Lonestar88: ML-E is not an addict, she just loves games. No it does not hurt her grades. And of course she is a rebel, she is Ben's daughter.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Or it could lead to something good.
Mighty TAB X: None of her parents let Kevin teach her that course. Do not worry, she will get better.
Here are a few reviews answered by Ghost:
Mighty TAB X: Kevin's out of that game right now. Yeah, Krystal will pull through, it'll be alright.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Yeah, it's the start of a small pre-teen 'rebellion'
Lonestar88: She doesn't have a gaming addiction, she just likes playing games.
Co-Writter: GhostKaiser23
Artist: GhostKaiser23, he goes by Hangman12 on Deviantart. Either look him up, or go to my profile to see links to all of his official work for this story
Disclaimer: Cartoon Network owns Ben 10
Authors Note:
I hope you all enjoyed last chapter and have a good Halloween. I waited until today to upload this week, giving me a chance to do 5 for this special day
Krystal's Harem
Chapter 20: Secret of the SpeedRun
"Hmm..." Krystal yawned lightly as she was getting out the bed. It had been a few weeks since her issue with... Well... The fungi zombies and she was getting some counseling with her psychological problems and she was making progress
"Good morning honey." Ben spoke kindly "Sleep well?" Ben had returned from his search for James. Not succeeding yet, but he felt like he was close
"It's...getting better." Krystal answered, hugging her father.
Ben nodded, holding her close "You want some waffles?" Ben asked
"Please...Syrup and strawberries." Krystal answered. Ben nodded, going to make breakfast
"Morning Krystal." Luna spoke as she came down next.
"You okay Moons?" Krystal asked, hugging her quickly
"Yeah... Atem apologized, but...I just wish he told us WHY he was acting like he was..." Luna answered, liking the nickname her sister gave her.
"Eh, boys can be stupid. Part of the reason why I like girls." Krystal shrugged with a chuckle
"... You think I can like girls as well?" Luna asked innocently
"If that's what you want." Krystal said seriously "I don't care which sexual orientation you eventually choose. But choose it, be it, because it is who YOU are and what makes you happy. Okay?"
"Okay sis. Thank you." Luna smiled, hugging back. Krystal hugged back, Ben walking over carrying two plates of pancakes
"Here you go." Ben spoke, putting them down
"Thanks/thank you, daddy." Luna and Krystal answered
Atem walked down, yawning "Good morning..." Atem rubbed his eyes
"Hey son." Ben smiled
"Hello, father." Atem spoke kindly, yet tiredly
"Late night?" He frowned in worry
"Something like that..." Atem answered sadly. 'I...Just wish...I could tell them.'
Ben frowned lightly at that, sighing "You want anything? I'm on a bit of a cooking spree." Ben asked kindly
"Anything." Atem shrugged
"Alright then."
*Upstairs*
ML-E was snoozing in her bed. She had been up till nearly 3AM, kicking ass at the game competition and she won first prize. People were cheering for her, but she didn't want to get cocky, so she took her prize and headed home. The prize being $10,000 and a trophy. She hid both, getting ready for the next competition... As she slept
In the other room, Scout was planning a day out with his friends. He was packing his backpack in excitement, grinning 'I wonder what the guys are gonna do today?' He thought. He didn't remember being this exited before! He almost ran downstairs with all of his stuff and said 'hi' to his family. He grabbed an apple, taking a bite out of it before he was running out of the house
"I-Scout..." Ben spoke "Sheesh...Him and his friends... Thick as thieves already."
"Friends?" Luna blinked
"Yeah, your mothers told me about it." Ben answered. Luna blinked and smiled, although she still somehow looked sad "Is everything okay with you as well?" Ben asked Luna
"I'm fine." She nodded
"Well... Okay then." Ben responded but he frowned in worry about his children 'I really should stay for a bit longer here. Just to get this sorted out.' He thought. He sighed, rubbing his forehead gently 'I hope this isn't going to be a huge problem.' He thought
*time skip*
"Hi guys. I'm here." Scout spoke as he met up with his friends
"Took you long enough." One of the humans joked
"Sorry, I came as fast as I could. So, what're we doing? Arcade? Park?" Scout asked in excitement.
"Come on." Another grinned, the group walking off
"Okay." Scout nodded and followed. He blinked in confusion as he realized they were at the mall "Um... Why... Why're we at the mall?" Scout asked. The others shrugged at that "Okay... So... What're we gonna do?" Scout asked
"Just look around." A guy shrugged, the two walking inside
"Okay." Scout nodded and walked around to the comic shop and other stores. He didn't notice that the others were taking stuff off the shelves and sneaking them away but he bought himself a comic with his own allowance while his back was turned
"Perfect haul." One grinned as they left
"Huh? I'm sorry?" Scout asked as he put his purchased comic in his bag. The kids just grinned and showed the comics sneakily "I...Wh-What?" Scout rubbed his eyes in shock
"Let's go!" They grinned, running off
"I... Did... Did that... Happen?" Scout blinked, feeling his stomach fall to the floor. His... Friends... They just shop lifted. Was he a bad judge in friends? Or...Did he not really know them? But... His dad... His dad would kill him! 'Oh...Oh my god...I...Oh god!' He thought heading to the benches, feeling like he was going to throw up. Soon his friends walked out of the video game shop and saw him, walking over
"Hey, Scout. You didn't join us?" The Mechamorph boy asked
"Yeah, we thought you wanted to hang out." One of the human boys added
"You guys stole." Scout whispered but they heard him
"Yeah. So?" One of the boys answered
"It's wrong. You shouldn't steal." Scout answered "Stealing is wrong!"
"We thought you were cool." The boys turned on Scout.
"I-I AM cool! I don't steal!" Scout responded, feeling betrayed
"No, you're a dork." Another scoffed
"I... I thought we were friends." Scout shook in place, his eyes welling up from this betrayal of trust.
"We are. You're being an uncool bitch." Another frowned
Scout frowned and choked up as he stood in place... And then he ran out of the mall but they chased after him 'Run, run. Just run!' He thought sadly 'Head. Home!'
*time skip*
"So Scout's out with his friends? That's nice; I wonder what he's doing now?" Attea wondered as she and Ben were resting in the living room.
"I don't know." Ben sighed, holding her close "Our kids are growing up."
"Have you managed to talk to Atem yet?" Attea asked
"I will. Don't worry." Ben sighed. That was when Scout came through the door with dried tears and snot down his face.
"Atem?" The two blinked, their son rushing past them and upstairs
"That...That was Scout." Attea frowned.
"Oh boy. What happened?" Ben looked in worry.
"We should ask." Attea spoke, getting from her seat on Ben's lap.
Ben nodded, the two going upstairs. The two heard sobbing from inside his room, whatever Scout went through...It traumatised him. Ben knocked on the door politely "Scout? Is...Is everything okay, buddy?" Ben asked
"GO AWAY!" Scout yelled
Both Attea and Ben were stunned at their son's immediate response. "Scout Maximillian Tennyson, you take that back RIGHT NOW!" Attea snapped, losing her patience from her worry. Ben frowned and shook his head, opening the door slowly. Inside he saw Scout having thrown his backpack across his room and his head on his desk, like he had slammed it there. Ben walked over and hugged his son, sitting down
"D-Don't touch me!" He flinched at his father's touch.
"It's okay." Ben soothed "Its okay Scout. I'm here."
"I-I'm horrible! I...I-" Scout hiccoughed
"Scout. You are an AMAZING little boy." Ben smiled, rubbing his sons back "Come on, what's wrong?"
"Th-The boys... Who... Who I hung out with... They... They were s-st..." Scout choked up, hard to say the word 'friend'
"What is it, Scout? You can tell us." Ben spoke
"They... They were... S-Stealing!" Scout shook and covered his face in fear.
"They were?" He blinked
"At the mall. I... I went with them... We went... to the comic shop... Then... Then... They went... To the game store." Scout sobbed.
"Scout." Attea knelt down and looked to their son "Did YOU take anything?"
"NO!" Scout said quickly in fear "I didn't! I promise! You gotta believe me! I bought it with my allowance!" he begged in fear
"Hey, hey, we weren't accusing you." Ben soothed "We believe you pal."
"Y-You do?" Scout whimpered, his eyes watering weakly
"Yeah; of course we do." Ben answered "We know you'd never do something like that." Scout whimpered before hugging his dad tightly. Ben hushed his son, smiling gently at his honesty "It's alright son. It's okay." He reassured him "You aren't in trouble."
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I... I made bad friends..." Scout apologized
"It's fine." Attea sighed, patting his head
*Time Skip*
It was dinner time, Ben helping Fifi cook with Scout joining in "Thank you for helping, Scout." Fifi smiled
"It's the least I could do." He said guiltily
"Scout..." Ben frowned, his son still feeling guilty about his former friends but he knew he shouldn't say anything.
"Should I get the plates?" Scout offered
"Oh, I can't let you do that." Fifi answered
"I don't mind. I can do multiple trips." Scout answered, going to the cupboard and took two plates out, making sure he didn't take more than needed.
Ben sighed, knowing his son was just trying to be good/help 'Scout...' He thought as he saw Scout put the plates on the table carefully.
"There we go!" he smiled "Shall I get everyone?" Scout asked cautiously.
"Sure." Ben sighed. Scout quickly nodded and headed out, going to get his various family members.
"Okay, what's happened with Scout?" Fifi asked, in concern.
"You know his new 'friends'? Thieves." He sighed
"What? Oh... God... Scout, did he-?" Fifi asked in worry and shock
"No. No, he didn't." Ben quickly answered "He came straight home."
"But still...THIEVES..." Fifi whispered
"Exactly." He nodded
"And he thinks...This is his punishment?" Fifi asked
"He's punishing himself... He shouldn't but... He feels like he has to earn our trust back... Like I had to earn Grandpa Max's trust back when I first met Kevin." Ben remembered when he was 10. Fifi nodded, kissing him gently
*With Scout*
Scout went upstairs, knocking on each of his sibling's doors and waiting for a response, to let them know about dinner. They were all out of their rooms and going downstairs, ML-E seeming exited "Why're you excited?" Atem asked
"No reason!" She squeaked nervously
"Oh... Okay...?" Atem responded
"You okay, Scout?" Luna asked
"Yes." He nodded lightly
"...You want a hug?" Luna offered
"Please." Scout smiled lightly. Luna nodded and hugged her brother "Hmm... Thanks Sis." Scout whispered. Atem frowned a bit, not understanding the pull in his gut at the sight before he looked away
"Ah, good job Scout." Ben praised his son.
"Thanks, Dad." Scout answered. Everyone sat down at the table, smiling
*Time Skip*
Krystal smiled as she relaxed on her bed "Hmm... That... Was a great dinner..." She whispered. She smiled, as it was nearly 10 at night... But she heard something 'The heck?' She thought as she tried to find the source. She walked out of the room, seeing someone moving out of the house... She was ML-E sneaking out! 'What... The HELL?!' She thought in shock as she saw her sister running off. She jumped out of the house and followed with a frown 'Where is she going?' She thought following as silently as she could. She quickly turned to Speed Queen and followed her carefully. The two Kinecelerans went through the town where ML-E slowed down and stopped at a building, where people were queueing. ML-E was wearing a large brown cape that went to her ankle and concealed her perfectly 'The heck are you doing ML-E?' Krystal thought, following her.
"Ah! If it wasn't Queen Mach!" The guard cheered with a smile as he saw the disguised ML-E "You ready for today's completion my lady?" He asked, giving her a clipboard
''Queen Mach'?' Krystal thought
"Ready and waiting. I can't wait to meet the players." ML-E answered
"Go in in." He nodded with a smile. Krystal looked on, waited a few seconds and then proceeded. Hoping to pass the guard "Sorry, this entrance is for players only." The guard spoke
"What? No audience?" Krystal said nervously
The bouncer looked at her, staring lightly. Then smirked, looking her body up and down. "Alright, you can go through. Don't cause any trouble."
Krystal raised an eyebrow but nodded and went inside. Inside there were multiple people talking among themselves, excited and pumped with energy. There were stalls for games and concessions for the participants. It was like a concert or convention, people enjoying themselves, but they were talking about the 'Queen Mach' and her potential second win 'Second win?' Krystal frowned
"Ladies and gentlemen, gamers of all ages. The tournament is about to begin!" The announcer spoke through the announcement system and everyone cheered massively "Well, then. Get to the stage, the gaming is commencing!" The announcer spoke. All the people went to their seats seeing the screens and the names appearing under the screens. Soon the contestants appeared; eight different competitors. One of them Krystal was keeping her eye on: ML-E. Well she would be. But... She couldn't see her sister anywhere and there was a controller without a contestant making her curious
"Who...Who is that?" Krystal whispered to herself
"And now! For who you've all been waiting for!" The announcer said, the lights turning off as some spot lights swept across the room and music began to play
'Wait... That music sounds familiar.' Krystal thought as her eyes narrowed
"She is our returning champion!" The announcer continued "As well as having broken five records last night during her debut!"
Suddenly the music began to pick up and Krystal's eyes widened 'Wait! I know that song!' Krystal thought 'It... It is James' song to ML-E!'
"IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT'S QUEEN MACH!" The announcer roared as all the spot lights shifted to a platform. There ML-E stood, still concealed under her cape, as confetti cannons went off around her and the crowd cheered. And then the song shifted to the lyrical portion, James' voice singing through the speakers
"Don't trust, no matter how advanced,
A machine may be!
You know, it needs a human mind
To issue the commands!" James' voice sang over the speakers softly, a bit of an odd song to start as ML-E just stood there
"Even when the world is in despair over the perversity of times,
I'll show you we can save those who take the straight and narrow path!
Once hesitation sets in, someone else takes over,
Don't let history come to a crash!"
"Searching!" ML-E suddenly called, the image of a character from an FPS appearing on the game screen "Destroying!" She continued, the picture shifting to the K.O. moment of a fighter game "Both done... At Mach speed!" She called, clapping hard and making the crowd cheering
'She's a natural entertainer.' Krystal thought with a slight smile
"DRIVE AT TOP GEAR!" James' voice sang strongly, the music quickening it's pace
"Every day you try,
Don't let your soul run on empty!
Keep a tank full of passion, let's take action!
It's the beginning of life, we are so Alive!
Shake off everything!
You can keep going, even if alone,
DON'T LOOSE YOUR MIND!"
"Queen Mach!" ML-E called sprinting down to the stage and skidding to a perfect stop "HAS ARRIVED!" She yelled and everyone cheered loudly as the song had a small guitar riff, Krystal clapping with the crowd as they began to clap in time with the best if the song
"It's Time, this is the moment
For the decisive strike." James' recorded voice sang softly again
"Indicators flashing, a crashing alert?
The outcome rests upon you!"
'This song...' Krystal thought as she analysed the lyrics 'He wants ML-E to know she doesn't need a Matrix to be special. That she can be amazing by herself. That she should give up, that she should keep going. She should find what she loves and pour every drop of passion she has into it but not let it be everything to her, to not let her run out of passion by being consumed by her passion.' she analysed, proud of her big brother for making such a song and crying gently because of it
"There's no way to calculate the odds of a miracle,
Bet on the strength of your vision which can't be quantified!" James' recorded voice continued, the crowd starting to lightly sing along to it
"If you stand fast out of fear of getting hurt,
Happiness shall prove elusive..."
"3. 2. 1!" ML-E counted down before she called "Let's go!'
"DRIVE AT TOP GEAR!" James' recorded voice sang passionately again, the entire audience signing along now
"Nobody can rid,
Your mind is something,
That nobody is odd can control, got to be strong!
Life doesn't just stop, keep your pride,
Defy the gravity!
If you're the only one that can get moving, so...
DON'T LOOSE YOUR MIND!"
"That's it!" ML-E encouraged the crowd, even her soon to be opponents clapping and singing along
'ML-E can't just sit back and wait for her dream to be real. She has to make it real. She can't let sadness or fear over take her.' Krystal continued to analyse the song 'He knows she can encourage people, inspire them. And that's why she needs to keep going... Oh James.' she thought, crying lightly
After another small guitar riff James's recording continued to sing "If somewhere in your heart,
You're not able to make a decision,
Managing your strength will prove difficult!"
"Drive at Top Gear!" The entire stadium sang loudly as one in time with the music, signing along perfectly
"Every day you try!
Don't let your soul run on empty!
Keep a full tank of passion, let's take action!
It's the beginning of life, we're so Alive!
Shake off everything!
Even if you're alone,
Drive at Top Gear!
You've got nothing to lose!
If you're the only one who can get moving, so,
DON'T LOOSE YOUR MIND!"
Everyone cheered as the music began to end, ML-E standing proudly and bowing. Krystal stood there in amazement, looking at her sister
"Ladies and gentlemen: QUEEN MACH!" The announcer called out. ML-E bowed several times before she turned around and took the last controller, a golden one "Are our contestants ready?" The announcer asked
"YES!" The contestants answered.
"Ready? ...BEGIN!" The announcer called out
"MIGHTY ACTION X!" the game called as it turned on and the crowd cheered
"Time to clear without any continues!" ML-E called with a click of her fingers as she and her opponents started their individual game
The game was on, everyone pressing buttons as fast as they could to try and win. However Krystal KNEW ML-E wasn't going all out speed wise. There was another Kineceleran competing and the species speed was going against it as it was going TOO fast for the game to pick up some of its commands. ML-E was showing not just her control of her speed but also showing her pure skill, using moves and short cuts only a hard core gamer would notice and be able to exploit. Heck at the start of the completion ML-E was LAST during most of the first level, on purpose as she was clearly testing the games reaction time and the amount of frames needed for things like jumping, damage stun and invincibility but also all these small mechanics of the game from not just her screen but the others. But once she had a firm grasp of the game she went all out and easily took the lead. Soon the third level was finished and the round was over, three contestants eliminated with ML-E coming first
"Round one is finished!" The announcer called, everyone cheering "Now for round two! Do any of the contestants need a break?"
The contestants said no, except for ML-E who got out a water bottle and had a quick drink, flexing her fingers and then got back to the game "Ready." She spoke
"Then...BEGIN!" The announcer spoke
"TADDEL QUEST!" the game called as they started
The remaining 5 contestants worked hard, this game being an RPG set in medieval time. They had to make the most of their starter equipment before they get to, and defeat, the first boss in the quickest time. Four of the five contestants tried to head in for a hack and slash on spawning enemies. ML-E was playing smarter than that. She was utilising the quick-quests and defeating enemies. While she was also upgrading her weapons as she went
'Wow, ML-E's speed...Her skill at this...She could win.' Krystal thought in shock
"Game over." Two contestants were knocked out by the boss.
"Two more contestants are knocked out!" The announcer called out "Everyone ready for round 3?"
"Two minutes, please." ML-E asked
"Alright. Contestants will have a small break before Round 3." The announcer spoke
'She's not getting cold feet now is she?' Krystal thought. Less than the time limit later, ML-E came back, looking relieved. Looks like she just needed to go to the toilet.
"BANG-BANG SHOOTING!" the third game called suddenly, this one being an FPS as the three remaining contestants getting ready. After this round there would only be 2 left.
"Ready...? BEGIN!" The announcer called out.. The three were put into 'Slayer Mode'. Meaning: First ones to whatever the set number was, win and one again, their fingers where zooming across their controllers. Their characters where moving, shooting and ducking
Krystal was looking with bated breath, but believing in her sister
"Game over." The game proclaimed.
Contestant 1: 46 enemies
Contestant 2: 37 enemies
Queen Mach: 51 enemies (Bonus 1 for double headshot at the end)
"The top two: are Contestant 1 and Queen Mach!" The announcer proclaimed
"We shall now have a ten minute break to allow our contestants a chance to breath!" The announcer continued "But for now, here are several possibilities of the game of the night!"
Suddenly the game system began to call several different games as different cartridges where placed into it "BAKSOU BIKE!" a racing game "SHAKARIKI SPORTS!" an extreme sports game about performance the most tricks "GEKITOSU ROBOTS!" A robot fighting game "DOREMIFA BEAT!" a rhythm game "JET COMBAT!" A plane fighting game "GIRIGIRI CHAMBARA!" a samurai sword fighter game "DRAGO KNIGHT HUNTER Z!" a dark souls style game where you fight giant monsters although it is less hard "DANGEROUS ZOMBIE!" The final one was a zombie shooting game
"And now we wait!" The announcer said, the two getting off and going backstage
ML-E sighed and went down from the stage and headed to a food stall, where she had some money to pay for it but she blinked... Seeing a familiar Kineceleran standing in front of her
"Hey sis." Krystal as Speed Queen frowned lightly