Author's Notes:

While Capella, the Arch Bishop of Lust, is able to transform into almost any beast of Earth, and magical creature of Earth, she cannot compete with, nor come even close to transforming anything the Omnitrix has in its databanks. Though she can mimic their appearances to an extent. However this also falls short due to the "Mana of Earth" not recognizing their unique alien biologies. For instance, if Capella transformed into Way Big, she would in no way be able to become nearly as tall or strong. As Chromastone, she would probably harden the surface of her skin to mimic rock, partially transforming into an Ancient Golem Troll, while shaping her body to mimic Chromastone, possessing none of his light manipulation abilities or even the durability.  Rather being able to Mimic Ben's aliens isn't useful for combat, but for other devious plots.

The Arch Bishop of Pride in this series is not very experienced in using his authority. However, even without it, he is powerful enough to fight the likes of Vilgax at full strength. 

Rem will NOT have her memories eaten by Lye in this series. Rather, somebody else will..

If Atomix and Reinhard Van Astrea were to fight each other, it could go either way, but Atomix would most likely win due to Reinhard having no protection against eventual radiation poisoning from all the nuclear explosions. 

There are aliens in Lugnica's version of Earth, mostly being the same species as Ben's Universe, though with a few new ones that do not appear in any other Universe. The Omnitrix however does not exist here, and it is its presence that will eventually attract aliens to the realm of Re:Zero for the first time in 400,000 years. 

Echidna knows about Zs'Skayr and fears him for reasons unknown, while also being fascinated by him at the same time. 

The magical spells in Ledger Domain have some root origins from Lugnica, and Hex Lord and Charm Caster have in fact visited Lugnica before.

https://youtu.be/0LybTpJRooQ

"MY BRAIN IS SCREAAAAMING, SCREAAAAAMING!!"

A voice echoed throughout the darkness as the cave seemed to echo the man's crazed yells with it's pressing darkness, as if beseeching the group that currently met beneath its depths to know that its brain was screaming too. 

"There goes Mr. Petelguese again." muttered a dark figure hidden under a hood, snapping a book shut in one hand. "This is the first time in a long while we Arch Bishops of sin have met like this in a long time, do we have to make the first words be something crazy?"

One of the only uhooded figures present at the massive stone round table, a man with green scabby skin, his elderly odd proportioned face and massive toothy grin and bulging eyes, stood up, his head tilted on his neck at a crooked angle as he thrust his fingers to his head. "The Gospel has spoken that we have been ready to receive our newest divine providence! HOW CAN I HOLD IN MY EXCITEMENT WHEN A NEW ORDER HAS GRACED US WITH IT'S DIVINE PROVIDENCE!? What granted this providence? Love? YES.. LOOOOVE! LOVE LLOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!"

As the man screamed the word 'love' over and over again, he began repeatedly slamming his head against the stone table, cackling with a combination of high pitched screams. 

"Annnnd there he goes." said a smaller hooded figures. "Regardless, the White Whale's been on the move lately, I'm excited.."

"Lye, that hardly matters." said the hooded figure with the book. "I would think why we're meeting here to be obvious. That strange boy who encountered Elsa, am I right? The Never-Before-Seen magic."

"Leave it to the Arch Sin Bishop of pride to get the picture so quickly." said another voice. 

"Quit it Regulus, I know you're just patronizing me." Growled The boy with the Book. "As I am Pride however, I will acknowledge that those beneath me usually don't know when to shut up."

"NEW magic NEEWWWW magic! It is obvious! It is providence! PROVIDENCE!! The power to change into a creature.. no.. an ANGEL.. from the SKIES!" exclaimed Petelguese his wrists popping as he crackled his fingers rapidly pointing into the air. "Pride, you are closest! It will be your JOB! No.. YOUR PROVIDENCE!"

"Alright old man I get it, I get it." grunted the Bishop of pride. "Get a grip. Find that boy with the strange bracelet who can transform into a walking light show crystal."

"It's more than just that." said the voice that was Regulus. "Elsa said that boy was filled with the scent of the Jealous Witch. Hmm, Capella, you have some fine students."

"Oho?" said a hooded female figure. "How lovely."

"And that New Magic was unlike anything we have ever seen. I myself kept a close eye. Unfortunately Reinhard showed up before I could do anything." said Pride with a shrug. 

"So you do understand." said the voice that was Lye. 

"Indeed. I sensed inside it, vast power. Unlimited power even. That boy isn't ordinary." said Pride. "Consider my interests peaked, I'll be looking into it Mr. Petelguesse."

Petelguesse's face split into a wide smile worthy of the Joker. "GO get em kiddo!!!"

***************

"Stop struggling." Rem muttered. 

Ben was fidgeting a little as he, Rem, and Ram stood in a straight line in the front road leading through the Roswaal manor's garden, as Roswaal himself and Emilia stood at the forefront. 

"Sorry, just a little nervous." Ben muttered. "I've never been a butler before. Isn't it a big deal if I mess up serving something and ruin the Roswaal's reputation or something?"

"You've watched too many playwrights."  said Ram with a sigh from where she stood on Rem's other end. "While it is true we are to keep Master Roswaal's reputation intact, one little slip up with too much sugar in your tea isn't going to send him into the realm of a miser. Chin up Dog Pee Boy."

"Somehow managed to be both comforting and insulting at the same time. " Ben muttered. "Nice."

"I would probably be nicer if you were doing any better in your reading and writing lessons." said Ram. 

Recently, Ram had taken to teaching Ben how to read and write Lugnican letters. 

"COME on I'm trying!" Ben roared. "And I'd learn better if you didn't keep falling asleep on my bed instead of teaching me!"

"Sister are you- I-I mean that is merely Ram's method of encouraging-." Rem began. 

"AHA! Caught ya!" Ben exclaimed, wiggling his tongue, his eyes sparking. "Even you, the honest little sister twin can't deny that Ram is acting up here!"

Ram sighed. "Just quiet down, they're here."

Rem shook herself a little, hoping that neither Ben or Ram noticed. 

Every time she even breathed in slightly, she'd catch his scent. The scent that was filled with miasma. He smelled just like it, the Jealous Witch.. the smell of the Witch's Cult. And yet.. as soon as she tried to become angry at that scent, as soon as she attempted to feel fury from it, Ben would do something goofy or sensitive that immediately quelled her anger. 

If it wasn't for Roswaal repeatedly telling her that it was most likely Ben himself was unaware of this strange mark of the witch upon him, she had no doubt she would've already attempted to kill him by now. Or not. 

Again, his endearing will to keep pushing forward with cheer in spite of the deep held trauma and pain that was definitely not fake, often stayed her hand. 

"Hey Rem by the way." Ben said as an Earth Dragon drawn carriage skidded to a halt in front of the manor road. "Uh, I'm sorry about yesterday, with uh.. Eatle eating your weapon.. and.."

"Roswaal will likely procure a new one." said Rem. 

"No really, uh, actually I might've already solved that." Ben said. "I left it in front of your room, a gift. I used one of my aliens to make it."

Rem blinked, feeling confused. Just what on Earth kind of weapon would Ben make from one of his strange otherworldly forms?

The carriage came to a halt and the door opened as the butler driving bowed to the person getting out. 

Ben gave a start. "Hey the driver is.. HEY! WILHELM!!" 

"For somebody so nervous about making a first impression Dog Pee Boy, you seem rather intent on causing disaster." Ram said. 

"Eh!? O-oh!" Ben stammered. "Sorry. "

"Oho, Do you know that boy Wilhelm?" said the person in the carriage as he got out.

"Yes, I'm actually quite pleased he managed to find a place to work." said Wilhelm. "Greetings Tennyson, it heartens me to see you not having to camp beneath the stars."

"I'm surprised, you know the Sword Demon Wilhelm Van Astrea?" Muttered Rem. 

"Well yeah, I met him while job hunting." said Ben. "So he's a huge deal huh? And that person with him is.. huh surprise, surprise, it's not that Crusch lady, it's-."

"Oh no!" Rem felt dread course through her as her spine went cold

"Of course it had to be him." Ram grumbled, smacking a hand to her face.

"EHHH!? And you guys get on to ME about ettiquette!? Face Palming in front of a guest!?" Ben grumbled. 

"Believe me Dog  Pee Boy, Rem's got good reason." muttered Ram. "The idiotic part is his higher realm of placement in society which he can lord over us."

The boy who got out looked important indeed.  He wore a knight's white coat and shoulder cape with it's high collar and a sword sheathed at his side. His hair was dark green, and his face was so youthfully beautiful, at a distance, his fine slanted features could be mistaken for a masculine girl. 

https://youtu.be/M03cX2KcZsI

"REM!! MY LOVE!! I HAVE RETURRRRRNED!" exclaimed the man with gusto. 

"Ohhhh now I'm getting it." Ben muttered. 

"Sir Vertilot!" exclaimed Roswaal, tipping the large top hat he had chosen to wear that day. "It's been quite a whi~ile since your last stay. Your usual room has been pre~epared."

"Sir Roswaal, it is an honor as usual. I'm sure you are aware from the letter that Lady Crusch so graciously sent  forth in advance of my arrival what my business is?"

"Yes, arrangements for the first meeting regarding the Ro~oyal selection." said Roswaal cheerily. "I am quite a~aware."

"Of course." said Vertilot. "I, Bartholomew Joe Starven Vertilot,  though, of course, have not only thought of business."

Vertilot winked at Rem, who immediately had an urge to barf.  "As always, I have taken the liberty of bringing some beautiful gifts for my bride to be.. Rem darling! My travels have been long, and here you have dutifully waited for your one true love!"

Ben snorted outloud. "Snrrrff.. eheheh, Joestar?"

Vertilot's expression suddenly morphed into that of distaste, glaring at Ben as he strode closer. "Do you have something to say servant boy?"

"Uh? Oh sorry, just your name sounds like something popular in my homeland." said Ben. "Meant no disrespe- Uah!?"

Vertilot drew his sword, putting its blade to Ben's neck.  "Just who do you think you are to talk so nonchalantly to a knight and a noble?"

Ben glared at Vertilot now, sweat trickling down his face as the blade shone like a familiar black claw. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Ehhh?" said Vertilot. "Why?"

Ben gritted his teeth. "You're making me uneasy, and I can't guarantee I'll control myself.. "

Rem felt her heart jump as she realized Ben's hand was inches away from his left wrist. 

"Bartholomew, stop it!" Rem said. 

"Oh? Rem, so kind, so wonderful!" squealed Vertilot. "Worried for a backwater servant's safety.  You're too kind to scum like this one!"

"It's not his safety you should be worried about." Ram said, putting her hands on her hips. "He is one of master Roswaal's most powerful subordinates. He'll turn you to ash."

"HIM!? This fool!?" growled Vertilot. 

"Then how about you put away your blade for the simple reason that Lady Crusch will have your head if he hears about you causing another incident on Mr. Roswaal's property, Sir Vertilot?" Wilhelm spoke up this time, clearing his throat. 

"Ye~es, I would appreciate you not manhandling my se~ervants." said Roswaal. "It might affect our agreement regarding your ma~arriage." 

Vertilot let go of Ben, sweating slightly. "I get it."

Ben's jaw dropped. "Wait.. marriage, that bride thing wasn't just an expression!? Wait, REM IS-!?"

Rem put a hand to Ben's mouth. 

"Not now." Rem whispered angrily. "It's already difficult enough dealing  with him when he isn't bragging. "

 "Where shall my luggage be taken?" asked Vertilot as he passed by Emilia as if she didn't even exist, though that might've been a blessing, as Emilia was glaring at Vertilot as she had never glared at another human being before, Puck giving the man an equal amount of dagger eyes. 

"Ben, Ram, if you would be so kind to take Sir Vertilot's luggage to his room?" Roswaal said. "And of course Be~en, I know it might be hard on you, but it might be suitable to use your special po~wers, the luggage is likely to be hea~avy."

"Going alien for something as dumb as carrying luggage?" Ben muttered. "Why?"

"While sparring with Rem seems to be making progress with your co~ondition, it would probably be much better to even try using your powers for mu~undane tasks." said Roswaal. "A~and..  you will understand when you see."

"THAT'S A SHIT TON OF LUGGAGE!" Ben roared as he stared at the giant mountain of suitcases that came pouring out of the back of the carriage. 

A few moments later, Chromastone was carrying a giant pile of suitcases up the staircase as Ram followed with two suitcases under her own arms. 

"You could have used somebody stronger." Ram said. "Didn't you mention something about a super strong creature you called Humungousaur Dog Pee Boy?"

"Chromastone's strong enough." Chromastone said. "Humungousaur would've been too big to even fit in here. Heck most of my super strength guys would be. Fourarms? Too big, Rath..? Hmmm.. 9 feet tall.. maybe.. nah, too angry."

"We're here." said Ram, opening a door as Chromastone stepped in and dumped the suitcases onto the floor. 

"Waaaaiiiit a minute." Chromastone muttered, his eye narrowing into a glowing green slit. "This room seems fami-... THIS IS REM'S ROOM!?"

"Yes." said Ram heavily. 

"You mean she actually has to sleep with that-!?" Chromastone's magenta crystal fingers began twitching furiously as his eye turned into a ball of fire. "Th-that.. th-that?"

For some reason, this was making him feel a whole lot angrier than he should have. He was already imagining Vertilot laughing shirtess as he dove into a bed like a swimming pool SAO Season 3 style (worst.. anime scene.. ever.. also the most memeable.. was he really about to do something horrendous or was he just a random drunk dude skydiving into his bed from nowhere?).

"NEVAAAAAHHHH!!" Chromastone roared, suddenly firing a giant laser beam straight through Rem's bed, blowing it to cinders.

"HAAAAAAHHH!?" Ram stammered, leaping backwards.

A few moments later, the embarrassed alien whose magenta crystals had turned blood red like rubies in embarrassment (Hey it's Sugelite!)  was placing a new bed where the old one had been. 

"As I said before, Rem isn't actually supposed to have relations with the man until the marriage ceremony is through." said Ram. "They're merely sleeping in the same bed, that is all."

"R-right." Chromastone muttered. "Though I'll be honest I'm kind of surprised at my own reaction too."

"Perhaps it is a good thing you are focused more on this however." Ram said. 

"Huh? Why?" Chromastone muttered.

"You have been an alien for about 20 minutes now, and you have yet to have a sudden panic attack." said Ram.

There was a pause. 

"Huh.." Chromastone murmured. "You're right, I guess for some reason I was so focused on Rem that I forgot my own trauma.. a bit. I guess Roswaal was right about using my alien forms to do menial tasks. And here my Grandpa  and Cousin Gwen always scolded me for doing something like that, heheh!"

"Are you going to change back to human now?" Ram asked. 

"No, I think I'll try and test this method a bit more." Chromastone said. "Ram, can you tell me a bit more about the situation? Why does Rem have to marry that guy? I mean it's apparent that she's not in love with the doofus."

"Currently, the Vertilot Family has access to an extremely precious source of Magic Ore that Roswaal requires for the Royal Selection." said Ram. "However, only members of the Vertilot family are allowed to use any of the ore. By having an employee or offspring marry Vertilot, Roswaal would gain access. "

"So he just married off Rem? I swear if Roswaal tries to marry me off I'm quitting." Chromastone grumbled, scratching his head crystal grumpily. 

"I suppose Rem could've run away, but she.. she.." Ram sighed. "She knew I wouldn't abandon Roswaal, so I suppose she stayed out of consideration for me. Honestly, Roswaal should've married me off instead, I would've happily sacrificed myself to that piss ant Vertilot if it was for the sake of Roswaal's goals. 

"But Rem would be pretty sad if that happened." Chromastone said. "And I think Vertilot got to have his pick of the household didn't he?"

"Yes, he was torn between Rem and Frederica, but in the end chose Rem." said Ram. 

"Fre-who?" Chromastone  said. 

"Nobody you need to know about yet." said Ram. "Rem should be waiting in the kitchen."

Sure enough, after Ben returned to human form and he and Ram got down to the kitchen are, they found Rem. However, she wasn't cooking whatsoever. 

"Is he still in the dining room?" Rem asked as she sat inside the oven. 

"You know, if we closed this thing without seeing you and started preheating the oven in preparation to bake razzleberry pies for tonight's feast, you're probably gonna die." Ben muttered.

Rem started to look thoughtful as weighing the pros and cons of being baked over having to spend a single moment with Vertilot. 

"Hey, hey. You can't ACTUALLY be thinking about-." Ben said, sweat pouring down his face. 

"I do not wish to be married to him." Rem muttered. 

"We understand Rem, really." said Ben. "But don't you think killing yourself would make Ram sad? And honestly what's the point in it?"

Rem nodded. "True. I-I suppose I would have to go through with it."

"It's unfortunate that we have to do this, however-." Ram began. 

"Go through with it!? Are you KIDDING ME!?" Ben roared flipping a coffee table over. 

"Where did the coffee table come from?" Ram murmured, mystified. 

"I don't know, they always just seem to appear when I'm like 'no friggin' way'." said Ben with a shrug. "Anyways! I don't think we should go through with it in the SLIGHTEST!!"

"Dog Pee Boy, don't be stupid. This is Emilia's future as well as Roswaal's deepest wish on the line." said Ram. "Something that I swore I would uphold whatever the cost. This wedding is absolutely required if we are to fulfill our roles to-."

"I get it I get it. " said Ben. "But, what if we can have our cake and eat it too! What if we somehow get a win win scenario?"

"How in the world would there be any win win scenario in this?" Ram asked. 

"Look I admit I don't know enough about Roswaal to give him any sort of credit or feel any real desire to help him succeed in whatever his screwed up wish is." Ben said. "If it turns out it's like world peace or something, heck yeah I'll help him till I'm blue in the face. But Emilia wants to be Queen of Lugnica. She's like the most guilless person I've ever met. Anybody like that I can get behind. If the resources are that important to her getting elected, I'm willing to give this a shot."

"And if it comes to a decision that either you must go one way or the other?" Ram asked. 

"I don't make sacrifices." Ben said. "That's against my policy."

"That's not my question Dog Pee Boy." said Ram. "I'm saying if you are forced into a crossroads with the exit behind you firmly shut and no way out, what will you do?"

"Honestly, I'll keep trying to find a way to solve both issues till my fingers fall off if I have to." Ben said. "I know I'm hardly one to talk considering my ptsd and my retirement, but there was a philosophy I adhered to when I was 11 and the hero thing was starting to get even more difficult."

"Which is?" asked Ram. 

"If you get hurt, hurt em back." Ben said. "if they cut off your legs, then crawl to victory, if they cut off your arms, then drag yourself in by your teeth, if they remove your teeth then roll, if they kill you, then come back as a ghost and haunt the shit out of em. If they call the Ghost Busters, call the Ghost Ghost Busters.. or er.. something like that... shit I sounded like Rath for a moment there.. point is, you keep finding a way till there's no other direction to go but forward."

Ben shrugged. "But, if I had to choose as your question directed, I'd go with saving Rem?"

"Eh!?" Ram said. 

Rem's eyes went wide with surprise.

"Emilia's just one Queen candidate I've ever met. She's nice, friendly, and deserves the win, but I'm not going to put the happiness of a friend beneath politics, even if that other person going into politics is a friend." said Ben. 

"At that point I would have to fight you." said Ram. 

"Bring it." Ben said. 

There was a tenseness in the air, and Ram backed away, sweating. Ben was looking at her without a single hint of joking. And the scariest part was, Ram knew that even if she still had her full strength from back before-.. that moment.. Ben would win through sheer tenacity, Omnitrix or no Omnitrix. 

"And I'd do the same for you Ram if it was you about to be married off to some scumbag." Ben said. "You two are my friends, I don't make allowances where that's concerned."

Ram snorted, as if trying to shake off the tenseness of the moment. "I'm sure when that moment comes Dog Pee Boy, I will have to report you to the authorities for attempting lewd things with me."

"And you ruined the moment." Ben grumbled. 

"So I'm under the impression you have a plan?" Ram grunted. "As if any plan from Dog Pee Boy would be any bit-."

"Of course I have a plan!" Ben said. "Look, back in my line of work I was always coming up with plans. One of them, not to brag, though admittedly I did used to brag a LOT about it, ended up saving the whole entire Universe!"

There are no records of such a deed." said Ram. 

"Of course not, it wasn't YOUR uni- I mean, er, alien stuff, not like humans ever hear about alien stuff, as far as aliens are concerned Earth is a total backwater hippie planet." said Ben. 

Ram just stared at Ben, her mouth slightly open. "B-backwater!? N-no planet that Roswaal inhabits could be-."

"Tell me the magic we have in Lugnica EVER has been able to produce something like this." Ben said, pointing at the Omnitrix.

"Depends, how many aliens are-?"

"Over one million." said Ben. 

There was a long pause. 

Ram opened her mouth, then closed it, then opened it, then closed it. "Wha-?"

"Hey, Azmuth was a crazy genius." Ben said. "Back to the plan to get Rem out of marrying Sir Douche-a-lot now?"

"Um.. of  course." said Ram. "What is your proposal?" 

"Heheheh, I call it, The Get Asshole Knight To Give up marrying Rem By embarrassing him to the Point That He owes Roswaal One and Gives Him all the Ore without getting a Marriage!!" Ben roared.

"That name's way too long." Rem and Ram muttered.

"In any case, the work is in the title right there. You saw how Roswaal had this guy tied around his finger right? He implied that doing anything dumb would put the marriage in jeopardy. In other words, Roswaal actually HAS the ability to function without the ore! I just be it would be a slower advancement to his goal if he didn't have them. Rem's just leverage at this point."

"Your low opinion of Master Roswaal is somewhat making me angry." Ram growled 

"He's an evil clown who will one day bite off our heads and dance upon our grave, waltzing with Zombozo in the dead of night." Ben said cheerily holding up a finger. 

"Eh?" Rem and Ram now stared at Ben with even more dead eyes than before. 

"I'M AFRAID OF CLOWNS OKAY!? I'm naturally nervous around anybody wearing Mime Makeup!" Ben stammered. "Anyways, in my actual honest non-irrational fear based opinion, Roswaal isn't above stepping over people to get to the top, even if its people he cares about. I mean he seems to really care about you two at least, but he isn't above throwing Rem into an arranged marriage with somebody whose at the LEAST, SUPER inadequate. 

Ram remained silent. 

"The fact you aren't arguing back means you can't help but agree." Ben said. "Not at least when it's about your sister. So lets look at the logic here. Roswaal isn't going to be any help unless he's given a reason. His reason right now is he wants those ores. In other words, we need to find an easier way for him to get those ores, or at least find out if he's bluffing that he can simply let go of the guy and get the ores the other way he knows he can, or just not get them."

"So, how do we do that?" Ram asked. 

"We get him to humiliate himself in front of Roswaal so badly that Roswaal reconsiders, while at the same time, we investigate the Vertilot family for other negotiateable avenues of trade!" Ben said. "Simple."

"Easier said then done." Rem said, getting out of the oven. "Ben, you can't honestly believe this will work."

"If it doesn't, then Plan B, I'll take Rem, we quit, and we find our fortunes in the Capital." said Ben.

"I barely know you. " Rem muttered. "Why would I-?"

"Cause anything's better for you than spending the rest of your life with that wingnut." Ben said. "Which would you prefer, goofy weirdo with alien watch temporarily tagging along, or prissy asshole for life?" 

Rem gulped, her fingers fidgeting. He had a point there. 

Ram sighed. "Dog Pee Boy, if you're wrong about this, I swear I will gouge your eyes out. BUt it is indeed one of the only plans we have, and at this moment I suppose we are in a state of desperation. Very well, I shall request of Roswaal a vacation so that I might visit the Vertilot household. I will send a letter if I've found a differing avenue of acquiring what Roswaal wishes, until then, Dog Pee Boy, keep a sharp eye on Rem. Vertilot is a pervert and not an upholder of tradition at times, he will attempt to take Rem's virginity."

Ben felt his eyes blaze on fire as once more he angrily imagined a smug Vertilot pouncing on Rem in her bed . 

"I'll make sure." Ben muttered, cracking his knuckles. 

"Don't kill him." Ram muttered, raising an eyebrow. "Jeez, just why are you so protective of Rem? I must admit you are bordering on Pervert Stalker Dog Pee Boy."

"Pervert Stalker." Both Rem and Ram pointed at Ben in an accusatory manner. 

"I-I SWEAR THAT'S NOT WHY I'M MAD!" Ben roared. 

Though Ram did have a point. Ben couldn't really ascertain why he was so suddenly protective of Rem.

Later at meal time, Ben and Rem came down to the main dining room to begin serving courses, neither of them sitting down to accompany the guests in the meal, as this was a formal meeting and their roles were merely chef and wait-staff at the moment. 

The table was filled with magnificent dishes that Ben and Rem had worked hard on together, a portion of the meals having been sent to their rooms for later consumption after the end of the meeting. 

A little into the meal, Rem went back to gather the next course as Ben stood by with a bottle of wine in one hand

"Spectacular as always Be~en." said Roswaal as he took a bite. "Your skill is great indeed."

"Well I admit the peasant's cooking isn't half bad." said Vertilot with a smug smile. "Though I doubt it mattered much in the slums you hailed from if you couldn't even buy proper ingredients."

Ben rolled his eyes. 

"And where is the abomination Beatrice?" Vertilot asked as he swirled his wine. 

"Sir, I would implore that you not antagonize-." Wilhelm began. 

"Silence servant! You may have been a swordsman at one point, but right now you are a lowly butler!" snapped Vertilot. 

Wilhelm's glare was terrifying enough to even send Rath running, but he kept his cool and remained silent. 

"Bea~atrice is currently in the library." said Roswaal easily without missing a beat or even giving a hint of irritation. "You could sa~ay that she's not anxious for social intera~action."

"Good, the abominations like those artificial spirits should stay in their cages." Vertilot said. "You truly know how to tame your pets Roswaal. Two oni maids, one beast-man maid, a boy who made a strange transformation before carrying my luggage and a Half Elf..  you do have your work cut out for you."

Emilia blinked with shock as Puck peeked out from behind her head, glaring daggers like one wouldn't believe. 

But it was Ben who spoke up first. 

"Hey! Emilia isn't a pet!" Ben snapped. "She's a princess and candidate for the throne. If anything she outranks you!"

"What was that? Did I give you permission to speak!?" growled Vertilot. 

"My butler's rudeness aside-." Roswaal gave Ben a warning glance. "He is ri~ight. In this household, Lady Emilia does indeed outrank you I'm afraid, Soul Knight Bartholomew."

"Tsk, a half elf outrank me? You might as well tell me that in my upcoming marriage, that whore slut blue oni is the one who'll become head of the fa- POW!!"

Ben couldn't stop himself.

He was red in the face with rage now as his fist rammed into Vertilot's head and sent him sprawling over the floor. 

He knew Vertilot was probably drunk, what with his dazed demeanor and the copious refills he had requested over the course of the night, but he didn't care. 

"Says the guy who was pining after her when you got off the carriage this morning!" Ben growled. "So don't you DARE you shithole!!!"

Emilia put her hands to her mouth in shock while Puck began clapping his paws yelling "Bravo! Bravo!"

Roswaal oddly enough, didn't seem angry, in fact he looked like he was trying desperately not to laugh, while Wilhelm's expression didn't change except for a raise in his eyebrows. 

"I have returned with Desse-." Rem returned, stopping mid sentence as she pushed the cart laden with sweets. 

"Ah, yes, dessert." said Vertilot, standing up and dusting off his pants, gritting his teeth as blood dripped from his nose, apparent to everyone. "Yes.. I believe some dessert is good, why don't you have some Tennyson?"

Vertilot picked up a piece of cake and smashed it over Ben's face. 

As Ben's eyes dripped with blurred images of frosting, he felt a fist collide with his gut and sent him flying into the wall. 

Ben coughed  in pain, but while images and flashbacks of his ptsd started to clip through his mind like corrupted footage, he was more angry than traumatized at the moment.

"Sure.. CAKE!" Ben growled, smacking a hand to the Omnitrix. 

Brainstorm appeared, wiping the frosting off his face with a pincer, and smirking devilishly. "What a clever idea! I was just contemplating the notion of a well served, satisfying dessert! But why cake when you can go with some apple pie? I hear the taste is.. ELECTRIFYING!"

Brainstorm's carapace opened, and several electrical tendrils whipped out, levitating plates of desserts into the air, that automatically smashed themselves into Vertilot, covering him in food.

"S-Stop!" Rem stammered. 

"Ben! Bartholomew!" Emilia yelled out. "Control yourselves!"

"So you ARE some sort of monster!" growled Vertilot as he bubbled with fury, wiping food off his face and coat. "I suppose that gives me the right to SLAY you!"

"I believe the proper phrase for this most auspicious occasion is: 'BRING IT ON YOU ANDROGYNOUS CRETEN!!'" Brainstorm growled as his brain exploded with electrical energy. 

Vertilot grinned as he hurled his blade at the dessert cart, and a sharp wind exploded into the food, levitating plates on a bunch of miniature green twisters. 

The twisters threw themselves at Brainstorm, food flying at him from all directions. 

"Your advantage, superior range, my advantage, superior intellect!" Brainstorm raised his pincers and a shield made of electrical energy bubbled around him, blocking the attacks before he  levitated a few plates from the main dining table with electrokinesis. 

"This is about to get me~essy heheheh." said Roswaal. 

"Aren't you going to stop them!?" Emilia squealed. 

"Oh but you see.." said Puck. "Ben doesn't seem to be stressing out at the moment does he?"

"Ye~es, perhaps this is a good moment to let him practice using his emo~otions to get over his trauma." said Roswaal. 

"Neeeeehhh!?" Emilia exclaimed as Roswaal and Puck both laughed deviously, wiggliing their fingers. "D-don't tell me.. you really were irritated by Sir Vertilot this whole time weren't you Mr. Roswaal?!"

"I neither imply or admit anything." said Roswaal with a shrug. 

"M-Mr. Wilhelm!" Emilia looked at the elderly butler for help.

"It's childish, but I believe I would only make things worse." muttered Wilhelm. "Especially when the fight is over a woman."

"W-well, I suppose the only problem is that later we have to clean this up." Emilia muttered. "As long as it's only food.

Rem watched, open mouthed as food flew everwhere, carried by electromagnetic energy and wind blasts. 

"UL FURA! ORIGIN PULSE!" roared Vertilot. 

A massive wind blast that tightened itself and narrowed into a thin beam so intense that a shockwave erupted as it shattered the sound barrier, exploded towards Brainstorm. 

"OHO!?" Brainstorm was shrouded in rubble and dust as a hole tore through the wall.

Everyone now stood up.

"That was an aim to kill!" snapped Wilhelm. "Stand DOWN Vertilot."

"Don't tell me how to punish unruly slaves!" growled Vertilot. 

"Is that how you see him..? Bartholomew?" 

Vertilot went quiet as he looked behind him to see Rem, her eyes blazing with fury as a horn grew from her forehead. 

"Is that how you see me?" Rem asked. 

"Now now, dear, you must understand, when I said slave- I merely meant."

"Don't try to explain yourself, I detest you all the more when you try and do that." Rem growled. "Did you really have to kill him!?"

"You saw him, he was a monster!" said Vertilot. "And what makes you think he's dead?"

"You are a prodigy in your family, matched only by the Van Astrea line." said Rem. "That attack could bore through diamond infused enchanted armor and knock a dragon out of the sky. The secret technique of the Vertilot family. You used it for a petty squabble over.. over.. I don't even know what it was.. what was it!?"

Vertilot began to sweat. "Oh.. uh.. n-nothing in particular."

"Ben Tennyson is brash, foolish, impulsive, broken by his trauma, and wields far more power than any one person should be allowed to wield." said Rem, tears misting over her eyes. "But he never deserved to die.  I may have to marry you, but, no matter how long we are together, even if I bear your children,  You are dead to me."

Suddenly, something strange phased out of the floor right behind Vertilot, and everyone stared in shock. 

It was like a ghost had just slipped through the floor. 

Only this ghost looked like a hooded phantom, with a fur collared blue hooded robe, and a skeletal face with bulbous green eyes. 

Suddenly the robe unfolded to reveal that they were actually large moth-like wings that had been folded into the likeness of a robe.., revealing a skinny skeletal strong body underneath, with blue ice-like armor on its arms and legs, it's large bony teeth hissing freezing wind from between them. 

"Big.. Chill."

"EEEEEEEEEEEEE!" Screamed Vertilot at the top of his lungs. "GHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSST!!! DEMONIC GHOOOOOOOSSTTTT!! STAY AWAY STAY AWAY STAY- Splat!."

Big Chill smooshed a pie over Vertilot's head. "HA! Game over!"

"Eh...?" muttered Rem. 

"Eh?!" said Emilia. 

"HUH!?" squealed Vertilot. 

"That was the last pie!" Big Chill exclaimed. "Therefore, I am the official winner of this food fight! Though if you still want to hit me, I'll totally-."

"Ben, he just tried to kill you." Puck said, raising a tiny paw.

"Eh? Really?" said Big Chill. 

Everyone stared. 

For a minute Big Chill tilted his skull-like head in confusion before turning to look behind him for a minute. "HOLY SHIT! WHEN DID THAT HOLE GET HERE!?"

Rem smacked a palm to her forehead as everyone else just sighed. 

"Likely he turned into Big Chill and phased through the floor before the attack actually finished. He probably thought it was another light attack of some so~ort." said Roswaal with a laugh, taking another sip of wine. "Though you have to admire his instincts in avoiding any attacks to begin with."

"Hmmm hmmm." Puck nodded. "And the finishing blow of Apple Cinnamon pie was quite a nice touch."

"Tsk, I shall retire to my room. And my beloved.. you and I shall have a few things to discuss before we turn in tonight!" snapped Vertilot as he dusted some food off his shoulders and slammed the dining room door shut behind him. 

Big Chill just stood there for a second, food, dripping off of him, as he stood amidst the carnage of all the dishes he helped prepare, smooshed all over the carpet, table, and floor, and even splattered on the ceiling in some cases. 

"I'm in trouble aren't I?" Big Chill muttered. 

"Yes." said everyone in the room.