Author Notes:

Regulus Corneas's ability makes him extremely formidable even against some of Ben's most powerful aliens, and he can even defeat the likes of Atomix and Way Big, defeating Way Big in particular being frighteningly easy due to his size making him an easy target. If his ability were to be revealed however, it would only take Clockwork or XLR8 to defeat him, both possessing the means to bypass his ability as long as he suffers the negative side effects of Stillness of an Object's Time, with Clockwork actually managing to take on his ability even if he weren't suffering the negative effects.  Terraspin also has the means to slightly bypass his ability due to his resistance to all powers magical. 

Theoretically, Lye Bakenkaitos could gain Ben's abilities upon eating his name, but as most of his skills are utilized with alien bodies, the only way he'd be able to fully utilize Ben's memories with Eclipse is by also taking the Omnitrix.  Physically even with all the abilities of the martial arts fighters he's eaten over the years however, he is only barely able to keep up with the likes of Rath, and XLR8 is multiple leagues above him in speed even with the Leaper Technique active. And Humungousaur's armor is so tough that even his martial arts techniques would take multiple tries to get in a dent.  Either way, he's a formidable fighter even compared to the likes of the Ben10 verse, and could even likely defeat EightEight.  However, if he were to fight Albedo, he would lose outright, as Albedo isn't as merciful as Ben.  Lye looks forward to devouring Ben and taking the "New Magic" (Omnitrix) from him, seeing his aliens as a way to further expand his abilities and help him get over using Solar Eclipse. 

"As you can see Lady Ram, our stocks of Magic Ore is by far still in quite ample supply. There are shipments being readied as we speak to come in as soon as news of your sister's wedding is confirmed."

Ram eyed the documents meticulously from within the large library study of the Vertilot Manor south of the Capital. 

Knowing that dork Ben Tennyson, she was sure that he was doing everything he could to either delay the wedding or embarrass Bartholomew in Roswaal's eyes. 

And while she was sure his attempts would be fruitless, they would buy her time at the very least. Overall the plan's intent was sound. She no longer doubted that back in the day, this idiot was in fact a formidable warrior in his homeland. 

"It might do for you to have a little fa~aith in Ben." said Roswaal before Ram had left. "He may not look it, but he's brimming with experience. I doubt anybody else wea~aring that device would do it with quite as much ta~alent."

Ram had frowned at the sound of this. "Master Roswaal, I'm afraid I must disagree. If you were to take the Omnitrix from Ben Tennyson like you originally planned I would learn it's power a thousand times over and wield it far better than-."

"Now now Ram dear." Roswaal said. "Ben wouldn't take kindly to that kind of talk would he?"

"My devotion is to you not him." Ram said.

"And yet your Sister thinks differently." Roswaal said. "Have you not sensed it? Though she tries to deny it, she's grown a bit fond of Ben, and I don't blame her in the slightest. I rather think she needs somebody like him in her life to grow her out of her shell."

Ram dipped her head. "Well I.. hmm.."

"I myself am fond of Ben as a servant as much as I am fond of you two." said Roswaal. "He's a powerful asset too, having a ready made soldier already trained in the usage of the Omnitrix, but not just that, he's a once in a lifetime talent.  Ram, I'm sorry to say, but even in a hundred years I doubt you could use the Omnitrix as well as Ben has in the past fi~ive years."

"H-he's that-?"

"Look at him Ram, you've seen the wa~ay he fights when fighting Rem. He not only ho~olds back, but does so with such masterfulness, you would think he was a meticulous surgeon." said Roswaal, smiling as a shadow crossed his face. "No, if he is to kill the dragon for me, he mu~ust not be parted from the Omnitrix ever."

Back in the present Ram sighed as she poured over the documents that Vertilot paige had just handed her. "And there aren't any records of objects of importance that Master Roswaal holds that the Vertilot family possesses great desire for?"

"None." said the paige with a bow. "So far it is only Rem or you that the family desires to put it bluntly. You are some of the last of the Oni bloodline and to have an oni's strength in the family would be be a great boon to master Vrata S. Vertilot. There are even rituals and spells being prepared to ensure that the children Rem bears still come out as full blooded Two Horned oni while also bearing Master Bartholomew's blood."

Ram crinkled her nose in disgust. "I suppose breeding the right pedigree is all this family knows how to do? Sick.."

"Lady Ram is as cold as always." said the paige brightly. "Forgive me I am but a lowly paige who is still in training for knighthood, so I don't have a grasp on the whole spectrum of our family. I'm sure you find it quite disgusting."

"I won't lie, if there's anything I'm dreading its how Rem's children might end up either looking like Barf-olomew or Dog Pee Boy." Ram said. 

"Dog.. pee boy?" muttered the paige.

It was at that moment, Ram's eyes widened as she imagined Ben in a suit and tie, and Rem wearing a traditional wedding Kimono of the Oni Village, kissing as Roswaal acted as a priest. 

The Priest Roswaal in Ram's mind looked right at her and winked. "You see? I told you Rem has grown fond of him."

"N-no, that's ridiculous. There's no way she would fall for a dunce like that. "Ram muttered. "He's dumb, overly cheerful, is only good at cooking and fighting, and he's brave, selfless to a fault, self sacrificing, dove willingly into danger to save my-."

Ram froze, she had just unconsciously started listing all of Ben's good qualities. 

"Are you quite alright lady Ram?" asked the paige. 

"None of your concern." Ram said. "Bring up documents A through B29 on the clauses regarding free Trade with Vertilot Manor please."

"Would Lady Ram appreciate a Coffee with this admittedly boring reading list?" 

"I wouldn't be adverse to it." Ram muttered as in her heart of hearts, she was missing Ben's hot cocoa Latte with cinnamon sprinkles. 

The paige bowed and left the room as Ram resumed her reading by candle light. 

She had initially scheduled a meeting with the Head of the House's wife, Mistress Elain Vertilot, but she was apparently late by several hours, which was really starting to get on Ram's nerves. 

She had half a mind to write back to Roswaal telling him of Bartholomew's manners rubbing off on the rest of his family. Several years ago, whenever Roswaal visited, Elain would always be punctual upon meeting him.  To at least meet on time with his servant representatives would be the minimal requirement to keep respect in their trade agreement. Even somebody as new as Ben, if sent by Roswaal as a representative, would have to be treated as if he were Roswaal himself. 

Ram frowned, as she waited a little longer, she found herself unconsciously bringing out the circular metal badge that Ben had given her before she left.  It looked strangely similar to the Omnitrix with it's green hourglass symbol. 

"What does it even stand for?" Ram had asked with a frown as she was packing her bags after requesting the vacation from Roswaal. 

"It's supposed to be the symbol for Intergalactic police okay? Look, this is a Plumber's Badge." Ben had said as he tossed the thing into Ram's suitcase. "It comes with a communicator, a 3D mapping rig, and a bunch of other miscellaneous features that we need not get into. The most important part is a Distress Signal that's linked to the badge system in my Omnitrix. If you're ever in trouble, just tap twice in the center rapidly, and I'll know about it."

Ram snorted. "As if I would need your help Dog Pee Boy. Most likely you'll tap twice on your watch and I'll be the one who has to come save you."

"Hey! Who has the alien super powers here?" Ben said. 

"Do not think that what I displayed during the fight against the Assassin is all that I am capable of." said Ram. 

"Oooh?" Ben looked genuinely interested. "Are you hiding like some totally awesome secret power!? No wait, could you have beaten Chromastone?"

Ram, who had pridefully put her hands on her hips, suddenly faltered as she considered that interesting question.

"Eh... hmm strange.. would my powers as an oni be able to take on Chromastone?" Ram now wondered in the present as she stared at the badge. My victory against Eatle is most definitely assured, but Chromastone.. hmm just how sturdy is his body?"

Ram shrugged as she tossed the badge around in her hand.  "All this reading is so much trouble. Tsk, Dog Pee Boy, you better not be wasting this time I'm spending here playing around. If Rem is married when I get back I'll-."

"-not do something dreadful to this Dog Pee Boy I hope." A fluttery voice finished Ram's sentence as a woman with a voluptuous body, and green hair much like Bartholomew sat before Ram across the study's table, her pretty pale face visible in the light of the oil lamp.

Ram scowled. "You are late Lady Elain."

"Ah yes, apologies, I had an emergency I needed handling. Priscella was being absolutely dumb again, my that woman ticks me off." said Elain with a shrug. "So I understand you are here to try and find an alternative route to Master Roswaal obtaining our supply of unique magical ore?"

"That is correct." said Ram.

Elain sighed. "Alright, let's hear it, what did my spoiled brat do this time?"

Ram smiled slightly. At least she and Elain agreed on some things. Fact of the matter was, Elain was tired of how much her husband had spoiled Bartholomew, turning him into a little monster. But as the eldest son and the most talented knight in the family, Bartholomew Vertilot was the heir to the entire fortune and family. 

"According to a letter from my junior coworker, he has recently referred to Rem as a whore and a slut." said Ram. "Which in turn caused my junior to rise in defense of her name, after which he attempted to humiliate said junior."

"I take it this 'junior' is Dog Pee Boy?" asked Elain.

"Yes."

"For a person who you refer to with such a cold nickname, you seem to rather care for him." said Elain.

"He is my Junior, I am obligated as his Senior to defend him if I find his actions just." said Ram. "Nothing more, nothing less. "

"I see." said Elain. "Am I correct in saying that this boy's name is none other than Ben Tennyson? Also Known as Ben 10?"

Ram went silent, her eyes slowly widening as her relaxed state took a dive. "How do you-?"

"You're not the only one with information networks Ram dear." said Elain.  "I bet you didn't even know the Ben 10 part did you? Such a ridiculous yet catchy name, however I doubt it's a good one anymore considering he has at least 95 different forms at the moment."

"I take it you have spies in Ben's original homeland?" Ram asked. 

"No, that's impossible, I've done extensive research on the land known as America, but unfortunately the mythical place hasn't even been found by the most renowned anthropologists. However, my sources do assure me of the tales of Ben Tennyson." said Elain. "If you and Roswaal only knew what kind of treasure you had at your fingertips. I'm sure Roswaal must at least. I'm sure that magic artifact, the Omni Matrix, must be causing him to salivate to the point of ecstasy."

Ram's eyes narrowed. Even with Elain's strangely in depth knowledge about Ben, the fact she referred to the Omnitrix as a magical artifact showed she didn't know everything at the least. Though the fact that any self functioning device running on a power source could be 'Not Magic' had never occurred to Ram until Ben came along, especially after he showed her the gift he intended to give to Rem to make up for the lost of her flail. 

There was one thing however, that made her a bit mad.

"I would remind you that Ben Tennyson is indeed my Junior coworker, and therefore a representative of Master Roswaal's staff. Do not talk about him as some sort of weapon to be used."

"Tsk, you know Roswaal by now Ram, we both know that he's just using you and that poor boy." said Elain. "It's why Rem's marrying into our family in the first place. It's why your efforts to find an alternative way will be fruitless."

Ram narrowed her eyes. "Are you saying that you refuse to negotiate?"

"Trust me child, the history of Onis in the house of Vertilot is far older than you even know." said Elain. "The presence of onis in our bloodline is far more important to us than any material object we could ever wish for, especially the bloodline of you and Rem. Hmph, I actually would've preferred given your former power before that horn of yours was chopped off that my son had picked you for marriage, but.. Roswaal was insistent that you were his property."

Elain smirked. "You and Ben 10, both pawns in Roswaal's magnificent ambition, along with that Half Elf."

"Your poor manners when regarding my Junior and Master Roswaal are already sending thin cracks into my already simmering temper." Ram said quietly. "I'm the only one who gets to insult Dog Pee Boy, so I hope you understand that I'm not above hitting you right now."

"Oho! How terrifying." said Elain with a chuckle. "Though the thing is, you are right about one thing. The current deal is rather dissatisfactory. Even with the current marriage ritual underway, it just isn't enough.  The past few generations have only one sixteenth Oni Blood due to the Full Blooded Onification of offspring losing potency after a few generations.  And Onis are now so rare, you two might truly be the last of your kind."

"If you're trying to ask Roswaal to lend me out as well, I doubt you'll get anywhere." Ram said. "Frederica is on leave, and Dog Pee Boy is inexperienced. My presence at the manor is required. Though if you wish to have me take Rem's place, that instead can be considered. "

"Tsk, idiot, you really think I fear Roswaal enough to honor his crooked agreements? Amid his lies and manipulations and loyalties to the Witch of Greed? No. Rem will marry my son, and Roswaal won't be getting any of my ore, and YOU will be the wife to my third son!"

Ram stood up, her eyes cold and angry. "Do you truly intend to threaten me? To go against Master Roswaal?"

"HAHA! I'm not afraid, like I said. I have an ally more powerful than Roswaal L Mathers, supposed master of all elemental magic." said Elain. "And Ben Tennyson, I've already heard that he's a wreck of his former self. I wonder what kind of cute little baby he'd become if I showed him even a bit of blood."

Ram thrust her hand out and slammed Elain against the wall of the library, her hands gripping the collar of Elain's dress tightly, her eyes flared with anger. 

"So you are the one who hired Elsa Granhiert?"

"Oh, yes, I get what you're thinking." said Elain as Ram's rageful trembling fingers pressed her further and further against the creaking polished oaken walls. "The only one who has ever seen Tennyson freak out in the presence of blood is the assassin, and therefore the only way I could've known is by knowing the assassin.. but it's nothing like that. I have no idea who hired that member of the Assassin's guild, but I have been watching you two for a while. Rem and Ram, why would I want you two dead when I need you both so much?"

At that moment, the door behind Ram opened, and just as she whirled around to see who it was, she saw a hand close around her arm. 

A man wearing a white colored kimono with black edges, a Mitsudomoe symbol on the front of  part covering the black samurai pants, was holding Ram's arm with a grip stronger than any other person she had ever met, even her friend Garfiel. 

The man's face was handsome and young, he almost looked around Ben's age, but somehow his face also seemed timeless in a fashion, with windswept long black hair.  But the shocking part was the long pair of horns protruding from his forehead, glowing with shimmering purple energy. 

"Y-you're a-.. oni!?" Ram stammered. 

"Greetings, usually I'm not one to get involved in troublesome fights or the such, but it seems you're not the type to go quietly. " said the man. "I am Eltanin Draconis,  Arch Bishop of the Sin of Pride. Nice to meet you."

Ram felt her entire body freeze like a lake in the middle of a blizzard filled winter. "An.. Arch Bishop.. no. .. an oni.. become part of the-.."

Ram's teeth clenched with rage. "Are you aware.. of what your cult has done to us!? TO ONIS!?"

"Yeah, one reason I really don't like Mr. Geuse and all that, hell I'll probably beat the shit out of him one of these days, but he's real respected and stuff in the cult. " said Eltanin. "But hell I'm too lazy to make good on my rage. This however, the continuation of the Onis, I am more than happy to keep this arrangement up for the continuation of our race. So, Ram was it? You and Rem as well as this family of long Oni sympathetic history, will you willingly help us continue your line?"

Ram spat at Eltanin's feet. "GET off me!"

"I see. Then this is going to hurt, but do not worry, life as a concubine here is not difficult once you're broken in, but until then, I apologize for the pain, you will heal."

"Pai- AAAAAAAGGGHHHHHHHH!!!?" Ram screamed as Eltanin in a swift movement twisted her arm and broke it. 

Two seconds later, her left leg was broken out from under her as Eltanin stomped on her ribs, breaking them in several places. 

Ram panted hard, tears seeping from her eyes as she used one arm to desperately start crawling towards the Plumber's Badge that had tumbled to the floor just under the table. 

Eltanin kicked aside the badge out of Ram's reach, looking lazy as ever.  "Eh? what's that? Some sort of weapon?"

"Hmm, it bears the same symbol as the Omni Matrix from the Divine Texts of Light." said Elain, picking up the badge and eyeing it. "Could it be a holy artifact, a gospel divined from Lord Azmuth?"

"A gospel hmm? Mr. Petelgeuse will probably want to see it. But the actual Omnitrix is what he'd rather have." said Eltanin. "You're free to keep it."

"Oho!" Elain look thrilled as she clutched the badge to her heart. "An actual divine