Author's Notes:
This is the moment I've been waiting for. For the next three episodes will be about Julie struggling and coping up with her trauma and inner demon of herself and those who are close to her almost died by Malware from Episode 4. This will be yet another dark episodes including introducing new villain and archnemesis for her. Be prepare to read it.
Episode 6: Armor of Demon (I)
After the crazy adventure in My Little Pony Dimension, Ben and his team have returned home safely. Billy and Darkstar have been sent to prison. Gwen and Kevin returned to Friedkin University for both university and work. Since Julie knew and remember of her forgotten past, Ben told Rook about his adventure and why he stopped being hero.
Though Team Ben continued patrolling and saving the day as usual, Julie is not among them due to her still struggling with her trauma over experience the loss of Ship's being dead. Now she needs a break from it.
Somewhere near to New York's district, Team Ben was battling with Trumbipulor and his newly mad warthog-like alien partner worn the purple and black leotard with a belt with a mark that looks like a silhouette of warthog, and also has purple and black boots and gloves, which are both fingerless and toeless - Thunderpig.
Thunderpig squealed out loud as he was swinging and powering up his energy flail. He charged and swung it at Four Arms, who got swung and thrown straight at the walls hard. He charged and attacked him. He barely dodged and evaded the attacks four times. He then slammed a punch at the warthog alien-like off. Recovering from the attack, Thunderpig powered his energy flail while chanted out wildly of his name. Seeing his enemy being distracted, Four Arms hits his Omnitrix, turning him into Fasttrack. He charged and launched the barrage of punches and kicks, with the help of Blazing Dragoon-Serpent Style, wounding and bruising Thunderpig a lot. As soon as he felt weak and pain, Fasttrack struck a punch at Thunderpig's face hard to the ground.
Fasttrack whistled, "Gotta love Wing Chun Pony Style. I gotta learn more of this."
Rook yelped in pain as Trumbipulor used his trunk in grabbing and coiling Rook's body. He thew straight at the ground. Tetrax charged and engaged the elephant-like alien in the fierce brawl for few times. Unfortunately, Trumbipulor proved to be too strong for him to handle as the former gave some punches on the latter for few times. As soon as he gave an uppercut hard punch straight at Petrosapien's chin, he was about to finish him off. Instead, Rook jumped over his head where he gave the latter a powerful slap on face, before using the Stone Cutter thrice on his head, knocking him out.
Ben called the Plumbers to come and collect the captured criminals. Team Ben was near to the Proto-Truk Truck Mode for rest.
"That was rough," Ben commented in relief.
"Indeed." Rook said calmly. He sighed, "It's a shame that Julie did not join us again. This is fourth weekn."
"Can't say I blame her. She needs time to cope up," Ben said sadly, "I know that well. I've been there before."
Rook sighed, "Yes. Having trauma will be difficult to overcome. Most of soldiers experience it, and unable to overcome it. I hope she is well."
"Don't worry. She will. She's a strong fighter," Tetrax said calmly and firmly, "After all, I personally train her to be the best."
"I sure hope so. The last thing I want is her doing something rash and stupid." Ben said in concern while looking at his Mr. Smoothie Drink, "I don't want to lose her again. That's the last thing I want now..."
Julie is at Mr. Baumann's Shopping Complex as she was helping and assisting him for serving the foods and drinks to customers, as well as delivering items and products to the neighborhood. After delivering the last item to the customer, she make her way back to shopping complex.
Upon returning to the complex, she spotted TV News involving of her boyfriend and team struggled and managed to defeat Trumbipulor and Thunderpig. Julie felt guilty and shame for not helping her friends out. Yet, her heart was hurt and ached a lot about worrying of Ship, and not get herself in her friends' way when she's still in trauma.
"You know you could have gone and help them out," Mr. Baumann suggested, scared Julie off. He continued with sincere tone, "Sorry, dear. I didn't mean to frighten you. Usually, Ben does that a lot when I was working."
"It's alright, Mr. Baumann." Julie said calmly. She turned and looked at TV News. While clenching her fist, she shed small teardrop on left eye, "Besides, I need some time-off from hero stuffs."
"You're a poor liar, Julie. I can tell that by your clenching fist and teardrop."
"Really? Didn't know you're a lie detector."
"When you're a shopkeeper, you'd able to keep your eyes out and listen carefully to the customers' behavior and action."
Julie sighed, "I really want to help Ben and his team. The usual saving the day routine. Every time I heard troubles I stopped myself from helping them. I'm scared that Malware is there, waiting to strike back." She held and hugged Ship tightly, "I don't want to lose him again."
Mr. Baumann nodded in understanding, "I understand what you mean. However, there are times when things become worse, you have to stand up and face the fear or else it will destroy everything."
"So, you're saying that I should stop hiding and fight back?" Julie asked in concern.
Mr. Baumann shook his head, "Well, maybe. But I'm sure when the time is right. You know what you have to do. Don't be scared and fight back. Ben has been through that a lot." He grunted, "Just wish he'd be more careful from wrecking my shop."
Julie smiled weakly, "Thanks, Mr. Baumann."
"Sure thing." Mr. Baumann said calmly as he passed the boxes of sushi set to her, "Take these for your family dinner. They're the best delicacy from Piscciss."
Julie grunted nervously before smiled weakly, "That's sounds... interesting..."
Julie and Ship exited Mr. Baumann's Shopping Complex. She was on the way home. Unknown to her, Khyber and his new hound were hiding within the bushes. While his new hound was snarling, Khyber smirked amusingly. looking at her.
Julie returned to home in time as she had dinner including Mr. Baumann's Alien Sushi Set with her parents while Ship was eating some broken spare parts. Her father is the middle aged Japanese Man with smooth straight mustache and goatee, black haired combed with spikes on sides worn bluish long sleeved shirt, white T-Shirt within and also brown pants while her American mother looked almost like her but older with brown short hair and has a hair clip worn pinkish blouse and long white skirt.
While the Yamamoto Family were enjoying their dinner, the father and mother couldn't help but feel worry and uneasy about their daughter. They recalled of her barely survived Malware's attack and now she didn't rejoin her team for patrol and save the day, though she attended to school and tennis practice for most of her time.
Julie noticed her parents' looks, "Mom, dad, is there something wrong?"
"Oh, no dear. Nothing wrong," Mrs. Yamamoto said calmly, "We just want to be sure that you're alright."
Mr. Yamamoto nodded, "You've been quiet lately since the Olde Bellwood Festival. I am not blaming your boyfriend for your safety, Sakura-Chan."
"Otōsan, Okāsan, I am fine. Just want to relax from the hero stuffs. And of course, I want to focus on my studies and tennis. That's all." Julie said firmly yet upset.
"And I am happy about it, Little Sakura," Mr. Yamamoto said calmly and relieved, "However, I can't help but feel worried for you. Something else's bothering you. I do not believe it was you and him are having argument again. It must be something else."
Mrs. Yamamoto nodded in agreement, "Indeed. Is there something you want to talk about? Papa and mama are here for you, Julie. Don't be scared to speak of what's in your mind. We want to help, Julie."
"Mom, dad, I already told you. I'm fine. I just want to take a break. That's all," Julie said calmly as she grabbed and clenched her fork while shed small teardrop, "Nothing at all..."
Mr. Yamamoto sighed, "I hope you are right. All I can advise is that you should not keep your feeling to yourself for too long. It's not very healthy. It could cause a consequence and loss."
"Your father is right. Don't push people away from helping you," Mrs. Yamamoto said seriously and firmly.
Though annoyed with her parents' insisting to help her, Julie sighed before wiped her tears off, "Hai, Otosan and Okasan. I will."
KNOCK! Yamamoto Family were surprised as they didn't expected to have visitor. Julie approached to the door and opened it. She found Elena stood before her.
"Elena?" Julie asked in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
"Thought I should check on you. Ben told me to make sure you're alright," Elena answered calmly. She then noticed the family were having dinner. She felt embarrassed and awkward, "Ooh! Sorry. Didn't know that you and your family would be having dinner. Seems you're alright. Then, I'll be leaving."
"Wait, Elena. Maybe you should join us."
"What? Really? Are you sure? I don't wanna be inconvenience to you and your family."
"It's okay. It's not like you have other plans for tonight." Julie insisted, "So, why don't you join us for dinner? Plus, my mother is making the best Dorayaki, Purin and Dango."
Elena hummed thoughtfully, "Well. Now you mention it. I haven't had dinner. Plus, I've always wanted to try the Japanese dessert."
"Alright. Come on in, Elena." Julie said happily as she dragged and brought Elena in. She giggled a bit, "And also, watch out for Piscciss Sushi Set. Mr. Baumann gave me reward."
Elena groaned uneasiness, "Somehow, I'm feeling seasick now about eating alien sushi."
Julie introduced Elena to her parents, who were impressed and humble to meet her. All of them were enjoying the dinner and dessert, as well as having conversation about how they met and become friends. This made the girls and Ship uneasy and embarrassed to talk since they didn't start as friends in the first place.
Nevertheless, Yamamoto Family continued showing the Japanese Culture and Entertainment for Elena to learn and try, and even discuss over history, family photo album and some of heirlooms as well. They enjoyed her company for dinner and conversation, and as she them.
After the dinner, Julie helped and seeing Elena out from her home. Her new best friend gotten on her crimson bike as she ready to move out.
"Thanks for coming to my home, Elena. Hope you like it," Julie thanked in relief.
Elena smiled, "No. I should thank you, Julie. Having dinner with your family... Makes me feel like I'm home with my dad." She sighed sadly, "I miss him a lot."
Julie patted Elena's back gently, "Hey, don't worry. You're not alone anymore. You've got friends and team now especially your new crush on Cooper."
"W-What?!" Elena blushed in embarrassment before she nudged Julie's shoulder, "Stop it! But seriously, Julie, thank you."
"No problem. Coming here tomorrow?"
"If you allow it..."
Julie and Elena giggled playfully and happily as they gave each other a shake hand. The former enemy ride her bike off, returning to Plumber Headquarter. Julie waved 'goodbye' to her new best friend.
However, none of them are aware of Khyber's hiding behind the bushes. He took out the canister, consisting of blackish ooze with crimson circuit lines, single optic and has jaws has yellowish glow. He shook it up, making it hissed briefly before screech out loud. It even glanced at Julie entering the house. Sensing something in her, it began pouncing and breaching wildly and crazily the canister's glasses.
Khyber chuckled, "Feisty and hungry, aren't ya? Can't wait to 'bound' with her?" He smirked sinisterly as he opened the canister's cover, "Don't worry, friend. You're about to get it. She's very special, just for you, Viral..."
Flashback:
Two weeks ago...
At Dr. Psychobos's Space Station, Malware was calmly and proudly looking at the tank of greenish radioactive water. With the uneasy and reluctant help of Dr. Psychobos and Albedo, they've managed to create and stabilize something alive yet monstrosity and scary. Khyber was there to watch the scene. The small blackish ooze slowly formed and turned into a newly demonic Mechamorph pup-like with red lines.
"Is it finish?" Malware asked impatiently.
"Yes, it is done," Albedo said firmly and proudly.
"Indeed. That took us long to create a new Red Mechamorph alive. Quite tricky and difficult yet intriguing project you've requested us to do." Dr. Psychobos said amusingly before stuttered, "And I used the term loosely."
"Do you believe she is ready for the mission?" Khyber asked firmly.
Malware scoffed, "I am confident that she is. She is part of me..."
"After testing her ability, strength and regeneration through trials," Albedo said calmly, "Yes, she should be."
Dr. Psychobos chuckled, "Indeed. Tennyson and his friends have no idea what they're up against especially the biggest surprise we're preparing for Azmuth and his pathetic Galvans. I will not apologize for my words towards your kind, amphibian fool!"
Albedo scoffed, "I don't care. I just want Azmuth only. He'll pay for what he has done."
"Agreed..." Dr. Psychobos snarled a bit.
"Either way, we need some test before we could proceed with our project. And I know who will be our first victim. Khyber, you will deliver her to her," Malware said firmly and calmly. He turned and touched the glass, "Now. my first birth child awaken. The time is now, Viral..."
The Red Mechamorph or known as Viral snarled a bit as it slowly opened her one optic eye. She looked at him and his accomplices. She gave the loud yet proud screech that she is ready.
Khyber smirked, "Looks like she wanted to start now..."
Flashback Ends
It was already nightfall. Mr. and Mrs. Yamamoto have gotten on their bed. Julie already worn her pajamas, and also put Ship to sleep on dog's sleeping basket. And just before she could sleep, she turned and looked at the photo frame of Team Ben. She took and held it up while looking at it.
Julie sighed sadly, "I wish I was strong enough to help you guys and not worry about everything after I losing Ship to that monster. But I can't. I'm so sorry..."
After putting down the picture frame on table, Julie approached and gotten on the bed. She began sleep peacefully as she hoped that everything will be alright tomorrow. And who knows? She might able to help her team again, without worrying about facing off Malware since he was nowhere to be found yet.
After two to three hours has passed, Julie was sleeping peacefully, though she often grunted and disturbed by brief nightmare. Her bathroom's window was slowly opened. Khyber stood before it. He poured out Viral from small canister. She hissed darkly and monstrously as she slithered down from the wall to the ground. She then looked up ahead, where she found Julie on the bed and also Ship on his dog sleeping basket.
As Ship was busy sleeping peacefully, Viral latched her tentacles, pulling and dragging him into bathroom before locking the door. She snarled at him for the moment. She hissed sinisterly as she jumped and attacked Ship, who just woke up and tried to fight back. Both of them fought fiercely and wildly inside bathroom.
The fight has been silenced for the moment. The door was opened and revealed Viral emerging from bathroom while Ship was nowhere to be found,. She then slithered towards the bedroom, where she makeshift into a giant snake-like, slowly rising up before Julie. While looking at her, she hissed and smirked sinisterly as she began wrapping and coiling her tail around the sleeping Julie.
Tightening her coiled tail, Julie grunted a bit of pain yet she refused to wake up due to her struggling with her nightmares. Viral slithered out her tongue in licking her victim's face while hissing pleasingly and amusingly. She opened her jaws wide open, placing close to Julie's head. The red Mechamorph began devouring her whole alive. Could this be the end?!
Dream Sequence
Julie panted heavily while running very fast across the Bellwood City as if something is chasing and hunting down on her. Tripped by the banana peel, she fell on the ground hard. She groaned in pain while slowly getting up. She turned and found a large Red Mechamorph Snake-like hissing and screeching out loud at her. And just before she could do anything, her left leg got grabbed and dragged towards it.
Its tail raised and pulled up Julie to face at the Red Mechamorph. And before it could do anything, its eye got blinded by greenish laser. She turned and found Ship was snarling as it was bouncing and charging straight at it, letting and dropping Julie down hard. Seeing both red and green Mechamorphs were fighting, Julie quickly went and hid behind the shop's door while watching the battle between them.
Both Ship and mysterious red Mechamorph were snarling and growling at each other for the moment. They charged and pounced at each other angrily and wildly. They swung their makeshift paws and even biting at each others' heads, bodies and tails for few times. They even shot out the laser beams as well. After the brief skirmish, Ship tried to fire the laser beam again but missed as Red Mechamorph dodged down and launched her head at green Mechamorph's face, knocking him down. It then began chewing down on Ship, killing him.
Scared and worried that she's next meal for the monster, Julie make the run. Unfortunately, the Red Mecharmorph spotted her running. It slithered and chased after her. After cornering her to dead end, it playfully and amusingly hissed at her, scaring her more.
And just before Julie could do anything, Red Merchamorph launched its makeshift tongue, coiling and wrapping her left leg. It then pulled and thrown her off on midair. While falling in midair, she screamed and panicked in fear as she's heading straight at the mouth of Red Mechamorph. Before she could do anything, the mechanical beast snapped and closed its jaws, devouring and swallowing her alive from long throat into its stomach.
Dream Ends
Julie screamed in fear, waking up from her nightmares. She panted and breathed heavily before slowly sighed calmly. She grunted a bit before rubbed her head gently. And just before she could stand up, she noticed something amiss.
Julie realized that she's not in her bedroom anymore, but at the top of Billions' Skyscraper Tower. While wondering of how did she end up here, she noticed something surprising and shocking on her body. She's in Armorstrike Mode, but with red circuit lines, has spikier fangs-like visor, her shoulder and knee pads are much more spikier, her fingers are sharper, her helmet's back is spikier and her chest plate has a triangle optic-like.
"Ship? Is that you?" Julie asked in surprise and shock. 'Ship' beeped brightly with saying 'ship'. She then inspected her armor and body carefully, "Wow. I didn't realize that you can evolve and become like this. I feel awesome and powerful too."
Seeing and checking no one's around in the area, Julie gave a sly smirk of testing 'Ship's new powers, "Well, it's not like Billy could be bother about his building since he's in jail now.
Julie approached to the concreted wall. She slammed her punch right at it, cracking and making a hole on it. She surprisingly lifted up three to five air conditioner like it was nothing. Using her speed powers, it takes her 20 seconds to move from lobby to top level. She also found out that she can turn into invisible, and also her jetpack became more advanced with wings. She then make and tested her weapons and gadgets consisting of highly glowing crimson energy twin katanas that can combine into a dual katana, armored advanced heavy blasters with shotgun, missile launcher, sniper, Gatling Turret Blaster, grappling hooks and flying shurikens from her gauntlets and even highly powerful detonators to explode.
Julie has been happily and excitedly testing her newly evolved crimson Mechamorph Armor's abilities and weapons for a while. She almost destroyed the whole top of the building's. She took out her helmet. She smiled while looking at it.
"Wow! This is amazing! Ship, you're the best! I can't wait to tell Ben and others about it," Julie exclaimed happily. She then heard some explosion from the small town. She hummed amusingly as she put her helmet on, "Oh. I can show them now. They're gonna love it."
Zombozo and his Circus Freaks Gang were on the run across the public street. Ben in Spidermonkey, Rook and Tetrax were chasing after them now. Some of Circus Thugs armed and fired their blasters at Team Ben, who quickly dodged and blocked the attack. Tetrax and Rook fired their blasters at them while Spidermonkey quickly shoots his web in trapping some of them to the ground.
"Give it up, Zombozo! You can't keep running!" Spidermonkey called out.
Tetrax nodded, "You're going back to jail!"
"I don't think so," Zombozo snapped firmly, "Now, my little pretties, teach them a lesson!"
Circus Freak Trio quickly used their powers to push them back via Thumbskull threw coupe of Hot Dog Stalls and Benches, Acid Breath launched his acid and Frightwig swung her wig's tentacle at them. They managed to throw off Team Ben's guard, forcing Tetrax to summoned the crystallized walls for blockade. They then found Circus Freak managed to evade and escape them again.
"Sometimes I hate clowns..." Spidermonkey grumbled angrily.
"Why do you hate clowns in the first place?" Rook asked curiously.
Spidermonkey groaned in embarrassment, "Because I tried to watch the horror movie..."
"That was an awkward..." Tetrax commented in surprise.
SCREAM! BANG! POW! Team Ben was alerted by the noise. And they even saw a scary shadowy figure was attacking and beating up Zombozo and his Circus Freaks. Hitting his Omnitrix, Spidermonkey turned into NRG. He and his team hid behind the cornered walls as they all armed with their weapons and readied to strike.
As NRG counted down to three, Team Ben gave the loud battle cry as they charged into the alley. Before they could do anything, they found something shocking and unexpecting. They saw most of the Circus Freak thugs were defeated and knocked out. Thumbskull got his head stuck into the wall. Acid Breath struggled getting the ball out from his mouth. Frightwig got trapped inside the large dumpster.
But the biggest surprise of all, Team Ben was looking at Julie, in her crimson Armorstrike Mode, was holding frightened and worried Zombozo.
Zombozo screamed in fear, "Please, don't eat me alive! I surrender! I surrender!"
"That's more like it. Punk ass." Red Armorstrike smirked amusingly as she dropped Zombozo down hard. She turned and looked at Team Ben, who was in shocked and surprised. Removing her helmet while shaking off her long hair, she smiled and waved happily and lovely to them, "Hey, guys."
Ben blushed in red, "J-Julie? Is that you?"
"That's me," Julie giggled. She purred like a cat while using her index finger tickling Ben's chin teasingly, "Face it, Tiger. You've just hit the jackpot."
Ben stuttered in shock, "H-How?! W-What?! When?! What the heck's going on?!"
Rook nodded in agreement, "I agreed. What just happen? And what are you doing here?"
"And what happen to Ship?" Tetrax asked in concern and surprise, "He looks different."
Julie shrugged innocently and playfully, "No idea. But I like it."
In the morning, Team Ben returned to the underground Plumber Headquarter. They then reported to Max involving of capturing the Circus Freak and also Julie returned to the duty, along with 'Ship's evolving and upgrading into more advanced and stronger form. The reports shocked Max and the whole Plumbers as they did not expect it especially 'Ship' being upgraded into red form.
They were now at the science laboratory, where Cooper and his science division were working, researching and experimenting on science projects. 'Ship' snarled and fight back at some scientists, who are trying to get his DNA. Thanks to Julie's help, she managed to cut off some tissue part and pass it to him.
Using the microscope, Cooper looked through its DNA carefully. Elena, Driba and Blukic also helped him out to study. Team Ben was waiting for the results.
"Wow... This... This is something..." Cooper said in surprise while looking through the microscope on 'Ship's tissue piece. He continued, "I've never seen like this before. A green Mechamorph able to evolve into a red and advance species."
"So, what do you think?" Ben asked in concern, "Is it possible for Mechamorph to evolve, without the use of Ultimatrix?"
"It's impossible," Driba said in concern and uneasy while writing down on his pad, "There were none of the aliens has ever evolve naturally over the million years. And even if it does happened, we'd never heard of it before."
Blukic nodded, "It's true. Ultimatrix is the only device that possessed unique and rare power source to evolve them." He grumbled a bit, "Not to mention, that hunk of junk gave the life to the Ultimates. So, Azmuth destroyed the device, making sure it doesn't cause the problem again until that no good Albedo stole it, repaired it and used it."
"Still, how does he do it in the first place?" Rook asked curiously.
Max nodded in agreement, "Yes. I agreed. This is unexpected."
"What's wrong with that?" Julie asked calmly as she patted 'Ship' calmly and gently, making him hissed pleasingly. He raised his head up to lick her face, she giggled, "Shouldn't that be good thing? My ship evolved and gotten stronger before."
"It's not that, Julie. It's just unexpected to see an alien able to evolve," Tetrax said in surprise, "You usually you see them from the Anime only..."
"And not to mention, it's very rare to see Mechamorph being red. And the only alien I know of is Malware." Ben said in concern, "So, why Ship? Why now?"
Rook hummed in concern, "Indeed. This is rare..."
"Well, we'll never know. I need time to study and analyze its molecular cells and its ability." Cooper sighed as he departed from the microscope. He wrote down on his writing pad. He continued, "But for now, I need more data about him."
"Like research and experiment?" Julie asked in concern, "Wouldn't that hurt Ship?"
Elena patted Julie's back, "Don't worry, Julie. We just want to see and test how strong, fast, skillful, intelligent and advance Ship is. Nothing serious and bad."
Though still worried and unconvinced, Julie smiled as she trusted her teammates very much that they wouldn't harm and hurt her and Ship. She nodded in understanding and calmly. She and her friends headed off to training chamber for trials and testing. Cooper, Driba and Blukic remained behind to study on Ship's skin tissue.
"Yeah. Hopefully, it doesn't," Ben said in concern and uneasiness.
Team Ben, Max and Elena are now at the training chamber, where they can train and test Julie's newly evolved form of red Mechamorph Armor. They need more data of her new abilities and skills, and even its power as well.
While Max and Elena was inside the computer room while Team Ben on the training ground. Julie and 'Ship' were standing before Ben, Rook and Tetrax. The red Mechamorph jumped and merged with Julie as they both became Red Armorstrike. She's in battle position.
"Alright, Julie. We're gonna do some testing on your abilities and skills of how strong, fast and advance you and Ship have become," Max said seriously and firmly, "But remember, this is just training, not battle."
Red Armorstrike nodded firmly and calmly, "Yeah. I got it. Can we get started?"
Max, shocked and surprised, dig some wax out from his ears and asked, "Did I hear correctly?"
Elena looked worried and said, "Yes, you did. And so did I..."
"I do not remember her being so eager for a fight," Rook said in concern.
Ben nodded in agreement, "Yeah. She wasn't so eager, just want to help only..."
"Alright, let's get started," Tetrax said firmly, "Start the training program."
As ordered, the training chamber has initiated its program, launching the probes with blasters and missile launchers, fighting drones, movable pillars with maces and swords, walls firing the arrows and laser beams, and more traps and obstacles.
Red Armorstrike smirked proudly and amusingly as she is ready to engage the obstacles. With Max's giving the signal, she charged straight at them. The first wave charged and engaged her. She responded by punching, kicking and even performed her karate moves against them for few times. When facing off the warriors with swords and spears, she activated and used her glowing crimson energized twin katanas in attacking and defeating them at ease. She sometimes even combined them into dual katana before engage them at once. She also used her gauntlets to fire some flying shurikens at them.
Found more drones loaded up and aimed their blasters at her, she readied and fired her newly advanced heavy blasters at them, and even used its secondary function - shotgun at couple of armored drone guards. She used her sniper blasters in sniping down the enemies from the distanced and hidden areas. She fired the Gatling Turret Blaster in taking down the large number of enemies, and even fired the missiles and detonators at military transports, obstacles and traps.
After surviving the traps and enemy attacks, Red Armorstrike is now facing Team Ben. Rook was the first to charge and engage her. He used both Stone Cutter and Blazing Fist in attacking her. She dodged and evaded the attacks swiftly and calmly. He tried with Lightning Swift Kick, she even blocked and deflected the attacks for few times. He jumped and struck his Stone Cutter at her. She quickly grabbed and swung him around five times before slammed to the ground hard.
Tetrax was next. He armed himself ready to engage Red Armorstrike. Armed with shards, he charged and engaged her in sword fighting. They both swung and clash their swords at each other for two to six times. They then clashed for the moment. And just before he could do anything, she gave a headbutt against his. She then swung and struck hers at him, who barely dodged and blocked the attacks while trying to fight back for fives times. He was about to charge. Combining them into dual katana, she unleashed the powerful EMP Shockwave, knocking him off.
Red Armorstrike turned and faced Ben, who just activated his watch and turned into Four Arms. He crackled his fists for the fight. He charged and swung his punches at her, but missed as she dodged and evaded the attacks for ten times. As soon as he missed his chance of striking the uppercut, she rammed him off before slammed couple of punches at him by chest for five times. He quickly turned into XLR8 as he quickly and swiftly punched and kicked her for ten times. Thanks to her visor, she's able to detect and tripped him off. He quickly transformed into Karate Hawk. Both of them have fierce martial arts battle against each other for a few rounds. They're both almost equal to each other until she kicked him by guts before slammed a punch straight at her face.
Seeing she has defeated all three of them, Red Armorstrike cheered wildly and happily, "Oh yeah! Armrostrike, one! Team Ben, Zero!"
"She does realize that this is merely training and getting more data," Rook asked painfully.
Transformed back from Karate Hawk, Ben groaned a bit, "I think she knows. She just enjoying her victory. I would do the same too."
Tetrax grunted, "Well, she got her wish."
Emerged out from the lift, Max and Elena approached to Team Ben for more discussion.
"Nice work, Julie. You really put up a great fight with your upgrade. I've got all the data I need for Cooper and I to study," Elena said calmly.
"Don't get cocky, Julie," Max said seriously and firmly at Julie. He continued, "Just because Ship have upgraded and evolved doesn't make you powerful. There will be stronger opponent than you. So, watch yourself and your team, and don't underestimate them too."
Julie groaned in annoyance, "Yeah, whatever."
Everyone was in shocked and surprised by Julie's response. Usually, she responded it humbly and well-mannered too. Something's up with her.
Suddenly, the alarm blared out, alerting Team Ben, Max and Elena. The holographic form of Magist Patelliday appeared. He reported, "Tennyson, I bring news! We've got the situation on downtown. And you won't believe who's showing up on the radar again!"
"Who is it, Patelliday?" Max asked.
"Quintessa..." Magister Patelliday said seriously, shocking Team Ben and his allies. He continued, "Looks like she hired Rojo and her gang again for her secret mission. We were planning to send out our forces. But Colonel Rozum and Agent Fowler insisted that they will handle her."
"What?! Is this a joke?!" Max asked in shock and annoyance, "They want to confront and handle her. They'd be dead by second if they find her. What were they thinking?!"
Magister Patelliday shrugged, "I wish I knew. But I suspect that they know something about her. I bet this has something to do from 5 years ago about machine invasion."
"First Stonehenge, and now this. They know something about Quintessa," Max said seriously and firmly, "And whatever it is, we intend to find out. We have to find and capture Quintessa."
Ben nodded firmly, "Got it, grandpa. Team Ben is on the job."
Boarding into the Proto-Truk; Team Ben, Max and Elena were heading straight to the downtown of Bellwood Town. Upon arriving to their destination, they found couple of military soldiers were beaten badly while their tanks and hummers were destroyed. They even found a large hole on it as well. They suspected that Quintessa or Rojo's Gang have defeated them.
"Wow. They sure got her," Ben remarked sarcastically.
"I don't think they did," Rook disagreed. He then noticed Ben's glare. He yelped, "Oh! Sarcastic. I see..."
"Well, whatever the case, we have to find and deal with Quintessa before she could cause more damages," Tetrax said firmly.
Elena nodded, "If we can capture her alive, we can interrogated and questioned her of what she is and what she's really after. You guys did say that she's responsible for the invasion from five years ago."
"Do you guys always so chatting when we're on the mission?" Red Armorstrike asked dryly and annoyingly. She scoffed aorrgantly, "No wonder we'd never get the job done. How embarrassing you guys are. Let's move out and deal with it."
Everyone was shocked by her words, though they can't argue with her about the situation. They have the mission to focus on. Just as they approached to the hole, they were ready to jump in.
"Hold it right there!" The firm voice called out. Everyone turned and found Agent Fowler and Lieutenant Steel have arrived on the scene. The Special Agent spoke, "I thought I told you that we're dealing with the situation. Quintessa is ours to deal with."
Max grunted a bit while looking at the site of defeated soldiers, "No disrespect, Agent Fowler. From the looks of this, I'd say she beat the crap out of you and your soldiers."
"This is just a setback. I've got the situation under control. I've already sent the team to deal with her now. So, pull your team back now."
"No can do. You pull yours first. We'll handle it!"
"I'm warning, Magistrate Tennyson! Stand down or you'll be arrested! You're interfering the government affair, this is not your fight! That is an order!"
"The Plumbers is the Intergalactic Law Enforcers! When it involved of alienated and unnatural affairs, we responded it. We don't just work for the United Nation, we work for the galaxy. Let us do the job now! And also, it's Magister Tennyson. Magister is the highest rank of Plumbers."
"Stubborn than the other team, no doubt..." Agent Fowler snarled a bit, "Very well. Lieutenant Steel, arrest them!"
"Yes sir," Lieutenant Steel nodded firmly. He and his SECT Agents armed with blasters and cuffs. This alerted Team Ben. He spoke regretfully, "Sorry, but, no hard feelings."
Red Armorstrike smirked amusingly and sinisterly, "No hard feelings."
And just before Lieutenant Steel and his agents could do anything, Red Armorstrike charged in as she ran in high speed while knocking out most of them. Everyone was alerted by her reaction and attack. Just before Agent Fowler and Lieutenant Steel could do anything, she grabbed and held them by their collars.
"Still think you should arrest us, idiots?" Red Armorstrike asked amusingly. Agent Fowler and Lieutenant Steel grunted and struggled to escape her grip. She scoffed with sly smirk, "In fact, you should let us handle her. We're better of handling her."
"Julie, put them down! I mean it!" Ben demanded angrily. Annoyed by her boyfriend's demands, Red Armorstrike put Agent Fowler and Lieutenant Steel down. Both coughed and breathed heavily. He continued, "What was that for, Julie?! Are you trying to get us into trouble?!"
"So what? They were in the way..." Red Armorstrike snarled dryly.
"Yeah. I get that. But we could have done something better like try to talk them or even avoided them. That could avoid the trouble."
"They would get in the way. Better teach them the lessons of not interfering our mission or else they'd be dead."
"We don't kill! We beat and arrest them!" Ben snapped firmly, "That's what heroes do."
Red Armorstrike growled darkly with dark sinister voice, "You know what? That's your biggest problem, Tennyson. You're so weak and pathetic to do what must be done..."
Team Ben was alerted by Red Armorstrike's rude remark at Ben. And just before anyone could do anything, she moved and pushed them aside. She was heading towards the large hole. Then, Jimmy has arrived at the scene as he brought the camera along.
"Hey, Julie!" Jimmy called. Red Armorstrike turned and looked at him. He continued and used the camera shooting on her, "Gotta love your new looks! Ship's really done it himself! It looks awesome! Make some action pose! Give me the best!"
Annoyed by Jimmy's demands, Red Armorstrike used her gauntlet's grappling hook in capturing and throwing the camera to the walls, breaking it to pieces. Everyone was in shock of what they just saw. Did she just broke his favorite camera?
"Piss off, brat!" Red Armorstrike snarled with deep mechanized voice.
Red Armorstrike jumped and entered the hole at once. Jimmy approached to it, along with Team Ben.
"What the heck was that?!" Jimmy demanded angrily. He turned and looked at Ben, "What's wrong with her?"
Ben hissed as he readied with his Omnitrix, "That's what I want to know. Let's go. Just hope she doesn't do anything stupid as I did."
Rook nodded, "Indeed. I fear for her safety."
"Something's wrong with her..." Elena said in concern.
Team Ben immediately jumped into the hole at once. They're going after her, and making sure that she doesn't do anything stupid. Jimmy remained behind as he moaned in upset tone while looking at his broken camera.
Agent Fowler grunted as he took out his military radio and contacted, "Prime, Fowler here. We've got complication. Tell your team to stand down."
Somewhere deep inside the underground, Rojo and her gang were holding and carrying the couple bags of technologies and spare parts. They were following their client - Quintessa, who was leading them through the tunnels. Once again, Rojo and her gang have new upgraded armors yet again, thanks to the Cybertronian Witch.
While they continued walking down through the tunnels, Quintessa halted her movement, making them to stop as well.
"What's up, witch? Did you forget something again?" Rojo asked suspiciously.
"We've been followed," Quintessa said calmly and amusingly, alerting the gang. She looked around of her surroundings, "You can come out from your hiding, my dear child..."
Rojo and her gang loaded up and armed with their weapons for a fight while looking around and searching for the intruder. As the subway train was passing through its on right side of tunnel, its multiple lights shinned upon them. After it passed by, there was nothing in their area.
And just before Rojo and her forces could move out, they found something ahead of them and their client. Red Armorstrike stood before them.
"So, you've came..." Quintessa said amusingly.
"Armorstrike... Or should I say Yamamoto Julie," Rojo said amusingly, "Well, this is a surprising of the event. Didn't know you'd be dumber enough to come here alone to face us."
Quintessa hummed thoughtfully, "Yes... That is odd of you..."
"I just want to get the job done," Red Armorstrike said darkly and dryly, shocking the group. She smirked, "You ready to die?"
Shocked by her threats, Rojo and her gang laughed out loud amusingly at her. Red Armorstrike was annoyed and irritated as her hands slowly summoned the glowing red energized katanas. And at the same time, her armor's triangle optic-like glowed darkly as well.
"She can't be serious?" Azul asked amusingly.
Amarillo giggled playfully, "Yeah. She really think that she can take us down. She doesn't have what it takes to kill us. After all, heroes don't kill-!" To her shock, Red Armorstrike swung and slashed her first katana at her left eye, scarring it. She yelled in pain, "Son of a bitch! What the hell?!"
And just before Amarillo could do anything, Red Armorstrike jumped and gave a swipe kick at her head. She fell to the ground. Azul groaned in anger as she charged and attacked her. She dodged and evaded the attacks swiftly and quickly for few times. She then activated and fired her advanced blaster's shotgun at her armor, causing her to fell down hard.
Red Armorstrike turned and glared at Rojo and her gang. She smirked darkly, "Who's next?"
"I don't know what's going on. Take her out!" Rojo demanded angrily.
As ordered, Rojo's female gangster charged and engaged Red Armorstrike. The crimson Mechamorph Warrior smirked amusingly as she armed with her twin katans. She fiercely engaged and attacked them at once. Azul and Amarillo recovered and also engaged her as well. She has proven strong and violent for them to handle. They unable to defeat her.
"This is not her..." Quintessa said calmly and suspiciously. Rojo was alerted by her talk. She continued, "Something's influencing her. Something filled with pure rage and anger. It reminds of a certain Decepticon Lord."
Rojo grunted as she armed with her blasters, "I don't know what you're jabbering about, but I'm gonna take her down."
While Red Armorstrike was fighting off the goons, Rojo approached her from behind. She activated her blaster's taser in shock and electrocuting her to the ground. She and her gang began attacking and kicking her by guts, unaware that her body's glowing in dark red and she even hissed angrily.
And just before they could finish her off, something was very fast in knocking them off one-by-one. It stood besides with Red Armorstrike was none other than XLR8. Rook, Tetrax, Elena in her Nanite-V and Max have arrived at the scene as well.
"Why don't you pick somebody on your own size?" XLR8 exclaimed firmly. He hit his Omnitrix as he turned into Mole-Stache. He smiled proudly, "I've been wanting to try this gentleman. Let's see what he's got with his mustache."
"Alright, team! Engage them!" Tetrax ordered firmly.
As commanded, Team Ben charged and engaged Rojo and her gang at once. While the team were fighting and defeating most of the thugs and goons, they also fought and engaged the leader and her henchwoman. Mole-Stache and Red Armorstrike were fighting Rojo. Tetrax and Max were battling with Azul. Rook and Nanite-V are dealing with Amarillo. Quintessa stood there to watch the battlefield.
Azul fiercely engaged and attacked Max and Tetrax, who dodged and evaded the attack swiftly and quickly for few times. As soon as they moved back, Azul launched the rocket punches at their faces. She approached to Max as she was about to finish him off. And just before she could do it, he swipe a kick against her legs to make her fall down hard. He then kicked her straight towards Tetrax, who slammed on the ground, summoning the crystals to trap her. She grunted as she unleashed her power in broke through the prison. She grabbed and slammed the Petrosapien down for her to launched the barrage of punches on his face before he kicked her off. Max grabbed and slammed a stick on her head, knocking her out.
Rook and Nanite-V are facing off Amarillo, who is running and surrounding them in high speed. She even charged and slammed some punches on their faces for a few times. After barely surviving the barrage of punches, she jumped and fired her blasters in knocking them off. They struggled to stand up and fight but she continued attacking them fiercely and firmly. As she continued attacking them in high speed, Nanite-V summoned her nanites and make them create ropes in tangling and trapping Amarillo, allowing Rook to launch the Stone Cutter at her off. They both gave each other a high five.
Mole-Stache and Red Armorstrike are facing off Rojo. And just before they could do anything, Red Armorstrike charged and attacked Rojo, who firmly and swiftly evaded her attacks before swung and struck some punches at her face for few times. She then grabbed and gave a powerful nudged against her guts before thrown straight at the walls. Mole-Staches's mustaches formed into two large fists as he readied to fight. Rojo smirked as she readied to fight. Both of them were dancing around while waiting and readying for their opponent to make the move. As they did, they both began a fierce brawl of punches at each other. Thanks to his mustache's strong fists, he was able to endure the punches while fighting back.
While Mole-Stache and Rojo were locked on fighting with each other, Red Armorstrike recovered from the attacks. She turned and glared at Rojo. She snarled angrily and viciously. She screeched out loud as she jumped and rammed Rojo to the walls. And just before the mercenary could do anything, she torn out of her weapons and armor's parts while punching, kicking clawing and scarring her viciously until she dropped to the ground hard. She grabbed and held Rojo up.
"Okay! I give in!" Rojo exclaimed in fear. Red Armorstrike slammed another punch on her face. She yelled in pain, "What the hell?! What are you doing?!"
Red Armorstrike smirked as she held the katana, "Terminating you for good!"
Rojo screamed in fear, "What! No! Don't! I don't wanna die!"
Mole-Stache gasped in shock as he quickly used his mustache to grab and hold on Red Armorstrike. He shouted out, "Julie! Stop it!"
Red Armorstrike grunted in pain, "Let me go! I'll finish her. I'll kill her!"
"No! You can't! This isn't you!" Mole-Stache snapped firmly, shocking Red Armorstrike. He continued, "Despite they're the bad guys, heroes never resort to kill them! And above else, I would never let you do this. Killing is not your thing! You're a kindhearted person to such a thing."
"W-What?" Red Armorstrike asked in shock and concern. She turned and looked at Rojo being beaten up. She asked in shock and concern, "What did I do?!"
"The Galvanic Mechamorph..." Quintessa said amusingly yet calmly. Everyone turned and looked at him. She continued, "It change you. It gave you the strength and also pure rage and anger taht you have yet reach that level, child. I'm impressed."
Transformed back to human form, Ben said firmly, "Don't know what you said. But you're going down."
"Agreed." Red Armorstrike said firmly while readied with her blasters, "Give it up."
Quintessa smiled amusingly, "I'm afraid I cannot surrender now. I have too many works to perform. I cannot fall behind now. Till we meet again."
And just before anyone could do anything, Quintessa teleported herself and couple bags of technologies and spare parts, escaping the battlefield. They all sighed in relief that they have survived the battlefield. They turned and glared at Red Armorstrike.
"What was that about?! Did you realize of what you just have done?!" Max demanded angrily, "You didn't just challenge the authority, Julie. You've abandoned your team, go solo and engage the enemies by yourself, almost got killed and the worst of all - you tried to kill the criminal?! She's a human!"
Julie was shocked and hurt, "I... I didn't mean it. I just-!"
"Save it, Julie. I don't want to hear it," Max said seriously, "You clearly need some serious discipline and timeout."
Julie turned and looked at her friends, "Guys, I didn't mean to go that far."
"I believe in you," Ben said calmly while patted Julie's shoulder. He turned and looked at her armor, "But I'm not sure about 'Ship'. There's something not right about him."
Rook nodded, "I don't like judging, but you seem to be aggressive and fierce than before. And also, you almost desire the death of a criminal."
"Julie, I'm worried that you're becoming like me." Elena said in fear and concern. Julie was confused. She continued, "I meant letting power control you and becoming monster."
"No! I'm not a monster. I can't be!" Julie protested.
She turned and looked at the broken glass, which has her reflection. With flick of light shined, it revealed the demonically form of Armorstrike that has a blackish helmet with three sharp spikes formed a crimson fangs over the fang-like visor with black mask-like that has red spikes, spikier two silver horns-like communicator with yellowish horns and spikes snarled and hissed at her. It scared her off. Team Ben got alerted by the reflection.
"W-What was that?! You saw that?" Julie asked in concern.
"We did," Elena said seriously, "Whatever it was, it's not a good omen."
Ben nodded, "Yeah. I've got a bad feeling about this..."
Inside Dr. Psychobos's laboratory, Malware and his accomplices were watching on the computer's screen, which revealed the video footage of Team Ben's battle with Rojo and her gang. The crimson Mechamoprh smirked proudly and amusingly of what he has seen.
"Impressive..." Malware commented.
"Indeed, it is." Albedo agreed, "I'd say that the field test is complete. She has the possession of Julie Yamamoto. She will collect and provide more vital information we need."
Dr. Psychobos chuckled, "Indeed. We will use them against Azmuth and the pathetic Galvans. And I used the term loosely."
"Indeed, it is." Malware said pleasingly. He turned and looked at Khyber, who has arrived and entered the chamber. He asked, "I assumed that you have him."
Khyber smirked, "Indeed, I have." He then lifted up the cage, revealing weakened and injured Ship. He continued, "They have never suspect about Ship is an impostor."
"Perfect..." Malware said amusingly. He approached and took the cage. He looked at weakened Ship. He chuckled, "Welcome to your new home, weakling..."
Ship quivered and shivered in fear while meowed as he is scared of Malware while wanting to go home and see Julie...
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Kelly Hu: Julie Yamamoto/Armorstrike/Red Armorstrike, Ship, Viral
Johnny Yong Bosh: Ben Tennyson, Albedo
Bumper Robinson: Rook Blonko
Dave Fennoy: Tetrax Shard
Tia Texada: Elena Validus
Minor Casts:
Paul Eiding: Max Tennyson, Blukic
Kirk Thornton: Malware
Johnathon Freeman: Dr. Psychobos
David Kaye: Khyber, Mole-Stache
Eric Bauza: Driba
Nolan North: Cooper Daniels
Douglas Rye: Mr. Yamamoto
Jennifer Hale: Rojo, Mrs. Yamamoto
Genma Chan: Quintessa
Juliet Landau: Azul
Alyson Stoner: Amarillo
Richard McGonagle: Four Arms
Dee Bradley Baker: Fasttrack, Spidermonkey, NRG
Jim Ward: XLR8
Yuri Lowenthal: Karate Hawk
Cameo:
John DiMaggio: Zombozo
Corey Burton: Mr. Baumann
Rob Paulsen: Magister Patelliday
Scott Menville: Jimmy Jones
Ernie Hudson: Agent Fowler
Michael Gough: Lieutenant Steel
