They stepped off the bus to start another day of school. The campus was a mess after all the damage done by Vilgax drones, and of course the fight with Animo a week ago.

Things had certainly changed compared to last year. Ben reflected on how different things were. Last year had been as miserable as every other. He was mocked for his height, or lack there of, he was picked on by the class bullies, especially Cash and JT. Well, they all looked on him differently now.

They took their seats in class, and the other kids actually wanted to talk to them.

"Hey Tennyson," Both looked at the kid who had just spoken up. After all that could refer to either of them. "So what did you do this weekend? "

Ben smiled, " Oh we went to see a movie," He looked over to Gwen, " and signed up for Karate class."

Then they heard a familiar obnoxious voice, Cash. "Ha,ha Tennyson in a karate class. I bet you got put on your butt."

Ben was close to loosing his temper but he held it. "Yeah, I got thrown a few times, but I got back up."

"Just like Tennyson, keep coming back for more."

Just as Ben was about to respond the teacher walked in. "Good morning everyone. I hope you all had a good weekend."

There were various murmurs from the class. "You'll be happy to hear that the cafeteria is usable again so you won't need to bring your lunch anymore. Most of the other damage should be repaired by next month.

Now, with announcements out of the way...Time for a quiz. Let's see if you remember anything from last week."

Now Ben was nervous. He had studied with Gwen this weekend, between the movie and his first karate class, but he had never done well on test and doubted that today would be any different.

Then the test came back. Ben nervously looked at his paper...At the top he saw, in red..B. He smiled. Then he heard from the seat next to him. "Told you so." He looked over to her "Thanks." he said. The two smiled at each other.

JT whispered to Cash and pointed to the two. They chuckled.

Latter it was time for PE. The game would be dodge ball. This was usually where he got pummeled. Not this time. He vowed to himself. The coaches whistle sounded and the balls flew. As usual more than his share were heading at him. He had dodged far worse things than rubber balls this summer and he just let his instinct go.

He deflected or caught every ball that came at him. Finally it came down to him and Cash.

They both ran for balls. Ben grabbed one ball and rolled as he saw two hastily thrown but poorly aimed balls coming at him. The balls missed and Ben caught one. He threw first, the one he caught then the one he had been holding. Both hit Cash and the coach called "Game over! Nice work Tennyson."

After PE it was time for lunch. Ben got his tray and found Gwen sitting alone in the cafeteria. He sat next to her.

"So how did girls PE go?"

"Let's just say that girls can be more vicious than boys. I was one of two new girls and it seemed like we were the favorite targets."

"Really, So how did you do?'

With a smirk on her face she answered, "Please, if Vilgax's drones couldn't score a hit on me they sure can't. You?"

Same, they never got close." The two laughed and did a high five. Over at another table They saw Cash and JT leaning in toward each other, whispering and looking in their direction.

"I thought we girls were the ones who were supposed to get catty" Gwen remarked.

"Yeah, well, I guess you don't have exclusive rights to that. Not when those two jerks are around." Ben paused then added. "By the way, how about the other girl. You didn't let them pelt her did you?"

"Of course not." she said, almost offended. "But why don't you ask her your self." Gwen stood up and called out. "Claire, over here!"

Gwen's new friend make her way over to the table and sat down.

"Hi Gwen." she looked over to Ben.

In answer to her silent question. "This is my dweeb, I mean cousin, Ben."

"Oh yes, Gwen told me all about you."

"Don't believe her. It's all a lie."

"Really, because she told me you're very brave. That you can be very sweet...and kind of cute."

Gwen's face turned slightly red as Ben said. "I take it back, it's all true."

Claire laughed. "My such nervousness." She looked sidelong at Gwen. "I never feel this nervous around my cousin." She took amusement at causing both of them to look a little uncomfortable.

Ben broke the silence. "From the looks of this food I'm starting to wonder if Grandpa isn't working here."

This caused a burst of laughter from Gwen, and puzzlement from Claire.

"Okay, let me in on the joke."

"I'll tell you more about it latter. Right now we have to get back to class."

After class was over they were on their way out to the bus. As they walked Gwen said." See, I told you, you could improve your grades. You'll be on the honor roll before you know it."

"Uh, yeah, let's not get ahead of ourselves." He still wasn't too confident.

"Well, I'm proud of you." She reached over and took his hand.

Just then they heard Cash yell out. "Aw, isn't that cute. Keeping it all in the family"

JT followed with "Hey Tennyson, where are you taking your cousin/girlfriend this weekend?"

Ben held his temper and answered. "I don't know JT. Where does Cash usually take you?"

The two bullies went into a rage and came at Ben. They ran right into the wall that Gwen had put up.

"You WOULD hide behind your witch girl Tennyson."

They were really pushing Bens self control, again, but he held it. Remembering what Grandpa had said. "if you don't control your self you don't have control of anything"

"You get that one free but if you ever call her a witch again I'll do a lot worse than hang you by your underwear."

Just then they heard a horn blow. They looked to see the Rustbucket waiting for them. They ran to meet Grandpa. They both leaped at him and he held one in each arm.

Ben asked, "Grandpa, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, uh, I need you to come with me for a meeting. It was called by some one you know."

"Cool, who?"

"You meet him at the little league world series...President Grant.