Hero Time (Composite Ben 10 reader x Multiple Crossovers)

Strike 2

As the continued forward, some figures came into view. Danny slowed in stride, squinting at the unmoving silhouettes.

Danny: Uh, do you guys see that?

Everyone looked ahead to where Danny was pointing. They stared in shock as they looked at the figures, stopping in place to look at them.

Jenny:  Are... those people?

Y/n: Not anymore.

Ahead of them was the petrified bodies off dozen's upon dozens people, scattered around amongst buildings, and out in the felid between them and the massive ship. All of them varied in appearance, from warriors, to heroes, villains, to even average looking people, each of them having an expression of either fear, or defiance permanently frozen on their faces.

As the Vigilants wandered through the unmoving crowd, they all looked around at all of those Strike has petrified. A spiky-haired scientist, holding a flask in one hand, and aiming a raygun in the other. A bald tattooed man with curved short swords chained to his arms. A young boy wearing a backwards facing cap, clutching a ball-shaped capsule. A viking wearing sleeveless leather armor and a horned helmet, stuck in the midst of shouting. All having a red "X" spray painted on them.

Jenny: There's... There's so many of them!

Danny: And for what? For lawn ornaments?

Danny half heartedly jested, as he eyed a caped mustached superhero with the letter "O" on the chest of his costume.

Dexter: For trophies, more likely.

Dexter stopped and stared at a statue before tapping the side of his glasses. A blue holographic feild projected from the lens and scanned up and down the unmoving figure.

Y/n paused and examined another statue. At first glance, it appeared to be the patriotic Avenger, Captain America, shield and all. But as soon as he recognized him, he then noticed his stationary cape, and then his eyes were drawn to the big "S" in the center of the star on his chest. Upon seeing the stylized letter, he was instantly reminded of Superman. Then, the reasoning of Strike's actions dawned on him.

Y/n: He's collecting variations of people from different universes.

He said in quiet disbelief, coming to the realization. Despite his low tone, the Vigilants looked over to him.

Y/n: He... He finds people that are unique from other versions of themselves, and takes them here. Adds them to his collection, like-like it's his hobby or something!

He stuttered appall, staring at the statue in front of him for a few more moments before lowering his gaze.

Y/n: That's why he took Ruby.

He hanged his head, the image of Ruby's petrified face still haunting his mind, reminding him of how he failed to save her.

As Jenny began to step over to him, Dexter's glasses finished its analysis on the statues it scanned. As he read the data, his heart sank.

Dexter: I'm not detecting any signs of life from the statues... It may be possible that Ruby is-

Y/n: Don't.

Dexter: I'm just trying to realistic.

Y/n: I can't let her down! Not now!...

Y/n suddenly barked, turning toward Dexter. His agitated demeanor softened before he turned back and faced the ground frowning.

Y/n: Not when we're just getting to know each other again.

Jenny put a comforting hand on Y/n's back as she faced Dexter.