Not Strong Enough
Kurumu looked up, no matter how she made it out, the world was practically collapsing around her. In her arms she held Touhou Fuhai, Tsukune, and Mizore. Time was almost up, they HAD to escape the rosary, otherwise they could be trapped within Moka's dreamscape forever. "Dammit." Mizore grunted. She tried to look up towards the sky where Kurumu was heading, but the whole sky was like a radiant beam of light now and a powerful force was trying to force the group back down to the ground, like it was trying to prevent them from escaping. "It's almost like the seal is working as an autoimmune system."
"We're crossing the protections line of the seal." Touhou mentioned, "If you don't stay focused, you'll get lost and be trapped in here forever.
Kurumu kept fighting to bring her and the others out of Moka's dream state as well as the seal. So close...I have to keep fighting. She thought, I need to keep fighting. To save them and help the others. Suddenly, Kurumu felt Tsukune's hand slipping from her own. "HEY!" she yelled with a gasp, "Tsukune, you can't just go limp like that. Fight for just a little bit longer it's too dangerous." When she looked down at Tsukune, all she could see was a downtrodden expression.
"Hey...Kurumu. Did you hear?" Tsukune asked with a tone as if he were holding back tears, "About Moka's true identity?" Kurumu gulped and nodded, she heard and saw as much as they did at the tail end. "We heard an outrageously huge secret. I never expected something like this would happen." Tsukune sounded as if he wanted to laugh to keep his spirits high, but he couldn't even muster a fake laugh. "The Moka we know...it's just a fake personality. Doesn't that mean she's man-made? That she isn't real? Like, Artificial Intelligence or something. Is she real? Is she really alive?" he grit his teeth and started to loosen his grip on Kurumu, "It can't be true. It's a lie, a lie! Nothing more than a lie!"
Kurumu shook her head, "Don't be ridiculous, if nothing more, she's just like Ben in this case, isn't she? Wouldn't you say he's re—HEY!" Kurumu's whole body jolted as she felt Tsukune completely let go of her hand, "TSUKUNE!" she shouted out and tried to reach for his hand but felt her fingers just slip through her own.
Tsukune fell. Fell deep into the abyss as the seal began to close. But he didn't care. He could only think of what he saw. I didn't want to know, Moka...I'm sorry. I—I wish I had never known. Tsukune closed his eyes for a few moments, when he opened them up again it looked as if he was floating through water. "It's so deep I can't even see the bottom anymore. I'm just...sinking. It's like I'm drowning but I'm able to breathe." he chuckled and did his best to imitate Ben, "'This is what Sora from Kingdom Hearts must have felt like.' Ha...Uuuugh..." Despite trying, he couldn't lift himself or his spirits, "Wonder...Wonder where I'll end up." Almost as soon as he said this, Tsukune slammed against what felt to be hard wood flooring and conked his head against a bible of all things. OW! What the hell?
While he tried to rub the pain out of his head, Tsukune was distracted by what sounded like a little girl crying. He looked up and saw Moka, but this time with her pink hair, the one he knew, kneeling in front of a church altar. "Mother!" she cried as she prayed, "Where have you gone? Come back to me, please!" Tsukune swallowed a lump in his throat, after everything he witnessed, he couldn't help it. It was as if he lived the life alongside her, like he really got to know Akasha Bloodriver.
"Headmaster," Tsukune gasped and he ducked out of the way. He looked up and saw the Headmaster and some priest standing on the second-floor balcony overlooking Moka. "What's happening" the priest asked, "The current Moka should be a 'Fake Personality'...yet all I see is a normal human crying out her love for her mother. The only explanation is that she's starting to develop her own 'identity.'"
"This could be dangerous." the Headmaster hummed, gaining a questioning glance from the priest. "All of her memories related to Alucard have been erased. She probably doesn't know why her mother's not coming back either. Her memories have been altered right from the beginning." he sighed, "If she realizes this, what do you think will happen? She'll be scared of the blank space in her memories. She'll be scared of the past she's lost. And her heart will probably be broken because she won't even know who she is."
Tsukune gasped slightly as he remembered the last thing he heard from Kurumu.
"...She's just like Ben in that case, isn't she?"
Tsukune gulped, She would be scared of the past she's lost? Ben...experienced something very similar. The past he thought he had turned out to belong to someone else, to his brother, Peter. Shit...
"It seems like she'll remain unstable for a few more days. Be patient and take good care of her." the Headmaster continued, "And once she recovers send her to a safe school. 'I want my daughter to live a peaceful life.' That is what Akasha wanted."
The priest nodded, "Do not worry, old friend. I will treasure Moka as if she were my own daughter."
"That Akasha...she probably put her entire soul into making that. Not even I have seen such a perfect fake personality." the Headmaster smirked, "I'd be somewhat jealous if the circumstances weren't as they are. It's as if Akasha has been reborn and even now is still protecting her daughter."
Time seemed to pass at rapid speed, the next thing Tsukune saw was Moka throwing a table out one of the windows and the priest trying to stop her from doing it to another. I...I get it now. Tsukune thought, These memories belong to the 'Outer' Moka after she was sealed...or born? He gulped, They're the most painful memories locked deep inside her heart. He stood and watched as Moka holed herself in the corner of her room, curled up in a ball, and bawled her eyes out.
"Moka...I always thought that you were someone who was kind and constantly smiling yet you're..." Tsukune began to think back to when he first met Moka. Before he met Ben, before he met Kurumu, or Yukari, or Mizore, or Ruby or anyone. He met Moka first.
"Tsukune...you know I—I actually went to a human school up until junior high. I was alone. When I was around humans, I would think that I'd be better off not existing. It was always so, SO painful. But having met you Tsukune, for the first time in my life, I feel that I'm not alone anymore!"
Tsukune stood still and trembled. Tears rolling down his face as he realized that there was always more than just one side to Moka. He was just too blind to see it becuase...because he never truly paid attention. "F...Fuck!" he sobbed as he wiped his tears away with his arm, "Moka...you were always sad, why could I not see it. I felt that way too. I felt as if I was nothing more than a disappointment to my family. The people I knew in school...they never really cared. They seemed more than happy to be rid of me after middle school. But then I met you, and Ben and everyone else. You all understand me. You all make me better. I've learned so much from having met you. And I...I...Moka, I love you. Since the first day we met I liked you. But after everything we've been through It's grown so much...And I want to stay by your side. I want to stay by your side forever. I know the 'Inner' you said before that I would have to convince the both of you for a relationship like that to happen, and I'm okay with that. And even if you end up choosing Ben or even someone else, I still want to be by your side. I never want to lose you."
With that, the memory disappeared, and Tsukune lost consciousness, his body once again falling through the void before being caught by Kurumu and Mizore. "Got you..." Kurumu said through heavy breathing, tears beginning to run down her face.
Mizore gulped, knowing what she and Kurumu had witnessed, "Kurumu...what was that?"
Kurumu couldn't respond, she could only let the tears run down her face.
Present day...
"AGH!" Kurumu awoke in a cold sweat. All she could do was replay what she saw over and over and over again, all night long. Her dream was haunted by it. "Tsukune..." she gulped, wiping away tears she didn't realize she was shedding, "Dammit."
"What's wrong?" Kurumu's eyes widened in surprise at the male voice. She turned her head and saw Gin, whom the voice belonged to as well as Mizore. "Did you have a bad dream or something? You know tears...they don't suit you." Gin winked and blew the succubus a kiss.
"Ugh...I'd rather have period cramps." Kurumu gagged. "So why the hell are you two here?" she asked as she got up and began fixing her hair, "Do you stalker types just like to watch people sleep?"
"I'm not a stalker." Gin mumbled.
Mizore shook her head, "You don't remember? Last night, you completely collapsed after you got us out. It was sometime after Ruby and those monster hunters showed up." she explained, "Touhou Fuhai said that you used tp too much of your energy."
Kurumu's eyes widened, "You mean..." Kurumu started remembering the night before. She had made it out with the others, Ben was unconscious, Hokuto was there...with Kiria. "So, it's been more than a day already? Wait! Where is everyone? Where's Tsukune? Is Ben okay?"
"Relax." Mizore smirked, "He's planning to get Touhou Fuhai to train him in preparation for the eventual battle. Everyone's already there...um...except Ben. He's..." Mizore swallowed a lump in his throat, "He's not doing well." There was an expression on Mizore's face that made Kurumu want to press for more, but it seemed as if that wasn't the best idea for the time being. "Nevermind that for now, let's...let's go to the others." Kurumu really didn't want to say something, but as Mizore left she could see tears forming in the yuki-onna's eyes.
As the girls left to find the others, Gin could only sit and scoff, "Such a naive girl. Obviously, you aren't at full strength yet."
Mizore led Kurumu through the mansion before coming to an octagonal room, a door connected to said room at each wall. In the center there were signs and symbols as well as a glass-like piece of flooring that looked almost like a floor mirror. "What is this place?" Kurumu asked.
"A room for training. We're going to where everyone else is." Mizore replied before pointing ahead to one of the doors, "Ben is...he's through there." The hell is up with Ben? Kurumu thought. "Anyways, this way. We're almost there." Mizore stepped towards the middle of the room and jumped into the mirror, disappearing through it as if she had jumped into a pool of water.
"HUH?" Kurumu ran to the middle of the room and kneeled down, not sure if she should jump in or not, "Wait a minute, don't just jump in all of a sudden! Is it actually okay to jump into this...this water? Mizore!?" Kurumu puffed her cheeks out in annoyance before slapping her cheeks a few times. "Fine!" she took a deep breath and pushed her head into the mirror. What she saw she wasn't prepared for. The whole city of Hong Kong was completely upside down! It was as if the world inverted itself. "AAAAGH!" Kurumu yelled, "Why is there an upside-down world inside this floor mirror?"
Mizore rolled her eyes, "Oh my God, hurry it up." she reached down and grabbed Kurumu's hand before pulling her inside the strange world.
"WAIT WAIT! I'M GONNA FALL IF I DON'T FLAP MY WINGS!" Kurumu cried out. She closed her eyes, waiting to feel the weightlessness...only to feel nothing at all. She felt normal.
"Fall where? We're on the ground." Mizore had used her normal deadpan tone, but Kurumu could tell she was being snarky.
"Surprised?" a new voice called out. Kurumu quickly stood up and turned around to see Ruby, "This place is a complete reverse of reality. Once you come in here you too will be reversed, and everything feels normal." Ruby chuckled, "It's good to see you again, Kurumu...did you have a nice fall?" she laughed into her hand, "Sorry, sorry. I couldn't resist. You just looked so cute when you thought you were going to fall up into the sky." Kurumu's facial expression was quickly turning from slightly confused to very annoyed. "Ahem. This is a special dimension created by Touhou Fuhai. The city is essentially a direct projection of the real Hong Kong, a reflection, if you will...You know, if Ben feels well soon and he comes down here, should I use the term 'clone' for his explanation, or will that be insensitive."
Kurumu squinted her eyes more and more, it looked as if she was going to fire lasers out of them. "I'm sorry." Ruby said with a long sigh, "The last two days I have been stuck with people who may as well have sticks up their asses. I was missing the comedy from the rest of you." Ruby waved her hand asking for the girls to follow her.
"Since we can wreak as much havoc as we want in here, this place is perfect for training!" Ruby continued to explain as she led the two girls down a road.
"WOW! He was able to fit a whole city inside a mansion?" Kurumu asked, causing Mizore to let out a snort, despite trying to hold it back. "What? What'd I say."
"No, it's...It's noth-HAHAHA!" Mizore couldn't hold it, she let out her laugh, "It's not a whole city underneath the mansion, it's like a pocket dimension. Like the Monster Paradise Headmaster Mikogami has." she let out breath and Kurumu was relieved to see Mizore with a smile on her face, "You know, Kurumu does have a bit of a point though." she smirked, "You wouldn't think that old man has the power to make this though, huh?" the two other girls laughed in response.
Finally, the girls made it to what looked like some sort of park where they met some of the others. Yukari, Fanfan, Kokoa, Haiji...and the Ghost Rider for some reason. Kurumu felt her whole body shiver at seeing the flaming skeleton once again. "Kurumu, you're awake!" Yukari smiled, "We were so worried, it's good to see you awake. Now we can include you with everything. Seeing as you can't train by yourself, we decided we'd pair up with some old-fashioned rock-paper-scissors."
"Pairs huh? Sounds..." Kurumu looked over to Haiji and Kokoa who seemed to have paired up together. Haiji had a big smile on his face while Kokoa looked not so pleased as she put on a pair of webshooters. "Webshooters, Kokoa?
"Yeah, I got these a while ago, remember? Ben gave them to me when he first showed off the Spider Armor." Kokoa explained, "I thought I'd expand my combat wheel."
"I'm surprised you aren't with Ben still." Mizore mentioned.
Kokoa shrugged, "He'd want me to keep training. I'll see him when he wakes up. For now, he just needs to rest."
Kurumu looked around (avoiding eye contact with Ghost Rider) and felt the group looked small, "Where's Tsukune?" she asked.
Ruby gave a soft smile, "Ah, Tsukune is at the park up ahead. Touhou Fuhai is helping him train, just as Tsukune had asked of him."
Kurumu's eyes darted back and forth between Ruby and the direction she initially nodded to, "T-This way, you said?" Kurumu asked, but already started moving her body in that direction, but stopped when Ruby gripped her wrist.
"I wouldn't go if I were you, Kurumu." Ruby warned, "In order to be prepared to save Moka, Tsukune is focusing extremely hard." Kurumu felt a pang in her chest. The mention of Tsukune wanting to help Moka reminded her of her dream, and more importantly, what she saw the night before when she went to get Tsukune and Mizore (and Touhou) out of the seal. "Moka's past, the attack on the Won family, how Fairy Tale abducted her...Ben...We've heard everything."
Kurumu blinked a few times in confusion, "Ben? What about Ben? Is he okay?"
Ruby stared at Kurumu in disbelief, "You mean you don't-"
"HEY! Shut the fuck up!" Kokoa shouted, "It isn't for us to tell." Kurumu, Mizore and Yukari looked at Kokoa with a confused expression while Ruby looked at her with a saddened one. "Ben is FINE. He's hurt, but he isn't dead. He'll get back up. He always does." she mumbled the last part before countering an attack by Haiji by grabbing his fist and pulling him into a shoulder throw.
"T-Tsukune hates himself right now." Ruby said with a gulp, hating herself for changing the subject back to Tsukune, but knew that Kokoa was right...it wasn't their place to talk about Ben's condition. "He thinks its his fault Moka was taken. That he wasn't strong enough. He wants to become stronger, no matter how harsh the training is. He said he had to do it...for her...as well as for Ben."
Elsewhere...
Not too far away, Tsukune was in the middle of a sparring session against Touhou Fuhai. Despite seeing his stronger form the other night, Tsukune was still forced to fight the Great Dark Ruler in his weakened form. The two had been going at it for a few hours now, and Tsukune was standing his ground, but he knew deep down that this wouldn't be nearly enough if it meant getting Moka back. Especially if he had to face Akua Shuzen.
Touhou sent a ferocious right hook, nailing Tsukune in the jaw and sending blood from his mouth flying. Damn...I'm getting distracted. The longer this goes on, the more I worry about Ben and Moka. I need to focus. Need to focus. Need...to... Tsukunue's eyes widened as he saw an opening thanks to Touhou rushing straight for him. AN OPENING! he gritted his teeth and cocked his right hand back, forming a fist. "I GOT YOU!" he shouted out after sending a powerful punch of his own...only to see he didn't connect at all and instead Touhou stood in front of Tsukune, taunting him, resting his elbow on Tsukune's arm.
"Too slow." The Dark Ruler chided as he sent a sweeping kick across Tsukune's face that knocked him down to the ground and created a crater. Touhou simply backflipped backward and landed with a soft TMMP on a trashcan. "You're so weak, Tsukune." Touhou said with a confused sigh, "I mean, given what I had heard from Mikogami, I expected a LITTLE more at least. At this rate, if you can't beat me in even this form, there is no point in continuing." Touhou took a long puff from his pipe and let out a large smoke cloud into the air. "Akua Shuzen is a fighting genius. In hand-to-hand combat, she's already surpassed me, and she's even mastered the ultimate blade itself, the Hougetsu Jigen-Tou. A technique that was only stopped by a Holy shield such as Mr. Reilly's armor." he hummed. Though, even then, it's amazing that Mr. Reilly was able to hold her off for as long as he did. Touhou turned around in a huff, "It's impossible. She's an opponent you'll never defeat in your lifetime. This training is meaningless."
Tsukune breathed hard, now on his knees. He sat there, thinking back to what he saw while within the seal. Moka was strong, he knew that to be true, but she was still an innocent girl. One who grew up feeling nothing but loneliness and now she is in that situation again. "Meaningless?" Tsukune echoed with an eye twitch. He grunted and got back to his feet as fast as he could, wiping the blood from his mouth, "Nothing...Nothing is meaningless. I need to get stronger. For Moka's sake, for Ben's...for everyone's. I'm tired of being the one everybody helps. Ben isn't nearly as strong as the vampires, and he stood toe-to-toe with her. So why not me?!" Tsukune stopped and took a breath because he could feel a sob was about to creep out, "If nothing else, if I can just learn to block the Jigen-Tou, the blade that can slice through damn near everything...If I can become a shield for everyone...That'll be enough for me. SO I BEG YOU! Give me the strength to protect Moka!"
Touhou Fuhai peered back, a slight smile pursing his lips, "So...you just want to be able to block the Jigen-Tou?" he hummed and rubbed his chin with his index finger and thumb, "Then there may be a way." Tsukune's upset demeanor seemed to leave him at the news, "However, it will only work when you are able to perform yokai techniques. Even if we start training right away, there's no way we can make it in time." he smirked, "Except. For. One. Option. The 'Human Modification Technique'." Tsukune's eyes widened in anticipation as he waited for Touhou to explain, "I'll forcefully reconstruct your body with the ability to use yokai techniques. To be honest...I don't recommend it. It's far too dangerous, and the chance of success is low. If it fails, then you will die."
Tsukune gulped. The ultimate choice now lay in front of him. Does he risk everything in order for the mere chance to protect Moka and everyone else that he loves...or does he go for the for-sure option and stay alive, and continue progressing with his training as it is right now? The choice should have been obvious to him, but he still was hesitating. He looked down at the Holy Lock on his wrist and he gained a more determined expression. "WAIT!" Tsukune turned around at the sound of the familiar voice shouting towards them.
"Kurumu?" Tsukune asked. There were so many things he wanted to say, but really he just needed to get the important things out, "I'm so glad you're okay." he said with a large smile.
Kurumu, however, was not in the same high spirits. She looked down at the ground, hoping, praying that what she just heard was a lie. "Modify what?" she asked lowly, "And if it fails...you die? Then if it succeeds what will happen to your body?" Tsukune didn't really know himself what would become of him if Touhou's technique succeeds, but having the power to protect the ones you love trumps all, right? If Ben was in this situatition...I think he'd take the modification. Even if it meant death. He's just like that. Whatever harm comes to him doesn't matter, as long as the people he loves are safe he'd choose death. Tsukune thought. He wanted so desperately to explain this to Kurumu, but his voice couldn't come out. And even if it did, he'd have to deal with everyone telling him not to do it. "I see that look on your face." Kurumu accused, "Don't think I haven't seen that type of face before, it's the same face Ben makes when he's going to do something stupid! Tsukune...if something happens to you, I..."
Oh no, she looks really upset. Tsukune thought with a gulp, I don't want her to be sad...but at the same time, I want to be able to save Moka. So, the question is...which option is more beneficial? He didn't have to think hard. He already knew. "I'm sorry, Kurumu, but I'll take the Modification Technique." he saw Kurumu's eyes start to tear up and he had to suppress the pang in his chest, "The truth is Kurumu, the choice is either risk the modification or ask Ben to continuously risk his life to carry all of us on his back. You, Mizore, Yukari, you're all strong, there's no doubt...but Ben has more strength and battle knowledge than all of us. He's able to adapt to each situation, which makes him more capable than the rest of us. Usually, we're able to compliment Ben's strength with Moka or even Kokoa...but the truth is, even if we could make up for one of them being gone, none of us can take on Akua. Ben and Moka are the only ones that stand a chance, and with one of them gone then we're asking Ben to fight Akua as well as everyone else that he runs into. And what happens if he gets knocked down again? If nothing else someone has to be strong enough to at least get him out."
Tsukune swallowed a lump in his throat as he saw Kurumu's expression become more and more worried, "Uh...BESIDES, my body is tough, right? Plus, I've got all that vampire blood flowing through me that I got from Moka! And..." Tsukune stopped and smiled, now calmed down himself and not worrying about if Kurumu was upset. He made up his mind. "Since Moka and I share the same blood, I feel as if, even though we're separated, I can just tell how she's feeling right now. She's feeling insecure and alone. She's surrounded by enemies; she's probably scared and worried." he thought back to last night and the scared form of Moka he saw inside her seal, "And need to be strong enough for her. That means doing this as quickly as possible. I need to get to her; I need to comfort her."
Kurumu's eyes widened, and she thought back to what she saw the other night once again. "And I want to stay by your side. I want to stay by your side forever." Tsukune's words rang in her head over and over again, and she felt a terrible pain in her heart. She couldn't hide it anymore, the tears just naturally started to flow out of her eyes, but she wasn't crying. It was like her mind hadn't caught up to her body. Why...? Kurumu turned around and started to run away from Tsukune, finally starting to cry, but she couldn't bear to show him. He called out for her, but she didn't want to hear it. She heard enough. There was too much of HER in him, and there was too much of Ben too. I'm right in front of him, yet...All I can see in his eyes is Moka.
Not too far away, Gin sat on a sign for a noodle shop, watching as Kurumu ran away, her heart seemingly broken in two.
"If you've made up your mind, then there is no time to be worrying about others, Tsukune." Touhou stated as he dug into his pockets and pulled out long metallic needles used for acupuncture, "I don't hate how stupidly honest you are, I actually think this is one of your best points. Just continue at that pace and show me you can surpass this trial from Hell." he smirked, "Inner Formula 109: Human Modification Technique!" Touhou shouted, "The operation...shall begin."
In the Mansion...
"How's it looking Doc?" The vampire hunter, Blade asked. He was talking to Reed Richards who was looking at Ben's mostly exposed body via hologram. Ben's room was set up like a hospital room, with Ben's bed placed at the center of the room so Blade and Elsa could put up the special machines that could give a three-dimensional projection of Ben to Reed's location, as well as a holographic projection of Reed within the area where the machines are set up. Ben's body was placed face up on the bed, his head slightly elevated, a ventilator placed in his mouth, his sides stitched up due to the fight with Akua, a blood transfusion bag plugged into his arm (courtesy of Kaine who was able to get blood sent over on short notice thanks to the help of Wong, assistant to Doctor Strange, who is currently stationed at the Hong Kong Sanctum) as well as an IV bag for hydration.
"Not...Fantastic." Doctor Reed Richards proclaimed as his hologram walked around Ben's body, "Umm, pardon the pun." he said as he cleared his throat and leaned in close to look at Ben's body. The black fluid was visible through Ben's veins and looked to have made it to his lungs and up his throat, some of it nearing his eye. "If I'm looking at this right, and the calculations are close to correct from Warren, then I'd say the deterioration is attacking his lungs and larynx, and...could potentially affect his sight soon." Reed scratched his head, "I just don't understand, he had a few months to last at least but now..."
"Now what?" Elsa asked.
"It's as if the deterioration has mutated." Reed mentioned, "He had maybe three months at best not even two weeks ago but now..." he crouched down and covered his mouth and nose with both his hands. He felt responsible for Ben's condition. Had he been smarter, had the best biologists in the field not been Ben's enemies (one not even in the same dimension as them currently), maybe Reed would have had the help and resources to find a cure for him sooner. As of now...he could only delay the inevitable until he could come up with a new plan. "He's got maybe a couple weeks at best. Maybe, MAYBE a month if we're lucky." Reed hung his head as he gave the news, "Dammit...The syringes I sent you with, they will slow down his theoretical clock, but I don't know how long they'll last. Hell, I can't even tell what caused the deterioration to increase the way it did. I can make an EDUCATED guess and hypothesize that it's due to his strenuous activities. If that's the case, well...I know I can't get him to stop doing what he's doing." Reed looked at the case of syringes and nodded, "They'll have to do. They'll NEED to do, for the time being. I've given you sixteen syringes, hoping once a week will be enough. But, if I'm being honest, he'll likely need two a week and maybe more depending on how much strain he puts on his body." Reed placed a holographic hand over Ben's head, "I'm sorry..."
"Dr. Richards." Blade dismissed with a nod, and Elsa did the same.
"Fuck..." Elsa replied, somewhat choked up by the news. She didn't even really know the kid, but she knew of his exploits, the things he's done, the people he's helped. She knew what he must mean to the average person. A hero that takes the time to stop by, see how they are doing, help them with some random activity and continue on their way. She also knew of what he did at the Hostel, for that woman. He stood up to Fairy Tale, then, he was even ready to stand up to all of SHIELD to protect his friends and the lady who owned the building. "How...How are we gonna explain this? I can't imagine he'll be too happy when he wakes up."
"We explain it the best way we can." Blade replied, keeping his cool demeanor, "We tell him the truth. It's what he deserves." Blade walked over to the suitcase and pulled out one of the syringes, "Doc said the condition is getting bad, would be best to give him a dose now. Hopefully he'll be able to breath on his own once awake." he flicked the syringe a few times before injecting it in the side of Ben's neck, slowly pressing down on the top to push all the fluid into Ben's bloodstream. The effects looked rapid, they could see the fluid start to retract slowly from his eye and his heart. "We keep that intact," he said pointing at Ben's chest, "And the kid should be fine until the Doc can find a true cure."
"But...a few weeks?" Elsa bit her lip and shook her head, "Can Richards really find a cure in that time?"
Blade was quiet for a moment, just staring at Ben's unconscious form, "He'll have to."
Ben's Mindscape...
Normally, Ben's dreams would be a good place to be to reflect on past events, to talk things out with Dreamqueen, or just to relax. Now, it seems as if he's locked within a prison. He's been in here for what feels like months, he can't really tell how long it's been. Regardless of time passing, he sits in his mind, in the same exact position, his knees cradled to his chest and digging his face into his knees. "Sweety," Dreamqueen called out. She has been trying to get Ben to say something, ANYTHING since he passed out, but no dice. "Ben. Please." she pleaded with him over and over. In the end, all she could do was hold him and coddle him the best she could. "It isn't your fault, Ben. You did everything you could." she hugged him tightly, but no matter what she did, his mindscape stayed the same. "Moka wanted to save you Ben. You and I know that, even with my help, beating Akua was a near impossible task. But you did everything you were supposed to, you held her off for as long as possible to give the others a chance."
"...I shouldn't have missed." Ben muttered out.
Dreamqueen was surprised, it had been almost two days now and Ben hadn't said a thing. Now he says something like this? "What do you mean? Shouldn't have missed, what, Ben?"
"When I threw Akua onto the exposed baluster...I hesitated and missed on purpose. I didn't...I didn't want to kill her...I couldn't bring myself to go that far. But then...after all that...I couldn't hold back anymore. I WANTED to kill her. I TRIED to kill her. I killed some of those men so they couldn't harm the Won's." Ben looked up, the first time Dreamqueen could actually see his face since he passed out the other day. "But I promise: I. Will. NOT. Hesitate. Again." he growled.
Dreamqueen gulped, she knew this wasn't like him, but what was she supposed to say? Being the one to relax these intense emotions wasn't her forte. Instead, she knew the only ones who could help him were his friends. "Do you want to save Moka?" she asked.
"God damn right."
Dreamqueen smirked and moved in closer to his face before stopping her lips next to his ear and whispered: "Then wake up."
Instantly Ben's eyes shot open and he was greeted by the intense light of the room he was in. He looked around and saw it wasn't a hospital, definitely more of a "home" vibe coming from the room. The mansion. I must still be here. he thought.
You never left. Dreamqueen stated, After the fight, Touhou Fuhai believed you were safest here.
Ben looked around before finally noticing the tube in his mouth. He grabbed tightly to the device and started to slowly pull it out before pulling as quickly as he could once he got about halfway out. He had to adjust to breathing on his own again and prevent himself from nearly puking up whatever bile would come out, but he was able to adjust after a short moment. "Agh!" he grunted in pain as he tried to stand up. His sides still hurt and his legs felt like they were being weighed down with cinder. Ben finally stood, but the moment he took a step forward he fell, "SHIT."
Using the bed as support, Ben was on his feet again. This was when he noticed something was missing...a lot of something. My, my. Happy to see me in your dreams, are you? Dreamqueen teased.
"Not in the mood." Ben grunted, snagging a pair of underwear and shorts from a desk. "Web Shooters are gone too." he mumbled, "How long have I been out?"
Not even two days.
"Two days?" he spat, "Guess I'll have to catch up to everyone."
Dreamqueen stayed silent, she didn't know how to break it to him that she had overheard THAT news. Not only that news, but also the plans of how everyone was going to move forward. Realistically, this was good, it meant the others could strengthen themselves and Ben could fully recover...whatever fully recover would be in his case. But she knew Ben wasn't going to take it well. She's not dumb. She's paid attention this whole time, with Moka starting to gain his abilities by drinking so much of his blood...she's essentially become an extension of him. Right now, she could tell, Ben felt like a piece of his soul was ripped from him. Metaphorically, but perhaps becoming more and more literal. Ironically, she could imagine Tsukune felt similar.
Ben practically broke open the doors to his room, looking around, searching for any source of life. "Hey!" he called out, holding his throat and letting out a nasty cough, "Shit..." he cocked an eyebrow in confusion, "Shit. Shit! SHIT!" he repeated. My voice...it's different, I sound like Kaine. After a little bit more walking, Ben came across a mirror on the wall that answered at least half his questions.
The black fluid...Ben could see it spread across his body; it surrounded his heart as if it was some plague trying to reach its final victim. It started to go onto his face, it looked like it was going towards his left eye, right now it was slightly on his cheek and went down the veins on his neck before reaching the herd which was hanging around his lungs. "This explains the black stuff, I guess. And the breathing problems. I knew it looked black on the inside...but I never expected it to be visible at my skin's surface." he grunted, "Damn..." he shook his head, "Nevermind that now. I need to find someone, find my stuff, and join the others."
"Hey, look who's awake." Ben heard a female Bostonian accent not too far from him. Turning he was greeted with Elsa Bloodstone who was standing in the doorway to one of the lounge rooms, "Morning kid, or afternoon, I guess." she chuckled. Ben stared at her for a few moments, genuinely confused as to why she was here. "Confused?" she asked with a chuckle, "You can thank your friends for my arrival. Um, actual friends, not, like, Fairy Tale. The adorable redhead and the kinky witch girl, you know." she walked up to Ben and cupped his hand between hers, "C'mon. We got some things to talk about."
She led Ben into the lounge room to see Blade sitting on the couch taking sips from a bottle of Chinese beer. "So...you're here, huh?" Ben asked. The sound of his voice surprising both Elsa and Blade, "Hate to break it to 'ya, but you're late. Akua's gone. Good to know you're doing your job." Ben said snarkily with a sarcastic smirk.
"Watch it, kid." Blade warned, "I'm going to let that slide because you're recovering. You're angry and not in your right mind."
"Oh, BELIEVE me. I'm in PERFECT headspace right now. Now give me my stuff so I can catch up with my friends in rescuing Moka." Ben held out his hand with an almost irritated look on his face.
"Hold on now, don't be hasty. You aren't going to miss them; they haven't left yet."
"...What?" Ben practically spit venom when he responded.
Blade motioned for Ben to sit down at the chair opposite himself and Ben complied, albeit, with some convincing from Elsa who stood by him until he did sit down. "Now, I'm going to tell you some things, and you're going to listen." Blade explained as he poured Ben a cup of tea, "And after I explain things, then you can say your piece. Understand?" Ben nodded, "Okay, good. Firstly, bad news first. Your disease has gotten worse."
"No shit? I didn't notice." Ben spat.
"What did I say about you listening?" Blade shook his head, "You figured out it's gotten worse, good for you. But your time hasn't exactly improved wither...Kid, you have about a month left."
"Plenty of time to go save Moka. Can I have my stuff now? I appreciate everyone waiting for me to wake up, really, I do, but we gotta get a move on."
Blade and Elsa looked at each other before looking at Ben again. "This is...where things get complicated." Elsa started with a gulp, "Ben, your friends aren't advancing on Fairy Tale for a month." the near silent air was broken as Ben shattered the teacup in his hand as he went to take a drink.
"Hehehehehehe. That's a good one, Red Sox, really. Mean spirited, but good." Ben chuckled.
"Ben, she's telling the truth." Blade said as he took off his shades so that his red vampiric eyes could look straight into Ben's, "As of right now, your friends aren't ahem 'Beneficiary' has given them the time frame of roughly one month before they can make their move. This is to give everyone a chance to train as well as let those who are hurt, like yourself, time to recover."
Ben couldn't do anything but chuckle at the notion, "'Time to recover' he says. Do you hear this guy? Hahahahah. WHAT FUCKING TIME TO RECOVER, BLADE?!" Ben shouted as he slammed his hands into the table, breaking it on contact. Despite the outburst, Blade kept his cool. He didn't stand up to go against Ben, he stayed seated and stared at him. The last thing he needed was to turn this into a bigger mess than it is. "I'm fucking DYING. I have maybe MAYBE a month to live. And you're telling me they decided they needed a month to prepare? What was all that training we were doing before? What, are you saying I was the only one who was taking it seriously? No, of course I was. 'Cause the girls didn't train, they probably sat there fawning over Tsukune and his newfound power. Go fucking figure, I guess. All these powerful allies and, ONCE AGAIN, I'm the only competent one."
Ben. Dreamqueen warned.
"Hey, that isn't fair," Elsa countered, "Don't be an ass and talk shit behind your friend's back. At least be a man and say it to their-"
"Oh my God. SHUT THE FUCK UP, BOSTON!" Ben growled, "I don't want to hear your ugly voice. Go back to Massachusetts, fight some witches or something, you damn fraud."
"What was that?!" Elsa growled, the Bloodstone on her neck starting to glow, along with her eyes.
"Elsa, relax. Don't let him get under your skin." Blade warned.
"Yeah, you heard me, Elsa. Some fucking 'monster hunter' you are. Show up to a Fairy Tale base hours later and pop a cap in everyone who's knocked out." Ben taunted, "Let everyone else do the work for you. I bet you didn't do anything while at the hostel, did you? You probably sat back and knocked back beers while the SHIELD guys did whatever work they were doing. And now look, letting Blade do everything for you. What? To used to following daddy around and letting him do the work. Have you ever even really, and I mean, REALLY, fought a monster before? Because, if I'm being honest, I'm starting to think I've done your job better than you have." Ben threw his hands in the air, "Oh, GO FIGURE! Me? Doing someone else's job better than them? No, it couldn't be. That would be insane, right? Well call me crazy, baby!"
"Watch it, brat, I'll show you what the power of the Bloodstone can really do." Elsa threatened.
Blade pushed her back once again and held a hand in front of Ben, "Elsa, will you calm the hell down. And you, stop instigating her."
"Oh, I'm soooooo scared. Don't act all tough with that magic rock around your neck. Come on, take it off and fight me with your real strength, bitch."
BEN!
Ben stopped listening; all he could do was laugh. "Let me tell you what's gonna happen. She's gonna attack me because I hurt her fragile wittle ego" Ben made a faux pouting face and covered his chest to make a mocking apology, "Then you're gonna get involved because you know she's gonna get folded like an omelet. Then, from there, I show you the strength that let me stand toe-to-toe with Akua Shuzen. I'm gonna get my Web Shooters and what remains of my armor, and I'm gonna swing my happy ass to Moka's location. With or without everyone's help because I AM NOT waiting a month just to fucking die before I can save her!"
Ben, please...you don't know what you're saying anymore. Dreamqueen pleaded, trying to get him to calm down.
"Shut the hell up, Dreamqueen! I will do this on my own if I have to!" Ben shouted, "What the fuck else is new?"
Blade and Elsa stopped and glanced at each other, "Who the hell is 'Dreamqueen'?" Elsa asked.
Ben was silent for a moment before giving a smirk, "Oh, you wouldn't know huh? I mean, not because you're a woman or anything. Dreamy always seemed the type to play both sides. I mean, of course, even Succubi have standards."
The frustrated frown on Elsa disappeared and instead a mischievous smirk took its place, "This succubus' standards must not be that high. Since she has chosen to leach off a clone faker like yourself."
Ben's smirk slowly disappeared as he took on an angered frown, "What?" he asked with an eye twitch.
"Oh! Sorry, I thought you knew what you are. Well, in case you didn't: You are nothing but a fake. A clone. Hear me? C-L-O-N-E. Clone."
That was the breaking point. Ben didn't bother saying anything else, he immediately sent a punch for her mouth. The Bloodstone began to glow right before Ben's punch connected, causing Elsa's head to whip backward from the force, but other than that she was mostly fine aside from a bloody mouth. "You punch, like a bitch." she laughed as she spit out a glob of blood onto the carpet, "Come on, you wanna fight, right? Let's fight."
"Elsa! This is not calming down. We are trying to de-escalate the situation!"
"De-escalate my ass!" Elsa and Ben said in unison before both got into a fighting stance. The two strafed around each other before each sent a punch. Ben went for a gut punch while Elsa went straight for a haymaker to Ben's head. Ben's punch connected, but Elsa's was defended by Ben putting his left arm up and defending his head, however, this was exactly what Elsa hoped for as she sent a left straight into Ben's nose, making the spider back up from the shock of the force she had behind it.
Ben rubbed his nose and saw the blood dripping out of it. "If I punch like a bitch, what does that make you?"
Elsa smirked, pushed her bangs back a bit, reaching down her shirt between her cleavage and pulling out a pack of gum, putting a piece in her mouth and tossing the rest of the pack away before getting back in a fighting stance, "I'm the fuhckin' tits!"
Ben simply scoffed, "More like a fucking cun-"
BEN! Listen to yourself. Dreamqueen pleaded.
Ben rolled his eyes and dashed forward. This time he tried to catch her off guard by throwing a whole couch at her. But it was Ben who was caught off guard as Elsa, not only caught the couch, but countered by slamming it on top of Ben the moment he was in close. "C'mon, kid. Ya' can't be serious with this crap. I saw that comin' a mile away!"
"Yeah? But I bet you didn't see this." Ben spat as he used his adhesive powers to stick his foot to Elsa's leg and send her flying through the wall and into the hallway by kicking out of being pinned by the couch. Ben ran and jumped to the wall opposite Elsa but was met with a roundhouse kick that knocked him to the ground.
"You know, you make fun of my accent and call it ugly. But you're from QUEENS!" Elsa taunts, "Talk about ugly accents. Queens isn't even a Top 5 Borough in New York. Hey, do me a favor, say 'coffee' for me." Elsa went to follow up with a kick to Ben's face as he was getting back up to his feet, but he blocked it and knocked her foot back down to the ground.
Ben dodged another punch that Elsa sent by ducking under it, followed by holding up his left hand to block a hook. He then sent a counter punch to Elsa's kidney with his right, then a gut-high uppercut with his left. Ben saw Elsa sending an uppercut of her own, so he performed a haymaker with his right fist and moved his body at the last moment so that Elsa's fist only barely scratched across his cheek. His haymaker landed and Elsa was sent flying down the hall spinning like a corkscrew. "Yeah, I'll say it. But you gotta say 'Duncan Donuts' without all the homophobic slurs in between you Bostonian, prick." he spat, "Cawfee, bitch."
Ben dashed forward and acted as if he was going to tackle Elsa, but he slid between her legs at the last second before jumping back up and performing a spin kick to the side of her head. While she was disoriented, Ben grabbed the back of Elsa's head and slammed her into the wall, then again, then again, then a fourth time before turning her around hitting her with a left hook. Ben continued his barrage of lefts and rights, not giving Elsa a chance to hit back. When she tried to counter, she wasn't fast enough as Ben would just strike before she could react. Finally, Ben picked Elsa up from the center of her chest by using his adhesive abilities and threw her through the wall and back into the lounge room. "How the hell did you hide gum in your cleavage? You're wearing a compression shirt and you have 32B cup at best."
Elsa got up, dumbfounded by the accusation, "How the hell do you know that?"
"Good porn artists know to look at a lot of references." Ben smirked as he moved forward to strike, only to have hot tea splashed in his face, "AAH!"
"Maybe you should reference some martial artists, brat." Elsa taunted before slamming the tea pot over Ben's head, causing it to shatter. She then threw Ben out the hole and back into the hallway before continuing her assault. She sent a knee to his face as he was getting up, causing his head to snap back and slam against the wall, while he was recovering, she went for a punch, but Ben caught her wrist. That didn't stop Elsa though as she used her strength lift their arms up and she sent a powerful chop to Ben's extended elbow to make it bend back slightly, the shock caused Ben to yell out in pain and let go, finally, Elsa grabbed Ben by the jaw with one hand and lifted him up in the air before spinning him around and throwing him down the hallway and having his body stop thanks to the railing of the staircase. Ben growled and gripped one of the balusters ripping it from the balustrade and swung it at Elsa, trying to strike her face, but she countered by breaking the baluster with her hand before shoulder ramming Ben and knocking him over the railing, but as he fell, Ben grabbed hold of Elsa's ponytail and pulled her with him, causing both to fall to the next floor and slam against the marble ground with a hard thud.
"So..." Elsa huffed, "You want to fight Fairy Tale, ALL OF FAIRY TALE, mind you, and save your little girlfriend. Is that right?" Elsa grabbed one of her fingers which had snapped out of place due to an awkward landing and snapped it back into place. "What a joke. Look at you, you can't even beat me in your current condition. And you have the gall to go and blame your friends, WHO ARE WORKING THEIR ASSES OFF, mind you. You're pathetic. You're not doing this for her, you're doing this for yourself."
"Shut...up." Ben spat. He tried to get up, but he felt Elsa grab his leg and begin to drag him. No matter how much he tried to stop by sticking to the ground, Elsa would just pull harder and rip him off along with some of the surface. She was MUCH stronger than he thought.
"You want to go on a suicide mission while you aren't completely healed because you're a coward!" Elsa continued, "You think if you go now and end up dying the girl will see you in the light as a hero through and through, not knowing you were dying anyways. You think this will have you go out with some sort of honor, but in reality, it'll just ruin EVERYTHING your friends are fighting for." Ben looked around and Elsa had dragged him into an octagonal looking room and brought him near the center before lifting him up by his throat and holding him above some sort of mirror on the ground, "But sure, if you want to go, if you want talk all that shit. Go ahead. But be a man and tell your friends first. Tell them how incompetent you think they are and how they are, OH so stupid for not wanting to go on a suicide mission without a plan. G'head. Prick." with that, Elsa tossed Ben through the mirror, and he disappeared.
"Little harsh, don't you think?" Blade asked walking in behind Elsa, "Kid's been through a lot, I'm sure he's just venting his emotions."
"Then talk to a therapist." Elsa countered, "Don't coddle him, Blade. Kid needs a little tough love. He deserves to hear the truth as much as anyone else." Elsa grabbed her side and crouched over in pain.
"Hey, you okay?" Blade asked as he went to assist his ally.
"Yeah...just some broken ribs." Elsa chuckled, "Damn...that kid can throw a punch, huh? If I didn't break that baluster...shit...he would've caved my skull in with that strike."
Ben lay on the ground, his body in pain replaying the fight over and over again. What led to it, how it went, how it ended. He thought about Elsa's words as he slowly got his feet and started limping down a random street on what looked to be middle of the city in Hong Kong. Eventually, he collapsed. He landed in front of a puddle where he could see his reflection, truly look at himself face-to-face. And he cried. He let out all his emotion since the end of the other night and cried. Sobbed, bawled, every synonym of the word. He knew that in a way Elsa's words rang true, but it wasn't necessarily for the reasons she thought. Ben was scared. Scared of losing Moka, scared of going out before he could do anything, scared his friends would get hurt or worse if they did attack Fairy Tale. He was scared to lose everything he had gained...is that really so abnormal?
Ben... Dreamqueen called out once again, Your friends...they aren't defenseless you know. You can't decide choices for them. After everything you have all been through you don't think that maybe you've rubbed off on them a little bit? Ben looked at the puddle again to see Dreamqueen's reflection as she stood behind him. "Your friends would follow you to the end of the Earth if they could. But even they know they aren't prepared to fight Fairy Tale as they are now. That's why they are training to be stronger, so that they don't need to rely on just you or Moka to bail them out of trouble all the time." she smiled, "Your friends are strong, Ben. They make YOU strong. So, believe in them, and hold out for as long as you can."
Ben looked up from the reflection in the puddle, the tears gone and instead only red eyes remained. He heard what sounded like some sort of explosion and decided to get up and go to it. He didn't know how to explain it, but he could FEEL who it came from. "Kokoa..." he said quietly as a smile crept on his face.
As Ben walked off, Dreamqueen stayed put, a smile of approval on her face. "I have some words for the things you said to that boy." she warned as she sensed two auras approaching her. Turning around she faced Blade and Elsa who just came from the portal, "But...I think I can let that slide given you were able to knock some sense into him."
"A succubus?" Elsa asked.
"Not just a succubus. She may as well be THE succubus. Daughter of Nightmare, demon lord of the dark side of the dream realm, one of the many subsections of Hell." Blade explained. Elsa looked to Dreamqueen who gave her a bow before snapping her fingers and putting herself in civilian clothing which consisted of a yellow blouse and high waisted bell bottom jeans which were dyed an indigo color.
"Mr. Blade, Ms. Bloodstone." Dreamqueen called out as she held out her arms insisting the two loop their arms around hers." The two obliged, despite the confusion, and began walking their way towards the monsters who were hard at work trying to get stronger.
With Tsukune...
Tsukune sat on the ground, cross legged, his shirt removed, and markings placed all over his body thans to Touhou Fuhai preparing for the ritual. Touhou hummed as he finished preparations for the ritual by throwing large metal stakes in the ground all around Tsukune in a five-meter radius. The boy has some interesting scars, some look like they come from injuries that could be near fatal...The boy just keeps becoming more and more intriguing. "Tsukune Aono, I've set a barrier around you," Touhou explained, "From now until the end of the operation, you will not be able to step outside and no one from the outside will be able to come in and help you either." Touhou took a deep breath and his body transformed from his older, weakened state into his younger state. "Let me ask you one last time...do you wish to quit?"
Tsukune took a deep breath, he thought about all his experiences the last two years. Meeting Moka, being saved by Moka countless times, meeting Kurumu, Ben, Yukari, Ruby, Mizore...the battles they've fought together, and all the times where he couldn't help them. Even though he found out he stopped Kuyo, it was Ben and Moka that had done the most damage to him; it was Ben and the others that fought the Sandman, it was Ben that stopped Ruby, Ben who came back from a fatal wound just to do the impossible and help the Ghost Rider defeat Oyakata; it was Ben who saved him after he became a Ghoul and fought Moka from making a mistake, despite nearly dying the day before; when Tsukune and Moka had to fix the seal for Yokai, it was Ben who held off Hokuto, despite just learning his brother had passed away, despite being severely outclassed, he found a way; Ben stood toe-to-toe with Kokoa, he held his own against Kahlua until Moka joined the fight, and he was able to hurt Akua and buy them as much time as he could. Ben had put his life on the line to protect them time and time again.
Tsukune then thought about the Moka he saw within the seal, and memories of his own childhood came flooding back to him. "When...When I was little, I wanted to be a hero." he started, "I know it sounds childish and really common, but I wanted to be a REAL hero. I don't know if my parents remember it, but when I was in Elementary, I saw the news...the day the Earth was invaded." Touhou hummed, he had remembered that day as well, it was possibly the first time he realized that humans were truly evolving. "All seemed lost, who could stand up to these creatures and their seemingly endless army? Once they were done with one place, they'd likely move on to the next. But then, amidst the fear and destruction, a small group opposed them. A metal man who could fly, a man who could grow his body to the size of skyscrapers, a woman who could shrink to the size of a fly, a spy, an archer, a man who looked like he came from the heavens, and a green monster." he chuckled, "And leading them all, was a man out of time. I mean, even I know who Captain America is, even back then – it was world news!
"This small group came together, used their abilities, and fought back the alien invaders before they got any farther than the states. There was something just so inspiring about a human leading these people with crazy powers." Tsukune smiled, "I don't think I'll ever forget that day. I know exactly where I was and what I was doing before the news report. And now, a little more than a decade later, I had that same feeling when I first met Ben. I have learned a lot these last few years. Good heroes need to make difficult choices...great heroes will make the choice that benefits everyone...even if it makes his life worse." Tsukune clenched his fist and looked at the locket on his wrist, "But he doesn't need to make that choice. I was given this great power, so now I have a responsibility to help my friends the same way they have all helped me! I know Ben, I know the way he thinks. He's going to wake up and he's going to try and go after Moka as soon as he's able, because he doesn't want US getting hurt. Because he would rather he get hurt than chance any of us being put in harms way. BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY!" he clenched his teeth and seethed, "If I can ease that pain in any way...if I can make it so Ben doesn't have to always worry about us getting hurt...that's the kind of hero I want to be! The one who can be depended on by his friends. The kind who can help fight Akua, who can help free Moka. I want to be the type of hero where my friends can see me...and have hope." he smiled, slight tears welling up in his eyes. "So please, don't ask me if I want to quit. I will become strong...for everyone."
Touhou adjusted his glasses and smirked, "Very well, then. If you're that determined, then I won't stop. Show me how far that determination of yours stretches. Show me you are willing to accept this 'responsibility'." Touhou twirled an acupuncture needle in his hand a few times before he jumped from his position over Tsukune's head and launched it into a pressure point on his shoulder. Tsukune looked at the needle with a confused expression.
Oh, that wasn't so— Tsukune couldn't even finish his thought as his eyes widened when he felt an intense pain shoot through his arm. It was like every cell and fiber in his shoulder was forcibly ripped apart before being stitched together again. It was a strange thing to feel, it was even stranger to see. The needle cratered his shoulder before rapidly healing it to what it was before. Tsukune slouched over, holding his shoulder in pain, but he didn't make a sound.
"Really?" Touhou asked with an amused tone, "You're quite something for not making a peep at the force that went through you arm right now." he chuckled, "You're probably wondering 'What is that?' Right? Well, it's simple. You see, the tip of my needles are threaded with my energy. The moment this thread enters your body via the needle it digs into your body like a bug. That's when it breaks apart then reconstructs and sews together your cells, forming 'channels,' that amplify the energy which is the source of the yokai aura hidden in your body. This is the 'Human Modification Technique'. One needle puts thousands of threads throughout your body. That 'tearing' feeling you are having? It's going to get worse the more needles I inject. And I must inject 109 of them." Touhou threw another needle into Tsukune's body. Again, the teen felt the pain, but he refused to let out a scream, "The number of the threads going into your body will easily surpass a million. Will you be able to survive until the final needle, Tsukune?"
"TSUKUNE!" Kurumu shouted out. She looked around, confused. One moment she had been running away from Tsukune, crying...the next she was up in the air overlooking the street?
"Hey, you're awake." Kurumu gasped in surprised as she realized she was being held by Gin who had her in a bridal carry, "What's with all the screaming? Calm down, Kurumu." he smirked, an expression that was immediately wiped off his face as Kurumu punched him in the face out of instinct.
"Gin?!" she yelled out in embarrassment, "What the hell are you doing? Why are you holding me?"
Gin growled in annoyance, "Calm down you idiot! I followed you after you left Tsukune and you suddenly fainted in an alleyway." Kurumu took a few deep breaths and finally moved her hands away from Gin's face, "I told you before, didn't I? Tears don't suit you." he smirked as he wiped the tears away from Kurumu's eyes, "It's a waste of such a good woman."
"Oh...Gin." Kurumu had a slight smile before it turned into a blushing frown, "DON'T GET HORNY RUBBING MY EYE YOU BEAST!" Kurumu shouted while punching Gin in the face again, finally breaking free and standing on the sign alongside him, "Now's no time for getting all touchy feely, can't you be serious for once? Tsukune, he's—" Kurumu stopped and gripped her head. She felt something...something wrong. Like a piece of her was being torn from her body.
"Hey, Kurumu?" Gin asked with a worried tone, "The hell's wrong with you?"
Mizore, Ruby, and Ghost Rider (for some reason) stood watching the other four "train." Kokoa wasn't making much progress against Haiji, for one, she didn't know how to use the Web Shooters AT ALL, on top of that she definitely didn't know how to use the Web Shooters in a way that could compliment her weapon skills. Haiji wasn't much better, the guy wasn't even going into his monster form, and when he did fight back he would get...distracted. Then there was Yukari and Fanfan...those two had a lot of work. Yukari resorted to her standard 'Washtub on head' spell while FanFan tried (and failed) to summon a monster of his choice. "Something wrong, Mizore?" Ruby asked.
"Do you need to ask?" Mizore replied with almost a scoff, "We have...a LOT of work to do."
"Together as they are...I do not see much progress. However, I can sense their latent potential, and can even see where they excel." Ghost Rider stated, making the two girls jump slightly, "The witch girl has been quick with her spells, I've seen her summon inanimate object after inanimate object with little to no charge time. If she is able to do that at her age, that makes her a bit of a prodigy in terms of magic. The Won boy...though he can't control the monsters he summons yet, you've mentioned his ability to summon high class creatures such as a phoenix. If he can get the power figured out, even if just a few monsters, that could give him enough of an edge to be a formidable ally for us and dangerous foe for Fairy Tale. The Karate boy...Hmmmm." Ghost Rider hummed and stared intently at the third-year student, "I think there's more to him than meets the eye. I'm surprised he's actually innocent." Mizore and Ruby looked at each other, both sporting similar expressions of disbelief. "As for Shuzen...technically, her points are all there. There's something about this training session that is causing her to lose her focus."
"A month to hone our skills and get healed up, kinda generous timing." Mizore mentioned, "At least that means as of right now I only have to worry about Kurumu."
Ruby blinked a few times before looking around, "Oh, gosh!" she said with an embarrassed expression, "She has been gone for so long I completely forgot she was here to begin with! I know she went to go check in on Tsukune...should I go find her?"
"And leave the Ghost Rider to keep these guys in check if they get out of line?" Mizore countered, "Does that REALLY sound like the best idea?"
Ruby bit her lip and sighed, "I suppose not." Ruby licked her lips a few times, worried if what she was going to bring up was appropriate. After mulling it over for nearly a minute, Ruby went for it: "You felt it too, right? Rught now, only Moka is in Tsukune's heart. I was thinking that maybe...maybe that's the reason why Kurumu has been...let's say falling apart. So...perhaps that you too may be—"
"Sounds like projection." The two girls jumped in surprise at the new, rough, sounding voice.
"BEN!" Yukari shouted out, getting off the ground and sprinting to the human and giving him a tight hug, tears already welling up in her eyes, "Ben, I'm sorry...I wanted to do more, I WISHED I could have done more...but I froze up. I was scared. I—"
"Shhh." Ben shushed as he hugged the young witch back, "You don't need to apologize for anything. I wouldn't expect you to take her on. I'm glad you're safe." Ben looked up and had a large smile spread across his face, "Fanfan!" he laughed, "I'm glad you're alright."
Fanfan gave an almost cocky smile, "But of course! It'll take much more than a measly slice across my back to keep the heir to the Won Family down."
"Hey!" Kokoa walked up to Ben and almost angry expression across her face, "You're supposed to be on Bed rest, you know." she criticized.
"I couldn't let you have all the fun, could I?" Kokoa heard Ben's voice. At first she thought she was mishearing things, but this time she knew. That wasn't normal. His condition was getting worse. She already knew that, of course, because she was able to see how badly the disease has gotten on the surface, but this was the first time it really hit her that he was getting much worse.
Kokoa gulped and stared at Ben's chest. The black fluid surrounding his heart, it going up his neck and creeping up his face, some of it was even starting to enter his veins in his right bicep. She looked around her, surely everyone noticed, right? They had to! Or maybe they were willfully ignoring it. It was then that Kokoa looked closer at Mizore's eyes. She tried to keep her normal, cool demeanor, but the water in her eyes was a dead giveaway. Even Yukari, Kokoa could see as if she was holding her breath in shock. Oh...I get it now. They haven't just noticed. They likely already put two-and-two together. They are probably trying to come to terms with the reality that's in front of them. "Yeah, well..." Kokoa swallowed a lump in her throat and tried desperately not to let out staggered breaths, and held out a hand for Ben to shake, "Glad you finally showed up."
Ben smiled and patted Yukari on the head, and she seemed to know to give Ben room. When she moved from Ben's chest, Mizore could see her eyes were completely red and her face was wet. She held her hands against her mouth and let in a deep breath, but it wasn't enough to keep her nerves as she fell to her knees and began to sob.
Ben, meanwhile, chose not to take Kokoa's hand to shake, and instead brought her in for a hug. Kokoa's eyes widened in surprise. "I'm sorry." Ben whispered, "I did everything I could...but I wasn't strong enough. I'm sorry."
After her surprise wore off, Kokoa couldn't help but give a sincere smile and return the hug. "I know you did."
After the two broke apart their hug, Ben immediately went to try to lift everyone's spirits, "So...Uh, Ruby, what were you saying? Something about you falling apart because Tsukunue seems to have chosen Moka?"
"Ehh?" Ruby wiped away whatever tears she had and tried to retrace what she was talking about, "N-N-No, not me. I was talking about Kurumu and—"
She stopped when Mizore patted her shoulder. Mizore was petting Yukari's head and calming her down, a slight smile on her face, "It's okay, Ruby. I think I get it. After all, I'm kinda the same way. Or rather, I decided back then, in the village of Yuki-Onna...No matter what happens, whoever he chooses, I'll be there. Follow them wherever they may go." Ben gave her a smile, She's really grown. he thought. "No matter what happens, I can't escape these feelings. But that doesn't mean that I can't wish for the one I love to live happy." her smile slowly disappeared and small frown crept on her face, "But...I don't know how Kurumu will handle things."
"Why? She taking it hard?" Ben asked.
"That's an understatement." the group turned to see the familiar faces of Blade and Elsa, but also a new, fairly tall, woman who came with them. Her striking features were her long, lime-green hair; her yellow gem-like eyes; and her pointed ears and sharp looking teeth. "Kurumu is a succubus, you know." the lady explained, "As a fellow succubus I can understand her pain and frustrations. It took many years for me to grow past them, and I'm sure, in due time, she will as well. But for now...well, succubi live for and on love. Not having the one she loves to reciprocate the same feelings may as well be like having her heart ripped out."
The group was silent for a moment, taking in the information before being brought back to reality courtesy of Kokoa, "Um...HELLO? Who the fuck is this chick?"
Ben blinked a few times and rubbed the back of his neck, "Oh...um...Gang, this is Dreamqueen. She's a succubus who's been staying in my head for the last year. She's uh...well, I kinda owe her for saving me from her dad. You know the uh...the 'fall' situation from last year."
Again, silence. Almost uncomfortable silence. Ben would have preferred if he heard Yukari crying still. "Wow, Ben." Mizore said with a shake of her head, "Can't believe you have been two-timing Moka this whole time." Mizore looked around, an amused smile on her face, "No? Not funny?" she took her lolipop out of her mouth and smacked her lips, "Damn. Cold crowd." she got a snort out of Ben this time, however, that snort quickly turned to him coughing for dear life before he spit out some black fluid.
"Damn..." Ben spit again, "Laughing hurts too much. This is LITERALLY the beginning of my villain origin story."
"AAAAAAAGH!" Kurumu screamed out while clutching her chest with one hand, tears flowing down her face. She and Gin were still on the food sign. The older monster was trying to console her, but to no avail. "It's...Long ago, my mother told me that being in love is the source of all power for us succubi." she explained, "I didn't get it before...but I finally understand now. A heartbroken succubus is like being a mere shadow of yourself. I can't feel my power. My heartbeat is weird. It's dark and cold. I can't breathe, it feels like my chest is tightening up." she cried, "It hurts so much right now just thinking about Tsukune ending up with Moka...but if he actually does...I think I might die!"
Gin, not being able to do much else, tries to console her the only way he knows how: with genuine affection. He gently wrapped his arms around Kurumu and pulled her forward into an embrace so that her head was against his chest. He breathed calmly, hoping the sound of his heartbeat would be enough to get her to relax, "Obviously the solution is for you to forget about Tsukune."
Kurumu's eyes widened in shock at what Gin had just said to her, "F-Forget? How could I—" she gasped as she felt a strange feeling inside her. She didn't know how to explain it, but it was as if she knew Tsukune was hurt. She quickly pushed herself off Gin, shocking him at her action. "Something's wrong. Tsukune's body...something's happening to it." without explaining any more, Kurumu jumped off the sign to the ground below, doing a roll as she landed before running off in the direction she last saw Tsukune.
Gin could only stand in disbelief at what just happened, "Stupid! Where the hell are you going?! UGH, KURUMU!" he let out a long sigh and ran his hand through his hair, "Don't leave..."
With Tsukune...
Back in the park where Tsukune had started the ritual, he was currently hunched over on the ground as if he was groveling. Blood stained his body as he had 108 needles placed all over his body at different pressure points. "That's Needle 108." Touhou stated, "We're finally at the last one...is what I would like to say, however, the 109th needle is aimed at your heart and is the most dangerous one." Touhou paced around Tsukune's body, crouching down and looking at Tsukune's face. His eyes were open, but it definitely seemed like a 'lights on, nobody's home' situation. "As it looks you have already lost consciousness, it seems you can't handle it anymore. This is the end. I'm suspending the operation. Don't be too upset, you put up a good fight, Tsukune." Touhou turned around and started to walk away, rubbing his eyes in the process, Plus, I used up too much of my energy. I won't be able to use any worthwhile techniques for a bit.
Tsukune lay on the ground. Though he was unconscious he was still aware of his surroundings. He wanted to get up and keep moving, but he couldn't. His body had no response. Just then, he had an image of Moka in her sundress when they stayed at the Hostel pop into his head. Fight...Tsukune thought, Keep fighting. I have to keep fighting. I have to save her! Suddenly, one of the seals on his Holy Lock shattered, alerting Touhou Fuhai.
"Wha-?" Touhou gasped as he turned around and a powerful aura exploded from Tsukune. The force acting like a gust of wind and knocking down loose objects, cracking windows, nearly blowing Touhou away if he didn't use all his strength to keep his balance. "WHAT THE HELL?" Touhou asked in surprise, "You still had all this power left inside you?" It was then he looked and saw the lock around Tsukune's lock had cracked.
"Mo-Moka..." Tsukune said, though his voice sounded distorted and strange. He didn't even look like himself anymore, he looked like a pitch-black monster with sharp vampiric teeth, and it looked like he wasn't done transforming.
The Holy Lock...Touhou thought with a gulp, This thing has been trapped by the lock and broke out once driven into a corner?! Mikogami! You're supposed to mention things like this to me! You said he was a ghoul but this...what the hell is this thing? Touhou took a deep breath and got into a fighting stance, "I won't let you leave this barrier."
It's gotten worse! Kurumu thought as she sprinted toward where she last saw Tsukune. As she was running there she started to notice strange things like broken windows, broken branches, dirt flying up in the air. Just what the hell was that operation? When she finally reached the park, she was greeted by the barrier that Touhou had created had weakened. Inside there was a large humanesque creature that had Tsukune's features but was all black save for large chunks of muscle that glowed red on is shoulders, neck, chest, abdomen, and knuckles. Worst of all, the creature was holding a depowered Touhou Fuhai by his collar. "TSUKUNE!" Kurumu worriedly shouted out.
The monster looked at Kurumu who gulped and slowly began to approach the monster, but still stopped just outside the barrier. "Tsu-Tsukune?" her voice cracked slightly so she cleared her throat and took a few deep breaths, "Tsukune, just...put him down. Please." she asked softly.
The creature squinted its eyes and tosses Touhou along the ground, letting him roll in the dirt before coming to a stop. The monster then took a step toward Kurumu before gripping his head in pain and hunching over. "AAAAAAAAH!" he yelled out as two massive bat wings grew from his back.
Kurumu stood in shock, she couldn't believe the creature in front of her, something with so much power and aura that was practically suffocating her, was actually Tsukune. The monster suddenly dashed towards her with a growl. Kurumu let out a scream, more in surprise than of actual fear, but regardless, the creature stopped thanks to the barrier Touhou Fuhai had set up. The barrier sent an electrical current through the creature and caused him to collapse to the ground. "TSUKUNE!" Kurumu cried out. The creature simply growled and looked around before it shot a look behind himself to see Touhou Fuhai, once again on his feet, in his old form, holding some sort of seal.
"I thought I told you, Tsukune." Touhou said, almost out of breath, "There is a powerful barrier set up around us. It's an 'Offensive Barrier' that'll attack any living creature without discrimination. If you try to go through it, it'll cost you your life." Kurumu gasped at what Touhou had claimed.
"Touhou Fuhai!" Kurumu called out let out a breath of relief, "I'm glad you are okay."
Touhou smirked before turning his attention back to Tsukune and wagged his finger back and forth a couple of times. "To think that you would even attack a girl who is your ally. Seems like you've completely lost all reason and you're only moving based on battle instincts." Touhou rubbed the back of his head and let out a small laugh, "Which is surprising, judging you from earlier, I didn't think you actually had any battle instincts."
"Touhou." Kurumu gulped, trying to hold back her tears, "Why is this happening to Tsukune?"
Touhou let out a sigh, "Truly, I am sorry, deary. I, admittedly, miscalculated. Or perhaps wasn't cautious enough. The 'Human Modification Technique' mostl likely reacted with the vampire blood sleeping inside him and caused it to go out of control. At this stage, Tsukune cannot be called a human. He is a ghoul who has failed to become a vampire."
"A GHOUL?" Kurumu cried out, "Hold on, we've already been through this. I thought he was healed? If Tsukune is a ghoul that means he'll-KYAAAAAH!" Kurumu had made the mistake of taking to many steps forward and accidentally ran into the barrier.
"What did I JUST SAY!?" Touhou growled, "The barrier is ACTIVE. Nothing comes in, nothing goes out without getting harmed." Kurumu let out a growl and bit her lip in frustration.
"This isn't the first time." Kurumu said quietly, "Tsukune has turned into a ghoul many times before, but that lock was always there to protect him in the end. When that would happen, I couldn't help him...I wasn't strong enough. I had to watch him from the sidelines and pray the lock would stop him again. But sometimes...sometimes it doesn't always happen, and he needs the help." she thought back to when they faught the monsters in the abandoned dungeon shortly after meeting Kokoa. Her tears welled up and she clasped her hands together, "Please, save Tsukune! Turn him back to normal."
Touhou let out a slight chuckle and scratched his head, "You say you weren't strong enough. Well, rest assured, that was then, this is now. You saved us from Moka's mind when we were trapped inside. That's a very advanced skill. I'm indebted to you. So...I guess I should show you some of my good side and save him." Kurumu's sad expression turned to a hopeful one, "That being said...I've already used up all my energy. A yokai art without any energy is like a robotic cat without its pockets."
Kurumu blinked a few times in confusion. Did he just reference Doraemon? she thought, Yeesh, this guy and Ben may as well be two sides of the same coin. she chuckled, "The porn artist and the porn connoisseur, hehehe." she muttered to herself.
Touhou held up the final needle and stared down Tsukune. My only hope is to finish the postponed 'Human Modification Technique'. he thought with a groan, I'll have to pierce Tsukune's heart with this needle. I'd be able to complete the operation and Tsukune will fall into a temporary stage of asphyxiation. I'd be able to use that opportunity to seal his vampire blood. Tsukune, almost as if he could read Touhou's mind, began to sprint to the old man. The chances are low. He could die. But there isn't any other choice! As Tsukune was nearly in striking distance, Touhou disappeared into the air behind the now ghoulified Tsukune. "I hope you're ready, boy! 'HUMAN MODIFICATION TECHNIQUE' NEEDLE NUMBER 109!" Touhou cocked his arm back to throw the needle, but just before he began the motion to throw, Tsukune suddenly disappeared from his view. "Huh?" he saw the shadow beneath him and looked behind him to see Tsukune with his fist cocked back. "Oh...Fu-" before he could finish, Tsukune launched his fist forward and struck Touhou directly in his chest, sending him flying back down to the earth with such tremendous force it was almost as if he fired a beam attack. Touhou landed in a giant crater formed by his body landing on the ground, however, it only stayed as large as the barrier.
"TOUHOU FUHAI!" Kurumu cried out.
The others stopped whatever it was they were doing after both hearing the sound of the shockwave from Tsukune's attack as well as seeing what looked to be a large bolt of lightning shoot up into the sky. "AAAAAAH!" Ben cried out as he gripped his head and collapsed to his knees, "Oh shit..."
"That's the direction where Tsukune is!" Ruby warned.
"Ben, you alright?" Mizore asked.
"At this moment? Or in general? Because the answer is 'No' for both." he chuckled before, again, coughing out a little bit of blood. Mizore rolled her eyes and held her hand up as if she was going to tell him to stay back. "I'm not staying behind." he said with determination, "I'll be by your guys' sides until the end."
Mizore opened her mouth to say something before she smiled and gave Ben a nod. "Ruby. I think you have something of Ben's?" Ruby looked at Ben and then to Mizore before nodding. The witche walked over to Ghost Rider, keeping her vision away from his eyes, and grabbed a metal case.
"Um, Ben...we ORIGINALLY," Ruby glared at Mizore who just kept the same smile she gave Ben, "Weren't going to give this you until you had fully recovered. But...well, it is yours." she opened the metal case to show Ben his Web Shooters, now freshly polished, "We'd give you the Spider Armor but, well, that's still being fixed up by the Wons. But, I think the Iron Spider will be more than enough for now, right?"
"This is perfect." Ben smirked as he placed on the gauntlets, letting out a satisfied breath, "God I felt naked without these." he chuckled before flexing and allowing the nanotech metal to form around his body, making the Iron Spider Mk. II costume, with the mask off. "Let's go. Ghost Rider..." the flaming skeleton looked at the human, "Don't kill her, please. She's on our side." Ben mentioned as he pointed to Dreamqueen. "Blade, Dreamqueen, Elsa. Stay here. Tsukune's our friend. We'll handle anything that's going on."
"Think you can handle it?" Elsa asked, "You couldn't even beat me."
"Hey, I got my Web Shooters now." Ben began moving towards the direction Tsukune was in before putting on his mask and firing off a webline. "HENSHIN!"
"Did he just fucking say 'Henshin'? Who the hell does he think he is, Kamen Rider?" Kokoa scoffed.
Kurumu looked at the damage in absolute horror. "Touhou..." she gasped. Dammit! she cursed to herself, Once again I'm watching from the sidelines. All I can do is hope and pray that the lock will seal the ghoul side once more...but this time...this time I'm not so sure. She stood and watched as Tsukune approached the barrier and stared her down. Despite his monstrous look she still saw something...something deep inside him. It was as if he was calling out to her. Beneath that evil looking exterior she still saw the man she fell in love with. "Tsukune?"
"GET AWAY, KURUMU!" the succubus jumped in surprise, but at the same time was relieved to see Touhou Fuhai up on his feet again, this time a strong and imposing aura surrounding him. He moved his hands and made symbols before creating two large glyphs at his sides and growing a third eye on his forehead. "I'm sorry, child. I only realized after fighting him...this is not mere ghoul. This is something much more sinister." he flicked his index and middle finger upward, charging as much magical aura into his hand as he possibly could, creating a sandstorm from the force. "I see it now. Akasha's Shinso blood has passed into Tsukune via Moka's blood. Lying dormant for all these years. Abnormal changes are occurring within his body. Not just the from the vampiric blood but something...different. Like a dormant part of his body now finally developing. Regardless of that, the Tsukune in front of us reeks of the same smell as Alucard! The very same smell that will bring catastrophe to the world."
"Tsukune?" Kurumu asked in disbelief, "Bring catastrophe to the world? What sort of sick game are you playing?!"
"I'm afraid I'm playing no game, dear Kurumu." Touhou brought his hand down by his face and took a deep breath, "I have no other choice. I must use the Jigen-Tou. I'll compensate for my lack of energy with whatever life energy I have left. To let this thing live...would mean death to all here, and eventually, the world."
"NO!" Kurumu shouted as she dashed forward and hit the barrier again. She tried to push through, but she was knocked down due to the pain.
"I said GET BACk!" Touhou shouted in frustration, "This is a matter that concerns the entire world."
Kurumu scoffed, "World? What sort of stupid reasoning is that? Tsukune means more than the world to me!"
Touhou took a deep breath and began to raise his hand to the sky, "I'm sorry...but this is not Tsukune anymore."
Kurumu felt a pain in her body. A shocking sensation shooting throughout her body. She knew that she had to act quickly. "NOOOOO!" Once again, Kurumu got to her feet and placed her hands on the barrier, trying to push through. The action was enough to stop Touhou and for Tsukune to take his attention off the old man. "Won't...forgive you." she grunted in pain. Electricity shooting throughout her body, "I will never forgive you if you hurt Tsukune!"
"Dammit, girl, don't be stupid! If you try to get through the barrier your body will burst before you make a meaningful dent!" Touhou warned.
"Wrong..." Kurumu grunted, "You're wrong. Tsukune hasn't lost his senses yet. I confirmed it earlier." Touhou simply squinted his eyes in confusion, "He looked at me with kind eyes. The ones only Tsukune would have. As if he was telling me to run. He's still fighting in that body, I can feel it!" she began to push harder against the barrier, screaming in pain as her arms got more and more cut. "I'm gonna fight, dammit! I'm sick of feeling helpless, of feeling worthless! I'm a succubus...I live off love. So, I'll fight for love, even if it means I might die!" With one final push she broke through the seemingly impenetrable barrier. Eyes full of determination, she pushed full steam ahead through the pain, straight for Tsukune.
"Kurumu..." Touhou stared in awe as Kurumu embraced Tsukune with a kiss before collapsing.
Tsukune...It'll be okay now. You'll be fine. Kurumu thought as she fell to the ground, I've unleashed my emotion onto you, my true, genuine feelings. I love you, Tsukune. I'll stay by your side forever and protect you.
Tsukune, or rather, the shell of Tsukune controlled only by ghoulish instinct, stood in shock before a sharp projectile shot into his heart. His eyes widened in surprise and looked to see Touhou Fuhai standing in front of him with a smirk on his face. "Needle Number, 109." Touhou said with a nod. The black shell that was Tsukune's ghoulish form shattered after the impact. The modification was complete, and he collapsed right next to Kurumu.
Touhou looked at the two bodies, a sense of jealousy and admiration as he looked at the succubus. "So...you're back to human, eh, Tsukune? Not by my own strength, but most likely by the girl diving deep into your mind and pulling you out. She brought back your soul with that kiss." he smiled, "You're quite the strange one. Perhaps a prodigy. Minds, barriers. You seem to slip through anything with ease. Call it talent...or perhaps...it's the result of these wholehearted feelings." he shrugged, "Well, I suppose I leave him in your care, Ms. Kurono."
"Hey!" Touhou looked up to see Ben flip in the air before landing in a crouched position, "We saw the explosion. Is everything alright? Is Tsukune safe?"
Touhou let out a chuckle before walking past Ben, "Oh, yes, yes." he said as he waved his hand back and forth, "Everything went exactly as it was supposed to. The modification was a success. Annnnd...maybe your succubus friend helped a little...or a lot."
Ben looked at the two teens on the ground and smiled, "Good job. Both of you."
"Kurumu!" Tsukune woke up from his unconsciousness in a cold sweat. He remembered everything that had happened while under the control of the ghoul instincts. He looked around and saw he was in the room he was set up in by the Wons. Next to him was Ben. Tsukune couldn't help but feel at least half of his worries wash away. "Ben!" Tsukune practically jumped out of his bed to hug Ben in almost a tackle...only to be picked up and Bautista Bombed back onto the bed. "Ow...good to see you're okay."
"Wel...okay in the...loosest sense of the word." Ben replied with a forced chuckle. Tsukune blinked a few times and realized that something was wrong with his voice. The now modified human sat up and rubbed his shoulder a weird tingling feeling going through his body. He thought about what it could be for a brief moment but was immediately distracted by his body. He was ripped! "Hey, man, I know you look hot now and stuff, but can you stop jerking yourself off for two seconds? This is important."
"Right! Sorry." Tsukune said with an embarrassed gulp.
Ben took a deep breath and nodded, "Touhou explained everything to us. Your body has been mutated—"
"Modified!" Tsukune interrupted before being flicked in the head, "OW!"
"Shut up, wise guy. Also, it's mutated. Touhou said himself there was something weird with your DNA before he completely modified your cells." Ben explained, "He said that is probably how you were able to fight off the pain for so long. Basically, he sped up your mutation process."
Tsukune blinked a few times before the realization hit him, "Wait...wait, are you saying I'm a mutant?"
Ben nodded his head a few times, "Yeah, basically." he then quickly shook his head and waved his arms, "Um...that isn't the point here. Listen. You have been given incredible power..."
"And I need to be responsible." Tsukune interrupted with a determined nod before getting flicked in the head again, "OW!"
"No, Tsukune, listen." Ben sighed, "Tsukune...I'm dying." The smile on Tsukune's face disappeared and he leaned in closer to pay attention, "I have about a month left to live. I have these..." Ben reached to his belt and detached a small metal tube with a cap on it to conceal the needle, "They're some sort of psuedo-cure. Nanomachine based. It's supposed to clean out my bad blood and give me healthy blood. Basically...it slows down the disease from spreading too quickly. This," Ben lifted his shirt to show Tsukune the black fluid that was visible in his veins and how it was circling around his heart, "This is my clock. Once this hits my heart..." Ben shrugged. Tsukune understood what he meant.
"Wait..." Tsukune's head snapped up with a concerned look, "If you have maybe a month left, then that means..."
"I know." Ben gulped, "That's why I'm here." Ben reached out and gripped Tsukune's shoulder, "Tsukune...when the month passes, and we go to invade Fairy Tale...there is the possibility I may not be there to help." Tsukune's eyes widened, the more he heard about the possibilities of losing one friend was enough...but now he has to hear about the likely scenario where he loses his best friend within the month before they can even save Moka? "If that's the case, I need you to be strong enough to save her. Will. You. Be. Strong. Enough?"
Tsukune couldn't believe it. To do this mission without Ben? Ben's been there practically every step of the way and now...now he may not be by our side? But...I have to. For him. For Moka. For everyone. "I will. I'll be strong enough. I HAVE to be strong enough."
Ben smiled and patted his friend on the shoulder, "I believe you. I know you will. C'mon, all this moping makes me hungry. Let's raid their fridge before we get up for training in the next couple hours."
Thirty days remain...
Omakes
Ben's Kinda...
Mizore and Ruby watched as Ben swung off towards the explosion while her, Ruby, Yukari, Kokoa, and Fanfan hoofed it. "Hey, Ruby." Mizore started, "So...I know we just had that conversation, about still loving Tsukune no matter who he chooses. But um...I mean, we aren't IN a relationship yet. Right?"
"Absolutely." Ruby nodded, breathing a little harder than the others, "Oh my God, I am not in the same shape as the rest of you."
Mizore let out a heavy breath as they continued running, "Right. And I know he's dying, and all that now, but um...I don't think I ever saw him with his shirt off before. I mean, there was when we were at the beach, but I wasn't paying attention to him." Mizore gulped, "Ben's hot, right? I'm not imagining things just because he's dying, and I'm scared we won't see him again?"
Ruby laughed, "Benjamin is definitely a looker! I'd say, if Tsukune wasn't who he is, we'd be fawning over Ben! HA!"
Mizore smirked, "Well, at least I can see why the Inner Moka has a thing for him."
Mutant Power...
Tsukune and Ben sat around a table and scarfed down large bowl fulls of Siu Mai with an even large bowl in the center so that they an refill when needed. "Sho...whab bdo you fink my mupent powah ish?" Tsukune asked.
Ben chewed his food a couple more times before swallowing, "Female attraction?" he joked, getting a Siu Mai tossed at his head. "Maybe it's something really unnoticeable. Like, maybe your piss doesn't smell or something." Again, Siu Mai thrown at his head, which he caught with his mouth.
"Will you take this seriously? What if I have some weird mutation that alters the way I look!" Tsukune said worriedly, "Oh God, was that mark always there? Am I going to turn into some sort of spotted leopard man?"
Ben reached over with his chopsticks and grabbed the spot Tsukune was worried about and picked up a chili from Tsukune's arm, "Maybe your Mutant power is being less observant." Ben ate another Siu Mai ball and shrugged, "Maybe you'll get super speed or something."
"Maybe I'll get spider powers." Tsukune laughed.
"Not as good as you think man." Ben warned, "Our whole body is adhesive, if we aren't paying attention, we can rip surfaces off with ease. Hell, when I was fighting Akua I was ripping off her skin just by sticking to her and pulling."
Tsukune blinked a few times, "Wait...your WHOLE body is adhesive?"
A/N: "Can it be I've stayed away too long? Did you miss these rhymes while I was gone? As you listen to these crazy tracks, check them stats and you know where I'm at. And that's that." -MF DOOM, That's That
Boy, has it been a long time. For this fic, specifically, but also for all my fics. Originally I was taking a quick break to help write some scenes in my buddy's fic (shout out Terrence Johnny Stanford) however, even THAT got put on hold. And not for some super petty reason like...I hated Spider-Man 2 or something (I did). No, it's because I got Carpal Tunnel at the beginning of December. My hand was pretty fucked up, it still IS fucked up, technically. But, I have surgery lined up and I should get it fixed soon. I also couldn't make anyone wait any longer, especially you guys. Like, after the last...almost year, I REALLY wanted to come back to this. Hell, I even tried to write a Christmas special, but again...Carpal Tunnel.
So, consider this my return and my apology for the wait. It's an extra long chapter, as well as some Omakes. I hope you enjoyed.
Oh, also, new Ultimate Spider-Man rules, pick it up if you have the chance.