Five Years Ago
Kuri sat up with her eyes crimson and walked out into the campsite.
Ben followed her sleepily. "What's going on Kuri?"
Kuri turned—but it was not Kuri.
Her eyes were red, fathomless, and she looked to be a woman of at least eighteen. She had long blue hair. Her skin was pale blue and she looked frightening, like a ghost.
Ben transformed into Feedback. "Give Kuri back!"
"Oh you poor ningen." The woman said. "You just now realized?! I am Khione, Queen of Ice and Fire. And this body has always belonged to me."
Khione flicked out a hand and Feedback rose into the air and started to scream.
Ben saw memories of his failures, the times when Kuri and Max had gotten hurt and he couldn't save them, the times others had been hurt because of him.
"You aren't a hero, ningen." Khione said. "You are a villain. I curse you Ben Tennyson. The Ultimate Power will become your damnation."
Khione closed her hand as if it was a claw and Feedback started to choke and gasp.
Suddenly her hand dropped and Feedback fell to the ground, transforming back into Ben.
Khione grabbed her head. "NO! The vessel is fighting back! I do not understand. Her love for you cannot be strong enough to—"
Khione changed back into Kuri and ran over to Ben.
"This is bad. She cursed you." Kuri said.
"No big deal." Ben grinned weakly. "This curse won't hit a hero like me! Right?"