I'm a little disappointed with so little reviews seeing as so many people read this story. Anyways guys, enjoy this especially long chapter! Just letting you all know, I won't be updating this story for quite a while (5-6 months) because of university... But if I get enough reviews encouraging me to continue I might update a little sooner ;)
Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Ben 10. If I did, this wouldn't be fan fiction lol
Chapter 2: His Longings
"I came, I saw, I conquered."
— Julius Caesar
Before she could attack her assailant, she recognized the familiar voice. It was definitely his voice. She could detect it miles away... because he was just that obnoxious! Her fury clouded her mind making her unable to comprehend the meaning behind his strange behaviour. But it was undoubtedly Ben.
Great! Just when she thought she got away to get a moment to herself, he followed her home! Does he not comprehend she doesn't want to see him right now, much less be anywhere near him! With what transpired at 'Mr. Smoothy' Gwen assumed she would get at least a week to herself.
What part of 'I hate you'doesn't he get?
"Gwen…Gwen…Gwen…" Her name was on repeat. His voice desperate and shaking with disbelief? Happiness? Fear...? It was hard to comprehend the emotions behind the person who was hugging her. He never reacted like this before.
But she understood one thing.
His embrace… It felt awfully familiar. It was mysteriously similar to the desperation he held that day as he clung onto her for dear life. All of her frustration was replaced with worry.
"Ben…? What's wrong?" She leaned in and hug back. Gwen noticed he was quivering thus, making her worries heightened to fear. Did something serious happened during the time she stomp off and left with Kevin? It must be severe for someone like Ben to be acting like this!
"Ben what happened? Did something happen to Julie?!" She was anxious and it shown through with the sound of distress in her voice.
"No… I'm trembling in absolute happiness, Gwen…" Ben stated in such a voice that made even her confused. For someone who thought she knew Ben better than himself, what her cousin was displaying now was throwing her off!
—Flashback—
What he felt wasn't far from being a slave finally receiving salvation as liberation was in sight. Ben could recognize her instantly, no matter how her appearance changed. His heartrate was rapidly beating and breathing shallow. Ben's whole being was trembling in excitement. After 6 years of hardships, battles and sacrifices… He was finally here—able to trespass dimensional space to reach this parallel universe! Ben couldn't believe she was only a few miles from him... He desperately desired to run and embrace her with all his might! Unfortunately, he couldn't with his current hologram disguise.
Nonetheless, Gwen was alive. He never considered she wasn't because he knows her. Gwen was a survivor just like him. And definitely a fighter from witnessing her completely overwhelming her opponents.
To anyone having working eyes, she was beautiful. Exactly like how he envisioned her—no she became better than his wildest imaginations! But what was most breathtaking to him was the aspect that she was still the girl he knew. He found her… located her after 6 years in a karate tournament!
Ben was overcome with joy, happiness, anything that screamed the great accomplishment he felt! Even from this distant he clearly saw her lively green eyes, striking scarlet hair and brilliant moves. She was full of joy, wonders and life. He was losing control. Of course he couldn't contain himself because he was about to get his family back! She was his important savior—his everything!
"Sir, please follow the initial plan." His subordinate beside him requested. Ben glared at the machine.
The subordinate was one of Azmuth's many creations that was made for him. They were abundant on his ship. He was told it was the 'perfect soldier' willing to obey any orders given; a deadly, soulless machine called Vectors. They were androids who could change to any species in the Codon Stream and inherit the creature's abilities. His Omnitrix became the central control to their limitless functions.
However, Ben loathed these things. Not only did they always spoil his perfect moods, fights his battles (he doesn't need to go Hero anymore, but he still does seeing as that was part of the fun), but most of all they presented boredom that consumes him! After all, there was no fun in mindless, obedient machines ready to serve you willingly; rather than 'Perfect Soldiers' more like 'Perfect Slaves' he mused. The Vectors were build too well, who would expect any less from Azmuth?
Their name really defines them alright. You can imagine the magnitude it is for him to tolerate them. One time, the situation just seemed so hopeless to the point that Azmuth had given up on producing an energy source, so grand to power the dimensional portal that can manage to transport his entire military… unless it was as powerful as a core of a planet or something! Therefore, the Vectors who were programed to satisfy his every whims, requested what they could do to improve his deteriorating mood. At that time he was still oblivious, naïve to the extent of their obedience that he jokingly ordered them to "get me a planet's core or something." And the Vectors did just that… succeeding in a week as they completely obliterated a planet with millions of species inhabiting it. Ben was a deer in headlights as he witnessed that event from his spaceship in which a planet died along with millions of life… Literally blowing up in his face! Then came the enormous consequences that made… Let's just say he had to take some serious unethical measures to survive.
Well, that wasn't as bad as when he started 'The First Universal War'… Which wasn't completely his fault! It was complicated. The assassination of the 'Universe's First President' (Of course it wasn't his dimension) wasn't committed by his hands, it was his Vectors. So he wasn't all to blame. Anyways the guy started it. He had to admit, there were...small mishaps along the way. Anyways, good news was he learned to control himself. If he hadn't he could have lit the torch to Universal War 2 or something... But thank god that didn't happen! Everything has their faults, all of his were buried deep in the past. He was more mature now, had to be.
"I know." He stated coldly, face emotionless as he disregard the machine wearing an 'ID Mask'.
"However Sir, if you are unsatisfied. Please give us the command to override the initial plans. We will—"
"No. Shut up and let me watch the match!" He instructed in irritation. The machine did just that.
Ben's focus was back on his Gwen and noticed that her attention was on his other self. The sole person who has his cousin, his life! Ben knew if Gwen hadn't disappear that day… He would probably become that cocky guy chatting and signing autographs, completely disregarding the lovely crimson hair girl in front of him. He would surely have taken her for granted. Ben could never imagined himself becoming that seeing as he spend the last 6 years desperately seeking her out! He had done just about literally anything and everything to reach her—get her back. This foreign planet that was once his birth place… Home… it was odd how unfamiliar it was for him now…how peaceful, quiet and safe it is. The complete opposite of his current life.
He couldn't remember the last time he was surrounded by so many humans! But at the same time he was curious… he wanted to try living this kind of life. Normalcy was an abstract concept to him, a lifestyle he hadn't live in 6 years—
Ben's thoughts were disturbed when the Vector beside him reported, "Sir, there are signs of alien lifeforms detected near the parameter of this location. Permission to eliminate."
"Permission granted. Just don't let it near this place and make sure no one notice. Dismiss." Ben commanded nonchalantly like tossing trash away. His 'Hero Mode' persona came to him so naturally now that he didn't even noticed himself giving the order. He was more absorbed in his cousin's final match.
He saw the finishing blow she gave and started to cheer his lungs out! This was the only thing that mattered to Ben Tennyson—Conqueror of Universes.
After his cousin's amazing tournament and stunning triumph Ben was miserably called back by Myaxx to his hidden spaceship. His main ship was hovering above Earth's gravitational pull, but was directly above Bellwood. Meanwhile the rest of his fleets being invisible, large spacecraft were spread out orbiting the galaxy for any possible threats. After all, Ben didn't want any stupid aliens to ruin his plans, as well as providing the act of being inconspicuous in his stay here. Imagine the mass panic it would cause if his military was discovered? Major migraine he would say.
As he teleported himself using his newest version of the Omnitrix, he was greeted with Vectors bowing like butlers in a vertical line from him. Meanwhile, Myaxx stood in the middle looking as unimpressed and irritated as always.
No kidding! He was more than annoyed with her ruining his reunion with Gwen. He should be the one irritated, not her.
"What now?" Ben answered with clear distaste in his tone.
"Follow me and I'll show you." Myaxx replied more than annoyed.
He followed her to the command station. If Gwen saw what he had accomplished, he wondered if she would be proud of him? In his opinion this ship alone was impressive! The command station was massive with glass screens and modern interior designs, produced by holograms that makes the object they portrayed as solid materials. He could change the interior of his ship to his likings! But right now, he wanted to keep the elegant and classy designs for Gwen.
"This is what I was talking about!" Myaxx shouted, intruding on Ben's thoughts. They were both standing beside a circular disk showing a large hologram of the dimensional portal. Personally he named it 'Star Eater'.
She zoomed into the Star Eater's energy fuel and broadcasted with fear, worry and anger that "The dimensional portal is now unable to be functional due to your irrational decision of bring your entire military here! I recommended to leave some in the other dimensions to maintain order… Not only have you brought chaos to them. But now, we have no way back to our dimension!"
He looked at the alien with a blank expression. She was always so pessimistic and paranoid nowadays that he was starting to assume she was going crazy. "Calm down. The thing just ran out of battery." Ben stated coolly. He doesn't get why she was freaking out so much. He doesn't get crazy people. No point in understanding them.
"Ran…ran out of BATTERY YOU SAY! This battery you're speaking of is cores from entire planets—the solar energy of stars!" Hence called Star Eater he mused to himself.
"Seriously, you interrupted me for this? It's an easy matter to handle. Hey you, send out a fleet to retrieve a battery for the Star Eater. See if there are any planets not inhabited and far away from here. If not, find one having minimal life signs." Ben directed like an everyday chore.
The Vector bow and set off to its duty.
"I can't believe you… Not only are you planning to destroy yet another planet... What do you consider life as? You are basically sending them out to die... Creating mass murder! If Azmuth wasn't locked— " Myaxx shouted in fury.
Ben cut her off with a cold calculating voice. "You want to go home don't you? Azmuth is too absorbed with his inventions to even care."
"If you didn't impriso—" Myaxx went on, too angry to notice Ben's changing demeanor.
"Watch your mouth. I have tolerate your mood so far. Don't push it." Ben's voice was threateningly deadly. There was no room for excuses, much less retaliation seeing as all the Vectors around him stopped in their tracks and turned to Myaxx. Ready to attack at his command.
Myaxx recognized she had over stepped her boundaries. She also known that she could only behave this way because the inhuman monster allowed her to do so seeing as no one dared to question his authorities. It was easy to dissect the motive behind this seeing as it mostly revolved around Gwendolyn Tennyson. He desired someone to go against him similar to that human girl he was so obsessive over.
The Vectors were interconnected to Ben's emotions. Therefore, they were a great indication for Myaxx to measure her boundaries around the fiend and because of them, she never crossed the limit before. If she did, there will be only unspeakable terrors awaiting her. Myaxx had seen the horrors the boy had committed… she witnessed his actions for six hellish years! Memories of worlds going up in flames and his expression of utter indifference. This boy was terrifying, no one can foresee what he would do to achieve his goals…how his personality can change like a switch. Especially with the overwhelming military strength he achieved over the years… it wasn't just the Vectors or Omnitrix anymore... It was frightening how such a young human gained so much power in so little time!
Over the years since she met him, the human matured into a terrifying monster!
"Gwendolyn…" Myaxx began hoping the topic would brighten his disposition. She thankfully saw the Vectors heading back to their stations as the menace in front of her gave an expression of curiosity. She was safe for now...
"I have finished my research of Gwendolyn Tennyson from the past 6 years till present day. I have send the report to your Omnitrix." Myaxx finished as silence soon followed.
Ben's eyes were calculating. He was debating if he should let such disobedience go unpunished before he told himself that today was such a special day! Why ruin the mood.
"Cool! Why didn't you say so earlier?" Ben's grin was up to his ears as he tampered his Omnitrix to read the report. There were so many functions his new Omnitrix. After all, he figured out the master control and asked Azmuth to upgrade it as a reward for his achievement. He wondered if the Ben in this dimension figured it out yet. He snorted. Probably not, considering he was too busy blinded by fame.
"And… there is one more thing." Myaxx added meekly afraid to ruin his current mood.
"What is it?" He didn't even look at her, still busy scanning the report.
"Please follow me."
While they were heading towards the isolation cells Myaxx explained to Ben that when he was gone the Vectors retrieved an escape-pod headed straight to Earth as well as captured a spacecraft chasing it.
Ben sighed in annoyance. Why were there so many interferences? Why doesn't this dimension give him a break?! He was so arranging the Vectors to stop all alien contacts with Earth. Then maybe he could try living a normal lifestyle, while awaiting the Star Eater to power up. He could slowly explain to Gwen her situation and bring her home! Ben was grinning at the efficiency of it all.
He didn't noticed Myaxx glancing at him warily.
"Here we are. It seems their universal translator is damage."
Ben identifies the six aliens currently rampaging in their separated cells. He then turn on his universal translator and coldly announced his presence.
All attention was now on him. He glared them down.
The turtle-like alien spoke first. "We have been desperately seeking you oh great Ben Tennyson! We are in tremendous peril!"
"I'm listening. But make it fast."
"This alien calling himself Aggregor is trying to absorb all our powers!" The alien wearing bulky silver amour yelled.
"I see. So if I solve this problem, you guys won't cause me anymore issues?" Ben stated in irritation. This was taking too much of his time!
All five aliens nodded, except one.
"Alright. The five of you will be sent back home. As for the long hair guy, I'll just eliminate you." Ben calmly stated.
The aliens stared at the boy speechless. They all thought the Hero of the universe would be more… lenient? Righteous-like? They did not expect elimination to come out of his mouth. Even Aggregor was a little shocked before he broadcasted himself.
"Wait! These aliens are lying!"
"Right." Ben said sarcastically. "Do you seriously think I'm stupid enough to not recognize a liar and villain when I see one?" Ben answered mockingly as he crossed his arms and stared the guy right in the eyes.
"Smart boy. Then how about I offer you limitless power and the universe at your command?" Aggregor announced in great triumph.
Aggregor had a plan of escape in mind. If only he can buy enough time! With the universe as a prize anyone would be tempted… even Heroes. After all, every great Hero has a grand downfall from grace, especially one so young, foolish, and weak such as the humans who would be willing to succumb to greed.
"Not interested old man. It's not as great as it sounds. Trust me." He was instantly shot down. The boy declined in such a way that it was like he had experienced universal domination, which was preposterous to Aggregor.
Ben flicked his right hand before turning to leave.
The isolation cells opened as Vectors started to drag the screaming, punching—attacking Aggregor to his death sentence. Meanwhile the rest of the aliens watched in stunned silence as they were escorted.
As Ben was nonchalantly exiting, a sudden voice disrupted him.
"Oh great Ben Tennyson, do you not consider that to be too extreme of a punishment? To us Geochelone Aerio aggression and violence is never the answer." The green turtle spoke.
Ben leaned his head back, green jade eyes staring the turtle down. His voice resounded in a calm like wisdom, "The last time I was merciful to the likes of them, I was almost killed. Not to mention I had to destroy half the universe in the process. Sorry dude, I can't risk that." Ben waved before leaving.
"What…? Is that really the hero of the universe I heard songs and cheers about?" The alien called Galapagus said in disbelief.
"You got the wrong guy." Myaxx said in distaste.
Myaxx recognized madness and clearly comprehended the concept because after years of studying this boy, she understood he was madness itself. It was understandable if all this hysteria was finally getting to her… It was a mistake on her part to comprehend the depths of his insanity. She was just glad the madness was soon ending…
"Sir, the Yellow Roses you requested."
"You know what? I think I'll get them myself." Ben smiled childishly before rushing off.
Ben was now happily awaiting Gwen in her room. He knew he should have greeted her parents seeing as he hadn't seen them in years. However, he was more tempted for Gwen to see him first! He was so eager that he would be willing to delay reading the report Myaxx send him.
A bundle of brilliant Yellow Roses in his hands as he shook with excitement. He was so delighted to finally reunite with her. The moment is upon him!
He then noticed the pictures on her nightstand and was conflicted by it. He wasn't sure he felt glad or angry. He was glad she had a picture of them close by her every night, however, the boy in the picture wasn't him. He doesn't recalled taking such a happy picture with her… All he remembered was her being taken from him. He didn't want to think about it anymore. Not wanting to ruin the joyful reunion. Ben sat on her bed, smiling from her scent around him and wishing she would return sooner.
The Yellow Roses eagerly in one hand and a small gift in the other.
Ben waited…and waited. Time ticking ever so slowly compared to the chaotic fast life he was used to. He was getting jumpy and irritated from the ever present silence.
What was taking her so long?! He had been waiting for an hour! Shouldn't she be back by now...? What if something happened—
Then he suddenly heard the sound of a car engine. Ben peered out her window.
He saw his Gwen exiting a 2009 Dodge Challenger and seemed to be conversing to whoever was inside. He watched her stand there gazing at the car silently. Ben frowned. For some unspeakable reason he didn't like it. Whoever was in that car… He didn't like them.
Yellow rose petals fell to his feet as he crushed them.
—End Flashback—
"Ben, really what's going on?" Gwen spoke and it was music to his ears.
In his current moment, he wished it to last forever. She was intoxicating to his senses. Ben leaned in closer and felt her silky scarlet hair tickling his cheeks as the fresh scent of rose lavender shampoo entered his nostrils. She was lovely and finally within his reach. He will never let her go.
"Ben…uh can you let go now?" Gwen said awkwardly.
He didn't want to let go. Ever. But he knew she was getting uncomfortable so with all the sensible force within, he held himself back. One of the toughest decision he made in all his years of dimensional travel. He was never denied anything because all he had to do was take it. But, Gwen… he would do anything for her. After all, she was his savior!
Throughout his years of travels, Ben justified the overwhelming feelings he had for Gwen as his desires to repay her for saving his life. That was it. Nothing more. Because if it was…Then it would be similar to lov—he would have been in—She was his family, of course he loved her as family. Something inside him was pushing the terrible feeling down as his head started throbbing.
Ben composed himself as best as he could before letting go, but still remained within her personal space. He was admiring her beauty, trying to memorize and take in everything he had missed in the last 6 years they were apart. Now that they were so close Ben noticed how her eyes possess none of that childlike dislike and annoyance she had for him... They only contained warmth and fondness as she stared at him. Her lips looks lush and full as a crimson apple ripe for the picking. But what was distinctly different about her from his childhood memories, were the long silky strands of her hair shining beautifully in the limelight of the room. For some odd reason, he wanted to run his hand though her scarlet locks, grip it tightly and pull her to him for a deep kiss—his eyes grew wide. What the hell was he thinking?!
They both stared at each other. One looking panic and the other scanning the various expressions he had on. Tired of waiting for an explanation, Gwen diverged her sights to the roses in his hand.
"Uh, sorry… These are for you." He smiled as he handed her the Yellow Roses.
He saw her eyes widen for a second before confusion, then forgiveness struck her attractive features.
"What are you playing at Benjamin Kirby Tennyson? You really think I'll forgive you just because you brought me my favourite flowers?"
Ben chuckled in amusement, completely forgetting his earlier thoughts. Gwen wasn't a good liar; a part of her that had not change (the part he secretly likes about her). He knew she wasn't furious anymore and continued with his initial strategy.
"I also got you something to congratulate you on your awesome victory! Please forgive me for taking so long, Gwen." Ben cheerfully stated.
However, even with his wide grin and happy demeanor, Gwen noticed the lingering sadness in his eyes. After all, they were still so close... She didn't move away as she tried to make sense of his last sentence. At this point she was just trying to figure out Ben and his unusual behaviors. She sighed, knowing her anger was dissolving into worries, she acknowledged that she was too lenient with him. Therefore, frustrating her to no ends! Although, this time he was doing a pretty good job at genuinely apologizing—which is exactly what was bizarre!
She held out her hands to accept the roses. Gwen gave a small smile as she admired them... They were beautiful. The roses were bright and cheerful similar to the color of happiness in her mind, this was the reason why she loved them.
"I can't believe you still remember my favourite flower! I only told you once like… six years ago!" Gwen was truly impressed he even remembered.
"Of course I would remember." Ben solemnly stated.
Gwen analyzed her cousin for a moment. The way he said it was strange. Ben rarely used that tone of voice, unless it was something he couldn't forgive himself over. Okay, now she had to know what was up. What seriously happened for him to gain such a maturity boost? He was clearly not going to tell her willingly.
"Here." He suddenly announced.
She was taken by surprise at the small, nicely wrapped present. She shook and scanned it for a moment. Ben doesn't wrap presents this nicely... Now, this was very suspicious. It was like he was preparing her for the inevitable.
"Gwen it's not going to blow up in your face. Trust me, I would have plan it better!" Ben declared in amusement as he started laughing. Gwen was truly adorable! He couldn't help himself, but be more mesmerized with her.
"I know genius!" There was an obvious blush on her face.
She unwrapped it to find a small glass container shaped like a rose. She was shocked to the extreme. To think Ben could ever be this thoughtful! Did he finally realized what he did wrong and felt something? Was this his form of a genuine apology? Was the world ending?! Gwen wasn't sure, since he never did this for her before.
"Open it. There is cream inside to prevent your hands from sweating. I noticed during your tournament that you were having difficulties throwing and pinning opponents larger than you. This would help a little…I think." He ended awkwardly, looking down as his right hand traveled to his neck. Ben didn't want her to see his red cheeks displaying his moment of weakness. It didn't help when Gwen's attention were fully on him, making his cheeks burning crimson.
Gwen noticed how Ben's ears were clearly red from embarrassment. At that moment, she disregarded questions like when and where he got such an amazing cream only to replace it with a disbelief expression on her face. This was beyond her comprehension of the person she considered Ben to be...
"You…I thought you weren't paying any attention to my matches!" Gwen said in shocked.
"Of course I did!" Ben sounded insulted at her comment. "When I witnessed your round house kick to your opponent's right temple, leaving the guy unbalance and then finishing him off with a straight punch to the abdomen… that was pure awesomeness Gwen!" Ben broadcasted in genuine admiration.
Now Gwen was the one embarrass. Who had thought he paid so much attention when he was displaying so little interest during the tournament. Maybe she was wrong in her judgement… Now she felt guilty for how she behaved earlier.
"Uh… Gwen can I ask you something…?"
"Go ahead." She smiled. At this point she should apologize too.
"Who drove you home?" Ben had this sudden eerily calm to him. His embarrassment, cheerful demeanor entirely gone, only to be replaced with dead composure as he tightly gripped her shoulders and sharply scanned her features.
"Uh…Kevin my boyfriend?" Gwen replied in confusion. She didn't know why it was necessary for her to add the last part or why he even asked seeing as he knew the answer...
There was dreadful silence in the air as she observe Ben's disposition completely changing. His face shifted in a frequency of emotions too fast for her to understand.
"What?!" Ben's voice was laced with malice.
Now Gwen was really confused. But, mostly she didn't want to admit how scary Ben was for a fraction of a second when he spoke in that tone and the expression he displayed. She could only describe it as... deadly. However, she might have imagined it since his current expression was entirely compose. Before she could announce her new found worry Ben declared, "I'm going home Gwen." His hair was covering his eyes making him seem... purely sinister.
"Okay..." Was all she could manage.
Somehow his large shadow and retreating back was ominously creepy. It was so odd how she never noticed his trademark green jacket was replaced with a dark trench coat... like a Death God.
This chapter has quite the dark undertone. However, I hope you all like the dark humor in this :)
I was trying to incorporate the madness in this Ben and the unspeakable horrors he committed, while maintaining his character of making serious situation into a big joke with his infamous sarcasm. Seriously, if you disagree with me go watch Ben 10 Ultimate Alien: The Forge of Creation.
Also did you all enjoy the foreshadowing elements to this chapter as well as the meaning behind Yellow Roses?
It means Joy, Gladness, Friendship, Delight, Welcome Back, Remember Me and most importantly, Jealousy. Perfect for these two right? :D
Review and stay tune!
