BEN 10: RISING OF THE SHIELD HERO
CHAPTER 8: PARTY MEMBER? GOT NONE!
I feel a bit displeased with the last chapter, so I will take more time on this one. First, some notice here.
Benjamin Kirby Tennyson won't marry Melty. I have decided on it from the beginning but it became quite a topic. The reason is Ben won't allow polygamy, I guess, and since she won't become the heroine of the story. Some other girls on my mind to pair up with Ben but I really suck when it comes to Romance stuff, so please put up with it, dear readers.
The other three heroes are currently training to level up and get used to their weapons, I think. You can say Ben is basically slacking off, lol.
For the question of whether the mentioned worlds can be linked through calamity's portals, I'd answer NO. Because the portals connect worlds in the same multiverse, it's my theory. Going outside the universe needs energy, to go outside the multiverse needs even more energy. Hence, we can't justify that these two are the same.
As I said in the previous chapters, no other character from Ben 10 will appear in this story, maybe in the sequel, where he has to travel to other worlds. I mean, here, the ending of the mission in Raphtalia's world.
Here's a problem. I was thinking for a while that a demi-human transformation would just be Ben with animal features. Or a peak form of the race of demi-humans. In many fanfics, part-human transformations are shown to be modifications on Ben's base body. This part needs a brainstorming.
They look like Ben or not, they will be peak forms. But Ben needs a disguise if his face doesn't change. Till now, ID Mask is so far programmed to disguise as Ben, so if he wants to have other appearances, he needs to rewrite it.
Alright, that's all I need to tell you. Let's move on.
The holographic Galvan figure rubs his chin as he surveys the bird creature. She has all the features of a bird, so it'll be harder to claim she isn't one.
She is running on the table on her legs, her body is significantly bigger than she was yesterday when she was only palm size.
She sometimes leaps into the air and collides with her master for no particular reason. Maybe she is fond of him, as Raphtalia and the rest of the gang remarked.
For Ben and the extension of the Omnitrix, this isn't weird at all. They have seen weirder and Ben has been one of those "weird" things, occasionally. But they have a hard time distinguishing her species since they don't have an encyclopedia of this world's species.
"I have scanned the DNA of hers. Results are good and pure. I can even allow you to transform into one of her kind right now, maybe you can be her father."
Ben honestly doesn't know if the Azmuth AI is kidding or not.
But he appears to be content with it when the AI says her DNA is clean. But… Hold on.
Wait… does that mean…
"Yes, she is sentient, not your average pet. Her intelligence is…. probably even higher than that of an appoplexian."
However you say, she is just a baby. And hey, don't insult Rath.
"Yet, with her growth rate, in some weeks, she will be bigger than that Raphtalia kid and her friends."
replies the Azmuth's voice, his holographic face grinning.
"And her DNA is afflicted with some kind of magic. Probably, magical energy, mana. That's not my field but Tennyson, you should re-read the magic guidebook chapter (x) The Mana Lifeforce in Monsters."
Oh… Sure. I will…
Azmuth turns around to face Ben.
The weather is a little warm today. The sky above the land of the village is clear and the warmth is favorable.
"I heard she is the kind that draws the cart. Is that OK with you?"
Ben shrugs as he looks away from the bird.
Don't know. I have nothing really.
"Too convenient, huh? Whatever. I am leaving. Take care of the baby. Er… one thing. You can turn into a Filolial to show your kids whatever size she will grow into in the future."
Azmuth's hologram vanishes and leaves Ben who widens his eyes at the idea and then smirks with a meaning.
"Oh yeah!"
He has been hiding the existence of AI Azmuth all the time and he doesn't consult him in the presence of others, though the hologram used to pop up and gives Ben advice whenever he needs help.
The villagers say that the more she eats, the faster she grows.
Ben doesn't understand anatomy and Rex is at least more experienced than Ben.
"What do we need to feed her?" Rex once asked a villager.
"Bones, and meat of the monsters? No one here knows what she eats specifically. But…"
"Seems to be an omnivore, huh? Hey Rex, let's go hunting some big monster."
Ben cheerfully proposed the idea and so the two heroes went hunting.
"Hydra and Chimera! Oh yeah, I am guessing these two can feed her for like a week!"
Rex exclaimed. He and Ben carried the remains of the two monsters in big bags on their shoulders and made their way back to the village.
"It would be better if the hydra just regenerates even after death, hahaha!"
Ben joked poking the bag on his back.
"You destroyed its core, what can help? Anyway, I think your shield skills have improved a lot. Like, how you block that hydra-head!"
"I was acting on my instincts. But you see, this shield can adapt to pretty much various situations. It has a lot of variations so it is really useful. There is one shield I don't like, though."
Ben lowered his tone in displease.
"What's that?"
"The Dragon Shield."
"Huh? That one you defeated that night?"
Ben nodded in positive.
"Likely it is. I am sure it's not the dragon shield based on my alien form. I have not tested it but… have some bad feelings about it."
Rex thought silently as he walked side-by-side with Ben.
"I have experiences with my powers going rampage and I went wild all those times. It's better not to use a power you can't control." Ben opens up about his dark past.
"That Ghostfreak alien of yours, hmm?"
"Right."
Ben couldn't describe how he was feeling about the dragon shield but obviously not a good one. Ben decided to ask the AI but he forgot to do so.
"Now she has grown a lot larger… Who fed her the whole heads of the hydra, huh? There were nine of them, now three are missing. And she became this big!"
Rex exclaims seeing the big bird.
"Who cares?! Most important of all, Sir Ben, don't you think she needs a name?"
Raphtalia pushes Rex away and approaches Ben.
"A name?"
"Yes, name her Keel."
Keel moves into the crowd and shouts her name.
"No! Rifana is better!"
The weasel girl proposes her name.
"Hold up, ladies. Let's think it out." Ben stops them.
Rex feels awkward as his question just vanishes into the air.
"Uh, guys, are we not gonna talk about how much she eats?"
"Come on, Rex, we don't comprehend her biology. Just let her consume as much as she wants, umm?"
Ben elbows him and whispers.
"Oh, so are we going out hunting everyday? It would be great."
He mutters with a sarcastic tone.
"No, we're gonna name her Raphtalia!"
"No, it's Rifana!"
"Keel is better!"
Ben and Rex look at each other. Both of them are brainstorming on how to resolve the quarrel.
"Uh… kids, how about we name her… Filo."
Ben presents his idea. Rex turns at Ben.
"Dude, isn't it the name of some snack?"
"Don't know. I am pretty sure I have never eaten any filo." Ben whispers in response.
"Filo?" Rifana repeats.
"Yes, Filo. Filo of the Filolial. Simple, right?"
The three kids look at each other.
"If it's what Sir Ben wants to name…" Rifana pokes the other two's shoulders.
"We have to accept it, right?" Raphtalia continues.
"Yes, Sir Ben is her master, after all." Keel says cheerfully.
"Oh, hey hey, if you put it like that,…" Ben gasps but Rex stops him.
"From now on, her name will be Filo. Filo Tennyson."
Ben puts up a smile at Rex's proposition but… still… It's weird! Dad, Mom, I got a daughter!
In the evening, Ben is sitting on a boulder near the cliff, facing the setting sun. The day was long as he had to look after Filo who ate a lot of monster meat and bone. After she had eaten, bone -cracking noises came out of her body. He was frightened and didn't know what to do.
"Rath doesn't know what is HAPPENING!"
Rath lifted Filo in his palms and ran out of the house into the village to let the villagers see what was happening to Filo.
"Sir Ben,… Oh, I mean, Sir Rath. What's the ruckus?"
Keel asked, seeing the panic Rath.
"Rath doesn't know. Filo ate too much and her bones are cracking now. HELP FILO!"
"OK, don't scream off like that. I will go call the villagers."
It turned out to be the growing phase of Filo. Ben was utterly embarrassed after hearing it from the older villagers.
"Oh, Filo, you should have warned my first before… you did something like that. Hah!"
Ben gasped.
Suddenly, Ben hears the footsteps so tilts his head and sees Rex walking near him.
"This is where we met," says Rex.
"Yes. Time flies, huh."
"No, dude. It's been like… not even a week."
Ben goes silent. Rex stands at the edge of the cliff and views the sunset.
"I heard the villager… that Filo's kind is fond of drawing carriages. If they don't do their job, they are restless."
Rex says uneasily.
"Oh, boy… I don't think… I would like to see someone I raised working like a horse. And it's not like I need a carriage, either."
"I have been thinking about this for a while… do you not consider her as a monster?"
"She is a monster, what else? This world has nothing but monsters. But she is different. Her intelligence is higher than the rest of her kind. It is a very rare trait I saw in her DNA."
"Wait, what? You…. saw in her DNA?!" Rex exclaims.
"Why, I scanned her DNA. I can even transform into a Filolial now, an intelligent one at that. She is sentient, no less from humans and demi-humans."
Ben smiles looking at the vanishing sunset.
The wind is blowing hard, coming from the sea and colliding with the trees and their branches and leaves along the way, making noises as if it is some kind of music band.
"If you say, I have to do nothing but trust you, huh?"
"I will show you my Filolial form tomorrow."
"Just don't go off drawing a carriage, you know. And… Rifana said she was gonna prepare dinner for the whole village."
"A feast? I didn't know."
When Ben turns around, Rex is nowhere to see.
"He's fast." Ben mutters to himself.
He sits there silently for some more time.
"Guess I'm gonna return for dinner, huh?"
"Oh, if it's not Sir Ben,…"
Ben is startled by a voice.
"Raphtalia, what are you doing here?"
She wears a sad expression.
"This place… has bad memories for me… yet I couldn't help but come here and mope… every night."
"Oh, sorry." Ben doesn't know how to react.
"My parents… they were killed here… right before me. I couldn't… I couldn't do anything for them."
Tears flow down her cheeks.
Ben doesn't say anything but stares at her.
Then, he places his hand on her head and rubs her hair and ears.
"Even I have… experienced failures several times. I almost failed to save my best friend… and saving the world meant to kill him. And I failed to save the universe. My homeworld. I had enough power, I could easily save them if I did something a little earlier. But I failed to process it in time. And they all vanished. You see, even the powerful ones have to face failures… if it's fate. In my case,… uh… it was just my incompetence. But look, the past can't be changed. But the future can. The future depends on the present. And the present is… your actions, our actions. You don't need to regret your failure since you couldn't do it, not "didn't try to do it." Just move on,… with confidence. Your parents would be proud of you… just by… living your days to the fullest."
Ben doesn't want to dig out his old bad memories. Everything around him was… just delusions… someone or something he created. But… he convinced himself… it is not fake. The world is not fake. The universe is not fake. As long as they are breathing and living, the people are not fake. They are real.
"Sir Ben... I won't cry anymore. I have to move on, right? I want to be stronger... Can I join your party?"
Ben widens his eyes in surprise but he immediately puts up a face.
"Of course not. You are still young, you don't need to stain your hands with blood. Stay clean and innocent. The job of us heroes is to protect you."
Raphtalia pouts hearing it.
"Sir Ben belittles me! I am weak, I know but you can train me to become strong!"
Ben suddenly drops into a tight spot.
"Hold up. You are still a kid regardless."
"I am 10 years old and am I young?"
"Yes, and I am 16. You need to be the same age as me, at least."
Coincidentally, someone else hears his claims and steps in the conversation as a third voice.
"As you say so, Sir Ben, can I join you? I am 16 this year."
Ben turns around and sees the last person he wants to meet at the time.
"Aria! What are you–"
"I decided to visit you because you might be missing me, Sir Ben."
"Please just address me Ben. Wait, that's not the case. It's only been two days I had to force your way back home."
"Yeah, and I am here. Can I join you on your journey?"
Ben drops into a bigger trouble.
He sweatdrops at the thought of Aria following along on his journey. It's not fun... he thinks.
"Are you sure you wanna join the party of someone who kicked your father's ass?"
"You literally didn't kick his ass. You just... did something you should."
Silence takes over for a moment.
"And what about me? I said it first!"
Raphtalia says with an angry tone.
"No, I am 16. Sir Ben says you can't join him. "You can't" means you can't."
Aria looks into Raphtalia's eyes, their faces close to each other.
"Er... It's true. You are still a kid. And Aria, you know martial arts or how to use weapons properly?"
Aria Brambila laughs at Ben's question.
"Of course. My father may be a jerk but he was in the army under the current King when the King was a hero."
Ben widens his eyes.
"What? The King was a hero?"
"He used to be. Different from you summoned heroes, though."
"Oh,... with his rotten personality... Forget it. But what's with your father?"
"He knows some techniques in magic and sword arts. He taught me how to use magic and swords. My magic affinity is light and dark."
Ben stretches his neck in embarrassment.
"Oh, that's good. Mine is healing and support."
Raphtalia is silent during the adult talk. She feels weak before Aria.
Ben notices Raphtalia's sad expression again.
"Hey Raphtalia, don't be sad. You can train under Rex. I know him well, he is a good guy. You don't need a powerful teacher to train you, what you need is a skillful teacher."
Raphtalia nods. Ben looks back at the sea, again.
"Alrighty! Aria, give me some time. I will consider. For now, let's get back, Rifana cooked something for dinner!"
Ben grabs Aria's left wrist and Raphtalia's right wrist and drags them back into the village.
The three kids, Raphtalia, Rifana, and Keel, live together in the same house next to Rex's. Rex wanted to take them in but the children insisted they could handle themselves.
Ben's guesthouse is on the opposite side of the road.
"WHAT!? YOU ARE RECRUITING ARIA IN YOUR PARTY?!"
"No, no, no, I've not decided yet."
Rifana bursts out when she hears that from Raphtalia.
"Sir Ben!"
"Y-yea. Ri-Rifana?"
"I want to join you on your journey."
Ben didn't expect that coming. The villagers sitting here and there at the long table, all look at Ben and Rifana with curious looks.
"Ri-Rifana, you shouldn't..."
"You take Aria and not me?"
"No, not like that. I mean... you are still a child. And where I have to fight to protect people is literally a war. A war between humans and monsters."
"Then marry me."
Rex spits out the juice he's been drinking.
Silence is a little longer this time. No one is enjoying their dinner. Their eyes are on Ben and Rifana. And maybe on an angry Aria.
This is... out of nowhere, but no one dares to stop Rifana. Raphtalia and Keel already know it, but... they thought it was something she murmured in her childhood.
Ben wants to go Big Chill and slides away. He is in the most awkward spot of the crowd. He doesn't want to tilt his head but he can't just stare at Rifana.
But he knows what it should be.
"No. You can't... just say it out. I am not taking you on my journey. Marrying you is out of question."
"Why?"
Rifana asks, tears flowing out of her eyes.
Ben's gonna be a little harsh... no, he must be harsh. He doesn't know why the children are obsessed with him but bringing the innocent children to war is the last thing he wants to do. Marrying a child? No. Never. Maybe yes when he falls in love with her in the future. But not now.
"As I've said, you are still a child. A child must stay a child. It's your life, living your life to the fullest means acting like a child when you are one, and living like an adult when you've grown up."
"But... you've been a hero since you are 10."
Ben struggles to put up a brave front and calm himself down.
[ It's because of the Omnitrix. Well, I can't refuse the fact that I've been a hero for one third of my life. But... you don't have an Omnitrix.
"Then let me carry your bags. Just take me with you."
Rex steps in.
"How long are you gonna talk about this? You can just meet him like everyday if you want. He will fly back to you."
"Ho! No, wait, that's not really…"
"Sir Ben, please take me with you."
"I say I can't. It's dangerous. I can't watch you if I have to protect other people. You have friends here. Why do you want to be with me than your friends huh?"
Rex retreats. He can't really have a say in this matter. But he is against child labor. And he isn't sure if Ben is a pedophile or not. He hasn't known him long enough. But it's not his choice. It's the kid's.
So what's with her friends? Keel and Raphtalia can just stare at Rifana's consistency.
"Rifana has a dream to marry the hero of the shield."
"Huh?"
Keel admits.
"Now the person of her dreams is before her. Why are you refusing her?"
The crowd goes silent again.
"But it's not the case. It's not about emotions or dreams. I... I can't let anyone important for me die... or hurt anymore."
"Any more?"
Rifana wipes her tears away.
"It's not your business."
Ben gets up from the table and leaves the hall.
Rex stares at his back.
"You should do as Ben says."
Rex suggests Rifana and the kids and follows Ben... Aria leaves the hall too.
Rex and Aria enter Ben's house and see Grey Matter is drawing a blueprint. His shield is on his back, covering the Omnitrix symbol.
"I know you will be here," says Rex.
"Why not, this is my house." Grey Matter replies, making some mathematical calculations. Before him is a pile of metallic pieces.
"Say, do you need a hand?" Rex offers.
"Not really. If I turned into Jury Rigg, this would be done in a minute. But I need quality."
"What are you doing?" Aria asks with a curious tone.
The Galvan doesn't look back.
"Making a plasma gun out of anxiety. I don't really understand girls but Grey Matter understands science."
He mutters.
The atmosphere becomes so awkward.
"Uh, sorry but what's that "plasma gun" thing?" Aria asks.
Grey Matter jumps onto Aria's shoulder with a tensed face.
"You primitive humans won't understand."
Aria pouts and Rex laughs at the Galvan's reaction.
"Well, it's something that can shoot energy beams. Like in magic, people can blast mana beams from their hands. But plasma gun uses technology from their world and the energy isn't magic. So magic protection can't neutralize its blasts."
"Wow…"
Rex explains to Aria while Grey Matter is working on the gun, again.
"You have to use this gun to fight monsters, Aria."
"Does that mean…?"
"Yeah, I've decided you are in. Don't slack off. And watch your back yourself. I can't be there always to defend you."
Grey Matter says coldly.
"Oh yeah! Thanks, Sir Ben."
Rex chuckles inside watching the two. Well, let's forget Rifana for a bit.
"Rex, that request from you three days ago. I will try to fulfill your wish as soon as I reach the capital. I trust you, even with a Galvan brain."
Rex is amazed to hear but he also trusts Ben. With Ben, his wish will be fulfilled. He is feeling it… somewhere in his heart.
Aria stayed at Ben's house that night though he refused her several times. She insisted and he had to give in.
"Rex, last night, he didn't sleep until midnight."
Aria reports to Rex when she leaves the house and meets him in the street.
Rex is frightened.
"Wait, what did you do to you? That brat!"
"He did nothing to me. Seriously, he was working all that time. I didn't know at first because I kinda fell asleep too early but when I woke up at midnight, the light was still on. And I saw him still… working."
Hearing Aria explains, Rex lets out a sigh and walks into Ben's house. He's gonna make some scolding.
"Hey, B–"
"It's finished! It's finished!"
Ben runs out of the living room carrying a metallic-colored pistol-size gun with green markings, shouting cheerfully.
"Finished?"
Rex is stunned, and Aria is curious.
"A hand-size gun. I use the light metals I bought from the mines near Lute Village."
Ben shows the gun to them.
"I don't know how effective this will be because I don't know the danger level of the monsters during the wave. I made another one but it is bigger. It is a spare, you see."
"Wow. Dunno how it works but thanks."
Aria takes the gun and observes closely.
"It's safe-locked. You can't shoot now. You will have to practice how to use a gun in the next week."
Ben lets out a sigh.
"And Rex…"
"Yes?"
"I planned to make all the guns for your villagers… for defence. But it is not–"
"I understand, Ben."
Ben looks up at Rex.
"OK. Then, Aria… let's go to your mansion. We are leaving, Generator."
Rex is silent for some seconds.
Is he running away? I can't blame him. Maybe… when she is at an appropriate age. I don't have the right to say but…. Uh… perhaps it's better not to pry too much.
"Ayy, Bye."
Ben scrolls the dial while running into his bedroom.
"Upgrade! Let's make something new by upgrading things."
An electric-techno voice comes out of the room and reveals the metallic parts covered by a black liquid with glowing green circuits. They flow out of the room through the living room and stop right in front of the house.
The shield has turned into liquid state.
Rex and Aria look at the strange…. Machine in awe.
"Aria, go bring Filo."
"Huh you taking Filo?" asks Rex.
"Of course. If it is possible, bring some food for her too."
The metals fuse together and morph into a hover vehicle that is floating above the ground using some sort of future technology. The trunk is basically similar to a car, with four doors.
"W-wow! But… you are in… this thing? Sir Ben."
"How many times must I tell you don't call me Sir! Anyway, just hurry up. I don't need the children from the opposite house to see us leaving."
And so Aria runs into the house to bring Filo.
"You really are a slave driver, you know?"
"I prefer if you don't use the word, slave."
And so Ben, Aria, and Filo left the village for Brambila Mansion.
"Nice to see you again here, the Hero of the Shield."
The three are now in the living room together with the mistress of the mansion, Mrs. Brambila.
"Yes, glad to see you again, too."
"I tried to stop my daughter… but you see, I couldn't. She just knows the techniques and shortcuts, not the context. I am worried her mentor was her father himself. You see what a scum he is. He is utterly useless in everything but the battlefield."
Ben holds up the glass and sips on the drink.
While he feels unpleasant whenever that man is brought up, Ben tries his best to put up a front.
"But I will protect her and she will protect herself. I will train her… umm… one or two weeks. The wave is drawing nearer…"
"It's already an honor to work with a legendary hero. But I am more than glad that… sir Shield Hero seems to have similar political opinions with us."
"I don't have an interest in politics. I just… don't wanna see any unfair action between intelligent species."
While talking, he is rubbing Filo's furs.
Looking at her figure, her feet and neck got longer. Now she looked very much like an ostrich.
It is an amazing change. Her growth is entirely different from the birds he knew.
Her height is around Ben's chest level.
"Species, huh? You seem to have experience in those things."
"Not gonna lie, yes."
Brambila lady just stares at Ben silently, half amazed and half freaked out.
"W-well… What's her name?"
"Filo. Filo Tennyson. Hahah!"
Ben replies with a proud tone.
As much as Brambila woman feels weird, she can't criticize him.
"Is he OK?"
Aria asks her mom, apparently about her father.
"He's doing fine. The injury is healed but I enclosed him in his room."
Aria nods in agreement. He is her father but… a scum. A failure of a parent.
Ben notices how Aria feels but decides to ignore her. Family matters are more complicated than one thinks they are.
Then no one continues the conversation. The atmosphere feels just… awkward.
"Uh… well, I'm gonna feed filo outside. So excuse me."
And left the mother and the daughter in the living room.
After ensuring he's left, the mother approaches Aria.
"How is he? I assume he is a good boy."
"He is… a good boy but…"
"But what?" the mother whispers.
"... dense, so dense."
The mother facepalms.
"Here I was thinking he didn't trust anyone easily."
Aria nods.
"Yes, he doesn't trust…. anyone but he trusts Rex, I suppose."
The mother smiles.
"Both boys have good hearts. Rex looks more mature and has… muscles, you know."
"Mom, it's because you haven't seen Sir Ben without his shirt on."
"OK, OK, I'd love to know my daughter's future husband is on the same side with us. But his ideologies are dangerous."
"What do you mean?"
"He didn't have a party member so he didn't hold back. He could do anything because he did not really have someone to look after. When it is harmful, he accepts the harm. And no one is hurt."
"Is that important, mom? He has powers."
"I doubt he has godly powers. I am just amazed that he exterminated the monster that's been sealed in our town for generations. You know, Tyrant Dragon Rex wasn't an easy opponent. He has a form that is bigger than… the monster… hmmm…."
"No, mom, he was several times bigger than the dragon. And he killed him with one shot."
Brambila woman can't imagine how powerful that boy would be, anymore.
And how did Chris know the boy is strong?
"But he is so cool… the girls will be coming after him. I'm worried, Mom."
"What's too bad? He can have more than one wife. Don't let him cheat, give her a chance to polygamize."
"Mom!" The daughter exclaims.
Mrs. Brambila laughs at her daughter's reactions regarding the harem of the boy. As a mother, she doesn't know if it is a good thing or not. But she understands one thing… Aria has grown up.
"Kweek… Kwek"
"Filo, want more?"
Ben looks into the big bag. There is still a lot left.
"Hello, Tennyson."
The holographic galvan pops up for the second time in the same chapter.
What's up, Partner?
"I was looking into your shield list and saw this one. Called Monster Tamer Shield."
Ben checks the stats and sees the growth boost feature for the monsters he trains.
"Oh, I didn't even notice."
"It did pop up on your screen when your shield absorbed her eggshell fragments and a little feather. But you didn't care."
Whatever, do I need to know?
Ben asks, feeding Filo some hydra meat.
"Of course, you need to. This is something your aliens can't do!"
Filo has eaten three whole necks of the hydra. Well, it had 9 heads so… Ben is being generous.
OK, OK, I will pay attention next time. Anything else?
"I must respect your decision with those kids. That's a wise choice. I know your species has a short lifespan. But marrying an undeveloped–"
OK, enough, I understand. I don't need a sex education lecture. But I'll be grateful if you give me advice on how to train my filo.
AI Azmuth sighs and vanishes again.
"So… I have to upgrade the Monster Tamer Shield, huh?"
Ben mutters to himself. Filo can't just stop eating.
In the evening, Ben and Aria walk in the courtyard.
"Your courtyard is repaired,..."
"My mom was really freaked out when she saw the ground after you went on a rampage here."
"Sorry."
"It's OK. Er… What are we gonna… practise?"
Ben looks around and smirks.
"Let's see… How about the plumber training?"
"The Plumber Training?"
- (Line Break. Something I don't usually do.) -
"Wow, you are… level 15."
Ben says cheerfully as he looks at the status of Aria.
"I am fairly experienced. When I was young, my father took me into the forest and trained. He was… fat. So he couldn't really move as quickly as I could. But he put in some effort. I killed many small monsters to practise swinging my sword. And I am experienced with bows, too."
Ben is amazed by the girl's claims.
That man is a scum yet he took good care of his daughter, huh? I don't like training a child like that, though.
Anyway, she is amazing.
Yes, it is amazing. Coming from a boy who defeated the universe's greatest warlord at the age of 10.
"I didn't expect that much. But you have… to train. Now… one more lap!"
And the girl starts to run.
Idol Rabier looks through the glass at his daughter. She looks like she is enjoying it although it looks tiring. That boy… who defeated him and slayed the dragon monster… looks skillful with these things too. He thought that boy just had super abilities and he would one day be swayed by his own powers. But… let's sit tight and see… What's his future? As much as he hates him… his daughter seems to love that boy. But… he thinks he doesn't have the right to pry in her life anymore… yeah.
Aria's smile never vanishes during training. Maybe while she gasps. But she is enjoying the training sessions with her beloved knight.
She has known Ben is of every shape and size. Now she realizes Ben isn't nothing without his powers. He is still… wearing suitable expressions for her. He keeps himself calm, runs together with her, and cheers her up. Sometimes he looks strict and scolds occasionally. She sees right through him but plays along.
Ben thought she was… an ordinary girl. When he found her in the forest, she looked… weak, and frightened like a normal country girl. He still thought she was average as a descendent of a noble family, too. But she can keep up with his training. She surpassed his expectations again, sorry Magister Hulka.
Ben doesn't really care about others' emotions. Especially in personal affairs. When he doesn't need a girlfriend, he will refuse every girl that comes after him. When he wants one, maybe he will find his way himself.
(A/N: This story involves a half-anime/manga part so… I imagined some romance views of Ben.)
For love-life, his parents are normal, he thinks. His grandpa and uncle had alien girlfriends. He doesn't really have a preference for girls. It's not like he minds, either.
So he was OK with Ester being his girlfriend… well it's unfortunate she still hasn't.
He still wonders… what's his preference? What kind of girl is gonna shake his heart?
"Kwweek!"
After the training, they decide to take a break. The Filolial approaches them and rubs Ben's arms. It is comfortable, her body is fluffy and soft. She is only three days old.
A sound similar to a bone creaking is heard.
"Kwweek!"
Shortly, Firo, who grew up so much that a person could now ride her, sits in front of Ben.
"You want me to ride?"
"Kwek!"
He exchanges a look with Aria who nods softly.
He doesn't want to ride "someone."
But…. Well, worth a try, isn't it?
Turning her head as he rides on her back, Firo chirps as if it were natural.
"Then let's go."
But is it all right to not attach a saddle or rein?
Riding her… isn't so bad thanks to the feathers.
There seems to be no problem in regards to maintaining his balance properly.
"Kwek!"
Filo readily stands up.
"Uwa!"
The view is quite high.
It is like riding a horse… the inertia affects him almost enough to knockback.
"Fi-Filo, slow down, will y-you? Oh–"
"Sir Ben!"
"Don't CALL ME TH–"
Ben's screaming becomes vanished in some seconds.
After going around town, she stops in front of the stables
And she sits for her master to get down.
"Are you all right!?"
Aria is seen running up to him, anxiously.
"Oh, yeah. I'm all right. But it sure is fast."
He answers weakly, barely managing to breathe.
Filo appears to not even be that tired and starts tending to her own feathers.
She exceeded the speed they imagined.
"Well then, that's enough for today, let's return to the mansion."
And then, someone grabs the collar of his green jacket.
It is Filo seizing his collar with her beak.
"What's wrong?"
"Kwweeek!"
He gets called to stop by a chirp that seems like a wail.
"Hmm?"
"What is it?" asks Aria.
"Kwwwek!"
Filo cries in a slightly displeased way and stamps her foot on the ground.
"Huh, have you not played enough?" Ben asks.
Filo shakes her head.
So she can understand words?
"Are you lonely?"
She cheekily nods to the duo.
"Kwweek!"
Then, she tries to appeal to them by unfolding her wings.
Ben looks at Aria with an awkward smile.
"Oh… er… probably she is referring to the… time… er… when we were training."
Aria wants to laugh out, not in disrespect. She extends her hand to rub Filo's head.
"There, there. You are not alone. Sir– Sorry, I mean, Ben will be with you and ride you every day after our training."
Ben facepalms and says sarcastically. "Oh, man, I will have to suffer every day?"
He also pokes Filo's head and feathers. "Aria here will also ride you in turns."
He winks at Filo who responds by a "Kwweek!"
"Oh, Sir— sorry, Ben."
"Is it that hard to not call me Sir?"
And then they walk back to the mansion.
"Oh, I will show you… something amazing, Filo… and Aria."
Ben holds up his left wrist, taps the faceplate of the gauntlet, and scrolls the dial to find a transformation.
"It's there! Filo-blah-blah! Sorry, I haven't named this– uh…"
He looks down at his body and sees nothing changed.
"What's that, Benjamin?"
"I'm sure I pressed the dial…"
Oh, maybe I didn't press well enough.
"Sorry, I will do it again."
He holds up his hand again.
But no Omnitrix there.
"Er…. what is…"
"Ben?"
Aria's voice shakes him off the thought realm.
"Yeah?"
"Your Omnitrix… is on your chest."
Ben is surprised.
She is kidding, right?
His hands move around his chest … and catch something in a hand.
A circular disc.
Attached to his chest on the shirt.
"WHAT THE–"
"Language, Tennyson."
The AI Azmuth appears at the right time.
"Oh, it's you, Az– Sorry, I am… a little. You see, why I am…"
He forgets to speak internally. Aria and Filo watch him with curious eyes.
"Sh… this is your Filolial transformation."
"Huh? Are you… kidding me?"
"ARE YOU MAKING A FOOL OUT OF YOURSELF?! I SAID, TO SPEAK TO ME THROUGH THOUGHTS! Ok, that aside, this form seems to be unique… like your Lenopan transformation. The species itself has a level-upgrade, to simplify. This is the human form of Filolial species. If you gather your thoughts and concentrate, you will be able to transform into a Filolial!"
AI Azmuth explains to Ben who then enlightens after that.
Oh, thanks.
"Ben? What's wrong?" Aria grips his shoulders and waggles him.
Ben comes back to life.
"Oh, it's nothing. Uh… wait for a second…"
Ben concentrates his thoughts and forces the command into his brain.
A familiar bone-cracking sound is heard. But he closes his eyes tightly.
He feels warmth… as if someone is embracing him… around his body.
He slowly opens his eyes.
His sight level is now much higher than it was before.
He looks down and sees Aria and Filo.
"OH MY GOD! I AM… HUGE!"
"Oh boy, you made some BIG mistake. You concentrated your energy so much!"
AI Azmuth pops up again, floating in the air and widening his eyes in horror.
"Now, do the opposite. You must be able to size shift! Slowly exhale and… loosen your concentration."
Uh… thanks.
"This size is about the dragon monster! He is… what? This is a… Filolial?"
Aria gasps in surprise looking up at the fat fluffy giant! His eyes must be suggesting "DON'T CALL ME FAT." Maybe.
Filo makes "kweek" noises to show her amazement. The creature Ben turns into has taken over literally half of the courtyard area.
"Mom will faint if she sees this."
Meanwhile in the mansion, Chris the cook catches the Brambila mistress who forgot to breathe and passed out.
"Ma'am? Ma'am!"
Idol Rabier also looks at the fluffy creature with his eyes almost popping out.
"Oh my– this boy sure has… more than one ace card in his sleeve. It is… a Filolial?"
The giant Filolial slowly shrinks and becomes the same size as Filo.
"Huu… that's it. How do you like my FILO-FILO Transformation."
His voice is still the same.
"It's… cool. I wanna sleep in those feathers… but…"
"But?"
"The name is lame."
The Filolial Ben stamps his foot on the ground, with a displeased expression.
"Thanks, I will find a new one."
"You look cute, pouting in this form."
"Kweek"
Aria hugs Ben's fluffy body while Filo is rubbing her head against his feathers.
"But still, you look different from Filo."
"Yeah… maybe I have more feathers around my neck."
The girl's body is half sunk in the pool of Ben's feathers.
"Anyway, it's sooooo comfortable. I wanna sleep here, seriously! It's warm… and I am closer to your heart."
She whispers.
"Hey, the last part is unnecessary. And Filo? You find it comfortable around your own kind?"
"Maybe she wants to eat you."
Ben tilts his big head to see Aria at the edge of his eye.
"Er, please not."
CHAPTER (8) ENDS.
This one is more of comedy and romance. I used some lines from the light novel.
There are two different spellings with Filolial. Firorial and Filorial are pretty much the same, they are from Japanese romanization. The same goes for Filo and Firo. Japanese doesn't have an exact "L" pronunciation. I use Filolial and Filo.
I tried to follow the chronology of Filo's growth but failed. My apologies if you find it disturbing… Filo growing this big in three days isn't a problem but the Monster Tamer Shield is. (Monster Trainer Shield in some translation. In some, the monster is referred to as a demon.)
Ben will not ride Filo anymore after she reveals her human form, lol. This part is right for a double entendre. Either way.
So this is it for today.
Thanks for reading and writing reviews on my chapters.
Christopher Paradox Chronos