DISCLAIMER: I DONT OWN BEN 10 OR MARVEL. I HAVE SPOKEN.
Hey everyone! I'm back with another chapter.
So real quick before we get started. I know a lot of you have been asking about when I'll be getting back and updating Avenging 10. I realise that it has been a long time since I've updated and I am sorry about that.
Ever since the Lockdowns and the Pandemic, suddenly I've been feeling that everything just got so overwhelming, I got mixed up looking at the big picture that I didn't know where to start or what to deal with first. It got so bad that I've been feeling Burnout from writing in general.
But these little chapters in this series have really helped get my mind back on track and I am happy to tell you guys that I am back to working on A10 again. I wanna thank those of you who have been patient with me and were willing to stick by me in this tough times. Your patience will be rewarded when I finish this arc.
Enough talk and on with the show!
Guardians of the Galaxy #1
It is said that "the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." That may be the case with mice and men. But if the plan is made with a talking Raccoon, then the plan gets tossed out the window, spontaneously combusts and then is sucked into a black hole.
Honestly, that outcome wasn't that fair off for the Hero of Heroes, Ben 10. The Alien Avenger never expected his day to end up like this. But here he is, on an alien planet, surrounded by monsters, fighting the space version of Conan the Barbarian, along side the weirdest group of misfits this side of the Galaxy.
A rather colourful group of individuals, five in total, all fighting a large alien creature that had the body of a lizard, with a face that looked like a flowing plant with many tendrils covered up the eyes and mouth within.
At the front of the group and is the only female member, she is tall with a slender, but muscular build. Her skin is light green and long hair that is a darker shade of green, with purple highlights at the tips. Her eyes are violet with black eye shadow painted around the sockets and two dark lines that run down each cheek to her jaw.
She is wearing a skin tight black body suit, with white armor plating on her arms, upper chest and boots. In her hand is a double sided long-sword, which is retractable in order for her to store in on her back.
Her name is Gamora, the Deadliest Woman in the Galaxy.
Next in line, is a large burly man with green skin, like Gamora, only lighter than her's. He has no hair on his head and grey eyes. He doesn't wear a shirt, exposing his bulging, well toned muscles that would make any body builder envious. On his skin, are a series of dark red tattoos, arranged in a pattern that flowed around his upper torso, along his arms and around his eyes.
He wears a pair of black, leathery pants along with a pair of black leather gloves on each hand.
He wields a pair of large, curved knives in each hand which he uses to slash and stab at his opponent.
He is Drax the Destroyer.
Behind Drax is, by far, the tallest member of the group. He looked like a humanoid tree, standing easily eight feet tall, with tree bark for skin and roots for fingers and toes. His face consisted of a pair of brown eyes and a mouth.
He didn't wear anything in the way of clothing, but he did have a mechanical harness strapped on his back, that looked like a perch on some kind.
His name is Groot. If you ever forget it, he has a habit of reminding you.
Next to him the smallest, but loudest member of the team, who resembled an anthropomorphic raccoon. Only it wore a dark orange jumpsuit with various pouches sewn into it along with several pieces of technology that seem to have been installed. Including a large mechanical backpack and a pair of jury-rigged welding goggles, on his forehead.
He is Rocket, self-proclaimed tech genius and loves to blow things up.
Finally, the leader of this band of misfits, a human being by the name of Peter Quill, aka the Star Lord.
He has sandy blonde hair, blue eyes and wears a dark red leather jacket, with the name "Star-Lord" printed on the back in font reminiscent of an 80's heavy metal band. He also wears grey pants with a pair of metallic boots with what appeared to be rocket thrusters built into the calves.
A pair of double-barrelled alien blasters in each hand as he fires bolts of plasma from the barrels. A high-tech mask covered his face that resembled a gaming visor with glowing optics that resembled eye patterns.
Together they are the known as the Guardians of the Galaxy. A team of misfit heroes that protect the cosmos, battling threats that plague the galaxy. While also making a quick buck when they have the chance.
Ben encountered this group a while back and they've saved his life on more than one occasion. So, when they called him up and asked for a favour, the Young Hero accepted without hesitation.
Though, they neglected to tell him what the favour actually was, until they dragged him across the galaxy, to a distant system on the planet of Seknarf Nine. Home of Lady Hellbender, also known as the Monster Queen.
"A quick and easy gig." Rocket assured him as they arrived on the planet.
Long story short, it was not quick and easy.
"Well, this is a fine mess you've gotten us into." Gamora commented as she flipped over the swinging tail of the beast they were fighting. A creature known as Slakebeast, as it roared from its flowery mouth.
"Me? This was Rockets idea!" Star Lord protested as he aimed his blasters at the beast. The alien weapons fired a stream of fire from its barrels at the creature.
The Slakebeast roared as it spung around, swinging its tail in a wide arc, as it glowed with icy vapour flowing off it. The tail came in contact with the wall of fire and immediately exploded into a cloud of steam.
The beast then used the smoke screen and attempted to pounce on Star Lord. Only for it to be intercepted in mid-air by Drax the Destroyer as he tackled the beast to the ground.
Groot quickly slammed his fists into the ground and generated a series of vines that wrapped around the creature, pinning it down. Allowing Rocket to deploy his blaster cannon from his backpack and started firing a barrage into the creature.
"Technically we never even got to my plan yet. Cause we got jumped by the scut buckets that decided to go hunting here." Rocket defended as he continued to fire. But his weapons energy bolts seemed to have no effect on the creatures thick hide.
"Well, it was still your idea to come here in the first place." Star Lord countered as he aimed his element blasters and used them to generate several boulders that launch at the Slakebeast, striking it with enough force to knock it over.
Rocket grunted as he prepared a grenade and tossed it at the creature. "You wanted a rare monster. I found a rare monster."
"I am Groot?" Groot asked in his native language. Just as the grenade exploded.
"How should I know where the kid is?" Rocket responded.
This immediately cause Star Lord and Gamora to look concerned. Just where did their Shapeshifting friend, run off to?
An explosion rocked the jungle as the Alien Tiger, Rath flew through the air and landed with a loud thud.
"OW!" The Humanoid Tiger yelled as he picked himself back up. "Lemme Tell you something, Arkon the Magnificent. You think you can blow Rath across the forest and not get a major beating?! Well Think again! Cause Raths gonna bring all the beatings! And Raths not sharing any of them with you!"
The being he was fighting, Arkon, emerged from the forest. He was a tall broad shouldered human-like being. Easily 6 feet tall, wearing only a fur belt around his waist, held up by a golden belt. He wore golden cuffs on his arms and a golden helmet on his head, with two wing like horns coming out the top.
A quiver was worn on his back, containing projectile devices in the shape of a lightning bolt.
The being called Arkon laughed as he drew one of the bolts from his quiver, a scarlet bolt that crackled with energy. "You are quite a formidable beast. Perhaps I should take your pelt instead."
Rath growled as he smashed his knuckles together. "You wanna wear Rath? Fine! Go ahead! Rath will just choke you when you tie me around your neck."
The Polemachian grinned as he held the lightning bolt like a javelin and aimed it at Rath. "Let us test that theory."
He then tossed the bolt at Rath, but the Alien Teen quickly dodged out of the way as the bolt struck the ground, exploding on contact. Arkon tried again with another bolt, only for Rath to grab a boulder and throw it at the Warlord, just as he released his bolt.
The two projectiles collected, mid-air and exploded knocking him off balance.
This allowed Rath to close the distance and deliver a right hook to Arkons face. The Warlord of Polemachus staggered back from the blow. But, managed to regain his footing as he countered with a haymaker of his own to Raths face.
Rath stumbled, as Arkon proceeded to unleash a series of strikes to the Teen Hero, targeting his joints and gut, the traditional weak points of most organisms before delivering a powerful uppercut to Raths lower jaw, sending him flying off his feet.
"You are formidable, creature. But, brute strength alone will not bring me down." Arkon boasted. "I have hunted the deadliest beasts across the galaxy. I thought to find a true prize among the beast of this world. I will have to pay my gratitude's to Lady Hellbender for providing me with such glorious beasts to hunt."
"Umm. These animals aren't for you to hunt, you know?" Rath said in a confused tone surprising Arkon as he turned around to see Rath, sitting on the ground like a kid with his head tilted and a confused expression.
"Seriously, dude. You hit your head or something? Cause you're talking crazy."
Arkon's mouth twitched as he gritted his teeth in rage. "You dare mock the Ruler of Polemachus!"
The Alien Avengers eyes narrowed as he got to his feet and glared at Arkon. "Lemme tell ya something, Arkon the Magnificent! Rath will mock anyone who deserves it! Even people that don't! Rath doesn't discriminate!"
The Warlords anger boiled to the surface as he reached for his quiver. Only for Rath to dash towards him at incredible speeds and perform a flying punch to his face. "Cosmic Clothesline!" Rath cried out and he slammed his arm into Arkons face, sending him reeling back.
The Warlord of Polemachus tried to counter attack, only for Rath to dodge and maneuver around him. He then pinned both Arkons arms behind his back and proceeded to lift him off the ground and charge forward.
"Antarian Armbar!" Rath roared as he rammed Arkon right into a rock formation with enough force to crater the rock and leave a perfect indentation of Arkon in the rockface.
The Alien Tiger released his opponent and backed away.
Arkon groaned as he removed himself from the boulder. The Warlord was certainly taken by surprise by this. At first, he believed this being to be a mindless brute, only thinking with his fists. But clearly, this Rath he was facing was more of a warrior than he gave it credit.
"Hahaha. It takes a lot of humble me. But, here I stand. I admit, I underestimated you, Rath." The Warlord admitted with a humble grin.
Rath smirked in a cocky manner as he flexed his muscles. "That's cause I'm the Cat who's all that! The Rath attack! And about a hundred other things." Rath responded confidently.
Arkon chuckled as he drew another bolt from his quiver. This one golden on colour. "Let's see how far that bravado can get you."
He then tosses the bolt at Rath. Only for Rath to counter the bolt by hurling another boulder at it. The two projectiles collide resulting in a blinding flash, but instead of exploding, the rock disappeared. Completely vanished from view.
Before Rath could even wonder what just happened, the boulder suddenly struck him in the back, knocking him down, shattering on impact.
"What the…" Rath looked down at the broken rock pieces around him. Then turned around looking for who threw it. "Lemme tell ya something, Invisible being who's throwing rocks at Rath! Nobody throws rocks at Rath, except Rath!"
To prove his point. Rath proceeded to pick up another boulder and ram his head into it, shattering the stone into pebbles.
Arkon couldn't help but watch the scene in amusement. "What a primitive, brutish creature. It seems only appropriate to I put it out of its misery."
He drew another golden bolt from his quiver and aimed it at Rath.
The Alien Tiger in question had now smashed a seventh rock against his head, slightly swaying on his feet as the concussion seemed to finally set in.
"Ugh, Rath doesn't feel so good. But Rath showed those stupid rocks!... Oh man Rath needs a break." The Alien Hero said as he taped the Ultimatrix dial and transformed in a flash of green light.
"Spidermonkey!" The monkey alien screeched only to winch and grab his head with his upper two hands. "Ouch, ouch, ouch. Oh man Rath, why you gotta be so hardheaded." He commented to himself, almost like he was talking to another person. Granted his head was still pounding so he was slightly out of it.
Arkon's eyes widened as he saw the creature Rath, suddenly transform into a completely different creature all together. "Incredible. This is truly a worthy hunt."
He then took aim at the Monkey Alien and hurled his bolt at him.
Despite his sore head, Spidermonkey's heightened senses did detect the sound of a projectile coming towards him. Turing around, the Alien Teen saw the yellow bolt coming right at him.
The Blue Monkey quickly leaped into the air, avoiding the bolt as he fired a web line from his tail. The webbing attached itself to the base of the bolt and Spidermonkey swung the bolt around, using the momentum to launch the bolt right back at Arkon at full speed.
"Return to sender!" The Alien Monkey yelled, laughing as he did.
Arkons eye widened as the bolt struck him right in the chest. A flash of light and he was gone. Just like the boulder had done earlier.
"Oh man. I really hope that thing does what I think it does." Spidermonkey said nervously.
He quickly climbed to the top of the canopy level of the forest and scanned the area. Looking for any signs. He managed to catch the Guardians, still fighting the creature. Just beyond them is the landing site where Arkon's ship is.
A flash of light in the sky above the ship and Spidermonkey could make out the tiny figure of Arkon falling towards it. The Alien Teen breathed a sigh of relief, those yellow bolts where teleportation bolts, not disintegration bolts.
The Young Hero suspected that was the case when Rath got hit by the rock he threw earlier. Course he couldn't really think clearly with Raths overly aggressive mind. But at least he knew that he didn't just murder someone.
With his current opponent out for the way for the time being, Spidermonkey quickly made his way through the jungle, swinging from his webs or surfing down branches at incredible speeds. His energetic nature getting ahold of him as he swung through the jungle like a fish through water.
Arriving on the scene with a loud monkey screech, Spidermonkey leaped over the Guardians, firing a stream of webbing from his tail at the Slakebeast. The webbing formed a net as it covered the beast, the sticky substance covering and restraining the creature. It roared in frustration as it tried to free itself.
Seeing that the beast is contained for the time being, Star Lord moved away to a safe distance before holding his hand up high with what appears to be a cassette player in his hand. "Guardians, Huddle up!" He ordered.
The Guardians of the Galaxy immediately rushed to their leaders side. While Spidermonkey just looked at them confused.
"Serioulsy? Were in the middle of a fight here?" He stated in a bewildered tone. Only to just sigh and follow suit.
Joining the huddle, Spidermonkey turned back into Ben as the Guardians all looked at him.
"Well nice of you to show up, Finally." Rocket said sarcastically.
"Hey, I was busy trying not to be turned into a fur coat by Conan the Barbarian back there." Ben argued.
"Arkon would never be invited here and I doubt he'd be willing to sell anything to Lady Hellbender." Gamora stated as she glanced in the direction of the ship.
Drax nodded. "Polemachians glorify battle and the hunt. No doubt he has come here for worthy prey."
"And we ended up crashing his party." Star Lord concluded.
"I am Groot." Groot agreed nodding.
"We can't let him just roam free. Who knows how many creatures he could just hunt to extinction?" Ben pointed out.
"Who cares. It's not our problem." Rocket stated offhandedly.
Ben glared at the Talking Raccoon with annoyance. Unless there's a buck to be made, Rocket couldn't care less about anything or anyone.
A lightbulb went off inside the Teens head as a cheeky grin appeared on his face.
"You know. Lady Hellbender might offer a reward to anyone that helps save her animals. Just saying." Ben commented in a casual tone.
Rockets eye immediately lit up at the prospect of a reward.
Even Star Lord managed to catch on to what Ben was doing as he gave his own smirk.
The sound of the Slakebeast roaring briefly pulled the Guardians and Avenger's heads towards it as it started breaking out of Spidermonkey's webs.
"Ok, so Plan A might be a bust." Star Lord admitted as he checked his element blaster.
Gamora, looking over her shoulder at the beast and Arkons ship in the background, nodded in agreement. "That's an understatement."
"Too bad someone crashed the ship." Rocket responded dryly as he gestured to the damaged and smoking wreckage of the Guardians spaceship behind him.
"Peter Quill." Drax called out after glancing back at the creature as it was almost loose. "You are no match for this glorious creature. Get behind me." His tone hinted at concern, but Star Lord couldn't help but notice the insults he unintentionally threw into the way he phrased that.
"I am Groot!" Groot suddenly warned them as he pointed to the distance.
The group turned around to see a group of armored warriors marching towards them. All wearing armor that seemed to resemble the kind of tech that Arkon has. No doubt they were Polemachians under Arkons command, here to take revenge for what they did to their leader.
"Seems like we got some more party crashers." Ben said as he reached for his watch.
Star Lord stood tall as he walked to the front of the team. "Ok guys, Plan B." He said as he raised his cassette player, rolled up the rubber band that was holding the cassettes compartment closed, opened it, removed the cassette tape and flipped it over, revealing the words 'Plan B' literally written on the other side, before placing the tape back in and closing it, flipping the rubber band back over to keep it from opening.
"Yeah, we may be in trouble. But where the Guardians of the Galaxy." He said with renewed enthusiasm.
The rest of the team getting pumped up by the leader's words as they all stood up and drew their respective weapons. Even Ben feeling the fire inside him as he activated the Ultimatrix and cycled through the playlist to find a good alien.
Star Lord grinned as he reached up and activated his helmet. The nanotech deploying from the device behind his ear as the helmet formed around his head.
"Now who's with me!" Star Lord shouted, rhetorically.
The Guardians and Alien Teen all grinned as they got into fighting stances.
Suddenly, loud rock music started blaring from the both the speakers on Star Lord Helmet, but also several portable speakers that appeared to have been placed around the area, resembling most of the devices that Rocket jury rigs together.
Meaning that, somehow, they spread these speakers all around them, just so they can listen to music as they fight.
Completely unnecessary for a fight? Absolutely. Totally Awesome? Definitely!
Ben grinned as he turned into Swampfire. The Humanoid plant alien beamed as he formed fireballs in his hands to fight.
With that the Heroes rushed forward the moment the song 'Kickstart my heart by the Mötley Crüe' blasted from the speakers.
"Groot, you're up big guy!" Star Lord ordered.
"I AM GROOT!" the Walking tree roared as he slammed his fists into the ground. A mass of vines sprouted from the soil as they rushed towards the warriors.
The vines quickly grabbed several of them and proceeded to lift them into the air. Knocking the rest over.
"Rocket, fireworks!" Star Lord commanded as Rocket quickly scampered up one of Groots vines to the soldiers trapped in the vines and lobbed a high-tech grenade right in the middle of the trapped soldiers.
"How's this for a Plan B!" Rocket shouted just as the device detonated in a glorious ball of flame and destruction.
The Soldiers that were knocked down by Groots initial attack, only just got back to their feet when the bomb blew up, only to be blinded making them easy targets for Star Lord as he slid across the ground, on his knees, while his rocket boots propelled him forward as he fired his element blasters in a continuous barrage, gunning down the soldiers around him.
Suddenly a loud roar drew his attention forward to see the Slakebeast, freed from its bondage, launch towards him with the intention of mauling him to death.
Star Lord immediately threw his body back, allowing to beast to sail over him as he rolled on the ground, turning as he did so in order to keep an eye on the beast as it turned around to pursue him.
"Drax, pin it down!" Star Lord called out as the beast tried to attack him again.
Only for Drax to leap and tackle the Slakebeast again and proceeded to pummel the creature with his bare fists.
"At Last! A worthy foe!" The Destroyer cried in delight as the beast roared in frustration as it bucked around, trying to shake Drax off.
As it did so, the creatures tail flailed around, frozen mists flowing from it as it whipped around uncontrollably.
Seeing this, Star Lord pointed to the tail and called out. "Gamora!"
The Assassin didn't even need any clarity as she instantly dove in, her sword raised as she sliced off the tail in one fluid move.
"Slice off its tail?" She asked, rhetorically already knowing that's what he meant.
"Oh yeah." Star Lord confirmed as he turned to the Young Shapeshifter. "Ok kid. Light him up!"
Swampfire nodded as he jumped high into the air, combined his hands together and formed a massive fireball in his hands and hurled it right at the beast. The Slakebeast roared in pain as the flames consumed it, before falling to the ground, dead.
Star Lord flew down and landed on top of the dead creature, posing like a big game hunter after completing a kill.
Rocket scoffed as he turned to the Young Hero. "Thought you were all about saving the monsters?"
Swampfire shrugged as he glanced down at Rocket. "Just cause I respect animals, doesn't mean I'm just gonna let them maul me. Kill or be killed."
Rocket chuckled in response. "I can respect that." He and Swampfire shared a fist bump as they joined the rest of the group.
Star Lord retracted his helmet as he grinned in a cocky demeanor. "See, piece of cake."
No sooner had he said that. The ground behind him erupted and a dark shadow flowed over the group.
The Guardians Leader turned around to come face to face with a massive eyeball. He quickly backed up as the massive creature emerged from the ground and flew into the sky.
It was a Giant, Black, Octopus creature with four giant tentacles, red eyes and was the size of a starship.
The Guardians and Alien Avenger quickly backed up as the creature glared at them, raising its giant tentacles in a threatening display.
"Uh, Quill. Got a Plan C?" Rocket asked nervously.
"Uh…" Star Lord responded, a little unsure.
Swampfire smirked as he ignited another fireball in his palm. "Well, while you're thinking one up. I'll see what this squid is made of."
With that Swampfire blasted fire from both palms at the ground and rocketed into the sky, flying past the Giant Alien Octopus. The creature turned in the air and swung one of its tentacles at him.
The Plant Alien easily avoided the first appendage and narrowly avoided the second before landing on the third and running up the length of the tentacle before launching a stream of flames from his palms at the creature.
The fire flowed over the gargantuan beast as it roared in response.
The Alien Avenger was so focused on his attack he almost missed the fourth tentacle, swinging right at him. Swampfire quickly tried to escape, but the tentacle was too fast as it wrapped around him, pinning his arms and legs together and prevented him from moving.
The Giant Octo-Alien pulled the Alien Shapeshifter closer to its eye to get a clear look at him. Swampfire struggled in its grip, grunting as he did so, before smirking as he locked eyes with the beast.
"So, what's your deal? You a conqueror of 20 worlds or something?" He asked in a mocking tone.
The Monster roared as it proceeded to slam Swampfire into the ground with enough force to crater the ground.
It lifted the Young Hero to its face again as Swampfire coughed up some dirt and debris from his mouth. "Ok, ok. 25 worlds then." He mocked once again.
The Alien Octopus roared once more at the Alien Avenger, who remained unflinching to the creatures attempt to intimidate him. This wasn't the first Extraterrestrial Cephalopod that the Teen Hero has faced in his carrier and it's not even close to being as dangerous.
But, he'll still feel nostalgic kicking this things butt.
"So where are your robot minions? Or are you the dimension hopping type?" Swampfire quipped as the creature glared at him.
Before it could react, Swampfire opened his mouth and blasted a stream of flames directly into the creatures eye. Stunning the beast as it dropped him. Swampfire landed on the ground as the Alien Octopus brushed off the flames, its eye blinking in pain as it glared down at the Alien Shapeshifter.
Suddenly a barrage of ice shards started pelting the creature, along with a salvo of energy blasts and missiles. The beast roared as it retreated back, floating over the edge of the cliff.
The Alien Teen looked back to see Star Lord and Rocket, the former blasting chunks of ice from his element blasters and the later, having transformed his nano-tech weapons pack to a giant gun platform five times his size, with multiple guns, rocket launchers and cannons all firing at once as they locked onto the giant monster.
"Figure out a plan yet?" Swampfire asked.
"Not really. Figured we'd just follow your example." Star Lord responded in smug tone.
"Works for me." Swampfire agreed as he and the Guardians moved to attack the beast.
The Giant Octopus swung two of its tentacles at the heroes. Only for them to dodge out of the way. Swampfire and Groot both responded by generating vines that pinned the creature's limbs to the ground as Drax and Gamora both attacked the tentacles with their blades.
The Beast roared as it pulled back its tentacles, their attacks simply annoying it. Its head opened up, revealing some kind of gill-like structure. From these gills, the beast fired out several organic projectiles that rained down on the heroes.
Swampfire quickly generated several vines to form a shield around him as the projectiles struck against the vines and exploded, knocking him back.
The Guardians all reacted to the organic bombs with Groot, generating his own shield, made of branches, Rocket using his cannon to blow them out of the sky before they reached him, Gamora dodging and weaving around the explosive with her agility, Drax simply punched the explosives with his bare fists at took the explosions head on and Star Lord used his element blasters to make a tornado like air current that caught the explosives and sent them fight back at the creature.
But the explosives did nothing to the creatures hide. This caused the Alien Avenger to get a little concerned. So far, nothing they've done could even put a scratch on this thing. Energy blasts, bounce off it and swords hardly scratched it.
The only thing that seemed to have any effect where Swampfire's and Star Lord elemental attacks. But even they weren't strong enough to leave any impact.
Swampfire then got an idea and smirked. If his flames weren't hot enough. Then it's time to turn up the heat.
"Time to go Ultimate!" He said as he tapped the Ultimatrix dial.
Four spikes popped out from the dial as a wave of green light washed over the Plant Alien.
"Ultimate Swampfire!" The Evolved Alien cried out.
The Giant Monster roared at the Alien Avenger as it swung one of its tentacles at him. In response, Ultimate Swampfire raised his hands and fired a powerful beam of blue flames from his palms.
The Monster roared in pain as it retracted the appendage, now smoking from the burns. Rage burned in the Creatures eyes as it launched its organic bombs at the Teen Hero.
But, Ultimate Swampfire merely waved his hand and unleashed a wave of blue flames from his hands, burning the organic bombs to ashes.
The Creature tried to use this distraction and swung all its limbs at the Evolved Alien in an attempt to crush him.
But, Ultimate Swampfire merely raised his hands together and fired a bigger, more powerful beam of fire at the beast, bathing it in his flames at it roared in agony.
The Alien Teen stopped its attack as the creature crashed to the ground. Weakened and beaten.
Ultimate Swampfire then walked over to the Giant beast as it whimpered in pain. He looked down at the beast with sympathy. He didn't intent to take it this far. But this creature wouldn't stop unless he made it. After a beating like this, no doubt the Alien Octopus knew who the Alpha dog is.
The Alien Hero turned to Groot and pointed to the injured monster. "Think you can heal him, Big Guy?"
"I am Groot." Groot nodded as he walked over to the creature.
Rocket looked stunned as he moved in between Groot and the Beast. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Are you kidding me? This thing tried to kill us and suddenly you wanna patch it up?"
"It was just defending its territory, Rocket." Ultimate Swampfire explained.
"We are intruders on this planet." Drax agreed stepping forward.
"And we were causing so much damage, it wouldn't know who to attack." Gamora added.
"Not to mention, I doubt Lady Hellbender would like the fact that we killed one of her pets." Star Lord concluded.
Rocket tried to argue, but found their logic solid. "Fine. But don't mean I gotta like it."
"Noted." Ultimate Swampfire said as Rocket stepped aside to allow Groot to get to work.
The Tree Alien, held up his arms and green, luminescent healing spores flowed from his arms and enveloped the creature. Slowly its wounds started to heal, and its strength gradually restored.
Ultimate Swampfire grinned as he reached up to the dial to turn back to normal. Only for the sound of a twig snapping to catch his ear.
Turning around to the source of the noise, the Evolved Alien saw Arkon perched on a rock formation on the edge of the clearing. He looked a little beat up, with his helmet dented and his fur pelt torn. A bolt in his hand as he aimed it at the Alien Octopus.
This bolt was black in colour and radiated power. His eyes sharp and focused on his target, like a predator as sinister grin appeared on his lips.
"A prize worthy of the hunt." Arkon said as he hurled his black bolt directly at the Creature.
Acting on pure instinct alone, Ultimate Swampfire blasted his flames behind him and launched himself into the air. He flew right in the middle of Arkons bolt and the Creature as he haulted the flames and crossed his arms in front of himself to shield the beast.
The dark weapon struck the Alien Avenger and detonated. A massive force of energy erupted from the bolt, sending a shockwave across the land, causing the trees to sway, the ground to shake and the Guardians to be knocked off their feet.
Ultimate Swampfire was sent flying, impacting the ground like a meteor and carving a long trench in the ground.
The Teen Hero felt pain pulsing through his body. His arms tingled from taking the brunt of the force. The groaned as he opened his eyes to look down at his limbs. They were smoking from where the bolt struck them, but otherwise appeared unharmed. Seems his petrified wood body is more durable than he thought.
However, the pain from the impact left him stunned for the time being.
Arkon snarled in frustration at the Shapeshifter, once again getting in his way. He reached for another bolt in his quiver, only for Gamora to leap up to him and attempt to slash him with her sword.
The Warlord quickly dodged the attack, narrowly avoiding the tip of her blade as he reached down to his belt and drew his own sword and slashed at Gamora. Their blades clanged as they clashed together as the two combatants dueled each other, displaying their skill and technique.
The Deadliest Woman in the Galaxy clearly lived up to her name as she managed to keep a seasoned combatant like Arkon, off balance with her skills. However, Arkons brute strength and years of combat experience, allowed him to hold his own.
He parried a few of her strikes, before finally getting an opening that allowed him to swing his sword at full force. The strike, combined with his strength allowed him to push Gamora back a few meters. Giving him enough room to quickly draw a golden bolt from his quiver and hurl it at her like a javelin.
Gamora swiftly dodged the projectile as it struck a tree behind her, causing it to vanish in a flash of light.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over Gamora as she looked up to see that very tree appear in the sky above her and drop down. She quickly rolled out of the way as the tree crashed down, splintering on impact.
The confusion was all Arkon needed to get the jump on her as he leaped towards her, his sword raised to its zenith to bring it down on her.
Before he could strike, Drax charged out from nowhere and punched Arkon in the face, knocking him off balance and sending him stumbling off.
The Destroyer advanced on his opponent as he drew his knives and charged. Unfortunately, Arkon managed to regain his footing and quickly swung his sword to block Drax's blades. The two brutes dueled, while also mixing in punches to throw each other off.
Arkon had the slight edge in swordsmanship compared to Drax as he managed to disarm the Destroyer of one of his daggers and swung his sword at his neck.
Only for Gamora to intercept the sword with her own. The two Guardians then dueled the Warlord simultaneously with Arkon holding Gamora at bay with his sword while countering Drax with his free arm.
His rage reaching boiling point as Arkon's movements became more vicious and brutal as he started attacking the green warriors with unrelenting fury, forcing both to go on the defensive.
But, the heroes were saved by a sudden blast of energy bolts from Rocket, who deployed his blasters and started firing at Arkon. Forcing him back, while his enhanced durability prevented the energy bolts from doing any real damage. They did sting enough to drive him back.
Arkon tried to dispose of the Tech Head Rodent with one of his bolts, but Rocket beat him to the punch by tossing one of his own devices at the Warlord. A green device that detonated at Arkon's feet, propelling him into the air, where he then froze, as if time itself stopped around him.
Rocket smirked at his Gravistick Grenades effectiveness. But the effects won't last long as Star Lord rushed up, his hands starting to glow with strange energy as his element guns responded to the power and began to change.
The alien weapons reconfigured themselves and combined into a single, larger weapon as Star Lord aimed the weapon at Arkon and fire an immensely powerful beam of lighting at the Warlord. The force of the blast broke Arkon from the stasis field as he screamed in pain from the sheer amount of power blasted at him.
Eventually the attack ceased as Arkon dropped to the ground, his body smoldering and covered in burn marks.
The Ruler of Polemachus groaned weakly as he looked up at the Guardians surrounding him.
"So… Think well get some kind of bounty off of him?" Rocket asked, non chalauntly.
Gamora rolled her eyes and sighed. "Arkon is the monarch of Polemachus. We'd likely have a bounty on ours heads after this."
"But, Arkon has been caught illegally hunting rare creature on Lady Hellbenders planet." Star Lord pointed out as his element guns reconfigured back to their original state. The power of his attack, left their power cells drained as the reconfigured into their defult setting to recharge, compacting to resemble a pair of large knuckle dusters.
Star Lord holstered his weapons as he continued. "Which could leave to an intergalactic incident which I'm sure the Nova Corps would be very interested in."
Arkon snarled as he lifted himself up to a sitting position. The Guardians all aiming their weapons at him. Even weakened, the Warlord can still be dangerous.
"Well played, Guardians of the Galaxy." Arkon complimented. "But rest assured, I will finish my hunt. And then I shall come for you as well. Mark my words, you will rule the day you dared cross, Arkon the Magnificent."
"Yeah, yeah. Like you aren't the first one to swear vengeance on us. Pretty sure half the Galaxy has said the same to Gamora and Drax. And pretty much every woman, Quills ever met." Rocket snarkily replied.
"Hey." Star Lord objected, as Gamora let a small smirk crack her usual cold expression.
"The little beast is correct. Plenty have vowed vengeance against me. But none have succeeded." Drax
"Ya know. The more I hang out with you guys. The more I question whether the state of this Galaxy if you're the ones protecting it." The voice of Ultimate Swampfire called out, catching everyone attention.
They all turned to see the Evolved Alien walking towards them. His body finally recovered from Arkons attack.
The Warlord chuckled as the Teen Hero approached. "So, you managed to survive my D-Bolts. The surprises will never end with you, Changeling."
"Trust me. You ain't seen nothing yet, Muscle Brain." Ultimate Swampfire boasted, crossing his arms as he did.
"I am sure." Arkon agreed. "I promise, by our next encounter, I will mount your head on my wall." He vowed with steely determination.
"Get in line, Flark for brains. I already got dibs on the kids tech." Rocket proclaimed.
Ultimate Swampfire groaned. "For the last time, Rocket. I'm not giving you, my watch. So, drop it already!"
In response, Rocket just chuckled. "It's cute, he thinks I'm giving him an option."
The Evolved Alien just rolled his eyes as he refocused on the Warlord. "So, what, we gonna give him another pounding before kicking him off this rock? Or we gonna give him to Lady Hellbender and let her deal with him."
"I believe Lady Hellbender would appreciate the gift. No doubt she's already sense this battle, for it is said she is connected to the very planet itself." Drax proclaimed.
This caused the Guardians and Alien Avenger to groan. They'd been hearing the Destroyer sing this woman's praise none stop on the way to Seknarf Nine. They almost threw Arkon a party when they accidently crashed his hunting trip.
"Well, either way. I'm sure she'd be very interested in meeting you." Star Lord stated as he turned to Groot to get him to restrain the Warlord, but he was still in the middle of healing the Octopus Creature. So instead, he turned to Ultimate Swampfire.
"Would you mind tying him up for us?" He asked the Alien Teen.
Ultimate Swampfire shrugged as he walked up to Arkon. The Warlord smirked as he approached.
"You really believe I would allow myself to be presented to the Monster Queen herself in such a state?" Arkon asked in a prideful tone.
"Not like you got much of a choice, Dude." Ultimate Swampfire replied as he prepared to toss his seeds at the Warlord.
In response, Arkon laughed a loud a deep cackle that echoed across the land as he glared at the Young Hero with cold and calculating eyes. "You certainly are amusing. I look forward to our next hunt."
Gamora's eyes widened as she knew exactly what Arkon was about to do as she lunged forward, pulling her sword back and swinging it right at Arkon. But the Warlord's movements were too fast as he grabbed a yellow bolt from his quiver and stabbed it into himself.
A flash of light and he was gone. The Bolts teleporting him away as they've done with everything else. The Heroes turned to see Arkons men all drawing similar bolts and using them to teleport away.
A rumbling sound is heard in the distance as Arkons ship activated. It's engines roaring to life as the Ship blasted off to the stars.
Ultimate Swampfire scowled as he watched the Warlord escape. He hated when the villains got away.
A groan from behind him caused him to turn around, just as the Alien Octopus opened its eyes. It's wounds fully healed and its strength restored. The Creature rose into the sky, flexing all its appendages before letting out a cheerful squeaking noise before flying around the sky, joyful and free.
The Alien Avenger smiled at the sight. But his musing were interrupted when the Ultimatrix started beeping as it timed out. In a flash of green light, he turned back to Swampfire, then back to human. He glanced at the watch, seeing the hourglass symbol glowing red, showing it was in recharge mode.
The light caught the Beasts attention as it looked down at Ben, who suddenly felt the hairs on the back of his head stand up.
While he was the one who insisted on healing this creature. He's also the one that injured it in the first place. And with the Ultimatrix out of commission at the moment, Ben really hoped this creature wasn't the kind to hold grudges.
The creature let out a low moan as it descended towards the Alien Avenger. The Guardians quickly moved to try and protect the Young Hero, but they were all exhausted and out of ammunition.
Still, while they may not be the most altruistic of heroes, Ben was in this situation because of them. So at the very least they will take responsibility for him and ensure he gets home safely.
They all get into fighting stances, only for Groot to stand between them with his hands raised.
"I am Groot. I am Groot." He said in a calm but insisting tone.
Rocket raised his eyebrow as he looked between the approaching monster and his best friend.
"You sure, Buddy?" He asked.
Groot nodded as he turned towards the Monster.
Rocket sighed as he put his guns away. Little help, they'd do since he was all out of ammo.
"He says its all good, guys." Rocket informed the rest of the team.
Reluctantly the heroes all lowered their guard as the Monster lowered itself until it was floating just a few meters off the ground. It then reached one of its tentacles over to Ben, wrapped around him and picked him up.
The Young Hero flinched at first. But a look from Groot, assured him so he allowed the Creature to grab him. Though he was still nervous.
The Beast pulled him close, until he was right in front of its eye. Ben chuckled nervously as he waved at the creature.
"So… No hard feelings, right?" Ben asked the Octo-Alien awkwardly. Of all the Alien Octopi he's faced, this was probably the first time he ever felt sorry for hurting one.
The Creature grumbled in response, causing the Teens body to tense up. Only for its eye to soften as it pulled Ben in close and nuzzled him in a kind of Octopus hug.
Ben let out a sigh of relief as he petted the creature in return. "Ok, ok. You're welcome, Big Guy."
After a little more affection, the Beast put Ben down as it rose back into the air.
"Gotta say. I wasn't expecting that." Star Lord commented patting the Teen on the back.
"And what where you expecting?" A female voice called out from behind them.
The Heroes all turned around to see a figure emerge from the forest. She was a tall, alien woman with marble like skin, long red hair and piercing blue eyes. A scar was present on her left check which extended to her mouth. She wore an armored leotard that showed off her physique quite nicely, with armored gauntlets and boots, all matching her hair in colour.
She wielded a large mace weapon in her right hand, with a sword sheathed on her right hip.
The was riding atop of a large alien beast, which was about the size of an Elephant, resembling a mix between a lion and a lizard, with black skin, sharp fangs and a long tail with a bony club at the end.
This is Lay Hellbender, Monster Queen of Seknarf Nine.
She dismounted her beast and walked towards the heroes.
Star Lord took this opportunity to approach her. Putting on his most charming smile and confident posture. "Hey there. I am…"
However, Lady Hellbender simply raised her hand to silence him. "I am well aware of who you are. Guardians of the Galaxy. My Hellraisers have already informed me of what has transpired here today." She said in a stern tone.
Star Lord was a bit taken aback by this, usually his natural charisma was enough to get any woman's attention. But not in this case as Lady Hellbender seemed to look right through him as she observed the area.
"I do not know what intentions you had, coming to my world. But, you have done a great service to me. Not only did you drive that vile reprobate, Arkon off my world. But, you also protected my precious little Dweller from him."
The Octo-Creature, known as Dweller, let out a playful roar as it floated around the area.
"It was no biggie." Ben said with his usual levels of cockiness.
"Even though you did injure the creature before Arkon attempted to kill it." Drax pointed out, causing the Teen to jolt as he glared at the Green Skinned Brute for throwing him under the bus like that.
But, instead of getting angry, Lady Hellbender merely chuckled. "My pets, respect strength, Destroyer. As I am sure, you are quite familiar with." She said in a very flirty tone, towards Drax.
Star Lord and Ben both looked surprised as the Monster Queen showed clear interest in the Katathian Warrior.
She then turned her attention to Ben. Walking up to the young hero. "And you. I have not had the pleasure."
Ben cleared his throat as he held out his hand to the Monster Queen. "I'm, Ben. Ben Tennyson. You're majesty."
The Young Hero tried to remember his manners when it comes to greeting royalty. Something T'Challa drilled into his head since apparently, he didn't have the right etiquette when he attended a dinner with the Royal family in Symkaria.
Lady Hellbender smiled as she held her hand out to him, palm facing down with her wrist bend.
Taking her hand, Ben kissed the back of it and bowed to her.
"I am intrigued by you, Ben Tennyson. You seem Terran. Yet, you can change into multiple creatures the likes of which, this galaxy has never seen." The Monster Queen stated with interest.
"Yeah. Just one of my many talents." Ben bragged. Though it wasn't lost on him that a Woman who has a clear love for rare and endangered species would be interested in his aliens. Hopefully she doesn't try to collect him for her collection.
No way was he ever gonna be someone's pet.
Lady Hellbender chuckled as she walked past him. "Well then, perhaps I could see more of your talents another time. I may have use for you should Arkon ever become a problem again."
Ben looked up at the Monster Queen, arching his neck as she stood a good 8 feet tall, with a determined look in his eye. "If that jerk ever shows up here again. Just say the word and Ill be back."
"I will keep that in mind." Lady Hellbender said gratefully.
"Yeah, yeah. This is all good and all. So, are we gonna get paid for any of this?" Rocket barked out, earning a slap in the back of the head from Gamora along with a flabbergasted look from Star Lord. All Groot did was groan and smack his wooden hand to his forehead as if he knew this was coming.
Lady Hellbender frowned at the Raccoons blatant demand for money. Even if that was the reason, they came to meet her in the first place, it wasn't really the best call.
"You expect compensation?" Lady Hellbender asked. Her tone shifting very dangerously.
Even Ben got chills from her tonal shift. He's been around plenty of dangerous people in that past to know to watch his step in these situations.
Star Lord immediately stepped forward to try and salvage the situation. "What he means is, our ship got damaged in our fight with Arkon and seeing that we did protect your pet from him. We do hope you would be kind enough to provide a small token of appreciation for our services?"
Lady Hellbender looked indifferent to the request.
As the Guardians leader tried to prevent Rockets head from being removed by the Monster Queen, Ben quietly shifted over to Drax and leaned over to whisper to him.
"Hey, may you should try and convince her?" He suggested.
"For what purpose?" Drax asked confused. "Lady Hellbender is a proud warrior. If she deems our actions worthy of compensation, then she will decide herself."
"Dude, she clearly likes you. Flirt with her a little. Then you'll either get paid, or get a job." Ben explained as clearly as possible.
Drax considered this for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. Peter Quills negotiation skills are terrible anyway."
"There you go." Ben said, clapping the Green Brute on the shoulder as he walked over to them.
Needless to say, the negotiations went a lot better when Drax got involved. Lady Hellbender attraction to Drax was clear, he may as well be a slab of meat the way she was drooling over him.
In the end, the Guardians didn't get paid, but she did give them a job retrieving a rare animal that is located in a place called the Quarantine Zone.
However, Rocket still tried to get some money out of her when he wanted compensation for their damaged ship.
An argument, Ben quickly put to rest by turning into Upgrade and fixing the ship himself. Shutting Rocket up and once again impressing Lady Hellbender.
Before leaving, the Monster Queen gave both Ben and Drax the transmission frequency for her personal communicator.
Normally, Ben would be a little excited getting an attractive woman's number, if only the vibe she was giving him, didn't make him feel like there would be a collar and leash in his future.
But he pushed that thought aside as he bid the Guardians of the Galaxy, farewell. He only signed up for this mission, as he still had a planet to look after back home.
That being said, if they ever needed help, all they had to do is call. It's a great big universe out there. And one day, Ben was gonna explore it all.
That's a wrap! Hope you all enjoyed this chapter.
Couple of things. Yes I did base this iteration of the Guardians on the game version. While I do love the movies and looking forward to the Third installment, the game did a great job at blending the movies and the comic versions of the characters. It was a great balances of what made each side great to make something even better.
Lemme know what you think in the reviews and be sure to keep an eye out for me next chapter of Avenging 10. This are gonna be big chapters so be prepared.
Until next time, CaptainRex75 out!