I don't own Ben 10 or Senki Zesshou Symphogear. All are owned by their respected creators and publishers.

(Four Arms)

Chapter 6: Enter! Doctor Animo!

Unknown Location:

"So… I guess you're not the talkative type huh? I have to admit it; it's rare for me to face someone who won't have a dramatic presentation and a cliché monolog."

Saint-Germain just snorted at Ben. What did he think this was a cartoon show?

"Well, at least I got a response from you. It's pretty obvious that you're meant to distract me so let's just go straight to the butt kicking." Ben said while activating the omnitrix's selection screen. He slammed down the core and the blinding green light appeared.

The form Ben had chose its appearance looks similar to that of a gorilla made out of building blocks. He has three main colors, which are red, blue and yellow, with black lines all over his body. He is mostly red and yellow with some spots of blue.

This is Ben's Segmentasapien from he has called Bloxx.

"Bloxx!" Ben yelled the name of his form and smashed his large fist to the ground creating cracks on the paved road.

Saint-Germain looked at Ben's form. She was somewhat surprised a form that could be mistaken to be made of Lego blocks. She has t admit it was definitely strange.

Taking the initial attack, Ben launched his right fist towards Saint-Germain. In response, she raised her hand and materialized a hexagram shaped energy shield.

They collided and a large echo was emitted. His eyes widened a bit from the shields durability and grimaced at it.

"This might take a while."

(Four Arms)

City Block:

Both Hibiki and Tsubasa had arrived at the scene. Seeing the state of the place made the two gasp at the sight. The place looked like it was ravaged by a herd of wild animals. Buildings were damaged or destroyed, cars were reduced to scrap metal and the only indication that the Noise were responsible were the ashes that were spread on the ground.

But something else caught their eyes. Something that was never seen whenever the Noise attacked. Blood, lots of blood were splattered on the ground and on the building walls.

"Why are there…" Hibiki muttered in horror. This was actually the first time she had seen so much blood on the field.

Tsubasa was at least faring better than the wielder of Gungnir. She was prepared for such a scene, but never the less felt sick at the sight.

The two were brought out from there stupor when their cells alerted them of an incoming call. The two answered and on the end of the line was Genjuro.

"Listen you two, Ben is currently fighting an unknown assailant. He is sure who ever it is, their objective is to delay him to meet up with the two of you. So be on guard."

The line ended and the two grew ever so pensive. Knowing that Ben was being attacked left them worrying on what was going on. First was the unusual scene and now Ben being distracted by some unknown foe.

"HELP!"

The two turned to the direction of the scream. What they saw was a man running towards them while clutching the right side of what remains of his arm.

"Please help-." He wasn't able to finish, in that instant a Muta-Noise appeared and pounced the poor soul, pinning him to the ground. The Muta-Noise resembled a large wolf with porcupine spikes on its back.

The two gasped at the sight of the Muta-Noise. They had never seen a Noise that had a form similar to an animal. All the types of recorded Noise were either blob like humanoids or shared a slight similarity to insects. This was a completely unlike any they have seen before. What had shocked the two even more was the fact that the man didn't disintegrate when the Noise had made contact with him.

The poor man was struggling to break free and was screaming in fear. The Muta-Noise did not waste time and opened its jaw and bit off his head like it was ripping paper. It crushed the head in his jaws and blood bust.

Tsubasa and Hibiki were both horrified at the scene, they shortly forgot to breath. The Muta-Noise roared at them and brought them out of their initial shock.

"Tachibana, transform now!" she beckoned, her rage had reached the breaking point. Hibiki had heard her and prepared to activate her gear.

"Imyuteus Ame no Habakiri Tron"

"Balwisyall Nescell Gungnir Tron"

In a flash of light, they had donned their Symphogear. They took battle stance and prepared for the incoming battle.

At the same time, Doctor Animo was observing the two from one of the damaged building a few meters away from the combatants. He was rather intrigued with the Symphogear the two wielded. It was indeed a shock to him when the Lodge master showed the data and records of the gears to him.

Weapons from legends that can adapt to battle armor did intrigue him even though it was not his field of science.

"Hmmm truly interesting, these Symphogears may be worth to study further. It is the best time to try if the Alca-Noise ability to destroy the relics has been stabilized within the Muta-Noise and obtain a small fragment. If not… well, I'll just have to capture one of them!"

Animo then activated the Antenna that was connected to his brain and summon majority of the Noise to Tsubasa and Hibiki's location. "And if we fail to capture them… then I suppose the data we would gain from their battle would suffice for now.

(Four Arms)

Back with the two gear users, they were in battle stance and were eyeing the wolf Muta-Noise. Hibiki was the first to make a move. She launched in blinding speed towards the Muta-Noise.

She was about to delivered a powerful punch, but out of no were something came between her and the wolf Muta-Noise. She felt her punch was stopped by another fist, which due to the collision created a sonic boom that caused the paved road under them to shatter.

The gust settled down and Hibiki and Tsubasa can now see what had blocked Hibiki's attack.

What they saw was another Muta-Noise, but the difference was this one took the form of a large gorilla that was four times Hibiki's size, with four spikes like appendages protruding from its back. But what shocked the two was the fact their Symphogear made contact with the Noise but did not disintegrate like it usually does.

"Wha-what!" Tsubasa breath out, dumbfounded on what has transpired.

"Eh?" Hibiki was no different. All the battle she had against the Noise was that all her punches would easily over whelm and destroy them instantly. This was first to her.

The gorilla Muta-Noise stretched back its here hand and delivered its own punch to Hibiki. She wasn't able to react in time and was sent hurtling towards a building crushing through the wall.

"Tachibana!" Tsubasa called out, wanted to know if she was alright. She heard no answer and she was about to run towards her downed comrade but stopped when she heard the gorilla Muta-Noise roar.

She turned and saw its advance. She greeted her teeth at the sudden development. She would have to check on her latter and has to focus at the enemy in front of her.

The two clashed each attack was met by her blade. She did not understand what this creature was. Its appearance was undoubtedly a Noise, but the very fact that it did not disintegrate at contact destroyed that notion.

"What are you!?" Tsubasa grunted at the beast. It only answered her with a roar. She was preparing to use one of her signature move, but was tackled by the wolf Muta-Noise earlier.

The Muta-Noise pined her to the ground and Tsubasa tried to break free, but could not. The wolf Muta-Noise inched closer to Tsubasa face until it was inches from her. It roared, opening its large mouth.

Tsubasa was rendered frozen she was never in this kind of situation when facing the Noise; she only stared at the gaping mow. She saw the inside of the creature. It had the same translucent energy that its outer exterior was composed of, but it was abysmally dark compared to its outer bright colored skin.

Then the Muta-Noise did something that Tsubasa never would have ever considered it doing. It started to gnaw at her relic.

"Its attacking my relic!?" she said in disbelief. Again, its actions were contradicting what the Noise usually do. She continued to struggle, but with much greater force. She didn't know what the monster was planning but whatever it was it seems it was failing.

Back at were Hibiki landed she started to come too and slowly picked herself up. She groaned at the pain she was feeling. Both the attack of the gorilla Muta-Noise and landing through solid concrete did number at her.

"Tsubasa-san…" She muttered her friends name while her vision was still adjusting back to normal. Her vision slowly cleared and her eyes widened at the sight of Tsubasa being attacked by the Muta-Noise.

"Tsubasa-san!" She didn't stay still any longer and shot towards the two in lightning speed. The Muta-Noise didn't even had enough time to react and skidded back towards the gorilla Muta-Noise.

"Thank you Tachibana." Tsubasa thanked her partner while getting back to her feet. She shrugged off the pain and once more took fighting stance. Hibiki followed her and took stance as well.

Then they felt a loud crash from behind them. They turned and their jaws dropped at what they saw.

There on their backs just a few meters away were three large twin headed snakes with four stubs that supported their bodies. To Tsubasa they appear to share a similar form to the mythological monster, the Hydra.

"This is really bad…" Hibiki muttered her head turning back and forth between the Muta-Noise.

Tsubasa cursed under her breath. Their situation was dire. The unusual Noise they are facing was far stronger than the ones they fought. "Ben-san… please hurry."

(Four Arms)

Back with Ben and Saint Germain, the two were still on each other and neither of them are showing sign on slowing down. The place was littered with rubble from the broken paved road and the surrounding trees of the vicinity was either slightly destroyed to completely on fire, thanks to Saint Germain's alchemic attacks.

Ben had transformed both his arms to a rectangular cannons called the Bloxx-lobber and blasted Saint Germian with his explosive blocks.

Saint Germian was on the defensive a golden barrier was erected around her blocking all of Ben's attacks.

She grunted at her current situation. She was pinned down and it seems that she can't counter him at all. She looked at her slightly charred clothing. Earlier on she wasn't able to dodge some of Ben's projectile and had to tank it in order for her to gain at least a favorable position.

She realized she would sustain much damage if she was hit enough times and might render her to lose.

She stared at explosion after explosion, bombarding her barrier relentlessly.

"Tsk… his more troublesome then I thought." She softly said feeling the strain on maintaining her barrier. "And this is only one of his forms, you are truly a thorn to us Ben Tennyson."

Back with Ben he started to wonder if Saint Germian would fall anytime soon. He couldn't see her now since the accumulated explosion and smoke completely blocked his sight on her.

"I've been at this for a while. I'm I still hitting her or did she escape already?"He thought. Ben was about to stop and see it for himself, but something caught his attention.

Below him he saw something glowing. What he saw was a small ball of red energy that was rapidly forming alchemic symbols. "What the?"

Then it glowed even brighter and sparks of flames started to manifest. Ben's eyes widened but quickly turned to a dead pant expression, knowing what's would come next. "Of course…"

It exploded and released great force and heat causing Ben to launch to the air and drift a few yards back. He crashed to the dirt ground and making a shallow hole.

His body was broken; both of his arms were missing and both his legs. A chunk of his left was also missing and smoke is emitting from him.

Saint Germain slowly approached Ben her eyes never leaving his fallen form. Looking that he was unconscious she approached near him again and slowly took a closer look at the omnitrix at his chest.

Saint Germain has no clue on what it was and Doctor Animo hasn't said a word about it. All they know is that it is the source of his powers. She was about to lay her hands on it but her instincts kicked in and she jerked back, well tried.

She was then constricted by Ben's enlarged arms that regenerated moments ago. "Damn I was too careless!"

"Got you now lady." Ben spoke in a triumphant tone. "So now tell me who exactly are you?" He continued while his damaged areas swiftly regenerated to place.

"Tsk!" Saint Germain manifested two large jagged ice on each side of Ben and by her command they shot like bullets.

Ben's eyes widened in shock and didn't have enough time to dodge to block. The projectile hit and the contracted arms that held Saint Germain shattered into pieces.

"Ah come on lady, your just making hard for the both of us!" Ben whined while instantaneously regenerated his shattered arms.

Saint Germain can only be amazed at this forms regenerative abilities. No creature, natural or artificial can compare to Bloxx's power. "Truly an impressive ability Ben Tennyson"

She jumped a few distance away and landed gracefully to the ground. Ben turned one of his arms to his Bloxx-Lobber and was about to fire, but when Saint Germaine began to talk.

"Tell me Ben Tennyson." Ben raised his brow, unsure what she began to talk. He held back his attack to give her a chance to speak. Saint Germain took his action as a sign to continue. "Why?"

Her question had caused Ben to question what she meant. "You got to be a little bit more specific lady."

"Why do you fight? What is the reason you use your powers? Is it for wealth, fame, recognition? Or is it simply for the thrill of it?"

Ben didn't say a word, he can flat out say no to the first two, but the last one caused him to remember what Tetrax had said to him during the event Ben dubbed secrets of the omnitrix.

"Why should I give an answer?"

"…Humor me." In honesty she didn't know why she suddenly asked that question. Was it to buy more time, or was it out of plain curiosity. She didn't truly know.

Ben kept quit for a moment and stared at her. After a moment he sighed and relented to answer her question, but not lowering his cannoned arm.

"I admit back then, back when I was ten and just got my powers. I started to go hero for the thrill of being a hero. The fame, the recognition, people chanting my name. I wanted to bask in all of it."

He recalled many events on his past. From the time, he fought the giant attack robot that Vilgax sent; to the time he first met Kevin. Then he recalled his encounter with his alternate counterpart, Ben 23.

A time line were the Ben had lost his grandpa Max. On how his life could have been if it were not for his grandfather. Without him, he used the omnitrix to fight off aliens that were on earth, but it was not because of the right reasons he did it for the attention, the money and all the wrong reasons.

Due to that fact, he had started to attack innocent aliens who had nothing wrong in the pretence for being just aliens. He believed his omnitrix aliens were the only god ones and all other aliens were evil.

All Ben could fell for his counterpart was pity. Ever since then he never stopped being thankful that he had what he had.

"But I always had my friends by my side. Always trying to show me the right way. My grandpa was my role model. When I found out who he actually was I wanted to be just like him.

I fight because I want to protect people. Because I truly believe it's the right thing to do. That people with power should use it to help others and not use it for personal gain. It's the most naïve purpose there is, but even so it's the path I've chosen to go down.

Because there are people that relay on me! If I can't even do that then I can't ever face my friends again. I can't call myself Ben 10!"

Saint Germain was silent; she did not know what to say on his answer. On what she understood was he was completely naïve boy with an ideal that would only bring ruin to himself.

For what she went through the world was cruel dictator that would trample those kind of ideals to the ground without mercy. But the eyes she sees the boy possess, it was like he had seen his ideals to fruition countless times.

"Such childish ideals…" she said while unbeknownst to herself a soft smile formed on her lips. "Go."

"Huh?" Ben gasped, not excepting that kind of answer from her.

"I have achieved what I needed to do. If you hurry, you can still help those two." She brought out a pink vile and tossed it to the ground, shattering the container. A pail pinkish light along with hexagonal patterns appeared on the ground. "We will meet again in the future Ben Tennyson." She said her fair well while teleporting to another location.

Silence fell on the area. Ben stood there for a while before muttering something. "Thanks… I guess you're not that bad of a person." He said with a smile. He activated the omnitrix and in a flash of green light, he transformed to XLR8 and dashed off to where Tsubasa and Hibiki is currently at.

(Four Arms)

Back with the two gear users, they were engaging the Muta-Noise. Hibiki was facing both the Gorilla and wolf Muta-Noise, while Tsubasa was facing the three Hydra like Muta-Noise.

Hibiki with all her strength was being push back by the Gorilla Noise, its massive size and strength gave it the perfect counter for Hibiki. It didn't help that the wolf Noise was agile that she couldn't predict where it was going to strike.

Tsubasa was faring better, but only so slightly. The two headed reptile pact was well coordinated. They were able to out maneuver Tsubasa and from time to time were able to cause to wound Tsubasa.

Even when Tsubasa had cut off the heads of the Hydra Noise, they had quickly regenerated. She was thankful thought that it did not grow another pair of heads like their mythical counter parts.

Tsubasa summer jumped back to make some distance from the Hydra Noise. She panted from the exhaustion and sweat trickled down her face. She glanced at Hibiki's direction, checking how she was doing, surprisingly she was doing far better then she thought. She guessed her training was paying off well.

But she saw that she won't last long. The memory of the incident two years ago flashed in her mind. Back then, she didn't make it to Kanade's and if we're not for Ben she would have died. She can't let it happen, not again.

She jumped and took flight and prepared to use one of her signature moves. "One Thousand Tears!"

A rain of blue energy poured down upon the three Hydra Noise. The Hydra's tried to counter her attack by conjuring an energy attack from their mouths, but two of the Hydra Noise were struck by Tsubasa's attack and they staggered, dispersing their attack.

For the third Hydra Noise his attack came through and shielded it from the rain of energy swords. A large explosion came and created a blanket of dust.

It tried to locate were Tsubasa was, but the cloud of dust hampered its sights. The something caught its attention, a flash of silver of blue. It turned its attention to the source and found Tsubasa was already in front of it.

"Soutou Bakkouzen!" She used another of her signature attack. In a blink of an eye she had bisected the Hydra Noise inn half. She landed on the ground and the Noise fell in two slowly disintegrated before hitting the ground.

She wasted no time and charged at the still staggering Hydra Noise and prepared yet another of her signature moves.

"Fiery Windblades!" She manifested another katana and joined their hilts together. She rushed towards the downed Hydra Noise along with her blades producing a stream of fire.

The Hydra Noise could do nothing but stare at it impending end. The attack came and just like the first Hydra Noise, it was bisected in half and a large explosion of flame covered it body and tuned to ash.

Tsubasa smirked at her good work and was about to proceed on finishing the last of the three but was met with an energy blast from said Noise.

Tsubasa's gear was able to absorbed most of the attack bust she was still forced back into one of the ruined building. She crashed, the remaining support of the building collapsed, and the debris buried her.

(Four Arms)

"Tsubasa-san!" Hibiki cried out to her friend and was about to rush towards her but she was suddenly grabbed by the gorilla Noise and tossed back further away from where Tsubasa was at.

"Guh!" she grunted in pain while landing on the hard ground. She picked herself up and saw the gorilla Noise and wolf Noise was marching towards her. She turned to the Hydra Noise and saw that it was closing in on Tsubasa.

Hibiki gritted her teeth, eyeing the gorilla and wolf Noise in anger. She cannot let her friend get hurt again. She won't just stand and be a burden ever again.

She took fighting stance and took a deep breath. She focused only at the two approaching Muta-Noise and gathers all her strength to both her fist.

Hibiki grabbed the end of her right gauntlet. It extended up to her shoulder and once done the tip of the end of the main gauntlet appeared to be some short of thruster.

With a war cry, she launched herself towards the gorilla Noise and at the same time the thruster like end on her gauntlet ignited and like a rocket, now propelled with much greater speed and strength directly towards the Noise.

The gorilla Muta-Noise saw her coming and by instinct he it raised it arms in the attempts to block Hibiki's incoming attack.

Hibiki's fist had made contact, right at the center of its chest. The attack tore right through and made a gaping hole on its chest. The damage was more than enough that the Noise itself disintegrated to nothing in a matter of seconds.

The wolf Noise did not care for what happened to it fallen comrade. It took the opportunity to attack Hibiki. Yet the poor thing didn't even make it. Hibiki in a burst of speed was already behind it and delivered another powerful punch at it, causing the wolf Muta-Noise to explode to ash.

Hibiki smiled at her work for a moment then turned her sights back to the Hydra Noise. It was still approaching the building to where Tsubasa landed.

She rushed towards the unsuspecting Noise with the same determined intent to destroy it and save her friend.

(Four Arms)

Back to the two observing commanders of Bavarian Illuminati, Cagliostro and Prelati evaluated the result of the fight while continuing to observe Hibiki pummeling the weakened Hydra Muta-Noise. They had to admit that the two gear users fared better then they have anticipated especially Hibiki's results.

"Impressive, not only with the two brats but the Muta-Noise, incomplete as they are, were a cut above the normal Noise." Prelati said with a slight interested voice, something that she rarely gives out.

"I hate to admit it but Animo did a magnificent job with the Muta-Noise. If they can perform like this I can't wait to see when a complete Alca-Noise is merged with Animo's monsters." Cagliostro added her on thought. "I wonder how Saint Germain is doing against Tennyson."

"Hmph! Saint Germain can easily handle Tennyson. An egotistical, naïve, self centered brat couldn't possibly-!" Prelati was not able to finish her bashing of Ben when they heard something fast passing the building they were on.

The two saw a familiar black blue blur heading towards to Tsubasa and Hibiki's location. Cagliostro gave her companion a dead pant look, obviously knowing she tempted the universe.

"Not a word… not a single word." Was all Prelati could say.

(Four Arms)

Animo watched as Hibiki completely dominated the Hydra Noise. All in all the result of the test was within what he expected with the incomplete and rushed batch of his Muta-Noise.

Still, he must admit he did not expect such a performance from the two gear users, especially with Hibiki. He noted something rather strange with Hibiki's Symphogear usage that did not show with Tsubasa's gear.

"Is this what he spoke of about the Tachibana child? Intriguing as he said, but not necessary at the moment." He was then cut off from his mussing when he witnesses the arrival of the famed alien hero. He gave an amused smirked at his arrival. "Ah right on schedule." He then slowly walked off too were the reunited team, waiting his time for his queued entrance.

(Four Arms)

Ben as XLR8 arrived at the scene just as Hibiki delivered her final punch that dissolved the Hydra Noise to carbon ash.

"Hibiki!" Ben called out to his friend. The girl slightly jumped in surprise on the sudden call of her name. She turned and smiled widely at the sight of the reptilian speedster.

"Ben-kun, you're alright!" She cried out in joy seeing that the alien hero was seemingly all right and she dashed to his side.

"Yah I'm fine Hibiki no need to worry." He said reassuringly. He then quickly noticed that Tsubasa was no were to be seen. "Hey Hibiki were Tsubasa?"

At the mention of the teen idols name, Hibiki quickly remembered the current state of her senior. "Oh no Tsubasa-san is still trapped under the rubble!"

Ben's eyes widened at what she said. He urged to Hibiki to lead him to where she was. She led him to the said location and the two found that she was semi-conscious and was struggling to push the debris off her.

"Tsubasa, sit tight we'll get you out in a sec!" The alien hero said while the two proceeded to remove the debris off Tsubasa.

"Ben-san…?" She muttered his name. She was still in a daze, but she could still make out Ben's XLR8 form. "Thank goodness… you're… aright."

"Well I can't say the same for you." Ben replied trying to be humorous to elevate the current mood.

After removing all the rubble, the two helped Tsubasa to her feet. She could stand just fine but still needed support due to the dizziness that lingered from her crush.

"I guess you guys had a rough time with those Noises huh?" he asked gaining the attention of the two Symphogear users. On his way here, he did encounter the Muta-Noise; they were some cross breed of a large python and dragon fly's, some looked like giant bears with a platypus beak and flippers and some wolf sub –species.

"Yah… but…" Hibiki drifted off, not sure, if those things were Noises or not.

"They were strange." Tsubasa continued. "They far more powerfully compared to the Noises we faced thus far and their appearance. I never had seen Noises take animal like forms.

Their conversation was interrupted when the omnitrix started to beep, alerting Ben that he was receiving a call. He gently pressed the omnitrix on his chest and the commander's voice was heard.

"Ben-kun is every one alright?" He asked in a commanding yet caring tone.

"Yah Hibiki is fine, Tsubasa is still in a daze but not injured in what I can see."

"Good, we'll send the cleanup crew to deal with the… casualty." His voice faded for a bit. He was not a stranger to such a gruesome scene, but this was still a rare sight when the Noise was concern. "Ryoko is still trying to find out what exactly those Noises were. Yet we are sure they were not any Noise we have encountered. She's not entirely sure if they can still be considered Noises."

Ben pondered about the Muta-Noise he faced earlier. When he first saw those creatures, he had this feeling that he had seen those before. However, he is certain he never faced those types of Noise.

They were far stronger then the cannon fodders he was sure. In addition, those mutated animal features bothered him to no end. Then the warning of Paradox from the other night came back to him.

The strange animal like appearance, the strange mutated amalgamation they showed. He knows only one crazy scientist who dabbles with that.

"Ben-kun?"

"Ben-san?"

Hibiki and Tsubasa's called to Ben in concerned voices when they noticed the horror realization look he was showing. Ben frowned and spoke to Genjuro with a warning tone.

"Commander, tell Ryoko to not bother on looking up on those Noise."

"What are you talking about Ben-kun?" The commander asked, but Ben did not bother to answer. For the name he was about to say would answer for itself.

"Come out Animo! I know your there!" he yelled out to the mad scientist. What came next was a sound of sarcastic clapping and Animo slowly walking out from where he was hiding while continuing his insulting clap.

"Nothing get by you do's it young Benjamin." He said mockingly.

"Wait, Animo, as in Doctor Animo? Isn't he one of the villains you faced Ben-kun?" Hibiki asked the teen hero. She knew of Animo and his crimes when Ben told of his origins a few nights ago.

Tsubasa said nothing. She only eyed the mad professor; readying her blade in any instance, he made a move.

Ben did not give his obvious insult any acknowledgment. He continued to glare at him in furry. "I guess these Noises were your doing?"

Animo grinned widely at the mention of the Muta-Noise. Pride swelled inside of him and he could hardly suppress his ego. "But of course! Only with my brilliance, that one could achieve what was though impossible, to fuse the Noise in to living creatures and give rise to a new race, the Muta-Noise!"

Usually Ben would make up a crack wise about the cliché mad scientist ambition, but he could not utter a word. He saw what it had caused. On his way here, he saw mutilated bodies of civilians, a tapestry of blood on the ruined walls.

He knew Animo was low, but he did not expect him to be this low.

Tsubasa did not show it, but she was horrified at his words. She couldn't believe that someone would actually create such unholy abominations.

Hibiki was like Tsubasa, horrified beyond belief, the difference was that you can clearly see it on her expression. "Why?"

Everyone turned to the wielder of Gungnir sudden question. "How could you? How could you make the Muta-Noise! Many people died today because of them! How can you do something so terrible?"

Animo raised a brow at the girl's sudden outburst. However, it was quickly replaced by a sinister grin. "Oh my dear, it is simply for the sake of my ambition, to amass an army of my creations and rule the world! The civilian casualty is but a small stepping-stone to my greater dream."

He laughed madly, while Hibiki fell to her knees, unable to stand due to the shock. Tsubasa cried out to her while dashing to her side. Ben was trembling in rage. Never once did he felt so much anger, especially to someone like Animo. He always saw Animo to be almost harmless in retro spec, but now…

"ANIMO!" With a burst of speed Ben charged at Animo and was about to deliver a hay maker to knock out the mad man, but his attack never made contact. For a golden barrier, similar to the one Saint Germain used earlier on appeared to surround him.

Ben's eyes widen at its sudden appearance while Animo only gave a cocky grin. The barrier burst and Ben was launched back due to the force of the burst. He landed near the two gear users with a loud thud. A flash of green came and Ben was back to his human form.

"Ben-san!"

"Ben-kun!"

The two girls called out to our alien hero in worry, even Hibiki came out of her shocked state when she saw Ben landed next to her. Adding to their worry was seeing for the first time Ben forced out of his alien form.

"A little trick I took from my new friends. I would love to stay and chat Benjamin, but I 'am a busy man." He brought out a pink vile, one Ben recognize as identical to the one Saint Germain used earlier.

"Good bye Benjamin Tennyson! One day I shall put an end to your meddlesome meddling ways!" He smashed the vial by throwing it on the ground. He laughed one last time while slowly disappearing from sight.

The three just stared at the spot where Animo once stood while they were helping each other to their feet and moments later, the 2nd division crew arrived, mending the situation.

(Four Arms)

Bavarian Illuminati HQ:

Saint-Germain was patiently waiting for Animo and her comrade's arrival. During the time, she was waiting her mind kept wondering on the belief of Ben.

Saying that she was bothered by it was an understatement. In all she had seen in her centuries in life, his very ideals and beliefs would have been trampled and unachievable. As long as the curse of Balal exist rains over humanity, such dreams would never come to fruition.

Yet… as she gazed at his eyes, she saw that he had seen such an outcome already. That he had achieved it many times over. It should have been impossible it was like…

"The curse of Balal didn't exist in him…" She wishpered in realization.

But that was impossible. Every human born holds the curse in them. For that to be possible Ben Tennyson mustn't have been born in this world. Then it hit her. His sudden appearance two years ago, no records were found about him, his strange device that can turn him to unknown creatures never seen before.

In addition, there was Animo, like Ben no records were found, his achievement on fusing the Alca-Noise and his mutant creatures should be in all right, impossible along with his connection with Tennyson.

It wasn't prevalent as with Ben, but she, for some reason couldn't detect the curse in him as well.

"If those two are not of this world then everything falls in to place."

She was no stranger to the Multiverse theory. Compared to the knowledge she held the theory was rather new. She is not as well versed with it, but she has the general idea.

Multiple realities existing at once with radical differences or slight differences with each other. Worlds so alien that they might not recognize it.

"Worlds were the curse never existed." The idea of world with the curse of Balal had not oppressed humanity. The pictured herself and her mother living a peaceful life, where the tragedies she had experience never came to be. To her, it was intoxicating.

She was cut from her thoughts when Animo, Cagliostro, and Prelati arrived.

"Ah Saint-Germain thank you for distracting young Benjamin. Thanks to that, we were able to gather sufficient battle data of the Muta-Noise and the gear users. I would say that this test run was a complete success." Animo said in gratitude, but his tone was indicating otherwise.

Saint-Germain did not give mind to it. She marched towards Animo, grabbed the collar of his shirt, and dragged him to eye level. That action startled he two comrades. "Answer me Animo. Are you and Tennyson-."

Their argument was interrupted when the sound of a ringing phone erupted in the room. All turned their attention to one of the tables in the room and saw something that was not present in the room moments ago.

An elegant vintage Victorian phone every time the lodge master always sends when he contacts with Saint-Germain and her group.

"Aren't you going to get that?" Animo said in amusement. Saint-Germain glared at the doctor before shoving him to the ground, walked towards to the gilded phone, and picked it up.

"Yes." She answered and didn't bother to ask who it was. Because she already knows who was at the end of the line.

"Yes, the test trail was a complete success lodge master. Since the Alca-Noise were not complete the ability to destroy the relics was not present within the Muta-Noise." She answered without pause.

The others save for Animo watch the conversation with slight anxiety. For whatever reason whenever they were in the presence of the lodge master or, like now in a conversation over a phone, they always felt uneasiness.

"The two gear users performed better then we have anticipated, while Tennyson dealt with the Muta-Noise with ease." She continued.

Saint-Germain eyes narrowed on what was said next. She glanced over to Animo, who was still grinning at her in amusement. "The lodge master wants to speak to you." She said while extending the phone to him.

Animo grabbed the phone and answered. "Hello Mister Adam how may I be of service." He casually greeted, speaking the name of the Lodge master Adam Weishaupt. Animo listened to what Adam had to say before turning his attention to the three.

So sorry my dears, but he wants this conversation to remain private between me and him."

The three glared at him for a moment but left the room nonetheless.

(Four Arms)

Once the door was shut, Saint-Germain and her three subordinates stood there for a moment before Prelati began to speak.

"What could the lodge master be saying to Animo in privacy?" She wondered what could be so secretive that it had to be discussed outside of the knowledge of the organizations top brass.

"Who knows, that Adam already had a screw lose ever since we met him." Cagliostro added her insult to their leader.

"What do you think Saint-Ger-." Prelati called out to her but stopped when she saw her troubled expression.

"What's the matter?" Cagliostro asked with a hint of worry.

Saint-Germain returned her gaze to the two. "We need to discuss something about Tennyson and Animo. Follow me." She began walking off. The two looked at each other in uncertainty before following her.

(Four Arms)

"Are they gone?" Adam asked over the phone, making sure that no one would be listening to their conversation.

"Yes they left the room and I'm afraid Saint-Germain has figured out that I and Tennyson are not of this world. She was about to say it until you called."

"Not surprised really. She is incredibly smart. Besides, I anticipated she would find out the moment she would encounter Ben Tennyson. She would have to be blind not seeing the missing presence of the curse of Balal in Tennyson… or in you."

"Indeed she would, but enough of trivial things. I guess you have something important to say?" Animo said while predicting the reason for Adams sudden call.

"Nothing to alarming for now. I just need your help in finalizing the Alca-Noise. Do you remember Carol Malus Dienheim?"

"Ah yes, the little girl with daddy issues I supposed she is struggling with it?"

"No not really, but with your help it would speed it completion significantly."

Animo sighed in irritation. In his mind, he could not fathom why a girl who had lived for centuries could not finish something as simple as that, while he had achieved the Muta-Noise in a matter of months.

"If I must, but Mister Adam, do not forget our bargain."

"Yes, yes Animo, I won't. Just finish your end of the deal and you will get your armada of misshapen Noise creatures."

"Good…"

(Four Arms)

2nd Division HQ:

The tension in the control room was almost suffocating. It has been a few hours since everyone had returned from ground zero. After they arrived and the commander gave the orders to the majority of the crew oversee the clean up and give him the situation report once done.

Right now, everyone gathered in one room and everyone was taking in with the outcome.

Tsubasa and Hibiki were sitting and were being treated by both Aoi and Sakuya. They were not seriously injured thanks to the protection of the Symphogear provided; only a few scratches and bruises. Simple bandages and anti-biotic were need.

Ben was unscratched thanks to his alien forms being durable and he was only feeling some sour spots.

They were physically all right, but they were emotionally struggling, especially Hibiki.

The image of the man she saw ripped apart by the wolf Muta-Noise kept on playing in her mind. Every time she remembered the man's head ripped off from his neck, she shivered and clutched each side of her arm.

Ben noticed her action and gave Hibiki a gentle hug. This always helped Hibiki calm down whenever she was shaken or scared. He remembered the first time he did this.

It was back when Hibiki was still being harassed by the family of the victims. There was actually a time when Hibiki was almost assaulted by a father of one of the victims. Thankfully, Ben was already in front of Hibiki's home and was near enough to her the commotion.

The assailant did not give up even when Ben tried to calm him down and had to resort to taking him down. After settling the man and calling the police.

Ben remembered how shaken Hibiki was. Her eyes were completely shot and her body wouldn't stop shaking. He didn't know what was in his mind back then, but he just fallowed his gut and did what would become a habit of the two.

"Thanks Ben-kun. I'm ok now…" She said half-heartedly. Ben could see she was not completely fine, but he understood enough.

"So I guess I better explain who that guy was huh?" He said aloud, gaining the attention of everyone present in the room.

Genjuro walked closer to Ben and he was giving him a serious yet also at the same time an apologetic look. "I know you're still tired from the earlier fight Ben-kun, but we need to know everything you know about the man who created the Muta-Noise."

Ben looked at the floor with a troubled look. Explaining them about Animo was not a problem. It was how he possible could have got here was troubling him.

Paradox did tell him that his enemies would come for him here. He should not be surprised that he could be involved. "No not could be, most likely."

He was not sure if he is involved with Animo or not. He did not want Hibiki or Tsubasa to face him. He is leagues above anything they have faced before and that frightened him. He has to deal with him if he ever shows up, but for now, the focus was Animo.

"Alright listened up guys, I'll tell you everything about that guy we faced. It all started back in my early days of being a hero. His name is Doctor Animo…"

(Four Arms)

He looked upon his surroundings. The entire city was ablaze. Buildings were crumbling, streets destroyed to rubble and not a single living human can be seen.

He began to walk lazily taking in the sight he is seeing. His black cap waved gently with each movement, his purple visor reflected his surroundings. He could not help but to frown a bit at what he is seeing.

He heard the sound of rattling. He turned and saw five skeletons wearing raged clothes and wielding swords and spears running towards him. He frowned at their sights. He raised his hand and a purple beam of energy burst from his palms.

The beam made contact and that very instant the skeleton creatures turned to dust. He smiled at his work before continuing to his destination.

He had walked for a good ten minutes before arriving to his desired location.

As he expected he saw Ben Tennyson as Brainstorm fighting a dark hooded woman. If he recalled correctly this was a Ben Tennyson from a time line where he acquired the Potis Altiare.

He also noticed he had companions red headed girl with some short of stylish military uniform and another woman with purpled who wore a medieval purple armor and was wielding a large cross like shield.

H was more interested on the two super humans at the moment. They seem to emit a short of energy that he compares it to mana, but it seems to be an inferior version of it. The red headed girl emitted the same but not as much as the other two.

He pondered on what these women could be. In all his travel in the Omniverse, he has never encountered beings similar to them.

He ended his thoughts when he felt a familiar energy forming behind him. He frowned in recognition. He turned and saw a blue vortex and Paradox came out of the portal.

"So you finally caught up with me?" He asked Paradox.

"I'm afraid you're mistaken about that. I never lost track of you. I simply had far more important matters at the moment."

He chuckled dryly, amused at the fact. He stopped and turned back his attention to the immortal time walker.

"I supposed you're the one who brought this Ben Tennyson to this universe?"

"Ah this isn't my work, well not directly. I may have brought this Ben Tennyson to this universe but I had my student bring him to this specific time line."

He listened and stared at him not bothering to ask any further. He sighed before speaking again.

"What do you want time walker. I know that you know I am no threat for now. I'm only here to observe."

"True but it wouldn't hurt to be a bit prepared." Paradox began to rummage something out from his pocket and brought out a hand full of gumballs. "Gumball?"

He didn't answer. He returned his attention back at the fight. Paradox just shrugged at his cold treatment and joined him at observing the battle unfolding in front of them

Chapter End

(Four Arms)

AN:

Hey guys hoped you like the chapter. Not much to say about it, just mainly the fight of Ben and Saint Germain, the fight of Tsubasa and Hibiki with the Muta-Noise and Saint Germain finally realizing what Ben and Animo are.

The last part was actually a last minute thing. I didn't planed to revel this until after the battle of Chris and Hibiki, but decided to jus add it in now, so next chapter will be in a month or two.

Happy Holidays everyone!