Chapter Text
The Defenders. A team of heroes that were formed following the major losses and disbanding of the Avengers. The team consisting of the Autobots Bumblebee, Arcee, former Avengers member Iron Man, Kamen Riders Geats and Tycoon, Mobian Sonic the Hedgehog and Ben 10 have taken on several threats such as the Decepticons, monsters, invaders and even HYDRA following the fall of the Red Skull. The Defenders have been all over the world and across the universe over the past year, being rather busy on their own separate terms and even together in specific scenarios.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Defenders HQ, Diego Garcia
A loud engine roar can be heard as Bumblebee, in his Urbana 500 vehicle mode, speeds down the runway of the abandoned military base that got retrofitted into the Defenders' offsite base of operations. He slows down and turns into the main hangar before he transforms into his robot mode as the doors close behind him while he stretches his arms. Bee had just returned from a long patrol on the island of Diego Garcia while the rest of the Defenders were out doing their thing.
Bumblebee walks over to the main hub of the base, looking through the reports that is on the computer screen which was sent to him by Nick Fury, director of SHIELD, on the current search for Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots. Ever since the end of the war, Optimus has been missing after the space bridge above the Earth exploded. Megatron's body was found, but ended up being missing as well. Bee sighs sadly that the end of the report states that Optimus still hasn't been found yet, his doorwings lowering slightly. Much like the other Autobots, Bumblebee finds Optimus as a father figure and it hurts him the hardest. He's hoping that SHIELD and maybe even the Guardians of the Galaxy can find him.
He's taken out of his thoughts when he feels a pair of arms wrap around his waist. Bee looks over his shoulder to see Arcee hugging him from behind, making him smile a little. Arcee looks up at Bee and notices his expression. “Everything okay, Bee?” she asked before she notices the file on the screen. The femme slips around to look at it and frowns a little. “Still haven't found him” Arcee said, clenching her fists. “No. Arcee....I'm worried. What if they don't find him?” Bee asked. “They will, Bee. I know they will. We just need to have hope and faith. Like we always do” Arcee replied as she looks at her sparkmate with a small smile. Bumblebee nods and smiles back before closing out the file. “Yeah. You're right. Optimus is still out there. We both know it” Bee replied as he puts his hands on Arcee's hips. Arcee nods with her hands on Bumblebee's shoulders as they look at each other. “So, how was patrol here?” Arcee asked. “Boring as usual. Kinda makes me miss the Decepticons” Bee replied, earning a chuckle from his sparkmate. “I can agree with you on that one. Visited Jack in Jasper. He's gonna be leaving for college in New York” the femme said, earning a look of surprise from Bumblebee. “Really? How did that happen?” Bumblebee asked as Arcee rubs his shoulders. “Agent Fowler. Shocking, right? I was even surprised myself. I heard that Raf is getting a scholarship at Princeton University. Crazy how far they'll be from Jasper” Arcee replied. “Yeah, but we're only a groundbridge away, honey” Bee said as he rubs Arcee's back while she nuzzles his neck. “I agree, Bumblebee. It's a lot to take in for them” she replied with a smile.
“Yep. It most certainly is” Bee added before he and Arcee head over to the lounge area of the base, cuddling up on the Cybertronian sized couch that they had.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Stark Industries complex, upstate New York
Tony Stark, Iron Man, roars up to the Stark Industries complex in his red Audi R8, the billionaire pulling into the parking lot before shuts off the car and gets out. Taking off his shades, Tony walks into the building with two coffees and a bag looped over his left arm before he gets in the elevator seconds before the door closes. Reaching the third floor, Tony walks rather quickly to the office and knocks on the door, then looks at his reflection in the reflective vase before the door opens to reveal his girlfriend and current CEO of Stark Industries, Virginia “Pepper” Potts. “Hey, Pep. Sorry I'm late. Couldn't use the suit today” Tony said as he enters the office. “With you, no matter what time, you're never late, Tony” Pepper replied with a smile before she sits down at the desk and finishes stacking some finished paperwork while Tony hands her one of the coffees and sets the bag next to it before he pulls up a chair. “That's true. So, good day? Or no?” Stark asked with a small grin. Pepper takes a sip from the coffee and looks at Tony. “Same as usual. We had managed to get some Vibranium from Wakanda to provide some prototypes in vehicles and even new security systems. And no, we're not making an A.I like SIGMA. That was bad from Hammer” she replied as Tony tenses up at the mention of the psychotic A.I. “Other than that, nothing new. How are things with the Defenders?” Pepper asked while Tony relaxes. “Well, Sonic is visiting his adoptive family, his friends and girlfriend now. Bee patrolled the island, Arcee went to Jasper, Ace and Keiwa are visiting their friends in Yokohama. Ben is heading to the tennis stadium to support his girlfriend. So, everyone is taking some time off, except for Rhodey as he had to go and take care of an issue in China” Tony replied, looking at his cup of coffee. “You didn't go?” Pepper asked in concern. “No. Rhodey said that he's got it. So, here's to hoping he gets back in one piece” Tony answered before taking a sip of his coffee. “Bumblebee was okay with it?” Pepper asked.
“Mm-hmm. The mission came from Fury. So, Bee gave him the greenlight to go” Tony replied as he sets his coffee down on the desk. “I see” Pepper said before she looks at the bag and opens it, revealing a necklace in a box and she smiles at Tony. She walks over and kisses him, making him kiss back before he helps her put the necklace on. “Looking as beautiful as ever, Miss Potts” Tony said with a smile. “Why, thank you, Mr. Stark” Pepper replied before they get into conversation about future plans for Stark Industries and the Defenders getting some stuff from the company.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ace Ukyio's Shrine
Ace Ukyio, Kamen Rider Geats, stands before his own shrine, looking at the Emas that are set up with various wishes from many people who visited his shrine with a smile. He looks at each wish that has been written on the Emas before he hears footsteps. The deity looks to see Keiwa Sakuri, Neon Kurama and Michinga Azuma. All three of them smile and see that Ace has made it. “Hey, guys. It's been a while” Ace spoke as he looks at his fellow Kamen Riders. “It may have been a few months since I last saw you, Ace. It has been a year since Michi and Neon have seen you” Keiwa said with a smile, his bag that contains his journal. Neon smiles to Ace and gives him a hug before Michigana does a fist bump with the God of Genesis. “Things going smooth so far?” Ace asked, reminding them about what had happened last year with the Jyamato Queen and Ace's future self prior to the Defenders having to deal with Vilgax. “Yes. We have been working and watching over to everyone while you were gone, Ace” Neon answered. “I went to Daichi to try and figure out my new Raise Buckle and testing it. I've been managing to use it more often without feeling like my body is on fire” Michigana added, showing Ace the Plosion Rage Raise Buckle to him.
Ace nods and smiles at Michi, knowing that Daichi would aid him well. “Excellent. We'll be able to ensure that no harm comes to anyone here in Japan or even the rest of the world. Even after Vilgax's attack in Bellwood and Wakanda, we need to be more prepared for anything” Ace said with a stern, but optimistic tone in his voice. “Yeah. That is some good news there. But some better news is in sight” Keiwa said before adding, “I'm looking forward to being a police officer. Worked hard for my wish and it's almost a reality”. Ace smiles brightly and puts a hand on Keiwa's shoulder. “You'll make an excellent officer, Tycoon. I know that. I have entrusted you with my life, as do the rest of us and the Defenders” he said with the smile still on his face. “I'm still looking for my prince charming. Although, I think he's close” Neon said, making the guys look at her, Ace having a knowing look on his face. “Who, Neon?” Keiwa asked. “Kyuun. He's still afraid to say it, though” Neon replied. “He will. Give him time” Michigana said with a smile.
“Your wish, Buffa?” Ace asked. “Well, Geats, it's the same as usual. It will be wonderful. My crew and I were also given the contract to build a new restaurant here in town. It will be a major big deal here since it will be the first one coming from Wakanda” Michi answered. “Ah. T'Challa is aiming to expand Wakandan culture around the world for unity. I had a feeling that he would do that. Break away from tradition and secrecy” Ace mentioned, earning a nod from Keiwa. “Another front for the world's protection. Or maybe even the whole universe” he added. “Indeed. I have a feeling that this isn't the only universe” Ace said in wonder, looking up at the sky and back to the petrified Boost MK IX buckle.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Green Hills, Montana
[Insert Song: Speed Me Up by Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Yatchy, Sueco]
Sonic the Hedgehog smiles brightly as he steps through the ring portal that he tossed, looking at the town of Green Hills before him from the cliff he was standing on. Blue electricity coursing through him, he runs through the forest surrounding the town and zips down the street, skillfully going over the vehicles as everything around him is either frozen or slow in time until he arrives at the Wachowski residence. He knocks on the door and waits a minute before it opens, revealing Tom, who is surprised to see him. “Hey, Tom” Sonic said with a smile. “Sonic. It's been a while” Tom said as he and the hedgehog high five. “It has. Been busy with hero work out in space with the gang. Is Amy here?” Sonic asked as he and Tom walk into the house. “Yeah, she's in the back with Maddie. Tails is in the garage working on something for you and Knuckles is at the junkyard” Tom answered as Sonic pets the family dog, Ozzie, who was more than happy to see him. “Thanks. I know it's been quiet without me” Sonic said as he scratches Ozzie's head. “I know, it has. Amy's been worried when you didn't call back” Tom added. “Yeah. Vilgax forced us to take the fight to his world after he nearly leveled Bellwood and almost crippled Wakanda. But, we got back and we're able to help out more, if we can” the blue hedgehog said before he heads to the back to see Amy Rose checking some of the flowers with Maddie.
“Hey” was all he said before Amy sees him. She quickly runs over and hugs him tightly, making Sonic step back a little before he hugs her back. “You had me worried” Amy spoke into Sonic's neck as she held him tightly. “I know. I should've called before we left for Vilgax's planet” Sonic said as he kisses Amy on the cheek after she let him go. “You went to another planet?” Maddie asked, getting Sonic's attention. “Yeah. Ben came up with that idea and we made it happen. Bumblebee didn't like idea, but Arcee assured him that the plan was gonna work. Honestly, Bee needs to stop doubting himself at times” he said. “So, Vilgax is gone?” Amy asked. “In the Plumbers' custody. Best them as opposed to either SHIELD or G.U.N. I trust SHIELD, don't get me wrong, but I don't think Nick Fury trusts us” Sonic answered, shrugging his shoulders. “When you make as much enemies as him, paranoia can do stuff to ya” Tom said, earning a nod from Sonic. Then, Miles “Tails” Prowler came out, smiling at Sonic and runs over to him, a bracelet device in his hand. Sonic and Tails fist bump after the fox got close. “Heard you came in, Sonic. Good to see you're still in one piece” Tails spoke, earning a chuckle from the hedgehog. “Yeah. Vilgax nearly gave us a run for our money, but it's all good. Whatcha got there, bud?” Sonic asked, looking at the device. “Something that I have been working on for you” Tails replied as he puts the bracelet on Sonic's wrist, the device powering up a bit with a couple blue lights turning on. Sonic looks at it with curiosity as the device is on. “What is it?” he asked. “It's a special device that can allow you to project an energy beam to grab and pull at things. Kind of like Indiana Jones' whip” Tails explains. “But compacted in Spider-Man's web shooters?” Sonic added, eyeing the device. “Yeah. Try it” Tails said, gesturing to an empty flower pot. Sonic walks over to where he was lined up with the pot before he flicks his wrist. A blue energy beam emits from the bracelet and wraps itself around the flower pot. Sonic's eyes widen as he grips the end of the beam coming from the bracelet and pulls back. The flower pot is pulled from its spot and the hedgehog catches it, surprised as the beam retracts into the bracelet. He looks at it and back at Tails with a grin. “I like this. Is it ready?” Sonic asked. “It is. I've been working on it for a few weeks, almost a whole month to get it right” Tails answered. “You know he's gonna get lazy with it, right? I can see it now” Amy said, earning a few laughs. “Nah, that won't happen. I'll be using it for when the time calls for it. By the way, does this have a name?” Sonic asked. “I was thinking about Enerbeam. But, I don't know” the fox replied. “That works for it, Tails. It's a good one” Maddie said, earning a smile from Tails.
“Genius as ever, little bro. This is gonna be a lot of fun to use. Imagine a slingshot move with this” Sonic said, already thinking about the cool moves that he can do with it.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Bellwood
[Insert Song: A Little Faster by There for Tomorrow]
18 year old Ben Tennyson drives through the streets of Bellwood in his DX MK 10, built for him by his friend Kevin Levin, towards the tennis stadium, his mix CD playing from the radio and the Omnitrix's core dial glows a steady green. It's been a good few months since Vilgax had invaded the city and Wakanda before the Defenders took the fight to the tyrant himself on his homeworld. Ben has been a bit uneasy after all of that, worried about his friends and family while he went into space for the first time in a while. He's taken out of his thoughts as he pulls up to the stadium and gets out of the DX MK 10, looking around as he puts his jacket on before he sees his girlfriend, Julie Yamato, talking to his cousin Gwen. Smiling, he walks over and waves to them, getting their attention. “Ben!” Julie calls out as she runs over and hugs Ben, who hugs back as he kisses her on the cheek. “Hey. I'm here as promised. I wouldn't miss this for the world” Ben said before he puts the communication function of the Omnitrix on mute, earning a confused look from Gwen. “Keeping it on mute?” she asked her cousin, earning a nod from Ben. “Yes. Right now, you're not looking at Ben 10. You're looking at Ben Tennyson. The hero is taking a break today. Sounds selfish I know, but I made a promise” Ben replied. “Just don't neglect your duty as a hero for me, Ben. That's your next promise to me” Julie said, gently poking Ben in his side with her tennis racket. “That's a promise I can keep, Julie” the hero replied as they head inside to the stadium. Ben and Gwen look around before they see Kevin, who had already preserved their seats for them. “Hey, guys” Kevin spoke up, fist bumping with Ben before he kisses Gwen. “Good to see you too, jackass” Ben joked, earning a snort of laughter from his best friend.
“Things went smooth, Ben? Is Vilgax finally gone?” Kevin asked. Ben went stiff a bit before he relaxed and nodded. “Yes. Grandpa Max said that they have him in custody, so they'll be handling him. That's all I gotta say about it, Kevin. Now isn't the time to get into a full discussion about it” he said rather sharply. “Got it. Sorry, buddy” Kevin said. “It's alright, man” Ben said as the event was getting ready. Ben leans back in his seat as he watched each tennis match, the Omnitrix's core steadily glowing again as he does.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Defenders HQ, Diego Garcia. A few hours later
Bumblebee and Arcee remained cuddled up on the couch until a loud beeping came from the computers. Arcee groans a little before she rolls off of Bumblebee as they get up. “FRIDAY, what's going on?” Bee asked. FRIDAY, Tony's A.I., materializes her avatar, who has a worried expression on her face. “There's an energy surge in the sky above the island” she spoke with an Irish accent. “Is it above us or?” Arcee asked. “It could be a few feet away--” FRIDAY spoke up, but was cut off by a sudden boom from outside the base, sounding like it's at the airstrip. “FRIDAY, contact the others. Hurry!” Bumblebee ordered as the doors to the hangar opens up. He and Arcee transform into their vehicle modes and race towards the site. Most of the ground is broken up a bit and the smoke was starting to clear up. The two Autobots stop and transform into their robot modes, weapons deployed as they approach the small crater. Once the smoke has fully cleared, Bumblebee and Arcee couldn't believe their optics.
There, at the center of the small crater, was a girl. This girl looks to be around Ben's age, fair skinned, slightly messy red and black short hair, red hooded cape that had some tears in it. The rest of the girl's outfit was a grey blouse with a red and black overbust corset, grey belt with a rose shaped pin and bullets on it, red skirt, black leggings that gradated to red and a pair of black boots with red soles. On the girl's back was a small backpack done in brown and next to her was what looks like a red and black scythe with a magazine clip, sniper scope and a barrel set in the middle of the scythe's large blade. Arcee retracts her blasters and gently picks the unconscious girl in her arms, noticing her clothes were torn and she had bruises and scrapes. “She's breathing” she said before she and Bumblebee noticed a crackling red energy travelling along the girl's body. Just then, a bell rings as Kamen Rider Geats,in his MagnumBoost form, arrives with Kamen Rider Tycoon, in his Ninja form. The two Riders are then met up with Sonic, who stepped through a ring portal from Green Hills and notices the girl in Arcee's arms. “Who's that?” he asked. “We don't know, Sonic. We gotta get her to base. And fast” Bumblebee ordered.
A few minutes later
Arcee gently lays the girl on the medical berth in the medbay of the base, she and the rest of the Defenders looking at her with worry and curiosity while FRIDAY scans her. Tony had arrived in the MK VII Iron Man armor, but Ben hasn't arrived yet since he's not answering the call. Rhodey landed in the War Machine MK III, but the suit was so damaged that he immediately got out of it before stepping out of the suit once he got the call from FRIDAY “She's still alive, like Arcee said. But, there's something off about her” she spoke. “What do you mean, FRIDAY?” Bumblebee asked. “She's human. But, not like an average human” the A.I. Said. “Where do you think she's from?” Sonic asked while sitting cross-legged on the counter. “Who knows. FRIDAY, get a blood sample from her. We can find her in the database and get some answers” Tony said. “Good idea, Tony. Maybe when she wakes up, we'll get more answers” Bumblebee said. Suddenly, the girl lets out a small groan and stirs a bit, getting the heroes' attention. The girl slowly opens her eyes, revealing two pools of silver in them for pupils. She slowly looks from side to side and then carefully sits up, putting a hand on her head, but stops and notices the people in the room she's in looking at her.
“Hey there. Don't worry. We're not gonna harm you. What's your name?” Bumblebee spoke. The girl looks at him, her silver eyes shining under the lights of the base before speaking up.
“Ruby. Ruby Rose”
