Disclaimer: Ben 10 and Bleach do not belong to me
Thanks again to Vandenbz for proofreading this for me
Also, I'm sure you all have noticed that another user, RedMis86025949, is posting chapters of the original Bleach: Ultimate Alien. I have given him permission to adopt the original version while I continue working on the remake. So we'll both be doing two different versions of Bleach: Ultimate Alien. Just wanted to avoid any confusion going on.
Heroes United: Calm Before The Storm
After the battle with Baraggan, it was very clear to all the Arrancar within Las Noches to steer clear of Ben. Of course that didn't stop Harribel and Starrk from taking extra precautions. Not only did Harribel and Starrk make sure that Ben was always accompanied by at least one of them outside of their rooms; Ben had taken to staying in his alien forms too. Diamondhead, Chromastone, NRG, Water Hazard; Ben picked his most durable aliens to make sure nobody could get the drop on him.
Fortunately, some of these drastic measures may not have been necessary. Ben was no longer harassed by the likes of Nnoitra, Grimmjow, Luppi, or any other Arrancar that had some issue with him. Whatever Aizen had done seemed to work, much to Ben's relief. Starrk and Harribel did not wish to take a chance and Ben agreed with them. As for the Oasis, Aizen had whatever fruit seemed ripe enough to be harvested put into storage to be used at a later time. Szayel had taken some so he could harvest the seeds in order to plant more; he also admitted that he wanted to study some of the plants and see if modifications could be made to improve them and in turn, improve the fruits.
"Perhaps we should expand upon the Oasis we already have first," He had told Ben earlier when the hero asked if he would have time to work on those conductors for another Oasis. "One cannot deny the benefits of these plants but at the same time we have to make sure they don't grow out of control. Heh. The last thing we need is for Las Noches to have a weed problem on our hands."
Ben and Tosen sparred when possible and then Ben in turn would spar with Harribel's Fraccione. Their coordination was excellent and they seemed to be more trusting towards each other in the heat of battle, something that had not gone unnoticed by their leader. No, from a distance as Harribel watched something amazing happened. Her Fraccione almost butted heads but had each other's backs, in their own way at least. Now any insult was obviously a jest and taken in stride, the girls now more willing to listen to each other's advice, congratulate and encourage each other; all because of this one human.
The changes didn't just happen in battle either, her Fraccione hadn't noticed but Harribel sure had. Before Ben Tennyson came along, when had any of her Fraccione smiled, not just triumphantly smirked, but actually smiled? The way their faces lit up whenever they played around with Ben after a hard training session, the bubbling laughter whenever he did something funny, the excitement when he told them how he had defeated his latest opponent. Even after they had become Arrancar and entered the relative safety of Las Noches, Harribel and her Fraccione were still focused on survival.
But now, with Ben Tennyson, they were having fun and enjoying themselves. What's more, the girls were completely unaware of this great change and Harribel didn't feel the need to point it out. But how long would this peace last? Whenever Ben mentioned going back to his own dimension, she saw the subtle shift in their faces. But to none of them, not even Sung-Sun, could hide the hesitant, wistful looks on their faces.
"You don't want him to go home."
All three had flinched at Harribel's words. Ben had long since returned to Starrk's chambers, allowing her this private moment with her Fraccione.
Sung-Sun had averted her gaze while Mila Rose hung her head. Apacci had stammered for a moment, much to her own frustration. After taking a deep breath, she started over.
"It's not that we don't want him to go home, Lady Harribel," Apacci had replied. "It's just that when he does…" she looked at her feet. "We'll never see him again."
Mila Rose then sighed before she too faced their leader. "We understand that he needs to return to his own dimension; that he has his own responsibilities and people that are waiting for him. It's...we…"
"He makes you happy," The girls flinched again at Harribel's words. "There's nothing to be ashamed of girls. You've been enjoying yourselves during his stay and I'm happy to see you three able to have fun."
That made the girls relax, as they smiled sheepishly.
"But you must understand, girls," Harribel had said firmly. "Ben needs to go back. He has his own life to live and problems in his own dimension he needs to fix, just as we have our duty to Lord Aizen."
The girls nodded in understanding, but couldn't help the looks of melancholy on their faces. Harribel walked out to the balcony, staring at the Oasis in the distance.
"Do not be sad when he leaves, girls," Harribel said. "For now, enjoy as much time as you can with him. When he leaves, think of all the good times you had with him. Cherish those memories."
"We understand, Lady Harribel," Apacci said softly, Mila Rose and Sung-Sun nodding in agreement. Harribel didn't need to turn around to know they had done so.
"Good," Harribel said to them gently, still looking out at the Oasis. "Though, I do not believe Ben Tennyson's legacy here will be forgotten any time soon."
Szayel had been hard at work, not just with the plants he had harvested but also with the other samples Aizen had provided for him.
Speaking of whom, Aizen himself had entered Szayel's lab. "How is everything, Szayel?"
Szayel, who had been typing furiously at his computer, turned towards Aizen with a smirk. "So far everything is working perfectly, Lord Aizen. I believe I might even complete the first subjects ahead of schedule."
"I'm glad to hear it," Aizen had said, looking over Szayel's shoulder to see the data on the screen. "And your plans to expand the Oasis?"
Szayel had chuckled, his eyes lowering. "If my calculations are correct, I'll turn that little Oasis into a jungle."
"We'll need to be prepared for when the Hollows outside Las Noches sense that abundance of spiritual energy," Aizen had mused, cupping his chin though his smile never left his face. "Most know better than to come here but there will be those foolish and reckless enough to try…"
"You think Runuganga won't be enough to stop them?"
"Runuganga is diligent," Aizen had replied. "But I'd prefer to take extra precautions, especially since I've decided to test the capabilities of some of the fruits in storage."
Szayel's eyes widened before immediately lowering again. "Oh~, Lord Aizen. When you get the results from your test, do let me know. I'm eager to see them for myself."
Aizen had closed his eyes, slowly opening them again. "I'll be sure you get them, Szayel."
As for Ben? He had been in Starrk's chambers with Starrk himself and Lilynette when those two Arrancar girls, Loly and Menoly, arrived to say that their presence had been requested by Lord Aizen.
Soon they were led to the throne room, where several of the Espada had gathered, all resting on pillars. Luppi glared daggers at Ben from his pillar but averted his eyes when Starrk looked at him. Harribel gave them both a reassuring nod.
In the middle of the room stood Aizen. Before him was a transparent cube, with what appeared to be a heavily bandaged human shape inside. A smaller cube sat on top of the larger one. In the middle of the top cube hovered a small, black sphere. Ben tried to make sense of what he was seeing when Aizen turned his head and smiled.
"Hello, Ben," He said pleasantly. "I don't believe I've ever shown you this before. This is what has allowed me to make so much progress in Hueco Mundo. It is the Hogyoku."
Ben blinked at the aforementioned sphere. The Hogyoku, eh? For some reason Ben couldn't help feeling apprehensive as he continued looking at it.
"The Hogyoku was created by one of my fellow Soul Reapers, Kisuke Urahara," Aizen explained. "It is what allows me to turn Hollows into Arrancars. Although Hollows are capable of becoming Arrancar naturally, there is far too much risk. The Hogyoku allows them to become Arrancar without complications and therefore be at the height of their power."
"Huh," was all Ben could think of, looking at the bandaged figure inside the larger cube.
"But Urahara, fearing the Hogyoku's power, sealed it," Aizen went on. "Essentially it is sleeping."
Ben opened his mouth but his question was cut short when the doors opened. Ulquiorra and Yammy promptly entered the room.
"Welcome, Ulquiorra, Yammy," Aizen said. "I was explaining the Hogyoku to Ben here. I just told him how it was sealed and needed time to awaken."
"What is the status of the Hogyoku's awakening, Lord Aizen?" Ulquiorra inquired.
"Fifty percent," Aizen immediately answered. "Under normal circumstances at least, which is all Soul Society will take into consideration."
"Um, if the Hogyoku has been sealed," Ben spoke up. "Then how have you been able to use it to turn Hollows into Arrancars?"
Aizen's smile grew a fraction and Ben felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up at the gleam in the Soul Reaper's eye.
"Because I discovered something that no one, not even Kisuke Urahara himself, would be aware of," Aizen answered. He reached through an opening in the cube towards the Hogyoku. "And what I discovered is that when someone with spiritual pressure higher than a captain temporarily unites with the Hogyoku, for a brief moment, it displays power equal to that of its unsealed state."
For a brief moment, it looked as the Hogyoku had sprouted small tendrils that reached out to touch Aizen's fingertips. Then the entire room felt heavy. What seemed like seconds felt like minutes to Ben as his breath was cut short and he felt dizzy. Starrk put a hand on his shoulder and everything cleared. Was that sensation the power of the Hogyoku?
"You've never felt Lord Aizen's spiritual pressure before, have you?" Starrk whispered to Ben. "It flaring up thanks to that Hogyoku takes some getting used to. Sorry I forgot to warn ya."
Anything Ben could have said to Starrk was interrupted by the sound of glass shattering. The larger cube had been destroyed. Kneeling on the ground was a skinny, male Arrancar with blonde hair and mask remains that resembled a crown on his head.
Aizen looked down at the new Arrancar. "Would you tell us your name, new comrade?"
Slowly the new Arrancar looked up at Aizen, a dazed look in his purple eyes. "Wonderweiss," He murmured. "Wonderweiss Margela."
Aizen smiled at his latest warrior as Ben processed what he had just seen. The Hogyoku huh? And Aizen had been capable of forming an army with it despite it's sealed state? Once that thing was fully awoken...it reminded Ben a little too much of Vilgax for his liking.
"Do you remember what I spoke to you about last month, Ulquiorra?" Aizen asked suddenly.
"I do, sir," Ulquiorra replied, stoic as ever.
"Put it into motion," Aizen told him.
Ben raised a brow. Aizen noticed this and tilted his head, his smile never leaving. "While I'll leave the exact details to you, Ulquiorra," he said. "I want you to take Ben with you."
Starrk and Harribel both stood up straighter at Aizen's orders while sharing a look of confusion and concern.
"I understand, sir," Ulquiorra said, his expression hadn't changed in the slightest despite these new orders.
"Okay, um, would somebody mind telling me what's going on?" Ben cut in, apprehension gnawing at his gut.
"I am sending Ulquiorra to retrieve something from the Living World that will be vital to our plans," Aizen said. "But there is no way for him to enter the Living World without being detected by the Soul Reapers. As such, I am allowing him to bring additional forces to engage the Soul Reapers and keep them distracted from our true goal. As for why I wish for you to join Ben; I believe it's time to test your abilities against an actual Soul Reaper enemy. Not to mention this is the perfect chance to identify the masked person aiding them."
Harribel and Starrk stared at Aizen, which did not go unnoticed by Nnoitra.
"This is what he's been training for isn't it?" Nnoitra said with a sneer. "Are you actually scared one of the Soul Reapers might kill him?"
"I highly doubt the Soul Reapers could be a threat to Ben," Ulquiorra admitted, surprising some of the Arrancar. "Starrk, Harribel, you have my word that I will make sure he returns to Hueco Mundo."
"Of course," Aizen said. "I do wish for this to be Ben's decision in the end. So, Ben, will you accompany Ulquiorra?"
Ben thought it over and honestly, this seemed like the perfect opportunity.
It was hard for Ben to believe that he had been in Hueco Mundo for over a month and still nowhere closer to getting home or finding out Aizen's true intentions. He had little knowledge of the layout of Las Noches or the extent of any surveillance system. Ben was worried the moment he tried to sneak around and get some clues that he would be immediately caught. The young hero tried to remember the last time he had felt so trapped.
Of course, if Aizen was a liar, where did that leave Starrk, Harribel, and those under them? Had all the times Ben had spent with them meant anything? Or was it all a ploy? Despite Ben wanting to be suspicious, he found it hard to whenever he actually spent time with them. That realization led to another thought; if Aizen was lying, could it be possible he was lying to his own subordinates as well?
Unfortunately Ben was stuck with the same solution he had been using since day one; play it by ear and be prepared for trouble. What was that mysterious guy's plan in sending Ben to this universe? And what about that masked man helping the Soul Reapers? How did he fit into all of this? Though he managed to keep a cool head around the Arrancar, there were times Ben wanted to tear his hair out. Was it too much to ask for a little hint in the right direction?
This mission may in fact be that window of opportunity he needed.
"Sure," Ben crossed his arms as he gave Aizen his cockiest grin. "Let's see how these Soul Reapers stack up against the hero of an entire universe."
Aizen chuckled. "They will have no idea what's in store for them. Very well, Ulquiorra. Take whoever else you wish. Oh, that reminds me." He looked over his shoulder and raised his head. "Do you wish to go...Grimmjow?"
Ben followed Aizen's line of sight to see Grimmjow sitting on one of the more elevated pillars. He was now sporting a burn scar running diagonally down his chest and, like Luppi had said, was missing his left arm. Ben cringed at the thought of having to be anywhere near the Sixth Espada, worried that he might try to take out his bad mood on Ben himself.
"What?! You're going to the Living World?"
Ben and Starrk had wasted no time in returning to their chambers and telling Lilynette what had happened. Now she was pacing back and forth.
"Lord Aizen wants you to fight the Soul Reapers now?!" She waved her arms erratically. "But-but what if they hurt you? Capture you? What if…"
"Don't worry, Lilynette," Ben said softly. "Aizen said we're just keeping them busy until Ulquiorra gets whatever he's looking for. Then we'll head right back to Hueco Mundo safe and sound."
"Grimmjow got his whole team killed the last time they went to the Living World!" Lilynette screeched in frustration.
Ben ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah...good point."
"Grimmjow went to Karakura Town without permission and without a plan," Starrk said from his pile of cushions. "Ulquiorra's not only more powerful but also more tactical. He promised nothing bad would happen to Ben and I find him more dependable compared to some of the others around here. Why do you think Lord Aizen relies on him so much?"
Lilynette grit her teeth and looked ready to slug Starrk but Ben grabbed her hand and gently pushed it down.
"I appreciate you looking out for me, Lilynette," He said, giving her a one-armed hug. "But I will be careful, I promise."
There was a knock at the door. Starrk stared at it as he activated his Pesquisa, after a moment he relaxed. "Come on in, Harribel."
The door opened to reveal Harribel and her Fraccione. "We came to wish you luck, though I wish we could do more," Sung-Sun said, cutting straight to the point. "We understand why Lord Aizen is sending you to the Living World, but we feel that we should be there too; to provide you with proper backup."
"Lord Aizen left it up to Ulquiorra to decide who accompanies him, though," Harribel reminded her.
"How come we don't ask him to let us come along?" Apacci asked.
"Too many forces may cause Soul Society to deploy stronger forces, if they haven't already thanks to Grimmjow's blunder."
Everyone turned to see Ulquiorra approaching Starrk's chambers.
"That and I would be held responsible if anything to you three; just as Grimmjow was punished for the death of his own Fraccione," Ulqiuorra continued. "Since you are not my Fraccione, Lord Aizen would be even more displeased if I allowed anything to happen to you."
"Come on, Ulquiorra," Apacci urged. "We've gotten a lot stronger now, probably stronger than Grimmjow's Fraccione were. We can handle this."
"If Ben was not accompanying us, perhaps."
Mila Rose narrowed her eyes. "What does that mean?"
"You three are obviously fond of him," Ulquiorra said bluntly. "That could be a hindrance in battle."
"A hindrance?!" Apacci stomped up to him. "After everything we've been through here? Luppi? Nnoitra? Baraggan? You call those hindrances?"
"You were still within Las Noches and therefore had easier access to aid," Ulquiorra said, no more shaken by Apacci's outburst than anything else. "In the Living World, Lord Aizen won't be there to assist if things escalate. Besides, suppose if the opposite situation happens: where Ben is more concerned with your wellbeing than his own preservation? Do you want to shoulder that burden?"
Apacci's whole body shook, her fists trembled, and her teeth were grinding against each other. It took all her willpower not to lash out at the Fourth Espada. She flinched when she felt a hand on her shoulder, turning her head sharply to see it was none other than Harribel herself. Harribel then turned to face Ulquiorra.
"We will respect your decision, Ulquiorra," she said. "You're here to retrieve Ben for the mission?"
"I am," Ulquiorra looked directly at Ben. "Are you ready?"
Ben takes a deep breath. "Ready as I'll ever be. Lead the way Ulquiorra."
Ulquiorra turned on his heel and proceeded down the hall. Ben made way to follow him when someone suddenly tackled him with a hug.
"Come back safe, okay?" She murmured in his jacket.
It was moments like these that made it hard for Ben to think he was being tricked. Closing his eyes, he returned the hug. "I will, Lilynette."
"Good luck, Ben," Harribel said.
"Show those Soul Reapers who's boss!" Apacci cheered.
Mila Rose smirked. "Not like they stand a chance against you anyway."
"If they thought highly of themselves after dealing with Grimmjow," Sung-Sun said. "They'll be in for a rude awakening."
"Be safe," was all Starrk said.
"Thanks, everyone," Ben waved them goodbye before running after Ulquiorra.
"So, Ulquiorra," Ben said as they walked down the hallway. "What exactly do you need to retrieve from the Living World?"
"We're not immediately retrieving it," Ulquiorra said. "Rather, I am securing it to retrieve at a later date. To do so now would draw the attention of the Soul Reapers."
"But what exactly is it?" Ben asked.
"Something that should be a valuable asset to Lord Aizen's plan," Ulquiorra replied. "That's all you need to know."
Ben frowned at the cryptic response. Was he worried that Ben might accidentally let it slip to the Soul Reapers when they met each other? Or was it something Ben himself wouldn't agree with?
"Before we leave I suggest you turn into one of your aliens," Ulquiorra said suddenly. "Although it's obvious, I should stress that you cannot allow the Soul Reapers to prevent you from using your Ultimatrix."
Ben raised a brow at Ulquiorra changing the subject. "Good point." He activated the Ultimatrix and slammed the dial down. A flash of green light later and Ben had turned into Diamondhead.
"A good choice," Ulquiorra stated before he resumed walking. Diamondhead just stared at him.
"Does that guy ever show emotion?" He muttered under his breath before chasing after the Fourth Espada.
Soon they were back in the throne room where Yammy, Grimmjow, Luppi and that new guy Wonderweiss had gathered around.
"Just you guys?" Diamondhead asked in surprise.
"Two Espada, one former member, and a new recruit should be sufficient enough," Ulquiorra said. "The five of you will go on ahead to Karakura Town; I shall join you via a separate route."
"Won't the Soul Reapers sense you appearing somewhere else?" Diamondhead asked.
"Not if you keep their focus on yourselves," Ulquiorra answered. "Your presence in particular should be more than enough to draw their attention."
Yammy grinned. "I'm kinda looking forward to seeing Ben here in action against the Soul Reapers. He's been kicking plenty of Arrancar asses." He couldn't resist smirking at Luppi and Grimmjow, who scoffed and looked away in annoyance. Wonderweiss just seemed to be staring into space, his mouth hanging slightly open. Diamondhead frowned; was it a good idea to bring this guy along?
"You all have the fruits that Lord Aizen provided you?" Ulquiorra asked, startling Diamondhead.
"Wait, what?"
Grimmjow, Luppi, and Yammy all pulled a fruit from their pockets.
"Aizen's actually allowing you to take some of the fruits?"
"He believed this was a perfect opportunity to test their capabilities in the heat of battle as a support item," Ulquiorra explained. "Use them whenever you see fit but it would be in your best interest to use them when absolutely necessary." He tilted his head at Grimmjow. "Do not underestimate your opponents."
Grimmjow let out a low snarl though Ulquiorra was predictably unfazed.
"Yeah, yeah, Ulquiorra," Yammy said as he pocketed his fruit. "Those Soul Reapers won't know what hit them."
"Very well," Ulquiorra said. "Prepare to depart."
Suddenly there was a shift in the air. To Diamondhead, it seemed as if the air in front of him was splitting in two horizontally, creating a gaping hole into blackness.
"That is a Garganta," Ulquiorra said to the staring hero. "It is what Hollows and Arrancar use to travel between Hueco Mundo and the Living World. Those using it create a foothold with their Spiritual Energy."
Yammy stepped into the Garganta. The moment he did, a bridge of light seemed to form under his feet and expand into the darkness. The other three Arrancar joined him.
"Hey!" Yammy called to Diamondhead. "You coming?"
"Right," Diamondhead stepped into the Garganta, surprised by how solid the pathway was. Though he reasoned it was probably because the others had strengthened it. He turned to wave Ulquiorra goodbye. "Wish us luck, Ulquiorra."
Ulquiorra said nothing as the Garganta started to close.
"Tough crowd," Diamondhead said dryly.
Yammy snickered. "That's Ulquiorra for ya. Come on, we got a job to do."
The others said nothing as they proceeded down the path that would take them to Karakura Town. Diamondhead sighed. He didn't know what he was expecting but there was no turning back now. He followed after them.
To Be Continued
Well everyone, it's good to be back. An entire year huh? Man time flies. While I'm not optimistic to believe things will automatically start getting better now that it's a new year, I'm hoping that things will at least start moving in the right direction.
I know this chapter didn't have much (and was more telling rather than showing) but like the title says, this chapter is the calm before the storm.
However, I want to let everyone know something in advance. Since Chidoriprime is still catching up on Ben: 10 Unlimited and Unlimited Justice, I've decided to skip over the Heroes United Crossover and then get back to it when Chidoriprime is ready. So the next chapter is going to take place after the crossover with Unlimited Justice. And things are going to get heavy.
But, I'm debating. Because I don't know how busy I'm gonna be, I'm debating whether to complete the entire Winter War arc first and then post it all at once. Or maybe a chapter a day so you guys don't feel overwhelmed. I haven't made a final decision yet but I wanted to let everyone know my plans.
Although I should clarify: I want to wait till I finish the Winter War arc before posting any more chapters, I'm debating how I'm going to post them. But now I think AFTER I complete the Winter War, I will post a chapter a day.
That's all I have for now. See you all next time and take care.
