Mount Justice
"Gwen, stop pulling me." Ben whispered as they drew closer to the kitchen. "I told you I'm not ready."
"Ben Tennyson, I know for a fact you both like each other, so you are going to ask her out." Gwen whispered firmly. "If you don't do this, then, so help me, I will find a way to lock you both in a closet until you do."
She finally managed to drag him to the kitchen and kicked him hard enough in the butt to send him stumbling in. M'gann was in there just taking out a batch of chocolate chip cookies to cool.
The Martian turned just as Ben straightened. "Oh, hey Ben." She smiled brightly. "Sorry if you smelt the cookies, but they have to cool before you can have one."
"Oh, no that's perfectly fine." Ben stated quickly. "I guess I just entered the kitchen to soon."
He tried to leave, but Gwen stood in the doorway with her arms crossed. "Ben…" She turned him back around and shoved him into the kitchen. "So, help me… closet."
"Alright. Alright." Ben stated. "Geez."
M'gann was confused. "What's going on here?"
"M'gann, I was wondering… if you aren't busy… would you like to accompany out of the cave tonight?" Ben asked.
"Are you asking me out?" M'gann asked hopefully.
Ben rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah."
"Of course, I'd love to go out with you." M'gann hugged him in her excitement before pulling back. "Where are we going?"
"Well, I was thinking maybe we'd just walk around Happy Harbor and see what interest us." Ben replied stunned yet overjoyed. "Between missions and training, I haven't really gotten a good look at the city. Does that sound alright with you?"
"It sound perfect." M'gann stated happily.
"Great." Ben walked back to Gwen. "Guess I'll come pick you up from your room at seven."
"Yeah, I'll see you then." M'gann ended up waving.
He walked down the hallway with Gwen and only spoke to her when they were away from the kitchen. "Hey Gwen, thanks for that."
"Any time." Gwen smiled. "Just make sure to be yourself, and I'm positive things will turn out great for the two of you."
Ben nodded. "Right."
With Kyle
"Cassandra, I need you to sit still for just a moment longer." Kyle called out from behind his isle. "Fidgeting now could see all our hard work going to waste."
"Come on, Kyle." Cassandra complained. "When I agreed to be one of your models, I didn't think I'd have to sit in a recliner for hours. It's boring."
Kyle continued to work. "I promise we'll train just as soon as I'm done." He stepped back and looked from her to his work before putting his brush in the yellow. "It's almost done." He made a couple more strokes before stepping back and smiling. "I think I got it."
"Let me see!" Cassandra rushed on over and came to stand next to him before her eyes went wide. "It looks life like." The painting was an exact replica of Cassandra and the living room. "This is really good."
"I'm glad you think so." Kyle smiled as he wiped his hands. "If you want it, you can have it once it dries."
"Really?" Cassandra asked.
"Yeah." Kyle shrugged. "Art is meant to be enjoyed, and you seem to like it well enough." He smirked. "Of course, I could always hold onto it, and you can pay me whatever it's worth once I become an artist."
"You mean you want to become a professional artist?" Cassandra asked intrigued as she looked back at the panting. "I think you could strike out now if you really wanted to."
"I've actually wanted to be an artist since I was young." Kyle smiled fondly. "Despite the fact that it was just my mom and I for most of my life, she did everything she could to encourage my love of art. Maybe I could, but I won't. Not until the first piece I want out there is completed."
"You have an art piece you want to perfect?" Cassandra asked.
"Yeah." Kyle nodded. "It might be odd for the first piece I want recognized, but I won't enter the art world until I can perfect a portrait of my mother. After everything she did to bring my skills where they are, I want my first shown piece to be dedicated to her."
"I don't think it's odd in the slightest." Cassandra smiled. "It actually sounds really sweet. Is that why you've been asking the team to be your model?"
Kyle nodded again. "I want as much experience drawing people and making them feel alive as possible. For me to really put my mother to portrait, I got to get that down."
"In that case, I wouldn't mind being your model whenever you want to paint." Cassandra offered. "A goal like yours is one I can get behind even if there is no fighting involved."
"Thanks Cassandra." Kyle smiled. "Since I shared what I want to do, what's your big plan in life outside of being a superhero?"
"I'd actually like to get a job as a gym coach with young kids." Cassandra smiled. "I've always had a fondness for kids."
"I kind of expected a different field for you considering you like to fight so much." Kyle replied.
"The same could be said of you with how much you like to train." Cassandra remarked. "Honestly, I tend to get enough action as a hero. I'd much rather dedicate any free time I have to teach kids how to be good sports and have fun."
"Well, if I ever hear of anything that can get you a better foothold in that field, I'll be sure to bring it to your attention." Kyle offered.
"Thank you." Cassandra replied.
Smallville: Evening…
Clark and Lois had brought Conner down to the farm to meet his 'grandparents'. At first, he was worried, but they treated him as part of the family. Martha Kent was a sweet, tough lady while Jonathan was a hard working yet kind man. Conner was finishing up the work on a tractor.
"Well, you have a real knack for mechanics Conner." Jonathan patted the boy's shoulder. "When I showed your pa how to do this, he ended up blowing the engine in his face."
Conner chuckled. "Really?"
"Come on, pa." Clark stated. "That only happened the first couple of times."
"Yeah, but you still make a better reporter than you do a mechanic." Jonathan patted Conner's back. "Now this boy could make a nice living fixing vehicles."
"Thanks." Conner still wasn't used to praise, but it certainly felt nice. "I think I got her all patched up."
"Everything looks good from what I see." Jonathan nodded. "When you enroll in school, I'd consider some mechanic classes."
"I'll keep that in mind." Conner stated as he moved to pick the tractor up.
"No, you don't." Clark picked it up. "Considering you fixed the thing, the least I can do it get it back to the barn."
He then walked off.
"Hey there you two." Lois joined them shortly after. "Do you know where Clark is?"
"He just took the tractor back the barn for us." Jonathon replied. "Is it dinner time?"
"That it is." Lois looked at Conner. "Make sure you're presentable. Trust me, you don't want your grandmother's glare."
"That's good advice from where I'm standing." Jonathan clapped him on the back. "Trust me when I say she makes even your father shiver."
Conner nodded. "I'll be sure to clean up."
Central City
Barry, Iris, Rudy, Mary, and Wally were currently attending a birthday for Jay Garrick. Of course, Jay's wife, Joan, was there as well. Honestly, Wally couldn't believe he was finally back with all of them. Sometimes, it still felt so cereal.
Like he'd end up closing his eyes and be back in the Null Void. Of course, he was thankful to Sevantis, Kevin, and the other Rooters for the training, it'd allow him to better protect everyone here from the real threats, but he'd still missed this.
Everyone was just finishing up when Barry stood. "Allow me to get that."
"Don't worry about it, Uncle Barry." Wally stood up. "I'll take care of the dishes."
He sped around the table collecting every dish before running into the kitchen.
"Thanks kid." Barry stated as he took a seat.
"I used to always wish he'd clear the table." Mary stated. "Now, I kind of miss our old Wally."
"Well, he went through quite the experience dear." Rudy stated. "Honestly, I wish he hadn't had to be in that Null Void place all this time to learn this."
"Maybe the kid still thinks we're going to stop him from being a hero." Barry offered.
"That is a good point." Iris stated. "Maybe we need to sit him down and inform him that we've all calmed down."
Wally entered the dining room after storing away leftovers and washing the dishes. He first reset the table before carrying in the cake and large tub of ice cream.
"Say kid, why don't you help yourself to the second tub in the kitchen?" Jay offered.
"Are you sure?" Wally asked.
"Go for it." Jay stated.
Wally smiled. "Thanks Jay!"
Gotham City, Evening
Dick was hard at work on his acrobatic skills and has been pushing himself since joining the team. His seemingly constant training, with too few breaks, presented a problem. There just came a point when training strained the body rather than help it.
Dick ended up dismounting only to stumble and fall into the wall. He was enraged and disappointed to the point that he punched the wall forming a crater. Bruce Wayne and Alfred had been watching. The boy wonder grabbed a drink and towel before taking a seat.
Then, Alfred entered the room and cleared his throat. "Master Bruce wishes to see you."
Dick ended up following Alfred out to the backyard which was more of several areas for various sports. Bruce was there, dressed in his own work out attire, and ended up passing a basketball to his protegee.
Dick caught it confused. "What's this?"
"Training." Bruce gave him a small smile. "Hand-eye coordination."
"One on one?" Dick asked.
"If you can handle it." Bruce stated.
The two played a game of basketball as Alfred smiled from the doorway.
Mount Justice, Night…
"Oh, stop pacing M'gann." Gwen gently chided her friend as they waited for Ben to arrive.
"I'm sorry." M'gann stated while forcing herself to stand still. "I'm just really nervous. I'm not too certain, but I think Ben and I get along well. I already really like him, and you say he likes me as well."
"You really have it bad for him." Gwen smiled. "Honestly, I think you have nothing to worry about. From what I've seen, Ben can ignore a lot when he really likes a girl."
There was a knocking at the door and M'gann moved to open it revealing Ben on the other side. Gwen could tell the two of them had eyes for each other, so she excused herself feeling things would work out between them.
Once she was gone, Ben held out his arm to his date. M'gann changed her skin to her human pigmentation before taking it. The two of them then made their way out of the mountain and into the city.
Happy Harbor
Ben and M'gann were just walking around the city.
"So, did you have anything you wanted to try while we were out?" Ben asked. "I'm sure we could find something connected to it… that or something close enough."
"After that last mission to Bellwood, I have wanted to try those chilly fries." M'gann stated.
"Well, I am pretty familiar with places that serve them." Ben stated.
Eventually, they found a burger shack, and Ben got them an order to share. They ate as they walked until the order was all gone.
"Wow, those are surprisingly good." M'gann commented.
"Yeah, a lot of people really enjoy them." Ben decided to keep the conversation going. "Hey, how many more people do you think will end up joining the team?"
"Are you thinking about anyone in particular?" M'gann asked.
"Not really." Ben shrugged. "I don't know of any other young heroes; however, it wouldn't surprise me if others were out there."
"That is a good point." M'gann stated. "I suppose only time will tell."
For the next hour, they simply enjoyed their time together as they walked around town. The pair checked out a few shops that caught M'gann's eye, and they even walked through the park as well. Eventually, M'gann asked about Ship, so Ben told her the story.
"…We ended up fixing the Mechamorph's ship, and he left Ship to me." Ben finished. "Since then, he's been my pet, but it's only since joining the team that I've gotten the chance to spend a great deal of time with him."
"You've really come to care for Ship, huh?" M'gann asked.
"You bet." Ben stated. "He's a good, little buddy."
As they talked, Ben and M'gann didn't really get into what their lives were like before the team with the prior story being the only real exception. Still, the two of them had a great time.
Mount Justice
Ben walked M'gann back to her room, and they now stood outside her door.
"Hey M'gann, I wanted to thank you for giving me a chance." Ben rubbed the back of his head. "I know I'm not a magic user, so I honestly thought I had no chance with you."
"What are you talking about Ben?" M'gann asked confused.
"Well, you seemed to like magic, but I don't have an aptitude for it like Gwen." Ben stated. "It made me feel like I didn't really have a chance with you."
"Ben, magic is just something I'm interested it." M'gann smiled at him. "It doesn't determine who I like, and I like you more than I did this morning."
"Oh man." Ben rubbed his hands over his face. "Now I feel ridiculous and sorry for myself because I almost missed my chance to get to know you better. Hopefully this did not just crush my shot at a second date."
"Of course not." M'gann nodded. "I'd love to go on another date with you."
"That's great." Ben grinned. "We can have one after our next mission or whenever you want."
"After our next mission sounds great." M'gann stated.
Now, Ben just hopped he wasn't reading too much into this as he leaned forward slowly and placed his lips against hers. M'gann wrapped her arms around his head and kissed him back.
They both parted with a clear look of amazement on their faces. "Wow."
Ben chuckled and stepped back while rubbing his head. "Okay, I'm going to go." He ended up walking backwards. "I'll come up with a plan for another date and get back to you." He finally turned around. "Good night, M'gann."
M'gann giggled to herself. Ben was a goofball; however, he was now her goofball, and the Martian could not be happier as she entered her room.
Ben's Room, Morning…
Ben sat at his desk. After his date with M'gann, he felt great, but that gave way to thoughts about the team. Considering they seemed to be going a nice stint without missions, he wanted them to do something fun.
Since the weather seemed like it'd hold, he figured mini golf and the pier was a great idea. Before getting to ahead of himself, Ben knew he'd need to make some calls and talk with the others in the cave about this.
Happy Harbor: Saturday, Evening…
Ben managed to get the team onboard, and the eight of them now stood before the mini golf course. He figured they could do that together before breaking off into pairs or groups for the pier.
"Alright guys, before we head in there, who here doesn't know how to play mini golf or hasn't played it much lately?" Ben asked. "Gwen and I used to do this a lot when we were younger, but we're probably rusty."
"It's true." Gwen stated.
"It wasn't one of the things I was taught." Conner admitted.
M'gann smiled. "I don't, but I'm excited to learn."
"Great, and whose played the game a lot?" Ben questioned.
"Before I went missing, I was a natural." Wally stated confidently.
"I love this game." Cassandra stated.
"I went all the time with my mom." Kyle declared.
"I've played plenty before." Dick added.
"This is perfect since we can form teams to help the game along." Ben stated. "I want anyone not confident or doesn't know ow to play to pair with someone who do. I call Wally!"
"Good pick." Wally smiled. "We'll take the win easy."
"I want Cassandra." M'gann stated.
Cassandra put an arm around her. "Yeah, we'll show you all how good we are."
"In that case, I'll take Dick." Gwen declared.
"The others lost out." Robin crossed his arms. "I always get hole in ones."
"Guess that leaves you and me Conner." Kyle declared. "Hopefully, I don't let you down."
"I think that's supposed to be my line." Conner replied.
The teams were set. Ben & Wally, M'gann & Cassandra, Gwen & Dick, and Conner & Kyle. They entered the establishment and paid to play. Each team would alternate holes and see what score they got in the end. Wally was raring to go, and Kyle matched him.
Cassandra and Dick backed off allowing M'gann and Gwen to take the first hole. Since they didn't have time to practice this beforehand, it would be up to the more experienced players to coach those inexperienced or with no experience. After playing 18 holes, the results were in.
4th: M'gann & Cassandra. The two of them worked well enough together, but the others had other aspects that put them over the pair. 3rd: Ben & Wally. Despite Wally's experience, he wasn't the best teacher, and that wasn't even him trying to sabotage The Coming Storm.
There would be no point in sabotaging a simple game. As for Ben, he and Hal tended to hang out elsewhere, but he was quick to pick the game back up. 2nd: Conner & Kyle. If not for Gwen & Dick snatching first in a land slide, they'd have taken the win.
Dick made every one of his shots a hole in one and has clearly been working on giving better instructions. Granted, Ben still felt he'd have difficulty on missions if he had to give out orders, but the boy wonder was coming along nicely.
Maybe one day, if Ben ever decided he didn't want to lead, Dick would be the one to take his place. It helped that Gwen took in knowledge like a sponge. Now, the group were walking towards the pier.
"All I'm saying is that Ben and I almost claimed victory." Wally declared.
"Yeah right." Dick smirked. "Face it, Gwen and I's only real challenge was Kyle and Conner. You and Ben were duking it out for third with M'gann and Cassandra."
"Since you mentioned them, can we just take a moment to appreciate how well Conner and Kyle were doing back there?" Ben put an arm around them. "That was some excellent coordination between you two."
"I agree." Cassandra stated. "Kyle hit almost as many holes in one as Dick while Conner was almost as quick a learner as Gwen. I honestly didn't expect Conner to take to advice that well."
"I'll have you know I've gotten a lot better about taking advice from people." Conner retorted.
"With how close it was, I think Conner and I should get a rematch from Gwen & Dick." Kyle chimed in. "With a little practice, I think we could give them a real run for their money."
"I suppose I wouldn't mind playing another game sometime." Gwen stated.
Dick smiled. "Anytime you want it, we'll be ready."
"Guess I'm on board since the three of you are." Superboy stated.
As they talked, the group arrived at the pier which had all manner of booths, rides, and a couple of buildings.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I am starving." Wally declared. "I'm going to chow down."
"Count me in." Ben declared. "I could go for some funnel cake."
The two of them were off.
"I'm going to hit the arcade and clean up at the skill-based games." Robin declared.
"Skill is nice, but it can only get you so far." Kyle smirked as he crossed his arms. "Bet I could earn more tickets than you."
"I'll take that challenge." Robin retorted. "Winner's the one who can get the best prize."
"You're on." Kyle declared.
They ran off to the nearest arcade.
"Hey Megan, want me to show you how fun these rides around here can be?" Cassandra offered.
"That would be great." M'gann smiled. "I've always wanted to try amusement ride."
They took off which left Gwen with Conner.
"Did nothing interest you?" Gwen asked.
"Honestly, I have no idea where to start." Conner shrugged. "I'm realizing, more and more, that my 'education' didn't really teach me about fun. I know what all of this is, but experiencing it is a whole other matter.
Gwen was stunned they'd forgotten that about Superboy. He just seemed to be adjusting about as well, even better, than anyone could expect. Still, it made sense that he'd be lost in situations like this. In fact, he had been following their lead through other activities as well.
Gwen grabbed his wrist started dragging him into the pier. Of course, Conner could resist if he wanted to, but these past months with the team had taught him to trust in their intentions. That didn't mean he couldn't be confused by them.
"What are you doing?" Conner asked.
"Arguably, Ben would be better at this, but since he's preoccupied, I'm going to take you around the pier." Gwen stated. "We'll do a little bit of everything starting with the game booths."
Honestly, Conner had intended to wander aimlessly, but doing this was the better situation. By the end of the night, the team could safely say they'd had a great time. Dick and Kyle racked up tickets at games of skill in the former's case or games of luck in the latter's
By the end of the night, they ended up getting the same number of tickets. Dick still won because he got to the counter first and picked up the only prize they had for their tickets. This forced Kyle to get the one just under it. Ben and Wally ate, went on a tilt-a-whirl, and lost their stomachs.
Megan and Cassandra had a far better time on the rides since they hadn't eaten anything beforehand, and the Martian ended up loving it. Gwen ended up showing Superboy the various ways one could spend their time here, and the clone even ended up winning at a booth.
He secured a plush of a yellow rose. When the team met up to leave, even though he didn't say thank you, Conner gave the plush to Gwen. Given how long the team's been together, she knew it was hit way of thanking her.
For those of you who'd say Ben would not be that nervous around a girl he likes, go back and watch Alien Force's Pier Pressure.
Aztec 13: I don't think the Secret Saturdays will exist here, but I'll keep that Generator Rex thing in mind.
Jay: We'll see what happens with Match. As for Ben, this wasn't really his chapter, and he didn't really face off with Klarion anyways.
Omnihallows: Omniverse Kevin, during the canon Rooter arc, managed to become an amalgamation once more, yet he kept his mind then. Basically, that was part of his training this time around, and he did have years with Sevantis to do it. Actually, it couldn't unless Ben takes it off. The first Ben 10,000 we saw, in OG, is a Ben who never removed the Omnitrix. It simply grew with him.
painville: Thank you. You do make some good points.
Guest: We'll see
Guest: Haces un punto sobre la experiencia de Ben, pero solo tendrás que esperar y ver
Guest(11): He did unlock some aliens with Hal. He got Feedback from Azmuth, while under Hal. Additonally, he got Buzzshock, and unlocked the first nine aliens he had in Alien Force without losing his originally acquired aliens. I'll keep your suggestions in mind.
TFG: Potentially, they might, or I might pluck other heroes from your list to introduce over them.