Chapter 1: A New Era
Bellwood, and the larger world at that, was at peace. The Highbreed invasion had ended a year prior thanks to the help of a group of heroes, the most infamous being Ben Tennyson. This teenager had used a device called the Omnitrix to save not only the Earth, but the Highbreed race as well by merging their failing genetic code with the DNA of the Omnitrix aliens. They had intended to to commit mass suicide for they have been deem themselves "impure". However, a Highbreed ally of Ben Tennyson, Reinrassig III, had convinced the High Council that they had been saved from extinction and that that they needn't continue the war. The war ended with the Highbreed signing a peace treaty and returned to their homeworld, Augstaka.
After the large scale conflict, the Earth became peaceful once more. A year later, Gwen had received a scholarship and is moving to an Ivy League College called Friedkin University, in a town far away from Bellwood. According to Gwen, she sees this as an opportunity and wanted to see the larger world and cherish what they have saved from the Highbreed. Kevin had bought a garage in the same town to be a mechanic as a way to to leave behind his criminal youth. Right now, Ben and Kevin are packing Gwen's luggage into Kevin's green and black sports car.
"Gee. Gwen's luggage makes Humungousaur weigh like a feather?" Ben said as he's having trouble lifting Gwen's purple bag into the trunk of the car. Kevin smiled at Ben's expense.
"What's the matter Tennyson? It seems the bags are more trouble for you than the Forever Knights." Kevin said as he chuckled. Ben grimaced at Kevin.
"Very funny Kevin. I don't see you carrying much luggage." Ben said as he noticed Kevin only had a brown, medium sized duffel bag.
"I don't have that many personal items." Kevin shrugged and then produced a mischievous smile. "Although, I have thought about robbing people and stealing their stuff. Might work considering you aren't around to stop me."
"Kevin…" Ben glared at Kevin. Ken rises his arms up. "I'm just kidding, Tennyson. I've gone straight for the past year. Trust me."
"Oh right. I feel so much better." Ben rolled his eyes as Kevin chuckles. Gwen steps out of her house with a black carry-on.
"Well, I'm done packing." Gwen said as she walked to Kevin's car. Ben smiled at his cousin.
"I remembered when we travelled to the future and you were stoked about having gone to college. I didn't think it was this soon." Ben said with a hint of sadness.
"I can't believe it either." Gwen said as she reassured him by placing her hand on his shoulder. "Don''t worry Ben, me and Kevin will come visit during the holidays. Right Kevin?"
"Yeah man. We may be gone temporarily, but we're still a team." Kevin said as he lightly punches Ben in the arm. "Besides, if there's trouble that the legendary Ben Tennyson can't fix, we'll come save your butt."
"Don't sell me short just yet Kevin." Ben responded as he rubs his arm.
"Take care of yourself doofus." Gwen said as she hugs him.
"You too dweeb." Ben returns the hug. They release each other and Kevin stands in front of Ben with a smile.
"See ya around Tennyson." Kevin turns his hands into a bro-fist.
"You too Kevin." Ben said as he connected his fist with Kevin's.
Kevin enters the drivers seat and Gwen sits by him in the front. The engines roar and Gwen gives a final wave to Ben before they drove off. Ben waves back and sighs. Ben is sad right now, though not as sad since the lost of his favorite alien, Feedback, back when he was 11. The two people who had helped him for the past year and few months were gone. Gwen had practically had his back since that road trip six years ago. Despite his 10 year old self's words, his actions proved that they both cared about each other and vice-versa. Gwen was practically a sister to him. He may not be as close to Kevin as he is to Gwen, Kevin had still grown to be an ally and a friend to him. He had chose to help them against the Highbreed despite the fact it wasn't even in his best interests. This made Kevin earn Ben's respect. Reminiscing about them had dulled his mood. Although they are not gone permanently, it feels as if a hole has been left in his life.
Ben had lost track of time. Seeing that his friends had left a while ago, Ben decided to go home. He lifted his left hand and revealed the Omnitrix. He activated it and the core pops up to show a hologram of an Aerophibian. Seeing that this was the alien he wanted, Ben slapped the core and a green flash engulfed him. After the flash disappeared, in his place was a red manta ray looking creature with yellow horns and a yellow underwing. He has two black stripes from his shoulder to his back. He has green eyes and the Omnitrix symbol is located on his chest.
"Jetray!" He yelled as he jumps into the air and flies to over to his home. As Jetray flies over Bellwood, he sees how peaceful the city is. With the new plumbers stationed on Earth lead by Grandpa Max, there is hardly little to no major threats on the planet. Ben is relieved but at the same time, he is conflicted because now he is not needed, the Omnitrix isn't needed. Ben has thought of going back to his normal life before the Highbreed crisis started.
Due to how fast Aerophibians are, it didn't take long for Jetray to reach his destination. Jetray had landed next to the door. He tapped the Omnitrix core and another green flash appeared and Ben stood in its place after the light died out. Ben opened the door and turned on the lights. Judging by the lights, his parents weren't home, not that it was a bad thing. He wanted to be left alone. He goes up in his room and closes the door. He lies on his bed and turns on the television to watch Sumo Slammers, his favorite tv show. He did so to take his mind off of Gwen and Kevin leaving. He is now thinking about his current place; his goals in life. Now that he didn't need to be a hero anymore, maybe he could focus on other stuff. He sat up and looked at the Omnitrix.
"Guess we've made a great team, huh?" Ben said, "We've saved the world from warlords, creepy halloween aliens, xenophobic knights, a crazy mechamorph, and a bunch of racist aliens," Ben reminisced and continued "I guess I should take you off now. How hard it will be this time I wonder?" Ben sighed but then a strange blue glow enveloped in his room.
"Nonsense." A voice said. The glow dissipated and stood a man with a white lab coat, green goggles on his neck and a pocket watch in his hands. The man had a warm smile. "Hello Benjamin Tennyson."
"Professor Paradox? What are you doing here?" Ben asked with surprise and confusion.
"I came to pay you a visit, my dear friend." Paradox said in a English accent, "Or I had visited you in the past. Time travel makes verbal tenses so very confusing." Paradox shook his head.
"Yeah, I kinda figured. So what's going on? Another time monster going on a rampage in the timeline?" Ben asked with concern.
"On the contrary, it is an universe that doesn't reside in this timeline. In fact, it is not even from this universe." Paradox said.
"Really? Where? If I am needed, I'll get the job done." Ben said with determination in his voice. Nothing serious had happened for a year now. A legitimate threat was a change of pace.
"I have no doubt you will succeed young Benjamin." Paradox said with a smile, "Now then, have you heard about the Multiverse Theory Ben?" Paradox asked.
"That has been featured some episodes of Sumo Slammers, though I guess it's not as accurate as the real thing." Ben shrugged.
"Well, I will give you crash course so you know the basics." Said Paradox, "The universe the totality of everything that exists. A universe contains multiple dimensions, like the Null Void, and houses an infinite number of alternate timelines. Different universes exists with different physics from our own, hence the Multiverse Theory." Paradox finished.
"I think I get it now." Ben said, "So which of these universes need my help?" Ben asked the time walker.
"Before I thrust you into this universe, I will provide you with information so you do not enter the unknown blind." Paradox told him while Ben nodded, "This universe contains people who have the ability to manipulate the elements, specifically water, earth, fire, and air. They divided themselves into four nations representing their own abilities. However, the is one being called the Avatar who could manipulate all four elements. Each Avatar is different because when one dies, he or she get reincarnated. It's called the Avatar cycle." Paradox said.
"Are these people mutants like Kevin?" Ben asked. Paradox shook his head.
"Not quite. They are called Benders. They are able to bend the elements through the use of an energy source called Chi, which is similar to Mana. Genetics and spirituality also plays in a bender's ability to control their element." Paradox said. Ben nodded.
"Do I need to know anything else?" Ben inquired.
"Yes and this is the most important part." Paradox said while Ben listened closely, "The world was ravaged by a hundred year war which started when the Fire Nation attempted to "unite" the world, but at the cost of lives. The first victims were the Air Nomads and advanced on the Earth Kingdom. Eventually, the Avatar returned and defeated the Fire Lord and ended the war." Paradox finally finished.
"If the Avatar did beat the Fire Nation, then why am I needed? Obviously things are handled" Ben asked with confusion.
"The scars of war cannot be healed instantaneously, especially after a century long war." Paradox said with a stern voice.
"So I'm supposed to quell the aftermath?" Ben rubbed his chin, "I guess I'll try my best to provide the best outcome. If these people need my help, then I will do so." Ben said with confidence, "Anything else I need to know about this universe?" Ben asked trying to gather more information.
"I would not want to spoil everything. Where would be the excitement in exploring a new universe?" Paradox chuckled and continued, "The point is to give you the basics so people would not think you are crazy for asking whether they have Chili Fries or something of the sort. You still need to learn about the world on your own as you interact with the people from that universe."
Ben soaked in all the information. He seemed fascinated by the prospect of visiting a universe different from his own. He could make new friends, as well as enemies. Ben enjoyed helping people, not because he wanted the fame and fortune but because it was the right thing to do. He would provide the assistance no matter if it was his own world or not. However, a thought had occurred in Ben's mind.
"What about Grandpa Max, Gwen, Kevin, and everyone? What if they asked about my disappearance?" Ben asked with skepticism.
"Do not worry, I will inform them myself. However, seeing the current situation of Earth, you will not be needed on command." Paradox reassured him.
"Well in that case, lets go! I'm ready to save a universe!" Ben yelled enthusiastically. Paradox smiled at the teenager.
"Splendid! Come now Tennyson, your new journey awaits you." Paradox smiled. Ben looks at the Omnitrix and grinned.
"It's hero time!" Ben said as he and Paradox vanished in the same blue glow.