I don't own Ben 10 or Senki Zesshou Symphogear. All are owned by their respected creators and publishers.
(XLR8)
Chapter 2: The revelation. The tale of the Emerald Hero
Third Person POV
"Heatblast!" Ben declared stunning both Hikari and Hibiki.
"Ben you're…!" Hibiki stammered in realization and amazement.
He gave Hibiki a smirk before answering. "Yup every one of those heroes you've seen in the news!" after he gave Hibiki his answer he once again turned to the large Noise, that was currently creeping towards them.
"Now let me do what I do best." He ignited his hands in to large balls of fire. "Saving the day!" He clasped his hands together and released a beam of intense plasma directly to the right shoulder of the giant. A massive explosion took place and severing its arm, slowly disintegrating to nothing.
The creature roared in pain causing it to stumble back. Ben smirked at that. "Huh serves you right!" He proudly said but was silenced when the stump slowly regenerated back in seconds. "Oh come on! It can regenerate!"
The Noise, taking advantage of Ben's overconfidence grabbed him before he could react and tossed him to a building. Puncturing through the wall and flew inside it.
"Ben-kun!" Hibiki cried out in worry. She then notices the Noise turning its attention back to her and the child. She stood and places herself in front of the child in fighting stance, ready to fight and defend Hikari.
Imyuteus Ame no Habakiri Tron
Arriving from jumping from the roof tops, Tsubasa donned her Symphogear and slashed of two of the Noises arms with ease and landing gracefully to the ground.
"Tsubasa-san!?" Hibiki was stunned and confused on Tsubasa's suddenarrival.
She ignored Hibiki and focused on looking for our alien hero. "Where is he?" she asked Hibiki in a rather serious and cold tone.
"Who?" with that answer Tsubasa narrowed he eyes at Hibiki in annoyance.
"Where's Ben 10!" she almost yelled making Hibiki flinch in surprise since she never seen Tsubasa angry.
"Uh he was knocked back to that building." Hibiki answered guessing that's what Ben calls himself or what Tsubasa calls him when he was transformed.
She briefly turned to were Ben was before returning her attention to the Noise who was finished regenerating its arms. "Stay with the child!" she ordered before dashing off to the Noise.
A large explosion erupted from the building Ben landed on and all stopped even the Noise to see what had happened. They saw something was flying towards them, like something akin to a missile or rocket. Both Hibiki and Tsubasa eyes widen when they realized that it was Ben.
They realized that he was directly heading towards the Noise, showing no signs of slowing down.
By instinct, Tsubasa jumped away from the Noise and was landing next to Hibiki and the girl. The Noise was ready to intercept Ben, but unfortunately it was too slow to catch him mid flight and Ben planted himself inside the chest of the Noise.
"Ben-kun!" Hibiki cried out in worry, while Tsubasa eyes widen in shock on such a reckless move. Yet another thing made them even more amazed was that the center of the Noise chest where Ben was started to glow brighter in a fast rate.
The Noise started to shake violently, like it was trying to hold something in. What happened next was a massive fiery explosion, disintegrating the Noise and Ben floating in its place. Ben slowly landed on the ground and gave a triumphant pose. "And another day saved by yours truly."
"Ben-kun you're alright!" Hibiki yelled while running towards our alien hero. Tsubasa on the other hands stood still in disbelief on Ben's reckless action and that it actually worked.
"Well of course I'm alright. I'm a hero after all." He gave Hibiki a cocky smirk but Hibiki didn't mind. In truth she adored that cockiness of his.
Hearing the word hero Tsubasa glared at Ben, in her mind thinking that he dares calls himself a hero. Taking notice with her death glare Ben turned his attention to her and gave her a friendly smile and greeting.
"Hey Tsubasa glad you could make it." Ben hoped it would lighten the mood of hers. Even though he had tried it a lot of times and didn't seem to work. But to Bens dismay Tsubasa glared intensified. "Sigh… still being hostile huh?"
Hibiki who was looking back and forth from Ben and Tsubasa, unsure what was the problem. "Uh Ben-kun are you and Tsubasa-san in bad terms?" the creamed haired girl asked and Ben can only give her an unsure gesture.
"No idea really…" he said and at that moment the 2nd division arrived at the scene.
(XLR8)
An hour later the 2nd division was nearly done cleaning up the scene. Ben, who was still in his Pyronite form normally would have left already but stayed due to Hibiki. He wasn't sure if she would be alright with them, so stayed to protect her if anything would go south.
"MAMA!" Hikari, who was standing with Hibiki and Ben, cried when she saw her mother arriving with agents accompanying her.
"Hikari!" the mother said when she noticed her daughter voice.
Hikari happily run towards her mother and hugged each other, crying with joy that they are together again.
At this sight Hibiki and Ben couldn't help but smile at the scene. "Sometimes I guess it's all worth it huh." Ben said absent mindedly and Hibiki nodded at that.
The mother then took notice at the two. At first, she was shocked at the sight of Ben as Heatblast but quickly realized that she had seen from the news that there was someone transforming in to different creatures and he would save them from the Noises and in times stop crime.
The mother, still holding on to Hikari slowly walked to Ben and Hibiki and bowed in gratitude. "Thank you so much for saving my daughter."
Hibiki was caught off guard at the sudden thanks of the mother and rendered her speechless. Ben on the other hand smiled at her thanks all though he still hasn't gotten used at the countries customs. "No need to thank us. I'm just glad that I was able to save Hikari."
Then a moment later a female agent came to the mother and child pair. "I'm sorry but we need to talk to the both of you about the incident. If you would, please follow me."
The mother and daughter was confused at first but relented to fallow her, before leaving Hikari turned back to Ben and Hibiki and waved her hand in good bye. "Bye, bye Onii-chan and Onee-chan"
Hibiki and Ben smiled and returned the wave with their own. As they left out of sight Hibiki's armor started to disintegrate into motes of light causing the girl to wobble back. "Ah, huh!"
She was about to fall over but Ben gently caught her before she could fall.
"You ok there Hibiki?" Ben said concern evident in his tone.
Hibiki blushed and hurriedly answered to mask her growing blush. "Ah yah, I'm fine Ben-kun, thank you for just now… and for that other time."
Ben eyes widened at what Hibiki had said. "So you remembered that day huh?"
Hibiki gave a small chuckle. "It was brief but I was barely awake then, only enough to see you transform too…uh Heatblast right?"
Benchucked at such timing for Hibiki to regain her conscious just right at the moment he would transform. "Really the universe is such mystery." He dryly said.
"By the way Ben-kun how could you transform to all these monsters? And why didn't you tell me about it?!" She questioned him a bit hurt for not telling her about such a cool power.
Ben then looked at his surrounding before answering her. "I better leave the explanation for later Hibiki, because there are a lot of unwanted guests right now."
As Ben had said Hibiki saw a dozen or more 2nd division agents surrounded them along with Tsubasa and Shinji.
"Eh?!" Hibiki cried out in a panic now noticing them. Ben on the other hand narrowed his eyes at them. His hand twitched a bit, ready to get Hibiki out of here before things go sour.
"Hibiki Tachibana as ordered by the 2nd division you are to follow us back to headquarters." She said sternly. Her sights turned to our teen hero. "You as well Ben 10, we have a lot of question we would like for you to answer."
Then Shinji walked closer to towards the two with a pair of heavy looking handcuffs. Ben noticed that he was getting closer to Hibiki he set his hand on Hibiki's shoulder and pulled her to his back, blocking Shinji from getting any closer to her.
"I think your close enough." Ben said in an intimidating tone. He wasn't just going to let them take Hibiki and let them treat her like that. "And really handcuffs. Don't you think it's a bit too much for a single girl who wouldn't even hurt a fly?"
"But its regulation…" Shinji reasoned out a bit tense at Bens sudden hostilities. The other agents were in the ready if Bens started to move.
Seeing the situation Ben realized what his statement instigated. He tried to think of anything to defuse the tension and only one thing came to his mind. "Ok listen just don't do anything to Hibiki and I'll come with you to your headquarters. Isn't that what you guys have been trying to do for 2 years? Not a bad deal right?"
Everyone widened their eyes at Ben's suggestion. The elusive hero was willing to go with them in exchange for something rather small, to them at least but Ben had another reason to go with them. He needed answers on what exactly happened to Hibiki and how she acquired the armor she had used. Since her armor was quite similar to Tsubasa's and to Kanade's.
"But…" Shinji blurted unsure what to say.
Tsubasa then sighed and intervened. "Let's accept his offer Ogawa. We can over look standard procedure if in exchange that he will be coming with us willingly."
At that Shinji and the rest of the agents agreed as well.
"Well I'm glad we can agree with something Tsubasa." Ben thanks with a smile but Tsubasa remained indifferent and left to their transport leaving Ben to sigh again.
"Now if would fallow me I'll take you to your transport." Shinji instructed but Ben raised his hand to stop him.
"No thanks me and Hibiki will take my ride you guys just lead the way." Shinji for a second was hesitant but relented anyways seeing no choice on the matter.
As he left Ben turned the dial on his omnitrix and moments later his car drove to the two. "Come on Hibiki get in." He gestured the girl and all she could do was to silently follow.
The two got in and Ben tapped the omnitrix reverting back to his normal form. Hibiki was still amazed at Ben sudden transformation and a lot of questions were forming in her head.
Ben began to drive fallowing the convoy, and a steady silent lingered in the car. Hibiki was growing restless with the silence and began a conversation.
"So Ben uh what exactly is with your transformation and how do you do it?"
Ben wasn't sure at the moment on what to say exactly. He sighed before answering her. "I want to tell you everything Hibiki, I really do, but not right now. I'm pretty sure if everything turns out smoothly then I'll tell everything. So please wait okay?"
Hibiki accepted his answer. It was fair enough but. "If things won't go right?"
She looked down sadly a bit afraid. She then felt a hand rubbing her head and she saw Ben and was smiling at her reassuringly. "Don't worry Hibiki whatever happens I'll protect you ok."
Hibiki's face was not as read as a tomato and Ben swore he could see steam coming out from her. "Th…thank you Ben-kun." Was all Hibiki could mutter.
The rest of the drive was sent comfortable silence until they arrived at the destination. When they did arrive Ben and Hibiki were speechless. The secret location of the 2nd division was actually in Lydian Private Music Academy.
"This is my school…" Hibiki breathe out in shock.
"It was under us the entire time." Ben also breathes out in shock.
Seeing the other leaving there vehicle Hibiki did the same but stopped when she noticed Ben was cycling through his omnitrix. "Ben-kun what are you doing? Is that the thing you use to transform?" Hibiki said and Ben took notice of her question.
"Uh yah, I'm just choosing a form to use. I still don't trust these guys so I'm keeping my identity a secret until I'm sure they can be trusted." Ben explained and finely chose what alien he would use.
The familiar flash of green light and Ben had transformed to Ghostfreak.
"Amazing Ben-kun you look just like a ghost." She said in amazement still amazed at Ben's omnitrix.
He gave Hibiki a light chuckle. "Well his name is Ghostfreak."
Hibiki's spine suddenly went cold when she heard Ben's chilling voice. She won't be getting use to that for a while.
Now both out of the car everyone of the 2nd division was once again stunned at Bens Ectonurite form. Since Ben have not used Ghostfreak as much they had no data and was completely unaware on this form.
"Another one…" Shinji said as he unconsciously fixed his glasses.
"…That would make this his eighteenth form." Tsubasa continued perplexed that Ben yet had another form in his arsenal.
"Aren't we going in?" Ben spoke and like with Hibiki everyone felt a chill when they heard Ben's voice. It was like a very dangerous entity was present, as expected of the nature of the Ectonurite.
"A-anyway we should hurry. The commander is expecting us by now." Tsubasa spoke to break the ice but everyone still noticed the rigid tone in her voice.
The two followed them inside and where lead to an elevator.
"Stay close to me Hibiki." Ben said and the girl simply nodded when she notice the seriousness in his voice.
The four, Tsubasa, Shinji, Hibiki and Ben entered the elevator. Shinji pressed the desired button of the floor and warned the other pair. "Hibiki-san you better hold on the handle and you should to Ben 10."
Hibiki was confused at what he said but Ben stared at Shinji with his single large green eye making him and Tsubasa more uncomfortable. "Nah don't really need to. I'm basically mass less in this form." And then the elevator suddenly dropped in high-speed.
"Isn't this a bit fast for an elevator?" Hibiki said with a nervous smile, loosing balance with the sudden drop. But Ben was able to help her back to her feet.
"If you don't stop talking you might bit your tongue… besides where we are going laughter has no place in it." Tsubasa said to Hibiki in indifference, causing the poor girl to deflate her mood.
On Tsubasa's mind she was thinking why someone like her is wielding her best friends Symphogear.
On the other end Ben was really getting annoyed with Tsubasa's attitude. He understood she had some beef with him, but she didn't need to be so cold to Hibiki.
"I think you're being a bit unfair with Hibiki, Tsubasa." Be told her causing the blue hared idol to narrow her eyes in pure hatred at the Phantom teen.
"Like I said-." She was about to repeat herself but Ben didn't let her.
"You're not really mad at Hibiki. You're mad at me!" This caused Tsubasa to greet her teeth and clenching her hand so tight that any more would result her to bleed.
The other occupants, Shinji and Hibiki were looking at the two with worried eyes, unsure what to do to calm them.
Ben noticed this and was bit guilty poking her buttons. "Sorry, I should have lashed out." Tsubasa in response only averted her eyes way from him.
"What I'm I doing. I shouldn't be like this."Tsubasa told herself, regressing her emotion and reminding herself to be an emotionless blade.
The elevator stopped and Shinji gestured Hibiki and Ben to fallow. Arriving at a door Tsubasa stopped and faced the two newcomers. "Behind this door is the commander of the second division. Prepare yourselves."
Ben tensed. Getting himself ready if they prove to be hostile he would go intangible and get Hibiki out. The door opened and a bright light shunned. A number of pops were heard and immediately Ben placed both his hands on Hibiki's shoulders, startling the girl in the process.
When their eyes adjusted to the brightness. And what they saw made Ben question why he even bothered to worry.
In the room the members of the 2nd division prepared a welcome party with balloons food and a large banner saying 'Welcome to the 2nd division Hibiki Tachibana and Ben 10' and all the members were clapping and were giving a welcoming atmosphere.
Tsubasa just sighed and face palmed. Shinji only gave an awkward laugh. Hibiki was stunned unable to comprehend on what she saw and Ben who had let her go from his grip, stared with his large green eye while thinking. "These are the guys that were making me worry!?"
"Welcome to the 2nd division you two!" The commander said with a friendly and lively tone. While Ryoko walked towards Hibiki and grabbed her.
"Ok time for a selfie to commemorate our first meeting!" She said as she took pictures with Hibiki.
"Ben-kun save me!" She called out to are alien hero, while struggling free from Ryoko's grip.
At the mention of Bens name the rest of the group save for Tsubasa and Shinji finally took notice of Ben in his Ghostfreak form.
"Oh what a rather strange form this is Mr. Ben 10. We haven't seen you use this form yet, but judging from its appearance I guess invisibly and intangibility, any powers connected in the concept of ghost." Ryoko said with interest and excitement on her voice.
Ben was actually surprised at the woman's at the woman's accurate deduction on what Ghostfreak's abilities were. He then chuckled leaving the rest in wonder.
"Good guess. You actually got it right."
Genjuro took the chance of the mood too approach Ben and offered a handshake. "It's a pleasure to finally officially meet you Ben 10. I'm Genjuro Kazanari the commander."
Ben stared at his hand for a moment. Then he looked at the commander, trying to find out if any deceit in his eyes but found only sincerity in his eyes. Everyone else stayed silent and waited with anticipation on what Ben would do. Tsubasa, out of fighting instinct has already holding her relic, ready to fight if Ben would become hostile.
They didn't expect him to sigh while rubbing his head. "Well no better time to introduce myself." He tapped on the omnitrix and everyone was blinded with the bright emerald light. And too their shock Ben was now in his human form.
"Ah human!?" Tsubasa blurted out shocked at finally seeing Bens real form.
"Oh and a rather cute boy too~" Ryoko said making Hibiki blush with that comment.
Ben then return Genjuro handshake while introducing himself. "Benjamin KurbyTennyson or just Ben Tennyson. A pleasure commander Genjuro."
The commander who was still in shock regained his composure. "Ah right likewise Ben Tennyson-kun."
Ben still did not have gotten used to the Japanese honorific thing. "Please just Ben commander. I'm still getting use to the honorific thing." Ben requested and Genjuro gladly accepted.
Everyone in the room sighed in relief. Glad that the first meeting with the elusive hero went rather smoothly.
"Now with that matter settled, Ben-kun would you tell us how you are able to transform to those creatures. Are you human or are you still hiding your real self? And how many transformations do you have!?" Ryoko said in excitement while grasping both his hands. Moreover, Ben swore he could see sparkles in her eyes.
Ben was taken aback at Ryouko's sudden closeness and child like actions. He turned his sights on Genjuro who sighed at the woman's antics. Shinji could only shake his head in amusement. Tsubasa just kept staring in indifference but one could see anticipation on what would happen next. The last one made Ben question why Hibiki was glaring at Ryoko.
"Uh… I think I'll reveal what exactly I' am when you guys explain to me what exactly happened to Hibiki."
At the mention of her current predicament, Hibiki stopped her glaring and remembered why she and Ben were here in the first place.
"That's right what happened to me exactly!? Please tell me!?"
At that mention, Ryoko let go of Ben, went to Hibiki, and spoke. "Before we explain we have two requests. First, you cannot tell anyone about this. And second…" Ryoko then held Hibiki on her waist and whispered. "Take your clothes off…"
"Eh!" Was all Hibiki could say at the sudden words of the doctor. She then began to drag Hibiki out of the room.
"Genjuro-kun~ I'm bringing Hibiki-chan to the med room~."
"EH! Wait why! Please help me Ben-kun!" The door the shut silencing the cries of the poor girl.
Ben was not sure what exactly happened. He just stood for a moment until he turned to Genjuro again with a dead pant look.
"Is she always like this?" Ben said and in response, Genjuro ruffled his head and sighed.
"Yes this is normal."
(XLR8)
Ben's room:
It has been a few hours later when Ben had returned to his room. After the medical checkup Ryoko performed on Hibiki and said it will be done by tomorrow. Nothing else to do but to wait for Hibiki's results everyone said good bye to Ben and Hibiki. Before leaving, Ben went to Tsubasa and he wanted to apologies again about earlier. But to his disappointment she just out right ignored him.
Genjuro was about say something but Ben had stopped him. Telling him it was alright. The two left the base and Ben had escorted Hibiki back to her room. He asked if she wanted him to make an excuse for Miku but she said that it was alright but was thankful for his concern.
Now Ben laid on his bed and sighed heavily. Today was rather hectic. With Hibiki gaining her armor, their encounter with the 2nd division, his reveal to them and what has bugged him was Tsubasa.
He was worried for her not annoyed. And he knew exactly why she hates him. She blames him for not saving Kanade in time. And in all honesty Ben doesn't blame her.
Because Ben did blame himself back then. For a while inside he kept blaming himself for what happened even if he knew he wasn't at fault.
This is a situation he can't really handle that well. In fact, most of his problem he faced usually just needed to be punched or beaten down. But he realized this needs another approach.
"I have no idea what to do… wish grandpa Max was here or Rook, or Gwen or Kevin… ok maybe not Kevin. Bet they would know what to do."
The problem he faced was difficult. All he could do is what he does when he was stuck in a stump. Just face the problem head on… he needed a better game plan.
(XLR8)
It was the next day and class had just finished. Hibiki sighed feeling a bit nervous on what would happen later on. Everything that happened yesterday was still completely troubling. Especially the secret Ben kept from her.
She was rather hurt that he would keep such a secret from her, but she just couldn't be mad at the alien hero. He had always been there for her and helped her in the darkest hours of her life. The least she could do was to give him the benefit of the doubt.
She was about to leave but saw that Tsubasa was already waiting for her. "Hurry, everyone is already waiting for you." And without another word she began to walk away.
Hibiki could only sigh in defeat, still unsure why Tsubasa was cold towards her.
Following Tsubasa, she was lead to the elevator from yesterday. The entire walked was spent in silence, making Hibiki rather restless at this current mood.
Arriving and the doors of the elevator opened the two were once again frozen in shock.
What they saw was the commander Genjuro, Aoi, Sakuya, Shinjiand Ben in his Cerebrocrustacean form talking to each other in a rather merry tone.
"Ben…?" Hibiki blurted out his name when she noticed the omnitrix dial on his chest. He turned his sights on the two and smiled at them.
"Ah, a good after noon to you, milady Hibiki and too you too milady Tsubasa. I hope my sudden appearance had not caught you off-guard too much." Ben said with a British accent.
"Eh! Milady?! B-Ben! I ah?!" Hibiki suddenly went red at Ben calling her milady. Tsubasa on the other hand was in disbelief at another form Ben has taken.
"Another form… how many do you have exactly?" was all Tsubasa could give.
Ben just gave her a cocky smile, reveling Brainstorms abilities as he saw no harm if he did. "That milady will be answered in a moment but our last member shall be arriving here in 3…2…1."
The door then opened and Ryoko had entered the room. "Sorry for being late everyone~" Setting her eyes at Ben in his brainstorm form. "Oh yet another form we haven't seen. Tell Ben-kun what can this form do?"
"That would have to wait for another time Miss Ryoko. I took the form of what I call Brainstorm. With this forms super-massive intelligence, I can easily analyze and process anything with speed and precision surpassing any super computer. I will use this in order to thoroughly understand the battle armor as Genjuro told me earlier the Symphogear. Now my dear Ryoko if you would. Please start and after so I shall explain my origin in detail."
Taken aback with Ben sudden wide variety of vocabulary. She was momentarily stunned. "Ah yes about Hibiki's current state."
The monitor in the room came on and showed various graphs and data on Hibiki's condition. "Hmmm I see Hibiki still has some stress in her Body, certainly due to her first time activating her Symphogear. Nevertheless, she seems fine. That is not the main concern is it. What exactly did Hibiki gain this ability?"
At Ben's question, Tsubasa revealed her relic at him and Genjuro began his explanation. "Ame No Habakiri, the first relic and that belongs to Tsubasa." At the mention of relic, Hibiki asked on what a relic is while Ben narrowed his eyes at it.
"Relics are products of heretical technology that are referenced in legends throughout the world. They are found in ruins but sadly are degraded through the passage of time. And also the ones that still retain their power are even rarer." Ryoko explained and Genjuro continued.
"Ame No Habakiri is one of those relics. It was a tiny fragment of its blade when it was discovered." The image on the monitor showed the relic transformed in to another shape, Ryoko continued to explain.
"The only key that could release the power that is left…" she was cutoff when Ben began to speak.
"Is when a wave that vibrates in a special frequency. In other words, a song must be sung. Now that would explain why Tsubasa and Hibiki would perform a song in battle." Once again everyone was amazed at Brainstorms intelligence.
"That right… When it happened I could fell a song in my heart…" Hibiki said in realization. Genjuro nodded, while Tsubasa narrowed her eyes on what she said.
"And it was a beautiful song I might add." Ben complemented, making Hibiki blush at his comment. Making the rest save for Tsubasa laughed at the sight.
"When the relic is activated by song, it turns to pure energy, and it's reconstituted as armor, the anti-noise protectors that Hibiki-chan and Tsubasa-chan use to wear as Symphogear to fight the Noise." Then Tsubasa decided to intervene with her own thoughts.
"But not every song, or just everyone's song, can activate the relics!" At that everyone was silent, Ben especially only looking at Tsubasa with an unreadable expression. Genjuro then continued explaining to break the silence.
"We call the few who can use the relic's candidates. That means you Hibiki and Tsubasa."
Ryoko then walked towards Hibiki and Ben asking if they understood. "Well did you two understand? I am sure Ben-kun her did but how about you Hibiki-chan? If you don't I'll answer any question you might have." She said with a playful wink.
"Um…" Hibiki gave a serious face that made everyone leaned at her, expect for Ben, knowing what she was going to say. "I don't understand any of It." At that, every one sighed. However, Ben began to laugh.
"Hahaha of course you didn't my dear Hibiki. By knowing you for so long, I know you do not have the cranial capacity to absorb such information at once." Ben said with a smug tone. Hibiki in return gave him a angry pout.
"That's mean Ben-kun, just because you have a big head right now!" she said and Ben turned to her with another smug look.
"Oh no my dear Hibiki I can say this because my brain is bigger!" Everyone just laughed at the twos antics.
In her mind, Tsubasa gritted her teeth at Ben's immaturity. "How can he act like this and not feel responsible for anything!?"
"Well it's hard to understand right off the bat Hibiki-chan, but at least remember this. The creator of the Sakurai Theory, the technology that crafted the Symphogear is myself." Ryoko finished gaining the attention the bickering duo.
"Wait a minute Hibiki doesn't have a relic, so it can't be possible for Hibiki to have a Symphogear?" Ben asked in realization. The monitor then changed and showed an x-ray of Hibiki's chest with small fragments in the center of her chest. "What the duce! That's the same wound area that Hibiki sustained when I arrived at the stadium 2 years ago!" Hibiki the unbuttoned the top part of her uniform and showed the scare she sustained.
"Hundreds of fragments so close to the heart that it is impossible to surgically remove. In our investigation, these fragments are what's left of the third relic, Kanade-chan's Gungnir." Ryoko reveled and Tsubasa in response gave a look of horror. "The last gift Kanade-chan left before she entered her coma."
Tsubasa then started to lose her balance and slowly left the room. Ben could only look at the ground in guilt for not being able to stop this back then.
"Ben-kun…" Hibiki said in worry after noticing Ben's sullen look.
"It wasn't your fault Ben. If you did not arrive at that time Kanade would not have survive and Hibiki would have succumb to her wound. You… aren't to be blamed." Genjuro comforted the teen and Ben could just sigh.
"Now then since we are done with our part it's your turn Ben-kun." The question caught Ben out of his slump. He looked at the occupants of the room and saw everyone waiting in expectation. Even Hibiki leaned towards to him exited on knowing Bens secret. He sighed, tapped the omnitrix, and reverted to his normal form.
"I guess you're right. But it's going to be a long story." He said and he felt a tug on his shirt and saw Hibiki giving a pleading look.
"Ben-kun pleases no more secrets." Ben's eyes slightly widened. He could not say no when Hibiki gives him that puppy dog eyes of hers.
"Well I guess I should first say that I'm not from this world." Silence came to the room and at the other side of the door; Tsubasa also heard what he said and almost gasp on his revelation.
"I guess… we were right about that, but hearing you say it yourself is kind of different." Even after guessing, that Ben was from another world Genjuro and the rest still cannot wrap the idea in to their heads.
"So you came from a parallel world Ben-kun. Is it any different form our own?" Ryoko asked, her excitement growing.
"Well not a parallel world Miss Ryoko." Everyone raised their brow not understanding what Ben meant. "If this is a parallel world then another Ben Tennyson should exist but as I checked with records in the internet I hacked there are none and the Noise shouldn't exist. I am confident to say I am from an entirely different universe. Trust me I know this is not the first time I came to another universe." Again no one can say anything after what Ben said.
"In my universe we faced another type of problem." Ben continued. "You guys face the Noise while in my universe I face aliens."
"Aliens!" Hibiki blurted out in shock. Genjuro, Aoi, Sakuya, Ryoko and Shinji silently gasped. Tsubasa actually chocked. "So all your transformation are actually Aliens Ben-kun!" Ben nodded at Hibiki.
"How is that possible?" Genjuro asked and Ben smirked, rolled his left sleeve and revealed the omnitrix.
"This is the omnitrix, the most powerful device in my universe, created by the most intelligent being of five galaxies, the first thinker Azmuth of the Galven."
"Amazing…" was all Ryoko could say her eyes looked at the omnitrix like a predator. Tsubasa was staring at it from the window to the room.
"How can the omnitrix turn you to aliens Ben-kun?" Hibiki asked while playfully tapping the omnitrix.
"The omnitrix alters my very DNA to that of the selected species. It's like walking in the shoes of other life forms." Ben explains while showing Hibiki the omnitrix's selection screen.
"How…how many transformation do you have Ben?" Genjuro slowly spoke asking the question that probably plagued the 2nd division for two years.
"The omnitrix holds every DNA of every sentient life in the milky way galaxy. Over a million genetic samples are in the omnitrix." Silence, no one spoke, trying to comprehend on Ben's revelation.
Tsubasa was in complete disbelief in his words. "Over a million… over a million forms… how can that be possible?" she kept repeating in her mind. She didn't want to believe on what Ben said.
"You have that many forms!" Hibiki practically screamed at him.
"If I unlock the master control, currently I have access to eighty or so forms." The rest sighed in relief. They did not know how to handle how to explain that to the higher ups that a teenage boy had a million super powered forms. All hell will break lose.
"So Ben-kun how did you find such a device?" Genjuro asked returning their attention back from their shock.
"Well it was eight years ago when I was ten that the prototype omnitrix fell from the sky."
"Wait you found the omnitrix when you were just ten years old!" Aoi said shocked on how young he was when he obtained the omnitrix.
"Yah and ever since then I used the omnitrix to save people. Moreover, I gained many titles since then. I was called the bearer of the omnitrix, the protector of the earth, the Savior of the universe, the liberator of worlds, the Bane of Vilgax the conqueror, the slayer of Diagon the destroyer."
"Wait savior of the universe?" Hibiki said still unable to understand what that title meant.
He gave her a cocky grin before answering. "Yup I practically save the world at least a dozen times, probably more." Hibiki only stared in amazement while the others had their jaws dropped. To them Ben had achieved thing that no one in their world can brag about.
Then seconds later Ben gave a solemn smile. "But in the end those recognition, praise the fame are nice and all. However, I never forgot what a hero truly meant. It was not important that anyone know I did something good but what is important that I knew I did something good. It was always about helping people. Putting aside what I want and putting the people at need first."
No one spoke. They only saw the sincerity in his eyes and everyone realized, especially Ryoko they were in the presence of a hero.
"Wow… your just amazing Ben-kun." Hibiki said, her admiration just showed.
"So Ben-kun what exactly did you do to gain all that fame? I… would love to hear your tale." Ryoko said in a way that did not seem like herself and everyone besides Hibiki and Ben took notice.
"Hmmm, It will be quit long but I guess it's no problem. So let me start at the beginning, the summer that I thought would be the worst summer ever."
Therefore, Ben began to tell his story of Gen and his grandfather Max the many villains he fast that summer like Animo, his used to be enemy and now best friend Kevin and Zambozo. He told them of his first encounter with one of his greatest enemy, Vilgax and how he tried to rip the omnitrix from him and he didn't forget to mention how he blew up is ship.
He told him of who his grandpa was. Max Tennyson the greatest Plumber in the Milky Way galaxy. He told them of the Plumbers, that they were an intergalactic peace keeping organization.
He told them of his first encounter with Azmuth and to everyone's horror that the omnitrix has the power to destroy the entire universe if Ben activated the self-destruct function. It did not help even when Ben said it needed to charge up a day or to do so. Well at least they knew now why the omnitrix emits such power every time Ben transforms.
He told them of his first greatest achievement that gained him the recognition of being the savior of the universe. T
The Highbreed war that almost wiped out all life in the galaxy and eventually the entire universe.
Their reason was due to the Highbreed believing that their DNA is the purest of all alien species, they have tried to maintain their blood purity for so long that it has lead to much inbreeding.
This idea of racial purity became their undoing, because of lack of genetic diversity in the Highbreed gene pool lead the Highbreed's immune system to become weak, making them vulnerable to infection, disease and sterility; their entire race was rendered completely sterile and without children, the Highbreed would become extinct.
The Highbreed were dying out but did not wish to do so alone, spurring their xenocidal rampage throughout the universe to extreme levels. They wanted to take the rest of the universe with them by attacking any species they found or encountered and bringing them to extinction like they were.
He told them that he defeated them and stopping the war not by brute force but that he saved them by using the omnitrix to fuse the entire Highbreed race with the million of genetic sample the omnitrix has.
He told them of his battle with Vilgax for the entire earth and his battles with the Forever Knights. An order of prejudice humans that believe all alien life should be extinguish from the earth.
He told them of Albedo his supposed evil twin. In truth, Albedo was a Galven who had his own inferior copy of the omnitrix and since the omnitrix default DNA was human, he was stuck in the form of Ben.
He told them of the events that would lead him on destroying the omnitrix to defeat Vilgax and obtaining the Ultimatrix. Yet another inferior copy of the omnitrix, save for one function, an evolutionary function. He explained that the Ultimatrix can hyper evolved his form by simulating the DNA with millions of years of war tampering his from to a more combat form. It was the worst-case scenario.
He told them of Aggregor and his lust to obtain the ultimate prize. But didn't go to full detail. He wanted to avoid explaining to them of the Forge of Creation. They did not need to know of its existence.
He told them of Kevin's noble sacrifice to absorb the alien DNA in his Ultimatrix in order to stop Aggregor, of how he lost control of himself due to the power. He told them of his decision to kill him in order to stop him. And how his cousin Gwen stopped and together saved Kevin.
They will forever remember the regret on Bens eyes.
He told them of his triumph against the nigh-omnipotent demon. The demon was known by many names, the old one, the great one, the knowledge bringer, the dragon. He told them of Diagon the destroyer. To say that everyone was cared shitless was an understatement. They cannot be blamed after knowing such a being exited.
They were thankful that Ben told them that he sealed Diagon in Ascalon. They were even surprised that in his universe the legendary sword was actually made by Azmuth as well. That Ben even wielded it.
He then told them after that battle Azmuth finally deemed him worthy of the true omnitrix, still denied him of the master control.
Now he told them that he was finally involved in more in the Plumber mission. Leading him to have a new partner Rook Blonko a Revonnahgander after Kevin and Gwen leaving to more personal agendas.
He told them of the Nemetrix, a copy of the omnitrix that held not the sentient life DNA of his galaxy but the natural predator of all his transformations and about Khyber the self-proclaimed greatest huntsmen in the universe.
He reluctantly told them about Malware and his rather colorful history with the corrupted Mechamorph. He told them how he came to be and his rather sad history with Azmuth.
Now he told them of the events that lead him to arrive to their world. Of Malwares last attempts to destroy his own race, Azmuth and his home, and he told them of his sacrifice to die along with Malware.
He did leave about some events like with Eon and Professor Paradox and that tackled with two of his strongest transformation, namely Alien X and Clockworks. He felt they did not need to know of them just yet. He didn't want to give Tsubasa any false hope right now.
He suspect… no he knows Tsubasa will beg him to use Clockworks to go back in time and change history or with Alien X to save Kanade. He saw the poor girl was suffering enough.
"So that's pretty much it." He looked at everyone expecting some question but all he was met is with silence. He took notice the awe in their eyes even Tsubasa from across the window couldn't hid hers. However, Hibiki was rather different. He saw the pain in her eyes not for her but for him.
"Ben-kun you… planned to die?" It pained Ben seeing her like that.
"It's okay Hibiki. As I said earlier, I am a hero. I may be obnoxious and pretty much be a goof ball most of the time, but I know when I fail many people will die. When it comes down to it, when its hero time I'll do whatever it takes to save them."
Hibiki could not ay anything back to him because she knew he was right, He would not be the Ben she knew if he said anything different.
Genjuro stood up and walked towards the two. "Then will you lend us a hand at dealing with the Noise, Ben-kun? You have done so much already and we have no right of asking you to do more but even so, will you help?" At Genjuro's request everyone held their breaths waiting on Bens answer.
"Do you even need to ask? I'm a hero Genjuro I'll never turn my back on those in need." With his answer, everyone sighed in relief.
Then Hibiki timidly raised her hand gaining the attention of everyone in the room. "Um… do I really have to keep my powers a secret?" Genjuro looked at Hibiki his expression softens when he saw the worry in Hibiki.
"Unfortunately the answer is yes Hibiki-kun. If anyone found out of your Symphogear it will bring unwanted attention to you and to your friends and family. We are not trying to keep a secret here but like Ben, we are protecting the people. So Hibiki Tachibana-kun will you help us as well." Genjuro spoke with a charisma of a commander.
Hibiki was unsure what to do. She then felt a hand touch her shoulder and saw Ben was looking at her with a smile. "Just do what you believe is right Hibiki. I will always be there when you need me." Her eyes widened and her cheeks grew hot. Just looking at him her worry just went away. She stared at him a few more seconds, a bit longer then she needed to. She nodded with a determined look and gave her answer.
"Okay, if my powers can help others, then I would gladly help!" her conviction was clearly heard in her voice despite not knowing what to do yet. But if she could help others and fight alongside her hero than there's no other way around it.
But before Genjuro can respond the alarms came to life, signifying the arrival of the Noise.
Ben and Hibiki readied themselves, Tsubasa re-entered the room while Aoi and Sakuya went to their designated post and started to type rapidly on their keyboard. Seconds later the monitor showed the city map and red icons indicating the Noise locations.
"I'm heading out!" Tsubasa said not giving a second look at the others. She was about to leave the room again until she was stopped by Ben.
"Wait Tsubasa we should go together!" He told her. In response she looked at him for a moment but left none the less. Bens face-hardened in anger. "That idiot, why won't she just… Guh! Come on Hibiki we better follow her."
"Right!" Then the two dashed off hoping to reach Tsubasa before she leaves.
(XLR8)
Unknown Highway:
Tsubasa was on her motorcycle and now she was heading to the location of the Noise. But her mind was still occupied about what Ben had revealed to them. In all honesty, Tsubasa does admit that Ben was a hero yet she still couldn't not come to terms with it.
He had achieved feats she could only hope to achieve. He had defeated being that had conquered countless worlds and a being that was no different to a god. "And yet why didn't he save Kanade…"
"Hey that was not nice of you on leaving us Tsubasa." She shortly lost control of her ride. She looked at her side and saw Ben as XLR8, carrying Hibiki in a princess carry. Hibiki was actually rather clinging close to him.
"Tsubasa-san you shouldn't have left on your own. Ben-kun and I can help you fight the Noise together." She cheerfully said and Tsubasa narrowed her eyes at that.
"Listen Tsubasa, I learned that I could never do everything alone. In times that I need my friends, they always had my back. That's why me and Hibiki will have your back, just like Kanade did."
At the mention of Kanade's name, Tsubasa hardened her grip and inside she was in rage. "How dare he say that!" She calmed herself and reminded herself that she was an emotionless blade and told Ben in a cold voice. "Do what you wish…"
Ben and Hibiki found they still haven't come through to her. They decided to save that for later and focus at the current problem.
"There they are guys get ready!" As Ben said, the large masses of Noise were already insight Tsubasa stopped her bike; Ben turned back to normal and gently set Hibiki on her feet. "Damn… a lot of them this time. Get ready you two." Tsubasa pretended not to hear and Hibiki gave him a determined nod.
Imyuteus Ame no Habakiri Tron
Balwisyall Nescell Gungnir Tron
Both began to sing and in a flash of light, the two now donned in their Symphogear. Ben still couldn't help but blush at their attire.
"Well better change. Alright omnitrix give me Humungousaur!" He activated the selection screen and pressed down the omnitrix core, the signature green flash appeared and expecting a twelve-foot dinosaur instead in its place.
The being in its place has a yellow-armored body and looks much like a robot. His head is similar to a Greek Corinthian helmet with two ears on it giving him the appearance of an armadillo. It also has a gray tail and jackhammer parts on his elbows, wrists and hands, creating the impression that Armodrillo is a digging robot. Despite the mechanical appearance, all of these aspects are in fact biological and natural to his race.
This is Ben's Talpaedan from he had dubbed Armodrillo.
"Armodrillo? Uh Armodrillo is good too."
Tsubasa then charged in first and immediately started to slash the Noise one after another. To Hibiki and Ben it was like a well-choreographed dance. "Wow Tsubasa-san is so amazing!"
"Well we better join her. Ready Hibiki?"
"Yah, ready then ever Ben-kun"
The two then dashed towards the blue-headed idol ready to fight alongside her.
Chapter End
(XLR8)
AN:
And that's a rap. Sorry for the late update guys. I was kind of busy with the usual stuff of real life. But I do hope you guys enjoyed the new chapter.
So now, Ben is with the 2nd division and soon he will have to deal with the Tsubasa problem. Still wondering what alien should Ben use to tack that.
So without anything else berserkerzero7 signing off.