Imperfection

~Chapter 28~

The landing couldn't be anymore stressful. With Kevin muttering constant death threats under his breath, the tone darker than absolutely necessary, Ben felt more edgy. He had dealt with wars and universal genocides. Plenty of dictators have threatened existence more than enough times. Dealing with a corrupt royal family should be a breeze.

But this was his cousin. His family. Aunt Natalie and Uncle Frank had been tirelessly calling him, asking if he knew what happened to their daughter, and Ben would have to lie everytime. If Micel and Apollo were causing her major pain, they obviously didn't know who they were dealing with.

"We're here," Kevin announced. Ben looked down at the base, already seeing a small group of people of different breeds. The plane landed smoothly on the marble. Max sighed, relaxing his tense muscles from the atmospheric change. "So we got everything?"

"Ultimatrix is fully charged," Ben nodded.

Max nodded.

"Ok. Let's go then." Kevin quickly led them out of the ship and they greeted the Plumbers waiting for them.

"Grzmont," Ben smiled.

Grzmont smiled. "Good to see you again Ben, Kevin." He bowed respectfully. "And an honor to meet you Magister Tennyson."

"Thank you," Max smiled when the other Plumbers nodded respectfully as well. "Thank you everyone. But there's no need for formality. Just call me Max."

"No problem," another Plumber cut in. "Let's get to work then, shall we?" She held up a sheet of paper. "We have a warrant signed. All we have to do is go to the palace and talk to Micel and bring Gwendolyn back home."

"Hopefully it's as simple as it sounds," Max sighed. "Let's head on over shall we?"

xXxXxXxXxXx

Hera watched the citizens walk down the streets, her windows wide open so her room could feel some sort of breeze. For the past few weeks, not having a job was irritating. She was stuck in her house with an offenseful mother, annoying siblings and a busy father. She would still have pointless visions of visitors to Anodine.

However, things would get interesting soon. Fairly soon. Ben Tennyson would be back on Anodine, along with Kevin, and surprisingly, Max Tennyson. If Max Tennyson was tagging along, then she wasn't the only one having suspicions. Micel was up to something.

"Hera!"

She perked up at the familiar voice. "Echo?" she shouted, looking around for her on the streets. The light pink Anodite below grinned.

"Come out! I want to walk with you!" Hera took in the exotic printed sash that hung on Echo's waist. Hera grinned as well, and raced out of the house to give her friend a hug.

"You're back from your dance competition already?"

"Yup." She frowned. "I heard about the Queen. Micel's King now?"

"Yeah."

"And you're not happy about that are you?" Echo sighed. "But that's beyond the point. Come on now, let's walk." This is what Hera needed. A good friend to talk to, vent about her problems and feel relaxed. Echo had won fifth place out of fifty other female competitors. Hera congradulated her and felt the need to tell her about her vision about the future visitors. She held it in. Echo would have a lovely surprise.

Speak of the Devil, and it shall appear.

A loud shout came from behind, causing people to turn, including Hera and Echo. She couldn't help but smile at the shock on Echo's face.

Plumbers walked with Ben, Kevin, and Max Tennyson. The Max Tennyson. Seeing him, in the flesh, was indescribable. People would hear stories about him, but seeing the radiating glow of his precense was enough to make someone of the highest rank feel worthless.

"Ben!" she called. "Ben!"

Ben looked around, searching for the voice. He caught her, smiled and waved. Echo gaped at her. "You...you know each other?"

"Sort of," she grinned. She raced forward, startling a few of the Plumbers. Ben whispered to them and one nodded, letting her pass. She hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad you're here Ben. I was so worried when you guys left."

"We came here as son as we heard about the Queen," Ben whispered. Hera walked with them, feeling the eyes of Echo and the others. "That, and we've had our suspicions about Micel for some time. The Queen dying just-"

"Worsened them."

"Yeah."

Kevin looked at her strangly. Hera smiled. "I'm Hera," she explained. "I was the Queen's messenger. I have visions of future visitors."

"So you knew we were coming," Kevin said. "Huh." He cleared his throat. "So you know Ben?"

"I sensed Micel had motives for Gwen. I accidentally came across Micel and Apollo, talking about her staying on Anodine. I tried to warn Ben, but Micel came in on time to interupt me. Then the 'royal family' gave workers a free week off. Then you guys left and I couldn't reach you guys. For the weeks I was there, I walked next to her guarded room, listening for her. She sounded like she was in pain." Anger rose, their eyes widening as she glowed brighter. "Then the Queen died and I was fired from my job. I couldn't even begin to tell you how upset I was, being locked out while Gwen was locked in her room."

She shook it off. "I shouldn't talk about it like this..."

"It's alright," Ben smiled, patting her shoulder. "You tried, and we're here to get Gwen back."

A Plumber grunted in surprise. "Wait. If you're a witness to Apollo and Micel's discussion, why didn't you report it?"

"If one lone girl runs to you, saying the Prince has some ridiculous scheme, would anyone believe her?" Hera asked. "I was going to tell Ben, but the way Micel looked at me...it terrified me." Guilt passed through her. Maybe if she had just went to the Plumbers it would have helped prevent a lot of pain and suffering.

"That's true," Kevin said. "Good call." Hera sighed in relief. At least she got the OK from him out of all people. She was about to thank him until she felt a surge rock through the ground. They all looked around in shock, people screaming at the sudden tremor.

"This feels a bit...omnious," a Plumber muttered sarcastically.

"Do you guys get earthquakes very often?" Ben asked.

"Very rarely in this area," another Plumber said. Townspeople were in a pani at the sudden situation. "Ben, what are you doing?"

Ben was rolling up his sleeves, his hand hovering over the Ultimatrix. "That tremor came from over there. And whatever is going on over in the palace is definantly worth checking out." He slapped down on the device and a green glow surronded him. His transformation was a Necrofriggin. Hera smiled, excited at the sight of him. Finally something was being done. "I got my own warrant," he said. "You guys go ahead and enter the palace your own way. I'm going to find Gwen."

"You're not going alone Tennyson," Kevin said, eyes narrowing.

"Not without me and Kevin," Max added.

"Alright," Ben groaned. "Hopefully you guys can run fast."

Hera touched his shoulder. "Be careful."

He nodded and flew away with Kevin and Max running in his direction. The Plumbers hesitantly followed them, murmuring amoungst themselves. Hera closed her eyes and prayed. Please let Gwen be okay. Please.

xXxXxXxXxX

Free!

Gwen inhaled the scents in her room. The sweetness of the flowers and bath oil, the cleanliness of the room itself. She felt power radiating through her very being and she closed her eyes, breathing deeply.

Secretly she had been wanting this since she first discovered the very possibilites. With being on Anodite she wouldn't have to worry about the silly things on Earth. She could escape the expectations of everyone she knew.

She was a fool to have not taken this path sooner. The old her was too heartfelt. She cared about other people too often. Now she could be on Anodine, where she truly belonged. She could live a much more easier life, even give Sunny a piece of her mind after some training with Verdona. She didn't have to go back to Earth. She could stay on Anodine with Verdona, Micel-

"Micel." His name sounded so holy on her lips. She needed to thank him, for everything. Despite all of the pain she went through, she became this truly beautiful creature. She was free of imperfection.

What about Ben? Friends? Kevin?

All weaknesses. Too much.

"Miss?" She jumped a little. "Are you alright?"

"I feel incredible." Her voice sounded so smooth. "Absolutely incredible. Bring Micel!" she commanded the guard. "Quickly!" She heard the two guards argue behind the door.

"Could we really trust that she transformed? Besides, Micel isn't even here. Apollo sent him to a meeting with other royals, remember?"

"So what do we do?"

"We call for Apollo."

"You can go to Apollo. No one is going to walk by a guardless door and keep walking. You talk to him."

"Fine. But you'll miss out on a generous reward."

"Whatever."

The other guard walked away, and there was a snort of distaste.

She frowned. Micel isn't here? "Where did Micel go?"

"Out of town miss. So...you transformed, I take it?"

"Yes," she smiled. "I feel wonderful. Better than I did as a human." She leaned towards the door. "When will Micel come back, do you think?"

"As soon as he gets the news about you, I'm sure. He will be delighted."

She sighed with relief. "That's great to hear." She looked around her room, taking in the sights. Everything was brighter and more vivid. She could see the shed human skin on the bed. She grimanced at the disgusting material and turned away.

That life is gone now. I'm finally what I'm meant to be.

There was a rumble down the hallway. She paused, listening as the guard froze at the sudden noise. Then the guard cleared his throat. "W-What are you-" He cut off with a yell and there was silence.

"Mister?" she called out cautiously. "Are you alright?"

"Do you think that's really her?" a raspy voice whispered. "That can't be her. It...doesn't sound like her."

"It has to be. This is the same room."

No. It can't be. Not now.

"Fallum quarca daminigan!" she shouted. The door ripped itself open, revealing who hid behind.


A/N: Midterms are killer :D But I got a 98 on my Accounting and Honors Chem so I'm happy~ 111 Reviews are amazing, but more are even better...