I put in some real world facts in here, might as well teach you something while you read :P
Prologue: Page 3
Killing cockroaches were hard; they can survive up to 7 days without a head (9 if their lucky), can go without eating for a month, hold their breath underwater for over an hour and even if they get stomped/squished, they might not actually be dead yet. Apparently... all of these interesting facts also applies to alien ones that inhabit a desert-like planet that were currently surrounding our heroes and the Higbreed.
Using the rock formation behind them to their advantage, Ben (now Jetray) and the others flew up to the top of it. The Highbreed had wings of this own, while Kurumu had to carry Moka. But these "Dasypodidae", as the Highbreed called them, were very persistent and simply climbed the rocky surface after their targets. Jetray attempted to paralyze them with his neuroshock beams and even though it was working, their was just too many of them. The roach-like insects eventually caught up with their prey and climbed all over them in a unified attempt to subdue them. The girls and Highbreed threw them off, but it was only a matter of time before shear numbers overwhelmed them.
"So Ben, ARGH! How's that minute coming along?!" Asked Kurumu, as Ben had bragged this would just take a minute.
"We're on a different planet, a minute could be an hour!" Jetray answered back, though it was a poor excuse. He had to think of something quick, or everyone's gonna be lunch for the entire cast of Twilight of the Cockroaches. Sure he could release Inner Moka again, but even the burst of energy after her summoning would have a temporary effect. Besides, this would be more of an annoyance to her rather than a challenge...
Scanning the area, Jetray noticed another rock formation 10 feet away from the one his friends were on. It was smaller, and the top was too uneven to stand on, but it had a slope near its base... it was a high-risk move, but it just might work!
"GUYS! This way!" He called, flying down towards the smaller rock. They had no idea what he was planning, but what did they have to loose? Shaking and tossing off the rest of the alien arthropods, Kurumu carried Moka down to where Jetray flew, with the Highbreed unfurling his wings again.
Landing in his desired spot, Jetray moved the symbol on his chest and tapped it. In a flash of light, he changed into an alien resembling Wildvine but instead of pods, this alien had red petals around its body and root-like legs that had stones in its soles. He also had a not-so elegant scent, smelling rotten like a swamp, which leads to his name: "SWAMPFIRE!"
"Up here, guys!" Called Swampfire. Kurumu, Moka and the Highbreed ran up to where the plant-like creature was waiting after they landed. Just as Swampfire thought, the roaches followed.
"Ok, now what?!" Asked Kurumu, getting nervous.
"Wait for it..." said Swampfire, a fireball forming on a hand he raised, intently watching the swarm closing in on them. Just as they were halfway up the slope...
FLOOSH! BOOM!
Swampfire launched the fireball into a nearby rock, breaking it and causing a sandy landslide. The drawback was the sand from underneath Kurumu, Moka and the Highbreed was also sliding down; making the alien and the 2 monsters lose their balance. Swampfire was prepared for this of course and used vine-like tentacles from around his body to hold them back. Due to the force of the landslide; the Dasypodidae were either thrown back, buried underneath the sand itself, or both.
After it all settled, it was quiet and there was no sound of digging.
"Whew, that was close" said Moka.
"Your awesome, Ben!... But you reek" said Kurumu, hugging him, but she was now regretting it. The Highbreed just looked at Swampfire.
"Your welcome" said Swampfire.
"How dare... you filthy... UNHAND ME THIS INSTANT!" Shouted the Highbreed, pulling himself out of the vines.
Releasing his girls from his grip, Swampfire jumped down and got in front of the Highbreed. "What is your problem? You don't like the aliens I become, I get it! But cut me some slack, would ya? I was only helping you!"
"YEAH! He just saved your life, twice today! Be thankful he didn't let you bathe in sand, you jerk!" Said Kurumu, hugging Swampfire again, ignoring his smell this time.
"I know your not exactly friends, but as a vampire, I get your pride. At least pretend to be appreciative" said Moka, walking in front.
The Highbreed ignored them and walked off. "Remember, 10 paces" he said.
"10 paces behind, I'll give you 10 paces..." Swampfire grumbled, his 2 friends following behind him.
-TIME BREAK-
Night has fallen, at least it wasn't hot anymore; but like all deserts, it was now extremely cold. To keep his friends warm, Swampfire lit a ball of flame on his finger... although the look on his face said he had another reason for it, perhaps being thrown 10 paces ahead was more accurate. Eyeing a spot with small rocks, Swampfire saw a possible camping spot.
That, and Kurumu and Moka looked like they'd fall asleep leaning against him. The poor things. Although they knew about Ben's adventures, this was their first time experiencing one for themselves.
"This looks like a good of a place as any for a campout" said Swampfire, stopping.
"We shall walk through the night" answered the Highbreed.
"Um, no... we shall camp HERE for the night" snapped Swampfire, pointing down at the spot with his other hand. The girls were more than happy to oblige, sitting on 2 of the 4 stones.
"I wouldn't use that tone with me... lesser creature" the Highbreed snapped back.
Swampfire's/Ben's temper started to flare up. He was growing tried of this Highbreed. "Oh really?"
"Ben, please don't fight" said Moka. "Yeah, let us sleep!" Moaned Kurumu, exahusted.
"You'd do well to listen to your female friends; you have yet to deal with my full strength! See? The cool night air has begun to restore me!" The Highbreed said triumphantly. While he did look healthier than he did earlier, he looked no different in Swampfire's opinion.
"Oh yeah, your practically glowing" said Swampfire, sarcastically.
"I don't glow" said the Highbreed. Swampfire just facepalmed.
"Uh no, that's just an expre... ah, forget it. Ya know what? FINE! Just go then!" Swampfire snapped.
"I will. You've over-lived your usefulness to me" said the Highbreed.
"So have you. Go find another 'lesser being' to get you off this rock!" Swampfire snapped again, walking back up to the girls.
"Maybe I will, any lesser will do as I say" said the Highbreed.
Then, they all heard a roar of a Dravek, reacting accordingly to its cry. They couldn't deal with another one of those things again. "And I say, we camp for the night" the Highbreed answered. "Gee, why didn't I think of that?" Swampfire sarcastically asked.
-TIME BREAK-
"I don't care how many times you swear it, I don't believe in fairy tales Gwen" said Kevin. Back on earth, Gwen asked Kevin if he could possibly reconfigure the teleporter so they can get to where Ben is. He complied and while he was working, she couldn't help but talk about Ben. She was really worried and while rambling about him, a slip of the tongue caused her to speak about his 'monster harem', how those girls would feel if they never got to see him again.
"It's the truth Kevin. Why, you jealous?" Asked Gwen, trying to push Kevin's buttons.
"Pfft, there's no way Tennyson could bag 5 chicks at once. Hell, he barely got ahold of one" he said, referring to Ben's current girlfriend.
"You didn't answer my question" Gwen said, with a smirk. The look on Kevin's face was priceless.
"HEY! I'm not jealous. Monsters aren't real Gwen. Even in Japan, the only ones close to them are Yakuza" he said, turning back around and got back to work.
"Funny... considering you used to be one" Gwen said, muttering to herself.
"What?" Asked Kevin, not hearing her clearly. "Huh? Uh, nothing" the sorceress lied.
-TIME BREAK-
Back on Turrawuste, Swampfire managed to get a fire going (AN: Real quick, how did he even find logs on a desert-like planet?). Moka and Kurumu were happy to take a seat... er, well a boulder to warm up.
"Thanks Ben" said Moka.
"Your still the best" said Kurumu.
"Don't mention it, guys. By the way, how did you end up here? Did Japan invent a monorail to other planets?" Ben joked. He was happy to see at least 2 of his friends again, though he wished under better circumstances.
"Well, Ruby and Yukari were working on a spell, like the ones Gwen can use" explained Moka.
"And it worked... a little TOO well, we were actually heading for Bellwood" said Kurumu.
"So... total accident?" Asked Ben.
"Er, maybe. I don't know" said Moka.
"Well, I think it was fate after all! Our destined bond brought us together, Ben!" Said Kurumu.
SMOOSH!
Then hugged Ben in her usual way, making Moka grown an anime-style vein. The Highbreed just watched, Ben took notice of this. "Highbreed, why not pull up a boulder... sit down and relax?" He offered.
"So your inferno pit can deplete me? I think not!" Said the Highbreed.
"It's a campfire, dumbass. It only hurts if you stick your hand in it" said Kurumu with a deadpanned expression, still hugging Ben.
"That, and its an earth custom. For warmth, cooking and just... well... to talk" said Moka.
"To all of you? For what conceivable purpose?!" Asked the Highbreed, not understanding what the point was. They were trying to survive, not socialize!
"Getting to know us, exchange information, how you can stop being such an asshole?" Said Kurumu, not liking this Highbreed one bit. Highbreed? As in High-Class? HA! More like a Low-Class dirtbag.
"How about we just start with names?" Ben sighed.
"Well, I'm Moka Akashiya" said Moka.
"Humph... mines Kurumu Kurono" said Kurumu, letting go of Ben finally, but not looking at the Highbreed when she spoke. She pouted instead.
"And my names Ben... Ben Tennyson. What's yours?" Ben said, asking the Highbreed for his name.
The Highbreed stared at them. He still thought this was foolish, but with nothing else to do at the moment, he decided he might as well play along. "I am called Reinrassig the 3rd. 7th son of the Noble Highbreed House of Deralla, direct descendant of the Pure-blooded High Order of Rarsect, heir to the th..." he said. Now, being a member of royalty herself, Moka's eyes sparkled with delight.
Ben and Kurumu... not so much.
"Eh, I'm gonna call you Reiny... OW!" Said Ben, interrupting the Highbreed known as Reinrassig. For that, Ben was acquainted with a pebble thrown at his face.
"Ben! That wasn't very nice!" Said Moka, the pebble-thrower.
"Hmm... at least one of you has a sense of respect for your superiors" said Reinrassig.
"I'm sorry about him. I come from a royal family too, I understand what its like" said Moka.
Reinrassig now actually looked interested. A lesser being, knowing about nobility? This was unheard off. "Do you now? I never thought I'd meet any lower species that knew anything of royalty." He and Moka went into Blah-Blah-Blah mode and talked about things only they could understand. In fact, he also sat next to her, though was still some distance from the fire due to his own vulnerability. Ben got a little bit jealous of the alien getting close to Moka, but he had to admit that this side of the Highbreed was allot nicer than the one he knew. Maybe now that Reiny is in a better mood and that all 4 of them worked well together despite their differences, perhaps the DNAliens weren't so bad... just misunderstood.
"Ya know, its weird. I don't trust you as far as Humungousaur can throw you; but its pretty cool how we managed to work together to survive. Sure we're not exactly friends, but we're not full-on enemies either" said Ben to Reinrassig.
"You and I are enemies, Ben-Ben Tennyson" said Reinrassig.
"But Ben's a nice guy, he's been protecting you" said Moka.
"He's protected all of us thousands of times" Kurumu said.
"And you and I were able to set aside our differences. Mostly because I know what its like to be... well, not a Highbreed like you exactly, but a whole bunch of other alien creatures," Ben said, pulling up his Omnitrix. "Thanks to this Omnitrix, I can literally walk in another life forms shoes. So I can totally understand what's its like to be them cause... well, I have been."
The Highbreed just sat there, seemingly taking in what Ben told him. Moka, Kurumu and Ben shot each other smiles; they got through to him!
...
...
...
"... Such presumption. Then again, what else should be expected from a genetically inferior creature?" Reinrassig said. "Why would I, be the slightest bit interested, in befriending the repulsive likes of you?" He pointed to Ben.
"I'm just trying to be nice, here. Find some common ground at least" said Ben, feeling insulted but held his ire.
"You and I are more than mere enemies. The Highbreeds' were the very first race in the universe," began Reinrassig, which was interesting to hear, Ben and the others had to admit. "All other species, other than pure-blooded Highbreeds, are nothing but revolting mongrels! Hideous abominations! Especially humans... or so-called monsters'. As soon as I no longer require your aid, Ben-Ben Tennyson... I will eradicate you... and your foul-mouthed mate Kurumu Kurono. Then, that will be 2 less pests infesting a great universe."
The 3 high schoolers' were stunned. "Except you, Moka Akashiya. Once I return to my home planet, perhaps I can convince the Highbreed Council to spare certain speices who have the utmost respect for us" Reinrassig finished.
"You can't really believe all that, not after the way we've protected each other" said Ben.
"When we weren't trying to kill one another," Reinrassic corrected. For that, Ben had no comeback. Neither did the monster girls. While they didn't know the full story yet, they could only assume Ben and this alien were fighting each other for a long time. "You are all tired. Get some rest, I will take the first watch" the Highbreed offered, seeing how exhausted the 3 of them were, espcially the monsters'. While he meant every word he said, he still needed them to get through to the teleporter out of here.
But if that's true... why did he feel pain in the pit of his stomach?... Hunger?
Kurumu grew out her nails. "Oh-hooooo no! We're wide awake! WE will keep watch!" She snapped at the alien before her. Due to the look on her face along with her flaring her monster energy, Reinrassig decided to back off. Monsters' could be scary when angry.
-TIME BREAK-
Well, they kept watch... of all the Z's they were catching. Ben was resting with his arms behind his head against a rock, with Kurumu and Moka cuddled next to him. That's when both Moka's Rosario and Ben's Omnitrix, glowed red and dark green respectively. "WAKE UP!" Said the items' voices. Opening they're eyes, the only thing Ben and Moka saw... were the claws of Reinrassig...
PEW PEW!
"HISSSSSSSSSSS!"
"What the hell was that?!" Asked Kurumu, bolting awake. She woke up to Ben and Moka bracing for something, only for they're supposed 'attacker' to actually protect them from a very large Dasypodidae (AN: The Ben10 wiki says their called "Rodilia Dentia", but I don't know if that's 100% true). As the large roach-like alien recovered, Reinrassic held it down, preventing its movement. This Dasypodidae was persistent, and struggled to free itself.
However, a second one appeared from behind Kurumu, in which Reiny shot more finger darts with his free hand and caused it to fall on its back. With an angry look, Kurumu sliced the pest into 5's... ugh, and she just did her nails too! "Whew... thanks" she said to Reinrassig and while he looked up at the succubus, the struggling arthropod managed to bend back and bite the Highbreed's wrist with its pincers.
Screaming in pain, Reinrassic tossed the overgrown bug off his arm... along with his hand that landed a few feet from its owner! The big insect attempted to get up; but Moka, albeit reluctantly, kicked it away. Not as far as her inner self of course, but still a good few yards. It scurried off, only wanting to deal with easy prey.
Reinrassig clutched his arm, it leaked green blood. "Reinrassig, are you ok?" Asked Moka, clearly worried.
"Since your a plant, can you regenerate it?" Asked Kurumu, also worried. She didn't like the guy that much, but he did just save all 3 of them from becoming midnight snacks.
"What do you take me for... a lowly Florauna?" Said Reinrassic, in a great deal of pain.
"But you can be healed?" Asked Ben.
"Not in these conditions!" Reinrassic answered.
"I have an idea, hang on!" Said Ben, hearing Wildvine's true name gave him a plan, something along the lines of stitching... or at least something close to it. He would go Swampfire or Wildvine (whichever was on his watch or was closer dial-wise) and mend the arm back in place. Since the DNAliens can change the DNA of their hosts, maybe it could work in reverse! Of course, Ben's no doctor, but he knew amputated body parts had a 12 hour window before being irreparable. It might be shorter for an alien, so every second counted!
Turning on his favorite toy, Ben scrolled through his aliens and got to Swampfire first. He raised his hand high, and goes to slam it... t
Then time slows down...
And the image...
...
...
... changed itself!
FLASH!
It hasn't happened in 4 months, but once again tiny green bats swarmed Ben after a large column of energy was released. When the blood of a vampire is absorbed by the Omnitrix, Ben's human self disappears, and his own vampiric power... is unleashed.
"Ben you son of a bitch, why the hell would you bother saving this High-Weed?" Said... well, what APPEARED to be Ben. If Reinrassig wore boots, he'd be shaking in them... and out of them too. This Ben gave off the same aura as the vampire, twice as much! Shit, it might even be more! Not even the second Moka or Kurumu combined could fully match the energy level radiating off of him.
"And really, would it kill ya to let ME out? Seriously; 4 months?" this Ben continued, looking down at the symbol near his neck. That's when he noticed someone lost a hand. "Excuse me, sir? I think you dropped something" said 'Ben', in an arrogant and joking tone. He picked up the Highbreed's hand off the ground, gripping it like how you would shake someone's hand.
"Ben-Ben Tennyson! Get your filthy, rear-rubbing palms off my hand!" Shouted Reinrassig. He didn't know why, but in the back of his mind, he regretted how he just responded.
'Ben' frowned. "Look pal, I don't know who you think you are. But if you think I'm letting Ben waste his time helping your sorry ass, your obviously high-bred on something," he looked at the camera with his right hand on the left side of his lips. "And not the good stuff either."
Reinrassig would blink if he could, this wasn't Ben-Ben Tennyson? "I don't like him that much either, but he did just save us, so give him his hand back" said Kurumu, defending Reinrassig. 'Ben' turned to the monster girls.
"Nice to see you too, Kurumu. Is that anyway to greet the hotter version of your Mate of Fate? I was only giving him a handshake" He said, then he gripped harder on Reinrassig's lost hand, making blood leak out of its wrist.
"Ben! Stop it! Your going to hurt Reinrassig's hand!" Pleaded Moka.
"Oh please, like he really feels anything from it right now," said 'Ben', walking over to Moka. "Listen Moka, as sexy as you are, I'd prefer if she was out" he continued, reaching for something.
"Wait, what are y...?" Moka asked, but that's when he pulled 'it' off.
FLASH!
When she was awakened, she didn't expect to be face-to-face with the vampire-like Ben again. She noticed the Rosario in his hand and for some reason, she felt violated, both herself and for her other side. Something about this Ben touching her holy item made her angry, she snatched it back quickly. "Give me that! Didn't your mother teach you to not touch things that don't belong to you?" Snapped Inner Moka, putting the Rosario in her pocket.
"Actually, you didn't. Come on, baby; don't be like..." Vampire Ben was saying, but...
SLAP!
"I'm not your baby, asshole. You don't know a thing about me or her, so don't pretend like you do" said Inner Moka.
"If only you knew..." said 'Ben', rubbing the cheek she hit. "They say love hurts. But really, back me up here. You really think Ben should waste his time helping this excuse for an alien? I mean, even their name is a play on hybrid... ironic considering he talks about being pure" said 'Ben'.
Ugh, it was like talking to her own reflection! Inner Moka now understood how her friends/rivals felt about her pride/arrogance, maybe she should tone it down a bit from now on... Putting that thought aside, she got right in the American vampires face. "It's not up to you, jerk-off!" She said. 'Ben' just smirked at her.
"Heh, any closer, one thing may lead to another and..."
SLAP!
Inner Moka slapped him again on the other cheek, harder this time. When 'Ben' recovered and turned to face her, his face didn't hold the same conceited expression but rather... something else. "Ugh... the first 2 were free since I like you..." 'Ben' started. Inner Moka was really getting ticked off. Whether it was the fact Ben's persona flipped like a flapjack or his haughty nature, even she wasn't sure... but it really glazed her doughnuts. She went to slap him for a third time.
...
...
...
He caught her wrist.
"The 3rd... you'll have to WORK FOR!" Roared the vampire version of Ben, tossing the feminine vampire into the distance, a small crashing sound was heard from a rock formation 50 yards away. "Fucking tsundere. As for you, Mister Purity... hope ya don't drive stick" said 'Ben', his egoistic tone replaced by a cold-hearted one.
Reinrassig gave Kurumu a pleading look that said: "Succubus... help me!" Part of Kurumu was uncomfortable with this, could she really force Ben against his will? Maybe when they first met, but she truly loved him... that, and she promised the others she would not to use her powers as an unfair advantage, she preferred to win his heart fair and square. Then again, this Ben clearly wasn't the Ben she knew, so she decided to make this one exception, though she felt sick to her stomach about it for numerous reasons. Posing and using her Love Charm, she unleashed her spell on 'Ben'.
Although 'Ben's' eyes didn't change due to Love Charm, it appeared to be working. He seemed to glide over to Kurumu and...
SMOOSH!
He pressed his rip, toned chest against her's. Her amorous side began to build up inside of her, and it was taking every ounce of her willpower NOT to give in and rub back against him. She LOVED this, her crush this close to her. But right now she had to focus and keep 'Ben' under control until this transformation wore off or he gives up... the latter seemed unlikely, so the 10 minute limit was her only option.
He then trailed a hand up and started to squeeze her orbs. Kurumu turned beat red, him touching her was something she always dreamed off! It felt amazing, 10x better than when she touched herself or fantasized about him! She held in a pleasurable moan that was forming in her throat, she had to hold on, just a little longer. Part of her felt ashamed as this was considered cheating to win his affections, but this Ben wasn't her Mate of Fate. It was the same [yet slightly different] body, but nowhere near the Ben she fell in love with.
'Ben' stopped and cupped Kurumu's chin. Oh sweet Jesus, is he gonna kiss her? 'Oh my god... he's so... handsome... NO! No Kurumu, now's not the time!' She thought, stopping her hormonal reveries, or at least suppressed them. Her body was on overload/overdrive, by both hornyness and every fiber of her being fighting it. She couldn't keep this up much longer, her succubus instincts were starting to creep up on her, all of this high-intensity sexual teasing was driving her over the edge!
His lips drew closer... closer... Kurumu just stared, but she couldn't hold back anymore! Like Kevin Hart would say: Jesus, take the wheel! Closing her eyes, she leaned in... the distance closed that much faster! They were a mere inch apart, both could feel their breaths hit the others lips... just one more inch, and onward to paradise!
A whisper said, "Nice try."
Kurumu's eyes shot open, but not before 'Ben' shoved her away over to the Highbreed, making her skid across the sand. She didn't fall over at least, but this caused her to remember the last time she tried charming him. It didn't work after he went Hero or was in Hero, so it apparently worked on this guy too. She felt like an idiot... but she couldn't stop thinking of the sensations 'Ben' had just given her.
"Now's not... the time for a mating ritual... get my hand!" Shouted/Begged Reinrassig, annoyed. But Kurumu was too tired both mentally and physically (and emotionally) to carry out Reiny's... request.
"Now, where was I? Oh right, Rein-ASS-ig... learn how to write lefty" said 'Ben', dropping the poor Highbreed's hand to the ground like it was garbage. He went to step on it... then, running against the sand was heard from 50 yards away, and got louder as it approached. A form appears before the group, and it was an angry...
Inner Moka: YOU MOTHERF******!