Hello dear readers! Welcome to another exciting chapter of Corruption, Murder and…Redemption?

Thank you so much for the reviews in the previous chapter! I appreciate all the ways you guys support this story either by favorite or following.

Anyway, sadly this chapter won't go back to the manga. This is because I kind of underestimated how long one scene would be.

Now on to the chapter!

Chapter 29: Encounter, An Orphan and…An alliance?

FEW MINUTES AGO, A FEW MILES AWAY FROM NIGHT RAID HIDEOUT

After talking with Aria, the teen pulled out a small diamond shaped blur device and pressed a button which then made a strange beep. The sound got Aria's attention as she stood up, facing the hero.

"What was that?" Aria asked.

"Oh this?" Ben questioned, raising the device in his hand. "This is the key to the Time Cycle. It should be here right about –"

A loud zoom was heard, following by a certain advanced alien vehicle appearing next to Ben. Its speed was remarkable, as Aria didn't even see it coming. But that didn't change Ben's mood as he just smiled and touched the glass, causing it to rise and open for him to enter the vehicle.

"Cool isn't it?" Ben questioned rhetorically. "The last time I had this piece of awesomeness was when I traveled to the moment before my universe was created. It was crazy, but everything worked out in the end. Weirdly…" The teen paused and turned to Aria. "…that was during the first time war. You remember what Paradox said about the present one, right?"

"Yes, I do." Aria nodded. She did indeed remember what the time-traveller had said.

Just then, a ringing came from the Time Cycle. It caught Ben's attention and made him turn to the control screen where he saw a map with a flashing red dot. At a small box at the corner of the screen it said 'Danger: Enemy Forces closing in! Time Cycle user's attention urgently needed!'

"That doesn't sound good." Ben commented. His instinct immediately drove him to climb on top of the bike. However, before he could do anything else, Aria called out to him and began running to him.

"What's going on?" She asked. "Is something wrong with your…thingie?"

"Uh, no." Ben answered. At the same time, he tried not to laugh from when she said thingie. "It's just that…something bad is going down somewhere. The Time Cycle never had this before, so I'm willing to bet Paradox installed this. In other words, I can't let whatever it is to fly by."

"Then let me come with you!" Aria strongly insisted. "I-I know I'm not strong enough, but at least let me keep you company!"

Ben paused and glanced at the screen. Time was wasting and he didn't want anyone to die. So in a moment of frustration, he turned to Aria and just gestured to his back.

"Get on!" He approved.

Aria nodded and went to sit at his back. However, she paused for a moment when she realized her dress would keep her from sitting in the same manner as Ben. Fortunately, she was then able to rise her dress up - though she felt a bit embarrassed - before climbing on the bike. Not long after, the Time Cycle's glass closed above them and Ben leaned forward with a serious look.

"Hang on to me! We're going to be really fast!" Ben informed her.

Aria quickly complied and put her arms around the teen's waist. For a second, though, she blushed but closed her eyes. It was from there that the Time Cycle powered up and drove them away, heading to the direction it had indicated.

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PRESENT TIME

Snow was cold, but it was sometimes fun to play with. Ben has, in his years, played with snow even at an age where he shouldn't. However, now wasn't the time for games or to be told off for playing in the snow. No, it was time for battle against General Esdeath's formidable bodyguards, the Three Beast Warriors.

The Three Beast Warriors were not to be underestimated. Despite one of them being a teenager, they were very bloodthirsty and cruel if given the chance or ordered to. They also specialized in many ways to kill with each of them having their own ways in dealing with an enemy. They didn't care about causalities nor did they care about the status of others. As long as Esdeath ordered them, they would fight and kill even if their lives are on the line.

So right in that moment, it was life and death. Spear and her father had almost been killed off if not that Ben had shown up in the nick of time. Now it was just him and the Three Beast Warriors, with the former's hand close to the alien device on his wrist.

'Good thing I got here and didn't bring Aria. The Time Cycle is parked a mile away from here so she should be fine on her on. Now to deal with this –'

Ben was cut off when he saw Daidara coming for him. The wielder of the Teigu, Belvacc, was the wildest of the trio, so his bloodlust was what drove him to attack. Fortunately, Ben was quick to jump back a few feet and raise his hand above the Ultimatrix. The alien device responded by revealing its core for Ben to slap down on.

"What's the matter, boy?! Got something on your mind?!" Daidara yelled with a snickering grin. "I could've cut you down in that moment, you know, but I chose to hold myself back a bit! You're the famous Ben Tennyson, are you not?! I want major points, so give me the thrill of a real battle while you're still breathing!"

Ben only responded with a small stern. He hated to admit it, but Daidara was right. These bodyguards of the known Ice Queen were remarkably fast in combat and far exceeded Ben's human capability. Hence, Ben had to fight but not before he had to transform.

"Got to say, you talk too much and that's coming from a guy like me! But if you want a butt kicking that bad then I guess I just have to give it to you!"

With that, the teen slammed the Ultimatrix's core. He was engulfed in a flash of green light as the transformation occurred in mere seconds. Hence, when the light died down, Ben stood as a ten foot tall humanoid beast with yellow and black fur with two bolts on his hands, green eyes with black pupils and lightning shaped horns. The Ultimatrix symbol was located at the middle of a green and white belt.

"SHOCKSQUATCH!" He bellowed. Then he raised his hand close to his chest and looked down on them. "Not bad, Ultimatrix! Now we're talking!"

Just then, Shocksquatch heard something fast coming. It was someone coming for him, and not too surprising it was Daidara. The excited and bloodthirsty Three Beast member was eager upon seeing the alien Ben had turned into. Fortunately, Ben was quick to react as he stretched his arms apart a bit and let out a blast of yellow electricity all around. This electricity functioned as a form of electricity dome which forced Daidara back, but not down.

Now Daidara was more excited. He snickered as he looked at the alien hero which clutching his Teigu in his hand. At the same time, Shocksquatch just glared at him and began charging up his own arm.

"You want points eh? Well how about voltages of electricity?! I hear it's such a shock to not to experience!"

Shocksquatch then punched his fist into the ground. Hence, a wave of yellow lightning was sent heading Daidara's way. The Three Beast Warrior's member was in danger, but he didn't even flinch. Instead he just waited for a few last seconds before jumping up into the air, avoiding the attack in the process. Then, while in the air, he drew his double-bladed axe back for a throw.

"Not good in battle are you?!" He shouted.

Shocksquatch quickly reacted. This was because Daidara threw his axe down on the teen hero in an attempt to cut him open. Fortunately, the alien hero jumped back and saw the weapon hit the snowy ground. But then Daidara came and marched on his chest, sending the teen to the ground on his back.

Daidara then picked up his axe. He was still into fighting the alien hero. As such, he turned over to Shocksquatch who was then standing up.

"Come on, boy! That can't be all you have! I need major points here!" Daidara stated eagerly.

"Can you just shut up about points?! Geez that's getting annoying, I mean what do you think this is a video game or something!" Shocksquatch yelled angrily. His mood was also shown as yellow electricity then charged up all over his body, making his fur to stand. "But I got better things to do, so let's wrap this up!"

Daidara said nothing except responding with that snickering look on his face. He then followed this by separating his axe, making them a one-bladed weapon instead. From there, both Shocksquatch and Daidara charged at each other before finally meeting.

Shocksquatch swung a punch at Daidara, who in response ducked and came back up. The alien hero then tried again by swinging that same punch back at the deadly enemy. However, Daidara dodged again before the alien hero turned to him and attempted to grab him. It failed, though, as Daidara jumped back and looked back at the alien hero. Something didn't seem right.

"Why you dodging, brain-for-brawns!? I thought you wanted a fight?!" Shocksquatch questioned.

Daidara said nothing as he stood up straight. Of course, his grin never faded as he just stared at Ben with lack of pupils in his eyes.

"Do you even know who are we?" Daidara questioned rhetorically.

"A violent and crazy version of the three stooges. Either way I do know one thing! You're in for a bunch of butt-kicking's!" Shocksquatch responded with a slam of both his fists together.

Daidara laughed in response. Ben's comment amused him and made the hero feel more foolish. As such he calmed down and smiled widely. "Then you'll die here." He said. His next move was then to put his axes back into one weapon before lifting it over his shoulder. "We are Esdeath-sama's best, the Three Beast Warriors! We've hunt down Teigu users and executed countless innocents without a blink of an issue! To go against us is to face death!"

"Ha! Hate to break it to you, but I'm not scared of you! I've beaten bigger fishes, just so you know!"

"Is that so?" Liver questioned.

The well-mannered and sophisticated member of the Three Beasts was heading over to the former Prime Minister and that moment, the old man was holding his daughter, having gone to her sometime during Ben's fight with Daidara. Unfortunately, Liver now was before them as he pulled out a blade from his sleeve and raised it up. His face wasn't at Shocksqautch, but it was clear he was still talking to the teen.

"If one engages in battle with a foe without knowing his strength and weaknesses, then his chances of victory are slim." He said calmly. "Not that is doesn't matter, but information is key. Now, to accomplish what Esdeath-sama ordered we to do may you the former prime minister, and your daughter rest in peace."

"No!" Shocksqautch shouted.

Time was running out, and he had to act fast. However, when he turned completely to stop the killer man, he suddenly heard a melody from a flute that was then followed with his body stiffing and his electricity shutting down.

"Wh-What the heck?! I can't move!" Shocksqautch said in alarm.

Daidara huffed and looked to Nyau. It turns out then that the youngest of the trio of killers was the cause. His Teigu, Scream, was being played by him as it had an effect on Ben alone.

"Good work, Nyau!" Daidara said. His next move was then to separate his axe again and hold both tightly in his hands as he turned his attention at Shocksqautch's back. "This is where the fun begins! Try to scream as much as you can!"

Shocksquatch could say nothing, thus he could do nothing. Daidara knew this before charging at the alien hero. Hence, with a slash of his blade, he sliced right across Shocksqautch's back and heard the hero scream out in pain. Red blood shot out as a result as Daidara's blade was covered with it.

However, it wasn't over yet. Daidara went over to Shocksqautch's front where he then sliced downward across his chest and stomach. The pain was so bad that the alien fell on his knees just as Nyau stopped playing his flute. The Ultimatrix immediately timed out afterwards and changed the teen back to normal.

"Hold it!" Nyau shouted. "I want a piece of him too!"

Daidara chuckled and raised his twin blades to both sides of Ben's neck. The teen still couldn't move so he could only stare at the muscular man with a glare. But that didn't stop the enjoyment the killer was feeling.

"Hate to break it to you, but this is mine, Nyau! It's first come and first serve! But don't worry, I'll make sure his face isn't too bloody!"

Nyau sighed in mild disappointment. "It's not the same if he's not alive." He said. Then he turned over to Liver. "Liver-sama, at least let me have the onee-san. I was rudely interrupted before."

"Hm, I'll permit it." Liver said.

With that, the older man was about to take a life. While at that, Daidara prepared to behead the teen hero with his blades. It seemed it was over as Spear and her father could say nothing. The man knew he was a target, so there were no evading things right now.

"Wait, don't do this!" Ben shouted. His life was on the line, but he could still speak despite the rest of his body not responding. "Do what you want with me! Just let them go!"

"Admirable…" Liver commented. Then he brought his blade down for the former prime minister's neck. "…but there's only so little that mentality will get you at."

"NO!" Ben shouted.

There was nothing that could be done. The former prime minister closed his eyes while Spear shouted "father" to him. She was about to witness the man she owed her life to die before her.

But then something unexpected happened. A snow ball hit Liver's face which startled him and caused him to miss by a few inches from the former prime minister's neck. Daidara and Nyau were also surprised and turned to the cause, with Ben, the former prime minister and Spear looking to the direction the snow ball came from.

Aria had made it at the nick of time. She was standing on her own, having thrown the snowball that had hit Liver. Nyau was surprised, but not because of the snowball. No, it was due to the fact that he recognized her.

"Aria…san." He muttered.

"Aria! Get away from here!" Ben warned her. He was about to add something, but then noticed something. He could move his fingers, which meant his body was now responsive to him.

However, the Three Beasts were still standing. Nyau, for some reason, became angry as he growled and charged at Aria, who stepped back and was surprised at who was coming for her.

"Nyau!?" She questioned.

"Die!" Nyau shouted in anger.

The distance between the two was closing fast. Aria tried to run away though, but Nyau wouldn't have it. As such, he jumped at her and knocked her to the ground which then led him to be on top of her with his flute ready to strike down on her.

"I…I'm going to kill you!" He yelled angrily.

The anger in Nyau was almost uncommon for the Three Beasts Warriors. His fellow members could tell something was wrong with their youngest member. But then Ben used that chance to pick a good alien and slam on the core and transform. Hence, when the light died down, he was Big Chill and still kneeling.

"Big Chill!" He called out.

Daidara immediately turned back to the alien hero. He was a bit surprised at his transformation, but not enough to stop him. As such, he swung his axes on to the alien hero, expecting to kill the teen. But then the alien hero phased right into the ground, avoiding it.

"Shit!" Daidara cursed.

Back at Nyau, he brought his flute directly down for Aria's heart. He was so close to him, but then someone intervened. Big Chill seemingly emerged from Aria's body and grabbed the blonde teen by the neck. From there, he flew up into the air a bit before then throwing him against Liver, who in response quickly moved out of the way. Nyau ended up hitting the snowy ground instead.

"Are you alright?" Big Chill asked. He landed right in front of Aria, looking at her with some concern even though his face expression couldn't change.

"Yes, I- Look out!" Aria warned.

Big Chill quickly turned back, but not enough to block. Daidara had come for the alien hero and slice right through his abdomen, grinning as he was now behind him.

"This is the end of you, kid! No hard feelings!" He said crookedly.

"Thanks, but…"

Daidara's eyes widened. Big Chill should've been dead. However, when he turned to the alien hero, he was standing just fine.

"…I can't say the same for you!"

Big Chill then went on the offensive. He punched Daidara right in the face, sending the man flying some feet away. Daidara hit the ground on his back, but it wasn't over. This was because Big Chill then phased into the ground and came out almost immediately below Daidara. So by lifting the guy off, the alien hero flew high in the air before throwing the man down to the ground.

Daidara could not stop what was the come. As such, he crashed to the snowy ground, which then scattered due to the impact. Both Liver and Nyau were shocked to see their comrade defeated and unconscious.

"One down, two more to beat up."

Both Liver and Nyau turned to their front. Big Chill had now landed before them with his wings spread out.

"Give up while you still have the chance! But if you don't then that's fine with me! The more I get to beat you guys, the merrier it gets!"

Nyau growled in response. He didn't like Big Chill's attitude, especially after beating one of their own. Hence, he moved his flute to his lips, where he was ready to play.

"Don't get so cocky! I'll have you begging on your knees again!" He shouted.

Big Chill couldn't stop the teenage boy. As a result, he began to feel numb when Nyau began to play his flute.

"This...is…No, I can't let this happen!" Big Chill stated in the best way he could.

If Big Chill was incapable of speaking well, then fight would be impossible. Liver was already in position to execute the alien hero as he faced him. The sophisticated killer didn't say anything though, as he just took that chance to charge at Big Chill. Recent events had taught him that anymore talking would just give the hero a chance.

Fortunately, Big Chill wasn't down yet. His body might be immobilized from the flutes powers but his mind and will where still going strong which he used to activate his intangibility and allow gravity to pull him down below the ground where the sounds of the teigu couldn't reach him anymore. This surprised Liver who then came to a stop immediately after that and turned over to Nyau in alarm.

"Nyau! Get out of there! He's coming for you!" Liver warned quickly.

Nyau did as told. He jumped back and was able to avoid Big Chill when he emerged from the snowy grown he once stood on. Liver was then quick enough to charge at the alien hero whom he expected he could cut down before he could turn his attention at him. However, even after slashing at Big Chill, he ended up just going pass him.

But Liver didn't give up. He did a swift turn at Big Chill, whom he then slashed at again. Big Chill responded by letting the weapon go through him unharmed again. Then, with a swing of his hand, the alien hero tried to backhand the killer. He failed, however, as Liver jumped back and just in time. Nyau started playing, which made Big Chill to grip his head just to block out the sound.

Now Big Chill was reaching his limit. He quickly shot ice from his mouth to hit Nyau, but failed. This was because Nyau reacted quickly by jumping back while still playing his flute. But Big Chill didn't give up. He kept trying to hit Nyau with his ice breath, with each becoming more desperate than the other. However, Nyau was as agile as his size would suggest as he dodged each attack while still continuing to play his flute.

"I…can't keep up with this." Big Chill said in his mind. 'Each second he's playing that thing, I feel my body weakening further! I guess I have no choice!'

"TIME TO GO ULTIMATE!" Big Chill cried out.

Big Chill then stretched his arms apart. A few seconds was left before he was a full victim of Nyau's Teigu, hence he reached his hand to the Ultimatrix symbol on his waist belt and pressed on it. Four spikes then suddenly emerged from the sides of the alien device before a wash of green light went over Big Chill.

What happened to the alien hero from there on was surprising. Liver, Nyau, Spear, her father and Aria watched as Ben's blue color alerted by a wash of green light going all over his body. Now he had a fiery red design with red crests over his eyes while his green eyes remained the same.

"You handled Big Chill, but let's see what you got against ULTIMATE BIG CHILL!"

'Ultimate?' Liver questioned. He was intrigued and yet concerned about the new appearance. 'A magnificent creature, that is. So this must be his Trump Card. We'll have to be extra conscious against this one.'

Aria was amazed. She knew about the Ultimates feature, but never got the chance to see it in person until now.

"So-So cool!" Aria cried out. Then she became louder. "Ben, you're so cool!"

Nyau gritted his teeth in anger. "Shut it!" He yelled at Aria. "Stay out of this!"

"Nyau, look out!" Liver shouted.

However, it was too late. Ultimate Big Chill stretched his right arm forward and shot a shot of fire straight at Nyau. Of course, the teen was surprised as he had to jump out of the way just a second earlier. Hence, he fell to the ground, but was then quick to get to his arms and knees. However, what he saw upon looking back shocked him and the others.

Ultimate Big Chill's flames from before were now solid ice. Nyau could've sworn that he had dodged fire, not ice power. But the reality was clear, as even Liver felt stunned at the power that had been displayed.

'This power…just what is it?' Liver questioned. 'Not only can he go through solid objects and people and turn invisible, but his trump card can turn fire into ice? This…this is something even Esdeath-sama can't do.'

Nyau was still stunned. It was shown on his face as he just stared at the ice. "This…This isn't possible! Esdeath-sama can't even do that! Just how can he do that?!"

"Simple, my dear Watson." Ultimate Big Chill said.

Nyau was then surprised. The alien hero was behind him, to whom he then turned to with that stun look on his face. Ultimate Big Chill had no change of face expression, but if one knew the teen behind the alien then they would know he would be smirking right about now.

"What you just witnessed are flames so cold it burns!" He revealed.

Nyau was quiet for a moment. However, that soon changed. The teen got up and let out a battle cry. His flute Teigu, Scream, was still in his hand; hence he tried to strike it against the ultimate alien.

He failed, of course. Ultimate Big Chill just grabbed the teen's hand with ease. Then by lifting him off the ground with that same arm, he looked at him with an expressionless face.

"Someone's HOT-tempered, and that's saying something from me! But don't worry! I'll give you a good and nice nap!" He joked.

"Damn you!" Nyau cried out. He followed this action with an unsuccessful kick at the ultimate alien's chest. Then he turned to Liver. "Liver-sama, do some –"

Ultimate Big Chill shut him up. He did this by phasing his hand through the teen's head and knocking him out. Now Nyau was quiet before the hero placed him on the ground and looked at Liver daringly.

"Now it's just you and me! How about we get this –"

Liver dropped his blade to the ground and raised his arms up. He was surrendering.

"Wait, you're already surrendering?!" Ultimate Big Chill was surprised, but he wasn't alone. Aria, Spear and the former prime minister felt the same as they watched the sophisticated man stand still.

"That is right." Liver admitted. "Power is what runs this world, and surely that is what you have. Being with Esdeath-sama has shown me that only the strongest rules. Sadly, we were no match for you. We are…weak."

"Huh…I don't think I agree with that." Ultimate Big Chill replied with uncertainty. "But it's nice to see someone's smart enough to see my awesomeness…But I kind of wish we could fight a bit. You just had to suck up the fun out of this, dude."

Aria facepalmed.

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MINUTES LATER

As Swampfire, Ben tied Diadara's hands behind the man's back with vines. He was conscious now and in a kneeling position, but with a snarl on his face. Meanwhile, Nyau was in the same position and conscious again as he and Liver too were tied by their arms and legs.

"There, all done!" Swampfire said.

Daidara growled and tried to break out of the vines. Of course, he failed as he then earned a small snicker from the alien hero who just looked back at him.

"Yeah, nice try, but I made yours extra special. Don't want you to break out again, now do we?" Swampfire playfully said.

In response, Daidara just glared angrily at Swampfire with his teeth visibly showing. Swampfire ignored his expression, though, as he then tapped the Ultimatrix symbol on his chest and changed back to normal. There was one other thing on his mind, and it was the Three Beasts' Teigu and a stack of papers with the Night Raid symbol on them. They were laid on the snowy ground not far from the hero as he could see Scream, Belvacc and the blade Liver had used. The teen didn't know if the latter was a Teigu, but then again Belvacc hadn't shown anything remarkable except being a slightly modified double-bladed axe.

"Now what to do with these things." Ben muttered to himself. 'I don't have anywhere else to drop these Teigu, so I'll just hand them over to Night Raid. But maybe one of them might be compatible with Aria. It's about time she has something to defend herself. Anyway…those papers there...I got them from that big oaf, but I can't help but shake off the feeling that I may have prevented something diabolical.'

"Young man. Does the cold not bother you7?"

Ben turned to the one who called him. The snow had stopped falling or some time now, but clearly whoever that had spoken to him seemed concerned. Fortunately, it was the former Prime Minister who was now approaching him.

"You're the…former prime minister. Are you sure you should be out here? You should get some rest." Ben said with some concern. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine."

"Very well then." The former prime minister said.

Just then, he did an unexpected thing. He fell on his arms and knees and his head bowing to the teen hero, which surprised Ben. However, it didn't change what the old man then said. "Thank you! Thank you so much! You have my deepest gratitude! Please whatever you want just ask of it and I shall grant it! Money?! Influence?! Just say the word I shall see to it! You can even take my daughter as your lawful wedded wife! I shall not hesitant to such a request!"

"Uhh…" Ben uttered awkwardly.

"Father!" Spear shouted in offense and embarrassment.

Right at that moment, both the girl and Aria were coming back from the chariot. Spear needed some treatment due to the injury she had received earlier from Daidara, which was the reason she had a cloth across her stomach. Anyway, she still needed Aria to assist her to walk, but that didn't change her attitude.

"Seriously, you don't need to go to such an extent!" Spear stated bluntly. She was offended, especially because in the time before the Three Beasts had attacked them she had been in a discussion with her father talking about marriage. But fortunately she was able to change her attitude when she looked back to Ben. "Still, this does not change what has happened. You have my deepest appreciation and admiration, Tennyson-kun. You are truly a warrior above any other."

"Uh…Thanks." Ben said and smiled. He was relaxed to see the way Spear reacted.

The former prime minister then stood up. By now things were feeling at ease despite the snowy weather in the area. But then a second later Ben turned back to the defeated Three Beasts and gestured to them.

"So…what should we do about these guys?" He asked.

Spear turned to the men, particularly at Nyau. The youngest one had almost cut off her face. In fact, just the thought of it scared her a bit. However, her resolve was stronger and she was staring at the young man sternly.

"I say they should be killed and have their heads to the Prime Minister himself." She stated.

Ben shuddered a bit, and it wasn't from the cold. Spear seemed different from Night Raid, but she was clearly merciless if it came to it. But he still had his own things to say.

"Um…not sure about that. What about you…uh, former prime minister?"

"Chouri. You may call me Chouri." The former prime minister nicely said. His attention was then back to the Three Beasts. "In as much as their acts were dastardly, they are simply pawns to the Honest. Killing them won't achieve anything, but if we're able to take them alive and present them before His Majesty then Honest would no doubt lose favor before the young emperor."

Ben was astonished by the good planning. It wasn't something he thought of considering he's a wanted man by the empire. So as he stared at Chouri, he noticed the man's face become sad.

"I am to blame for this tragedy either way." Chouri admitted. "Not just what happened here, but what's happened to the people. I trusted Honest at the time and stepped down for him, believing he would guide the young emperor well…Unfortunately, that was a lie and the empire was plunged to the way it is now. This is my fault and I hope I can fix it."

Ben huffed and smirked. He didn't know the former prime minister well, but he was beginning to like him now. As such, he patted the man on the shoulder and got his attention.

"No sweat about it. If Honest is so fixed on killing you then I'm pretty sure you can put a big dent on his hold over the empire. Maybe now we can actually do something about that guy." He said.

Chouri paused, surprised at Ben's positivity. It had become so rare to see a bright and determined young man who fought for good with no reward. It actually made the man to feel at ease and smile.

"I guess you're right." He said. "It is quiet nice to see there are still good men in this hopeless times."

However, the scene suddenly changed from its mood. It was because Liver unexpectedly stood up with his arms and legs free, much to everyone's surprise. But then it made sense when Spear saw a ring on his finger.

"That's a Teigu!" Spear shouted.

"You are correct, my dear!" Liver admitted, and with that he sent a shot of his own blood straight at her.

Ben was surprised, but Chouri was quick to react. Hence, the most shocking thing there happened. Chouri shouted for his daughter to look out before getting in the way of the attack, thus getting hit. But if that wasn't enough, Daidara let out a loud cry and brought free of the vines.

Now Ben had to react. He went over to the Ultimatrix to select an alien, only for someone to then interrupt him. It was Daidara who punched Ben by the gut and sent him flying some feet away. Aria and Spear were surprised, but the latter of the two was then enraged when she saw her father lying weakly on the ground.

"You bastards!" Spear yelled.

"Spear, no!" Aria cried out.

It was too late. Daidara faced both of them and backhanded the two of them with his fists with so much force that they were sent flying away. Nyau was then freed by Liver who from there watched Daidara pick up his Teigu and toss Nyau back his own.

"Now do you understand, Tennyson?" Liver said casually. "You may be strong, but you lack true resolve. If one does not know about the enemy, then his chances of winning a battle is slim. I believe I told you that. This is why Esdeath-sama is superior."

Daidara gripped his Teigu with both his hands. "Enough talking, let's kill him and the girls now."

"No, we're retreating." Liver objected. In that moment he could see Ben already seated up and using the Ultimatrix. "Strength and true power dictates the battle. For now, we are not strong enough to defeat him, however we will at least leave with the victory of having accomplished our mission by eliminating our prime target. The next time we meet you can rest assured we shall succeed in defeating you."

"Aw men, I hate this." Nyau whined. His attention was then at Aria who was getting up. He instantly felt angry. "Hear this, Aria! This isn't over! I'll find you and kill you, you got that?!"

Aria moaned, but was barely able to respond.

"Now's the time to go!" Liver shouted. "Daidara, scatter the papers!"

"Right!"

In both Daidara's hands were the big stacks of papers Ben had taken from him earlier. He wasted no time to then throw them into the air. It was in good timing too, as Ben then slammed his hand on the Ultimatrix core and changed into Heatblast.

"Not so fast!" Heatblast shouted.

The alien hero was then quick to act. He stretched his arms forward and let out a blast of fire. However, the Three Beasts were prepared. This was obvious when Nyau got in the way and played his flute in a high frequency which then sent a sonic attack that clashed with Heatblast's attack. The result was a boom and an explosive force that pushed everyone in the scene away. Hence, when the snowy mist cleared, Heatblast saw that the Three Beasts were gone.

"Father!" Spear cried out.

Though the explosion recently was unexpected, she still found the strength to stand. She didn't care about the wound on her stomach nor did she pay any attention to the pain from it. She just went over to her father who had been thrown away from the explosion and now lying on his front. The daughter was then quick to turn him to back where she then held him up.

"Sp-Spear?" Chouri said. His voice was weak as he gazed at her face. "I…I don't feel…so good."

"It's going to be okay!" Spear stated but she was almost crying. "You're an idiot! Why did you do that?! My training…I would have dodged it!"

"Ah…perhaps you could." Chouri muttered. He smiled a bit softly.

Aria came forward. Her heart ached upon seeing the state the man he was in. It reminded her of the time she used to be psychotic. Anyway, she recognized his condition instantly.

"He's been poisoned." Aria revealed. "That Teigu user…he must have kept his Teigu hidden before he surrendered and lied that the blade earlier was his actual Teigu. The fact that sometimes it's hard to tell the difference of a Teigu from a real one is…troubling. Sadly…I'm…sorry, but your father won't make it a minute from now."

Ben's heart sank. He was back to normal and heading towards them when he had heard what Aria said. But rather than letting that stop him, he approached the scene and stood close to Chouri.

"I'm so sorry." He apologized. The frustration was mixed with his tone as he tightened his fist. "It's happening again. I let another person die."

Chouri looked over to Ben. "Death is inevitable, but I understand what you mean. You feel responsible because of a mistake…I know that feeling because I have felt it countless time…I…I can't tell you…just how much I…blamed myself every night for what became of the empire…I knew I could do something, but I just…didn't do something until now. So…if anything…do not blame yourself…There are some mistakes that cannot be avoided…What is important is to try to make the best of it…Besides, thanks to you…my daughter is still alive and she might actually stand a chance of…starting a family."

"Father! Don't talk about that now!" Spear cried out. She was now crying, as tears were coming down her cheeks and falling on her father's chest.

Chouri chose to continue. His attention was back at Spear. "Y-You look so beautiful, my daughter. I'm sorry I wasn't as strong as I should. Please…take this chance to do…what I could not. Never give up…Honest will not stop until…all that opposes him are dead, including…you. So…watch over yourself and follow this young man…Help him…to stop this madness…and fix what I could not do until it was too late."

"F-Father…" Spear cried softly.

Chouri let out a last breathe and extended his smile. "At least now…I can be at peace…with your mother…knowing you're…alive."

With that, the former prime minister of the empire gave up his ghost. Spear was shocked and heartbroken. It felt like her world had just collapsed right there and then. She couldn't contain it and began screaming as she shook her father.

"No! Don't go! Don't go! Can't you hear me, dad! Don't go! Don't…Don't…"Then she let out a louder cry and hugged her father's dead body. "DON'T LEAVE MEEEEEEEEE!"

Both Ben and Aria turned away. Spear's cries were heartbreaking as not one of them could stand it. They could comfort her, but there were times where it was too soon to do so. Spear was an orphan now.

_(LINE BREAK)_

OUTSIDE THE CAPITAL, BEHIND SATOU'S CABIN

A green portal appeared behind the home of one Ben's few allies in this world. Fortunately, it wasn't something to be alarmed. Spear and Aria walked out first with the Time Cycle following them before the portal closed. Some time had passed since the former prime minister's death, so now it was just them miles away from the snowy location.

"Well…here we are now." Ben said plainly. He hadn't gotten over what had happened. The same was for Spear who just turned to him.

"A-Amazing…Just…what are you?" Spear asked. "We were just at the snowy region and yet you brought us close the Capital in a matter of seconds."

"Yeeaaaahhh." Ben responded awkwardly. "Just don't go about telling anyone about this."

"I won't. I promise." Spear assured. "Besides, I shall be by your side from now on. I owe you my life, Ben Tennyson. If it were not for you...I wouldn't be here. So just ask and I will do what I can to the best of my ability."

"Oh…huh…" Ben said with uncertainty. "To be honest with you, I thought we could part ways here. Satou's a friend of mine and I'm sure he would look after you well and –"

"No!" Spear objected.

"But what about –"

"I-It doesn't matter now!" Spear shouted.

From there, silence took over. Aria was quiet as she just watched what happened. As for Ben, the teen hero was taken aback when Spear grabbed his hand which was still on the bike. The scene became more intense when she looked down at the ground.

"Please…don't leave me." Spear said. Her voice sounded low and depressed, but it was still audible and sad. "With…my father gone…I have no other place to go, but I choose not to surrender. I want to fight…I want to correct the mistake my father made. So please…let me fight alongside you. My father trusted you till death…so I trust you too."

Ben was quiet and astonished. Here was a girl clinging on to him like she was her last hope. It wasn't the first time, but this feeling wasn't something to get used to. Besides, it now put Ben in a tough spot.

With that, the teen sighed. "I'm probably going to keep myself in the butt for this, but…fine. You can come with us."

Spear wiped the tears at her eyes and smiled. "Thank you."

"What about Night Raid?" Aria questioned. She then realized what she had said and quickly shut her mouth.

Spear was immediately shocked. She removed her hand from Ben and took a step back with a look of betrayal on her face.

"You're an assassin?!" She questioned.

Ben was surprisingly calm. He guessed it was because her reaction was something to expect, hence he explained with a calm face. "No, I'm not." He said. "You saw what happened back there. Being alone against those three led to your father's death. I'm sorry, but if Aria hadn't been there too then you two would've been gone."

Aria was surprised. She hadn't thought of it, but she did technically save Spear and Chouri even though the latter later died. Anyway, Ben continued as he tightened his fist and closed his eyes, imagining all that had happened.

"For some time now, I've fought alone. I made mistakes that I wish I could correct. So, even as I'm strong…I've learnt it doesn't always guarantee that everything will turn out alright. I don't want anyone else to die because of my mistakes, that is why…I had no choice but to meet with them."

Spear said nothing. She didn't even seem to be at ease as she stared at Ben suspiciously. Fortunately, Ben continued when he opened his eyes and faced Spear.

"Yes, I get it! They're assassins, but their ultimate goal matches mine!"

"Ultimate…goal?" Spear questioned with uncertainty.

"To end this poverty-stricken and unfair world!" Ben stated boldly, staring at Spear. "To bring about a country where everyone is treated fairly and equally! I've seen what the people go through, and it's the worse!"

Spear was hesitant. What Ben said may be true, but she had a different reasoning.

"But we can talk this peacefully, can't we?! My father…he believed that just persuading the emperor would end this! He believed that people don't have to die in order to achieve peace!"

Ben smiled in response. The ideology Chouri held was really admirable to him

"That does sound really good, but…I think right now it's too late." Ben said.

Spear was slightly taken aback. To hear that her father ideology could be disputed like that was really offensive. But then Ben continued.

"Don't get me wrong. I believe in the same thing. My grandpa thought me a lot of things including how valuable a life is. I never want to take another person's life. I'm not a judge, jury or executioner; I'm a hero."

"But you're with Night Raid." Spear pointed out.

"Not really." Ben corrected. "We may have the same ultimate goal, but we still have different approaches towards it. So if you don't want to come along with me anymore then that's fine. You can stay with Satou. Just let him know that I saved you. He's a good man who hates violence so he'll watch over you."

Spear was quiet again. She didn't know what else to counteract against Ben. Ben wasn't really trying to convince her to join him or Night Raid. In fact, if anything it seemed like he was trying to push her away from him.

'This young man…He's aligned himself with Night Raid and yet…he concerns over me than trying to defend himself.' Spear thought.

Just then, the girl had a flashback. It was that moment when Ben was about to be killed by Daidara. He didn't seem concerned about himself; he was still trying to save her and her father's life.

'I'm…such an idiot, father. Forgive me.' Spear thought. From there a smile formed on her face before she placed her left hand on her hip. "My father may have been blind in one eye, but he saw the truth in the end. Ben Tennyson, you are a mystery, but there is good in you that possibly shine brighter than my father. Now I'm certain I want to be by your side and end the tyranny in the Capital."

"So…I'm guessing you're not leaving huh." Ben said.

"I shall not." Spear boldly said.

Ben sighed. He really did want to the girl to stay out of things. However, her determination was strong and he couldn't ignore that. Besides, it was comforting to know that there is someone who possibly shared the same ideology as he does.

"Then there's no stopping now." Ben said. He then held out his right hand to Spear. "Nice to have you on board, Spear."

Spear accepted the hand. Together, the both of them gripped each other and shook on it.

"Thank you. It is an honor to fight alongside you." She said with satisfaction.

_(CHAPTER END)_

DONE! I wanted to add another scene, but thought you guys had enough cliffhangers for now. That scene will now be in the next chapter.

So what did you think of this chapter? Ben faced the Three Beasts Warriors and saved Spear, but her father die. Now she's actually going to have a role rather than just be a forgettable character. Just keep in mind that this doesn't mean I won't kill off characters. Ieyasu was the first and now Chouri is gone. So who would be next? You're going to need to keep reading to find out.

On the topic of Spear, I've always had it in mind to save her. I remember watching that episode where she died off and felt sorry. Her dad and she were talking about how she hasn't gotten married (in the normal anime comedy), only to then get axed (literally!). So you can bet that I'm going to keep her around for a loooooooooong time.

On another note, congrats to any reader who noticed a theme in this chapter. Ben turned into THREE fire-related alien (though one of them was an Ultimate), and his first ultimate was a fire-related alien (though it was also ice-related too).

Well this is where I'm going to end the chapter. If you enjoyed this then review and let me know, and if you haven't favorite or followed then please do. The next chapter would most certainly return back to the manga , so look forward to that.