Intro:

Moxxie POV:

I was in Imp City with Millie, enjoying drinks in our usual coffee shop.

The air was warm, and I allowed myself a moment to close my eyes and savor it. My fingers absentmindedly fidgeted with the rim of my cup as I glanced up at Millie, who sat across from me.

She looked completely at ease, reclining slightly in her chair, her cup in hand. Millie gave it a light jiggle before taking a sip, her eyes closing in satisfaction as a soft, contented sound escaped her. That smile- her smile- was enough to melt my heart every time.

Seeing her happy, the butterflies in my stomach fluttered to life again. Every time we sat like this, just the two of us, it reminded me how lucky I was. There's something about the way she lights up a room- or in this case, the patio- that just makes everything else fade away.

I leaned forward, my fingers brushing the rim of my cup, more out of habit than the need to drink.

Moxxie: "You look happy"

I said softly, a warmth spreading through my chest as I watched her.

Millie grinned, that radiant, genuine smile of hers, and it was contagious.

Millie: "Why wouldn't I be, hon? I'm out here with you, relaxin' for a change. Gotta enjoy the good times, right?"

She always knew how to keep me grounded. It was one of the things I loved most about her.

I shifted in my seat, crossing one leg over the other, the usual tension in my body easing a little as the world around us faded. It was just the two of us now. I took a sip of my black coffee, the bitterness snapping me back into the present, and I nodded, more to myself than to her.

Moxxie: "Yeah... we need these moments"

I said, though even as the words left my mouth, my mind was already drifting elsewhere. We've faced too much danger to ever truly relax, haven't we? Working for I.M.P., a company that feels like it's barely holding together thanks to Blitz's reckless decisions... how could I relax? One wrong move, and it could all come crashing down.

I felt my hand move to my chime, rubbing it as my brows furrowed. He's terrible at managing his own life, let alone a company.

That thought lingered, and maybe it was a bit harsh, but damn it, if it weren't for me handling all the 'boring paper crap' he so casually dismisses, we wouldn't even be in business. Hell, without me, I.M.P. would probably be a forgotten disaster by now.

I caught my reflection in the coffee cup. The anxiety etched on my face... If I didn't keep us afloat, we'd be unemployed. And jobs in Hell? They don't just fall into your lap. One mistake, one oversight, and we'd be scrambling for work. Blitz sure as hell isn't thinking about that. He never does. Millie... well, she doesn't seem too worried. She rarely does, and I envy that. Maybe I'm overthinking again.

But... what else do I have? My family's a non-existent factor, and outside of Millie, there's no one else I can rely on. So, it's up to me. My responsibility is to be ready, no matter what.

The city around us seemed peaceful now, but I knew better. There's always something lurking beneath the surface, some fresh hell waiting to rear its ugly head. I couldn't afford to let my guard down. Not completely.

Still... for now, with Millie beside me, I tried to push those thoughts aside and just enjoy the moment. It wasn't often we got to do this. So I forced a small smile and took another sip of my drink, letting the warmth linger a bit longer than usual.

A low hum broke the brief peace, one I immediately recognized as Millie's phone ringing from her pocket. I didn't give it much thought- whatever it was, it wasn't my business. I focused on my coffee, swirling the cup slightly as I took another sip.

Millie, however, looked surprised, her hand darting down as she rummaged around her pocket for the phone. She finally fished it out, looking at me with an apologetic smile.

Millie: "Oh, sorry, Moxxie, I'll just be taking this"

I gave her a nod, trying to keep my expression light.

Moxxie: "No problem"

I chuckled softly, masking the slight curiosity bubbling up inside me.

She answered the call, putting the phone to her ear, and I turned my attention back to the cup in my hand. But I couldn't help it, I strained my ears a bit, wondering who could be calling her right now.

As the muffled voice echoed through Millie's phone, I couldn't help but steal a glance her way.

Millie: "Seriously? This soon?"

She blurted, her smile widening, and her tail flicked with excitement behind her. I sighed softly, knowing exactly where this was going. Of course, it's a mission. The way her eyes sparkled, I could read her like a book.

Before I could process it fully, she ended the call, almost leaping out of her chair. The sudden movement sent her seat crashing to the ground with a heavy thud, and her hands slammed onto the table, rattling our coffee cups. I looked up to meet her eager gaze.

Millie: "Hurry up, Moxxie! Blitz just called-we've got a mission!"

Nailed it.

A bittersweet smile crept onto my face. I'd wanted this date to last a little longer. Just a bit more peace with Millie. But, with how slow business had been lately, maybe this was a good thing. At least it was something to keep us busy.

Moxxie: "Got it"

I said, standing up and brushing off the feeling of disappointment. It's just another mission, something we really need, I reminded myself, but deep down, I had been hoping for a little more time together.

Moxxie: "Let's go, shall we?"

Back to the grind.

I thought to myself as I quickened my pace, trying to keep up with Millie's eager strides. At least she's happy.

Time Skip:

As we strolled down the corridor toward the lounge, my eyes caught on an unfamiliar sight that disrupted the usual monotony of the I.M.P. building. Right at Loona's desk, where she typically lounged around, idly scrolling and doing as little work as possible- seriously, she hardly ever lifts a finger- she was, instead, intently listening. Her tail wagged back and forth in a hypnotic rhythm as she hung on every word of the figure sitting across from her.

That figure, gesturing in exaggerated motions and pointing at himself like he was recounting some heroic tale, was Ben. Or rather, one of Ben's alien forms. He was crystal-like, his entire body reflecting light in sharp, prismatic colors, giving him a surprisingly majestic glow as he regaled Loona with some story I could only imagine was about his latest 'heroic' endeavor.

Millie noticed too, her ever-bright and chipper self not missing a beat. As we passed by, she gave him a warm, casual greeting.

Millie: "Hey, Ben!"

Loona gave her a lazy wave, while Ben turned his crystal hand to return the wave, flashing a confident wink with a gleam.

???: "Morning, Millie!"

He boasted with a grin before turning back to Loona to continue his story.

Millie kept walking, but then slowed, clearly unable to resist her curiosity. She did a double-take and, with a look of pure intrigue, glanced back at the spiky shards protruding from Ben's crystal back. Moving her hand cautiously, she reached out to grip one of the smaller shards, her fingers brushing over what I assume is its cool, hard surface.

Ben flinched at the unexpected touch, twisting his head back. Loona, glancing over with a snicker, seemed fully entertained by the scene.

I cringed a little, feeling the secondhand embarrassment as Millie fiddled with his back shard.

???: "Hey, Millie"

Ben's alien chuckled.

???: "If you wanted one, you could always ask!"

Millie quickly let go, taking a step back and looking up at him with that classic, glittering happiness in her eyes. In response, Ben extended his crystal palm, causing new shards to sprout out of it. Gripping them, he yanked them free, handing them over with a grin.

Millie accepted them with a gleeful expression, her fingers closing around the sharp, glittering souvenirs like a kid with candy. It's those little things that make her so easy to love.

Millie's eyes sparkled as she looked up at Ben.

Millie: "Thanks, Ben- er, Diamondhead! Was it? These'll make a great addition to my collection"

Oh, so that is his name; odd, I was expecting something more refined from Ben- oh, sorry, I am rambling again. Anywho, she lifted the crystal shards to the light, her face alight with ideas as she turned each one over, studying the way they caught and refracted the light.

Millie: "Y'know"

She said thoughtfully, brushing a finger along the edge of one shard,

Millie: "I could probably use these to modify my weapons. They're sharp enough to..."

She stopped, noticing a thin streak of black blood trickling down her finger from the accidental cut, amazing, I didn't even notice it myself. Chuckling, she held her finger up with a grin.

Millie: "...Or maybe I could use them for somethin' else instead"

Millie tossed Ben a wink, tucking the shards carefully into her pocket as she turned and strode away, a glint of mischief in her eyes and new plans clearly brewing in her mind.

As I watched Millie strut off with her new crystal treasures, I caught the sight of Loona giving Ben- Diamondhead- a sideways look. She shifted her weight, folding her arms on the desk with an exasperated sigh.

Loona: "You really shouldn't have given her that, dude"

Diamondhead tilted his head, looking genuinely perplexed.

Diamondhead: "Why? She seemed excited about 'em"

Loona rolled her eyes, stretching her arms out dramatically on the table and letting her head plop down with a huff.

Loona: "There was this one time she bought a pair of throwing knives, and she spent the whole day testing them in the building for some assassination thing. It was so fucking annoying"

I stifled a chuckle, though I couldn't help nodding a little in agreement. Millie's enthusiasm was contagious, but it did tend to result in an indoor obstacle course of sharp objects.

Diamondhead just shrugged, clearly unconcerned.

Diamondhead: "Eh, I trust Millie. She wouldn't do something as dangerous as-"

He didn't even get to finish his sentence before a crystal shard came whizzing right at him. In a split-second reaction, Diamondhead's hand shot up, catching it just inches from his face, the shard splintering in his grip with a crack. He held the pieces, staring blankly as Millie's voice rang out from somewhere beyond our line of sight.

Millie: "Oops! Sorry, y'all!"

Diamondhead let out a sigh and facepalmed with his crystal hand, making a clink sound. I tried, and mostly failed, to hide my smirk.

No One POV:

Diamondhead let out a huff and slapped the Omnitrix on his waist, the familiar green flash enveloping him as he reverted to his human form. He sank into the chair, crossing his arms and settling in with an air of smugness.

Loona, eyebrow raised and chin resting on her hand, eyed him with mild interest.

Loona: "So, you were saying-this Fistrick guy...who was he?"

Ben waved a hand dismissively.

Ben: "Eh, just some small-time thug obsessed with sports. The macho, 'big guy' type"

He smirked, closing his eyes with a cocky grin.

Ben: "But he's nothing I can't handle on my own"

Loona's eyes narrowed, and a smirk crept onto her face.

Loona: "Didn't you say you had someone help you stop him?"

Ben's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly brushed it off, pretending he hadn't heard her.

Ben: "Hey! Did I ever tell you about the time I crushed Vilgax's Conqueror's Challenge?"

Loona just rolled her eyes, muttering,

Loona: "Here we go again"

Ben chuckled, running a hand through his hair, his gaze shifting as he spotted Moxxie making his way toward the door.

Ben: "Hey, Moxxie!"

He called out.

Moxxie jumped slightly, looking over.

Moxxie: "Oh, hey, Ben! Didn't mean to interrupt you two"

Ben shrugged casually.

Ben: "Nah, you didn't. Loona and I were just talking about, y'know, how awesome I am"

Moxxie gave a half-hearted nod, trying to mask his exasperation.

Moxxie: "Yeah...you really like talking about yourself, huh?"

Ben: "Fuck yeah, I do! I'm Ben Tennyson, the savior of the universe!"

Ben said proudly, crossing his arms.

Loona scoffed, leaning back with an exaggerated eye roll.

Loona: "Yeah, savior of the universe"

She echoed, dripping with sarcasm.

Ben shot her a look.

Ben: "Huh? What's with that tone? I already told you that story...like, three times!"

Loona's smirk only grew.

Loona: "I know, but seriously? Talking smoothies that are, what, high-dimensional beings who caused the Big Bang? You gotta admit-that sounds fucking insane"

Moxxie, standing nearby, shifted awkwardly, his eyes darting between the two bickering like a spectator at a tennis match. A blank expression settled on his face as he tried to process the absurdity.

Moxxie: "I- I'll be leaving now"

He finally stammered, unable to bear the banter any longer.

With that, he hastily exited the room, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the now-empty space. Neither Ben nor Loona seemed to notice or care, too caught up in their own argument.

Ben's grin widened as he leaned forward, a spark of amusement in his eyes.

Ben: "Oh, so you believe that I remade the entire universe with Alien X, but not that I stopped Maltruant from recreating it in his image?"

Loona gave him an unimpressed look, crossing her arms.

Loona: "Oh yeah, I don't believe that either"

Ben let out an exaggerated sigh, throwing his hands up.

Ben: "What, you need proof of everything? I've saved the universe like... a lot"

Loona just snorted.

Loona: "Yeah, sure, Mr. Universe-saver. Next, you're gonna tell me you beat up a time-traveling alien with a fucking toaster or something"

Ben's brows knit together, genuinely thrown off by Loona's skeptical smirk. He tilted his head, an incredulous look crossing his face.

Ben: "I- you think this is funny, huh?"

He asked, sounding both offended and genuinely puzzled.

Loona's smirk didn't waver.

Loona: "Little bit"

She replied, her tone casual.

Loona: "I mean, come on. Universe resets, and talking smoothies. Sounds like you're pitching a cartoon"

Ben crossed his arms, his expression darkening.

Ben: "I saved the universe"

He repeated, almost defensively, as if needing to remind himself as much as her.

Ben: "It's not exactly something I make up for fun, you know"

Loona shrugged.

Loona: "Look, I get that you're a 'hero' or whatever, but when you tell it, it just sounds like-"

She gestured with her hands, searching for the words.

Ben rolled his eyes, leaning back.

Ben: "Overkill? When you're in my shoes, nothing is overkill. And besides..."

He smirked slightly.

Ben: "Not everyone can handle the awesome truth"

Loona, almost under her breath, muttered.

Loona: "Yeah, I guess you're awesome..."

Ben: "What was that?"

Loona's eyes widened, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks as she looked away, grumbling.

Loona: "I- uhh... Just... Nothing!"

Ben leaned back, crossing his arms with a smirk.

Ben: "If you say so"

He replied, still enjoying how flustered she seemed.

As the silence settled between them, he glanced around, noticing how unusually quiet it was. Leaning in closer, he lowered his voice.

Ben: "Hey, what do you think they're up to?"

Loona let out an exaggerated sigh, barely glancing up from her desk.

Loona: "Probably getting ready for an assassination. Not that it's any of your business"

He raised an eyebrow.

Ben: "Oh? They got a hit? What is it? You think you can let me in on it?"

With a huff, she opened her drawer and yanked out a stack of papers, plopping it on her desk and flipping through the sheets with disinterest. Noticing the way Ben's eyes widened, she shot him an annoyed glare.

Ben: "What?"

She demanded.

Ben chuckled, shaking his head with a bemused grin.

Ben: "Wow, Loona, I didn't actually think you did your job in here"

Loona's eyes narrowed, her tail flicking in agitation. She growled.

Loona: "You wanna know what it is or not, jackass?"

Ben immediately quieted, still grinning, as he held up his hands in mock surrender.

Loona finally found the right paper and scanned it, sounding about as engaged as someone reading a grocery list.

Loona: "Client called earlier. Something about some... cannibalistic creature that killed him and his buddies down in Antarctica"

She tossed the paper back onto her desk with a shrug, crossing her arms and leaning back.

Loona: "Yeah, I don't really give a fuck"

Ben winced, imagining the cold.

Ben: "Antarctica? Sounds... chilly"

Loona rolled her eyes.

Loona: "Real insightful, dude"

Ben's mind started whirring, his gaze drifting as Loona flipped through the papers. A cannibalistic creature? If true, could be trouble, even for the imps. He'd fought his share of cryptids back on his Earth-most of them turning out to be aliens, of course.

A frown tugged at his mouth as he muttered under his breath.

Ben: "Wait, do they have aliens here?"

Loona's ear flicked at the word, her brows knitting together as she looked up at him.

Loona: "Aliens?"

Ben's eyes widened, snapping back to attention.

Ben: "Oh, uh-"

He cleared his throat, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly.

Ben blinked, his face shifting from smug to slightly panicked as he realized what he'd just said.

Ben: "Did I... say that out loud? I meant-"

Loona crossed her arms, giving him an unamused stare as he awkwardly got to his feet, backing toward the door.

Ben: "Uh, I'll go... check it out, okay?"

He stammered, glancing back briefly before turning on his heel, clearly not waiting for Loona's response. His heroic tendencies always seemed to override his thoughts, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and exasperation as he left the lounge.

She huffed, shaking her head as he exited in a hurry.

Loona: "Can he not play fucking hero for one second?!"

The scene shifted to Ben walking down the dimly lit hallway, his footsteps echoing softly. He paused just outside the briefing room door, taking a deep breath and bracing himself.

Ben: "Here we go"

Ben stepped into the room, a quick twist of the doorknob announcing his arrival. Inside, the familiar tension hung thick in the air. Millie was at the table, focused on sharpening her blade with practiced ease, her gaze occasionally flicking to Moxxie, who was deeply absorbed in a dossier. Across from them, Blitz held court at the head of the table, bundled up in heavy winter gear and gesturing as he outlined the plan.

The moment Blitz noticed Ben's entrance, his smirk dropped, transforming into a scowl.

Blitz: "Oh, great"

Blitz muttered, rolling his eyes.

Blitz: "Just what we needed"

Ben raised a brow, casually taking in the scene.

Ben: "Well, nice to see you too. What's with the winter get-up? Aren't we a little over-dressed?"

Millie chuckled, tossing a small glance Ben's way.

Millie: "Headin' somewhere cold for this one, Benny"

Ben raised an eyebrow, eyeing Blitz's smug expression with a frustrated sigh.

Ben: "Going somewhere cold, huh? Sounds... interesting"

He glanced around the room, finally resting his gaze back on Blitz.

Ben: "So, where's my equipment?"

Blitz stopped, meeting Ben's eyes with a deadpan stare as he pushed himself up from his chair. Millie and Moxxie exchanged looks, watching the exchange.

Blitz: "What equipment?"

Blitz asked flatly.

Ben's brow furrowed.

Ben: "I mean... come on, you're not expecting me to go to, wherever this place is, in a T-shirt, right?"

Blitz shrugged, his expression unfazed.

Blitz: "Too bad, kid. There's no shit for you. Guess you'll have to sit this one out"

Ben blinked in disbelief, his eyes narrowing as he took in Blitz's nonchalant stance, the imp's smirk widening.

Ben: "Wait, what? You're serious?"

Ben's voice held a mix of disbelief and frustration.

Blitz crossed his arms, clearly entertained.

Blitz: "Dead fucking serious. Did you think just because you've tagged along on some missions, I owe you shit? Hah! No fancy gear for you. I mean, unless you wanna freeze your hero balls off, by all means- go ahead"

Ben threw his hands up, exasperated.

Ben: "C'mon, Blitz! You're really gonna send me back while you guys-"

Blitz cut him off with a dismissive wave.

Blitz: "Not my problem, kid. You can either tag along and risk hypothermia, or..."

He paused, smirking.

Blitz: "I don't know- go do drugs or whatever it is your peers do these days"

Ben's jaw clenched, annoyance flickering in his eyes as he stood his ground.

Ben's jaw tightened, and a flash of irritation danced in his eyes as he watched Blitz brush him off yet again. For a moment, he considered just stepping back and letting him march off into the cold with whatever monstrous creature awaited them. But then he shook his head, sighing as he reminded himself that Millie and Moxxie were still a part of the mission too. He couldn't just let them fight the man- eater without a solid plan in place.

Exhaling sharply, Ben squared his shoulders, determined to stay in. He shot a steely look toward Blitz, refusing to let his irritation slip.

Ben: "I'm going with you"

Ben's tone shifted, firm and unwavering, cutting through the usual banter.

Blitz blinked, clearly caught off guard by Ben's serious demeanor.

Blitz: "I said I wasn't giving you an-"

Before Blitz could finish, Ben stepped forward, hand firmly pressed against his own chest.

Ben: "And I heard you loud and clear. But for your information, I don't need your equipment"

His eyes gleamed with determination.

Ben: "I'll handle it on my own, and that's final"

Millie's face was etched with worry, her hands fidgeting at her sides before she finally spoke up.

Millie: "Are you sure, Ben? You know it's, like, super cold there, right?"

Meanwhile, Moxxie stood beside her, arms crossed, eyebrow raised with an incredulous look.

Moxxie: "Uhh"

He cut in, voice dry.

Moxxie: "Did you people forget we're talking to the guy who can literally transform into an alien made of actual fire?"

Ben grinned, glancing over at Moxxie and giving a mock salute. With a playful twinkle in his eye, he cracked his knuckles, radiating confidence. Holding his hand over the Omnitrix, he extended two fingers across the faceplate, summoning a holographic circle above it. With practiced ease, he circled the icons, his fingers brushing over the display before stopping at the alien icon he wanted.

He lifted his fingers, and the faceplate slid open with a soft whir, revealing the glowing core. Without hesitation, he slammed his palm down onto it, sending a surge of energy rippling through him.

In an instant, Ben was engulfed in a bright green light, the glow radiating like a mini-sun. Blitz's eyes widened at the sudden brightness, his expression shifting from smug confidence to sheer panic.

Blitz: "AHH! My eyeballs!"

Blitz shrieked, instinctively raising an arm to shield his eyes from the overwhelming light.

As he rubbed at his irritated eyes, he accidentally pressed his palm directly against one, eliciting a sharp yelp of pain.

Blitz: "Ow! What the hell!"

He fell to the ground, squirming in agony like a bug on its back.

Once the dazzling light faded, Ben transformed into...

HeatBlast: "HeatBlast!"

He declared confidently, flames flickering around him like a living torch as he stood before Blitz in his fiery form.

However, he quickly noticed Blitz rolling on the ground, clutching his eyes and groaning in pain.

HeatBlast: "Uhh, what's wrong with him?"

HeatBlast asked, perplexed, the flames on his body dimming slightly as he stared in confusion.

Moxxie and Millie exchanged glances, both equally baffled.

Time Skip:

The scene cut to Antarctica- a vast, frozen expanse, where ice stretched endlessly in all directions beneath a sun that barely broke through the clouds. Gusts of wind whipped across the snow, carrying icy shards that stung like tiny needles against any exposed skin.

Everything was still, almost eerily silent, with no sign of life. Only the howling of the wind broke the quiet, carving through the towering ice formations like invisible claws. Snow drifted in swirling, hypnotic patterns across the barren white ground, erasing any traces left by the last unfortunate visitors.

Down in the endless sea of ice, an eerie quiet blanketed the frozen wasteland, broken only by the sudden sound of cracks splintering through the air. A dark portal burst open, shimmering with hellish energy, and out tumbled Blitz, Moxxie, and Millie, landing face-first into the snow in a chaotic heap. Blitz groaned, lifting his head and spitting out a mouthful of snow.

Blitz: "Ah, that was a big jump"

Millie whimpered, brushing the snow off her face and squinting against the icy winds that whipped past her, stinging her skin as she scanned the endless white horizon. She shivered, her teeth chattering.

Millie: "S-s-so c-cold... I c-can't f-feel m-my nose..."

Moxxie, seeing her shiver, rubbed his hands together briskly, then cupped them and blew into his palms. His breath frosted in the frigid air, lingering like a ghostly mist before it dissolved.

Moxxie: "H-here, M-Millie. Hold on a sec"

He fumbled with his coat, pulling it tighter around him, before offering his hands to her. He managed a shaky smile despite the cold.

Moxxie: "J-just stay close... maybe we'll keep each other warm"

Millie nodded, moving in beside him, her shivers subsiding just a bit as they shared their meager warmth, the desolate, ice-covered landscape stretching endlessly before them.

Blitz clenched his jaw, teeth biting into his already dry lips as he threw a scornful glance toward Moxxie and Millie huddled together, cozy as ever. A puff of cold air escaped his nostrils as he hugged himself tighter, visibly annoyed by their little snuggle session. Typical. They'd turn any situation into a love fest, no matter how dire. Not that he'd ever admit it, but... he might've appreciated someone to cling to right about now.

Blitz: "C-christ on... a-a stick"

He muttered, shivering as his tail flicked in irritation.

Blitz: "I'm F-freezing m-my little red cock off! A-and... w-where the hell is that overgrown campfire?"

Blitz's eyes darted around the edge of the portal, waiting for HeatBlast to show up-and with any luck, for that first spark of warmth to start cutting through the bone-chilling cold.

Right on cue, HeatBlast's head popped out, flames dancing across his face as he took in their surroundings. His eyes swept over the scene, and he grinned before stepping fully through the portal, the familiar crackle of flames echoing as he joined the imps. The portal snapped shut behind him, leaving only the glow from his fiery body to light the desolate, frozen landscape.

HeatBlast: "Hope I didn't keep ya waiting"

He said, flashing a confident wink as his flames flared just a bit brighter, casting warmth over the group. His natural bravado seemed amplified here, the warmth almost taunting the biting cold they were up against.

The three imps inched closer to Heatblast, who stood at the center of the icy expanse like a living bonfire, flames crackling around him. Millie, Moxxie, and Blitz sidled up, their shivering bodies instinctively drawn to the warmth radiating from his flames.

Heatblast raised his hands in mild confusion, glancing at each of them.

HeatBlast: "Whoa, guys, calm down. There's enough of me to go around"

Blitz scowled, crossing his arms with a huff.

Blitz: "Shut it, Torch! This is a tactical move- nothing more"

He insisted, his tone both irritated and begrudging.

Blitz: "And don't even think about changing into anything else, got it?"

Heatblast rolled his glowing, flame-filled eyes, the embers shifting in mild exasperation.

HeatBlast: "Sure thing, no need to shiver like an Ice Pop. I'll stick to being the ultimate space heater!"

He replied with a smirk, feeling the heat of Blitz's glare practically melting the ice around them all by itself.

Blitz let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing his gloved hands together.

Blitz: "Alright, with that out of the way... hmm"

He squinted at the icy, endless landscape, inching closer to Millie.

Blitz: "Uhh, where's that shithead supposed to be again?"

Millie kept her voice steady.

Millie: "Client said it was near the research station"

Moxxie raised a gloved finger and pointed to a faint silhouette on the horizon.

Moxxie: "That research station?"

The group followed his gaze, spotting the shadow of a building just barely visible through the white haze. HeatBlast's fiery eyes widened, flickering with excitement.

HeatBlast: "Good observation, Moxxie. I totally missed that!"

Before Moxxie could even respond, HeatBlast began striding ahead, the orange glow of his flames contrasting against the icy landscape. The warmth radiating from him started to slip away with every step he took, leaving the others standing in an increasingly frigid gust. Millie rubbed her arms and let out a harsh breath that immediately crystallized.

Blitz clenched his teeth, his voice shaky from the freezing wind biting through his layers.

Blitz: "L-let's follow... t-the kid..."

He motioned forward, his gloved hand barely visible through the thick snowfall.

Millie and Moxxie exchanged a look, their own breaths coming out in short, misty puffs as they tried to keep up with HeatBlast, whose fiery aura seemed to cut a narrow path through the relentless storm. Each step felt heavier than the last, their feet sinking into snow that quickly refilled from the falling ice around them.

Their footsteps were swallowed by the storm as soon as they made them, leaving no trace behind. Moxxie shivered, clinging to Millie as his teeth chattered.

Moxxie: "Y-you sure he knows where he's going?"

Blitz grunted, clutching his coat tighter.

Blitz: "M-more walking a-and... Less whining M-mox..."

Ahead, HeatBlast's flames flickered brightly against the white, his silhouette the only clear sight in the blinding storm as he marched confidently forward.

HeatBlast halted abruptly, his flames dimming just enough for the imps to notice the change in temperature. They slowed, glancing at him with confusion, as they sidled up beside him, seeking that comforting heat, their eyes widened in unison, finally seeing what had caused him to stop.

Ahead of them lay something unexpected, making the fiery glow from HeatBlast's body cast long shadows across the scene.

The exterior of McMurdo Station lay in ruins, its two windows shattered, leaving behind jagged edges smeared with blood. The heavy door swung open and shut, creaking against the relentless wind that howled across the desolate landscape.

Moxxie leaned back, his eyes widening in concern.

Moxxie: "Oh crumbs, that can't be good"

HeatBlast stepped forward, flames flickering more intensely. The air around them grew even hotter as he looked back, fireball crackling steadily in his palm.

HeatBlast: "Stay on guard. The beast might still be inside"

He warned, his voice low, eyes scanning the door like it might spring open at any second.

Blitz scoffed, though his eyes were sharp, scanning every shadow as they moved closer to the door.

Blitz: "Shit, we were late. Let's hope the damn thing hasn't bolted"

HeatBlast let his fireball grow a bit brighter, casting their surroundings in a warm, orange glow. He took another step forward, his gaze steady but cautious.

HeatBlast: "If it's still in there, we're putting it down. Ready?"

Moxxie and Millie gave a nod, Moxxie swallowing hard, while Blitz cracked his neck with a grin that belied the tension in the air. The four prepared themselves, bracing for whatever horror lay just beyond the door.

HeatBlast, gripped the swinging door with a firm grasp. Taking a shaky step inside , revealing the inner sanctum of this once-luxurious station. The sight that greeted him was one of utter decay and carnage.

The walls were scarred with claw marks, streaks of crimson blood tracing paths across the surface like miniature tributaries. It was clear that whatever had happened here had been intense and brutal. The air inside reeked of death and decay, heavy with the scent

HeatBlast took another step, trying to process the sight, revealing the full extent of the carnage. The room was a mess of tumbled furniture and shattered glass. In every corner, bodies lay strewn about with varying degrees of mutilation. Some had their stomachs ripped open, spilling their innards like entrails from a freshly slaughtered animal. Others were missing limbs or organs altogether.

Their skin was pale and grayish-white, almost translucent in places where flesh had been stripped away to reveal muscle beneath. Their faces were deathly pale too

Moxxie, pulling up short, eyes widened with horror as he took in the room. Millie's eyes widened too, but with a mix of horror and morbid curiosity about the kind of monster that attacked them. Blitz, meanwhile, gave a low whistle, eyeing the carnage with a mixture of surprise and something like grim approval.

Moxxie stammered.

Moxxie: "H-how much are we getting paid for this mission again?"

Millie strolled cautiously inside, her fingers grazing over one of the frozen, mutilated corpses. A mix of confusion and caution darkened her face.

Millie: "These guys were torn to shreds. I've seen Wrath beasts that were less brutal than this"

Moxxie shifted uncomfortably, his fingers fidgeting as he shivered- not from the cold, but from a creeping unease.

Moxxie: "What... or who could've done this?"

Blitz crouched beside one of the remains, his expression hardening as he took in the scene, eyes tracing the brutal carnage.

Blitz: "I dunno, but whatever did this had no interest in making it quick"

He kicked aside a piece of broken equipment, glancing around at the sheer destruction surrounding them.

Moxxie cautiously stepped forward, flinching at the sound of something clattering to the ground. His eyes darted around, searching for the source of the noise before he quietly addressed Blitz, who was crouched nearby.

Moxxie: "Sir, what's the plan now? Should we... retreat?"

He couldn't hide the hope in his voice, but the look on Blitz's face wasn't promising. Blitz's lips tugged into an uncertain frown- this was unlike anything he'd encountered, aside from maybe that one colossal fish incident. But even that didn't quite compare. This creature had shaken the whole team's morale, and he needed to get them back on track.

After a beat, Blitz's gaze landed on Heatblast, who was standing silently with his back to them, the only sound being the crackling flames rolling off his fiery form. If they didn't know any better, he could almost be mistaken for the beast responsible for the carnage surrounding them.

With a snap of his fingers, Blitz broke the silence.

Blitz: "Alright, why don't we ask Mr. Johnny Storm over here if he's got a master plan up his sleeve? C'mon, hotshot, what's the brilliant idea?"

All three pairs of eyes fell on Heatblast, and Blitz eagerly awaited a witty response- anything to lift the group's spirits. However, he was taken aback when Heatblast slowly turned toward them, a desensitized expression etched on his face.

The look in his fiery eyes sent an icy shiver through the group, starkly contrasting Blitz's expectations.

Heatblast's voice emerged, harsh and bitter.

HeatBlast: "We need to find this thing"

His tone clung to a chilling weight, and the flames flickering within him burned brighter, crackling ominously. He clenched his fists at his sides, fire swirling dangerously around them, threatening to explode at any moment.

HeatBlast: "And take care of it before it can hurt anyone else"

Before the imps could fully process HeatBlast's ominous words, a thunderous roar sliced through the blizzard, echoing off the distant ice mountains. The sound rattled Moxxie and Millie, sending a jolt of primal fear through their veins as their hearts raced in unison.

Meanwhile, Blitz and HeatBlast bolted outside, the wind whipping at Blitz's clothes as he braced against the biting cold, that was only barrable due to being to HeatBlast warm side. Blitz squinted into the swirling snow, catching a glimpse of a massive silhouette barreling toward them through the blizzard, moving at Mach speed.

HeatBlast's expression morphed into an angry grimace, his hot breath visible as it vaporized the thick icy air around his face. He seemed to despise the challenge ahead.

HeatBlast: "It came back to finish what it started..."

Blitz shot him a sideways glance, his patience wearing thin with HeatBlast's over-the-top seriousness.

Blitz: "Uhh, yeah, probably"

Here's a revised version with enhanced actions and clarity:

Blitz backed into the station, his eyes scanning the room with a sharp intensity. He took a quick turn toward one of the windows, whipping out his shotgun and positioning it steadily, his expression hardening.

Blitz: "Millie, cover the entrances!"

Millie nodded, her determination evident as she brandished her knife. With a swift motion, she jumped into action, positioning herself by the door, ready to guard against the creature.

Blitz turned to Moxxie, urgency in his voice.

Blitz: "Moxxie, get up top!"

Without hesitation, Moxxie grabbed his rifle, feeling a surge of adrenaline.

Moxxie: "Yes, sir!"

He responded with unwavering confidence, even though uncertainty lingered in the back of his mind on how to access 'up'. As he turned to find a way up, he spotted a ladder against the wall. Strapping the rifle to his back, he climbed quickly to the roof, the chill of the air hitting him as he settled down.

Shivering slightly, he positioned himself prone, adjusting his rifle and peering through the scope, his heart racing as he prepared for whatever was about to unfold.

Blitz: "Y-you got him, Mox?"

Moxxie's eyes narrowed as he peered through the scope, the frigid air escaping his lips in small puffs. The biting cold seemed to seep into his bones, the warmth fading with every breath.

Moxxie: "Yes, sir"

Blitz leaned in closer, his voice low and urgent.

Blitz: "Alright, now K-"

Before Blitz could issue a command, Heatblast had already stepped down the stairs, the flames flickering around his head burning brighter and more intensely.

Millie's eyebrows shot up in surprise as she watched him.

Millie: "Ben! What are you doing? We need to stick together!"

She shouted, her voice laced with concern.

But to Millie's dismay, he continued striding forward, his feet hitting the snow with a thud that vaporized the powdery white surface beneath him into swirling clouds of hot steam.

With a sudden burst of energy, Heatblast propelled himself into the air, fiery streams erupting from his palms. He shot forward and upward at breakneck speed, soaring toward the beast looming in the distance, leaving a trail of sizzling heat in his wake.

Perched on the rooftop, Moxxie adjusted the scope of his rifle, peering through it with growing anxiety. His heart raced as he caught a glimpse of Heatblast soaring through the blizzard.

Moxxie: "Come on, buddy, just be careful"

He muttered under his breath, his fingers tightening around the rifle. He scanned the area below, every muscle in his body tensed, ready for anything.

HeatBlast squinted through the thick snowstorm, his vision barely catching the hulking creature stumbling toward the station. The faint, distorted silhouette became clearer the closer he moved, bolstering his confidence to strike. Lowering one of the blazing streams keeping him aloft, he began to descend, focusing his remaining hand on the fiery buildup in his palm.

As he closed in, he grinned, flames twisting into a concentrated sphere of plasma in his raised hand. The other fire stream flickered, his descent quickening, but he didn't mind- he had all he needed for this.

HeatBlast: "Here's a warm welcome!"

He hurled the sphere with a smirk. The blazing fireball sliced through the storm like a comet, a bright trail of steam hissing through the bitter cold air. The monstrous creature let out a chilling roar as the fiery sphere hit dead-on, flames exploding on impact and momentarily illuminating its features, a formidable giant leopard seal with scars scattered all over it's thick body.

HeatBlast's eyes widened as he got a clear view of the creature. He braced himself for some horrific, monstrous beast, only to find... a seal. Just an angry, terrified seal.

The flames still licking around him, HeatBlast blinked in disbelief.

HeatBlast: "Are you kidding me? This is the 'cannibalistic creature'?"

The seal growled weakly, its fur singed, wincing as it hobbled backward, clearly in pain from the sudden onslaught of fire. Realizing his mistake, HeatBlast's flames dimmed slightly as he hit the ground, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.

HeatBlast: "Uh, sorry, little guy- er, big guy"

He mumbled, scratching his neck awkwardly.

Blitz ran towards the scene, skidding to a stop with Moxxie and Millie close behind. Blitz took in the scene, eyes darting from the seal to the still-smoldering snow around it, then up at HeatBlast.

Blitz threw his hands up, exasperated.

Blitz: "Really? We rushed all the way out here for a seal? You fried a seal!"

HeatBlast groaned.

HeatBlast: "Look, It was just a false alarm, alright?"

Blitz snorted. "Yeah, no shit, Sherlock. Next time, let's check if the 'monster' has flippers before going full fireworks, alright?"

The seal let out another angry, pained cry, wobbling slightly as it retreated a few feet. HeatBlast gave it a sympathetic look, flames now completely extinguished.

HeatBlast: "Right... noted"

Millie's eyes widened as she pointed toward the massive leopard seal, a realization hitting her.

Millie: "Hey, what if that thing was the 'monster' that attacked those guys?"

Moxxie let out a small, exasperated sigh and adjusted his coat, slipping into his natural know-it-all mode as he turned to the group.

Moxxie: "Actually, that's a leopard seal. You can tell by the distinctive spots on its coat. While leopard seals do sometimes approach humans, it's usually out of curiosity, not aggression"

Millie blinked and nodded slowly, though her eyes lingered warily on the seal.

Moxxie, continuing with a professorial air, said.

Moxxie: "However, it's essential to remember: they are still wild animals. Their behavior can be unpredictable, and a curious encounter could quickly turn dangerous if the seal feels threatened or startled"

He paused, crossing his arms and furrowing his brow.

Moxxie: "But...whatever mutilated those humans left brutal claw marks. This wasn't curiosity- whoever or whatever did it seemed to...enjoy it"

Blitz sneered, scanning the icy landscape with narrowed eyes.

Blitz: "Then how the hell do you explain it charging at us from a mile away, huh? Charlatan! You think that seal was just here to roll out the red carpet, you pompous, pretentious, smart-ass know-it-all?!"

He turned to Moxxie, who stammered in response, clearly thrown by Blitz's accusations, while HeatBlast began scratching his head, almost wondering if this 'monster' might actually be just a big, hungry leopard seal.

As Blitz continued to hurl questions, Millie's attention shifted to the massive seal. It was awkwardly licking its scorched flipper, its thick hide covered in scars and scratches. Her gaze sharpened, noting one mark in particular- deep, fresh gashes down its side, and distinctive bite marks that matched the wounds they'd seen back at the station.

Millie: "Hold it, Blitz. Look at this!"

Millie called out, gesturing urgently.

Blitz's gaze flicked over to her, brow furrowed.

Blitz: "What now, Millie?"

Millie pointed to the seal's injuries, her voice steady and serious.

Millie: "These marks... They aren't from any bullets. And here- see these bite marks? This thing's been attacked"

Blitz's eyes narrowed as he took in the fresh scars etched across the creature's skin, his frown deepening.

Blitz: "Shit!"

HeatBlast tilted his head, the flickering flames casting a faint glow over the icy ground.

HeatBlast: "Uh, what? What's the problem?"

Blitz's expression turned grim as he looked at HeatBlast and Moxxie.

Blitz: "This slut wasn't running toward us"

Millie's face mirrored his worry, her voice carrying a new edge of tension.

Millie: "He was running away... from something else..."

Moxxie's heart raced, each beat pounding louder in his chest as he inched closer to the group, unable to shake the unsettling feeling creeping up his spine. Millie's words hung heavy in the air, and even Heatblast's fiery demeanor seemed to flicker with tension.

Hearing her, Heatblast turned his gaze to the sky, a serious expression setting across his flaming features. The burning embers atop his head flared a shade brighter, casting a warm, eerie glow across the snowy landscape. His eyes swept over the vast, bleak expanse, as if something unseen lurked just beyond the horizon.

Heatblast: "Running away... from something else?"

His voice reverberated in the cold, the heat of his flame clashing with the frigid wind.

Suddenly, a deep, low-pitched chirp echoed through the stillness, cutting the silence like a warning. The team flinched, instinctively tensing up as a shiver of unease ran down their spines.

At the sound, the Giant Leaper jolted, eyes widening in sudden panic. It scrambled to its feet, tripping over itself in its rush before bolting across the barren landscape, its massive form fading quickly into the distance.

As the seal faded, the group snapped out of their haze, quickly forming a circle. Millie flipped her knife for a better grip, ready to strike at a moment's notice. Blitz bit his lip, cocking his shotgun as his eyes darted around, ready for anything to jump out. Heatblast seemed the least fazed, flames flickering confidently as he prepared to face whatever lurked nearby. Meanwhile, Moxxie peered through the scope of his rifle, tracking the source of the mysterious noise with sharp, focused eyes.

Scanning the area revealed nothing, so Moxxie adjusted his scope, only to flinch back as he spotted a dark silhouette atop one of the glaciers.

Moxxie: "Look! Up there!"

The trio's attention snapped upward, eyes locking onto the shape in the distance.

HeatBlast squinted.

HeatBlast: "Huh? What the hell is that?"

Almost as if it sensed their confusion, the shadowy figure moved forward, stepping closer to the edge of the glacier. As it came into view through the hailstorm, its form became clearer- a penguin, of all things.

Millie raised an eyebrow.

Millie: "A penguin?"

But on closer inspection, they noticed its feathers matted with blood, dripping down from its beak.

HeatBlast's face twisted.

HeatBlast: "A bloody penguin. Literally"

Blitz's gaze locked onto the creature, narrowing as he sensed the malicious gleam in its beady eyes, following their every move with unsettling intent.

Blitz: "Drop him!"

Moxxie's eyes widened, caught off guard by the sudden order. But, trusting Blitz's judgment for now, he steadied his aim.

HeatBlast's face twisted in shock, waving his hands desperately for Moxxie to reconsider.

HeatBlast: "Moxxie, what the hell are you doing? It's just an-"

Moxxie's eyes locked onto the small penguin, and with a slow breath in and steady aim, Moxxie squeezed the trigger. The rifle's report echoed across the frozen wasteland, a sharp crack that cut through the wind's howl. The penguin's body jerked as it was struck by the bullet, its flippers splayed out in a futile attempt to gain traction on the slick ice. It slid backwards, falling into a slow-motion tumble before coming to rest at the foot of a towering ice wall.

The bullet had torn through its chest, leaving a gaping hole that pumped blood out onto the pristine white surface of the glacier. The penguin's beak opened in a silent scream as it struggled to breathe, its eyes wide with terror and pain. Slowly, it slid down the ice, leaving behind a trail of crimson droplets that stained the frozen terrain beneath it.

HeatBlast watched, his flames flaring at the sight of the penguin being shot dead, his expression darkening.

HeatBlast: "Seriously? An animal?"

The fire around him surged, seething with anger, barely keeping his flames in check to avoid scorching Moxxie and Blitz.

HeatBlast: "Killing an innocent penguin is NOT fucking cool, you know"

Blitz shot HeatBlast an incredulous look, eyebrows shooting up like he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Blitz: "Are you seriously giving me a lecture over a penguin? I'm telling you, that thing wasn't normal. The look in its eyes... it was shallow, like it had seen things"

Moxxie, standing awkwardly between the two, fidgeted as he glanced from the singed bird to HeatBlast, clearly uncomfortable with the tension.

Moxxie: "Uh, I mean... Sir, it does seem a bit excessive. We could've... you know, maybe handled it differently?"

HeatBlast crossed his fiery arms, a frown twisting his lips.

HeatBlast: "A shallow look, huh? Sure you're not just projecting, Blitz?"

Blitz scoffed, waving a dismissive hand.

Blitz: "Oh, give me a break! Get off your high horse, dipshit. What's next, making friends with the snowflakes?"

HeatBlast's flames flared up just a bit, narrowing his eyes.

HeatBlast: "You really wanna test how friendly I am right now, Blitz?"

Blitz took a step back, waving his hands dismissively, a flicker of caution flashing in his eyes. Knowing the extent of Ben's powers, he wasn't exactly keen on pushing his luck any further.

Suddenly, hundreds of identical, deep, low-pitched chirps echoed from behind, and the ground trembled underfoot. The group turned to see a mob of penguins marching in eerie unison to the edge of the glacier, their eyes glowing with unsettling intelligence. They moved as one, their hive-mind synchronization adding to the chill in the air.

HeatBlast's eyes widened as he took in the sea of penguins pouring out of nowhere.

HeatBlast "Oh, okay...that's not normal"

Blitz's confidence faltered, his voice tinged
with dread.

Blitz: "S-shit, we're totally fucked"

Millie shrugged, trying to keep her spirits up, a nervous smile crossing her face.

Millie: "Well... maybe these ones are friendly?"

HeatBlast squinted as he watched the nearest penguins open and close their beaks, actual words spilling out.

Penguin: "Who are they?!"

Another joined in, repeating the question, then another, until the chorus of voices became nearly deafening.

HeatBlast's eyes widened, looking back at the group. But by their blank expressions, he could tell they didn't hear the words- just chirps. His mind raced. The only other time he'd experienced this was with the Inklings, where his Omnitrix's universal translator picked up on their language. But that device only worked with intelligent life forms... which would mean-

HeatBlast: "Wait...it can't be!?"

Millie's voice broke through his thoughts.

Millie: "What can't be, Benny?"

She asked, eyebrow raised.

Before HeatBlast could answer, a commanding voice boomed through the crowd of penguins.

Chief Penguin: "STOP!"

The cacophony of flapping wings and honks fell silent as a stout, plump penguin waddled through the throng. Some penguins scuttled out of his way while others were unceremoniously shoved aside by those behind them. The chief penguin came to a halt at the edge of the gathered mass, fixing his beady eyes on the group below.

HeatBlast cautiously inched away from the imps and closer to the glacial ice, uncertainty gnawing at him as he considered how to approach this unexpected situation with the penguins.

HeatBlast: "Uhh, we come in peace! And, uh, sorry for... um, killing one of your penguins?"

The imps exchanged bewildered glances, perplexed by HeatBlast's attempt to communicate with the penguins as if they could understand him.

The penguins' beady eyes all fixed on HeatBlast, their little heads tilting in unison as he tried to talk to them. Blitz rubbed his temples, letting out an exasperated sigh.

Blitz: "Why the fuck are you apologizing to penguins?"

Moxxie blinked, more confused than ever, whispering to Millie.

Moxxie: "Is he... actually trying to negotiate with birds?"

HeatBlast threw a quick glare at them, huffing.

HeatBlast: "Look, you guys won't believe me even if I told you, so just follow my lead!"

The chief penguin eyed Heatblast suspiciously, and though it seemed impossible, his tiny flippers folded in a way that almost looked like crossed arms. He squawked loudly, his voice piercing the air, prompting the nearby mob of penguins to shift their expressions into something more menacing.

Chief Penguin: "Don't you know this is our territory you *Every slur in existence*"

Heatblast grimaced, a blend of disgust, irritation, and frustration washing over him.

HeatBlast: "Hey, who are you calling that, you feathered fucks?!"

Just then, a horde of penguins surged forward, a wave of fury and flapping wings as they slid down the glacier. They morphed into a monstrous wave of pure terror, some penguins opening their beaks to reveal abnormally large, jagged teeth as they descended, ready to maul the group to death.

Blitz's heart raced, his breath hitched as a bead of sweat trickled down his face, instantly freezing as he turned to flee, leaving HeatBlast's searing heat.

Blitz shouted.

Blitz: "They're out for blood!"

Moxxie gulped harshly, adrenaline surging through him.

Moxxie: "Run!"

The trio bolted, their feet stumbling in the deep snow as they sprinted for their lives, leaving HeatBlast standing tall with his chest puffed out and flames flickering at his fingertips, a smirk of confidence plastered on his face.

HeatBlast: "A true hero doesn't turn his back until his last breath is gone"

He declared, his voice steady and filled with bravado.

HeatBlast chuckled, igniting flames in his arms as a plan began to form in his mind- a quick strategy to slow down the horde of enemies closing in.

With a swift motion, he lifted his arms and unleashed a stream of fire that shot forth, sizzling through the air and crashing down to the ground. The flames ignited the snow, sending plumes of vapor rising into the icy air, creating a barrier of heat behind him that danced and crackled, blocking the path of the advancing horde.

As the wall of fire surged upward, the trio paused just long enough to glance back, their hearts pounding in rhythm with the flames.

Moxxie watched in awe as HeatBlast unleashed a dazzling display of power and fire, sending waves of heat rippling through the air. Meanwhile, Blitz's eyes sparkled with approval.

Millie: "Ben! Get over here!"

Millie's voice cut through the chaos, sharp and urgent.

Millie: "You can't take them on alone! And we can't escape without you!"

She quickly gestured for him to follow as she and Moxxie made their way toward the station, her tail flicking with impatience.

HeatBlast let out a frustrated sigh, torn between the thrill of battling the relentless tide of penguins and the responsibility of ensuring his friends' safety. After a brief moment of hesitation, he made his decision. Protecting them was his priority, and the thought of facing what seemed like thousands of penguins alone felt anticlimactic, to say the least. With a reluctant nod, he dashed after Millie and Moxxie, ready to join their escape.

Blitz gripped the swinging door, his hand trembling as he darted inside, with Millie and Moxxie close behind, and HeatBlast entering last.

HeatBlast: "Quick, let's barricade the door!"

Seeing waves of penguins charging straight through the firewall without hesitation, HeatBlast quickly shut the door. He ignited his hands, directing a concentrated stream of fire around the doorframe, melting the edges to seal it shut. Blitz pushed a heavy steel drawer against it, while Moxxie hurriedly rolled a desk in front, adding extra reinforcement for good measure.

The room was deathly still, the tension weighing heavy as all eyes locked onto the barricaded door. HeatBlast's flames crackled softly, casting flickering shadows that danced against the walls. Everyone held their breath, and Moxxie finally broke the silence.

Moxxie: "Maybe they le-"

A deafening bang rang out as something slammed brutally against the door, and everyone flinched instinctively, their hands going up defensively. Blitz, visibly panicked, stumbled back in alarm.

HeatBlast's eyes narrowed, the flames around him flaring up as he muttered.

HeatBlast: "I don't think so, Moxxie. They're still hot in our pursuit!"

The relentless banging continued, each hit sending violent shudders through the door, shaking it in its frame. Dust and debris rained down from the ceiling as cracks formed along the walls. The furious chorus of high-pitched penguin chirping leaked through the gaps, but to HeatBlast, it was more than just noise. Thanks to the Omnitrix's translator, he could clearly make out every slur and insult in existence spilling from the enraged birds. His fiery eyes narrowed, and he cringed.

HeatBlast: "Ugh"

He muttered to himself.

HeatBlast: "Why doesn't the universal translator have an off button?!"

HeatBlast grimaced in disgust, his gaze shifting toward a dimly lit room further down in the station, sealed off by a heavy steel door. A flicker of curiosity crossed his face as he nodded toward the door.

HeatBlast: "I'm gonna go check out what's in there"

His words fell on deaf ears, though, as the imps were too focused on their escape plan, barely sparing him a glance.

HeatBlast paused at the door, his eyes narrowing as he carefully lowered the temperature around his hand to avoid burning it. He gripped the handle and twisted, only to find it locked. With a small sigh, he turned up the heat around his palm, causing the metal to warp and melt, dripping onto the ground with a soft hiss.

As the door creaked open, a gust of icy air hit him, quickly vaporizing against his fiery exterior.

HeatBlast: "Creepy"

He muttered, nudging the door open a bit wider before stepping into the cold, dim space beyond.

HeatBlast's fiery form cast a warm, flickering glow in the pitch-black room, illuminating small patches around him.

HeatBlast: "Alright...where's the damn light switch?"

He swept his hand along the wall, fingers brushing against various surfaces before finally finding the switch. With a satisfying click, the room was flooded with light-and his eyes widened.

HeatBlast: "Holy...shit"

He barely recognized it as a room at all. Shredded walls bore deep, violent claw marks, and toppled bookshelves lay in splinters across the floor. Documents and files were scattered everywhere, stained with blood. Bowls filled with bloody fluids and...body parts littered the ground, like the aftermath of some nightmarish feeding frenzy.

Cautiously, HeatBlast crept further in, his steps slow and careful. He moved toward a small cage lying open on the floor, its door hanging off twisted hinges. A trail of blood snaked out from the cage and extended all the way to a heavy steel door at the far end of the room.

HeatBlast's eyes narrowed, his confusion growing. What the hell were they doing here?

He stepped back, only to feel something crunch under his foot. He lifted his leg to find a briefcase lying open, revealing a broken syringe beside it, its plunger smeared with dried blood. A shattered vial lay in the briefcase, a thick, pink liquid oozing slowly out.

HeatBlast muttered to himself.

HeatBlast: "I gotta get to the bottom of this"

He moved quickly, stepping around the toppled bookshelves and pushing them aside to uncover scattered documents. Most were just legal forms authorizing the research station's operations, but HeatBlast couldn't shake the feeling there was more to this story.

His suspicions were confirmed when he rounded a corner and nearly stumbled over a lifeless body. He clamped a hand over his mouth to muffle his shock, forcing himself to keep quiet.

HeatBlast: "Uh... when did you get here?"

HeatBlast whispered, trying to calm his racing heart. As he examined the corpse, his eyes locked onto an old journal clutched tightly in its hands.

HeatBlast: "What'cha got there? Mind if I take a peek?"

With a cautious grip, HeatBlast tried to take the journal, but the corpse's hand held tight. A little extra force, and with a sudden snap, the arms gave way, freeing the journal.

HeatBlast: "Ah, sorry about that"

He muttered under his breath, a flicker of embarrassment surfacing.

HeatBlast: "Don't mind if I do"

He flipped open the journal, skimming through the first few pages. The dry, scientific jargon almost put him to sleep, but as he turned to the later entries, something stood out. HeatBlast found himself reading aloud, unintentionally giving life to the eerie words on the pages.

HeatBlast: "Day 24: The USAP contacted us. Apparently, our goals have changed from researching wildlife. New information arrives tomorrow, along with-hopefully-a pay increase"

Turning the page, HeatBlast continued.

HeatBlast: "Day 25: A branch of the U.S. government is supposed to brief us directly. They warned us not to document their name. Frankly, if anyone reads it, they'll think it's a joke because of the absurd acronym"

The next entry sent a chill down his spine.

HeatBlast: "Day 26: This morning, two agents arrived with scientists and a briefcase. We've been assigned to experiment on a lab-engineered, DNA-splicing virus. Apparently, they're worried it might escape. And what's safer than Antarctica, right? At least they tripled our pay-guess I'll be retiring by forty!"

HeatBlast flipped another page, feeling the weight of each word intensify.

HeatBlast: "Day 27: Incredible. The virus shows rapid evolutionary potential. Testing on penguins is producing promising results. This could be a revolutionary breakthrough"

He tried to turn to the next entry, but several pages were torn out. Frustrated, he jumped to the only one intact, labeled ominously.

HeatBlast: "Day 30: It escaped"

HeatBlast placed the journal down slowly, processing the disturbing revelations inside.

HeatBlast: "What were they doing in here..."

He could feel the gears in his mind start to turn, piecing together the clues.

HeatBlast: "Penguins..."

He thought back to the unsettling glint he'd seen in their eyes, having the ability to speak an intelligent language- the way they moved together, almost like a hive mind. The twisted experimentations described in the journal suddenly made sense: these penguins weren't normal anymore; they had a sinister hunger.

HeatBlast: "They experimented on the penguins... infected them, it all makes sense now"

Turning back with a hardened gaze, he clenched his fists, flames flickering fiercely around him.

HeatBlast: "I can't let them escape. Who knows what they'll do next"

HeatBlast sprinted toward the group, his fiery aura blazing through the snow.

HeatBlast: "Guys, I've got some big ne-"

He froze, eyes wide as he took in the bizarre scene. Blitz was writhing on the ground, his leg twitching, and his arm shoved deep in his mouth, drool dribbling out as his long tongue wrapped around it.

HeatBlast: "T-the hell am I looking at?!"

Millie, shivering as she looked over from a nearby corner, managed a surprised glance. Behind her, banging noises grew louder as penguins outside tried to force their way in.

Millie: "B-Ben! W-what were you doing...there?"

HeatBlast, still baffled.

HeatBlast: "The real question is, what are you guys doing?"

Moxxie, visibly exhausted and breath steaming in the cold air, rubbed his temples.

Moxxie: "Apparently, Blitz's crystal can't handle the cold. Something about it getting 'jammed'... don't ask me to explain"

HeatBlast sighed and strode over to Blitz, who was still rolling around, trying to heat up.

HeatBlast: "Alright, enough of this, get up!"

Blitz shot him an annoyed glare.

Blitz: "Hey! I'm trying to-"

Before he could finish, HeatBlast wrapped him in a firm embrace, his fiery touch radiating warmth. Blitz squirmed, bewildered.

Blitz: "H-huh? What the hell are you doing?!"

HeatBlast: "Turning up the heat, genius!"

As the warmth seeped in, the crystal embedded in Blitz's hand started to glow, its icy glaze thawing. HeatBlast smirked, releasing Blitz. Who smirked once he noticed the crystal's light pulsing steadily.

Blitz: "All right, hothead, let's get the hell out of here. I'm freezing my balls off"

With a flick of his wrist, Blitz opened a portal back to the I.M.P. office, the heat of Hell wafting through. Blitz didn't hesitate, diving headfirst through the portal. Moxxie and Millie hurriedly followed, desperate to escape the cold.

Back in the warm confines of the I.M.P building, Blitz took a deep, satisfied breath, basking in the warmth.

Blitz: "Hell yes! I'm never going near a frozen wasteland again"

Millie chuckled, only to pause and look around.

Millie: "Wait... where's Ben?"

The group's eyes widened in horror as they scanned the room, realizing he hadn't come through with them.

HeatBlast stood alone in the icy station, the cold biting through even his fiery aura. Now that the imps were safe, he let his body temperature soar, igniting with an intense, fiery glow. The air around him shimmered with blistering heat, and the frozen walls and floors began to drip, then crack and splinter as the surrounding ice couldn't withstand the escalating temperature. The metal beams supporting the structure groaned, warping from the pressure and extreme heat, as if they were holding their last breath.

Around him, steam hissed from the melting snow, filling the room with a dense fog that only made his flames brighter and more intimidating. Ice near him fractured and cascaded like a collapsing glacier. A deep orange glow surrounded him, casting shadows that flickered wildly in the abandoned station.

Then, a loud screeching came from outside- the infected penguins breaking through. They forced their way inside, only to recoil in confusion and fear as they saw him.

HeatBlast glared at them, his flames pulsing. Without hesitation, he let out a roar, releasing the energy he'd been building up. In an instant, his flames exploded outward like a firestorm. The heat was overwhelming- so hot that it melted the floors beneath him and vaporized the snow instantly on contact. The infected creatures barely had a second to react as they were enveloped in an inferno, leaving nothing but ash and embers in its wake.

The firestorm consumed everything in a wave, purging the room entirely of any trace of the infected penguins. When the blaze finally subsided, the area around HeatBlast was scorched black, with molten patches on the floor cooling into a smoldering crust. He exhaled slowly, the flames around him settling to a warm glow, the frozen station now turned into a barren, charred wasteland.

Heatblast collapsed backward onto the ground, panting heavily. His fiery form flickered as he struggled to catch his breath.

HeatBlast: "Awesome..."

He gasped, the heat radiating off him slowly cooling as he lay there, completely spent. He had just unleashed a move he had never dared to try before.

HeatBlast: "Man, that took everything out of me"

He muttered to himself, his chest heaving. The thrill of the power surged through him, but now he felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down like a heavy blanket.

HeatBlast: "Guess I gotta be careful with the big moves next time"

He chuckled weakly.

Time Skip:

The scene shifted outside the Hazbin Hotel, where a translucent figure flitted around the building. Upon closer inspection, it was GhostFreak, his green chains rattling softly as he phased through the door and into the eerily silent lounge room.

Inside, he spotted Emberlynn bouncing around excitedly, a rosy blush painting her cheeks as she flirtatiously called out, her tail wagging like a happy puppy.

Emberlynn: "Ben-kun, where are you~?"

GhostFreak rolled his eye in annoyance.

GhostFreak: "Ugh, I need to deal with this. Maybe later..."

With a silent sigh, GhostFreak, cloaked in invisibility, floated upward, phasing through the ceiling until he reached the room Charlie had assigned him.

Once inside, he slammed the watch faceplate , engulfed in a radiant green light. The light shimmered around him, and he fell to the bed below, detransforming back into Ben.

Ben lay sprawled out for a moment, groaning slightly as he shook off the events of the day. He took a deep breath, allowing the familiarity of the space to wash over him, while thoughts of the stories he'd share with his friends back in his universe floated in his mind, bringing him a sense of comfort.

Outro: