Warning! This chapter features two Ben 10s, so two make things easier to follow, Ben from the future will be referred to as "Benjamin" and current Ben will just be "Ben"…Now On to the show!
Hey, Guess what? I don't own Ben 10-Man of Action does.
Chapter 4: The Overnight Guest
As the bright flash dulled, Benjamin's sight came into focus. As he acclimated himself to his surroundings, he heard a familiar voice:" Well, here we are, Benjamin . Bellwood-we have arrived five years in the past. Also, according to my calculations, we have arrived 2 days before Albedo will kidnap Julie" Paradox stated.
Benjamin solemnly nodded. "So what's my first step?" Ben asked.
Paradox shrugged. "You're the hero, Benjamin. Maybe you should figure it out" Paradox suggested.
Benjamin said "Maybe I'll get in contact with my past self. I can warn him of what's going to happen and set up something to stop Albedo. What do you think, Paradox?" Benjamin looked around for the time-traveler- but he was gone. It looks like I'm on my own. And I guess I'd better find me. Benjamin grimly thought.
Benjamin, using the Ultimatrix's homing function, was able to isolate Ben's signal. His search took him to a modest house in the surburbs. Benjamin decided to stake out the house, before talking to Ben.
Inside the house, Ben had just placed two plates of bacon, eggs and toast on a table. Ben then yelled "Julie, breakfast is ready!"
From upstairs, Julie yelled in response "I'll be right down!"
Ben sat down and began eating. Minutes later, Julie came downstairs and sat at the table. Her appetite, however, wasn't as strong as Ben's, and she picked at her food. Ben saw this and asked "What's wrong? Is it not good? I didn't burn anything this time, honest!"
Julie laughed at Ben, before answering "No, it looks really good. But I'm just not hungry. Maybe it's this stomach flu."
Ben looked at her strangely before asking, "Stomach flu? How long have you had this?"
Julie answered "Only a few days. Gwen's taking me to the doctor later today, so I'll be able to get some medicine. Don't worry, I'll be fine."
Ben nodded before returning his attention to his breakfast. He wasn't worried, but he couldn't help but be concerned-Julie was everything to him.
Meanwhile…
Benjamin waited outside the Tennyson house, waiting to speak to Ben. As he waited, a green Camaro pulled into the driveway, and a red-haired woman climbed out of the car. She wore a long-sleeved blue shirt with black slacks. She walked to the door and pressed the bell. Moments later, Benjamin noticed her walking into the house. She came out a few minutes later, accompanied by another woman who had short black hair and was wearing a pink blouse and white slacks. Both women got into the car and the car took off.
Now's my chance, Benjamin though. He walked across the street and up the walkway to the front door. He pressed the doorbell and waited. Moments later, the door opened. Ben stood there, shocked as he looked at an older version of himself. The older version spoke, "You are Ben Tennyson, right?"
Ben answered "Yeah, that's me. And you are?"
Benjamin answered' "I am you. I am Benjamin Tennyson."
Ben's face had a look of shock. He asked "What? No way! It must be a trick!"
Benjamin shook his head before replying "No, Ben. It's not a trick. Dr. Paradox sent me here to help you."
Now Ben was completely confused. "Help me? Help me with what? What could I- Ben 10, savior of the universe- need help with?"
Benjamin chuckled slightly, before turning serious. "Let me come inside, and I'll explain everything" Benjamin stated.
Seeming to have no real choice in the matter, Ben said "Come inside- Julie's not due back for a while."
Benjamin, once inside, marveled at the house Ben and Julie shared. It's a shame-if I don't succeed, all of this will be gone Benjamin thought. Ben said "Please, take a seat."
Benjamin sat down in a comfortable sofa. He then looked at Ben and said, "Ben, I am you from the future. In fact, I am you in five years."
Ben gaped at his guest before saying "Whoa! Are you telling me I'm gonna be a badass in the future? That's-"
Benjamin interrupted "-not cool, unfortunately. I am here to save my future, and yours as well. And much of what I am going to say is surprising or shocking."
Ben shrugged, then said "Well, I don't think there's anything that could shock or surprise me. Go ahead, future-me, do your worst!"
Benjamin nodded. "Well, Ben- the first thing you must know: in 2 days, Julie will die. She will be kidnapped and assaulted by the ex-Galvan Albedo- you do know him, correct?"
Ben said "We've crossed paths. But Julie, why her?"
Benjamin explained, "Albedo determined that your true weakness was Julie. And if he could not get to you, he would get to the person closest to you. But that's not all, Ben"
Ben said," Alright, continue."
Benjamin exhaled, then said "After Julie's death, you changed. You became that "badass", but in doing so, you became less of a hero and more like a vigilante- taking the law into your own hands. You know that's not the way of the Plumbers. You alienated yourself from Gwen and Kevin. And then- "Benjamin stopped, not knowing if he should continue.
"And then- what? Tell me! I gotta know!" Ben pleaded.
Benjamin solemnly stated "Dr. Paradox showed me a vision- you will avenge Julie and kill Albedo. But Albedo will destroy you- on a lonely planet far from Earth. And that's why I'm here. If we can save Julie from Albedo now, then there may be hope for the future-my future- our future."
At that moment, Julie walked in "Hey Ben, I'm back" she said as a way of greeting.
"Hey, Julie. How it go at the doctor's office?" Ben asked.
"Well- the stomach problems will go away within a few days and- hey, we have a guest?" Julie said, turning her attention to Benjamin.
Ben then said "Yeah, Julie. This is an old friend. This is-"
"You can just call me Mr. Kirby" Benjamin said as he stepped over to Julie, extending his hand to shake hers.
"Well, I hope you can stay for dinner then. Will burgers and chili fries be alright?" Julie asked.
"That's great! Those are my favorites!" both Ben and Benjamin exclaimed.
Julie laughed, then said "Well, I guess I'd better get started then! You both must be hungry."
It was late, and Ben, Julie, and Benjamin were watching the news. When the television regaled them with the stories of the day, Benjamin stood up and announced "Well, it's been a wonderful evening, but I must go."
Julie looked at Ben, then asked, "Are you sure? You can't stay longer?"
Benjamin said "No, my dear. I thank you and your husband for your hospitality, but I must be going."
Ben replied" Well, it was…good…seeing you again, Kirby. I hope we'll see you again."
Benjamin silently spoke, "You will, sooner than you think…"
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them all, the TV was detailing a breaking story-"…The guards were powerless to stop him. He was last seen wearing a red jacket and blue pants. He is currently heading to Bellwood. If you see him, contact the Plumbers immediately. He is extremely dangerous. We repeat, if you see or have any information concerning the escapee Albedo, contact the Plumbers immed.." Ben turned the TV off, having not heard the story. "Well, Julie. Shall we head off to bed?" Ben asked.
"Yes, love. Let's head off to bed. I know the perfect way to end the day…" Julie replied, letting a little seductiveness enter her voice.
"Yes ma'am!" Ben replied, excitedly picking Julie up and heading upstairs.
Meanwhile, Benjamin and Paradox were meeting in a hotel room. Paradox spoke, "Did you tell him? Our mission's success counts on this."
Benjamin said, "Yeah Doc. I told him everything. Now what do we do?"
Paradox answered, "All we can do now is wait…and watch how events unfold. Only two things will happen after tomorrow, Benjamin- you will either rewrite history…or repeat it. "
Benjamin said nothing, but nodded in solemn agreement and stood to look at the nighttime cityscape outside the window. Tomorrow-it would all come down to tomorrow…
A/N Wow! My longest chapter yet! I'm excited for this. Trust me…it's just as awkward writing about Older Ben meeting Julie and Ben than the actual situation. And I bet you all can guess Julie's "condition"-stomach flu, loss of appetite…don't worry, I'll wait…
Read, Review, Comment PLZ! Chapter 5 on the way!
