyone complaining," I said.
"You need to think again and look at the big picture. You have become something bigger. We all have. Do you want to you carry on living like this? You live in two worlds, one is standing in front of you, while the other involves saving lives and playing the hero. Which one are you? Think about it," Carter said.
He then leaves the area. Back in the present, Legion begins to understand what I meant. "I see, do you ever regret making that decision?" he asked.
"All of the time, but it's like both Carter and Julie have said. I've become something bigger." The computer then bleeps. "Well now, it looks like we found three life signatures in a nearby multiverse. Let's go and pick them up," I said.
The End?