Ch.4: The Alien vs the Executioner

(At Night in the Capital)

"Please, please don't kill me," said a tearful female voice.

In one of the alleys of the great capital was a decapitated corpse of a man lying on the floor with his head beside his body.

Standing next to the body was a tall, blond man with a strange hairstyle, who was holding a young blond woman by the neck with his left hand.

"Oh, come on, it's your fault you're walking around the capital at this time of night," said the man as a sadistic smile formed on his lips. "Didn't your parents warn you about the scary monsters that come out after dark?"

"I'll do anything," the woman screamed in despair.

"Really? You'd be willing to do anything I asked? And what if I told you I want to see your head separated from your body? Would you be willing then," asked the man sarcastically. "Huh?" The man looked again at the woman and saw that he had already decapitated her as he body fell on the ground while he was still holding her head. "Mmmm. Happy happy, I'll never stop!"

(The Next Day at Night Raid hideout)

It was a peaceful morning at the hideout until a shockwave shook up the place, which alerted everyone, and woke Mine and Sheele up.

"What the hell is that," thought Najenda as she and everyone else got to the training area, where they saw Bulat in his Incursio armor and Ben as a humanoid alien that was ten feet tall. He had well-developed muscles, two pairs of four-fingered arms, and red skin. A black stripe went from his chin to his lower lip, a moustache, and he had four green eyes: a main pair and a smaller pair below them, while he lacked ears or nose. He had whisker-like spikes on each forearm. He was wearing a black tank top-like shirt with one large green stripe in the middle, black pants, a green and white belt where the Omnitrix symbol was located, and black fingerless gloves with green cuffs at the wrists. This was Ben's Tetramand form he called Four Arms.

"You're good, Ben," said Bulat.

"I can say the same for you. Not everyone can go toe–to–toe with Four Arms," said Four Arms.

"Excuse me, but what's going on here," asked Najenda, getting the two boys' attention.

"Oh, hey, boss and everyone," said Bulat with a wave. "Ben and I were having a spar."

"Yeah, sorry if we caused some commotion," said Four Arms before he noticed something odd.

"Hey, Mine. Why are you in your nightgown?"

"BECAUSE YOU WOKE ME UP," shouted the pink–haired sniper with a red face.

"What's wrong, Mine? Don't want your boyfriend to see you in your nightgown," teased Leone with a sly smirk. "If it's bothering you so much, maybe you should just take it off." "WHAT," shouted Mine as her face now matched Four Arms' skin.

"Knock it off, Leone. I still can't get the image of Mine in just her panties and bra from a few days ago out of my head," said Four Arms with a sigh, causing Mine to blush even more and for Leone to laugh so hard that she held her ribs.

"SH–SHUT UP! It's NOT funny," shouted Mine.

"Face it, Mine. You're just too easy to tease sometimes," said Four Arms.

"Oh yeah, just wait until we go out on that date you promised me. Then you'll be at my mercy," said Mine with a smirk.

"And what are you gonna do, pipsqueak? Bounce on me," asked Four Arms with a smirk.

Mine gritted her teeth and jumped at the Tetramand, but was caught by his upper right hand.

"Put me down so I can kick your pathetic butt," screamed Mine as she started to scratch and kick at Four Arms to no avail.

"Or you want me to put you down so you can kiss me," asked Four Arms. "Either way, I'm not gonna let you go until you tire yourself out." Four Arms put Mine over his shoulder as she continued to try to free herself before he turned to Bulat. "Mind uf we stop? I gotta deal with Ms.

Personality over here."

"Sure thing. I could use a break," said Bulat as he deactivated his armor.

"Ben, when you're done with Mine, I want you to help me prepare breakfast," said Akame.

"I'll be there as soon as possible," said Four Arms as he entered the hideout with the thrashing pink–haired sniper on his shoulder.

(Later that night)

"The target this time is the rumored serial killer currently plaguing the capital," said Najenda, revealing Night Raid's next target as she was sitting in her chair in the center of the meeting room. "Late at night he suddenly appears and chops off the victim's head. It's unknown how many dozens of people he has killed so far."

"Okay, that guy is a total psycho," said Ben in anger.

"There's no mistake. It has to be Zanku, the beheader," said Lubbock.

"Who's that," asked Ben.

"You don't know," asked Mine. "Well, you're not from this Universe, so I won't implicate with you. Zanku, the beheader, is a serial killer."

Mine then told him that he was an executioner, who executed prisoners for the prime minister in the capital prison, but after killing so many people, the prisoners weren't enough and started to kill people randomly across the country.

"He disappeared around the time that a detainment force was sent out to find him. Who would think he'd be in the capital," said Bulat.

"What a horrible guy! We need to go find him and teach him a lesson he won't forget," said Ben in anger.

"Hehe, easy tiger," said Bulat as he caressed the top of Ben's head with his right hand. "Zanku is also equipped with an Imperial Arms he stole from a warden a few years ago. We better travel in teams of two in case it's a rough ride."

"Why did he have to say it like that" thought Ben as he felt uncomfortable by the touch of the other man.

"By the way, do we have any idea which Imperial Arms he might be fighting with," Mine asked Najenda.

"No, we're still looking into that," said Najenda.

"Excuse me, but what's an Imperial Arms any way," asked Ben before Akame unsheathed her Murasame in front of Ben.

"Something like this," said Akame.

"Yeah, that's not very helpful," said Ben with a deadpanned expression.

"Very well then. Why don't we gen Ben up to speed," said Najenda.

Najenda began to tell the story of the Imperial Arms. A thousand years ago, the emperor, to protect the empire, resolved to build the best weapons, gathered the rarest materials in the world and the most intelligent people of that time to create 48 weapons, which he called Imperial Arms.

"So Akame's sword and Mine's rifle parts of those 48 weapons," asked Ben, earning nods from the two girls.

"One-Cut Killer: Murasame. Anyone, who gets cut will be dead in seconds thanks to the sword's poisonous curse. Roman Artillery: Pumpkin. A gun that uses uses spiritual energy as its ammunition and fires it in a concentrated shockwave. The more danger the user is in, the more powerful it becomes. The King Of Beasts Transformation: Lionel It transforms its wielder into a beast, instantly increasing one's physical strength and abilities. It also amplified one's sense of smell to enable scouting. Demon Armor: Incursio. A suit of armor with impregnable defense.

Wearing it causes such great strength that any normal person, who attempts to put it on will die. Infinite Uses: Cross Tail. A strung–based Imperial Arms that can be used to set traps and barriers, as well as attack enemies directly. Cutter of Creation: Extase. A giant pair of scissors, sharp enough to cut anything in half. They're also strong enough to be used defensively. Some Imperial Arms also have Trump Cards. For example, Pumpkin blasts a beam so overwhelming that it could act like a giant blade, cutting anything in its path. The power can be unleashed according to how passionate the emotions of its user are. Most importantly, Imperial Arms have followed one iron– clawed rule: if two Imperial Arms users choose to fight, one of them will definitely parish. We know Zanku has Imperial Arms. While mutual death is a possibility, mutual survival is clearly not," explained Najenda.

"I see. So, will I get one," asked Ben.

"What? Do you think we have a weapon we can just give you," asked Mine, still a little irritated from what happened earlier. Besides, you've already got your Omnitrix, so why would you need Imperial Arms?"

"Maybe so I can defend myself if the watch is recharging," said Ben with a smirk.

"Don't worry, Ben. If the opportunity arises, then you'll be getting your own soon enough," said

Najenda before standing up. "Anyway, Night Raid, move out! Let's punish that scumbag!"

"You got it! Eye Guy will keep an eye out for him," said Ben with a smirk as he activated the Omnitrix and cycled through his aliens before slamming the core down, engulfing him in green light that when it faded, in his place was not Eye Guy.

"Blitzwolfer? Oh, come on," complained the Loboan.

"Wow, you can't even turn into the alien you want," said Main with a teasing smirk.

"Don't blame me! I told you the watch sometimes transform me into the wrong alien," said Blitzwolfer.

"That's enough, you two," said Najenda with a stern tone.

"She started it," said Blitzwolfer as gestured to Mine, much to the pink–haired girl's surprise.

"We don't have time for your arguments! The teams are: Lubbock and Sheele, Leone and Bulat, and Ben, Akame and Mine. Move out," ordered Najenda, leaving no place for disagreements.

(At the capital)

Blitzwolfer and Akame walked together through the streets of the capital, looking for clues about Zanku's whereabouts.

"This is the area we're supposed to be checking out," said Akame.

"All of the locals are so afraid of Zanku that they're staying inside," said Blitzwolfer as he looked around before Akame covered his mouth and pulled him behind a wall.

"Keep your eyes out for guards," said Akame calmly.

"Hey, Akame. Can I ask you something," asked Blitzwolfer.

"Don't worry. I made sure to bring enough food for the both of us," said Akame.

"It's not that," said Blitzwolfer with a sigh. "Was it a good idea to leave Mine by herself? She's part of our team after all."

"She prefers to keep a distance from the targets," said Akame. "If we come face-to-face with Zanku, then Pumpkin won't be that effective in close range. All Imperial Arms have their drawbacks and Pumpkin's is close–ranged combat."

"Yeah, the Omnitrix's drawback is that it can transform me into the wrong alien," said Blitzwolfer with a sigh.

"I guess the Master Control can be considered the Omnitrix's Trump Card," noted Akame.

"Yeah, you can say that," said Blitzwolfer.

(Later)

At the top of a building in the capital, Zanku stood watching the movements in the streets.

"Hmmmmm," moaned Zanku with arousal as a sadistic smile formed on his lips as he activated his Imperial Arms' abilities. "Now we have some assassins, a serial killer and a superhero, who is new in killing, in the capital. How exciting!" He then watched the members of Night Raid, trying to decide whom he would kill first. "Which neck should I go after first?" He looked at Blitzwolfer in wonder. "While a superhero would be something exciting, I'm thinking of the "lone wolf"." He looked at Mine standing on a nearby cliff with Pumpkin in her arms. "Ahh, there you are." (Later)

Blitzwolfer and Akame were sitting on a marble bench with Akame eating as usual and Blitzwolfer drinking a glass of soda.

"I guess all we can do is be patient," said Blitzwolfer with a sigh. "It's not like he's gonna show up just like that."

"Good things come to those, who wait," said Akame.

"You know, I think I've heard that in a movie once," said Blitzwolfer with a chuckle before his ears perked up.

"What's a movie," asked Akame when she noticed Blitzwolfer's intense aura. "Ben, what's wrong?"

"Mine," replied Blitzwolfer as he ran off with Akame close behind him.

(With Mine)

The pinkette was having a rough time trying to dodge Zanku's attacks.

"Stay still, you little brat," said Zanku as he charged at the sniper.

"And why should I do that," said Mine as she fired several bullets at Zanku, but he managed to block them with his sword. "Darn it!"

"I like your spirit! Good final moments of your life if you ask me," said Zanku as he charged at Mine while blocking her shots, but she managed to roll out of the way aimed her Pumpkin at Zanku.

"You talk too much," said Mine as she snipped him, but Zanku deflected her shot with her shot.

"And you kiss that Ben boy too much," said Zanku, much to Mine's shock.

"How did you know about that," asked Mine.

"Since these are your final moments, let me introduce you to my Imperial Arms. It's Almighty Five Sights: Spectator. I can read your mind quite easily and predict your next move," said Zanku.

"Stay away from my mind, freak," shouted Mine as she fired multiple shots at Zanku, which he managed to block with his sword.

"'Freak'? That's something no one has called me," said Zanku as he swung his sword at Mine, but she barely managed to block it with Pumpkin. "Give it up, little girl! I'll tell Benny–boy that you were thinking about him before you died!" Zanku then kicked Mine in the ribs that send her on the ground and Pumpkin flying out of her arms. "Say your prayers!"

Mine could only watch as Zanku swung his sword at her neck, but suddenly felt a huge gust of wind. She opened her eyes and saw that she was in the arms of a semi-armored Velociraptor. He had black orbs on his feet, a black tail with four blue stripes, and bulky claws on his 3 fingers. He wore a black cone-like helmet. He had a blue face, green eyes, black lips, and stripes running under and in between his eyes. He also wore a black bodysuit and turtleneck-like shirt with a green stripe on the center and the Omnitrix symbol was on his chest. This was Ben's Kineceleran form he called XLR8.

"Need a hand or speed," asked XLR8 as he put Mine on her feet.

"Ben, is that you," asked Mine as she looked at the Kineceleran.

"Who else could it be," asked XLR8.

"No one. I'm just surprised to see you," said Mine. "I didn't think you'd have a speeder in that watch."

"What can I say? Expect the unexpected," said XLR8 with a shrug.

"Aww, how beautiful! The superhero has come to safe his princess," said Zanku with a laugh.

"Good, now you can die together!"

"If there's anyone, who's gonna be dying, it's you, freak show," said XLR8 with a glare.

"Then why don't you try to kill me, Ben Tennyson, wielder of the Omnitrix, savior of the Universe," asked Zanku with a sadistic smile, surprising XLR8.

"Hey, did you just read my mind," asked XLR8 in irritation.

"He can do it with his Imperial Arms," Mine informed XLR8.

"Dude, you take cheating to a whole new level," said XLR8 as he faced Zanku.

"First, your girlfriend calls me a freak, and now you're calling me a cheater. What's next," asked

Zanku as he looked at two teens. "Teenagers better watch their language."

"Why don't you make us, grandpa," asked XLR8 with a taunting smirk as he used his speed and delivered quick kicks to Zanku's chest before returning back to Mine. "You may read minds, but I bet you can't read movements."

"Actually, I can," said Zanku as he charged at Mine and XLR8 before a sword pierced the ground between then as Akame showed up. "Ahhhh, so it's three against one. That's not very fair." "Says the guy, who can read minds," said XLR8.

"Well, three heads are better than two," said Zanku as he charged at the Night Raid members with him and Akame clashing their swords.

"Tonight you die, Zanku," said Akame firmly as she and Zanku rapidly clashed their swords.

"Is that what a battle between Imperial Arms users is like," XLR8 asked Mine as he watched the duel between Akame and Zanku.

"This is just a small taste. They can get even more intense," Mine informed him as she picked her Pumpkin up.

Akame and Zanku continued their swordfight until Zanku managed to strike Akame in the arm, much to XLR8's shock.

"Whoa, Akame actually got hit," whispered XLR8 before he used his speed and got Akame out of Zanku's reach.

"Why do you keep interfering in my kills," asked Zanku with a groan.

"I'm pretty sure you know that by now," said XLR8 with a glare before coming up with an idea and slid his visor down, over his face.

"Hey, what are you doing," asked Zanku as he tried to read XLR8's mind, but to no avail. "What's going on?"

"You don't just read minds, do you? You can read our expressions! That's how you were able to tell what Akame's next move was gonna be and that's how you predicted Mine's shots, didn't you," asked XLR8 through his visor, surprising Akame, Mine and Zanku.

"It makes sense," said Akame with a frown.

"But how are we gonna kill him if he can read our expressions," asked Mine.

"You can't! I'm the executioner around here," yelled Zanku as he looked at XLR8. "Lift that visor so I can see your expression when I kill you!"

"I've got a better idea. How about I show you an expression you won't resist," asked XLR8 before he pressed the Omnitrix symbol, changing him to a different alien.

When the green light faded, in XLR8's place was an alien Akame and Mine were familiar with, but Zanku was deeply confused as the alien was none other than Toepick.

"What the fuck is that," asked Zanku with irritation.

"Your end," said Toepick as he opened his cage and sounds of terrified screams, roaring, agonized wailing, unholy groans and wails, hissing and demonic laughter were heard, and it didn't take long for Zanku to be affected.

"AHHHHH! No, stay away from me! Stay back! Please, have mercy," begged Zanku as Toepick walked slowly towards him as he paled in fear. "STOP IT! STOP IT! NOOOO–" Zanku screamed in complete fear before getting shot in the heart by Mine's Pumpkin.

"Nice shot," said Toepick as the Omnitrix timed out, turning him back to Ben.

"I just put him out of his misery," said Mine as Ben went up to Zanku and took Spectator from him.

"Well, I guess the mission is complete, so let's head back to base," said Ben as he held Spectator.

"Plus, we've got his Imperial Arms, so that's a bonus, right?"

"True. Let's return," said Akame as she walked off.

"Hey, Ben. Thanks for saving me back there," said Mine as she walked next to Ben.

"Well, I'm a superhero, so it's basically my job, but you're welcome," said Ben with a smile and Mine couldn't help, but blush.

"What's gotten into me? Do I actually like Ben as more than a friend and comrade? He's from another world and just until a few days ago, he hadn't killed a soul, but now he's become a true assassin," Mine thought to herself as she looked at Ben and Akame laughing. "What am I gonna do? How do I tell him how I feel about him?"

(At Plumbers' HQ)

At the Plumbers' HQ, everyone was very tense, especially Ben's family and friends as Paradox, Azmuth and Lucy would be leaving to where Ben is and check on him.

"Well, friends, it's almost time," said Paradox as he looked at his gauntlet watch.

"Professor, tell us the truth. How's Ben doing," asked Gwen.

"Well, he's doing quite well," said Paradox with a smile.

"I think she was talking about him being with an assassinating group," said Kevin.

"And the answer is still the same," said Paradox.

"Just tell us, Paradox. Has Ben killed more people," asked Max.

"He most certainly has," said Paradox as he showed the Tennysons images of Armodrillo, Goop, Rath and Toepick. "The first ones were mercenaries that had infiltrated Night Raid's hideout, the second ones were trying to rape a little girl, the third one was head bodyguard of the prime minister's relative and the fourth one was a serial killer."

"You know, I can't help but notice that pink–haired girl in most of these images," said Kevin.

"Why, that's Night Raid's genius sniper, Mine," said Paradox. "She and Ben have quite a relationship if you ask me."

"What do you mean by that," asked Carl.

"Well, it's not my place to tell you, but that doesn't mean I can't show you," said Paradox as he showed them images of the moments between Ben and Mine, like their teases, the time when Ben walked into Mine's room while she's changing and the two times they have actually kissed, which was most shocking to the Tennysons with Kevin even fainting at the sight. "What did I tell you?"

"Okay, those two definitely act like a couple, but are not one yet," said Sandra. "I don't know if I should be happy that Ben can get himself a girlfriend or concerned that said girlfriend is an assassin."

"Same here," said Carl.

"So she's a sniper, but how good is she," asked Kevin, now awake after fainting.

"See for yourselves," said Paradox as he showed them an image of Mine sniping the prime minister's relative, which caused Kevin to faint again.

"She's like Robin Hood, but deadlier," said Gwen in awe at Mine's accuracy.

"That gun she has is pretty impressive," said Rook as he looked at Pumpkin.

"Yes, all Night Raid members have Imperial Arms," said Paradox as he then explained the origins of the Imperial Arms to the Tennysons.

"These Imperial Arms sure sound powerful," said Rook in amazement.

"They are, but enough chit chat," said Paradox as he looked at Azmuth and Lucy. "Let's go visit him. Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," said Lucy with determination.

"Very well," said Paradox as he opened a portal. "After you."

Lucy nodded and got into the portal as Azmuth got on Paradox's shoulder and the two walked inside.

(Night Raid's hideout)

Ben, Akame, Mine and the others have returned to the hideout after killing Zanku.

"Excellent job, everyone! Good thinking, Ben," said Najenda with a smile. "Using Zanku's strength as his weakness does sound impressive."

"Thanks, boss. To be honest, I have several aliens that don't have expressions, like Big Chill, Wildmutt, Ghostfreak and Goop, but I thought that I could get him off–guard and show him what a true face of horror looks like," said Ben as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Either way, you did a good job," said Najenda.

"First, you take out Ogre, then the prime minister's relative's bodyguard, and now Zanku. You're not messing around, aren't you," asked Lubbock.

"Technically, I only scarred Zanku long enough for either Mine or Akame to strike him down," said Ben sheepishly.

"Still. Your feats since you got here have been impressive," said Bulat.

"They're right, Benny," said Leone with a smirk. "Just don't get used to it. We want to kill scumbags, too, you know."

"I promise to try," said Ben with a smile.

"Well, let's get to the kitchen. Cleo must be done with preparing dinner," said Najenda and everyone nodded when a blue portal appeared in the middle of the room. "What the hell is that?"

"Is it an Imperial Arms user," asked Akame as she got her Murasame ready while Mine aimed her Pumpkin at the portal and Bulat activated Incursio.

"What a hostile welcoming," said a male voice that Ben quickly recognized when a man came out of the portal.

"Professor Paradox! It's good to see you," said Ben as he shook Paradox's hand.

"It's good to see you, too, Ben. But I'm not alone," said Paradox as a small grey alien also came out of the portal.

"Azmuth!? You're here, too," asked Ben in surprise.

"Of course I'd be here, Ben Tennyson! You're in a very dangerous world and I want to make sure that the Omnitrix is kept safe," said Azmuth.

"There's someone else, who came with us," said Paradox when a very familiar for Ben figure came out of the portal before it closed.

"Vilgax!? What are you doing–," started Ben when he noticed the mud underneath Vilgax and put two and two together. "Lucy, is that you?"

"Hehe. Good to see you, too, Ben," said Lucy as she morphed back to normal.

"Same here," said Ben as the two of them shared a hug.

"Excuse me, but what's going on here," asked Najenda.

"Apologies, Najenda. I'm Professor Paradox and I'm a Time Walker," said Paradox as he shook Najenda's mechanical arm.

"And who are the other two," asked Mine.

"Okay, I think introductions are in order," said Ben as he pulled away from Lucy and faced Night

Raid. "Guys, these are my cousin, Lucy, and the creator of the Omnitrix, Azmuth."

"Hi, I'm Lucy. I've learned so much about you," said Lucy as she shook hands with Akame.

"Let me guess," said Ben as he looked at Paradox. "You've been keeping an eye on me and reported back to everyone at home, haven't you?"

"You couldn't be more correct," said Paradox. "I know everything you've been doing since you got here,"

"Well, not that I'm not happy to see you, but what are you really doing here," asked Ben.

"I'm here to make a few modifications to the Omnitrix," said Azmuth before jumping on Ben's arm and began working on the Omnitrix.

"I actually came to see how you're doing," said Lucy. "Max thought that I'd be the best choice, cause your folks, Gwen and Kevin wouldn't want to go back without you."

"Yeah, that actually makes sense," said Ben before turning to Paradox. "And what do you have to say?"

"I'm here to inform you that the portal that sent you here, also sent Albedo in this world as well," said Paradox, shocking Ben.

"Hold on, my doppelganger is here, too," asked Ben in shock.

"Yes, which is why Azmuth is making some modifications to the Omnitrix," said Paradox as Azmuth finish his work.

"Done," said Azmuth before looking at Ben. "Considering the challenges ahead of you, I increased your time limit from 15 to 30 minutes, fixed the randomizer function a little, and added that cursed evolutionary feature."

"Wait, you mean, I'll be able to evolve my aliens to their Ultimate forms again," asked Ben, earning a nod from Azmuth. "Awesome!"

"That's my cousin," Lucy whispered to Akame, Mine, Lubbock, Sheele, Bulat and Leone.

"Well, it's time for us to leave," said Paradox as he opened a portal before looking at Ben and Night Raid. "But before we go, just know that Max and the Plumbers will be ready when it's time for the final countdown."

"We appreciate the help," said Najenda with a nod.

"And one more thing for young Ben," said Paradox before speaking in a deep tone. "Watch out for the Jaegers! Beware the Ice Queen!" He then went back to his cheerful self. "Toddles." With that, Paradox, Lucy and Azmuth entered the portal and returned home.

"What did he mean by that," asked Sheele.

"Don't ask me. Paradox talks in riddles pretty much all the time. I don't even know who this "Ice Queen" is," said Ben with a shrug.

"We'll talk about it in the morning. For now, let's go eat," said Najenda as everyone made their way to the kitchen, leaving Najenda to her thoughts.

"There's only one person that I can think of, who can be the "Ice Queen" Paradox mentioned," Najenda thought to herself before narrowing her eyes. "Esdeath!"

th

Hey, everyone. I know I changed quite a lot of things, mainly the battle against Zanku in this chapter. Now, I really liked the Ultimate Aliens and it was a bummer Ben couldn't go ultimate, so I'm bringing it back here, so expect to see the Ultimate Aliens back in action soon. Expect Sayo to wake up soon and Tatsumi will also show up in the next chapter. Also, like I said before, Ben will NOT be paired with Esdeath, but with Mine, Akame and possibly someone else! Also, also, nowhere is mentioned the exact ages of the Night Raid members, so I'll just come up with close possibilities, and they are:

Akame – 16

Mine – 15

Bulat – 24

Najenda – 27

Sheele – 25

Lubbock – 17

Leone – 21

Ben will be 16 in first several chapters, but will turn 17 at some point.

R&R