GT: Um…H-Hi folks…Normally we like to joke and have fun in these, but…er…*camera zooms out, showing me tied upside down over a vat of lava with Noel and Lambda at the controls of the crane machine*...Noel and Lambda want the fluffy in this chapter and we goofed and said 'please wait a minute.'
SZ: OH sure! You get lava…*runs by while being chased by a Cerberus*I GET THE HELLHOUND! HOW'D THEY EVEN TAME IT?!
Z0: *walks through the door…literally through it* Who took my dog? *spots both girls* You took my special fluffy boy…the time for vengeance is now *summons hoard of snake demons to chase them*
GT: …We don't own any franchises used for this, folks.
SZ: We only own original content
Z0 The Darkness: You can run! But no place is safe from me! *attacks the screen making it go black*
Bellwood: Several Decades into the future
The children of the Legendary Ben 10K and his wife Makoto, named Ken and Kokoro, frantically ran around their family penthouse home within the Omni Tower built by their legendary father. They, at the moment, were on the search for some very important items for their alternate lives as the Chorno Riders, known as Spanner and Driver. Though it seems like someone misplaced their time traveling vehicle.
"I didn't lose it!" Ken snapped as his sister lifted the couch over her head and began shaking it.
"Oh…sure I suppose it just Vanished into thin air?" Kokoro asked, "As if! Baka-Ken!"
"Don't you speak to me in our family's alternate language, Doofus! You lose stuff in your own tail!" Ken argued.
"Don't you bring Taily into this…" Kokoro frowned, "And what about your room?"
"Hey, I asked Sydney already. Guy knows where everything is in there," Ken replied, "It's not in there. Oh, and Maurice says stop blaming him for the pizza bagels."
"Yeah, like I'm gonna believe the talking roach who has a cartoon mobster thing going on…" Kokoro frowned, "And how dare you try and deflect the blame of the pizza bagels…" she pointed at her brother.
"I told you to stop pointing at me…" Ken replied.
"What are you gonna do about it?" Kokoro challenged her twin.
"Arf!" the two jumped to turn to see a clear red fur welsh pembroke corgi looking up at them. His tail wagged happily as he got their attention, "Arf!" he then plopped down on his stomach and tucked his legs in under his body.
"...D'awwww~!" Kokoro cooed as she ran over and began to scratch his head, "Who's a good boy~? Who's the good widdle muffin~?"
"Alright…that's cute. But what is Drei doing here?" Ken asked before the dog got up and walked off, going for a wall that opened into an automatic dog door just for him, "Dad…built a dog door for him into the tower…that tracks…" After a moment Drei walked out with their Time Cycles in his mouth, "Wait…you took them!?" Drei walked over and put them at Ken's feet…before flipping over to his back and assuming the position for belly rubs.
"AW~ he kept it safe for us!" Kokoro cheered, walking over to rub his belly, "Good boy~ Who's the best boy in the whole galaxy~?"
"Oh sweet Celestialsapiens…" Ken sighed, "And you don't think he took them on purpose to pretend to protect them just so he could get belly rubs?"
"He's just upset no one gives him affection for being right all the time. But no one likes a know it all, no, no they don't~" Kokoro kept rubbing the corgi's belly, "I think Ken just inherited Mama's fear of dogs."
"I am not afraid of dogs!" Ken argued, "I just have memories of this dog being greedy and taking attention from Dad."
"Hahaha! You're jealous of a dog wanting attention from his master~" Kokoro laughed, "You know Drei sees Daddy as his Dog Dad, and Aunt Noel as Dog Mom. So he's a joint family dog."
"...true," Ken muttered, 'How did we even get a dog again? I think I remember we didn't have one prior to our last time trip…'
Bellwood: Present day
"Okay, so that goes here…and that there…" Noel mumbled, filing paperwork at Plumbers HQ, "That…oh no no. That goes there…hmm…"
"You're quite skilled at this paperwork sorting, Noel," Patelliday noted, helping out with it.
"When I joined my old job, I mostly did paperwork for Major Kisaragi after he got promoted," Noel admitted, "It was simple really..especially with why I took the offer up."
"Hmm? Why's that?"
"At the time, my parents were having struggles keeping our home at the time," Noel sighed, "I knew the only way they'd be able to keep the house is if I joined the same division as Jin."
"Ah, I see," Patelliday nodded, "Glad to know they're doing much better in this time."
"Oh yes! Papa's going to have an art exhibition in New York next month!" Noel beamed.
"Oh how wonderful, I'll be sure to schedule some free time for you to go visit," Patelliday smiled, "Besides we can always dump the paperwork on someone who could stand to do more to help out around here…" he lingered on a certain couple, "Isn't that right, Mr. and Mrs. Popcorn Fight?"
"Hey…" Ben pouted.
"We know what we did…" Makoto grumbled.
"Good, then you won't mind if I split you up for a day. Makoto, you stick around here to deal with a batch of new criminals Ragna is bringing in for us. Ben, you can hit the Undertown for a new case we've been looking at." Patelliday ordered.
"Boo…" the couple complained.
"New case?" Noel asked.
"A certain disgraced Techadon jerk has been dabbling in a new and highly illegal form of data storage; one where you encode and store data inside of DNA itself. It doesn't harm the life form used as the living data storage, but it's highly unethical due to the unknown effects it has on the poor critter," Patelliday explained.
"Oh that jerk…" Ben sighed.
"The one who tried to take the Ultimatrix but ended up zapping Gwen and Kevin as aliens for the day?" Makoto asked.
"That story was funny," Noel smiled, "Wait…what Critters?" she asked.
"Ah…well one of the most common stray animals which people wouldn't notice at first sight…Dogs," Patelliday sighed.
"D-Dogs?" Makoto repeated.
"And that is why I don't want you anywhere near this young lady. One puppy play bite and you'll scream your squirrely head off!" Patelliday sighed.
"Who would do such a thing to puppies!?" Noel gasped.
"Inspector 13, a former Tehcadon Warmaster. He's amoral, annoying, and just the worst," Ben explained.
"..." Noel ran around, grabbing papers and quickly and accurately sorting them into the various file cabinets and folders before sharply whistling and Funkfreed walked over, settling onto her hip in sword form, "All done! Lt. Noel Vermillion ready to assist Ben in his mission, Patelliday, sir!"
"Well you did all your work…so…no reason why not. Besides I need someone to reign the boy in and keep on focus," Patelliday muttered, "Alright go on ahead, kiddo, but beat in scumbag face first, collect adorable critters second, got it?"
"Yes sir!" Noel saluted.
"Well good luck with the dogs and Noel!" Makoto waved as she pushed Ben towards the elevator.
"Scaredy squirrel," Skurd whispered.
"Jello-mold booger."
"Okay, enough," Ben sighed, "Makoto, it's fine. I know you got a bad history with dogs. I don't expect you to fix that for one mission."
"Like you and peacocks?" Makoto asked.
"Pretty much," Ben chuckled, "But well…and you might not like hearing this, I like dogs."
"...You're really lucky I love you for the amazing person you are," Makoto blurted out.
"Don't worry about it. Just stay here and watch the new guys fail to escape the jail cells with Kajun." Ben assured.
"We shall save all the innocent dogs on our own, don't worry!" Noel saluted, "Now let's go!" she grabbed Ben's arm and yanked him along.
"Noel, don't damage my boyfriend!" Makoto shouted.
"I'll try! He's very squishy in human form!" Noel replied.
"HEY!" Ben complained.
"Doesn't mean it's not true," Skurd chuckled.
Deep in Undertown, in its many bank streets and hidden markets, the slowly rising crime lord known as just Psyphon tapped his fingers as he and his loyal stooge Liam waited outside a closed door. After a few moments, the door opened and the green face of the former Techadon Warmaster, Inspector 13, poked his head out.
"You're early," Inspector 13 stated.
"No…you are late on your quota…" Psyphon growled, "You promised that this new data storage system would be impossible to lose…but all you've given us…are Mongrels!"
"They are dubbed Data Dogs, and it's not my fault they are such unpredictable creatures. But you get what you paid for," Inspector 13 replied, "..." he looked at Psyphon, "Very well…as compensation for loyal patronage…I shall give you Model 3. This one I'm most proud of as it has a backup of all my Techadon schematics and the Galvan data I was able to gather from backroom dealings. But if you lose this one…well I expect full price next time."
"Ugh…fine, we'll take it." Psyphon groaned, he then turned to Liam, "We'll split up and I'll draw anyone following us away, you get the mongrel back to the base, and don't lose this one!" he picked up a large black metal suitcase as Inspector 13 left a large silver one for them.
"Alright boss…" Liam said as he picked the case up, "It's not gonna get out, is it?"
"No, this one is…small." Inspector 13 replied.
"Oh…Phew…Thank bukaw goodness…" Liam sighed in relief, "The last ones kept trying to eat me."
"Yes..the breed known as St. Bernard was…probably not the best pick," Inspector 13 stated, "Well…good day," at which, he closed the door.
"Alright I'm heading out first. Wait five minutes then take a different road than me," Psyphon sighed, "The Sheriff has trained himself to ignore you due to multiple moments of failure."
"I'm not gonna, bukaw, argue that, bossman," Liam nodded.
"Don't lose this one or else we will have wasted 200,000 Tayden on three mongrels and nothing to show for it!" Psyphon growled as he walked off.
"Bukaw…What's so special about these little furry demons…Why do the Terrans love them so much…who lets wild pack predators into their homes?" Liam contemplated as he waited and took a different path.
Shortly after another knock was heard, an exasperated Inspector 13 poked his head out, "What did you? …oh…oh no…" he looked at FourArms as he ripped the door off its reinforced hinges.
"I'm gonna ask this once…where are the dogs?" he growled, leaning forward.
Inspector 13 moved to touch his gauntlet, only to flinch upon feeling a barrel pressed up behind his head while Funkfreed's sword-trunk pressed against his neck, making his arms shoot up.
"Nevermind, I let myself in." Noel's voice spoke, "And given those cages and whimpers…Ben…bend him into a pretzel, please." she ordered in a disturbingly sweet tone.
"Come here, skinny!" FourArms smirked, grabbing Inspector 13 by his suit.
Liam made his way through Undertown, doing his best to avoid seeming suspicious to others. Despite the fact he is a known criminal, which meant that probably already meant someone noticed him. Though he was also famous for being just a jobber that was often beaten by the Sheriff and the Plumbers with a single attack, so it's not like anyone was intimidated. Liam knew this and accepted it. So he decided to try and relax by getting something to eat, and found a tentacle stand. Gosh that seemed perfect to calm his nerves.
"Bukaw…1 please!" Liam put the case down as he sat down at the stall, flipping a tayden to the rabbit-like alien.
"Comin' right up," he caught the tayden, and took a moment to inspect it before shrugging and handing a tentacle on a stick to Liam.
"Ah…just what I needed." Liam sighed as he pecked at it before slurping it down. He took a moment to savor it before letting out a long breath, he then reached down the case only to find nothing, he blinked and kept feeling around before turning his head down to see for himself, "...bukuh-oh…"
"Heh…too easy," Argit smirked as he silently walked away, carrying the case with his tail as he slipped into an alleyway, "Dunno what's in here..but bet it'll sell for a pretty penny." he peeked into it, "Oh-hoh~I know just who'd love you!"
"Well that was easy," Ben noted as he and Noel walked through Undertown's market area, the latter perusing the stalls for new ingredients, "Hopefully, all those animals can find some good homes once the data's removed."
"Indeed. It amazes me just how many varieties of canine you have on this planet," Skurd spoke.
"I'm amazed Noel named all of them before giving them to the shelter workers," Ben chuckled.
"Those poor puppies needed names and to let them know they are loved no matter the breed," Noel argued, walking by with a basket of goods.
"You spent a long time assuring that pitbull," Ben smiled.
"He's just a slobbery goodboy. His breed means nothing of his character," Noel crossed her arms with a huff.
"Touche," Ben shrugged, he then stopped as the Omnitrix began beeping, "You got Ben, what's up?"
=Oh good. Ben, we looked over Inspector 13's files, and it shows he has three dogs unaccounted for. That means there are three more Data Dogs!= Patelliday spoke up.
"More?" Noel blinked.
=We think we found two in other shelters matching the files, but that's one more Dog with untold amounts of data of Techadon Engineering and who knows what else? If the files are correct, each one has the data for some of the worst weapons this guy has ever made!=
"We must save the puppy!" Noel declared.
"Anyidea where we can find it?" Ben asked.
"...No…" she deflated a little.
"Love the energy, Noel, but if we're gonna save the little guy…we gotta know where to look." Ben sighed, "And we have like zero leads…and I turned Inspector 13 into a Gordian Knot…so…"
"...oh! Maybe Pakmar may have seen something!" Noel suggested.
"Yeah...I honestly don't see that," Ben admitted, "Especially considering he…well, more or less hates my guts."
"Maybe, but last I heard now he runs a pet shop." Noel explained, "So if anyone has a dog to try and sell chances are they'd think he's the place to go."
"Not bad, Detective Noel~" Ben chuckled.
"He still hates Ben, though," Skurd noted.
"Then don't go near the pet store," Noel replied.
"I'll stay next to the bike. If anything goes wrong…I'm sure you can handle it, but if need be just shout." Ben offered.
"Got it," Noel nodded.
"What…do you mean…you lost it…?" Psyphon whispered into a communicator with a growl.
=I bukaw…stopped for a snack to calm my nerves, and a pickpocket stole the case from under me!=
"You let a pickpocket steal it!?" Psyphon snapped, "Do you have any idea what would happen if someone gets their hands on that thing?!"
=Bukaw! I'm sorry, boss~!=
"Ugh…" Psyphon groaned, bringing a hand to his face, "Listen…we need that package pronto..otherwise…n-nevermind. Call Bubblehelmet and the others to search for the package pronto…or else."
=But…=
"Or…Else."
=Ulp…bu-bukaw…y-yes, sir…=
"Good help is so hard to find…No wonder Lord Vilgax prefers robotic minions," Psyphon groaned, "And when I do get competent men...they're immediately hospitalized and carted by Bloodedge and that explosive deputy of his!" he rubbed his chin, "Alright…The thief will likely not know the importance of the package, so they'll likely sell it at a place for easy cash…like Pakmar's…"
"NO! HE IS NOT ALLOWED NEAR PAKMAR'S STORE!" Pakmar snapped at Noel, pointing an accusing finger at Ben…who was just standing outside the store with his bike.
"I told you to stay away from the place, Ben," Noel scolded, "You don't have to deal with the complaints he has when you or Makoto are near Mr. Pakmar."
"I'm not in the store, and I'm not moving. I'm going to enjoy my lunch right next to my bike. If he has an issue he should take into account where his property begins and ends." Ben replied holding up a bag of chili fries and a drink in hand, "Like I said if you need me you will call for me. So just leave me be, and no mess, right?"
"I mean…beyond this point this is public property." Skurd spoke, forming a Tetremand arm to point at the ground, "And good luck finding a court that will enforce a restraining order on Ben…he's done too much good in comparison to damages. Trust me, the old man would know…"
"Have you practiced this bit to use against people?" Noel couldn't help but ask, and be amazed at how savvy and kind of wicked all this sounded from them.
"We have a lot of time to think and read while you girls drag us to things." Skurd argued.
"Also to make the complaints about his complaints stop…I turned into Greymatter, read a lawbook and debunked half his complaints and argued the other half," Ben explained.
"Oh you have to be kidding Pakmar…he can do that!?" Pakmar asked.
"I…guess he can…" Noel blinked, "Ben…are you a little evil?"
"No…but I know how to fight evil," Ben replied, "Don't want me in the store, don't give me a reason to be." he smirked.
"Never doubt we can't be petty if it means silencing complaints aimed at us," Skurd added.
"...Fair point," Noel muttered before looking at Pakmar, "Pakmar-san, I know I don't mean to bug you, but I need to know if anyone came by holding a mysterious package."
"Package?" Pakmar blinked at that before rubbing his chin, "Hmm...Pakmar has not seen anything odd…oh! But Pakmar has gotten new batch of Earth dogs recently. Would that help?"
"Actually…it would," Noel nodded, "See the case we are working is pertaining to something called Data Dogs, dogs whose DNA has been used as an organic storage system for information."
"Oh~ Then come in and look around!" Pakmar stated as he motioned ot his store, "But just know…you pick up dog, you buy it! Pakar is still trying to run business here, you know."
"This won't take me long," Noel stated as she began to walk around the store, "Where do you usually keep the dogs?"
"In the back to the right. Past the dog toys."
"Thank you," Noel nodded as she did, moving past a few large Cat houses before stopping, hearing the sounds of dogs barking and whimpering going off, "...There."
She was instantly a blur as she was already before a few dog cages, many different breeds of Dog looking on at her while a few rested up. She had to mentally remind herself she was on a mission…yet she couldn't resist looking at the looks some of the dogs gave her.
'Let's see…no…' she thought as she looked at a Chihuahua before turning to look at a pug, 'No…' she turned her gaze to a sleeping dachshund, '...Cute, but no…one of these have to be the Data Dog…mmm…! But they're all so c-'
A yawn soon caught her attention, making her slowly walk back to one cage..and saw what looked like a small Welsh Corgi pup stretching as if he had just woken up from a nap. It tilted its head upon spotting Noel, its tail wagging a few times as it just stared her up and down. Noel was frozen in place, spotting the breed she has time and time again expressed a fondness for, and now…here one was. She blinked, spotting the rough black collar around his neck with a taydenite tag just reading the number 3.
"A-are you?" she walked up as the Corgi twisted his head in confusion, "N-no…you can't be the data dog…right?" she chuckled only for the corgi to nod his head, "Huh? D-did you just…nod?" again the dog nodded in understanding, '..I..I found it…and..its so…so…' she paused in her thoughts….no More like…she couldn't finish them as she stared at the corgi pup. It was almost as if…she was searching her whole life for it. The dog…she always wanted to have since she was a kid. She…she couldn't help but sing, 'Corgi Corgi Corgi, oh where do I start~? Little Corgi legs, you're melting my heart~ Paws up in the air, it's so cute it's unfair! Wiggle waggle this way, from now on we won't part~ You're shining like the stars tonight, you'll never go a-way~! You're lighting up my world tonight, you see…Ooh~ Won't you let me love you! Oobie doobie, what do you see~? We're getting down with Party Corgi!'
"...Is….Is she alright?" Skurd slowly asked, both him and Ben peeking through the window a bit-but making sure to stay far from the shop- to see Noel staring at one of the dogs…while seemingly muttering something as she moved her legs a bit in place, "Is she….singing and dancing a bit?"
"As I've learned…leave Noel to her fantasies…it never hurts anyone…unless you interrupt…" Ben turned his head to see a very upset Argit with two Tayden in hand as he grumbled, "Thinking what I'm thinking, buddy?"
"Oh~hoh~ I hope so!" Skurd formed a spiked ball of Diamondhead crystals.
"Let's get the rat," Chromastone smirked as he cracked his crystal knuckles, "Hey, Argit…don't you run!" he cheered, chasing after him.
"Huh? Wh-" Argit began as he turned, only to tense when he saw Chromastone chasing after him, "OH GEEZ!" he panicked as he began to run, "I DIDN'T DO NOTHING WRONG!"
"Why are you running~?" Chormastone asked as he powerwalked after Argit, "Why are you running?"
"AH! Leave me be!" Argit panicked.
Back in the shop with Noel where important things were happening…
"Corgi~Corgi~Corgi~" Noel sang softly as she lifted the puppy by his paws and gently began having a little dance with him.
"Arf," the corgi yipped before licking her nose.
"Ah~Too cute~" Noel cooed, "Ohh…You must be the Data puppy I was looking for!"
"Hey! Did you find dog or not?!" Pakmar shouted from the counter, "Remember, you pick up, you buy!"
"..."
"Pakmar said, you p-" Pakmar began before Noel was instantly before him, "GH?!"
"How much?"
"Oh well…I got it for two Tayden so…" he blinked, seeing two Tayden in his hand, "Hey, this is Business…you…"
"Ben!" Noel called out, making Pakmar flinch and shiver, "Can you come here for a moment?"
"I give you special offer, half off, here change, go away now, bye!" Pakmar panicked, giving her back one Tayden and pushing her and her new dog out as fast as he could.
"..." Noel blinked for a moment before looking down at her newly bought corgi, "...mmm~" she began to squeal before shaking her head, "No, Noel…wait until the mission is over…then gush over your new precious little boy…" the corgi tilted his head before leaning up to begin licking her face, "You are the best Doggy boy that ever has been…" she then blinked, seeing no Ben, "Huh…wonder where Ben went?"
Somewhere in Undertown, Chromastone rolled a trashcan down the road before stomping on it. The lid fell off as Argit fell out.
"So…you wanna talk…or do I need to ask the Bossman of this town to help with my case?" Chromastone smirked.
"B-Bossman…?" Argit groaned, trying not to get sick from all the rolling. He then flinched upon seeing a familiar pair of boots, making him look up at Ragna and Bullet, "O-oh…h-h-Hi Sheriff…"
"Hard way it is," Ragna smirked.
"I didn't say anything…" Argit squeaked in fear.
"I know…" Ragna lifted him up, "Thanks Ben, you just made my slow afternoon much more fun."
"Think nothing of it, Sheriff." Chromastone smirked, tilting his head as if tipping a hat to him, "I need to get to Noel before she does something like….adopt a dog…" he flinched.
"Well, that seemed oddly specific…oh lord, she adopted a dog, didn't she?" Ragna turned to see Noel running over with a corgi in her arms.
"Ben! Ben-Ben-Ben!" Noel called out, "You won't…"
"You got a dog?" everyone asked.
"I got a dog!" she held up the corgi puppy.
"Hey…That's the dog I just sold…I mean…What dog? What's a dog!?" Argit panicked.
"...Oh you must've sold Pakmar Drei," Noel realized.
"Drei?" Ben repeated before the corgi barked.
"See…his little collar just has the number three," Noel explained, pointing at the collar, "So I decided to use it as inspiration for his name. I recall a famous Corgi being named Ein, and Ruby-chan had one named Zwei…so…I thought Drei!" she held the puppy up, "The Final Data Dog…and he's mine." she brought him down to hug him close, "The Corgi I've been searching for my entire life…"
"Your entire life?" Ben and Ragna blinked.
"Ever since Mama and Papa showed me this big portrait when they adopted me that had one," Noel confirmed with a nod, "Oh, you are going to love it at home, Drei! You'll have some very nice friends there like my adorable Elephant-Sword Funkfreed here and Mari my fluffy mink baby, and the cuteness that is Bluey the Blupee! He's your auntie La-chan's baby, not mine sadly."
"Oh Makoto is totally gonna freak out…" Ben muttered as he leaned in close to look at the dog, "I mean he's cute and you can train him to be nice…but you know how she is…this…will take some time for her…"
"Oh…well maybe Drei can help her tackle her fear of dogs and overcome them…now we just need a peacock and…" Noel was hushed when Ben moved Drei up so he covered her face.
"Shhh…the dog is already pushing it, crazy lady." Ben replied simply, "He is cute and pretty well behaved."
"You're right. I'll be happy with the doggy…" Noel muffled out from behind Drei's fur, who wagged his tail and licked Ben's face.
"Okay, Okay, I get it. You are a good boy. You can stop. Save it for your new Doggy Mom!" Ben laughed.
Ragna rolled his eyes, "Well, good luck on getting to keep the little guy. I'm gonna go take Argit back to the station…Bullet's been meaning to give him some payback for trying ot steal her weapon."
"You tried to steal the weapon of a woman with a literal explosive personality…" Skurd deadpanned at Argit, "..to quote the great George Takei, you are made of stupid."
"Aw come on…"
"Still, we better…" Ben began before Ragna held a hand up," ?"
"...We're not alone," Ragna frowned before chucking Argit back into the trash can, "And given the smell of fish and poultry…it's Pencilneck's goons."
"...My corgi puppy," Noel stated, eyes narrowed as she held Drei close.
=Heh…well too bad= Bubblehelmet's voice began as he and a few of Psyphone's goons stepped out, blasters aimed at the group =That mutt belongs to us=
"I mean…is he a mutt?" Ben looked to Noel.
"I…oh right that's an actual term…" Noel nodded, "Drei, do you know?" Drei barked and shook his head no, "We'll find out later."
=There won't be a later unless you give us the dog= Bubblehelmet demanded before firing a shot at a nearby building, shattering the windows before aiming at the group =Now give it!=
"...Actually there's a game I like to play," Ragna began as he stepped forward.
"..bukaw? And what's that?" Liam asked just as Ragna picked up the trash can Argit was in.
"Huh? Wh-what's going o-" Argit began.
"Competitive bitch toss."
"Compe-OH NOT AGAIN!" Argit panicked as Ragna threw the trash can right into the group of thugs, sending them all flying in different directions, "YER INSANE! YA KNOT THAT?!"
"You guys get going," Ragna spoke to Ben and Noel, smirking as he cracked his knuckles, "I got a…what's the word I'm looking for?"
"Talk?" Noel guessed.
"Beating…gonna give Pencilneck's schmucks a beating."
"Thank you Ragna!" Ben smiled.
"Protect the puppy!" Noel ran off.
"Ah Noel wait!" Ben shouted as he ran after her.
"Alright…" Ragna began as he began to approach Psyphon's goons, "Who's first…"
"Okay…this should be the right spot," Chrono Spanner muttered as he and Driver skid their bikes to a halt.
"So what are we doing this time, aibou?" Driver asked as she hopped off her bike.
"You remember how Aunt Noel always gets so sad when she talks about her only chance to have a corgi?" Spanner asked,
"Yeah…It's so sad! All because Mom said no, we never got to see pictures of a corgi puppy as it grew up," Driver sighed, "...Wait. Aren't we supposed to not mess with time?"
"No, our agreement with Professor Paradox was to never interfere with fixed points in time, even if we wished we could," Spanner corrected, displaying a digital list, "He said it was fine for tiny events that had no real consequence. This corgi? Inconsequential, but I thought it'd be nice for her."
"...Corgi~" Driver began to squeal, "Let's do it…!"
"Right. Need to check one thing first: the time," Spanner noted, flicking his wrist and making a digital holographic clock appear complete with date and year, "...Okay, good. This is the right date and time." his closed his hand and curled his wrist towards him, dismissing the clock, "Okay, at this moment, Aunt Noel will be making her way up here to Bellwood from Undertown with Dad following her."
"Right, I remember that part. Aunt Noellie wanted to protect her corgi baby from puppy nappers," Driver nodded, "One of them, I think the one called Fistina…or Bubblehead…or was it Liam…?"
"Regardless. One of them is going to be following at a distance. When Aunt Noel lets her guard down, they'll attack and the corgi will run away."
"So we gotta scoop it up?" Driver asked.
"No."
"Boo~!"
"Do you want Aunt Noel to have a corgi or not?"
"...Continue."
"Right. By that time, Mom will be with Uncle Rook and Uncle Max at Burger Barn, discussing the new criminals Uncle Ragna brought in while Aunt Noel and Dad were getting the corgi. The key thing here is that we need to change one single event that involves these two groups."
"And that is…?"
"Keeping Drei from jumping Mom without Dad and Aunt Noel being there to do it properly. Like when we were five and Mom and Aunt Noel had that assignment no one else could do because they were all busy."
"Oh right...that was an odd day," Driver muttered.
"That's right," Spanner nodded, "Anyway, it is simple: direct pup away from mom…and she won't freak out as…she has a bad…a very bad case of Cynophobia."
"Wait, I thought she was afraid of dogs not rhinos."
"Cynophobia is the fear of dogs. And before you ask, no, there isn't a word for the fear of rhinos. Setsuna and I did a report on phobias for school last year, so I know what I'm saying about that not having a word yet," Spanner corrected before facepalming, "We're side-tracking and stalling here. Focus on making sure Aunt Noel gets to keep her corgi."
"Yosh!" Driver saluted, "Commence Operation Fluffy Cuddles."
"...You did not just name it that…" Spanner groaned.
"I did, it's named that now and forever~" Driver cheered.
"Oi…" Spanner facepalmed at that.
"Okay…I think…I think we're safe from puppy nappers," Noel sighed in relief as she stopped in the park, letting Drei down to sniff around the grass, "Oh you're so precious~. What do you think, Funkfreed?"
The sword on her hip shifted to its elephant form and sat down. He looked over Drei, who tilted his head upon seeing the elephant come from practically nowhere, before nodding and petting Noel's head.
"...I guess Funkfreed approves then," Ben chuckled a bit.
"I'm so happy! Now we just need you to meet the others and you're as good as in…" Noel lingered as a normal brown squirrel ran past them, Drei barking happily at it, "AH! Makoto! How do I ease her into meeting you?! I don't want her to be scared!" Drei walked over and put a paw on her foot, "Mmm…you're right, Drei, calm…you didn't chase that squirrel…we just need you to be nice and loving to Makoto."
"I'm all for a nice, safe way to help her overcome her phobia…but we should still be careful," Ben added, "Ease her into the…living with a dog thing."
"Paon," Funkfreed nodded in agreement before picking up an acorn and offered it to Ben, "Paon?"
"You're thinking we include her favorite foods to help associate Drei with good things, right?" Ben translated, earning a pet to the head from the Elephant-Sword, "Heh…good thinking."
"Oh! Yes, and maybe this will lessen her phobia…which…what do you call the fear of dogs?" Noel asked.
"...Beats me?" Ben shrugged as he picked up Drei, "I grew up a boy with a dog. All I know is these are loving animals that reflect how they were raised. And it seems like Drei has bonded to you…almost instantly." he put him down only for the puppy to jump on his feet, "No…Noel is your Owner…" he moved him over to her, only for the dog to return to him, "Eh?"
"I think he already imprinted on who's daddy…" Skurd muttered sheepishly.
"...eh~?!" Noel exclaimed as a heavy blush formed on her face, "D-d-d-d-d-d-daddy?!" 'M…me and Ben…parents?!'
"Whoa now," Ben held his hands up, "I'm just the fun uncle here. He probably smells a lingering scent from my old dog or something."
"Well it is just a puppy. He probably has some instinct of who he wants to be with." Skurd added, "In a different sense…he imprinted on you both as his humans. If that's better for the lady, whereas you claimed him as your Dog, Noel, he's claimed you both as his humans."
"...Yeah….Yeah that…makes sense," Noel whispered as she began to clam down, her blush fading as she took a deep mental sigh of relief.
"Ah…this dog is going to cause all sorts of misunderstandings…Noel, train him properly," Ben sighed, giving Drei back to her before pointing at Funkfreed, "And you make sure she trains him properly and not get distracted by the cuteness."
"Paon~!" Funkfreed let out a trumpet akin to a chuckle as he saluted with his trunk.
"I promise to raise my doggy properly!" Noel exclaimed, "Mmm…Drei, why did you have to make things so weird? If you like Ben, why didn't you just say so?" Drei barked happily as his tail wagged, "Eh-he-he…I guess it's okay. You're just a sweet little puppy~"
"Hoo…god, I needed that," Makoto sighed in relief as she leaned into her chair, a few empty wrappers and french fry containers before her.
"I swear it's like a shark feeding frenzy…" Max muttered, sitting next to Rook.
"I concur…" Rook nodded, still mid-way through his first and only burger.
"Sorry. Just…hoo…busy day," Makoto sighed, "I mean, aside from registering those new bad guys Ragna brought in, I hit the gym for a quick work out, go for a jog, punched out multiple sets of robbers who thought it was a good idea to rob a bank in a city full of heroes, and most of all…ugh…Paperwork…"
=See this is why I say go digital. This way if someone messes up…you can have a keyboard shortcut to blame them= Steel joked from his spot on Max's chest armor.
"Not everything can go digital, Steel," Max sighed, having had this discussion with Steel several times before.
=Nonsense. I mean what sadomasochistic morons would continue this painful handwritten style when they could go digital and just click the same button a few times and be done with it?=
"Ones that understand that having a physical copy of things will prevent a great deal of loss later on?" Rook guessed.
=Fine, write 'till your wrist turns to dust, see what I care= Steel sighed sarcastically.
"To dust? But to do that would…"
"It's an expression, Rook," Makoto pointed out, "And I enjoy things like this after all that nonsense earlier. Hanging out with buddies and not having to deal with things like idiots chasing after something stupid like a dog."
=You know one of these days, you're gonna have to face your fear= Steel stated.
"What? No I won't," Makoto argued.
"Ben has like three dog-looking forms…and you're kinda perfectly fine hanging out with him in those forms." Max argued.
"That's because I know behind those forms it's still my goober of a boyfriend," Makoto argued.
"But…at first they freaked you out?" Max pointed out.
"...Yes…" Makoto replied after a moment's hesitation.
"See? Ben's dog aliens are like a form of aversion therapy," Max smirked.
"Aversion Therapy?" Rook asked.
"It's a thing we humans do to get over any fears of phobias we may have, slowly building up tolerance for a fear by getting used to it little by little. Like if you had a fear of spiders, you'd try holding a very normal and harmless spider, before working up to something like a tarantula," Max explained.
"...huh. Never thought of it that way," Makoto muttered, "...still nervous around real dogs, though…"
"Well…why not try the smallest most harmless puppy you can find?" Max offered, "Like, I don't know, one of those harmless little purse dogs."
=You mean a Chihuahua?=
"I said 'harmless'…" Max argued.
"Don't misjudge them…they are small…but that just makes them angrier…" Makoto replied.
"...?" Rook blinked, recalling that the breed of dog was incredibly small.
=Pitbull?=
"Nevah!" Makoto declared with a shudder.
=...Poodle=
"Oh those things are made of bitch."
"Okay, maybe we can bring this up whenever someone finds a harmless breed," Max sighed.
=Wait-wait~…one more…Dachshund?= Steel asked with a small chuckle in his voice.
"I can barely even look at a hotdog the moment I hear a dog barking."
"...Seriously?" Max asked.
"...kids were really nasty…" Makoto muttered as she looked away, "Especially where I grew up…"
=Oh right…super bigoted authoritarian government controlled world…= Steel muttered.
"And we're still expecting those guys to pop up any day now," Max added, "Question is when though…"
"I believe we are getting off track," Rook spoke up.
"Was there ever one?" Makoto asked.
=Yeah. Keep up, Rook, we talk nonsense all the time= Steel scolded.
"But I…d'oh nevermind…" Rook sighed before taking a sip of his drink.
Meanwhile from atop a building a distance away, the two Chrono Riders slowly peeked over the edge with Driver holding a few branches over her helmet.
"Mmm…this is boring…" Driver complained.
"We can't be seen, so this is our only option," Spanner stated, "And what is with the branches?"
"To hide."
"Oh for the…We're in the city, not a forest," Spanner groaned.
"Ei~" she swatted him upside the head with one of the branches.
"...Just keep an eye out for anything suspicious...or for Dad and Aunt Noel," Spanner sighed.
"Uh…What about a giant chicken?" Driver tapped her helmet to magnify her vision.
"Oh now you're…" Spanner began…before quickly looking down, "There's a giant chicken, isn't there?"
"Yup…"
"Animo or Kamikaze?"
"Nope…Liam."
"...It still feels so weird that he's a criminal in this time," Spanner sighed.
"I know, right? He's really ineffective at it," Driver agreed.
"I blame Psyphon and his 'fear tactics'..."
"Same…"
"Bugak! Hey you!"
"Hmm?" Makoto blinked as she, Max and Rook turned to see Liam and a few of Psyphon's grunts approached…with a few sorting bruises and black eyes, "...uh, can we help you, Liam?"
"We're looking for your friend Noel," Liam informed before gulping as Makoto pulled back her sleeve with a narrowed look, "Ah! W-Wait a moment! Not to fight, not to fight! Bukaw!"
"...You're not wanting her cooking, are you?"
"..." one opened their three mouths before another covered them with their tentacles.
"No. A pickpocket took a pet my-bukaw-boss purchased, sold it at Pakmar's, and she b-bukaw-bought it."
"Oh for the love of…I thought we told Noel no adopting animals unless they've got an ability to let them protect themselves from the shenanigans we go through like Funky and Mari!" Makoto groaned.
=Must have been pretty adorable for her to disregard the stuff= Steel noted.
"Why would Psyphon want a pet?"
"Stress relief from-bukaw-all the beatings from the Sheriff and you guys. We tried two other pets…but they kept trying to eat me!" he shuddered, "The St. Bernard was the worst!"
"St. Bernard?! WHERE?!" Makoto panicked, looking around as her tail puffed out in her fright.
"...Oh, I think I'm starting to realize what helped push for the big 'No,'" Spanner groaned.
"We need to stop him. NOW!" Driver shouted as she shook Spanner.
"Okay, okay, calm…and you're lifting me…no-no-no-NO!" he yelped as he was tossed at the goons like a missile.
"Oh, don't get me started on the first one, either," Liam sighed, "Tried to gnaw my-bukaw-arm off in my sl…" he was cut off by a white and green blur slamming into him and the goons, sending them into a nearby open delivery truck, the impact slamming the doors shut and locking them from the outside in the process.
"What was that?" Rook asked.
"Ah…What kinda monsters is Psyphon trying to adopt?!" Makoto shivered, "Gah! I gotta go make him see reason! Dogs are evil things! Worse than Vilgax!"
"Wait, what?" Max and Rook asked before Makoto ran off, neither focusing on the truck as it bounced around a bit.
"Oh poo…" Driver groaned as Spanner got out of the truck and relocked it, "Mom's off to Pencil Neck's."
"Well that's good…" Spanner pointed out as they went to get their bikes, "She didn't go near Psyphon from what the story about why Aunt Noel never got a corgi for the rest of her life said."
"Yeah, but how do we get her to start liking the corgi puppy enough to let Aunt Noel keep it~?" Driver whined.
"It gives Dad and Aunt Noel more time to prep for convincing her that keeping the corgi is a good thing," Spanner pointed out.
"Oh~ Good point, Aibou…still. Let's hurry before mama…goes ham on Pencilneck."
"Makes me wonder where Dad even is…?" Spanner muttered.
"Okay. Sell me on your pitch one more time, Noel," Ben spoke as he and Funkfreed sat to listen to Noel's speech for why she should be allowed to keep the puppy.
"Okay…ahem," Noel cleared her throat before talking in a professional manner, "Therapy animal, a pet meant to help you with your stress and inner fears. They come in many shapes and forms, but the most common is the cat….and the dog. Now before you ask 'But why dogs? They're nothing but menaces?' That is where you're wrong…dogs are just as helpful being Therapy animals just as cats can, especially when they're young. At such a young age, you can teach them to do things you yourself do not like..such as chasing squirrels or trying to scare them. Smaller dogs such as pomeranians, shiba-inu and corgis can help with this as they are good fluffy b-I mean dogs that can be loyal and provide you with many hours of fun and bonding."
"Alright, I think this is good," Ben nodded, "I'm sure Makoto will listen to you about this because she cares about you a lot." he smiled.
"Though I guess you can't help the baby talk so we won't count that against you. But you did well to minimize it," Skurd added, "Funkfreed, any input?"
Funkfreed trumpeted something as Skurd nodded.
"Yes…yes, that's good…just show the harmlessness of the dog so Makoto is less likely to panic," Skurd nodded.
"Right."
"Which means teaching Drei to not jump on her," Skurd noted.
"...O-Oh…You're right! That would be very bad if Drei did that to her when she wasn't ready for that," Noel paled, looking over at the Corgi as he waddled around, sniffing everything he could.
"And needing to make sure he doesn't bark at her."
"Aw, Skurd, he's a good puppy. He won't bark at people," Noel assured…as Drei barked at a duck by the pond, running around the shoreline of it as if trying to figure out how to get to the duck.
"..." Skurd gestured to Drei.
"...That is a duck, not a people."
"...We have the speech and I know you can nail that," Ben sighed, "All we really need to do is just make sure Drei doesn't spook her by doing something like jumping at or on her."
"Right," Noel nodded.
"You said he could understand you," Ben spoke up, "Maybe whatever 13 did to him…made him smarter than your average adorable dog?"
"Maybe," Noel replied, "Drei~"
"Woof!" Drei woofed as he waddled over and looked up at her, panting while wagging his tiny tail.
"Well…this is more than a normal puppy…try giving him some simple commands…like sit?" Drei sat down, "Lay down," Drei plopped down on his stomach, "Roll over," the corgi began rolling along the ground around Funkfreed, "He did all the tricks, didn't he?"
"Oh~! Good boy, Drei!" Noel applauded.
"Okay he's really smart. So how about…shake?" Ben got down and held his hand out, Drei waddled over and put both paws in his hand, "Okay…you are a smart dog…do you understand everything we've said?" Drei nodded while panting happily, "Alright if you understand me…then go over to your human." Drei tilted his head before walking around Ben and Noel in a large circle.
"See…he bonded to two owners…" Skurd stated, "Ooh scandalous~ Who gets full custody?"
"Stop it…" Ben scowled as he grabbed Drei and handed him to Noel, "Noel found him; he's her dog."
"Yes, but he's also bonded to you~" Skurd teased.
"...Drei, give Skurd kisses." Ben held the Omnitrix up to Drei as he began licking the Slimebiote like crazy, "Noel, you have one smart doggy."
"He is the best puppy in the universe!" Noel beamed before petting Funkfreed, "Just like Funkfreed is the best sword!"
"Well, I guess you just need to ask Drei to not be hyped around Makoto." Ben figured, "It seems he's smart enough to understand us plenty as is."
"Right," Noel nodded, "Mmm…Oh!" she pulled out her phone and showed Drei a picture of Makoto, "Drei, this is Makoto. She's…er…scared of dogs, even ones as cute and little as you. We want her to feel okay to have you live with me at our house, so you cannot bark at her, run towards her, or-and this is the biggest one-jump at or on her. You need to be the bestest puppy in the whole wide universe to make sure that she says 'yes' to let you stay, ok?"
Drei tilted his head as he looked at the picture, letting out a tiny noise of curiosity.
"Well he is still a puppy, maybe it needs a bit for him to piece it together?" Ben offered, he then blinked when Drei waddled away and began barking.
"What is it?" Noel asked as Drei barked happily while pointing with his nose at something making her turn to see Makoto running for the entrance to Undertown they used earlier, "Oh Makoto…wait, what?"
"What's she doing?" Ben asked.
"She looks panicked and irked at the same time," Skurd noted, "Wonder what….oh…oh I feel sorry for Psyphon now."
"Hmm?" Ben and Noel blinked at that.
"Think about it…his men were after the puppy earlier…They most likely tried to pry info and/or take Makoto hostage and one of them blabbed about the dogs."
"...Oh fudge upon candied kernels," Noel whispered, her eyes growing wide.
"N-Now hold on, Noel. It may not be that bad," Ben tried to assure before a few moments went by, "...Okay, it's probably gonna be that bad. Need to diffuse this before anything happens." he looked at Noel, "You stay here and keep working with Drei. Maybe if he knows a bit about Makoto, he can be better behaved around her so she'll say 'yes.'"
"Please protect the puppies~" Noel pleaded.
"Noel, I'm sure she won't target them, but run away from them," Ben replied.
"Mmm~"
"...Okay, okay. I promise I won't let Makoto do anything to the dogs," Ben sighed.
"Yay! Thank you, Ben!" Noel cheered as she hugged him…before tensing when she realized it as she quickly shot back, currently a heavily blushing stammering mess as she held Drei in her arms.
"I'm sure she won't, but I promise to protect the dogs," Ben chuckled, "I'll just get them out of danger, then subdue my probably panicked girlfriend…Oh I'm gonna get the back breaking hugs after this…" he groaned.
"Yes….yes you are," Skurd nodded, "I'll be sure to reinforce your spine for you."
"Ugh...all this stress for a dog…." Psyphon muttered, sitting in his chair as he rubbed his temples to soothe the incoming headache.
=Hey cheer up boss…= Bubblehelmet began before motioning to the many caged dogs in Psyphon's office =We got you all these though…scared that little snot Pakmar, too=
"But I don't want these dogs…!" Psyphon growled as he slammed his hand on his desk, making the Dogs shoot up and bark, "I want that Data Dog!"
=Well sorry, but we got our butts kicked…by Bloodedge again when we tried to steal it the first time!= Bubblehelmet argued =We got lucky in taking these dogs!=
"Well I don't want them! I didn't spend a lot of money just for a bunch of common…!" Psyphon began before rumbling went off, "...what was that?"
=Think Tennyson went into his To'kustar form?= Bubblehelmet asked, looking around nervously.
"...no…this doesn't feel like one of Tennyson's forms..it feels more like.." Psyphon began before the door was suddenly kicked down...literally as it flew past him, "!?"
"Psyphon…" Makoto began with a growl.
=...oh it's his just as scary girlfriend…= Bubblehelmet paled.
"Really…REALLY?! DOGS?! ARE YOU INSANE?!" Makoto snapped as she stomped in.
"...What?" Psyphon raised a brow, 'This is new.'
"Why do you want a dog for a pet?! Those things are demons from hell itself!" Makoto exclaimed, "They ruin your rugs, make holes in your backyard, and the bigger ones try to eat you!"
"...A…Are we sure this isn't Liam wearing an ID Mask?" Psyphon asked, looking at Bubblehelmet and Fistina.
"I check, ja," Fistina replied as she approached Makoto and reached for her face…only to be sent soaring through a wall, her head rolling out of it after a moment, "...Nyet. Is not Liam."
"Oh you better hope I'm not Liam, because I…!" Makoto began before she finally noticed the caged dogs barking…now all aimed at her, "?!"
=...boss, I think we…= Bubblehelmet began.
"Wait…" Psyphon held up a hand, noticing Makoto was…completely frozen on the spot, "She's…not moving…"
"So? Is that not good thing for escape?" Fistina asked as Bubblehelmet picked her head up.
"No. It's almost like she's…" Psyphon began before he noticed the dogs barking at the frozen Makoto…a grin growing on his face, "Afraid…"
=A-Afraid? Wait…She's afraid…of these things?= Bubblehelmet asked in disbelief.
"Let out that one," Psyphon ordered, pointing at a dog, "Let's see what she does."
"?!" Makoto tensed as Bubblehelmet let out one of the dogs, making it bark as it leapt at her, "AHH!" she freaked as she immediately jumped up, clinging against the corner of the ceiling as best she could, "BACK, YOU FANGED SPAWN OF LUCIFER!"
=Whoa!= Bubblehelmet gawked.
"Hahaha…really…you are afraid of these creatures?" Psyphon laughed, petting the released dog, "Hmm…I think you were on to something taking all these, Bubblehelmet."
"Mmmm…He's allying with the hellhounds…" Makoto whimpered.
"...Hmm…I could take advantage of this…" Psyphon grinned as he rubbed his chin in thought, "Knowing Tennyson and this woman, those two are always around each other..and wherever she goes…" a green flash soon went off outside, "He's soon to follow…"
"Alright…I've honestly had a long day…" Swampfire sighed as a group of Psyphon's men…or rather, who was left at the moment aimed their blasters at him, "Really…you want to do this with me?" he sighed as he let them shoot, "Oh no~ Ow! The pain! It hurts!" he declared dramatically as he let the lasers just…pass through his vegetable matter body, "Oh doesn't it so…okay, I humored you…" he ignited his fists with flames before rushing and punching them all to the ground.
"Honestly, you'd think they know better by this point," Skurd sighed.
"They're idiots, Skurd. They don't know any better," Swampfire huffed as he approached Psyphon's base of operations, "...That doesn't sound good."
"Whatever do you mean?"
"There's no chaos going on here," Swampfire explained, "If Makoto had come here, there'd be holes and screaming by now."
"...Huh…That is odd," Skurd admitted.
"...I don't like this," Swampfire frowned, "Hey! Psyphon! Get your bony butt out here!"
"Ah, Ben Tennyson," he greeted walking out calmly, "I've been expecting you."
"You're not panicked, jumpy, or one of your usual states when I come. So what's your scheme this time around, dude?" Swampfire asked, "I know I saw Makoto come this way." he walked forward a little more, "So let me ask this in a way that will let you know what I'm gonna do to you if you touch her…" he frowned igniting his hands again, "Where is she?" he glared.
"I assure you I've done nothing wrong. She's just…" Psyphon began as he stepped to the side, seeing a shivering and wide eyed Makoto surrounded by multiple dogs, "Enjoying my new pets is all…"
"..." the flames in his hands grew bigger, "I'm not in a listening mood now…so you better get to the point before I do something to you so bad…even Ragna will feel bad…"
"You touch me…well…" he looked back at the dogs growling a bit at Makoto, "Can't say what my pets will do to the girl…"
"...What do you want?"
"Drop the transformation and agree to become a hostage," Psyphon stated, "I know the weakest of your little group has my Data Dog, so I know she'll cave the moment she hears her precious friends are at gunpoint…or in the case of your girlfriend…fang point."
"..." Swampfire said nothing.
"D-Do it!" Psyphon snapped, losing his poise a little at the glare aimed at him, "You're not so stupid, are you? You wouldn't let anything happen to your mate!" he flinched as Swampfire stomped forward, "Surely anger hasn't overwritten your emotions for her…have they?" he took a step back as the Methenosian was standing in front of him now, "..."
"Ha! You truly think he'd cave into your demands that easy? As if, you…" Skurd began before Swampfire changed back into Ben, "...Ben…what are you doing?"
"Makoto's not in a good place right now," Ben explained, glancing over at Makoto, "I'd rather make sure she's safe and not traumatized further by them." he resumed his glare at Psyphon, "I'll play for now. But if you think Noel's the weakest…hope you're ready to eat those words."
"...heh…noted," Psyphon began to grin as he regained his composure, "Now…go sit next to your significant other…"
Ben walked over and around the dogs before he looked down at the growling ones. He sighed before he began tapping a few on the nose, making them flinch, showing they were just acting out of fear themselves. He smiled as some calmed down a bit, but a few were still upset and growling.
"You're not good with dogs are you, Psyphon? Most of these guys are really upset," Ben noted as he made sure Makoto was behind him, "You alright, Makoto?"
"Mmm…" Makoto whimpered, burying her face into his back.
"Thought as much…" Ben sighed, "Seriously, Psyphon, do you even know the first thing about raising dogs?"
"Silence…" Psyphon growled, "What do you know?"
"Well I did grow up with a dog, and despite my significant other's phobia, I myself like them," Ben explained, "So I know they are just scared and lashing out. So I'm just hoping Noel kicks your non-existent nose in."
"...Just stay silent while I go make the ransom video," Psyphon growled as he walked off.
"...He really does suck," Skurd frowned.
"Yeah…" Ben sighed.
"Down fluffy!" Skurd smacked a dog's nose with his pseudopod when it got too close.
"...Daddy's been gone for a while now," Driver whispered as she and Spanner spied on Noel, who in turn was looking on in worry.
"Well…it's Dad, he can handle anything," Spanner argued.
"...We didn't cause him to get pulled into another time or dimension journey, did we?" Driver asked.
"No, our suits would've detected it," Spanner reminded, "Still what could be taking him so long? Dad normally deals with things no problem."
"You know I love him…but Mom has made it clear Daddy is not…and has never been…perfect…" Driver muttered, "Just 'cause Daddy is so good at dealing with stuff that you can't keep up…doesn't mean he was always that good."
"What…but that would imply something went wrong…and it…might be our fault…oh no it's our fault!" Spanner panicked.
"Your Hero Worship of Daddy is your biggest weakness…" Driver muttered.
"Ah mou…"
"...Where are they?" Noel whispered as she paced a bit, Drei looking on at her in curiosity, "Ben and Makoto should've been here by now…especially since it's Psyphon…"
"Arf!" Drei barked, he began barking a few times in hopes of conveying something.
"Hm? What is it, Drei?" Noel asked, picking up the corgi, "Are you worried, too?"
"..." Drei whined as he nodded before wiggling around to convey he wanted to be put down.
"Oh?" Noel put him down before the Corgi began pointing back towards Undertown, "You want us to go after them?"
"Arf!" he barked before waddling off best his little corgi puppy legs could.
"...I just hope they're alright," Noel whispered as she began to follow after the little corgi pup.
"Follow that dog." Spanner muttered.
"Don't have to tell me twice, look at his little legs~" Driver cooed.
"Just focus."
"I am…on his wittle corgi butt~"
"..." Spanner just facepalmed at that.
Noel looked around a corner with Drei in her arms as the puppy led her straight to Psyphons hideout. She blinked and looked around, wondering why Drei knew to come here. She looked at the puppy who was panting happily from the walk. She then flinched and hid as the door opened, letting her get a glimpse of Ben and Makoto pressed against a wall as a pack of dogs stood in front of them.
"Oh dear…they have Makoto locked in a state of pure terror…" Noel realized.
"Attention, ally of Ben Tennyson," she looked to a window to see Psyphon standing before group of his thugs outside, a few holding up a camera, "IT has come to mind attention you have a certain dog..one of which I paid for…so here's the deal. You give me the Data Dog, and I;ll return your friends safe and sound. If not…well…heh. The dogs I do have look hungry…"
"?!" Noel's eyes widened at that, "..oh no…" 'If I don't do something, Ben and Makoto could…no..I…I can't give up Drei, but I can't give up Ben and Makoto either….mm…what am I to do…?' she thought out in her head as she shook a bit..before Drei put a paw on her face, "...good boy," she quietly smiled as she rubbed his head a bit, 'I can't give up…not after coming this far…La-chan changed so much during our multiverse travels…and…I changed a bit as well…I've changed so much since then. I…I won't be a scared girl anymore. I…I won't let Psyphon get the advantage here…' her attention soon trailed to a nearby door, a signing reading 'garage' next to it, "...Drei, mommy wants you to do something for her."
"Mmm?" Drei tilted his head as she put him down.
"I need you to sneak in and get Ben and Makoto out of there without Psyphon-that big skinny meanie we just saw- noticing," Noel stated as she gave him a reassuring smile, "Can you do that for me?"
"...arf," Drei gave a quiet bark at that.
"Good boy," Noel smiled before standing up, "As for me…mommy's gonna take a page out of Ben and Makoto's playbook…and pull a Shrek."
"?" Drei tilted his head at that.
"Yes…this will be perfect," Psyphon grinned as he rubbed his hands together, both Ben and Makoto tied up behind him as they were surrounded by dogs, "Soon I'll have that Data dog..and the satisfaction of knowing I beat Tennyson…oh if only Lord Vilgax could see me now."
"Sir…its just a -bugak!- dog," Liam pointed out.
"That Dog has all of the Inspector's Techadon secrets! As well as any and all Galvin data he got his hands on over the years! Why do you think I paid so much for them?! With the right decoding process, I'll have all their trade secrets. I can make my own army of indestructible Techadon robots!" Psyphon explained with a wide grin, "Not even Tennyson and his group of do-gooders can stop an army of Techadon Robots…especially once they adapt to how they fight!"
"But…what about the girl?"
"Oh please…as I said, she's the weakest of Tennyson's allies," Psyphon stated, "She's scary when far-ranged, but up close…heh…she'll easily fold to me. Besides…once I have my army of Techadon Robots…who's going to object to me?"
*VRRRRROOOOM!*
"...What was that?" Psyphon asked slowly.
=That sounded like one of the…= Bubblehelemt began before a wall suddenly burst open, a large semi-truck barging right through =?!=
"HYA!" a voice shouted as a figure dove out of the front window from the driver's seat, flipping in the air a few times before they landed…revealing Noel with a very serious look on her face as she had Bolverk out, "You want my dog so bad…" she paused before getting into a fighting stance, "You're gonna have to beat me…"
"...heh," Psyphon grinned as all his men got before him, weapons at the ready as they stared at the blonde, "You and what army…little girl?"
"Unlike you…I don't need one," Noel replied as she twirled her twin guns around before running forward.
The grunts began to open fire, only for their guns to be knocked out of their hands by multiple shots fired from Noel. They blinked before flinching as she ran up and smacked the first upside the head with Bolverk. She then spun around and swept the legs of a second before aiming with both guns and pelting a goon with multiple shots, making him grunt in pain as his arm began flailing wildly and making him open fire on his own team. Noel jumped and landed on the wildly firing grunt and slammed her foot into his face to smack the back of his head into the ground. She twirled Bolverk around before it transformed into a shotgun as she aimed it right at Bubblehelmet's namesake.
=Aw man…= he groaned as she fired and shattered his helmet while sending him flying through a wall.
Noel once more twirled her weapon around before twisting her body around to let a laser blast miss her. She turned her head to glare at Liam who clucked in fear. She tossed her second gun into the air before reaching and unsheathing Funkfreed, she swung the sword and slashed Liam's gun making it fall apart, as the alien held his arms up, he blinked as Noel tossed the sword up into the air, freeing her hand to grab the second Bolverk. Liam blinked before yelping as a shadow formed over him…as Funkfreed went full Elephant and landed in a sitting position over the literal giant chicken.
Noel smiled at her magical pet, before turning around with a frown at the remaining goons. With a quirk twirl of Bolverk, she ran forward while shooting, pelting all the alien criminals with bullets. As they reeled from the stinging pain of all the bullets, they were left blindsided as Noel began pistol whipping each of them, sending them falling to the ground. A Tetramand Grunt growled as he got up, only to yelp when Funkfreed wrapped his trunk around his neck…and lifted him up before slamming him headfirst into the ground. Noel jumped off the head of a goon before landing on a second. As she did, she aimed around and began shooting the guns each remaining grunt had, the bullets either knocking them out of their hands or piercing through and destroying them. She grunted and jumped before landing an ax kick to the grunt she landed on, slamming them headfirst into the ground.
"Wha…what…but…you…what is this!?" Psyphon demanded.
Noel spun around and aimed with her right gun before shooting a grunt in the chest with a round, making them groan in pain. She spun around on her feet, swinging her right arm to pistol whip a grunt charging her from behind. As she did, she swung out her left arm and shot the same grunt again, preventing them from recovering. Once more, she spun around on the heels of her feet. She crossed her arms across her chest and shot the two goons several times, making them flinch from each round that hit with great force but without piercing their skin. She uncrossed her arms and smacked both in the face knocking them over and to the ground. She turned her head as the last of the grunts began realizing…things were not in their favor. But before they could escape they all cried in pain as they were suddenly pelted by a barrage of gunfire from Noel's Bolverk that morphed into a minigun.
Psyphon blinked a few times as he rubbed his eyes to be sure he saw what he saw. He turned to Ben, who shrugged with a smirk that screamed: I Told you so~. Pysphon then yelped as Fistina was tossed over his head and into a wall, making him turn to see Funkfreed as he stomped the ground and pinned another grunt. The would-be Alien crime lord moved to reach for a weapon only to yelp when Noel ran up and kicked him across the face. Psyphon grunted as he held his face, only to yelp as he was grabbed by the arm and spun around by Noel. She held a Bolverk in her free arm as she aimed it over her shoulder and began shooting it, letting it add more speed and momentum to her as she spun Psyphon around before releasing the Alien, leaving him to stumble and spin around, but just as his vision began to focus Noel used the her spinning momentum to swing her leg and land it into his face with great force sending him rolling and tumbling along the ground before slamming backfirst into a wall.
Psyphon groaned as his head was groggy and dizzy. He was able to readjust his vision only to flinch as Noel aimed both Bolverks at him. He raised his hands only to yelp as he was pelted by a barrage of rounds that made his body jerk around. Noel grunted as she ran forward before rolling forward and kicking her leg into Psyphon's abdomen before she swung her leg back and lifted him up. She kicked her other leg up and, with both legs, she kicked and tossed Psyphon into the air; but, before he could begin to fall, she aimed Bolverk up and turned them both into shotguns and fired, sending him flying through the air, and landing backfirst on the edge of the building's roof.
Noel lifted her legs before spinning herself around to land on her feet and gracefully swing herself back up. She blinked, as if waiting for something more, before aiming at the first sound she heard, looking to Liam who was weekly trying to crawl away. She sighed before shooting him once in the rear, making him cluck in pain…before passing out.
"...Were they always this weak?" Noel couldn't help but ask herself as Funkfreed grabbed Psyphon by his leg, "Funkfreed…Bam-Bam." she ordered.
"Wha…What does that mean?" Psyphon asked before Funkfreed lifted him up and began slamming him into the ground multiple times…sometimes into his own downed goons for good measure.
"PAON~!" Funkfreed trumpeted in glee.
"Best sword in the universe," Noel smiled.
"...well…that happened…" Ben whispered with wide eyes, most of the dogs surrounding him and Makoto having quickly scurried off from the battle.
"Holy crap…" Makoto whispered with wide eyes before the ropes keeping her and Ben tied fell off, "? Who…"
"Arf."
"EEK!" Makoto yelped as she jumped into Ben's arms, noticing Drei sitting behind the two, "...Oh…oh phew…it's just a puppy…"
"Hey, look at that. He's helping us," Ben noted, Drei wagging his tiny tail happily.
"O-Oh…" Makoto nodded as she looked down, "T-This little one untied us?" she blinked in further confusion.
Drei nodded before sliding his legs apart…and flipping over to show his stomach as a gesture of peace.
"See…he wants to show you he means no harm," Ben explained, putting Makoto down as he got down and began rubbing his belly, "Come on. He won't hurt you; he promises." he offered to his girlfriend, "Nothing is scary as a little baby."
"..." Makoto slowly blinked as she slowly and cautiously began to kneel down, her hand shaking a bit as she hesitantly reached out for the corgi. Ben gently put his hand over hers and brought hers down to put it on Drei's belly, "...It…It's soft and warm…"
"See…he's a good boy," Ben smiled as they rubbed the corgi's belly, making him close his eyes happily at the gesture.
"...h…h…hey, l-little guy…" Makoto nervously greeted, trying her best to remain calm…just so she wouldn't scare the corgi...not after it saved her, "Th…thanks f-for the help…"
Drei opened his eyes and tilted his head, before moving his head as he began licking her hand. Ben smiled at this as he put his free arm around Makoto's shoulder.
"I know you are scared, but…dogs are also just scared and nervous creatures. Kind of like you are right now," Ben joked, "Those dogs were treated poorly and they lashed out. I'm not asking you to do much, but…this little guy is special. And I think Noel is deeply in love with him. Think you could give at least this dog a shot, for her sake?"
"...Well…I…"
"Please…Makoto?" Noel spoke, earning her attention as the blonde approached them and knelt down, "Drei's a very good boy. I promise he'll never ever bother you! I'll raise him well and he won't ever scare you!"
"Arf!" Drei barked happily as he got back on all four of his short legs; he walked in a circle before walking over and nuzzling Makoto's leg.
"See? He likes you, and he's a smart dog," Noel explained, "He knows so many tricks, too!"
"...Sit," Makoto spoke as Drei sat down, "...l-lay down?" the corgi got down on his tummy, "...Roll over?" Drei rolled around a few times, "...go bread mode?"
Drei took a moment before he tucked his little legs under his body and let his fur just sort of cover them best it could. He curled up his tail and rested his head on the ground to complete the trick best he could.
"...Oh, he is good…" Makoto whispered in slight awe before noticing the looks Ben and Noel…even Skurd gave her, "...I…well…" she began as she looked back down at Drei...who stared on at her with wide pleading eyes, "...d'oh….fine…"
"Yay!" Noel cheered, glomping the Beastkin with a big hug.
"HRK?!" Makoto squeaked out before Noel let her go and scooped up Drei.
"I have a Corgi puppy~!" Noel cheered, nuzzling Drei and cooing over him, "Oh, who's the bestest widdle corgi~? You awe~! Yes, you awe~!"
"...Makoto?" Ben asked before catching her.
"I think that's the first time since my Pa that someone's managed to give me a bone-breaking hug…" Makoto groaned.
"Well now you know how it feels on the other side." Ben smiled.
"How do you handle it?" Makoto asked.
"Love mostly," Ben smiled, "So…ready to slowly try and overcome your one weakness?" he asked, patting her shoulder reassuringly.
"...y…yeah…I…I think I'll try…for you and Noellie, Ben…"
"I promise, I'll be there if you ever freak out. But I just know that Drei is a good dog. With time, you'll see that not all dogs are bad." Ben smiled, "Sides he's tiny and mostly fur. He couldn't hurt anything."
"He must be protected!" Noel added, she then turned Drei to look at her, "Drei, be a good boy. Makoto is still spooked by doggies. So be nice and patient with her, no surprises…except cuddles. No one can say no to cuddles."
"Arf!" he barked happily.
"Good boy!"
"Fantastic! Things turned out good in the end," Skurd chuckled, "...however there's still one obstacle."
"And what's that?" Ben asked.
"Tsubaki."
"Oh I'm not worried about her," Noel replied happily as Drei licked her face, "I was only worried about Makoto and her phobia. I'd never want to scare her or make her think I'm doing this without consideration of her. But Tsubaki nas no fear of dogs…so…she can try, but stronger beings than her will be needed."
"Oh wow. She does love that dog." Makoto blinked.
"He's my soulmate!" Noel smiled.
"Noel, you said that about a plush fox toy," Makoto muttered.
"Doesn't make it untrue." Noel replied.
"I…but…" Tsubaki awed at what they brought back with them and learning that it was Noel who caused all the concussions and bruising, "I guess…we have…wait, is that a dog?" she blinked as she noticed Drei.
"Yes, he's our house dog," Noel smiled as Drei was now on a leash with a personalized dog tag.
"...Okay, how?" Tsubaki asked.
"Well, we were on a mission and Noel found him," Ben explained, "He's really the best dog. Makoto's even agreed to it."
"...Makoto? Makoto agreed to Noel adopting a dog?"
"W-Well…He's a good boy…and smart…and sweet…so…I'll give it a chance if just for Noellie," Makoto muttered, standing next to Ben before jumping slightly as Drei began nuzzling her leg again, "Oh…it's just you, Drei…" she sighed.
"You…you're actually not panicking…" Tsubaki blinked.
"Consider Drei our little Service Corgi!" Noel saluted, "He is warm and comforting, as well as a smart boy. He will help our morale greatly and help our dear friend slowly and comfortably overcome her phobia. How can you say no…right?" she leaned in close to Tsubaki, "How can you say no?" she repeated while she lifted Drei and held him closer to her, "I challenge you to try~. Look at his little floppy ears and fluffy tummy~"
"...I…well, that's…" Tsubaki began as she tried to not look..but she couldn't resist those sweet puppy dog eyes, '…don't lose it…don't lose it…don't lose it…'
=Loses it in 3…2….1…= Steel counted down before Drei licked Tsubaki's nose.
"She loses it," Skurd added as Tsubaki was now giving Drei Baby talk as she nuzzled the corgi.
"Budget be damned he stays~!"
"...Mmm~" Noel began to squeal out before she grabbed Drei…and began to sing out loud, "Corgi Corgi Corgi, oh what can I say~? Looking at your face is making my day~ Tail in the wind, it's making me spin~! Never leave my side, your bark is my guide~You're shining like the stars tonight, you'll never go a-way~! You're lighting up my world tonight, you see…Ooh~ Won't you let me love you?! Oobie doobie, what do you see~? We're getting down with Party Corgi! Oobie, doobie, what do ya know~? You're the cutest and you're stealing the show~"
"I didn't know Noel could sing…" Ben muttered in awe as he turned to Makoto.
"Don't look at me. This is new to me, too," Makoto admitted, her eyes wide in surprise.
"...I blame the Queen of Sass that is her sister," Mai stated.
"You mean said Queen of Sass that's currently recording this right now?" Sari asked.
"Yes, that…wait, what?" Mai looked in the direction Sari was to see Lambda recording her sister with Bluey wearing a director's hat, "...Dang it, Lambda…"
"We are muses," Lambda stated with a smile before giving the phone to Bluey and joined in on the singing.
The Blupee nearly dropped the phone if not for Mari helping and then Funkfreed holding them both up for a better angle.
"I do not get it. Why is everyone surprised that Noel would finally adopt a Welsh Corgi? Have you not seen the plush animals in her room?" Rook asked.
"Dolls I could take. Actual Dogs…no," Makoto shook her head, "Drei…I can handle at least…least so I can get comfortable with him for Ben and Noellie's sake."
"Oh…"
Bellwood: Several Decades into the future
Drei yawned as he laid on the couch, stretching as he began to wake up from his nap. His ears twitched when he heard the sounds of his two younger owners walking in.
"Whoo~! Man, what a day," Kokoro sighed in relief as she plopped right onto the couch next to Drei, "Hey boy~! Did you miss your Koko during your nappy~?" Drei responded with licking her hand, "Yay~!"
"Well, at least Aunt Noel is going to have a lot of fun with you in the past," Ken noted, petting the corgi's head.
"She really is," Kokoro giggled as she gently rubbed Drei on the head, "I'm so glad she has you in her life, Drei."
"Arf!" Drei barked, as he looked up at them, he wagged his tail as he finally put two and two together of why the little ones his Boy Ben had smelled so familiar to that fateful day. Guess that added up. Should he tell his Boy Ben...or should he tell his Mama Noel what happened? ...eh. As long as he gets to enjoy tummy rubs and delicious treats, he could care less.
"Oh you're so cute, I'm gonna get you a doggy treat!" Kokoro smiled.
"You give him too many! Yeah, he has an enhanced lifespan, but we need to keep him healthy still!" Ken complained.
"The corgi demands yummy Num-nums!" Kokoro argus throwing a plastic bowl at Ken's head.
Drei just shook his head. Maybe one day these little humans would stop their play fighting phase. But for now it seems they need to be watched…less they worry their parents. He then blinked and looked down as Ken left his backpack and the Time Cycles exposed, again… Drei sighed as he jumped off the couch and grabbed the backpack before dragging it away into the personal hidden doggy tunnels Ben made just for him. If the parents knew of their nonsense, they would panic. Can't have that now. Kokoro is his only source of free treats since the last visit to the Vet. Good doctor, but they always tell his humans news he dislikes.
"Kokoro, where's my backpack?" Ken asked.
"How should I know?" she complained just as Drei walked out of his little tunnels, "Here you go, boy~" she tossed him a doggy treat which he happily ate out of mid air, "Good corgi!"
"Aw man…What happened to it? We need to find it before…" Ken paused as the elevator pinged and opened to show a very disgruntled and mud-covered Ben 10K, IE their father, "Dad!"
"Ah…not now, Ken. I just got done dealing with another mudslide on the West Coast. Right now, Dad needs a hot shower and chili fries to relax." Ben 10K sighed, as he walked around, "Hi Drei. How ya doin', buddy…?" he ruffled the Corgi's fur, "Koko, you're not giving him more treats, right? Noel says the Vet told her Drei needs to lose a few pounds."
"Wha~ Daddy, I would never risk our sweet beloved joint family dog's health like that!" Kokoro gasped.
"How many?" he arched a brow as he scratched his facial hair currently covered in dried mud.
"Just one…" she sighed.
"Alright, we'll keep it at just 1," Ben 10K sighed with a smile, "Drei takes care of us and we take care of him, that's how having a dog works, okay?" he smirked as he walked on, Drei following him, "You guys just enjoy some downtime. We'll order some food before Mom gets home."
"Wow…good thing you lost the backpack or Daddy might have found the Time Cycle…" Kokoro muttered as soon as they heard their father enter the master bedroom's personal bathroom.
"Y-yeah…" Ken blinked, "Huh. Guess someone's watching out for us." he blinked before yelping when Drei jumped off the stairs to pounce him and began vigorously licking his face, "No! Drei! These are unauthorized kisses!"
"Aww~" Kokoro cooed, "He really likes you, Ken~"
"I know…" Ken sighed...before giving a chuckle as he playfully rubbed Drei's fur, "Love ya too, buddy."
"Arf!"
SZ: And we have a new doggo finally joining in…one Noel's been pining for for so long!
GT: You folks…have no idea…how long we've been at this plan. Seriously, no. freaking. Idea. Now if you'll excuse me, I mourn for the loss of the Wii U and 3DS EShops while being thankful I had long purchased all the Battle Network games that were on the Wii U.
SZ: Oh right…that…that is painful for me because I no longer have a Wii-U nor a 3DS…well I had a 2DS but still.
Z0: It's…unfortunate indeed. Also yes, Drei the Corgi has been an idea for this story…for…A LONG time. We teased him in a Side Story chapter but now he's here at last. In chapter…92…oh god we've made a lot of these.
SZ: No kidding..only 8 away until we hit…*thunder booms outside* 100 chapters!
Z0: But believe me…Drei has been a concept we've been wanting to get to for a very long while, I think we have been planning for him since before the multiversal arcs.
SZ: I believe so..and the wait was worth it…hopefully for you readers as well.
Z0: Oh don't assume this is all to the dog of legend, Drei the Corgi has much more potential to add to the story!
GT: Indeed. Drei has much to tell as things go on.
SZ: Indeed…anyways folks, we hope you all enjoyed this chapter.
GT: So please Read and Review and if you don't review properly, you'll make Drei and Bluey cry and then we'll have to deal with an angry Noel and Lambda.