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Ben 10 Alien Vanguard S1E07: Prey

Deviation Actions

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Alright, here is a fresh chapter/episode of Alien Vanguard. This time I will be introducing a character established in Omniverse, but with a couple changes to him. Namely his full role. I also realize I haven’t been doing disclaimers. My bad. Anyway, Ben 10 is owned by Man of Action, I only own my aliens and OCs. So enjoy the story, comment, and feel free to suggest your own ideas.
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A blue skinned humanoid alien in a black suit with various bones across his body as armor walked through the helm of Argoth’s ship. He was greeted by Hackah and Nazak with Argoth sitting on the command ship. Nearby was a red skeleton-ized Galvanic Mechamorph sealed in a large crystal. “Khyber, grand hunter of the cosmos, tracker and killer of some of the galaxy’s deadliest beasts. I’m so glad you took us up on this hunting opportunity.” Argoth greeted the guest.

“I must say, I’ve heard stories and rumors about this Ben Tennyson, I’m eager to test the boy’s mettle.” Khyber said. “But I must ask, why the emphasis on taking him alive?”

“There is something we need from him, and we need him alive to use it.” Argoth said, “But before you deliver us Tennyson, I need you to take a sample from the Omnitrix, so once you capture him, sample it with this.” With a snap of his fingers, Nazak presented Khyber with a syringe like device.

“And if he lacks it?”

“Do with him as you wish.”

“Good, I already have a great area picked out on my ship’s walls.” Khyber said putting the DNA sampler on his belt. “But, why are you so interested in a sample from that device?”

“That reason is for me and me alone.” Argoth responded, “Should our newest trophy be able to sample organic and mechanical substances, we could trust the results from his accidental assimilation of data. But as he cannot, it could be false information. That device will let us know for sure.”

“And the target?”

“A boy. His name is Ben Tennyson.”

“I’ve heard of him. Hero of the Highbreed War. You want my services just for a sampling from him?”

“You can take whatever trophy you want from him, once our uses for him are done.”

“Fine. At the very least, he’ll be worthy prey.” The hunter said turning and leaving the ship.

Meanwhile, down on Earth, the boy target, his cousin, her boyfriend, their alien teammate, and an old man were carrying a collection of bags from an old beat up RV.

“So, Rook, you ever go camping back on Revonnah?” Kevin asked.

“Not often. A few times when I was younger, after the harvest of course.” Rook answered.

“Well I can’t promise it’ll be just like how it was back on Revonnah, but I’m sure you’ll have a great time.” Max said. “I even managed to make up a pot of Cortalopus Soup for supper tonight.”

“Oh, that was my grandmother’s favorite. It is quite good with Amberogia Loaf.”

“How did she prepare the mealworms? It makes a world of difference.”

“I don’t know about you guys, but I’m all for giving Rook my share.” Ben whispered to the other teenage Earthlings.

“That’s a plan.” Kevin whispered back.

Deep in the woods, Khyber observed his prey through a pair of binoculars. “This boy is the great Ben Tennyson? This will be easier than I thought.” But the binoculars detected something about Gwen and Kevin. “An Anodite and an Osmosian. They will complicate things. The Revonnahgander will be no threat, but if that is Max Tennyson, he should be taken care of first.” Khyber raised his hand to the sky, aligning it with the sun. “Based on this pathetic planet’s rotation, won’t be too long until dark. I’ll strike then. Enjoy your day prey. It’ll be the last one you have on this rock.”

The day dragged on, with Khyber never venturing far from his perch. Things where all set up. Once he manages to get Max away from the rest of the group, the hunt could begin. In the campsite, Max began to ladle out the pink-purple substance.

“Ugh, I think I can still see the mealworms…” Gwen mumbled under her breath.

“I do prefer it more ground up.” Rook said happily shoveling some into his mouth. “But that’s for a better balance of flavor. But this has its advantages too.”

“anyone ready for seconds?” Max asked.

“No, I’m still working on firsts.” Kevin said, “And my first bite.”

“So, I take it you won’t be finishing that?” Rook asked only for Kevin to slide the bowl over to Rook.

“Hm…fire’s getting low. Gonna get some more firewood from the forest. If I’m not back in five minutes, be sure to give the soup a stir? That stuff can get pretty bad if it burns to thick.”

“Yeah sure Grandpa.” Ben said, “Hard to believe this stuff can get worse.” Ben added in after Grandpa Max left the area.

“You should take it seriously Ben. Burnt Cortalopus Soup is considered to be mostly inedible.”

“Like it was edible before.” Kevin sarcastically added.

Meanwhile in the woods Max was gathering fresh kindling from the fallen branches of the forest floor. He stopped after hearing a snapping branch.

“Someone there?” Max asked. He knew there wouldn’t be an answer. But he asked to make it seem like he was off guard. But of course, as a highly skilled plumber, he wasn’t easy to catch off guard. He also never went anywhere without at least some kind of blaster on him. But before Max could actually grab the blaster, Khyber struck.

He jumped down from the trees, a long thin spear with a wicked jagged blade in his hands, swinging it colliding with the side of Max’s head. Max hit the ground like a sack of potatoes.

“I was expecting more from you Max Tennyson.” Khyber said bringing the blade of his spear down on the dropped blaster.

“You probably should think twice before judging anyone.” Max said pushing himself up off the dirt and right at Khyber, who managed to flip Max over himself and into a tree.

“I’ve been training longer than you’ve drawn breath, on a planet far deadlier than your nightmares. I think I can pass judgement on whatever I want.”

=====Back at the Campsite=====

“Did you hear that?” Rook asked.

“What is it Rook?” Ben asked.

“I think Magister Tennyson may be in trouble.”

“Grandpa Max can handle himself.” Ben said. “Trust me.”

“No, he’s right.” Gwen said, “I didn’t look for it before, but Grandpa Max isn’t doing well out there.”

“Having to give up on a vacation to go after some alien menace. That sounds familiar.” Ben said before becoming more serious “I’ll go Wildmutt and see if I can’t track down some kind of clue to what happened.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier to find him if Gwen senses him out?” Kevin asked.

“He’s too weak. Someone really did a number on him. Ben really is the best option we have.”

“Alright, everyone step back.” Ben said dialing up the Wildmutt on the Omnitrix. He slammed down and in a flash, he was replaced with a large orange alien with a slightly enlonged neck, a few quills seeable on its back, light tiger strips, a short tail, and four powerful teeth amongst other smaller ones. The whole beast seemed like a mix of a large cat and dog. The alien then gave out a powerful roar.

“I think that’s Wildmutt for ‘Wildmutt’.” Kevin quipped. Wildmutt began sniffing at the ground, the gills on his neck flaring open to take in the air. A series of growl like barks came.

“I do believe Ben is letting us know he found something.” Rook said grabbing the Proto-Tool. After a while of searching, Wildmutt flashed back into Ben.

“Man, how far did this guy drag Grandpa Max.” Ben asked. “I couldn’t even track him down before I timed out.”

“Well what now? Should we split up?” Kevin asked.

“We would cover more ground that way.” Rook added.

“Rule one in a survival scenario,” Ben brought up, “Never split up. Also, rule one in a horror movie.”

“This isn’t a movie Ben. Besides, each of us are able to handle ourselves pretty well.” Gwen said, “And given how we need to find Grandpa, covering ground is the best idea.”

“Alright.” Ben said. “But we don’t try to deal with whatever took Grandpa Max.” The rest of the group gave a nod of agreement as they each traveled a different direction.

=====Kevin’s Direction=====

Kevin walked through the forest searching for anything. “Maybe this was a bad idea. I don’t have any gear or tracking abilities. Armoring up won’t help much.” He said aloud to himself before noticing a small drag mark. “But I do know a crime scene when I see one.” A steady buzz and hum pierced through the air and a metal disk appearing cutting into Kevin’s arm.

“Yes, but you don’t seem to know a trap when you see one.” Khyber said as the disk returned to his hand.

“Dude, you could have taken my arm off with that thing.” Kevin said.

“The thought crossed my mind.” Khyber said drawing a sinister knife. “But I decided it was better to capture you whole.”

“Capture me? Yeah like I’m just gonna let that happen.” Kevin said reaching down to a large rock so he became covered in stone. Kevin morphed his fist into a mace head and charged straight at Khyber, attempting to smash him with it. Khyber effortlessly stepped aside and did a swipe with his knife, cutting into his side. Kevin crashed into the group, his unmorphed hand grabbing his side.

“That cut through my armor.” Kevin said.

“Did you think that my weapons wouldn’t be able to get you through the pathetic covering of this planet’s minerals?”

“Was kind of hoping.” Kevin said increasing the size of both fists. “But you have to hit me for it to matter.”

“For that, yes.” Khyber said. “But this…not so much.” The alien hunter tossed a grenade that exploded into a foul-smelling gas. Kevin grabbed his throat, gagging on the gas as his armor began to crumble off.

“What is that stuff?” Kevin coughed out.

“I’ll spare you the specifics. But it’s a special kind of gas, harmless to most lifeforms, but absolutely devastating to energy or matter absorbers like you. I never go anywhere without at least one grenade. And even after that one dose, I doubt you’ll put up much of a fight.” On that note, he tossed a disk that broke into a bolo-like weapon that wrapped Kevin’s arms to his side.

“Think beating me means anything?” Kevin asked sarcastically. “I won’t say this to my face, but Ben’s way tougher than me. It’s gonna take a lot more to take him down.”

“I am hoping for it. After all, you’re just the bait.” Khyber said before extending his spear and striking Kevin out cold with the blunt end.

=====Gwen’s Path=====

Gwen had her hand up, sensing out Max’s mana. “Well, it’s not getting any weaker. But it’s not getting any stronger either. Grandpa Max…what did he do to you?” Gwen suddenly felt a sharp pain, almost at her very core. “What the…Kevin?” She asked switch targets, “Oh no, Kevin.” Gwen felt torn. Both Max and Kevin where in bad shape. Either one would probably lead to the desired target, so she went with a core feeling she had and began to track down Kevin.

“Fascinating.” A voice said from the trees, hidden and unable to be seen. “I had heard rumors of the Anodite Mate Sense…as a few scholars have called it.” Suddenly a strange disk-device flew over her, before exploding into a web-like dome around Gwen. Khyber then emerged from the brush. “I’m glad that it could be used to lure you right to me.”

“What are you talking about?” Gwen asked.

“Don’t even know a thing about your own species. Pathetic.” Khyber said.

“I may not know everything, but I know enough. And I’m always learning.” Gwen said her eyes glowing purple and throwing a few energy orbs at the net-like dome. Only for each orb to be absorbed into it before a lightning surge came down from the top onto Gwen.

“Don’t waste your time.” Khyber calmly said, “That cage is designed to render all energy attacks mute. Something you glow bugs rely far too much on.”

“I would really watch what you say.” Gwen said taking a running start at the alien hunter, managing to pass right through the cage before attempting a round house kick to his temple. Khyber drew his knife and used the blunt end and the hook to grab Gwen’s leg and with his free hand grabbed her before tossing her into a tree.

“My own take on a move used by the Tetramand when dealing with faster opponents.” Khyber said before pulling a blaster. “But let’s see how fast you are.”

“Contego!” Gwen said raising a quick shield of defense blocking the blaster rounds. “Now,” Gwen said lowering the shield, “Adfishio Potentia!” Several pink beams fired out and collided with Khyber, tossing him back into a tree. “Glow bugs huh?”

“Yeah Glow Bugs.” Khyber said pulling a small green canister in secret. “Far too dependent on sorcery.” The huntsman then tossed the small canister which exploded into a kind of goo covering Gwen’s mouth before hardening into a chrysalis-like substance. He followed up this attack with a shoulder charge with the larger skull. Khyber then pulled out another kind of grenade and threw it, creating a powerful electrical discharge rendering the Anodite unconscious. “And I hate sorcery.”

=====Rook’s Path=====

The Proto-Tool was currently in its scanner mode, looking for any kind of motion inside the trees and brush that he would otherwise overlook. “No good, I am not picking anything up. I hope Ben and the others are having better luck at tracking down Magister Tennyson’s capturer.” A step caused Rook’s foot to be caught in a snare which flipped him up into a tree. But some quick reflexes, and the Proto-Tool shifting into its sword form allowed Rook to cut himself down.

“But it would appear as though Magister Tennyson’s capturer has found me.”

“That he has.” Khyber said firing off a series of darts only to be blocked by a quick shift into shield-mode by the Proto-tool. Khyber emerged from the bust holding a small smoking gun. “Interesting tool boy.”

“Most versatile weapon in the galaxy. But I’m sure you have figured that out. Khyber the Huntsman.” Rook responded shifting his weapon into bo-staff formation.

“You know of me then.”

“Of course, you are wanted across the galaxy for multiple counts of illegal animal poaching, illegal weapon possession, and multiple counts of murder.”

“I don’t murder.” Khyber said expanding his spear, “I hunt. And if the things happen to be intelligent…well then that makes for a better hunt.” The two warriors charged at each other, their polearms clashing. Khyber pulled back and thrust the blade at the Revonnahgander, only for Rook to manage to use his own weapon to deflect the attack just enough to have the jagged edge sweep by Rook’s fur.

“Don’t make this harder on yourself. I am not after your hide, just the boy’s.” Khyber said as the two circled with the weapons held together trying to push the other back.

“If you are referring to Ben, he is my friend. And a plumber. You are not allowed to harm him.” Rook countered breaking off the lock and swinging his bo-staff to clash again with Khyber’s weapon. This time he was prepared. He fell back a bit before jousting forward, one end of his staff ending up in Khyber’s gut. Rook followed up on this opportunity with a swipe knocking the spear tumbling from the hunter’s hands. Rook then slammed the staff into the ground to pole vault over Khyber and attempted to strike him from behind.

But Khyber wouldn’t have any of it. His hand easily found itself to Rook’s weapon. “Nice try boy. But that wasn’t anywhere near good enough.” Khyber threw a powerful uppercut while also pulling the bo-staff from Rook’s hand. Looking at the Proto-Tool, he tossed it aside. After clanking against the ground, it shrunk down back to its default form. Rook tossed himself up onto his feet. “Well, looks like I underestimated you. You fight pretty well for a farm boy.”

“You are about to see just well this farm boy can fight.” Rook said entering a battle stance. Khyber raised an eyebrow quizzically. “It would appear you have never seen Revonnah Kai. Allow me to enlighten you with a demonstration.” Rook charged forward jumping into the air. “Thunder Heel!” Rook swung his leg allowing the back of his heel to connect with Khyber’s face. “Wind Edge Strike!” Rook delivered a knife hand strike to Khyber’s stomach, “and of course…Stone Cutter!” A powerful punch was delivered to Khyber’s face forcing him to stumble back.

“Not bad moves.” Khyber said stretching out his jaw from the last hit. “But I can’t help but feel that you didn’t deliver the full force those moves can generate.”

“It is true. I left Revonnah before I could finish my training. Currently I have no knowledge of how to manipulate my aura for the full power of Revonnah Kai.”

“Next time I would suggest you keep that information to yourself.” Khyber said pulling out his knife. “That is, if there even is a next time.” Khyber came at him with a flurry of knife blows. Rook back flipped into the trees to evade, causing Khyber to lose sight of him. “Where did you go?” Khyber then heard Rook drop down behind him, then summersault to reclaim the Proto-Tool.

“How is this for a next time?” Rook asked firing off a round from the blaster hitting Khyber square in the chest sending him to the ground. “Now, Khyber, you are under arrest for multiple counts of animal poaching and deliberate slaughter of intelligent life forms.”

“I told you, I am a hunter.” Khyber said secretly grabbing a handful of dirt. “And a hunter does whatever it takes to secure his quarry.” The alien huntsman tossed the dirt as a blinding projectile. While Rook attempted to shake the earth from his eyes, Khyber used a roundhouse kick to once again separate the Plumber from his weapon before throwing his hand out to grab Rook by the shoulder and squeeze, the claw-like tips of his gloves managing to get through the armor. A sharp pain ran through the Revonnahgander before he collapsed, beginning to lose consciousness.

“What…was that…” Rook said weakly.

“The Hephaestan Neuro Grip. Able to subdue just about any kind of prey.” Khyber mocked. “But it seems to work in procuring bait as well.”

=====Ben’s Path, a short time earlier=====

Ben pushed aside the brush. “I don’t know why I thought this was a good idea.” Ben grumbled before the Omnitrix chimed showing it was ready to transform again. “Alright, time for the return of Wildmutt!” Ben slammed down on the Omnitrix. But instead of the familiar orange beast alien, he instead turned into a large muscular wolf-like alien. He had a shaggy black mane, a light grey body, powerful black claws, a white and black jump suit with the Omnitrix symbol on his belt.

“Benwolf? Wrong dog alien.” He said, “Also, I really need to think about renaming this guy. Wait a minute…” Benwolf sniffed at the air, “Wait…that’s Gwen…and Rook…and Kevin…and Grandpa Max. They’re all in one place. Geez, even I can tell it’s a trap. Let’s see how well I can turn this trap into my trap.” He charged into the woods on all fours, “Alright freak, let’s see how you like a little tactic out of Sumo Slammers 5: Hyper Bulk Edition.”

=====Khyber’s Campsite=====

Khyber sat before a fire, sharpening his knife against a bizarre hunk of bone. Behind him, lashed to a tree was his four captured targets. Gwen still had the substance across her mouth preventing her from casting any kind of spell. Meanwhile, Kevin was bound in a special rope disrupting his ability to absorb the substances around him.

“What are you even doing here anyway?” Kevin asked. “All you did was go after us.”

“The Tennyson boy is my quarry.” Khyber responded. “But the stories would show it is a fool’s errand to face him in a straight up fight. But if I can lure him into a battle on my terms. Then I have a chance. But, in terms you might understand, you are bait.”

“I doubt Ben will fall for this trap of yours.” Rook said, “After all, all of us together, it is fairly obvious that you are baiting him. The Muroid traps on my family farm are more inconspicuous.”

“But what can he do?” Khyber asked, “Either go after this trap, or have everyone he cares about wiped out by me.”

“I wouldn’t rule Ben out just yet.” Max said. “He may not have my training, but all the time he spent dealing with aliens like you has put him well above your level.”

“You can’t even begin to understand my level.” Khyber said before turning his attention to the woods. “But it would appear that the quarry is here.” Khyber tossed a white substance over the fire extinguishing it before grabbing a rifle-like blaster and aiming it into the woods. The rifle displayed a thermal scan of the area picking up the body heat of a Loboan. Khyber trained the crosshairs on the rushing werewolf alien’s form. Just before he pulled the trigger, a loud howl filled the air as Benwolf shot into the air.

“What the?” Khyber asked confused at the sudden tactic. Benwolf then came crashing down from the sky right in front of the hunter. Grabbing the barrel of his rifle, he spun on his heel, allowing him to toss Khyber away from it.

“You really didn’t think I would just run straight at you, did you?” Benwolf asked tossing the rifle aside, “Come on, I’m not that stupid. By the way, who are you anyway?”

“He is Khyber. A goobag who hides behind the mantle of a hunter but is little more than a serial killer.” Rook said.

“I believe Rook means slime bag.” Kevin said, “And I just met the guy and have to agree.”

“Well don’t worry. I can take him.” The werewolf alien said. “Alright Huntsman. Let’s see how well you handle the Benwolf.”

“Really? Benwolf? That’s the best you could come up with?” Kevin quipped.

“Hey, things where complicated when I got this alien and I was 10. Excuse me for not coming up with the most original name.” Benwolf said jumping out of the way of knife lunge from Khyber.

“Perhaps the name ‘Howlitzer’ would be appropriate?” Rook suggested. Kevin gave Rook a confused look.

“Did you just make a pun?”

“I have been practicing.” Rook said proud of himself.

“Well it’s not half bad.” Benwolf, now going as Howlitzer, said evading a knife lunge from Khyber. Right after stepping out of the way split his mouth into four separate parts before letting out a powerful sonic howl right onto the intergalactic hunter. Khyber tossed another grenade like the one he used against Gwen to put the same substance around Howlitzer’s mouth.

“May not hold forever, but I don’t need it to.” Khyber said producing his spear and lunging at Ben. Howlitzer managed to jump to avoid attack and hit the Omnitrix symbol on his waist. After the flash, he had slimmed down into the electrical alien Feedback, and far slim enough to just toss off the hardened substance now just hanging loose.

“Ha! You gotta try a lot harder than that to beat Ben Tennyson. Now, let’s see if we can’t charge up that dim bulb of a brain of yours.” Electricity surged between the fingertip plugs.

“Sorry, but I came prepared for something like that.” He tossed a disk device which exploded into the same net that ensnared Gwen. “It’s amazing how many things I used to beat your cousin are proving to be just as effective against you.”

“Look, you might have been able to catch Gwen like that, but it’ll take a lot more to slow me down!” Feedback released a powerful surge of lightning, only for it to be absorbed by the net and an electrical surge dropped down upon Feedback, who instinctively absorbed it. “ooh, so effective. Here, let me show you some real electrical power!” He fired the fresh surge into the net, only for the process to repeat itself.

“I do not understand, why is Ben insisting on repeating this action? It would appear that alien is ineffective in this situation.” Rook asked.

“Uh oh. I think I might have an idea. Ben dude! You gotta change aliens. Pick literally anyone else!” Kevin yelled.

“Stay out of his Kevin!” Feedback said, “I can keep this up all night! In fact, I kind of like it.”

“That defiantly isn’t good.” Kevin responded. “You know, I think you’re just afraid to actually fight him, that’s why you’re sticking to Feedback, so you don’t have to fight him.”

“Oh, that’s what you think huh? Fine, I’ll show you just how ‘afraid’ I am!” Feedback said hitting his Omnitrix symbol changing into Diamondhead.

“Whoa, head rush.” Diamondhead said, “Anyway, time to get out of this stupid cage.” A large diamond obelisk shot out of Diamondhead’s back cutting through and breaking the net generating device into dozens of pieces.

“This could prove a true problem.” Khyber said, “Petrosapiens aren’t exactly the easiest to hunt. Should have brought a sonic weapon.”

“What’s the matter, didn’t come prepared ‘oh mighty hunter’?” Diamondhead mocked.

“A small mistake. But a proper hunter’s skill can make up for any lack of tools.” Khyber produced his spear. He jumped forward giving it a swing, followed by a thrust. Diamondhead easily countered shifting his arms into crude blades and gave a powerful swipe knocking the spear off target. Khyber stepped into the shift in momentum spinning on his heel into another thrust. This time Diamondhead turned his arms into a shield, the spear shattering against the crystal barrier.

“Really should have saw that coming.” Diamondhead teased. “Wait a minute…” He looked down at his arms seeing a small break mending. “How did that actually damage me?”

“You’d be surprised what my weapons can damage.” Khyber said producing the same disk the hunter used against Kevin. He gave it a powerful throw, and while Diamondhead raised his arms in defense, it was still able to make a decent cut into the crystal of his body.

“Ben!” Max yelled out, “Even if that thing can cut you, the bigger you are the smaller the cut!”

“Hey, good idea Grandpa Max.” Diamondhead said charging at Khyber while hitting his Omnitrix symbol. In a flash, he changed into a large orange dinosaur and continued to get larger until Humungousaur was at his max size. Khyber’s disk, already in the air, was slammed aside against the large reptilian fist, which then found its way to slam onto Khyber himself.

“So, Mr. Hunter, how does it feel to be the prey for once?”

“I wouldn’t know, I’m still the predator.” Khyber said producing a small prod and grabbed onto the large arm sending a powerful electrical current through him. As soon as Humungousaur hit the ground, he flashed back to Ben and the wrist that bore the Omnitrix had Khyber’s boot swiftly on it.

“Why didn’t you use that sooner?” Ben asked in a bit of pain.

“One shot weapon. Can’t survive its own charge. But that doesn’t matter now. Hold still and this might not hurt.” Khyber said taking a strange device from his belt and stabbing it into the Omnitrix. When he pulled it back he looked over it, seeing the device light up a series of green lights, he sighed a bit. “Shame, seems that my employer will want you back alive. Oh well, just means I have to wait a bit before mounting your arms on my wall.”

“Dude that’s sick.” Ben responded looking at the Omnitrix, “Come on, recharge…” he said quietly. Khyber pressed a few buttons on his wrist opening a kind of communication channel.

“I have Tennyson captured. And the device says that he has what you’re looking for.” He said into the device.

“Excellent.” Argoth’s voice said through the communication device. “My ship will be within Molecular Transport Range within minutes.”

“Take a last look at your friends and family boy.” Khyber said, “Because you won’t see them again once Argoth’s ship arrives.” A chime gave Ben a grin.

“Yeah I don’t think so. If you’re such a great huntsman, surprised you didn’t follow the number one rule one of Ben Warfare. Always secure the arms!” Ben quickly reached with his free arm and hit the Omnitrix. In a flash, he seemed to disappear. But a small green light flew up. Upon closer examination, it was a small mechanical alien, with a primarily silver body with black and white marks reminiscent of a jump suit, several green lines running along its limbs like circuitry, and a pair of dragonfly-like green energy wings emitting from its back.

“Say hello to NANOMECH!” the tiny alien squeaked releasing a powerful beam of bio-electrical energy knocking Khyber back a surprising amount given the size of the one firing the blast. He then flew over to his captured friends and fired another beam to cut Kevin free.

“Seriously Ben?” Kevin asked with a half chuckle, “The tiny robo bug?”

“Hey I hit the Omnitrix and he popped up. But hey, not really complaining.” He said flying over to Gwen, “Hm…very tempted to leave this stuff on.” He said in regards to the alien gag around his cousin’s mouth. This earned a spiteful glare. “Relax cuz, just having some fun.” Before he could blast, Khyber got back on his feet. “Kevin, get the others free, I’ll keep him busy.”

“Got it.” Kevin said, “Rook, taking a hit off the armor.”

“By all means.” Rook responded as Kevin armored himself with the Proto-Armor’s material.

Meanwhile Nanomech literally few circles around Khyber’s head, giving him smaller, but still painful bio-electrical blasts while he swung annoyed with his knife.

“Hold still you worthless twerp!” Khyber snapped, “I have hunted every species in his galaxy and have never once failed to capture my quarry. You will not be the first!”

“To bad Nanomech is such a rarity you never hunted something like him before!” The tiny alien mocked.

“Then capturing you will be a first for the galaxy!” Khyber said failing another strike. When he attempted to swing again, a blaster round came flying and blasted the knife out of his hand. A bolo came through the air and grabbed him shortly after. Max was able to grab the discarded sniper rifle of Khyber’s while Rook was able to reclaim his Proto-Tool.

“That was an impressive shot Magister Tennyson.” Rook complimented.

“Meh, you should have seen me in my prime. I could have made that shot from twice the distance with half the prep time.” Max responded. “Not a bad reaction shot of your own Rook.”

“You humble me Magister Tennyson.” Rook said approaching Khyber, “But as for you, Khyber the Huntsman, it would appear you will be the one behind the cage for once.”

“I think he means either ‘behind bars’ or ‘in a cage’, but honestly what he said isn’t horrible phrasing.” Kevin said, and Gwen just nodded in response.

“Yeah Khyber.” Nanomech said shifting back to Ben in a flash, “Guess this hunt is over.”

“There are three things you should understand boy.” Khyber said, “First, this hunt is far from over. Second is that I always get my quarry…always.”

“That’s only two things Khyber.” Ben said. “What’s the third?” A surge of energy filled the air as Argoth’s ship appeared in the air above them.

“My ride is here. We’ll meet again boy.” Khyber said disappearing into a molecular transport, leaving the bolo he was tied in to fall to the ground. Argoth’s ship immediately began to gain altitude. Ben reached for the Omnitrix only for Max’s hand on his shoulder to stop him.

“This fight is over Ben.” Max said, “You can’t rush into a new battle after finishing one. Best to let them withdraw for the time being.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Ben said as Argoth’s ship disappeared in a bright blur, “What do you think that guy wanted anyway? Aside from my arms.”

“I do not have the faintest clue.” Rook said, “He seemed interested in something regarding the Omnitrix. Perhaps a specific DNA sample?”

“We’ll figure it out back at the Plumber’s Headquarters. In the meantime, why don’t we see if we’re able to salvage at least a night out here.”

“Do you think that is best? We do not know what Khyber is planning, why he is working for Argoth, or his reason for being here. Perhaps we should return to base and try to figure it out.” Rook commented.

“Rook, listen, I’ve been doing this a long time,” Ben said, “You can’t worry about it so much. Look, we’ll see what Argoth is planning down the line. Right now, we know so little, trying to figure it out will lead us down countless dead ends and wear us out. So, for now, just relax. Once we know more, we’ll start narrowing it down.”

“Wow…that was a surprisingly mature and intelligent thought. I did not think you were capable of such levels.”

“Yeah, Ben’s actually a lot smarter than he lets on.” Gwen added in. “He’s just a bit lazy and likes to keep expectations low.” Ben just gave a ‘what ya gonna do’ shrug as they walked back to their camp site.

=====
Argoth’s Ship…
=====

Khyber walked forward to where Argoth was sitting, flanked by a standing and on guard Nazak and Hackah.

“So, you have it then?” Argoth asked. Khyber responded by throwing the device to him. He caught it and activated it again. A hologram of a figure resembling a silhouette with a series of stars across it with white fists and three horn-like growths from the head.

“What DNA did I need to check to see if that boy has anyway? I’ve hunted every species in this galaxy, and I haven’t seen anything like that.”

“A Celestialsapien.” Argoth said, “Exactly what I need for my plan.”

“A Celestialsapien…” Khyber said a bit in awe. “I thought they were just legends. Stories of them, they seem to implausible.”

“Well they are very much real.” He replied. “And they are as powerful as the stories say. But your job is done here Khyber, your payment is in your ship.”

Khyber nodded. “Make any plans you want.” Khyber said silently, “I am the one who will capture the boy. And his remains will be the prize of my collection.”

**********
Alright, that marks the end of this chapter. I meant to do more of these post chapter author’s notes, but turns out I don’t have a lot to say. Anyway, I hope everyone has enjoyed my take on Khyber, importing many things from the Yautja, also knows and Predator.

The Anodite Mate Sense is an idea I had for Anodites. As many great sorcerers are portrayed as empaths, I figure a kind of highly powerful empathy themed power would be fitting for a race of mana beings. In this case, it is kind of sixth sense that alerts them if their significant other has suffered a major blow and is in need of help.
A dangerous hunter has come to Earth with only one mission. Capture Ben Tennyson.

Ben 10 is owned by Man of Action
© 2017 - 2024 TheDnDking
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