SZ: Considering Fanfic is down as of the time of writing this…here's another chapter for ya, guys and gals!
Z0: *silently crawling along the roof unseen in spidersona costume*
GT: *munching on a bag of Doritos* I still can't get emails from Fanfic at this moment, either. Day 11.
SZ: Also as of writing this…Spiderman 2 is out…Christmas can't get here sooner. Hopefully I can get a PS5 by then…
Spider-Z0: *webs the bag of chips and yanks them away* Let's face it…if there was a time to need one…it's now.
SZ: Eeyup…so many new games to play..Ahem! Anyways…lets get to it. We don't own anything aside from original content.
Spider-Z0: VENOM PUNCH! *punches the screen making it explode with electricity*
"Ahh…jeez, that hurt…" Danny winced, rubbing his sore arm as the group was already back at the base.
"Told ya it would hurt," Ben stated.
"Yeah but I was expecting a pinch, not something akin to wasp stings!"
"Oh you're enjoying this, aren't you?" Makoto frowned at Skurd as she and Sam rubbed their arms as well.
"You mean the fact that I, a highly adaptive and evolving single cell organism, am naturally immune to such mutagenic effects and therefore need no painful injection that will leave me with horrible symptoms for the next 24 hours?" Skurd asked, "Mmm…Yes…yes I am deeply enjoying this."
"Mmm…"
"Now the real issue…getting to the Anur system." Ben groaned.
"Issue?" Danny blinked.
"Not many pilots have the skill to make that trip." Ben explained, "Even Rook couldn't handle the simulation and he's our best driver and pilot. And flying yourself is a lot more different than flying a ship."
"Meaning we'd need a really good pilot," Sam noted.
"Luckily, I know a guy." Ben smiled.
"You do?" Makoto blinked.
"I do, Babe, remember that mentor I tell you about a lot. Time to finally meet him." Ben smiled as he walked off, "I'm making the call, if Rook or anyone comes in and tries to suggest anybody that looks like a Blue Howard the Duck, violently tell them no!"
"...okay…?" Makoto blinked in confusion.
"I'm just as lost as you are…" Sam muttered before her phone buzzed, prompting her to take it out…before groaning as she put it away, "Ugh."
"Parents again?" Danny asked.
"Yup…now they're trying to micromanage how I work."
"Well…small victories, you got the job," Makoto offered.
"Yeah, but they're telling me how to do it," Sam groaned before her phone buzzed again..and she pulled it out once more, "...now they want me to stay in the base and not fight…or interact with any dangerous species…or…" her phone buzzed again, making her eye twitch as she read the message, "...any chance I can get one of those Badges now?"
"Wish I could, but there is a bit of an order to that." Makoto explained, "I can lend you a spare, they think I lost my old one a few times but…I found it in my tail and never told anyone." she whispered, "Still works, all the utilities, but caller ID is my name."
"...I'll take it," Sam whispered…while throwing her phone over her shoulder when it buzzed again.
"Uh Sam should…" Danny asked.
"It has a 'Track My Phone' app, so leaving it here will appease them," Sam replied, "Sides, I won't get service in space with it anyway."
"Not without a special chip to tap into the Externet, but boy the charges for calls are nuts," Makoto sighed, "Sides I have most of your contacts, besides any friends from Amity Park."
"Meh, that's mostly Danny and Tuck and not like I don't see them all the time." Sam explained, "But you don't have my parents' contact information meaning they can't bother me."
"After seeing how your parents act, no ho thank you," Makoto shook her head.
"Letting you two be friends seems like a dangerous combination." Danny stated.
"Too bad it's happening!" Makoto declared.
"Boy I'm just glad I don't have to go to space transylvania," Tucker noted as he leaned against a nearby wall, "I'd come, but…don't' wanna risk getting slimed or hunted by space vampires."
"There's no such thing as space vampires." Makoto sighed, "Yeah okay, a lot of Anur folks weirdly resemble Universal Monsters…but they aren't actually monsters. A Loboan scratching you won't make you into a werewolf."
"Actually…" Sam began, making Makoto blink as she slowly looked at her, "According to Cleo, there…technically are Space Vampires called Vladats."
"...what?"
"Hold…" Tucker held a finger up before poking his head out the doorway," Yo, Kajun! There something in the database about Vladats!?"
"Tucker, n….Vladats?" Kajun blinked as she walked in, "Well…I did read mention of them…but all I know is they're technically extinct."
"See, technically right." Tucker smirked.
"Technically I should slug your arm till it falls off for checking me out while you thought I wasn't looking." Makoto argued.
"I wasn't…" Tucker began before he noticed Sam giving him a look, "...okay yeah I was…"
"Girls always know." both Makoto and Sam replied.
"Wait…always…?" Tucker asked.
"Always~" they nodded.
"...note to self, be careful around certain girls…" Tucker whispered to himself.
"Mmm…why do I have to go?" Noel whimpered a bit, rubbing her sore arm as she shook a bit.
"Tsubaki, Mai, and Rook are still dealing with a headache from the antidote," Hibiki stated, "Mrs. Sumdac is currently at home helping her father with setting up something for Halloween in Detroit, Max and Steel are helping Kajun and Nyx with something, and Lambda…"
"I agreed to watch the fluffies and RobotBoy while you're gone if anyone else is unable to help," Lambda stated as she held Drei in her arms, "...also I knew you'd be scared, so Mari will be accompanying you and Funkfreed, sister."
"...true," Noel whispered as her Mink laid over the blonde's shoulders.
"I shall protect the corgi." Lambda assured as Drei barked in blissful content.
"I know you will," Noel smiled a bit.
"Still…the Anur system…" Hibiki whispered as he held his chin, "...Ironically we had sent out a scout there when something was detected in that sector…we haven't heard back from them for a few weeks now…"
"A scout?" Lambda asked in interest.
"Correct."
"...Now I really don't wanna go…" Noel whimpered as Funkfreed shifted to full elephant to let her hug his trunk.
"Tough concerts, you're going," Lambda stated.
"..." Hibiki looked at Noel with a raised brow, "Con…"
"She's been trying to work on working music terminology into her sentences along with gamer lingo," Noel admitted sheepishly.
"I am leet," Lambda stated.
"I…don't think that's the right term…" Hibiki muttered.
"She's still learning," Noel sighed as Bluey appeared on Lambda's shoulder and patted her cheek with a paw in assurance.
"Just like you're still going to the Anur System," Hibiki stated, making Noel slump.
"Oh fine, I'll go to Space Halloween town…" Noel sighed.
"Which Halloween Town?" Lambda asked.
"There's more than one?!"
"Four counting sequels. And one book from 2007."
"How…"
"They marathon them this time of year," Lambda explained, "I need hobbies while waiting for streaming sites to become a thing. And the internet and ebay help."
"E…Ebay? Wait, La-chan, where are you…?" Noel began before Hibiki held up a phone with the internet opened, "You have a You Tube Account?! With how many followers?!"
"Collabs with Nanami-san are fun."
"And you monetize," Hibiki added.
"Super Hero fame, plus internet fame…instant cha-ching," Lambda smirked, "Also I get Ben to appear sometimes and that really helps."
"...I'm going to have to look over this," Noel frowned, "I don't want anyone taking advantage of my sister in collaborations."
"Oh, sister."
"What?" Noel asked as Lambda held up her phone to a video of an office…before an animatronic bear jumspcared her, "GYAH! Ohh…" Funkfreed caught the fainted blonde.
"...Oh right. This is the year that franchise began," Hibiki muttered.
"Toy Freddy is best Freddy," Lambda stated.
"...This is because of…"
"Yes."
"...Okay, carry on," Hibiki sighed, placing a dossier on Noel before Funkfreed carried her and Mari off, "How did you…?"
"She's already wound up. A simple jumpscare was all that was needed to send her over the edge and faint," Lambda replied.
"...And no one has figured out which of you is the older sibling?"
"We don't care to know since we take turns," Lambda replied, "Clone physiology and our differently aged genetics in terms of actual years and DNA composition make it impossible. We are sisters, and when need be, one is elder and the other younger." she explained, "We aren't normal siblings. And there are possibly more of our sisters to find, pacify, help and adopt into our family. Also learn of the one we originate from as well, which I have theories…" she paused, "But this is neither here nor there, and I like our normal dynamic, no need to change. Which means no need for you to intervene and try and figure something that needs no answer. Got it?" she leaned in for that to make her point with a very minor threatening warning.
"...Very well, I suppose."
"Good…best you do." Lambda added with an 'I'm watching you' hand sign.
"...La-chan knocked her out?" Makoto asked Funkfreed as she and Team Phantom stood within the hanger for the base's ships, the elephant sword nodding as he still held onto the unconscious blonde, "Yeah, I figured."
"Are you sure we can't bring anyone else?" Danny asked, "You know like any of the big hitters? Like Max who's a walking super armor with infinite energy, or anyone with dangerous magical powers?"
"According to Hibiki, everyone else is either busy, out of state, or in Rook, Tsubaki and Mai's case…dealing with a killer headache at the moment," Makoto replied.
"What about that Kagura guy?"
"Ahahahahahahah!" Makoto laughed wildly and madly before developing a neutral deadpan expression in an instant with a flat response of, "No."
"Yeah…Makoto doesn't like him…" Ben muttered.
"He's a total womanizer and pervert," Makoto explained.
"But…" Danny stopped when Sam slid next to Makoto to give him the same sour look, "Oh fine…"
"Besides, smaller teams can move faster," Ben explained, "Maybe we can get some Elite Plumbers to join us if they don't have any missions…"
"I'll take it!" Danny spoke up quickly.
"..." Ben tapped the Omnitrix, "Grandpa, got any elite operatives you can spare? It would make Danny feel more comfortable if we had more muscle."
=More Muscle then you and him?=
"Yeah. Sorry, Mr. Tennyson, not a whole lot of muscle on this guy…" Sam sighed holding up Danny's arm.
"I'm just saying this is some prophecy level stuff!" Danny complained.
=Don't worry, Danny. I'll send you who I can…hmm…lets see…oh! How about Naoto?=
"Hmm?" Naoto blinked as he paused in his walk, currently munching on a donut.
"Up for a trip to another system?" Ben asked.
"Mmm…Hmm," Naoto nodded as he walked over with a thumbs up, flicking the rest of his donut into his mouth, "So what's the mission?"
"Trip to the Anur System."
"Ahh….Space Transylvania. Got it," he nodded.
"You had your shot?"
"I'm sorry, what?" he blinked.
"You'll see," Makoto sighed.
"Anybody else?" Ben asked.
=Hmm…well all we have left is the one who isn't on any major assignment: Hobble=
"Hobble?" Ben repeated.
"...Who's Hobble?" Makoto whispered to Ben, who shrugged in honest confusion.
"Wah…what happened? Who let Hobble handle the concussion grenade launcher?" Noel groaned as she regained conciousness.
"You know Hobble?" Ben asked.
"Little Red Shirt guy. He's good with a rifle, but a small little alien," Noel explained, "He's a member of Alpha Squad."
"...Wait…Was he that little bug guy that went with us when we tried to transport Vexus and Vilgax to that one prison?" Makoto asked.
"Yes," Noel nodded.
"Well a crack shot is helpful," Sam muttered.
"Ehem…" Noel coughed into her hand.
"Another Crack Shot," Sam replied with a smile.
"Thank you," Noel smirked.
"Guess that just leaves the pilot," Tucker noted.
"And…" Ben pointed to the hanger door as it opened letting a large ship float in.
Two extending arms unfolded down and formed landing gear akin to legs as it touched down, the landing letting loose a gust that made the others flinch. A door opened as a ramp extended and stopped right in front of Ben. Everyone blinked as a large figure clad in a dark black and gray space suit emerged, glowing triangles on his shoulder armor, belt buckle, and center of the large black mask that covered his entire head like some sort of space komuso. The figure stomped down before stopping right in front of Ben.
"Ben Tennyson," the figure spoke, their voice slightly distorted from the helmet.
"Tetrax," Ben replied.
Everyone felt tense before the two laughed and saluted one another by bringing their arms across their chests and standing at attention.
"It's been a while, kid," he laughed as a hiss came from his helmet and it unfolded into his suit to reveal a Petrosapien. His eyes were a yellow color and he had what seemed to be a jagged beard of crystals on his chin, "So we're heading to the Anur System. This is gonna be a dangerous ride. Hope you have a crack team of elites. We're gonna need it to survive the trip, and deal with any locals who get spooked by outsiders."
"I always try to," Ben replied.
"...Ummmm, Ben? Introductions?" Makoto asked.
"Oh. Right. Makoto, everyone, this is my good friend, Mentor in all things Petrosapien, space survival, and the coolest bounty hunter around, Tetrax Shard," Ben smiled as Tetrax saluted them, "Tetrax, these are my girlfriend Makoto Nanaya, coworkers and friends Noel, Naoto, new recruits Danny, Sam, and Tucker, and we are waiting on one more to round out the team."
"Greetings," Tetrax replied, "It's an honor to meet you all. Ben has told me much of his new friends and adventures here on Earth." he bowed his head, "I'm excited to fly with all of you. Me and Gluto cleaned up some of the extra rooms we had just for all of you. Some may need to bunk together though. We've never had so many guests on the Resolute and we might not have been able to clear out all our junk." he chuckled, "So if you really need the room, we won't say no to some free physical labor."
"Girls bunk together. No exceptions," Sam looked at Tucker.
"Hey…" he groaned.
"I fully agree," Tetrax spoke up, "Pairing both genders of a species to a room never ends well. In my experience, the male normally dies…"
"Oh hear that? One of you three goofuses may die if you try," Skurd teased to Ben, Naoto, Danny, and Tucker.
"Oi, oi…"
"I won't," Ben assured.
"But rules are rules," Makoto shrugged.
"And we'll stick by 'em," Ben added with a nod before a crash went off, "?!"
"Ahh…that hurt…" Hobble's voice groaned, making the group turn to see him underneath some overturned equipment nearby, "I knew I shouldn't have rushed…I ended up hitting my toe on the edge of the doorway…"
"Oof…" Noel cringed as Funkfreed pulled the small alien out of the equipment pile, "I feel your pain. A hurt toe is not a fun toe."
"No...it's not…especially if it's the pinkie toe…"
"Oh that's Hobble," Ben whispered, "I barely remembered his face…" he whispered to Makoto.
"I forgot he was so short…" she whispered back.
"I'm…unfamiliar with this fellow's race," Tetrax whispered to the couple, "What is he? And is he supposed to be excreting that much Mucus?"
"We honestly don't know…" said couple replied.
"Fascinating…" Tetrax mused, "Space is full of oddities both wondrous and disgusting…"
"Emphasis on disgusting…" Skurd muttered.
"He's a bug…" Tucker muttered.
"Rooming with Ben!" Danny and Naoto shouted at the same time as they rushed ahead into the Resolute.
"Aw man…" Tucker groaned, "I swear, this better not be when Danny developed that habit of leaving us behind to take the fall/cleanup for him again…"
"Cleanup is good…safe from so much danger," Hobble replied before shivering a bit, "Then again…chances are you'll get infected by some deadly space disease…"
"Wait, what?" Tucker blinked a few times, "Deadly space disease? Deadly space disease?! What deadly space disease?!"
"Eh, that depends. Certain diseases are typically akin to a human flu to some alien species…but can normally end up dissolving another species down to their skeletal system if they have one," Tetrax noted, rubbing his chin in thought, "Typically, Plumbers take annual shots for various foreign diseases to make sure they can deal with working on a planet with those diseases being a common illness."
"Which we gave most all of you," Ben stated as Naoto and Danny walked out of the Resolute.
"I'm gonna get that shot real quick," Naoto spoke.
"Can I get two…?" Tucker asked with a gulp.
"Sure that's a good idea?" Danny asked, "I mean the first shot hurt…can't imagine what a second one would feel like…"
"Hey. I'm taking a safebet so I can avoid getting infected with what could be space rabies," Tucker argued, "You're a half-ghost. You're kinda half dead, man."
"Hey…that's still hurtful," Danny muttered.
"Oh a Half-dead man, wonderful, space fairing legend says those are good luck. They can distract the essence of death for us," Tetrax smiled.
"I'm a lucky charm?" Danny blinked.
"Lucky…hmm…I suppose it can be called that," Tetrax mused, "Anyway, get prepared, shots, provisions, equipment, the likes. We set off in…" he looked at his arm forming a digital clock, "Two of your Earth Hours."
"Provisions?" Sam blinked.
"Yes, see, Gluto and I are not traditionally organic beings like humans. We don't need to eat like you. Let alone as regularly, so packing provisions such as Plumber Issue MRE's is important. And water…I hear you really need that. You should have a water generator that infinitely produces drinkable water for you."
"Ahh…well we can get that stuff in a jiffy," Ben assured.
"Hmm?"
"Yeah. All we need to do is take some Groundbridges and we should have the stuff we need in no time."
"You were able to replicate Cybertronian tech?" Tetrax asked in surprise.
"Well it's more, we collab with 'em and have a half-Cybertronian in our team," Makoto shrugged.
"Oh, the stories I've got to share this time," Ben grinned.
"I'm excited to hear them." Tetrax smiled.
"Tucker ran off in a panic to get the shots." Danny spoke.
"Hobble, will you need it?" Noel asked.
"No. Most aliens are already immune to Corrodium due to regular shots. Really, Earthlings are at risk of mutation because you guys don't get all the same recommended vaccines as most space faring societies," Hobble explained, "Then you have the Petrosapiens…who are living crystals, so…they don't even get sick." he motioned to Tetrax.
"Ah yes, this 'common disease' concept…Still don't understand it." Tetrax admitted, "I mean, I know of the danger of diseases and how they ravage species…but…to live with a common disease to the point you get it hundreds of times in a lifetime…that just sounds horrible."
"At least you know how a cold might affect your species when you came and broke Diamondhead to get Chromastone…er…Sugilite to repair Petropia," Ben noted.
"Wait…I thought you were just trying out a new technique with a crystal spray," Tetrax blinked a few times.
"Nope," Ben explained, "I mean, I knew I could spit crystals, but that was more a test of what alien has the most powerful loogie as a kid."
"Crystal loogies…" Danny muttered, "...that's honestly not the weirdest thing I've heard…"
Sure enough, within time, everyone was prepped and loaded their supplies onto the Resolute. They all boarded and made their way around the ship to get used to it. Ensure no one would end up lost. Rooms were found and bunk mates assigned. Then they all met in the cockpit to meet the final member of this crew.
"Gah!" Tucker and Hobble jumped as they were face to face with a large pink blob with three yellow eyes stretching up to look at them.
The blob trembled in laughter as he slinked back to a black chair like harness with four legs and two little hands. His body perfectly fit into a sphere with two tendrils forming above him to grab the multitude of handles for steering the ship.
"...wh-what is that?" Tucker slowly asked.
"That's Gluto," the two looked over to see Ben approach, "He's more or less the pilot for the ship...and a pretty good one too."
Gluto chirped in an alien language as he adjusted the controls for take off, he then slapped Tucker's hand when he tried to get a closer look.
"He says no touching his controls, only he knows how they should be." Ben explained as Gluto gave a thumbs up, "See? I told you I learned the basics."
"Ah…noted," Tucker grunted as he got up, "Still…my first mission out in space…honestly not sure whether to find it cool...or nervous since we're basically going to space Transylvania."
"Oh right, we should find you appropriate suits and helmets," Tetrax spoke, "The folks of the Anur System have a famously backwards sense of beauty and ugly. I'm found repulsive and I'm made of crystals."
"So…things that are horrifying for us are nice and natural in the Anur System," Sam realized.
"Pretty much," Tetrax shrugged.
"Oh well Tucker should be fine then. Girls find him repulsive," Sam smiled.
"I had no idea he was homely…" Tetrax muttered.
"Hey…" Tucker frowned at that..
"Eh, he probably just hasn't found the one for him yet," Makoto noted with a shrug.
"Mine literally fell out of the sky," Ben spoke, "Just keep trying."
"Oh you know I will…" Tucker muttered as he began to walk off, "...like maybe someone that's basically a Female Belmont….ah no, wait…then she might go after Danny…then again…or maybe…"
"And now he's fantasizing," Skurd noted as Tucker was now talking to himself.
"I see why this one hasn't found a mate yet…" Tetrax muttered, "Anyway, let's all take a seat and prepare to depart."
"Got it, captain," Makoto saluted before she heard scribbling, "...Noellie, don't give him any ideas…"
"Hmm?"
"I'm warning you…and your little mink, too," Makoto warned, turning to see Noel and Mari…both scribbling in notebooks.
"...mm…fine," Noel pouted with her mink as they put the books down.
"Good…and Tuck, don't even think about it!"
"Nuts!"
"Well I can safely say riding a ship into another galaxy is off my bucket list," Naoto spoke as he rested in his seat, "...well, another galaxy that isn't in another universe entirely."
"Say what?" Danny raised a brow at that.
"Oh right…kinda left that detail out," Naoto muttered before booking over, "See…before I met Ben and the others, I was…kidna stuck warping throughout the multiverse because I couldn't get back home..and hopes of finding someone close to me…and hopefully any members of my family here in Ben's universe."
"Took a Kamen Rider to make him stop the warping nonsense," Makoto noted with a grin.
"A what?" Sam raised a brow.
"Aren't they just fictional beings from a live action franchise in Japan that started around the 1970s?" Tucker asked.
"Multiverse, Tuck. Just because something's fictional here doesn't mean it's not real in another," Danny reminded.
"...wait. So you guys…" Tucker began with wide eyes, earning a nod from Makoto, Ben, Noel, and Naoto, "...Tell me you met Decade." he jumped when they all ducked under their chairs, "...What?"
"Do not invoke his name!" Skurd called, wearing a suit of Petrosapien crystals, "He can and will strike with a boot if he finds you have offended him but not worth coming in person to deliver just punishment!"
"He can't be that bad," Sam spoke before a boot fell on her head with a note attached reading: 'Call me pink and it will be cleats next time,' "...Aaaand retracted."
"A Dimensional rift…to an unknown reality…You have been busy, Ben," Tetrax noted.
"I swear, I am going to win the jaw dropping in story swapping this time," Ben declared, holding a finger up to the sky.
"Huh? Jaw dropping?" Makoto repeated.
"Eh, we tend to swap stories about adventures we've had since we last met. So far, I have yet to make Tetrax's jaw to drop. Gluto, on the other hand…" Ben spoke before said alien blubbered quickly, sounding embarrassed, "Alright, alright. Won't spoil since they'll have to see it later."
"It's rather amusing what he does," Tetrax chuckled, earning more embarrassed noises from Gluto mixed in with a warning tone, "Alright, alright. Strap in and final checks!"
"Okay, strap in." Ben spoke.
"Hey this boot is actually my size." Sam noted, "And my style…"
"Least my hero outfit was modded a bit so I can handle the atmosphere," Makoto spoke as she pressed her pendant, gaining said hero attire.
"I still only have the proto-armor at the moment." Noel muttered before blinking, "Here Sam, this should adjust to your sizes comfortably on deployment." she handed a pendant to her, "You need it more than Danny since he can become intangible."
"Oh. Thanks," Sam said as she slipped the pendant on, tapping it as a Proto-Armor formed on her, only it was a mix of black and dark purple, "Oh ho~ Nice….wait…" she reached into her bag and pulled out a skull sticker before sticking it on the front, "There we go."
"Wait…I don't get a cool space suit?" Danny blinked.
"You've been to space before; you just need a helmet," Sam reminded.
"True. B-woah!" Danny yelped as a helmet was tossed to him, the ravenette barely catching it.
"There ya go. Problem solved," Tetrax replied from his seat.
"Am I gonna need this?" Danny asked.
"I hope not, we can't lose the charm that wards against death." Tetrax spoke, "That's extra bad luck."
"...how so…?" Danny slowly asked as Gluto gave a few sounds, "...what did…?"
"He said 'you don't want to know'," Skurd translated.
"And take off," Tetrax ordered as the Resolute took off through the tunnel that led them out, shooting right out of the exit as they shot through the clouds. Within a matter of moments, they were out of Earth's atmosphere, flying straight into space.
"Wow, that was so fast," Danny noted.
"Earth has yet to realize means of celestial travel without combustion based engines," Tetrax spoke, "Nor means to safely breach the atmosphere without loss of speed, momentum, or burning up."
"Ooh...I hate the burning ones…" Hobble shivered.
"We've never burned up on reentry before. Well except for the one time with the evil To'Kustar that turned out to be Azmuth." Tetrax muttered, "But that was an extraordinary scenario and we've revamped and upgraded the Resolute a lot since then. Mostly cause we…" Gluto gurgled something, "Mostly I…cause some form of damage." he chuckled.
"Wait….He's your mentor in the ways of Vehicular Destruction!?" Makoto shouted.
"I am not a Vehicle Destroyer!" Ben and Tetrax snapped.
"..." Makoto covered the lower half of her face with her tail as Gluto let out a noise akin to a chuckle through liquid.
"Makoto, stop it. Stop that smile," Ben frowned.
"I have no idea what you're talking about~"
"You're covering your mouth with your tail!"
"So…all heroes wreck stuff…" Sam muttered.
"It's pointless to try stopping it," Noel sighed.
"Not our fault the bad guys like to cause chaos," Naoto pointed out.
"Yes…but you could've stopped said chaos without causing damage to the area around you," Noel pointed out.
"How?" Ben, Tetrax, Danny, and Naoto asked bluntly…Gluto devolving into uncontrollable weird gurgling laughter it seemed.
"...Okay fair point…" Noel muttered as she slinked into her seat.
"...wait. Is this because of what happened with the Vreedles last week?" Ben asked.
"They blew up my favorite book store!" Noel snapped, Mari hissing in agreement with her mistress while Funkfreed, in his sword form, sweated in his sheathe.
"You are such a bad influence." Makoto smirked.
"I resent that. I just make people realize only violence can deal with most supervillains." Ben argued., "Besides….you're one to talk, babe."
"Eh?"
"BIlly Billions and his robots trying to kidnap you," Noel pointed out.
"Hah?! That's not fair! That little twerp had it coming!"
"You smashed his biggest robot with a road roller…twice. You even went 'wry' after the second time."
"Forgive me if I'm a fan of manga that is going to become insanely popular for memes in a few years…" Makoto muttered.
"You keep bringing up the ones I want to watch!" Ben complained.
"How do you think I feel?! There's so many good anime stuff coming out in the next few years I want to share, but can't!"
"Is fighting this much normal for couples?" Danny asked.
"I find it is with most organisms who mate for life," Tetrax spoke up.
"But even with those times, you'll always feel the many positives you have with your significant other," Noel added, "To spend a nice night with them…underneath the stars…in the park…while gazing into eachothers…" she winced when Funkfreed's trunk lightly bopped her on the head.
"You are a deep lover of Hallmark movies aren't you?" Sam asked.
"How'd you know?" Noel blinked.
"Call it a hunch."
"Oh…r-right then…"
A pale moon shone brightly in the night sky…barely poking out of a series of pitch-black clouds that hung over a large transylvanian-looking village…complete with an eerie mist permeating the area. Old fashioned street lanterns barely lit the area as the sound of metal creaking filled the air, the curtains of one of the many houses moving on occasion…as if the people within were looking out for something. Within a matter of moments, the clouds above began to part a bit as Tetrax' ship began to descend, startling a few bat-like creatures as they flew out into the night, all while the ship began to descend within a large enough part of town. Once the ship landed, a part of it opened up, lighting up the area a bit more as the descending pathway parted some of the mist.
"...okay I think we're good here l-ahh!" Hobble's voice exclaimed as Ben and the others stepped out, Tetrax holding onto the currently trying to flee bug-like alien, "No no no ho~!"
"Archaic looking village, dark clouds looming overhead…mist constantly permeating the area," Tucker listed as they looked around, "...yup…totally space Transylvania…"
"I landed us in the furthest outskirts of the major city areas." Tetrax explained as his helmet reformed around his head, "I'm going to talk to the locals and see if no one will mind us parked here. You should stick here with Gluto as he scans the area's topography and makes a map. Unpack, get adjusted and make sure no one messes with my ship." he held a finger up, "Probably not safe for outsiders who look so radically different to roam around. So no exploring, not till we find some disguises."
"Disguises?" Sam asked.
"Bounty hunter masks, and probably cool cloaks." Ben smiled.
"Oh, that's cool." Sam smirked.
"Been so long since I wore a cloak." Makoto mused, "Used to be normal in our old timeline, huh Noellie…"
"Very common." Noel nodded.
"Masks help more than you think in space." Tetrax noted as he dropped Hobble on the ground, making him grunt a bit, "Don't know what species they are, can't expect what powers they have. Our 3D printer should help with making something to hide yourselves."
"...I'm designing Ben's look." Makoto grabbed her boyfriend's arm.
"Oh she's gonna dress me like that cool silver Boba Fett guy she told me about…" Ben spoke.
"Damn right I am," Makoto grinned as she dragged Ben back onto the ship.
"Hey maybe we can upgrade Danny's suit." Sam mused.
"Wait me?" Danny blinked.
"I call dibs on staying on the ship with Gluto all the time." Tucker spoke up.
"I'll just stick around and look after the ship unless something comes up," Naoto shrugged.
"Can I join that club?" Hobble asked.
"No, you will blend in perfectly, you're joining me." Tetrax spoke up quickly, "No one will bat an eye at you Hobble, you will take point with me."
"Aw man…" Hobble groaned as Tetrax palmed his head and picked him back up and walked on.
"Make sure to lock down the ship if you patrol the area, but do not leave the ship!" Tetrax spoke up, "I don't need another angry mob vandalizing my paint job."
"H-how often has that happened?" Noel asked, "T-Tetrax…please stop sounding like Ben!"
"So…that's where Ben gets it from…man he had a way cooler role model than me." Danny spoke, "The only offer I ever got for one was Vlad…and I'm sure it was just a ploy to hit on my mom somehow…"
"Oh he's just not pleasant huh?" Noel asked, patting Danny's shoulder.
"No…no he is not…"
"Well if it helps I can show you how to set the proximity alarms, and watch them probably be tripped by Tucker." Noel offered.
"Why me?" Tucker asked.
"The funny one always goes first." Sam replied.
"Hah! I am funny!" Tucker declared.
"That's why he'll trip them first." Noel sighed.
"You're right, that does sound fun." Danny chuckled.
"Y-hey…" Tucker realized as the three walked off, leaving him outside.
In town, Tetrax found that the folks of Anur Transyl to be a bit nervous of newcomers, but with some diplomacy and patience, he was able to earn some favor and secured permission to keep his ship where it landed. He began asking around for any strange happenings, but sadly not much to learn from folks in the outskirts of civilization. However he was warned to be wary of the Pumpkins. Which thankfully Hobble explained as some sort of gourd vegetable Earth also had. But why warn them of a vegetable?
"Why did they feel the need to warn of us the vegetation?" Tetrax mused as they made their way back to the Resolute.
"How should I know, maybe they grow wildly in this place? I hear their vines can get awfully tangled in stuff." Hobble offered, "But I mean humans eat them, especially a lot during the Autumn season, they put it in everything from their deserts to their beverages."
"Fascinating, so it's highly edible…then maybe the kids can use them as an emergency food source." Tetrax nodded.
"AAAAHHHH!" Tucker screamed as he ran past and then behind them, "P-P-P-PUMPKIN MONSTER!"
"What?" the two adult aliens blinked before Hobble was grabbed by a giant humanoid creature made of green vegetable matter and roots, with a pumpkin for a head with classical jack-o-lantern carvings as its face.
"GAH!" Hobble screamed as it roared in his face, splattering pumpkin goo all over him, "Ahh gross….pumpkin goo…and seeds."
(Hobble Own Count: 1)
"Hand on Hobble!" Tetrax called out as he made his glove recede into his suit and exposed his Petrosapien hands before launching crystal shards that shredded the creature's body to mulch.
Hobble grunted landing on his rear with the pumpkin head landing in his arms. He took a breath of relief only to yelp when the pumpkin head, which was still alive, jumped and bit down on his head.
(Hobble Own Count: 2)
"Gh…" Tetrax grunted as he grabbed and with a bit of effort, squashed the pumpkin around Hobble who had no wounds save for the faintest of teeth marks that quickly vanished, "Okay…aim for the head, lesson learned."
"I hate this sector…" Hobble groaned.
"They came out of the woods, they attacked me! The guys came out and killed them but that one kept chasing me!" Tucker explained.
"...Mmm…" Tetrax frowned a bit at that, "...which way did they come from?"
"Over there. Same direction as…that…" Tucker began to trail off as he pointed in one direction…and saw the large castle out in the distance, "...tall…dark..imposing castle…"
"Well…that's not spooky." Tetrax noted, "Let's get back to the ship and see if Gluto has that map."
"Yes please…" Hobble whispered as he was trying to get the goop off his face, "I need to get this stuff off…and a new suit…"
"Giant Mutant pumpkins…that's…totally new," Danny-already transformed- muttered, he and the others standing amongst the remains of the mutant pumpkin creatures...with Funkfreed gagging when he tried to eat a piece of one.
"Ahh gross…it got in my shoes…" Naoto gagged, his shoes currently off as he was trying to get some of the pumpkin goo out.
"Yeah…totally not suspicious at all," Makoto added as she dusted her hands off, "Not even sentient either…"
"I'm…not sure whether to feel relieved about that," Noel muttered as Mari was licking one of her claws.
"So…are these normal?" Ben pondered picking up a chunk of pumpkin, "Well hopefully this doesn't ruin pumpkin pie for me."
"Don't even say that," Makoto gasped dramatically.
"But still if these are normal, we'll need to set up a patrol schedule…or automated turrets on all the time." Ben sighed, "Now the real question is this super normal, or did someone send them as a welcome party?"
"They came from that way, so…" Danny paused as he flew up into the air, noticing the same castle Tucker and Tetrax noticed out in the distance, "Either mutant 'guard dogs'...or a crazy witch that likes to use pumpkins to attack…"
"Guard dogs?" Noel repeated.
"There's a castle out in the distance…big one too," Danny explained as he flew back down, "Also...really suspicious looking too."
"Ooh~ A creepy foreboding castle," Skurd noted, "Mayhaps the master of it sent those creatures to ward off anyone curious for exploring their domain."
"...Like maybe that Scout Hibiki told us about," Noel added as her eyes widened.
"Maybe," Ben shrugged, "Let's see if Gluto has that map, so we don't…walk off a cliff."
"Good idea," Sam nodded as they began walking back to the ship.
"HOLD IT!"
"?!" the group tensed as they looked over, seeing a robed figure approaching them, a mask covering their face.
"You…who came from the stars has been summoned to the castle…by my master~" the figure stated, the lantern in their hand glowing a dark green light as it showed their mask.
"...find this weird?" Danny whispered to Ben.
"And suspicious…"
"And you are?" Ben asked.
"Just a mere servant…looking to appease their master," the figure bowed, "Now come along…the master does not like it when guests are late…"
"...we better play along with this," Sam whispered to the others.
"Agreed," Noel nodded, "Maybe the Scout we're looking for is there…"
"And if this is a trap?" Ben asked, "We're on a world filled with Anur aliens, that I know for a fact some worked for Zs'Skayr," he explained, "Like that Loboan, the Thep Khufan and Dr. Viktor. Those are three really strong aliens, and there are other species here I haven't unlocked or seen." he pointed out, "So…the messenger should be able to assure this isn't a trap right?"
"Oh~ How cautious of you, you must be the leader of this little entourage?" the figure mused.
"For now, I am." Ben declared, "And I'm not leading my friends into an obvious trap, without being prepared. So you can wait for us to get some new dinner attire ready, right?"
"Oh please do take time, we want you looking your best." the figure replied.
"Noted…" Danny said as the group resumed walking back to the ship.
"We wait for Tetrax to get back, we gear up, then we trip the trap. Hopefully all together we won't get overwhelmed. And I'll keep my big hitters on standby. Danny, if things get bad, bring down that castle with your Ghostly Wail." Ben ordered, "Tetrax and I should be able to easily shield us from any danger, plus you are still half ghost so falling debris won't be an issue."
"R-Right…yeah that's a great plan." Danny admitted, "Has…that always…"
"Look I can be a leader, but normally I prefer not to pull that rank since its just not my style. But just me this time, so yeah field leader Ben is taking over." Ben explained, "Skurd, gonna need you ready for anything."
"Oui mon capitaine~" Skurd saluted.
"Ben taking charge is so…rare." Noel muttered in awe.
"God I dig it," Makoto smirked.
"I'm just happy we are going in with a plan." Sam added, "Well a better plan then most the ones we have."
"Tell me about it, normally we just rely on the formula." Danny agreed, "Also…I think we lost Tuck…"
"Yeah where is he…?"
"Achoo!"
"Bless you."
"That was weird…" Tucker muttered as he rubbed his nose a bit, "Someone must've been talking about me…hopefully a girl."
"Hmm…from what I've seen…don't count on it kid." Tetrax muttered.
"Ouch, harsh," Hobble muttered.
"Oh shut up Hobble…" Tucker grumbled, "How far did I run? We've been walking for 10 minutes!"
"Hmm…the terrain does feel off…" Tetrax spoke, he then pulled his gun off his holster and fired in a random direction causing bushes to hiss and move away from the beams light and heat, "Ah…yes…that is what's happening. Forest is alive,"
"GH?!" Tucker and Hobble tensed as they shot behind Tetrax.
"Th-The forest is alive…?!" Hobble gulped.
"I should've known…" Tucker groaned, "I think the citizens of UnderAmity were planting these from what Sam talked about."
"Must be similar to those pumpkins." Tetrax stated, "That means if you can control the pumpkins, you can control this forest, at least enough to make people lost, disoriented and trapped."
"Oh great, we're separated from the team." Tucker groaned.
"...Gluto, patch me to Ben," Tetrax tapped his helmet.
"What's up, Gluto?" Ben asked as an intercom turned on, "Tetrax?"
=Ben, someone is able to manipulate the forest and are turning it around. They are separating us=
"Well what timing, we just got invited to the spooky castle in the distance." Ben sighed.
=I saw the same structure. Me, Tucker, and Hobble will hike there. Gluto, you keep the engine warm to come pick us up if things get messy. Ben, you play this by ear, but meeting there is our best option=
"Got it. We'll drag our feet to buy you time to meet up with us there," Ben declared, "If that doesn't work, we'll need you to be the backup."
=I'm the backup!?= Tucker and Hobble gawked.
"Mostly Tetrax. Petrosapiens are strong fighters and I learned from the best. You guys…try not to get eaten by pumpkins," Ben joked.
=Don't jinx it!= Hobble panicked.
"By this point, does it matter?" Naoto asked, "Already got mutant pumpkins on our hands…and whatever's waiting at the castle."
"Good point. At least this way we'll go in knowing it's probably a trap. Let's at least get prepared. Tetrax, we'll wait on you. Tucker, Hobble, you guys just stick to Tetrax and if you see something, tell him."
=You got it, boss man!= Tucker gulped.
"Gluto, you get all this?" Ben asked as Gluto chirped and gurgled over the line, "Thanks, buddy. If things get nasty, just look for the big kaboom." another gurgle followed, "Well would it be fun to call in the middle of a fight? Just keep the engine and cannons warm, will ya?" more noises, "Yeah well I'm asking, since I'm not your partner I can't command it, now can I?"
=We'll be there, Ben, count on it= Tetrax spoke up as he cut the line.
"Phew…" Ben took a deep breath, "This is why I don't like leading. Have to use my brain so much."
"So…if you can do this at will…why do you give Tsubaki and everyone else panic attacks back home?" Naoto asked.
"I don't need a brain when someone else with leadership skills is around," Ben tapped his head, "Let me focus on the fun bits."
"Ahh….fair enough," Naoto shrugged.
"You come with me," Makoto grabbed Ben's arm and dragged him away, "I need you to stand still for the armor printer. This is gonna be amazing!" she walked back and grabbed Naoto's arm, "You, too, while I'm at it. You're kinda the same size as Ben."
"Wait, what's happening?" Naoto asked.
"She's making us look like cooler versions of Boba Fett," Ben explained.
"Oh…that actually sounds kinda awesome."
"Well at least Makoto is happy," Noel sighed before blinking as a fluffy tail wrapped around her waist and lifted her up, "Eep!? Me too?!"
"Bounty Hunter fit for everybody!" Makoto cheered.
"Oh! Makoto, I got the concepts!" Sam cheered, dragging Danny.
"I would complain if this wasn't super cool!' Danny declared.
"Great! Now, Ben-kun, just stand right there and no moving!" Makoto declared.
"Makoto, are you sure you know how to work that?" Ben asked.
"Oh please, it's just a button like this…oops…'
"I smell something burning…Makoto, did you burn my hair!?" Ben panicked.
"No! Maybe! I can fix it!" Makoto yelped.
"Scissors?" Sam held up a pair.
"Why do you…?" Danny began.
"Shh…no time for explanations," Sam silenced by pushing her finger to Danny's lips.
"Mmm…"
"I said sorry," Makoto muttered.
"You are so lucky I can't stay mad at you," Ben sighed, his hair now much shorter with the top combed to the side, "I'm shocked you could fix that, Sam."
"Well when your parents never let you get the haircut you want, you learn to adapt so-if need be-you can handle it yourself. I have tons of practice on Danny," Sam smirked, "But now we know, be careful with the laser for measuring."
"Why is it a laser?" Noel groaned in exasperation from the process being done.
"We're dealing with advanced alien technology. I would be surprised if lasers weren't involved with something," Danny pointed out.
"You say that while you can become intangible…" Noel muttered.
"She does have a point," Sam noted, an amused smile on her lips.
"At least we've got the measurements done," Danny changed the subject.
"And the armors are printing," Makoto added.
"I would be so much more hyped if not for the impromptu haircut," Ben sighed.
"Oh you've been complaining about it for weeks," Makoto argued.
"Well, yeah. I…" Ben began before the printer beeped.
"Oh done," Sam smirked, "Nice. Mine first!" she walked forward as the machine made a curtain of light she walked through which altered her attire.
Her new attire consisted of black fabric suit forming on her body, a purple stripe forming around the collar and framing an armored padding on the chest with her flaming skull symbol etched into it, her arm covered in black armored gloves with the forearm vambraces glowing with purple light, a black coat formed over her body with an upturned collar and pointed shoulders, with an opening along the middle and leading to a long coat tail behind and a section in the front almost making it appear like a dress. The entire piece glowing purple in multiple sections. Purple armor padding formed along the legs and led to black boots. Sam looked herself over before smirking as purple light formed at the collar of her attire and began slowly forming via nanobot construction a helmet over her head, it was purple with a dark black visor that looked like solid metal, a glowing purple stripe going down the middle and two large horns forming along the side and pointing up.
"Wow…" everyone awed.
"Oh-hoh-hoh~! Now this looks awesome!" Sam exclaimed in excitement as she looked herself over, "Love the horns!"
"Um…I-I can go next," Noel offered.
"Go ahead," Ben nodded.
"Oh, just walk through," Noel paused, seeing the curtain of light before Makoto gently pushed her through, "Oh!"
Coming out the other side, Noel's attire had changed drastically. Her armor was predominantly a black color with padded suiting along the thighs, arms and chest. A white coloring formed along the sides of her abdomen with a white stripe going down the center of the abdomen, a black chest plate formed around her upper torso with a white T pattern in the center. White armor formed along her arms forming a small overlapping shoulder pauldron design, leading to tricep armor and a white gauntlet. White armored boots with blue shoes and stripes at the knees formed. Her head now covered in a black simple helmet with a white mask forming in the center with delicate features, two blue eyes, and a silver mark in the center of the forehead consisting of a diamond shape. A blue hood formed from the collar and was drawn over the helmet before forming into a small blue cape dangling behind her, about the same length as her hair normally is. At her hips was a belt with Bolverk holstered behind her and Funkfreed on her right hip in a high-tech scabbard in the same colors as her new outfit. She tossed it ahead of her and sword and scabbard turned into Funkfreed, wearing armor similar to Noel's with a thick neon visor over his eyes. He looked at Mari and made an inquisitive noise while pointing at himself, earning an applause and happy chitter from the mink.
"...Did the sword that turns into an elephant just ask a mink if his outfit made him look big?" Danny asked before putting a hand to the side of his head, "I just really asked that, didn't I?"
"You did," Sam confirmed, "And not too bad! It looks great on you, Noel!"
"Oh thank you, I was really excited for Funkfreed, too, now he has barding so he will be safe if we do engage in combat. My good elephant-sword boy~" Noel cheered, cuddling the armored elephant.
"Alright me next," Danny spoke up.
"Go right ahead," Ben motioned to the device.
Danny jogged through and a flash went off as he came out the other side. His new attire didn't look as armored as expected. He was clad in a black top and pants combo with the shirt extending further down the left side and melting into his pants. A white and black jacket formed overtop, the torso was white with the outside of his arms being black and the inside white, the jacket extended into a series of overlapping coat tails thick where black with white patterns along them some forming into his Danny Phantom D logo, which also formed in the center of his new attire. His forearms were covered in white gloves with blue wrapping layered over them and black palms. Black armored boots with blue shoes, and glowing sections covered his legs. Finally his face was obscured by a black helmet which didn't conform to his head and instead swooped down along the sides and slightly the center as if a hood drawn over his head, with a large singular glowing blue visor hiding his face. Finally around his waist a belt formed with multiple pouches with what seemed to be pockets and pouches, and a band around his left arm with several small pockets in it.
"Whoa…" Danny awed, "A Utility belt?" He opened a pouch, and pulled out a small black and blue device, seemingly the size and shape of a double A battery, which unfolded into a more advanced Fenton Thermos, "Sam, how did you…?"
"I fed the schematics of your Fenton tech into the machine. It improved and added them to your suit." Sam explained, "I have some, too." she pulled out a purple version of the miniature device, "Tetrax has the best. Probably explains his cool armor."
"Useful with Ectonurtites abound," Ben mused.
"Next." Naoto declared excitedly as he ran through the curtain as a flash went off.
On the other side Naoto was now clad in dark black attire dark black attire resembling a hooded leather vest over top of a black suit, red patches on the shoulder, a red scarf around his neck, leading to black leggings with brown padding on the sides. His left shoulder had a shield like pauldon, both arms clad in white armor on his forearms and armored gloves. Black armored boots covered his legs. His helmet was black and angular in design with silver tripes framing the simple solid mouthguard, with two black visors formed over his eyes and swooped along the top of his helmet with a red glow as a silver plate laid atop his helmet. He swung a few punches at the wall before raising his leg for a high kick.
"Not bad, totally works for me." he adjusted the vest.
"Us next!" Makoto declared, grabbing Ben's arm.
"Whoa!" Ben grunted as he was dragged along with Makoto.
Both were obscured by a flash, both now clad in very similar armors. Makoto was now clad in a black suit with orange colored armor attached, in the form of armored shoes, greaves attached to the front of her shins, an armored tasset plate on each thigh, a brown belt around her waist with a second hanging off her hip, a armored codpiece under the belts. Orange armored gauntlets with compartments over the top that seemed to store something, armored pauldrons, and a matching chest plate. Around her neck a dark brown cloak that was left hanging off her right shoulder, in her hands formed an orange round topped helmet that sure enough resembled that of an iconic film character, with a slightly altered Y shaped visor. She smirked, slipping the helmet on…as two small vents popped up to make room for her ears.
Ben's attire was much the same, with a black suit, his chest covered in a full white chest plate, with a black stripe going down the center, and a green hexagonal pattern in the center of the solar plexus, black shoulder pauldrons, with white colored vambraces on both arms, with the left glowing as it seemed the material of his armor reacted to the Omnitrix and began melting around it to let its interface appear over the top, as green neon stripes formed along its sides in an X pattern around the interface. A belt formed around his waist with a hexagonal Omnitrix symbol as the buckle, with multiple pouches for holding things. Brown boots with black armored guard strapped on, and finally a matching helmet to Makoto's in black with white accents around its T shaped visor. Finally a long black cape was fastened around his neck and dangled off his left shoulder to hide the Omnitrix.
"...why am I not surprised you'd go with these designs?" Skurd deadpanned to Makoto.
"Oh like you don't find enjoyment in this," Makoto retorted.
"...touche, madam…"
"I gotta admit, I do like this look." Ben spoke up, "I always wanted a cool space look, but all I ever got was a standard issue Plumber suit. This…this looks much nicer, you know what I love babe."
"Feels like we just need some space guns to tie the looks together." Naoto chuckled.
"Do any of you know how to use guns?" Sam asked.
"Ben's got one of the top scores in the shooting range, right under Noel." Makoto chuckled.
"Basic training demanded I use firearms." Ben explained.
"Huh…neat," Danny noted.
"Wouldn't hurt, who knows, maybe Tetrax has something in here that could even the odds on the battlefield." Ben spoke, "Gluto, mind letting us peruse the armory for any guns we can use?" a chirp of confirmation came over the intercom as the walls all slid open to reveal dozens if not hundreds of firearms and weapons. Gluto gurgled something, "He says go nuts, he's been meaning to clean out all the stuff Tetrax doesn't even use."
"Oh ho~ Don't mind if I do," Sam grinned a bit as she was already looking through a few options.
"Dibs on shotgun." Makoto cheered.
"...I wouldn't mind looking around." Noel muttered.
"Tuck is so gonna be jealous." Danny cheered looking around.
"I'm sure he'll find something…provided we leave him something," Naoto stated as he picked up a combat knife.
"Just a combat knife?" Ben blinked.
"Eh. I'm fine with my own powers...plus prefer to get up close and personal sometimes," Naoto shrugged.
"I mean basic marksmanship was part of our high school life. So I'm confident I can land some shots." Makoto declared holstering a long firearm that could best be described as a laser shotgun, "If only there was a way to mount this on the gauntlet."
"Makoto…" Noel sighed.
"What?" She giggled.
"Armored up, masked, and armed." Ben spoke looking over a beam pistol, "This is as prepped for a creepy dinner invite leading to an evil trap as we can get without some sort of grander backup."
"Ah…fair point," Naoto nodded before he picked up a black and red magnum-like laser gun, "Oh this looks like it can cause some damage…"
"Says it's a powerful plasma caster, it shoots hot plasma that explodes violently on impact and burns through most materials." Noel explained, "It does need a cool down period after every 6 shots."
"...oh total dibs." Naoto awed, "This is literally a point and boom problems go bye-bye gun."
"...guess I'll take this one," Danny spoke as he picked up a rifle with a clip in the back and a cylindrical object near the trigger.
"That's a long range pulse rifle." Noel explained, "I was assigned to the armory for a long while during my personal training, and got interested in all kinds of space weapons."
"Well…" Ben sighed as he paused and reached to pick up a gun matching the one Tetrax had and holstered it into a holster on his right thigh, "Least we got a gun expert with us."
"Oh that's putting it mildly," Makoto stated, "One time at the Academy, Noellie listed just about every single type of gun for one class…and displayed each one with Bolverk."
"Well I just felt excited to show my knowledge. I got a bit excited." Noel explained, picking up several small orb devices, "Just know these are a kind of flash bang that emit UV rays, they should scare off any Ectonurites. And this one will produce the same gas that negates intangibility." she held up one marked with purple the other orange.
"Okay, so best avoid being near those when they go off. Got it," Danny nodded.
"They are most effective on Ectonurites and other aliens, but…maybe for the best." Noel nodded.
"Alright, lets go trip a trap." Ben spoke, "Gluto you know what to do, I'll trust your judgment of living with Tetrax." Gluto gurgled and chirped.
"He says: try not to die, he enjoys company," Skurd translated as he slithered onto the vambrace around Ben's arm.
With that they all walked out and stood before the figure who waited patiently, well while turrets aimed at them to keep them from trying anything. They all waited as the turrets retracted into the ship.
"Alright, we're all dressed up for dinner. Lead the way spooky." Ben declared.
"My…you clean up…well…" the figure noted.
"Move." Ben ordered as he wrapped his fingers around his chosen firearm.
"Oh! Y-yes sir!" the figure nodded as they turned and began to walk towards the path leading to the castle.
"Intimidating Ben, hot~" Makoto giggled.
"Down girl." Noel sighed.
A short walk and the newly armored and armed team of Plumber Earth Heroes arrived at the creepy castle, or rather the long perilous bridge linking to the floating island the castle was perched upon. They all groaned as they slowly took the bridge and beard the castle proper, which was even creepier up close and personal. It was built around a large purple tower surrounded by multiple branching spires that made it look like a pronged spear with a purple dome at the top. Built around it was a castle wall proper with purple stone spikes extending outwards, a walkway adorned by gas lit lights poles, lit with violet flames, a large patch of wiggling vines and pumpkins surrounded the castle grounds, with several of the gourds hissing as they moved.
"...well that's totally not creepy at all," Makoto whispered.
"Of course…the master loves to feel fear and despair in the air," the figure chuckled grimly.
"This castle belonged to Zs'Skayr didn't it?" Ben asked bluntly, "Yep…I'm totally burning this place down before I leave." he sighed casually.
"W-wow…not even an ounce of hesitation." The figure muttered.
"I can burn you down too if you feel left out." Ben offered happily, which somehow made that threat even more intimidating.
"...noted, sir," the figure whispered as they approached the castle gates.
"So who's ringing the doorbell?" Ben asked, "I mean it feels rude when the place has its own servant. So serve us Servant." he chuckled, "Come on, chop-chop, we are guests after all, show some hospitality."
"...wow you are rude…" the figure whispered to themself as they walked up to the door…and tried to reach for the metal ring hanging off the door, "NGh….ngh…!"
"...d…do you…" Noel began.
"No no! I can get it…!" the figure assured as they kept hopping to try and get the ring
"Whatever it is, is right. Let them do it, they invited us. It'd be rude for us to help in any way." Ben spoke up.
"Very true," Makoto nodded.
"D'oh…you all are very rude…!"
"Well we're waiting on you to open the door," Naoto stated with his arms crossed.
"You can at least give me a hand!"
"Why? We already know this is clearly a trap, we're just enjoying this before its tripped." Ben argued, "Unless you know…you say please~"
"...oh! Of course…" the figure gasped as they quickly bowed to the group, "Please…assit u-me in opening the door."
"Alright," Danny shrugged as he walked up the the door, grabbing the metal ring before using it to knock on the door three times.
"...Enter…" a voice bellowed out from inside the castle, the one alone sending shivers up everyone's spines as the doors slowly opened up, letting more of the mist seep out.
"...focus Makoto…focus…" Makoto whispered to herself as the group walked right into the castle.
"Let's get this over with," Ben sighed, "Skurd…you got anything?" He looked down as Skurd who formed Vulpimancer's gills to echolocate the area.
"Oh we are surrounded, that is for sure." Skurd sighed, "At best the three classics, and maybe some ectonurites, hard to tell…and…humans…besides all of you? Oh…oh this is some deep nonsense…" Skurd sighed.
"Other humans?" Sam blinked as the figure stopped for a moment, "...Could one of them be that Scout?"
"Most likely," Danny guessed, "...and my guess, probably locked up in the dungeon somewhere."
"..."
"Hey buddy, mind telling us what this palace is hiding?" Naoto questioned the silent figure.
"..." the figure said nothing as they turned slowly…claws emerging from one of their sleeves.
"HA!" Makoto shouted as she kicked the small figure right into a wall, "Ha! Nice try, asshole! Your not getting the fold on us!"
"Aww~ But they were doing such a good job too~" a voice spoke up, making Makoto completely lock up as her eyes widened..in remembrance…and fear.
"...n…no…." Makoto turned before a chandelier lowered down from the ceiling above…and an all too familiar black and white bear..one she and Ben knew too well hopped down from it, "!?"
"..a….teddy bear?" Danny and Naoto blinked.
"I ain't no teddy bear," the bear stated, making the two jump, "I'm your special host for this evening, the appetizer before the main events, the one and only Monokuma has re-"
*BANG BANG!*
"?! M-Makoto?!" Noel gasped as the Beastkin heavily panted, her entire body shaking as her shotgun powered down as Monokuma-ridddled with holes- fell to the floor.
"So…that happened…" Danny muttered.
"She has her reasons." Ben said simply with a serious tone to his voice, "Makoto…just stick close to Noel." he ordered as he walked up to Monokuma, "Really hoped I'd never have to see this ugly fake panda again…" Skurd made a pseudopod move to touch it.
"Hey you are you calling an ugly fake panda!?" Monokuma snapped, startling Ben and Skurd as the former jumped back. He then slowly got up, the holes on him slowly shrinking as his red eye went back to glowing, "I happen to be much better than those lazy oafs, thank you very much."
"What, you mean the fact you lose a handsome contest to the sun bear?" Ben replied, aiming his left arm as Skurd breathed out a stream of fire on Monokuma, making him scream and run around in panic, "I love when we are synchronized like that."
"I love my movies. Original Trilogy for life," Skurd replied simply, "The prequels aren't so bad, but you love the classics for a reason."
"Alright buddy, I Know you're not dead," Ben sighed, kicking Monokuma and putting him out, "Where's your real self Junko? I'm not playing with your stupid drone…"
"Gah! Aren't you a Hero!? Why are you so violent!?" Monokuma snapped.
"I'm the don't kill, but will totally give traumatic brain damage type of hero." Ben explained, "Now again, come out and meet me in person, I'm in no mood for dealing with the bear and this annoying voice program it has. Also it's horrible asymmetric design just hurts my eyes."
"Hey! I happen to be the right balance of hope and Despair," Monokuma argued, "...but I pray for the despair side winning, uppupup-pfft!" he gagged when Ben stepped on his face, "...okay one of my kids was right, you are rude."
"Yeah w….wait. Kids?" Ben blinked before the robed figure shot up, five blurs shooting straight out of it and kicking him back in surprise, "Gah!"
"With our powers combined…!" the five voices began as the blurs stopped and posed, revealing them to be five beast similar to Monokuma, only their non-white half were red with a red scarf, blue with a rocker motif, tiger stripped with a pair of glasses, one pink with a flower on their head, and one green with a robot motif, "We are the Monokubs!"
"Oh god there's more…" Makoto whispered as she pumped her shotgun again.
"Kya! She's going to shoot again!" the pink one panicked, "Sc-scary…!"
"Enough of you!' Skurd spoke forming Tetramand arms he used to pick most of them up and toss them at Monokuma, "You torment us!" he flicked the last one into the pile.
"Ow…Monophanie was right. You guys are rude," the red one muttered.
"Gals are still hot though!" the blue one laughed.
=...?!= the green one spasmed for a moment when the tiger-printed one smacked him.
"Monodom, get off me…"
=?!W…=
"Seriously what's with the reject Care Bears?" Danny whispered.
"ECK!" Monokuma and the Kubs gagged at that, "Don't compare us to them!"
"Okay enough!" Ben snapped, making the six flinch, "Just…seriously Junko, enough with the back and forth…now how's about coming out of hiding and not play behind your toys?"
"...upupupupup~" Junko's voice giggled, making Makoto further recoil as she stood near Noel, "Oh Ben…I don't need to hide behind my toys anymore…"
"...?!" Naoto tense as he quickly got before Sam, raising his arms up as he blocked the incoming strike from a metal bat, "GH!"
"Hello~" Junko greeted with her trademark grin before hopping back from a kick from Naoto, flipping back a few feet before landing, "Missed me~"
"Why are you here?" Ben demanded, "What do you gain from setting up shop in space Halloween Town?"
"Oh Ben, that would be telling," Junko teased.
"Your here to set off something to bring about some form of great evil to spread despair across Anur and the cosmos." Ben spoke up making her flinch, "Prophecy warned us of you."
"Well poo…you just love to ruin my fun," Junko pouted, "Do you do this with all your mortal enemies?"
"You are not one of my mortal enemies…" Ben replied.
"Uh…I totally am. You totally ruined all my schemes and now I intend to enact revenge against you. That's how this works." Junko replied.
"No…you are not A list," Ben argued, "You psychologically tormented my girlfriend and now I just hate you. But you are not the monster I see in my nightmares, I don't have some sort of spidey sense for when you arrive, nor do you send horrible chills down my back. Therefore, not a mortal enemy."
"Well I'll try to work on those requirements." Junko replied, "And boy are they hard to meet, but I love how much it shows you're a tormented little boy inside."
"Man enough to stop you with no effort." Ben argued.
"Mmm…maybe…maybe so, but are you man enough to stop him?" Junko grinned.
"Him?" Ben blinked before frowning, "Him who?"
"...my master~" she replied before the ground suddenly gave way underneath Ben and the others.
"Wh-ahh!" Ben yelped as he slid down the hole.
"Be-!" Makoto began as she and the girls went next, followed by Danny and Naoto as they fell down similar trap holes.
"...and cue scene…" Junko whispered happily…before kicking Monokuma upside the head, "Also way for one of your kids to nearly spoil it back there!"
"Not my fault Monotaro's forgetful!" Monokuma argued as he shot up.
"No. HE was a part of you after Khyber used you as bait for his pet, and as you repaired yourself…" she paused as she picked up the Monokubs, "These were part of you, ergo…your fault.!"
"That's not fair, I'm made from your imagination and psychological data, so that makes me your creation, therefore them too, so really…" Monokuma muttered only to be stomped on, "It's my fault…sorry…"
"Good. Now if you will excuse me…" Junko began as she began to walk off, stepping on Monokuma in the process, "I need to go prepare for a little reunion…and hopefully with enough time…" she paused as she began to smile form ear to ear, "They'll come out~~"
"Ag! Guh! Argh!" Ben grunted as he, Danny, and Naoto fell out of holes in the wall, tumbling along the stone floor as they ended up in a long, darkened hallway.
"Okay…don't know what that crazy chick has out for you, Ben…but she really hates you," Naoto grunted as he forced himself up.
"She had plans to use a video to cause a psycho-hypnotic effect to make people feel unfiltered despair and cause mass hysteria and insanity, effectively letting people be governed by all their darkest thoughts and impulses." Ben explained, "I got so angry I looped around to cool and collected, then proceeded to beat her and dismantle her entire scheme in about 10 seconds,"
"God dang man…" Naoto awed.
"Okay that is honestly impressive." Danny agreed.
"Yeah, it was the start of her super villain arc, but to me…I was just pissed and wanted to help Makoto. Speaking of…I'm going to tear this place down." Ben declared seriously as the helmet preventing his face from being seen made that sound even more intimidating.
"...oh she's that individual you don't like bringing up," Skurd realized, "No wonder Makoto gets jumpy whenever that word is mentioned…"
"Skurd, we're going in ready to kick any butt that's not our friends." Ben spoke as he rolled his head to pop his neck, "So…let's get to kicking." he pulled his laser gun out and aimed before shooting the walls, making them explode and shatter.
"Sounds good to me," Naoto nodded, pulling his magnum out as he began to shoot at parts of the walls as well.
"Well when in rome.' Danny spoke as he swung his arms and let a white ring form around him, before it wiped over him and inverted the coloring of his attire, and the blue lights turning green, he aimed his hands and began blasting green ectoplasm beams into the walls.
With another wall going down, the three turned to see a hoard of rather…unkempt Loboans glaring at them.
"...Uh….sorry?" Danny replied before the Loboans snarled at them, "?!"
"I think Zs'Skayr kept some of these guys locked up as slaves that just did whatever he ordered." Ben explained, "Like protect his stuff."
"Well that bites." Danny noted before punching a Loboan that lunged at him before blasting another, "Not literally!"
"Just take them down," Ben ordered as he aimed and shot several mid-lunge, he swung around to dodge a swipe from one before aiming his left arm and letting Skurd form Wildvine's arm over his before swinging it to bind its jaw, and swing it around into a wall.
"Not changing?" Naoto asked as he swung his leg to kick one sending it flying through a wall.
"I get the feeling that I'm gonna need to hold off till something actually scary shows up." Ben explained as he aimed and shot another Loboan mid-jump and knocked it away, "Sides, I want to make a point, put some respect on the name Ben 10," he spun around and aimed Skurd as he expelled flames onto a Loboan making them yelp and fall back, and run to extinguish the flames.
"...fair enough," Naoto nodded before jamming his elbow into a Loboan that was behind him, pulling his combat knife out as he used it to block the claws of another.
"What about the girls?" Danny asked as he blasted another Loboan away.
"We need to regroup," Ben spoke, "Till then no taking down the castle, don't want to harm them in the process, but fight and smash through the place."
"Right!" Danny nodded before dodging a Loboa's lunge, his hand glowing as he fired an ectoplasmic blast at the ground, resulting in a large dust cloud covering the area.
The Loboans growled out as they swung their claws, dispersing the dust cloud…and showing no sign of Ben and Co, yet they could hear their footsteps further down, prompting the lycan-like aliens snarl as they chased after the trio.
"...hmm hmm hm….oh Benny Boy…" Hazama's voice chuckled, slowly stepping out of the shadows as he pulled his knife out the head of a deceased Loboan, "You have no idea what you're about to do…"
"Ah…sh…she….she really is here…" Makoto whispered in pure fright, hugging herself as she was in a fetal position as her helmet was near her.
"Makoto, you're making me really worried," Noel whispered in concern and worry.
"Junko….here….g…get…get out…" Makoto began before Sam forced her to sit up and smacked her, "?!"
"Better?"
"...y….yeah…" Makoto panted as she began to stand up, grabbing her shaking hand as she tried to calm herself down.
"Good," Sam nodded as she stepped back, "So what happened back there? What did that Junko chick do to you?"
"...she…" Makoto began before Noel put a reaffirming hand on her shoulder, making the Beastkin jump as she looked at the blonde.
"It's alright…I already know what happened thanks to what you and Ben told me and the others after Kibougamine," Noel assured, "But just know…I-I'll try to give you as much support as I can."
"...thanks, Noellie," Makoto smiled a bit before looking at Sam, "Junko…as Ben mentioned, psychologically tortured me..and brainwashed me into attacking Ben in an attempt to drive him and the galaxy into…" she paused as she gripped her shaking hand once more, "Despair…and would've died to a bomb attached to my neck if anyone but myself or Junko touched it…"
"You've never spoken much about what happened, I didn't know it was so horrible." Noel spoke, "It must have been so horrible…thankfully Ben handled it so easily."
"Believe me…it was," Makoto sighed a bit, "I put up a fight at first, but moment that helmet she used went on me…I…I began to relieve things…many….many horrible things…and thought of all the atrocities the people of our world have done to Beastkins…I…" she paused as she brought up a hand to one of her eyes, small tears already forming on the sides, "I'm just so glad….he pulled me out of that pit of Despair Junko stuck me in…"
"Oh Makoto…" Noel whispered as she hugged the Beastkin.
"I'm so sorry that happened to you." Sam spoke, "This girl is pure evil, but right now we need to find the guys and burn this place down. So…if you can hold it together till we find Ben and the others, stay with us, we need your strength."
"...heh. Y-your not a half bad leader yourself Sam," Makoto replied.
"Yeah well…" Sam paused as she picked up Makoto's helmet and held it out to her, "I don't like people who purposely mess with my friends."
"I'm sure the boys are already getting to work on the demolition." Noel noted some rumbling, "Maybe if we go about stealthily, we can find some answers in this place and just follow the sounds of destruction." she offered a plan.
"...yeah. Good idea," Makoto nodded a bit, wiping the tears away as she put her helmet back on, "Sooner we're out of here…the faster we can get Junko locked back up….and hunt down whoever let her out…"
=Mmm…I beg to differ= Junko's voice echoed throughout the area, making the trio tense up =While the boys are busy, I figured I could have some fun with you gals…especially you, Makoto! Long time no see my former test squirrel!=
"Mmm…" Noel frowned as Makoto tried to stay calm once more, Mari hissing on Noel's shoulder as the blonde was ready to pull out Funkfreed.
=Oh don't be like that. I just want to play a little game~=
"Yeah…and we're not planning on playing, fem-Jigsaw," Sam retorted.
=Too bad gothy, you have no choice in the matter= Junko giggled before the area rumbled further =See I was planning on using this idea on Chiaki Nanami had she delve into my little secret plan…but what better way to use it than on my former test rodent and her friends=
"Oh yeah? Wh-" Sam began before a spike shot up out of the floor right in front of her, "!?"
=Simple game I like to call…Survive the Maze! Get to the goal while avoiding my many…many traps I helped reset within the castle~= the area rumbled once more =Oh and you better hurry…the game's already started~=
"...what does she…" Noel began before they noticed something up ahead…a large rolling iron ball heading straight towards them, "?!"
"Run!" Sam shouted.
"Can't Funky break it?!" Makoto panicked.
"It's too narrow in here!" Noel replied.
"Ahh!" Makoto panicked as the three girls began to run down the hallway to avoid getting crushed by the iron ball.
"It feels like we're in Resident Evil!" Naoto shouted as the guys ran into a room and slammed the heavy doors before Danny fired a blast of ice to seal it.
"Since when does Resident Evil have Wolfmen?" Danny asked.
"Uh…" Naoto muttered, "Not important."
"...right…" Danny whispered before looking at Ben, "Any luck getting a hold of the others?"
"No, they must have signal jamming." Ben sighed tapping his helmet, "Guess we'll just have to keep making doors."
"Yeah I figured…" Danny sighed before they heard something moving, "?!"
"..." Ben looked at Naoto and Danny and gave a nod, the other two nodding as the trio began to approach thr source of the noise, coming from behind a stone pillar at the other end of the room..They stayed silent for a few moments before aiming their guns out just as a figure jumped out.
"You're not getting me tonight!" a young man with short orange hair declared, wearing a dented Plumpers suit as they aimed back, "I…I…"
"Wait," Ben held a hand up, making the young man pause as he kept a firm grip on his blaster, "You're not…another guy disguised to trick us, are you?"
"...depends, your not one of those two psychopaths or that insane doctor Victor…are you?" he cautiously asked.
"No, I'm Ben Tennyson," he paused, "Yes I am dressed as a Mandalorian, for reasons…" he removed his helmet, "See…Tennyson eyes, Omnitrix, and friends."
"...oh thank god," the young man sighed in relief as he leaned against the stone pillar, "Finally something that's not a Loboan...or Victor and his men…" he quickly did a salute to the trio, "Archie, Scout sent to this sector and member of the Plumbers Intell branch, Mr. Tennyson."
"Good to meet ya, we were invited for a clear trap." Ben explained, "Not much option but trip it, and I see you met Junko, yeah she's…she's a real nasty piece of work."
"Yeah the reports on her do not do her justice…" Archie admitted.
"And you say there is another one?" Danny asked, his helmet deconstructing and vanishing, "Who's the other one?"
"I'm not sure. It was a man with green hair and dressed like a hipster," Archie replied before frowning, "But considering Junko was with him…my guess he's the guy who let her out of her cell and destroyed the UnderTokyo base and a huge chunk of the city…"
"Well that's just great…" Ben sighed, "Let's focus on meeting up with the rest of our team, and getting out of here so I can tear this castle down."
"No…not yet," Archie shook his head, much of the three's confusion, "Listen..when I was spying on Dr. Victor and his cronies, they were experimenting on something…as if trying ot get it open."
"Open?" Naoto repeated.
"Yeah. What was weird is it looked like a soup thermos," Archie explained, making both Danny and Ben tense up, "?"
"...was this…thermos green and white in color?" Danny cautiously asked.
"Yes, actually, why?"
"The Fenton Thermos, the one we sent here to Anur…they want to free Zs'Skayr and Dark you." Ben spoke to Danny.
"That's what the prophecy was trying to tell me…" Danny whispered as his eyes widened behind his helmet, "...Archie, do you know where Dr. Victor has the thermos at?"
"I do."
"We need you to lead us to where it is."
"I…feel like I'm missing some context here," Naoto muttered.
"Lord of all Ectonurites and used to be an unwilling guest in my head, and an evil alternate timeline version of Danny who survived his timeline being undone." Ben explained, "In short, two of the worst guys we ever faced, and want us and everyone dead."
"You locked all that in a thermos and launched it into space?" Naoto asked.
"It was supposed to be on a dead planet nothing can survive on." Ben argued.
"Guess this Victor guy found it then," Danny frowned.
"No. Paradox doesn't screw up, they had to have some method of getting it." Ben spoke.
"...what if someone like him did it?" Naoto offered his suggestion, "Someone who exists outside of time."
"You mean like Eon?" Archie questioned, earning a surprised look from Ben, "...What? I like reading the more obscure criminal and case files we have."
"Well maybe, but he's not normally that scheme-ish, he's prone to just attacking me."
"Then who else…" Danny began before something banged against the doors, "?!"
The quartet prepared their weapons as they quickly looked towards the door, seeing the ice covering it starting to crack with each slam. A few more moments passed before the doors were slammed open, shattering the ice as something slithered out of the darkness…a metal snake-like head attached to a chain as an eerie venom green glow came off it.
"...what the…?" Ben began before the 'snake' shot past him and his team, making them tense as it coiled around Archie, making him cry out from the tight grip, "?! Archie!"
"Tennyson s-" Archie began before the 'snake' dragged him right through the doorway and into the darkness.
"After that snake…thing!" Skurd declared.
"Let's be careful," Danny advised, grimacing as he held himself, "That thing felt like it was tugging at me with just being near it…"
"Come on." Ben put his helmet on as they ran after the 'snake'.
"...mmm…" Hobble whimpered as Tetrax and his team arrived at the castle finally, the gates closed up once more.
"Well...least we've finally made it out of the woods…" Tucker whispered.
"Yeah to Castle Creepy." Hobble spoke.
"Right, blow down the doors." Tetrax spoke, pulling out his gun and shooting the door, causing pieces of wood to go scattering.
"...that felt too easy! I'm heading back to the ship!" Hobble panicked as he tried to run, only for Tucker to grab him.
"Nuh uh. I ain't walking through those spooky woods again!" Tucker snapped.
"Sides the ship is already moving, so you'd be running to nowhere." Tetrax added as he kept shooting.
"D'oh…"
"We gotta find the others, and get out of here." Tucker spoke.
"Right," Tetrax nodded before tapping his helmet, "Ben, where are…" he winced when a loud static noise went off, "Damn it...something's jamming the signal…"
"Well duh, they tripped an obvious trap on purpose." Tucker replied as the door fell apart.
"Wow that's a strong gun," Hobble muttered, "Petrosapien DNA for the win. That kickback would knock most on their rear."
"It's all about how you handle it, I taught Ben how to use it years ago." Tetrax explained.
"Wait Ben can kick butt without changing into an alien?" Tucker asked.
"He should, he's been trained by me, his grandfather, his cousin, his girlfriend, the last two being masters of martial arts." Tetrax explained, "Is your friend not capable without transforming?"
"Mmmm….well you need to show up to pass Physical Education…"
"...well, guess I got some extra training to do with him then…" Tetrax sighed as the three cautiously entered the castle…before an iron door slammed right behind them, "?!"
"Oh ho~ Well well well…what do we have here~?" Monokuma's voice echoed within the shadows, making the three tense up as Tetrax prepared his weapon, "A petrosapien, a nerd, and a cockroach."
"Oh that's just hurtful…" Hobble whispered as he hid behind Tucker..who in turn hid behind Tetrax.
"Show yourself, annoying voice in the darkness." Tetrax spoke, "I can't promise I won't harm you."
"...eh fine…" Mo[nokuma's voice replied as the black and white bear stepped out…making the three blink in utter confusion.
"...a teddy bear?" Hobble blinked.
"I ain't no teddybear, buggy," Monokuma huffed, "I am Monokuma, your master for the day."
"Monokuma?" Tucker blinked, "...wait..Mono…AHH! I KNOW WHAT THAT IS!" he panicked in realization.
"You do?" Tetrax blinked.
"Months ago in Japan, this crazy girl had a swarm of them and tried to cause mass hysteria and genocide!" Tucker exclaimed, "What makes it especially upsetting is that the bear was originally gonna be a mascot to this huge robotics company that went kaput!"
"Eh what can I say? I have rugged good looks," Monokuma shrugged.
"..." Tetrax held his hand up and let his glove deform and retract before he shot several crystal knives into Monokuma.
"...well…that was rude," Monokuma huffed as the holes the knives made closed up.
"Fascinating." Tetrax shot him again with bigger projectiles, one hitting Monokuma's head as it embedded him in the wall.
"...we gonna do this all day?" Monokuma deadpanned as he managed to free himself, the large tear in his head closing back up, "I'd like to get to spreading despair thank you…or enjoy a fish."
"..." Tetrax looked at his hand…then back and Monokuma, and did this several times.
"No…" Monokuma realized only to be peppered with shards that pierced into him, and were left embedded in his body this time, "Okay enough! It does not work! Just get it through your shiny head!"
"What about if I make them explode?" Tetrax asked.
"Oh well it would be an in…" Monokuma began before the crystals blew up, making his head and limbs scatter throughout the area, "...an inconvenience…"
"It'll be back, let's move along." Tetrax replied.
"Y…yeah…good idea…" Hobble nodded a bit as the three began to walk…with him and Tucker cautiously trying to avoid Monokuma.
"Hey…hey! Get back here! We haven't' got to the fun yet!" Monokuma snapped, "In fact, come closer! I'll bite yer shins!" silence was his response, "...d'oh…kids! Papa's in pieces again!"
"Got it, pops!" Monotaro shouted as he and his sibs ran over and picked up Monokuma's head, arms, legs, and body, "Now….where does what go again?"
"You forgot, didn't you?" Monosuke deadpanned.
"I say we just mix and match him!" Monokid laughed.
"No! Not again!" Monokuma snapped, "Last time you did, I got punched and stepped on by Lugnut!"
"Oh! W-well at least he apologized…right?" Monophanie asked Monodom…who just stood there with a headshake.
"He called us gnats and stepped on us as well," Monosuke sighed.
"Mmm…"
"Ahh!" Makoto, Sam and Noel freaked as they quickly turned a corner, avoiding a wall of spikes as parts of the floor and ceiling rose up and down in an attempt to crush them.
"This Resident Evil 4 shit is gonna get old…" Makoto groaned.
"Tell me ab-woah!" Sam yelped as they quickly stopped, narrowly avoiding a swinging guillotine.
=Oh ho~! Nearly gotcha that time!= Junko's voice laughed before a series of wooden spears shot towards the girls from the shadows.
"EEK!" Noel panicked before Mari hopped her shoulder, the Mink's claws glowing before she became a blur and sliced apart the wooden spears, the mink crawling back up Noel's shoulder as the pieces fell to the floor, "Oh…phew. Thank you, Mari-chan…"
=Hey! That's not fair! No cute mascots but mine!=
"Then this is fine, mine is the only cute one." Noel argued.
=Oh you suck…=
"I know you do," Noel replied.
=Mmmm…I was under the impression you were the scaredy cat…=
"Oh I am scared…but I'm not gonna back down from someone who tormented my best friend."
=Well aren't you a brave little squirt…=
"Hey!"
=Speaking of squirt…hope you girls are thirsty~=
"...what does she mean by…" Makoto began before they heard something, making them turn..and see a huge rush of water coming straight towards them, "AHH!"
"Oh you gotta be kidding me!" Sam complained as they began to run once more.
"I'm with Ben, we are demolishing this place!" Noel shouted.
"AGREED!" Makoto and Sam exclaimed.
"Come on. Come on…where did it go?" Ben whispered as he and his team ran down the corridor, turning a corner now and again as they tried to search for the 'snake' that took Archie, "Skurd?"
"I'm looking I'm looking," Skurd whispered, a pair of Vulpimancer gills growing out of him as he looked around.
"This is getting old…" Ben groaned, "What is this? Do they want us to follow but don't make it clear."
"Probably trying to mess with us or something," Naoto figured.
"Yeah w-" Danny began before he skidded to a halt, dense green smoke coming out from his helmet, "!? Woah…that…was different."
"Hmm?"
"I think I felt a ghost, but…this one…this one feels different."
"Maybe you have more than a ghost sense?" Ben offered, "If you have untapped combat powers, why not untapped ghost senses?"
"...you might be onto something Ben," Danny admitted before he looked at a few doors within the corridor..before stopping at a single one as more green smoke came out of his helmet, "There..I think I felt it from there."
"Got it…Naoto?"
"Don't mind if I do," Naoto grinned behind his helmet before he rushed towards that door, doing a quick kick to it as he forced it open, "There…we…go…" he paused as the trio entered a large room, murals and intricate patterns on the walls and floor, "...well…this doesn't scream cult-ish…"
"...hope I didn't reveal some sort of murder/sacrifice room or something," Danny whispered as they looked around.
"Well someone wants us here for a spooky reason." Ben spoke.
"Emphasis on spooky," Skurd added while looking at the mural, seeing parts of it scratched up and faded, yet he noticed something…various monster-like aliens-most likely the aliens species that call the Anur system home- surrounding something, but couldn't tell what it was since it was too faded and scratched up to tell, "...hmm…wonder…"
"Boy, I bet that had a story to tell, huh?"
"?!" Ben, Danny and Naoto tensed as they looked towards a part of the wall…seeing a man in a black suit and fedora leaning against it.
"Was wondering when you notice me," Hazama grinned as he lifted his head up, "And oh I am so glad to finally meet ya face to face, Benny boy!"
"...don't look at me. I don't know him," Ben replied when he noticed the look Danny gave him.
'Why do I feel super pissed off just looking at him?' Naoto thought as Hazama moved off the wall.
"You may not know me…but you may know a buddy of mine," Hazama stated as he bridged his fingers together, "Galactic overlord, tyrant…looks like something out of Lovecraft."
"...did Vilgax send you?" Ben demanded with a frown behind his helmet.
"HA! Please…like he has control over me," Hazama retorted before gasping, "Oh but how rude of me..I know you Ben Tennyson…and you Danny Fenton and…your odd looking friend there…"
"Grr…" Naoto growled a bit at that.
"But you do not know me…" Hazama continued, taking his fedora off as he gave them a formal bow, "I am Hazama…and I happen to be your girlfriend's former employer, Benny boy."
"Oh…the asshole hipster with a creepy grin that should have been reported to HR." Ben spoke simply.
"Ho ho~ Jokes on the first encounter, eh?" Hazama noted with a chuckle, "Not bad…I take ms. double agent told you plenty about me, huh?"
"Well I know for a fact you were the one who ordered Tsubaki to go kill Jin and Noel thanks to some help from a friend of mine," Ben retorted.
"Ah yes…the little spy Kokonoe planted into the NOL training academy," Hazama stated, "That little Grimalkin thought she was so clever there…not that it matters. She never realized my true intentions anyways~"
"Dude this guy is creeping me out," Danny whispered to Ben.
"No kidding," Ben whispered before glaring back at Hazama, "Where's Archie?"
"Hmm? Oh..you mean that little scout whose ship got 'mysteriously' destroyed," Hazama responded, "Well..I'll more than happy to answer for ya…but first answer me this; What has that literal walking trash heap Tsubaki Yayoi told you about the bombing that took place in UnderTokyo?"
"Just that a lot of people died, and someone let Junko out….and that from first hand accounts…someone ran out of there scared." Ben explained.
"Hmm hmm…charming," Hazama chuckled a bit, "But you're getting close…who do you think planted the bomb that went off, hmm? Who do you think snapped Junko out of her fear-filled state…" he paused as his eyes opened up, revealing them to be snake like, "Who do you think found that thermos that housed your old buddies Zs'Skayr and Daniel's dark future self…?"
"?!" Ben tensed up as his eyes widened in shock.
"And like that our boy has our answer!" Hazama declared dramatically, acting as if he was a gameshow host, "Junko, tell him what he and his friends have won!"
=Certainly, master~!= Junko giggled before some candles turned on, revealing an unconscious Archie as one of his arms was held up by a chain…while the other was bent up while his face and armor sported bleeding cuts =Our wonderful contestants have won a limited time Plumber Scout! Perfect for bait, and perfect to take care of those nasty clogged pipes=
"This is not good." Skurd whispered before blinking and looking down at the Omnitrix, "Oh…oh you are reacting to all this…"
"So gentlemen…like your prize, or do you want to exchange it for something else?" Hazama taunted as he leaned in a bit.
"No..preferably..I'd rather go with Option C," Danny quipped as he held his hand out and fired off a blast of ectoplasmic energy at Hazama..who merely grinned as he suddenly shot up into the air, "?!"
"Oh ho~! Trying to get a cheap shot in…now that's just rude, Daniel," Hazama sighed as he landed on the ground, "No wonder Vladdy finds you uncultured…"
"?!" Danny tensed at that, "Vlad?!"
"Ahh ahh ahh…can't tell~" Hazama smirked before ducking under an overhead kick from Naoto, "Ho ho! We got another cocky one here!" he mocked as he easily swayed around each of Naoto's punches and kicks.
"He's a fast guy…well let's outspeed him," Ben whispered, about to activate the Omnitrix before the 'snake' from earlier wrapped around his arm, pulling it back just before he could touch the Omnitrix, "?!"
"Oh Ben…Ben….Ben…" Hazama shook his head, a venom-green energy gate floating next to him as the snake's 'body' was coming out of it, "You honestly think I'll let you pull that shit?!" he shouted as he pulled on the chain, making Ben grunt as he was suddenly swung right into Danny and Naoto, knocking the two over before the snake slammed Ben into a wall, "Please…I'm not like all the other shitbrained idiots you fight on the daily…"
"That…is…really unfortunate." Ben groaned, turning over in pain before grabbing his gun in its holster and pulling the trigger, making it shoot through the holster and into Hazama's chest, sending him flying back, "I need to try…" he groaned.
"Ngh…Ben…" Danny grunted as he and Naoto forced themselves up, "You try and focus on transforming…me and Naoto will buy you some time."
"Yeah….besides…" Naoto began as he pulled out his combat knife, "He's got just one of that snake…"
"...now who says it's just one?" Hazama smirked as teh dust settled, the green haired man dusting himself off before another energy gate appeared next to him, causing another 'snake' to shoot out as entangle around both Naoto and Danny, making them grunt out in pain before they were swung around and slammed hard into a wall, "Allow me to introduce my favorite weapon…the legendary Nox Nyctores, Snake Pair: Ouroboros. And much like the legendary serpent eating its own tail…" he paused as he pulled on the chain wrapped around Ben's arm, dragging him over before he could activate the Omnitrix once more, "It never ENDS!" he shouted as he drove his knee hard into Ben's gut, knocking the air out of him as he was sent flying back.
"Ugh…" Ben groaned, his Omnitrix glowing brightly, "Uh Skurd?"
"Uhm…I think the Omnitrix is reacting to how you feel." Skurd revealed.
"Wait what…it does that?" Hazama blinked upon hearing that, "Wait…it's sentient?" he blinked again.
"Give me something," Ben grunted as he rolled away from Hazama and mid-roll he activated the Omnitrix as it spun to an unknown and never before seen icon.
Hazama swung around just as a flash went off as he kicked only to grunt as he hit something hard. He blinked in confusion, not sure what alien this was. He looked up to a tall figure that was covered in a dense carapace exoskeleton, colored in black and yellow. Its armored legs ended in two large claws, with spikes along the back of its lower legs, the front of its legs shell being yellow and the back black, leading to its upper thighs which had a striped pattern, its torso was black with yellow ridged stripes along its torso the Omnitrix perched in the center of his abdomen, leading to yellow striped shoulders, which led down to two arms, with the exoskeleton around its forearms being large and bulky, with four fingered clawed hands jutting out of these almost hornet abdomen themed arms, which sure enough, two large stingers extended out of. The alien grunted twitching its head as two large green shaded compound eyes just looked around, three green dots forming a triangle on its forehead, as two antenna flickered about, it's almost mask like face suddenly cracked as a jagged line formed along its mouth…before it opened to reveal its now insect mandibles. Its back twitched as two sections opened allowing long hornet wings to stretch out.
"Huh…so you're a cute little…er…big bumblebee now?" Hazama chuckled, getting no response from the alien as he tilted his head, "Hello Benny-Boy? No funn-GAH!" he grunted as a punch struck him and sent him flying into a wall with surprising force. Hazama grunted as he moved a hand to his face to see a faint trickle of blood from his nose.
"...grrr…." the alien growled, "...Danger…destroy…" he growled, "Destroy…" he lunged and punched at Hazama, missing as his target rolled out of the way…as the wall took the hit and crumbled…no…it exploded due to the force of the blow.
"What…this another…" Hazama began, only for the Alien to close the distance and already be face to face with him, making him actually flinch before it grabbed his arm.
"..." The alien said nothing before he punched Hazama again with his free arm, and kept his grip with the other to prevent him being sent flying back. It hissed before punching making Hazama duck out of the way as this time the stinger extended in an intent to pierce his head.
"Y-you're actually trying to kill me?" He asked in surprise before he was swung into a wall.
"Destroy…" the Alien replied simply.
"Oh no…this is what the Omnitrix did. Insectoid Aliens are revered for survivability…and this one will destroy anything it deems a danger!" Skurd realized, "Its instincts are like his Apoplexian forms, Ben can't control it!"
"That…doesn't s-" Danny began as he pushed himself up..only to yelp as he quickly became intangible just as the alien tried to punch him, "Woah! Dude!"
"Oh it's worse than I thought…he can't tell between friend or foe right now!" Skurd exclaimed.
"Oh crap…" Naoto muttered as the alien jumped around with amazing speed, "Wait…it's strong and fast?!"
"Insects are scary, small they are, but if you gave their abilities to a human sized form…it is insane!" Skurd shouted, "On your lefts!" the alien shoulder checked them, sending them into a wall, "Left! Left, you buffoons! We have the same sense of left!"
"We're t-AHH!" Danny panicked as he and Naoto rolled out of the way.
"Why would the Omnitrix give Ben this alien?" Naoto grunted.
"Stress! It could feel Ben's stress, from this situation, and the danger of the situation and this world, it went into survival mode. It has unlocked some kind of Survival Playlist!" Skurd declared as Ben's new form ran along the walls and vanished into the shadows, "He's hunting…"
"Crud/shit…" Danny and Naoto paled.
"Hmm?" a Loboan in a black shirt, white cap, and gold chains around his neck blinked as a nearby machine began to glow darkly, "...Hey Doc, the machine's going nuts!"
"Ahh…so it's going to plan zen," a voice spoke up in a thick german accent.
"Well I didn't understand it, so I'm just gonna go with it." the Logoan nodded simply, "Can I move back in case of…"
"Catastrophic Explosion? Ja good idea," the voice replied.
"Gh…" the Loboan cringed as he backed away to a Thep Khufan.
"Still…zis is good progress," the voice spoke as an all too familiar thermos was glowing with dark green energy, a dent or crack appearing on it now and again, "Zat man's plan is going according to plan…all ze negative emotions Tennyson and his companions are giving off is fueling ze machine perfectly…ze fear…ze hate, ze anger…Ze rage!" they declared as the area rumbled once more.
"We're gonna have so much reconstruction after this…" the Thep Khufan sighed, closing his Corundium-purple eyes and pinching the space a nose would've been if they were human.
"Agreed…but it's for the master," the Loboan muttered, unbeknownst to the trio that Tetrax and his group were spying on them from a nearby corner.
"Mmm…" Tetrax frowned behind his helmet as he eyed the thermos, "Tucker, you recognize that by any chance?"
"Yeah…all too well," Tucker gulped a bit, "The ghosts locked inside that thing are bad news…really bad news…"
"Gh-ghost…?!" Hobble quietly panicked.
"Who's in it?"
"An Ectonurite named Zs'Skayr and-I am not making this up-a time displaced older version of Danny's ghost half that fused with Vlad Plasmius's ghost half from over twenty years in a future that no longer exists because I, Sam, his parents, his sister Jazz, and one of our teachers didn't die due to a container of sauce that is extremely explosive."
"I swear that evil doppelgangers happen way too often with me," Tetrax muttered, "Alright…"
"Please don't tell me what I think you're gonna say…" Hobble whispered.
"We should probably…"
"Oh god here it comes…"
"Find the others and get that thermos away."
"Oh..oh thank the Cele…" Hobble began in relief.
"No way man..we gotta get that thermos before they break it open," Tucker suggested.
"You shut your mouth!" Hobble hissed with white eyes and his teeth shark-like.
"Yeah, good idea." Tetrax spoke, making Hobble facefault, "We can at least find a way to prevent it from breaching if we take it here and now. We are equal in numbers, if you two can at least keep the Loboan occupied and away from me, I can handle the other two myself." he pulled out a cylinder as it unfolded and began forming into a laser rifle, "Here take these," he ordered giving the rifle to Hobble and a handgun to Tucker, "Fight like your lives depend on it boys, because they do." he pulled out a sphere and tapped it a few times, before he tossed it letting explode into a bright light and high pitched ring that…actually wasn't too bad to them, but to the lone Loboan he was growling in sheer pain as he held his ears.
"AWWOOO!" the Loboan cried as he writhed around only to be punched and knocked to the ground as Tetrax charged and fired several crystal shards which he gave a spin to and let slash the Thep Khufan's limbs off.
"Argh…what is…" the third, a large Transylian in a black and purple shirt with bronze metal parts grunted before he was shoulder checked into a wall. He grunted before being punched several times to the face making him groan as the flash and blows dazed him beyond ability to concentrate.
"Wakey-wakey," Tetrax spoke making his glove recede as he formed his fist into a hammer and slammed it into the Transylian's face knocking him through the wall, "Don't get up on my account." he fired several crystals at the Thep Khufan, once more shredding its limbs and making him fall over face first.
"Ow…what was…" the Loboan began as he rubbed his head, his eyes opening up…and seeing Hobble and Tucker sneaking up toe the thermos, "?! HEY YOU!"
"QUACK!" Hobble exclaimed, snatching the thermos as he and Tucker ran out.
"Dude did you just quack?!" Tucker shouted.
"I panicked!" Hobble snapped as they ran.
"Get back here!" the Loboan snarled as he got on all four and ran after them.
"No…you fool!" the Transylian snapped only to be punched in the stomach.
"No no, eyes on me Jigsaw face," Tetrax spoke, palming his target's face and slamming the back of his head into the ground, "Why don't we start with who's the mastermind of this nonsense?" he demanded forming his hand into sharp edges he aimed down, "Talk, before I give you more scars to stitch up."
"...heh," the Transylian smirked before pressing a tile on the floor, causing a loud piercing sound to hit the room as Tetrax staggered back as cracks appeared on his exposed arms, "You fool…You do not know what is in store…zis is but a key to reviving our lord and master!"
"Yeah…" Tetrax grunted letting his glove form over his hand, "I gathered that much while spying, but…you didn't notice the thermal mines I stuck to your chest?" he chuckled, making his opponent blink to see several blinking patches stuck to his chest, "Tick-tick-boom," he tapped his belt buckle making them begin to rapidly beep.
"Aaaahhh…" he groaned in annoyance and disdain, "You reek of Tennyson nonsense…" at that they exploded sending his body flying away like a ragdoll, "Verdammt!" he cried out.
"I don't need to rely on just my powers to kick you around," Tetrax spoke, smashing his fist into his open palm, "Now…get up…I'm not done knocking you down."
"Gh….fine…" the Transylian grunted as he forced himself up, electricity crackling off him as his fists clenched up, "You vill rue the day you decided to fool vith Doctor Viktor!"
"Put up or shut up," Tetrax motioned a 'come at me' hand sign with his hand.
"GRAH!"
With that the two rushed as they swung and punched one another with such force it went out as a shockwave. The two grunted as they began swinging back and forth.
"GAH!" Tucker and Hobble screamed as they ran down the long halls of the castle as the Loboan chased them.
"Get back here you little bastards, return our master!" he growled using his claws to scale along the wall after them.
"NO!" Tucker shouted, "What idiot would give you an item sealing ultimate evil!?"
"It doesn't sound too appealing!" Hobble added.
"Then I'll gut you both and take it back from your bloodied corpses!" he snarled as they took some stairs down, "I got you now you disgusting little son of…" he growled running down the steps only to flinch as the two just stopped at the sight of a battle going on in the lower level, "Wha…?" he paused.
"GRAH!" Ben's new form growled, punching Hazama with rapidly moving fists making it seem like dozens of arms were beating him into the ground. The Alien stopped as his antenna flickered and spotted the onlookers, "..." his head tilted to the side, before he got up and stared them down, "Enemy…Destroy!" he growled as his wings extended and buzzed before he vanished and slammed into the Loboan.
"Get off me!" he snarled as his jaw began to split only to yelp when Ben's new form grabbed his jaw and forced it shut with his hand. The new alien hissed as his mask-like face opened to reveal his mandibles as he screeched back, making the Loboan whimper before he was bit in the throat…and swung around wildly before being slammed into the ground roughly, and then swung around and tossed into a wall.
Ben grunted as he grabbed the Loboan by his leg and swung him around and smacked him into Hazama as he was getting up. He turned to Tucker and Hobble, before opening his mandibles and screeching at them. The two screamed back in panic and terror making the Alien flinch at their shrill shrieks.
"Tucker!" Danny called out from behind a pillar, "Run! Ben can't control this alien and he's attacking anything that moves!"
"OH THATS WORSE!" Hobble screamed.
"Wait, where's…?" Tucker began.
"We got separated from the girls and Naoto's currently tending to the scout we were sent to find," Danny explained.
"So we're in a horror movie! And the monsters are getting worse!" Tucker snapped.
"Yeah…wait. What's that?! Is that the Thermos with evil me!?" Danny noticed.
"YES!" Tucker shouted.
"Oh what the hell…" Hazama grunted before he turned to see Ben before him, "Oh…so are you gonna…Hrrk!" he grunted as he was punched in the stomach…as the stinger was extended, "D-Did you just stab me?" he asked as the stinger was pulled out, "Oh…you did…"
Ben swung and kicked Hazama away before turning back towards the Loboan. He hissed before pouncing and slamming him into the ground. He lifted the Loboan up before slamming him down into the ground, and proceeded to jump on his back as his clawed feet gripped…and Ben flew up carrying the Loboan before dropping and slamming back down into the ground making the area tremble. He hissed, picking the Loboan up and bringing him close to his face before opening his mandibles to growl, the sharp mandibles seeming to extend as if to deliver a finishing blow…before stopping. He growled before swinging and tossing the Loboan away and letting him fall to the ground.
"...Think he's calmed down…?" Hobble whispered before Ben was before him, startling the bug-like alien before he was kicked into the wall, Tucker barely catching the glowing Fenton Thermos, "Ow….stupid question…"
(Hobble Own Count: 3)
"Gah! Ben, no!" Tucker panicked.
"Grrr…" Ben growled before twitching and turning around only to be struck by Ouroboros, sending him into a wall. Ben growled and hissed as he knocked the Ouroboros away before rushing Hazama again as he pulled himself away.
"No…He's still violent…but Ben's will is preventing it from just outright killing!" Skud shouted.
"Well, is there a way to calm him down?!" Danny asked.
"Hmm…Considering his instincts are overpowering…perhaps an interaction with the person who creates a…"
"SPEAK ENGLISH!" Danny barked.
"Get the squirrel girl here," Skurd sighed, rolling his eyes.
"Oh….good idea," Danny muttered before looking at Tucker, "I'm gonna go search for the girls. You guys do whatever you need to do in order to get rid of that thermos."
"What?!" Hobble exclaimed as Danny became intangible, "Nononono! Don't leave us alone with…!" Danny phased straight through the floor, "...him…"
"Yeah…He does this," Tucker stated, a flat look on his face.
"He does?!"
"Yep…but it's normally just me and Sam being stuck in the middle of the aftermath of a fight against a ghost and ending up having to clean things up," Tucker replied.
"...and Sam's not here right now…"
"Yeah…I know…" Tucker gulped before Ben let out a huge roar, scaring the two as they held each other in fright, "AHH!"
"Ahh...ahh…can't…keep…going…" Noel panted as she was staggering behind Makoto and Sam, "Legs…starting to hurt…"
"I'm running on fumes here, too…" Sam grunted, "We…we can't keep doing this. Any path we take it loops, and every turn is just another trap…each one worse than the last one!"
"Wait...I think I see the exit up ahead!" Makoto shouted as she noticed a pair of wooden doors up ahead.
"BOOK IT!" Sam and Noel exclaimed as the girls ran as fast as they could, starting to feel relief as they wanted to be out of this hellhole of a maze. As they began to reach for the door, Danny suddenly floated down.
"Girls! Th-" Danny began before he yelped as the girls ended up pushing him through the doorway…as a plethora of spikes suddenly impaled him…or rather would have as he became intangible once more, "...well…that's not messed up…"
=Wh-?! OH COME ON!= Junko snapped =You ruined my surprise!=
"Surpr-YOU WERE ACTUALLY GOING TO KILL US ANYWAY?!" Sam snapped.
=Yup! What a better way to end a fun, despair filled maze than with a trap that shatters any hope of escaping...as you die of spikes and blood loss~?=
"You are a deeply deranged girl who is never gonna find a significant other, aren't you?" Danny sighed.
=Sh-Shut up, ghost boy!=
"Anyway…ignore the crazy girl! Makoto, we need your help, like now!" Danny declared, zipping over and grabbing her by the shoulders, "Ben's stuck as a new hyper violent alien…that's attacking anything that moves…and kicking butt with the greatest of ease. Which wouldn't be so bad…if our butts weren't among those getting kicked!" he panicked, "He's even beating the heck out of this jerk with green hair…and I think stabbed him like several times!"
"WHAT!?" the girls all snapped, even Junko.
"How bad is an alien that Ben is this violent?!" Makoto demanded.
"Imagine a 9 foot tall...humanoid…Giant Killer Hornet man…" Danny paused.
*thud*
"Ohh~" Noel groaned in her exhausted, fear filled state, Mari quickly fanning her with Funkfreed to try and wake her up.
"Skurd says the Omnitrix reacted to Ben's stress, anger, concern, and all that, and gave him some type of Super Survivor Playlist," Danny explained, "I guess this alien is some sort of super apex predator since, again, it's kicking anyone's butt who gets in its way. He's probably broken that green haired jerk's bones a dozen times over. You don't even want to know what he did to the wolf guy…he used his jaws to grab and slam him around…" he blurted, "Okay…sorry, my bad…but he's like…crazy fast and strong…and giant arm stingers and sharp bug teeth and I may be terrified of bees forever now…"
"I see, I…wait, green haired jerk? Any chance he's wearing a black suit with fedora? Tends to keep his eyes shut all the time? Probably had a hard-boiled egg on him?" Makoto asked.
"...Oddly specific for that last one, but yeah," Danny replied.
"Do you know the guy? It sounds like Ben is trying to kill?" Sam asked.
"Only one person I can think of was Captain Hazama, head of the NOL's Intelligence Division," Makoto replied, "...and I just remembered he sicked Tsubaki, who was in the Zero Squadron AKA 'Team Murder All Traitors to the NOL with Extreme Prejudice,' on Jin and Noellie…"
"Okay, so totally a bad guy then. Got it."
"Well Ben's kicking him around…and pretty sure he stung him a few times…with GIANT STINGERS!" Danny panicked, "Sorry…it's really scary and a lot going on…I might be terrified and scarred for life…"
"Wait…you came to get me 'cause…?" Makoto blinked.
"It looked like this new guy moved to kill the wolf guy…but I think Ben is stopping it from actually killing," Danny explained, "Maybe if he sees you, then Ben, who loves you, will influence its instincts and this form will…I don't know, see you as the hive queen?"
"I mean…it's stupid…but also stupid enough to work," Sam spoke, "Wait…Danny, what else aren't you saying?"
"Tucker has the Thermos with evil me and that Ghostfreak's evil half…" Danny explained.
"WHAT?!" Makoto, Sam, and Noel exclaimed as the blonde shot up.
"Ree?" Mari tilted her head as Funkfreed went ghost white with his jaw dropping and eyes popping out of his head in pure fright.
"Okay, why is the elephant freaking out?" Danny asked…before facepalming, "'Why is the elephant freaking out' is something I thought I'd never say."
"He reads mission files for fun since that's all he did aside from eating fruits when he wasn't on his previous idiot's hip," Noel explained before shaking her head, "No, no, no. Focus! Tucker-san has the Fenton Thermos that's sealed up Zs'Skayr and Dan Phantom in it?!"
"Yeah, I didn't have time to get the details," Danny explained, "Honestly I might have rushed to get away from that new alien…Ben may have…bounced me around like a pinball for a few minutes…"
"...Right. We need to make a quick way out," Makoto spoke as she moved past Noel and Sam, "You guys…may want to step back," she advised, looking up as she began to reel her fist back…as a giant energy gate formed underneath her, "It's faint…but I can feel the stuff Naoto's powers produce…so I can do this."
"...Oh dear," Noel whispered in realization, Funkfreed changing back into his sword form as the girls began to step back.
"Wait. What's going to ha-" Danny began.
"Big Bang…!"
-linebreak-
"Ah…ah….ah…" Hazama panted heavily as he was at the entrance hall of the castle, cuts, wounds, bruises, and a black eye on his person as his suit was torn up, "Okay…did not predict the killer giant wasp alien…"
"Oh really!?" Skurd complained as Ben was climbing along the walls and vanishing into the shadows, "You, my no good sir…are made of stupid!"
"...Destroy…" Ben growled as his new alien was directly above Hazama before he pounced down and pinned him down, "Grrr…" he growled as he extended both stingers from his arms, he aimed them down at Hazama before swinging them back, only to stop mid swing with a groan of effort, as the stingers stopped just mere centimeters from Hazama's face.
"Yes, good, Ben, you can control this form, keep trying!" Skurd cheered.
"S-so…he can't go through with it and kill me…hahahaha…" Hazama laughed, only to grunt when the Alien dragged him to his feet, "Oh…okay now no need…" he was punched and sent flying up into the air.
"GRAH!" Ben growled as he jumped after Hazama and grabbed his leg before roughly spinning him around by swinging his arm, his wings stopped and retracted as he let gravity bring them down as he kept swinging Hazama around before slamming him backfirst into the ground causing a massive tremor to shake the castle.
"Ghhh…that…could have been a fatality in a game you know…" Hazama coughed out, "You…are a scary freak…I didn't think there was a monster this strong…just baseline…" he grunted when Ben stomped on his chest, "Mmmph…you won't kill me…but you'll keep brutalizing me…you are twisted, Ben…"
"Grrrr…" he growled as his mandibles opened once more, he then stopped and closed them as he stepped back.
"I think…he's done beating you. Look at that: the hyper violent alien form that only thinks of murder is bored of beating you," Skurd spoke.
"...heh….heh heh…..no wonder Vilgax thinks so highly of ya….you're a real fucking threat…" Hazama chuckled a bit as he forced himself up, "And frankly…if you're gonna go all out….then I can at least up the difficulty…" he smirked as a venom green aura began to engulf him, the green haired man about to speak something before…
"SMASH!" Makoto's voice declared before a giant energy first tore straight through the floor between the two, making them jump back in surprise as the girls and Danny were amongst the flying debris.
"Timing!" Skurd shouted as Ben's new form just tilted his head, "Down boy! Keep calm! New stimuli doesn't mean going berserk again!"
"Please don't!" Tucker and Hobble exclaimed from their hiding spot at the top of some nearby stairs.
"Holy cow!" Danny gawked once he and the others landed, "If you can do that, why didn't you!?"
"Did you not notice the amount of crazy damage?!" Sam snapped, slapping him upside the helmet.
"But awesome and…GAH!" Makoto panicked, seeing the new Alien form.
"Aaah…" Noel sighed at the same sight as she fell over, being caught by Sam and Danny.
"You weren't kidding about the looks, Danny," Sam noted.
"He hits like a super heavy train flying at mach speed…" Danny added, "If he tilts his head that means he's going to attack…" at that, Ben tilted his head, "Like that! Just like that!"
"Mmmm…" Ben made a clicking sound from his closed mandibles before lingering on Makoto…then stepping back.
"Ah! See, he reacted!" Danny pointed, only to flinch when Ben rushed up to him, "Ah!"
"Ben, wait!" Makoto called out as the Alien stopped, "Uh…move away from our friends."
"...Okay…" Ben spoke as he took a few steps back, his new form awkwardly standing there…unsure what to do now, his antenna drooping down as they twitched, "No danger…"
"...Oh holy cow. You do anything I say." Makoto realized.
"Makoto…" Sam reminded.
"Right right…Ben, change back…"
"...okay," Ben nodded as he tapped the Omnitrix, engulfing him in a flash of greenlight as he changed back into Ben, who groaned as Makoto caught him before he could fall over, "Ugh…that was even worse than my first time as Rath…everything I looked at…just looked like a horrible thing and my body told me 'kill it before it kills me…then find my hive…and honey…lots of honey…'"
"It eats…Honey?" Makoto blinked in surprise, "So…this new guy is hardwired to see everything as a predator out to kill it…so kill them first."
"Survival Playlist…" Skurd repeated, "Oh, my beloved, you never cease to amaze me." he caressed the Omnitrix.
"Wait…where'd the Green jerk go?" Ben looked around, "He was right in front of me and ready to go for round 2 before you smashed into the room."
"He must have gotten away…" Danny muttered as Noel came back to her senses.
"Oh…Oh! Ben! You're normal again, thank goodness…" Noel sighed, "How did you stop that horrifying form?" she looked to Makoto.
"I just asked him to change back. Turns out his new form obeys my every command." Makoto explained.
"...That sounds dangerous…" Noel muttered.
"Hey…" Makoto replied.
"Anyway…thermos…Tucker! Hobble! It's okay I'm not a killer Hornet thing anymore!" Ben shouted.
"Right!" Tucker shouted as he ran out of his and Hobble's hiding spot, reeling his arm back as he threw the thermos with as much force as he could. However before it could even reach the others…Monokuma jumped in from the shadows and snatched it, "?! No!"
"HA! Nice try, bitches!" Monokuma mocked as he flipped in the air, jumping off Ben and Danny's head as he jumped on top of an old broken statue, "You forgot about little ol' me."
"You give that back!" Ben snapped.
"Mmm….nah! I think I'll just crack it open!" Monokuma declared as he lifted the thermos high above his head.
"No you don't!" Danny snapped as he fired a blast of Ectoplasmic energy at Monokuma…who smirked as he moved the thermos before him, letting ti take the full brunt of the attack, "?!"
"Oops….you broke it…" Monokuma smirked as he let the shaking, cracking thermos fall to the ground.
"...oh…no…" Hobble whispered in pure fright before the thermos exploded in a mass of dark energy.
"Oh crap…" everyone else cursed as the dark energy began swirling around into two separate shapes.
"Finally….finally free…!" Zs'Skayr's voice declared as one of the energies began to reform into the evil Ectonurite, "Free of that damnable prison!"
"Believe me…was not a good deal for me either," Dark Dan's voice added as the other shape reformed into the evil ghost, who was popping his neck a bit, "Honestly being stuck in there for…a year or so can be a real killer to the muscles…also got really boring…"
"Oh I hate everything about this…" Ben spoke.
"Hmm?" Dark Dan blinked before he noticed the others…a dark grin growing on his face, "Oh ho…freedom, and Ben 10 and my younger self in the same room together?...Is today my birthday?"
"Well, what a wonderful welcome, Ben…I see you made yourself welcome to my home," Zs'Skayer laughed, "Now…let me give you a proper…Anur System Welcome," he swung his hand and it began glowing with dark purple energy and everyone was suddenly slammed into a wall.
"We're gonna die…" Hobble whimpered…currently a splotch on the wall.
"No…we're not…" Ben grunted as he tried to free himself.
"Being honest…was really hoping not to see you guys anymore," Danny stated to his evil self and Zs'Skayr, giving them an even glare.
"Oh that hurts, mini-me," Dark Dan smirked as he floated over to him, "We haven't seen each other in so long…though I am curious…who's the poor schmuck that released me and the crypt keeper here?"
"His fault!" Monokuma shouted, making Danny flinched, "He tried to hit me…but I used your prison as a shield at the last second...upupupu…oh I bet he's f-ACK!" he gagged when ZsSkays pulled him over.
"What…are…you?" he demanded, "And why are you in my castle, little simulacrum of life?"
"Calm down! Calm down! I'm on your side!" Monokuma gagged, "My boss was the one who found your stupid thermos prison…"
"And, pray tell, who is your boss…?"
"Questions f-ACK! Okay, okay! He's somewhere else right now, but he has your cronies in fear because of some space vampires or something!"
"You speak nonsense…" Zs'Skayr replied as he held his other and out and a large decrepit and rusted scythe flew into his hand, "Or…do you?" he pondered before flipping his giant scythe over and piercing Monokuma on the blade like a worm on a hook.
"Ack! No! No, I speak the truth! They know about the Vladats!"
"Vladats?" Dark Dan repeated.
"Speak no f-" Zs'Skayr began.
"Now now, Skayr…let's hear him out, okay?" Dark Dan advised as he floated up, "Now then…going off the name, I guess…space vampires?"
"Yup…and that they went extinct; but, there was talk of someone who could bring them back."
"Yes…me…" Zs'Skayr spoke, "Who told you of that?" he demanded, "You may lack a soul for me to devour, but I can make you suffer in ways you can't even comprehend."
"...Upupupupu~" Monokuma swooned on the hook, a blush on his face, "At least ask me out for dinner first~"
"...Wait a second…I'm getting the weirdest vibes from my trip to Japan and sunk it…" Dan muttered, "Swear I heard that kinda horny laugh for Despair before while wiping out this school there." he snapped his fingers, "Ah, now I remember. This 'Ultimate Fashionista' was doing it before I phased my hand through her head and made her brain into a smoothie." he pointed at Monokuma, "You're a robot with programming made by her or by someone who knows her."
"Technically both."
"Meh…Whatever, I'm up for doing it again."
"Jokes on you. You can't touch her…not un-" Monokuma began before a knife was thrown into his face, "ACK!"
"Now now…we-oh that's gonna sting in the morning…" everyone looked to see Hazama-in a new suit- and Junko standing at the top of the stair case, the unconscious forms of Viktor and his two men laying next to them, "We don't want to spoil anything…you pathetic little shitbag."
"...Hey Skayr…" Dark Dan whispered to the Ectonurite, frowning as he focused on Hazama, "That guy there feel…off to ya?"
"Off how?"
"Like super eldritch abomination…or some sort of elder entity off…"
"Now that you mention it…I see…he's some sort of entity displaced from time and space…" Zs'Skayr spoke.
"Yeah…best keep an eye on him if he knows about these Vladats of yours," Dark Dan suggested to him
"Agreed," Zs'Skayr nodded before flicking his scythe flinging Monokuma off and out a nearby window before the two evil ghosts floated over to Hazama, "You are the one who found our prison?"
"Guilty as charged, oh lord of the castle," Hazama responded.
"Even kept these dumb fucks of yours in fear to fuel the machine, too~!" Junko declared as she stood on top of the unconscious Loboan, "Basically, we weakened the casing with the best negative emotions…fear, hate, anger…and last but not least, rage~"
"?!" Ben and the others tensed at that.
"So that's why you separated us," Ben whispered in realization, "You were playing on our negative emotions…"
"Bingo, Benny my boy!" Hazama laughed before wincing, "Ahh…ahh…mistakes were made…still not fully healed yet…"
"...Oh I see…and the bear said mini-me was the one who delivered the final bow," Dark Dan noted with a grin, "Oh ho ho…oh that must be eating you up inside, huh Danny boy?"
"Gh…" Danny flinched at that.
"I must say…It's wonderful you are the first thing I see upon being freed," Zs'Skayr chuckled, "So nice to finally be out in space isn't it, Ben?" he ran a claw along the helmet, leaving a scratch in it, "And look at you all dressed up for space…I like it. You can go to the grave wearing your Sunday Best as it were."
"What I don't get is how the Thermos got out of where Paradox put it," Ben noted before frowning as he shot a side glare at Hazama, "But more importantly…just what is he…?"
"...?!" Makoto tensed in realization, "...Ben…recall that person Rachel told us about?"
"Which one?" Ben asked.
"Yuuki Ter-Ahh…!" Makoto grunted when she was smacked.
"Ah ah ah…spoilers…" Hazama scolded as he lowered his hand, "But not all of them…maybe I can work with this."
"People don't like you, huh?" Dark Dan asked as he gave Hazama the side eye.
"Nope."
"So what do you two get out of freeing us exactly?" Dark Dan asked, "Something tells me it's more than shits and giggles. Oh no, you got something deep going on in that limeade colored head of yours."
"Oh ho~ As a matter of fact we do, but…" Hazama paused as he eyed Ben and his group, "Mayhaps we can discuss it in a more private place…without the kiddies listening in, ya know?"
"So is this the kill us part?" Ben groaned.
"I would very much like that," Zs'Skayr grinned.
"Great 'cause I think my hand finally reached Noel's belt," Ben grunted.
"My belt?" Noel blinked.
"Sorry for borrowing your fancy grenades," Ben grunted, flicked his wrist and tossed a device which suddenly exploded into a bright violet flash that made Zs'Skayr hiss and everyone not wearing a helmet to grunt as their eyes burned from the light. This let them all move freely as they touched down.
"They had those!?" Hazama grunted, only to grunt when he was shoulder checked by Ben, "Okay, no need to be…who's behind me?" he asked as Naoto grabbed him from behind, lifted him up, and then back down to slam him headfirst with a piledriver suplex.
"Boss?" Junko grunted, only to be kicked across the face by Noel, sending her falling down.
"Hmph!" Noel huffed simply as she rushed over to her friends.
"I got ya," Sam sighed, catching Tucker in her arms, "Sorry. Forgot you don't have a fancy space helmet."
"I'm blind~!" Tucker panicked.
"I can't see~!" Hobble exclaimed as he staggered around.
"Ahh…son of a bitch!" Dark Dan hissed as his hand covered his eyes, "Why does that hurt?!"
"It burns…" Zs'Skayr rasped out, smoke wafting off him as he used his scythe to try to keep him in a shadow, "It must be designed to fight spectral beings…"
"Maybe the green haired hipster had a point in moving to a different spot…!" Dark Dan grunted before a large group of crystal pillars surrounded the two, "Oh great…Petrosapien crystals…I swear, if I had a cadaver every single time Ben used this on me…"
"That's not gonna hold them long," Tetrax stated as he quickly rose up, "Let's hurry out of here."
"Go!" Ben shouted as they all began running, "Gluto! Do the thing! Do the Thing!"
Soon, a part of the castle wall shattered, Tetrax' ship poking out of it as it opened up to let the others run inside.
"Book it!" Tetrax shouted, running after them.
"Huh? But…" Hobble began as Makoto grabbed him and threw him into the ship.
"He has a sonic attack that can shatter it!" Makoto called, "Book it!"
Gluto gave a series of clicks and chirps before the ship door closed, said ship beginning to pull out of the destroyed castle wall as it began to take off into the air and flew off. Back inside, the crystals trembled before a Ghostly Wail shattered them. Dan grunted, rubbing his neck with a scowl…before settling on a smirk as he looked at the hole.
"Run fast…run far…" Dan spoke before chuckling, "But you cannot escape the inevitable."
SZ: ...well shit. That ain't good…
GT: Indeed. Ghostfreak's original sample is back along with the evil future Danny Phantom/Vlad Plasmius fusion. Oddly, reminds me of Neo Ghetsis from Lockstin & Gnoggin's recent video about his fanmade game idea now that I think about it…
Z0: *Door falls down as Venomized Z0 walks in* We can explain…
GT: …Sweet bippy, what did one of you do and why?
Venom Z0: Okay…so…maybe we got into Spider-Man 2…and now we unleashed the darkness onto the world…and well…eh you'll see, the Symbiotes probably already burned down the streets. But We're fine, our will is too strong to command.
GT: …Riiiight…*looks at the readers* Well, folks…we're gonna be a bit busy. …Well, Z0, his symbiote, and SZ are. Imma be busy with watching Five Nights at Freddy's at the theaters.
Venom Z0: Pizza? *begins drooling with violent hunger* We want Pizza!
GT: Well, lucky for us, the theater I'm goin' to sells pizza! Especially this one deal where it's pepperoni, sausage, and bacon.
Multiple Venom Symbiotes:*forms into the room hungry as sin*Pizza?!
SZ: Oh god GT what have you done?!
GT: …*tosses an empty pizza box at one* That one ate all the pizza! *runs off*
SZ: Enjoy, read, like, and review, readers!*runs off with GT*
Venom Z0: PIZZA! *grows wings and flies off into the sky*
