Author's Notes:
Sorry for the delays. Been busy and crazy lately to deal with works, home chores and art lesson especially with Coronavirus going out of control in Malaysia. Hopefully it gets better...
Episode 8: Armor of Demon (III)
After Ben and Elena found and escorted Julie back home, they contacted the Plumber Troopers to come to the area for capturing it. They suspected that she's still alive. They have searched and scoured the church's alley for few minutes. And so far, they couldn't find her.
"Find anything?" Plumber Trooper #1 asked. His cadets shook their heads. He sighed, "You're sure that it's around here?"
"According to Tennyson, Yamamoto managed to remove and peel out that parasite around here," Plumber Trooper #2 answered firmly. He scoffed, "I'm surprise that he's willing to find and 'save' her after what she has done."
Plumber Trooper #1 nodded in agreement, "Yeah. He should have broke up with her. She doesn't deserve to be his girlfriend."
Plumber Trooper #2 chuckled, "Right back at you."
"Dude. That's a bit harsh, don't you think?" Plumber Trooper #3 asked in concern.
"Knock it off, cadets. We have the mission to do," Plumber Officer said firmly and seriously, "If anyone speak ill of Tennyson and his girlfriend, I'll give you some severe punish such as running laps for hundreds. Do you get me?!"
Plumber Troopers yelped and saluted, "Yes, sir!"
Plumber Troopers returned to their job, searching and locating for Viral. However, they were not aware of a shadowy figure, hidden from the building's cornered of shadows, stealthily and calmly approached to grab and drag the officer to the corner. With the blaster dropped to the ground, Plumber Troopers got alerted and turned to corner.
As the Plumber Troopers loaded and armed with their blasters, one of them activated and used the flashlight to shine on the shadows. They found the officer clawed and bleeding while hanging upside down. And just before they could do anything, something shot and shattered the flashlights lens, causing them to go panic and randomly fire their blasters everywhere. Sensing and seeing her targets being feared and scared, the shadowy figure's visor glowed in yellowish, taking advantage of attacking and killing them by her claws, swinging glowing red katanas, blasting the blasters and even punching and kicking them off. All of the Plumber Troopers were killed.
The mysterious stalker revealed herself to be Death Viral, standing on the ground while armed with her glowing red katana. The demonic helmet dissolved and revealed Kai's face. She then looked at her armor. She hummed calmly and amusingly.
"Nice... And amazing. Julie is very stupid and weak to reject you." Kai said amusingly and calmly, "I'm not."
Viral hissed calmly, "Yes... We are bonded. We are one. Together, we shall have our revenge."
Kai smirked darkly, "Yes. We will..."
Inside Dr. Psychobos's Space Station, Malware and his allies are inside the chamber. He was furious and annoyed that Dr. Psychobos and Albedo have let Ship escaped during their ridiculous bickering and fighting. He struck and slammed his giant claws at both of them against the walls.
"Useless! Pathetic! Unacceptable!?" Malware exclaimed in anger, scaring Dr. Psychobos and Albedo. He snarled, "How could you two let him escaped?!"
"I-It wasn't m-my fault!" Dr. Psychobos hissed and stuttered in fear before pointed at Albedo, "It was this useless and pathetic Galvan! H-He's the one, who has caused the situation escalated! He insulted and attacked me for no reason!"
Albedo groaned as he struggled to get out of the grip due to his small size. He snarled, "Don't try to put a blame on me for this mess! You wouldn't admit that I'm better than you! And you attacked me for no reason too, you coward!"
"How dare you?! You dare accuse me for such action?! Your insolence will not be tolerated!"
"Want to try that again?! I will evolved my Ultimate to tear you apart!"
"Your Ultimate Mode of Galvan and powers are nothing compare to my true genius and skills! You could never better me! You could never achieve anything!"
"Wrong! I did a lot. And better than you, second rated alien!"
"Second rated?!" Dr. Psychobos asked angrily before activating his electrical attack, "Why you little-?!"
"I said enough!" Malware shouted in anger, scaring off two scientists. He snarled, "Your arrogance and rivalry will not be acceptable. If you do not work together, I can assure you that your punishment will be severe and painful. And who knows? You might survive..."
Albedo and Dr. Psychobos yelped and quivered in fear, "No, sir! Won't happen it again!"
Malware dropped Albedo and Dr. Psychobos down. Both of them groaned and moaned painfully from the grip and electrical shocks. They turned and glared at each other for the moment.
"So, what is next?" Khyber asked curiously, "Viral failed her mission. She's unable to get hold on her first host now. Possibly destroyed."
"No... I can still sense her presence. She's alive..." Malware said calmly and firmly. Suddenly, the alarm blared. He and his allies turned to the computer screen. It revealed Death Viral before them. He scoffed with a smirk, "As I've said, she lived..."
Death Viral hissed calmly, "Greetings, father..."
Dr. Psychobos chuckled, "Impressive..."
"Indeed, it is. She's incredible..." Albedo said in agreement.
"So, she can bond with another being," Khyber said in surprise, "Looks like it finally come true, Malware."
Malware nodded, "Indeed. What do you have to report, child?"
Death Viral hissed calmly, "Proceeding with primary objective. And do not worry, I will make certain that Ben Tennyson will be dealt with, along with his allies. Death Viral promised you, father..."
Malware smiled sinisterly, "Excellent..."
Few days have passed...
Julie has been isolated and remained insider her own bedroom, refusing to come out and see her family, friends and even Ben after what she has done from the past. She even refused to go to school, work at Mr. Baumann's shop or even helped her own team to save the day as well. She even refused to look at her computer or even phone to watch and respond to messages and calls.
Julie was ashamed, upset and guilty of what she has done from the last three weeks, due to the influence of Viral's powers. She was unable to find and rescue Ship either, fearing that he could be killed by corrupted Mechamorph Pup now. She refused to forgive herself for her carelessness and naivety now. Everything she knows of is gone.
In the morning, Julie is now on her own bed, trying to sleep peacefully and quietly. She then heard a ringing tone from her phone. She ignored it until hers gave the voice message responded.
Ben's voice said in concern, "Julie... Please... Call me... I just want to check on you. I'm not mad at you for what happen from last three weeks. That wasn't you. We'll find and get Ship back. I promised. Love you."
Julie sighed with her tears poured out and flowing down, "I know... But I can't... I don't deserve everything..."
Team Ben went to Bellwood Hospital for a visit to Mrs. Yamamoto, who has been hospitalized after she's been diagnosis with heart attack. They weren't alone. Mr. Yamamoto, Max, Mr. Baumann and Elena were there as well. Ben also bought the a bouquet of beautiful Japanese red, pink and purple flowers as well. He gave and passed them to Mrs. Yamamoto.
"I hope you like them. These flowers are from Japan and America," Ben commented calmly.
Mrs. Yamamoto smiled warmly, "How kind of you, Ben. That was lovely. Thank you all for come and visit me. I appreciate it."
"After what has happened from few days, we thought we should check on you and Julie," Max said calmly, "We hope you both are well rested."
Both Mr. and Mrs. Yamamoto remained silent as well as looking upset and worried. Team Ben and their allies realize that Julie wasn't here at all.
"She didn't come?" Ben asked in concern. Mr and Mrs. Yamamoto shook their heads. He sighed, "Could have sworn that she would come and check you up."
Rook said calmly as he patted Ben's shoulder, "Probably not the right time, Ben. But don't worry, she'll come around."
"I don't think so, Rook," Elena disagreed in concern before looking at her hands, "She felt that everything including her mom being hospitalized and Ship's been missing was her fault. I know it well. I've been there before. And it wasn't easy."
"Poor girl. She shouldn't have let that mistakes get to her..." Mr. Baumann said in concern.
Max sighed, "I agreed. Maybe I shouldn't be harsh on her in the first place."
"Mr. and Mrs. Yamamoto, please don't blame her for this. None of them are." Ben spoke up calmly, "It was my fault. If only I have known about that Ship's red circuit, I would have stopped her from controlling your daughter. I'm so sorry..."
"Ben..." Max said in concern.
"Ben, don't blame yourself for this. You couldn't have known about it," Tetrax spoke in concern.
"I should have. I've fought and defeated Malware twice, and now I couldn't..." Ben said in shame. He stood before Mr. Yamamoto. He bowed before him, "I am sorry for putting her in danger. I've lost Ship. No telling what has happen to him since Viral took over his place. I'd never meant this to happen. I should never have allow her to join the team. I'm sorry..."
Everyone remained silent while looking at Ben's bowing to Mr. Yamamoto for apology over Julie's nearly turned into a violent monster. Mr. Yamamoto remained silent while looking at him. He approached and held Ben's shoulder.
"I do not blame you for any of this especially what has transcend on my daughter's being controlled by the Red Oni, Ben. In fact, I appreciate and thankful of you being there for her," Mr. Yamamoto said seriously and humbly, surprise Ben and his friends. He continued, "I know my daughter well. Despite wanted to be the best player, she will not stand idly by to watch people suffer. She'll do anything to help out. She's headstrong and brave girl, but also smart and kind too. All she need is some friends to be there for her. So far, you and most of your friends were there for her. Can I count on you for that?"
Ben, surprised by Mr. Yamamoto, nodded firmly, "Of course. You can count on us. We'll be there for her. We, no, I won't get her get hurt."
Mr. Yamamoto nodded, "That's all I need to know."
"Do you think she would let us see her now?"
"I don't know. But I will try and talk with her first. Like we have discussed, she felt guilty of what has been happening."
"Yeah. It's for the best. Can you tell her that she's not alone and still got us be there for her?"
"Of course, I will. Don't worry. I'll deliver the message to her."
While Ben and his friends were chatting with Yamamoto Parents, they were not aware of someone has been spying and glaring at the scene. She worn a greenish cap, pinkish sweater-like and sunglasses spied and eavesdropped on their conversation. She then walked away until she exited the hospital's entrance, where she removed her cap and sunglasses, revealing Kai herself.
"A perfect trap..."
Deep in the black space, a sphere-like spacecraft continued blasting off and travelling across the galaxy. Ship was sleeping peacefully and quietly yet uneasily due to him having nightmares.
He dreamt of people screamed in fear and pain while calling out for help, Ben and his team struggled to face off and battled with the army of Red Mechamoprh Warriors while trying to save her, and finally Death Viral approached and stood before the weakened state of Julie. Death Viral held her up for the moment. While snarling and growling at her, Death Viral's battle helmet makeshift into demonic yet monstrous demon-like in taking a large bite on her.
Ship beeped and screamed out loud in pain. He panted and breathed heavily as he just got up from the nightmare. He looked worry and scared before going back to sleep again. All he could think about is that Julie's alright and no get killed.
"Ship..."
In the evening, Julie, alone, taking a long two-hour hot bath while thinking and wondering of what she's gonna do next after what she has done. She has done terrible things and lost Ship. What can she do now? Will they ever forgive her for the mistakes?
After taking a bath and cleaning herself, Julie gotten herself dressed up with her casual clothes. She then emerged out from the bathroom. To her surprise and shock, she found her father was sitting down on the bed, waiting for her to come out. Both remained silence for the moment while looking at each other, wondering of what they're gonna say as they haven't spoken since she got herself freed from Viral's control.
"Otosan..." Julie said in surprise.
"I apologize for coming to your bedroom without knocking the door," Mr. Yamamoto said calmly and firmly, "I want to talk with you if you allow it."
Knowing what he might want to talk about, Julie reluctantly nodded as she approached and took a seat besides with her father. Instead of looking at him, she looked away in shame. Mr. Yamamoto hasn't say anything yet shown concern and worried looks.
"Sakura, I'm not angry or disappointed of what you have done especially to your mother. In fact, I was worried and scared about losing you," Mr. Yamamoto said sadly, making Julie surprised. He continued, "When you walk down the darker path, there's no turning back from it. You'll be trapped forever. It's what scares me the most. For the first time in my life, I was afraid of losing you when I saw you tried to kill Ben."
Hearing his words, Julie cried tearfully and sadly, "I almost did. I've almost got lost."
Mr. Yamamoto said in relief as he turned his daughter to face him, "And yet, you didn't. You've managed to turn back before it was too late. I was relieved."
"How could you forgive me for what I've done?" Julie asked tearfully, "Why? I shouldn't be forgiven for this horrible mess especially hurting everyone I know of. I don't deserve forgiveness."
While Julie was crying, Mr. Yamamoto couldn't help but feel pity and worry for her. He did exactly what fathers do. He grabbed and hugged her in comfort while shushing her gently, calming her down.
"Sakura, there's one thing you need to learn. I forgive you because you're my daughter and someone I've loved and cherished in my heart. And of course, I believed that you deserve second chance for turning back from walking down the wrong path," Mr. Yamamoto said calmly, surprised his daughter. He continued, "I am sure that others forgive and give you the second chance. They loved and cared for you."
Julie sniffed a bit while wiping tears off, "You believe so, Otosan?"
"I do, Sakura. Your friends, teammates and even Ben loved you so much. They know you're a good person," Mr. Yamamoto said calmly. He stood up and walked towards the door. Before he could leave, he turned and looked at her, "But before that, you must learn to forgive yourself because you've been hard on yourself for failures. Just do your best and protect as many as you can, not all. No one's perfect, not even Ben."
With that, Mr. Yamamoto exited the bedroom. Julie was shocked and surprised by her father's wisdom as she gave the thoughts of what he meant especially 'forgive yourself'. She wondered. Will the others forgive her?
At the old abandoned military camp called Los Soledad, Quintessa was with both Lockdown and Clone Sentinel Prime inside the main general camp while her Balliffs and Infernocons were patrolling and guarding the area, keeping their optics out for any sign of enemies.
The Quintesson Witch was humming and chanting darkly yet calmly as her eyes was turned into white, her body was glowing in green and even her tentacles were shaking and quivering wildly. The bounty hunter crossed his arms as he remained still, firm and calm while his cloned Prime was tapping his feet wildly and impatiently.
"How long do we have to wait?" Clone Sentinel Prime asked impatiently. He got his head whacked by Lockdown's slap. He yelped in pain, "Hey! What the heck?!"
"How long can you just keep talking stupid stuffs?" Lockdown asked in annoyance, making Clone Sentinel Prime mumbled angrily. He continued calmly, "Quintessa has just cast the spell for her to see the future and also reading the stars, which could give us the edge, so we can turn the tide on our enemies. It takes time."
Clone Sentinel Prime groaned, "I hate waiting."
Quintessa gave the loud screech as her white eyes slowly dimmed down to greenish eyes and her body stopped shaking and glowing. She took a deep breathe before released it. She turned and looked at both Lockdown and Clone Sentinel Prime. Both of them knelt down before her.
"Fortune smile upon us, my faithful generals. As I've seen the time has yet to come, our plan will come to fruition, all thanks to J579's effort. She will succeed it." Quintessa said calmly and amusingly. Both Lockdown and Clone Sentinel Prime smiled amusingly. She then turned and looked at the Infernocon marched into the chamber. She demanded, "What is it, soldier?"
Infernocon yelled in pain, feeling some cracks forming around his chest to head and bottom like someone's tearing him apart. He did, done by Death Viral. She hissed and screeched out loud, scaring Lockdown and Clone Sentinel Prime to arm with their weapons. Quintessa remained calm yet amuse and pleasing as well.
"What the hell is that thing?! Some kind of abomination?!" Clone Sentinel Prime demanded frantically.
Lockdown scoffed, "Whatever it is, we shall deal with it for trespassing our base!"
"Stand down..." Quintessa ordered firmly, shocking her generals. While uneasy and disliked of standing down, both Lockdown and Clone Sentinel Prime knew better not to question her. They stand down and moved aside, allowing her to approached Death Viral. She smiled, "So, this is your new and improved form? Or should I say, your true form, Mechamorph?"
"I am more than mere weak and limited Mechamoprh, Quintessa. No. I am an evolved creature, just like my father and creator." Death Viral said calmly and amusingly. She then revealed the face of Kai. She continued, "And more importantly, I've no longer depend on one human, but more as long as they possessed more negative emotions for me to use and bound with. She is perfect."
"Humans are weak species in this universe. I couldn't careless of them. You should have remain attach to J579 instead. She is the perfect specimen." Quintessa said in disappointment, annoyed Death Viral. She then demanded, "What is it you want?"
"An alliance..." Death Viral answered calmly and amusingly, "I want you to assist me to take revenge on Julie Yamamoto and her friends. After all, they're the responsible of interfering your plans. And I can help you finish them off."
"What makes you think I require your service? These humans especially that boy with watch are beneath me. My generals could easily deal with them."
"If that is true, then why not deal with Ben and his friends alive? Are they afraid or weak to do so? I mean they couldn't even finish off the U.S. Military..."
Angered by insults, Lockdown and Clone Sentinel Prime armed with their weapons, Quintessa held 'halt' gesture up. She asked, "True... I'm having difficulties to deal with. The Humans have been thorn in my side for too long."
Death Viral smiled, "If you help me take revenge on my former friends, then I can help you finish up the nuisance, with the help of my creator and others. So, you can finish your project peacefully and calmly."
"Hmm... Intriguing. Very well, I accept your terms. However, on one condition for our alliance, Pretender J579 or to your reference - Sakura 'Julie' Yamamoto must remain intact and alive." Quintessa said calmly, shocking Death Viral.
Death Viral hissed and snarled a bit, "Why? Why is she so important to you?!"
Quintessa narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "She has an important role to play for my master plan in the future. She will bring me success and victory. Fail to do so, I will not hesitate to abandon and betray you. Remember that..."
Death Viral groaned in frustration before sighed in defeat, "Fine. I accept it. I'll go and make some necessary preparation to make them come to me."
With the negotiation complete, Kai's face is covered by her visor. Death Viral turned and headed off at once to begin her preparation.
"You're not seriously, trusting her, aren't you?" Clone Sentinel Prime asked.
Glaring at frightened and worried Clone Sentinel Prime, Quintessa spoke dryly, "Of course not. However, I do require a contingency plan to deal with her..."
BOOM! The explosion alerted Quintessa and her allies to come out from the camp. They then found a small sphere-like ship has landed on the ground before them. It then opened its hatch, which shocked and surprised them.
"Looks like we have one," Lockdown commented, "Do you think she will accept it?"
Quintessa smiled, "That depends on how far will she go to protect them..."
Inside the Bellwood Hospital, Mrs. Yamamoto was still hospitalized and slept peacefully, without being disturbed. The nurse was the last person to check and make sure her condition is alright. She then left the room now. However, another nurse has arrived and entered the room as she approached to Mrs. Yamamoto.
Mrs. Yamamoto groaned a bit before opening her eyes. She looked up and found a nurse stood before her. She asked, "Yes, nurse? Is there something you need?"
The nurse removed her white coat and mask, revealing Kai herself, "Yes, you'll be my great help."
And just before Mrs. Yamamoto could ask, Kai transformed into Death Viral. She then quickly grabbed to silent her mouth. She even put a gesture of silence on mouth, with the shushing sound.
By using and driving Proto-Truk's truck mode, Team Ben has arrived and entered the Burger Shack restaurant. Both Tetrax and Rook used their ID Masks to blend in the human society. They sat down on the table set that is close to the window view.
"So, what you guys need?" Ben asked calmly.
"Just salad and apple juice. Nothing more, nothing less." Rook said calmly. Ben looked at him, with surprise looks. He sighed, "Ben, I'm vegetarian. And I've always prefer nutritious diet."
Ben shrugged, "Fine. I forgot. Tetrax?"
"Not sure. Probably Cheeseburger and fries," Tetrax answered calmly, "Always want to try the human's meal."
"Alright. Be right back for the sec," Ben said calmly.
Ben let the table set. He headed straight to the counter for getting some order. As he was about to order, he looked shock and surprise upon looking at the cashier.
"K-Kai?!" Ben asked in shock.
Kai smirked slyly, "Hey. What can I get for you?"
And just before Ben could do anything, Kai has transformed into Death Viral as she grabbed him by throat. She hissed amusingly before thrown him straight at both Tetrax and Rook out of the window. The customers gasped in shock of what they just saw. They turned and found Death Viral climbed out from the cashier counter. They all screamed and panicked in fear while ran out for their lives.
Death Viral approached to Team Ben, who grunted in pain while struggled to recover from surprise attack. They took the glance at Death Viral.
"Kai?" Ben asked in shock and confusion, "What the heck are you doing here with that thing?!"
"That is Kai?!" Rook asked in concern. He hissed while looking at Death Viral's armor, "That is not good. The longer she attach to Malware's spawn, the harder for us to help and separate her from it."
Tetrax grunted as he armed with his shards, "Then, we've gotta work hard now!"
Ben readied his Omnitrix as he was about to transform into another alien, but Kai laughed amusingly and sinisterly, making him and his team confused.
"I wouldn't try to resist you if I were you, my old friends. Look behind you..." Kai said calmly.
Feeling some lights shinned on their backs, Team Ben turned and looked back as they found Lockdown and Clone Sentinel Prime's vehicular modes drove towards the team. Lockdown Car's window screen revealed the tied up Mrs. Yamamoto, which shocked and scared Team Ben.
Kai continued, "If you continue to resist, I cannot guarantee the safety of Mrs. Yamamoto. So, just give up for her sake. Otherwise, your girlfriend's will be heartbroken..."
Ben grunted in anger, "Damn you, bitch..."
Worried for Mrs. Yamamoto's safety, Team Ben stand down at once. Tetrax and Rook put down their weapons at once while Ben distanced his hands from touching the Omnitrix.
Kai smirked, "Good..."
After the talk with her father, Julie and Mr. Yamamoto decided to check and visit Mrs. Yamamoto at once before the visiting hours closed. Upon arriving at Mrs. Yamamoto's ward, they then found the patient bed. They both became worried and scared, fearing that something happen to her.
While Mr. Yamamoto called and demanded to see the doctor, Julie looked around the bed, searching for any clues that could link to her being missing. She then found something on the blanket. She saw a reddish color underneath. She unfolded it, revealing the message:
'Their flesh and blood will be my latest meal to feast. Come and stop me if you can, Armorstrike. Meet me at the abandoned factory...'
"They?!" Julie asked in concern and confusion. She gasped, "Okasan! Ben!"
"Sakura?" Mr. Yamamoto called in concern. Julie turned and ran off at once. He called, "さくら、どこに行くの?"
"私のお母さんを見つけます!" Julie shouted back in concern, "お父さん、警察に電話して!"
Unable to get some answers from his daughter, Mr. Yamamoto did exactly what she has requested. He called the police while looking at the blanket message with red painting. Julie ran as fast as she can. She has to find and fight off Malware's Spawn, but she need an armor and weapons to fight off the enemies.
Inside the Plumber Headquarter; Max, Elena, Cooper, Driba and Blukic were at the control center. Max was drinking his unusual alienated soup. Cooper and Elena were working together in searching and locating Ship, hoping that he's around at Bellwood, not far from the planet. Driba and Blukic were working on some devices with electrical shocks, which often shocked them a bit.
"Anything?" Max asked.
Elena shook her head in concern, "No, sir. Nothing."
Cooper sighed, "Elena, we've been searching for days. And we still couldn't find him. Let's face it. He's gone. Malware must have finish him off..."
"No. I promised Julie that we will find her. I can't give up now," Elena protested firmly.
"We know, Elena. But we have to face the fact, he could be gone. I'm sorry" Max said sadly yet shamefully while patting Elena's shoulder. He sighed, "I'll tell her about this."
"No, I will. I made a promise to her." Elena said firmly.
Suddenly, Max and his team heard the alarm blared out loud. They were alerted and worried as they knew where it came from. They headed to Cooper's science laboratory. They found most of chemical, tools and technologies were still here. They looked up and found something missing inside the capsule.
"My Marauder EXO-Suit! It's gone!" Cooper exclaimed in concern, "That was just a prototype!"
"How on earth did the thief get inside without the Plumber's Badge?" Max asked angrily.
Elena approached to the capsule. She summoned the Nanites for scanning and analyzing it for the moment. She gasped in concern, "Julie... She was here..."
"Why would she steal my prototype for?" Cooper asked in concern and confusion.
"I've tried to contact Ben and his team, but they didn't respond at all..." Max said in concern and seriously. He then realized the situation as he pieced them together, "Oh no! Ben and his team are in danger. We have to find them now."
"Don't worry. I've got the suits tracking device. It will lead us to them," Cooper said firmly.
Noticed something from the entrance, Blukic yelped in concern, "Uh... We've got something else to worry about!"
As everyone turned to the entrance, they found Quintessa stood before them. She was holding the metallic box.
"Quintessa?!" Max asked in shock, "What are you doing here?! How did you get here in the first place?!"
Instead of answering, Quintessa put down the metallic box before teleported out at once. Max and his team were alerted and confused of why she just left the box behind.
"What was that about?" Driba asked in confusion.
"I don't know. Whatever is inside the box," Elena said in concern. She approached and opened the box. She and her friends gasped in shock and surprise, "It has to be good for some reason..."
Arriving to the old abandoned factory, the mysterious motorcyclist climbed down from her armored advanced motorcycle. She revealed herself to be Julie wearing a prototype Marauder EXO-Suit, which contained of pinkish colored samurai's armor, kabuto helmet and a winged jetpack. She looked up and glanced at the factory. She sighed in concern.
"Alright. This is it. Armorstrike or not, this is my mess. I have to deal with it," Julie said firmly, "Okasan... Ben... Hang on. I'm coming..."
With such determination, Julie marched into the factory. She then armed with long katana sword. She scoured and kept her eyes out for any sign of Red Armorstrike or traps. So far, there was nothing but old and broken tools and machinery.
Upon reaching to the end of factory, Julie found her mother and team were tangling upside down by strange blackish web-like. Team Ben were consciousness while Mrs. Yamamoto is not.
"Okasan! Ben-Chan! Rook! Tetrax Sensei!" Julie cried out while running towards them.
"J-Julie?" Ben asked in surprise while feeling a headache, "Julie?! Get back! It's a trap!"
Julie readied with her blasters, "I don't care! I'm getting you guys out!"
Spotting something flying towards her, Ben gasped, "Julie, behind you!"
It was too late. Death Viral grabbed and rammed Julie straight at the tank hard before slammed and struck her head against it for three times. She managed elbowed at her face before blasting her off. Death Viral recovered quickly before landed on the ground. She then laughed amusingly and sinisterly, making Julie nervous and worried.
"Well, now. It's about time you show your face..." Death Viral said amusingly, while revealing her true face.
Julie gasped, "Kai?!"
"That's me..." Death Viral said amusingly and darkly. She grabbed and held Julie by neck. She hissed and glared at her, "It's payback time. I'm gonna kill you for what you have done to me!"
"What I've done?!" Julie asked angrily, "You did it to yourself! If you hadn't try to romanticize my family history, then you wouldn't get fired! You know better than trying to be dishonest and selfish for fame!"
"You're wrong! I wasn't trying to get more fame. I was trying to save my father's job!" Death Viral snapped in anger at Julie, who was in shock. She continued, "The curator demanded my family to find and seek out anything important and related to Japanese History. And wanted it done by three days. My father worked very hard to find it, but found very little and hardly interest. So, I have to fake the history and findings, to save my father's work. And now it's ruined because of you bitch! My father is a laughingstock! My family betrayed and abandoned me!"
Julie grunted in pain, "I'm sorry, Kai. I really am. I didn't mean it. But that doesn't excuse of what you did! Curator or anyone could easily detect and find out the fake. It makes no difference."
"You're right... It doesn't..." Death Viral snarled, "I'm gonna humiliate you. Hurt you. And then kill you. Just like how you did with me, Yamamoto Julie Sakura!"
Formed her visor back, Death Viral gave the loud screech of anger as she thrown Julie straight to the ground hard. As the armored heroine struggled and recovered to get up, the demonic armored warrior charged and attacked her by launching couple of punches by face and chests before kicked her by guts. She grabbed and slammed her to the ground hard. As she was about to grab Julie, the latter managed to gave her a headbutt before punched her by face. Both of them have the fierce brawl with each other.
While Julie and Death Viral were busy attacking each other, Ben struggled to get his left hand, which has the Omnitrix stuck and trapped by the webs. After managed to moving his hand out, he grunted as he slammed his chin against the Omnitrix. He transformed into NRG. His armor heated up a bit, burning and melting the web, freeing and dropping him to the ground. He fired his lasers at the webs, freeing his teammates and Mrs. Yamamoto, whom Tetrax managed to grab and save her in time.
"Tetrax, get Mrs. Yamamoto out of here! Rook and I will help Julie," NRG said firmly, "Had the feeling those mysterious drivers will show up soon!"
Tetrax nodded firmly, "Got it! Will be back to you soon!"
NRG fired his heat beam at Death Viral's back, allowed Julie to launch the punch at her face. Holding tight on Mrs. Yamamoto, Tetrax ran straight towards the entrance. Both of them have escaped. NRG and Rook approached and helped Julie to stand up. Three of them turned and faced off Death Viral, who slowly got up from the ground.
"Three against one? How pathetic and predictable..." Death Viral said amusingly, "I've got my own backup."
BOOM! A grayish Lamborghini Aventador and blue snow truck emerged out from the behind of old machinery. They both charged and rammed both NRG and Rook off for the fight, leaving Julie to fight off Death Viral. Both of them began punching and kicking at each other for few times, though the latter is unable fight well due to the former proved to stronger and faster for her to defeat.
Lockdown's Car Mode continued rolling around the factory, making Rook struggled to hold onto him. Luckily, he managed to use his Proto Armor's gauntlet to launch the grappling hook on the roof supporters, allowing him to get up. He then armed and fired his Proto-Tool Blaster Mode at him. He didn't seem to be fazed by the attack. The car turned around and fired his blasters and missiles, prompting him to use Energy Shield to block the attacks. The car throttled up his engines and tires before charged and rammed at him again. Rook, using his Power Gauntlet Punches, holding on and withstand the attack for the moment. He also then gave a powerful taser shocks and his Proto-Tool acted as Auto Turret to fire the shots at him. Despite he gave it all, Lockdown's car mode didn't feel any damage before ramming and knocking him off.
NRG and Snow Truck were ramming and pushing each other for the moment, and none of them make the move. Using his Radioactive Powers, NRG gave the painful burning heat on the truck, making him yelped in pain. He then fired and blasted powerful laser beam in knocking him off. NRG grunted in pain as he hit his Omnitrix, turning into Cannonbolt. The snow truck charged and tried to hit him but missed due to Arburian Pelarota evaded and bounced around the area before strike back at him for few times. Aftermath, he transformed into Chromastone, who unleashed full powerful laser beam in hitting the snow truck. As soon as he gently landed on the ground, the snow truck emerged and rammed him off straight to computer. He then fired electrical net to trap and hold him against it. Chromastone tried to fight but got shocked by the attack.
Both Julie and Death Viral fought and battled with each other fiercely. Both of them fiercely and violently swung and struck the punches at each other for 10 - 15 times until they thrust their punches at each other's faces. Death Viral quickly swung her kick at her gut before grabbed and continued kicking at hers for five times. She slammed her to the ground. She launched some punches at her, struggling to get up and defend herself. Eventually, Julie managed to push Death Viral off. She then swung her kick at her before gave some punches at her but missed and evaded by her.
Death Viral grabbed before twisted and held her arms back, followed by kicking and kneeling Julie to the ground. She grabbed and strangled Julie hard by throat, making the latter yelped in pain and suffocating some air. She then slowly twist her head around, about to kill her.
"Kai, stop! You're killing her!" Chromastone shouted in pain and agony.
Rook grunted, "It doesn't have to be this way!"
Death Viral scoffed, "Too little, too late. Time to eat your flesh for good, Yamamoto..."
And just before Death Viral could finish her off, everyone heard tire's loud screeching noise. They turned to the entrance, where they found a motorcyclist was riding her crimson motorcycle, heading straight at them. Using the ramp, she slide and jumped off before kicked it straight at Death Viral off. She turned and fired her swarms in attacking and driving both Lockdown and Clone Sentinel Prime off, and also freeing Chromastone and Rook. Max and Tetrax have arrived as well. They helped out two of them. They all regrouped at once.
"Elena! You came!" Julie exclaimed in relief.
"You bet I am." Elena said firmly. She then gave a hard punch at Julie's face, "That's for sneaking in the lad and stealing the Marauder Suit, without telling us of what's going on!"
Julie yelped in pain, "Ow! That hurt!"
"Don't ever do that again." Elena said firmly. She took the metallic box, "Anyway, got a present for you, Julie."
As Julie opened the metallic box, it revealed healthy Ship. The Mechamorph Pup barked wildly and happily as he jumped on Julie. He gave her a lick on face, making her giggle and commented to see him alive again. Ben and his friends smiled in relief to see them together.
"I'm so glad and happy that you're alive, Ship. I was worried and scared for you..." Julie said in relief. She turned and found Death Viral grunted to stand up. She looked at Ship, "You ready, boy?"
Ship nodded firmly. The Mechamorph Pup merged and formed together with Julie as they both became Armorstrike. She is now armed with her twin glowing green katanas. Chromastone hit his Omnitrix as he turned into Humongousaur. Elena summoned and formed her Nanites into Nanite-V while armed with her blasters. Max, Tetrax and Rook are armed with their blasters. All of them formed a perimeter around themselves for the fight.
Death Viral and two transports managed to get up and readied for the next fight. Team Ben looked at each other for the moment. They all nodded firmly. Humongousaur and Max charged and engaged the Clone Sentinel Prime's Snow Truck. Tetrax and Rook are engaging Lockdown's Lamborghini Aventador. Julie and Elena are fighting Death Viral.
Humongousaur roared out loud as he charged and rammed against the snow truck. Surprisingly, the truck managed to recover before firing powerful laser cannon at his face. He then charged and rammed him off for two to five times. Humongousaur tried to land a punch at it but keep missing the attack and got hit very hard for few times from laser blasts and ramming. He scooped Humongousaur over him. He landed on the ground hard. And just before the Vaxasaurian could recover, Clone Sentinel Prime's Truck reverse and trapped him against the walls. Max came to his aid by entering the truck as he began moving steering wheel, pushing the gear down and hitting gas pedal, making it go crazy like riding the red bull. Unfortunately for Max, the driver seat launched the seat belts in trapping and holing him tight. He armed and aimed the blasters at him. Luckily, Humongausur recovered as he grabbed and tear out the door before getting Max out. He then threw Clone Sentinel Prime's Snow Truck straight out of the entrance, hitting at the river hard. Both of them looked at each other as they gave high-five.
Throttling and riling his engines, Lockdown's Lamborghini Aventador rolled out to surround and go around Tetrax and Rook. Both of them have tried to fire and blasted their guns at him but missed due to him driving too fast for them to catch up. Unfortunately for them, he blasted and fired his blasters at them, forcing them dodge and evade the attacks while trying to shoot or attack him but to miss and got knocked out at ease. The car then launched the grappling hook on Rook, before pulling and dragging him as he go around and around for few times, making Tetrax having hard to attack. Lockdown even grappled and dragged Tetrax along. Both of them grunted and moaned in pain to feel the attack. Noticing the tires ahead of them, both Tetrax and Rook fired their blasters in damaging and destroying tires, flipping them and the car over. They quickly cut off the rope, freeing themselves while Lockdown's Lamborghoini Aventador got thrown out of the factory's walls.
Both Armorstrike and Nanite-V are facing off Death Viral, who hissing and snarling playfully at them. Three of them are armed with their own modernized and armored swords. Death Viral gestured Armorstrike to come and challenge her. Angered by arrogance and challenge, she charged and swung her katanas at the red armored warrior, who easily dodge and evade the attacks for few times before grabbed it and then gave some punches on the guts before kicked her. She was about to finish the greenish warrior until Nanite-V jumped and kicked her off. She then struck and thrust her armored sword at the red warrior, who fiercely fight back. Both of them swung and struck their blades fiercely and violently for few times until Death Viral dodged and swiped kick to trip Nanite-V down. She armed and fired her Death Cannon at her but kicked off by Armorstrike.
Armorstrike helped Nanite-V to get up. Both of them gave a gentle fist bump. They turned and faced off Death Viral. They both armed and readied for her to make a move. Thus, she did. Death Viral charged and swung her twin katanas at them. They blocked the attacks before kicked her off. She then charged and swung her blades against them as they fought back as well. Both of them swung and struck their blades against her as hard and fierce as they can. Unfortunately, she was too swift and skillful for them to handle. Nanite-V swung the sword on left side while Armorstrike attacked on the right but blocked and held on by Death Viral for the moment. She then thrust herself up before kicked them aside. They tried to fight her off but they got easily punched and kicked for ten times before kicked their faces off.
As Armorstrike tried to recover, she got grabbed and slammed against the walls. Death Viral fired the cuffs on her hands against the walls. Nanite-V tried to help but Death Viral fired her Death Cannon on the ground, causing the explosion and knocked her off to another side. The crimson armored warrior turned her attention to greenish armored one as she began punching on her guts for one time, then hitting on chest five times before struck at her face for ten times until the helmet come off. Julie coughed a bit before spill some blood out.
"How does it feel now, Julie?" Death Viral asked as she revealed the face of Kai. She smirked, "To be beaten by me with the power you stupidly rejected."
Julie coughed painfully, "Kai, you've gotta take that spawn off now!"
"Why should I? I loved having it as my battle suit."
"Kai, I know how it feels. It makes you feel stronger, faster and powerful than before. But at that price, you'll lose your humanity. I've hurt so many people. Please, don't do this."
Death Viral scoffed, "It is too late, Yamamoto. It's my turn to hurt you for what you have done to me!"
"Let her go, Kai!" The firm voice called out. Everyone turned to their back as they found Achak and Wes were there, along with Cooper, Driba and Blukic. He continued with firm glare, "I said let her go now!"
Death Viral snarled in anger, "Stay out of this, father! This doesn't concern you at all!"
"It does when my daughter is doing something irresponsible again! I am ashamed of you! Have I taught you anything?!" Achak scoffed as he marched towards Death Viral, "I taught you to be humble, selfless and responsible girl to bring honor to your family and tradition, and also other people. All you ever did is doing it for yourself. And now, you just want revenge on someone's being honest than you! How petty you really are! I am truly disappointed with you. You have brought dishonor to your family and me."
Death Viral snarled, "Anything else you want to criticize me, dad?! I would love to hear it like how you kicked me out!"
"Yes. There is one person you should blame. And it is me..." Achak said firmly, which shocked Death Viral. He continued with a sight, "Kai, I am sorry for everything. I should have raised and taught you better. I am a terrible father. I should never have kicked you because of my temper and stupid reputation."
The anger and ferocious she has slowly turned into gentleness, Kai said, "Dad, no! It's not true. You're not a terrible father."
"Yes, I am. After your mother passed away, I chose to deal with sadness by going to another place to do my work while ignoring you the most. I left you behind with your grandfather because he could teach and raise you better. But I was wrong. What you need the most is me. And it is time I acted as a father you needed the most."
"Dad..."
"Please, Kai. Let it go. Come home with me."
"I don't know if I can?" Kai said tearfully.
Achak smiled, "Let your father help you. I'll bring you home."
Though scared and worried, Kai nodded tearfully. As Achak slowly approached to his daughter, she was about to reach her father's hand. Instead of grabbing and holding his hand, her left claw reacted strangely. It formed a sharp claw and extended its nails right at the chest. It shocked everyone and even Kai.
"Nooooooooooooo!" Kai screamed in shock and tears. Achak yelped in pain as blood spilled and flowing down from his mouth. With nails detached, he fell to the ground from his back. She then screamed out loud. She screamed, "WHAT HAVE I DONE?!"
"Kai, get it off you now!" Julie pleaded.
Kai tried to peel out the armor but it stuck to her body now. Her visor began to form around her face, scaring and shocking her.
"Heeeeelllllllllppppppppp meeeeeeeeeeeee!" Kai screamed in fear and pain. Her visor has covered her face. Death Viral has taken over her. She gave the loud screech, scaring everyone up. She snarled, "Prepare to die!"
Death Viral armed with her katana as she prepared to kill Julie. Luckily, Spidermonkey fired his ball of web at her face before blasted off by Nanite-V and Rook. The rest of Team Ben arrived and helped Julie up. Her helmet reformed while readied with her katana. They all facing at Death Viral now.
"We've gotta do something," Armorstrike said in concern.
"We will. What we need is electricity to shut it down!" Spidermoneky howled in concern, "I'm running out of time and energy!"
"You don't need to!" Blukic exclaimed happily as he and his partner brought the wagon of new armored guns. He smiled, "Presenting the EMP Armored Blasters ready!"
Driba added, "For the record, they're prototype."
"It's all we need," Spidermonkey said firmly as he grabbed the EMP Armored Blaster. He fired his blaster at Death Viral, which gave her some shocks. He shouted, "Hit that spawn with everything you've got!"
"Form the perimeter! We can't let it escaped! Not this time!" Max ordered firmly.
As ordered, almost everyone, excluding Achak who was wounded by the attack, grabbed and armed with the EMP Armored Blasters. They all formed the perimeter around Death Viral, who is armed with her blasters. She gave the loud screech.
"Open fire!" Armorstrike cried.
Everyone began firing and blasting their EMP Armored Blasters at Death Viral. The crimson armored warrior received the blasts and hits as she began to feel the pain and agony while screaming and screeching out loud in pain. No matter where she tried to go or even tried to attack her enemies, she got blocked and blasted back to the middle.
The EMP Blasts has taken some serious critical hits on her, weakening and wounding her a lot. With that, Death Viral's armor is coming off while exposing screaming Kai. This allowed Spidermonkey to fire his web in capturing and pulling her out of the armor. Wes grabbed and held her in time.
Though Team Ben has rescued Kai, they noticed something off and uneasy with Death Viral armor. it slowly formed into a gigantic yet much more terrifying and demonically than before especially turning into much larger snake-like monster. Her appearance scared the hell of Team Ben as they have never seen and fought monster like her. And just before they could do anything, she unleashed the Death Cannon on the ground, repelling them off. And at the same time, Death Viral's tail grabbed and coiled around her body, slowly tightening the grip, making her screamed in pain.
Feared for her safety, Spidermonkey hits Omnitrix, turning into Upgrade. He grabbed and merged with EMP Armored Blaster into more advanced and powerful weapon, with the help of Rook to fire and blast at the creature, weakening it. Nanite-V rushed in as she grabbed and saved Armorstrike in time. They all regrouped.
Team Ben looked at each other as they nodded firmly. Both Nanite-V and Armorstrike formed together into a large twin cannons-like, along with Rook placing both Proto Tool's Pod Launcher Mode and EMP Armored Blaster and finally merged and upgraded by Upgrade. They then charged up the cannon's power. As Death Viral was about to attack again, Team Ben screamed out loud as they fired the cannon at her, blasting and destroying her into pieces. It was burning up alive to death. There were no remains of it for good...
Everyone sighed in relief that they have defeated and finished Death Viral for good. They then turned and looked at Wes, who was hugging and comforting Kai close to him while looking at his wounded son. Cooper, Driba and Bluckic did their best to patch his wounds.
"Dad..." Kai said sadly and painfully.
Achak coughed painfully, "I'm alright. Just a scratch..." He turned and looked at Team Ben. He asked, "Is the demon gone?"
Armorstrike nodded, "Yeah. They're gone for good."
Achak sighed in relief, "Thank god..." He turned and looked at Kai, "Everything's alright now. I'm gonna spend more time with you. I promised."
Kai cried tearfully, "I know, dad... I know..."
"Everyone, I am sorry for what happen today," Julie said in guilt while bowing down, "I should have taken care of that monster when I got myself free."
Upgrade transformed back to Ben. He approached and patted Julie's back, "Julie, you've got nothing to apologize. We're glad that you're back to yourself and with Ship again."
Elena nodded, "Yeah. We got here in time."
"Julie, you don't have to continue this if you're too scared." Ben said calmly.
Julie shook head, "No. I'll be fine, Ben. I've got friends like you. I'm not alone. Besides, you'll need some help to fight Malware. I have the feeling he might plan something bigger."
"Yeah. I guess so..." Ben said in agreement.
"Think that's the last we've seen of monster?" Elena asked in concern.
Rook nodded, "I hope so. I do not want to become like that again."
"To be honest, I hope that was the last thing we have seen," Max said in concern, "If she's anything like Malware, she might survive this."
"If she did, we'll be ready for her," Tetrax said firmly.
"By the way, Elena, where did you find Ship?" Julie asked.
"We didn't," Elena answered, "Quintessa helped send us Ship. I don't understand why she would do that. It's kinda odd of her to help us when we've been chasing and hunting her down."
Rook hummed in concern, "That is strange..."
"Maybe another time we'll find out and capture her alive." Tetrax said firmly and calmly.
Team Ben nodded in agreement. They all turned to the entrance, where they found Mr. and Mrs. Yamamoto have arrived and entered the scene, accompanied by Plumber Troopers, They rushed and gaved Julie a comfort hug as three of them cried tearfully and happily. The rest of Team Ben smiled in relief to see the family are together. Everything's alright now...
Unknown to the group, Quintessa has seen everything from the factory's distant window. She was accompanied by injured Lockdown and Clone Sentinel Prime. She smirked amusingly and sinisterly to see the event.
Quintessa smiled, "The time will come. This world will fall and remade into Quintessons. I promised you..."
Quintessa snapped her fingers, summoning the portal that allowed her and her generals to march and enter it. They have been teleported to another area now.
At Dr. Psychobos's Space Station, Malware and his accomplices were walking down the hallway as they're heading straight to another chamber. They also received the latest reports that Viral not only has failed them but also was killed.
"What a pity. Our first experiment was killed. Such a disappointment," Dr. Psychobos complained in anger.
Albedo nodded, "Indeed. She has succeeded of capturing and bonding with other humans, turning them into our pawns. She was a perfect specimen. We could use her help to lead the invasion."
"Viral will not be defeated and killed easily..." Malware said calmly and firmly, "I have confidence that she will return and reunite with me. For now, we must build and train our army. They must be ready for war."
"An army?" Khyber asked in surprise.
"Yes. Viral wasn't the only Mechamorph to be created." Dr. Psychobos said calmly.
"Since her creation, we have created more of them now," Albedo said amusingly.
"Yes." Malware said calmly as he and his accomplices entered the chamber. All of them were looking at the large several rows of canisters-like tubes containing of greenish liquid with various sizes of Red Mechamorph within. He smirked, "All of them will be ready for war. None shall stand in my way for revenge against Azmuth. Not even Tennyson..."
Beneath the factory's lies dirty sewerage. And something was dripping on the floor. After the drip, the goo slowly formed into blackish goo with spikes and reddish circuits. It raised its head up before gave the loud screech.
"Viral lives!"
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Kelly Hu: Julie Yamamoto/Armorstrike, Ship, Viral
Johnny Yong Bosh: Ben Tennyson, Upgrade, Plumber Cadet #1
Bumper Robinson: Rook Blonko, Plumber Cadet #2, Plumber Officer
Dave Fennoy: Tetrax Shard
Bettina Bush: Kai Green/Death Viral, Plumber Cadet #3
Minor Casts:
Paul Eiding: Max Tennyson, Blukic
Kirk Thornton: Malware
Johnathon Freeman: Dr. Psychobos
David Kaye: Khyber
Lex Lang: Albedo the Galvan
Eric Bauza: Driba
Tia Texada: Elena Validus
Nolan North: Cooper Daniels
Douglas Rye: Mr. Yamamoto
Jennifer Hale: Mrs. Yamamoto
Genma Chan: Quintessa
Mark Ryan: Achak Green, Lockdown
Townsend Coleman: Clone Sentinel Prime
Fred Tatesciore: Humungousaur, Cannonbolt
Dee Bardley Baker: NRG, Spidermonkey, Chromastone
Cameo:
Miguel Najera: Wes Green
Corey Burton: Mr. Baumann
