November 7, [7:22 A.M.]
{Bellwood}
It wasn't unnatural for Ben to be awake at this time, it was honestly routine at this point. School had conditioned him to waking up, albeit with much difficulty and working with the Plumbers had made him even more of an early riser.
"Morning." Ben greeted Sandra and Gwen who were sat around the dining table.
"Morning, Ben." Sandra greeted not turning away from the stove.
Ben took the seat next to Gwen and eyed her. An action that she seemed to have taken notice of.
"Yes?"
"You seem…glum." Ben pointed out.
"It's nothing." Gwen dismissed. "I just woke up for school out of habit, forgot they announced that they canceled classes today."
Sandra presented Ben with a plate of bacon and eggs.
"Pass the salt, please."
As Ben enjoyed his breakfast he could occasionally feel Gwen's gaze on him. Quick glances that she would send his way then play off as if she hadn't just done so a moment later.
"Something on your mind, Gwen?"
"You're normal." She simply said.
Ben couldn't help but smile. "Were you expecting me to eat through my ear or something?"
"You turned into a walking fish last night." Gwen deadpanned. "That wouldn't surprise me."
"Now Gwen, be nice." Sandra sat down with her own plate of breakfast. "Though I suppose that is being nice, I seem to recall the two of you being at each other's throats when you were younger."
"Probably cause that was the only entertainment we got during that summer." Gwen turned to Ben. "You remember that summer?"
"Summer with you and Grandpa Max." Ben's expression grew nostalgic. "The best summer of my life." His eyes moved to the Omnitrix. "The summer that changed my life forever."
Sandra and Gwen seemed to realize something.
"Ben, sweetie." Sandra began. "Are you talking about the summer when you were 10?"
Ben nodded.
"Yeah, I found the Omnitrix during the first night. I remember starting a forest fire cause I didn't know how to use it."
"Must've been quite the summer." Gwen sighed.
"Yeah, the three of us kicked serious butt."
Gwen looked perplexed. "Did I borrow the watch sometimes?"
"No, it doesn't come off." Ben swallowed the contents of his mouth. "Plus, did you really think a ten year old would just casually give away that kind of power, dweeb?"
Gwen suddenly got up. "Thanks for breakfast, Aunt Sandra. I'm gonna get going."
That was…rather abrupt. Ben turned to Sandra in hopes of getting any information, but the older woman simply shook her head.
"She's having a hard time recently." Sandra began. "I heard from Natalie that Gwen got cold feet and withdrew her application to a college acceleration program a few months ago."
"Friedkin University?"
"Yes, how'd you know?"
"Gwendolyn-my Gwen, goes there." Said Ben
Did he accidentally touch a sore spot for her? He did call her a dweeb, did this Gwen have issues with her self-worth?
"I gotta go." Said Ben, quickly bringing his plate over to the sink then dashing out the back door. "Breakfast was great, can't wait for what's next!"
Max could only let out a breath as he stood beside his son. He supposed it didn't matter what dimension he went to, the absence of a father was something that wasn't too easily forgiven.
He and Carl stood in silence as a shadow suddenly passed overhead. He thought he saw Astrodactyl.
"Was that him?" Carl asked.
Max simply nodded.
"So he really is a superhero." Carl shook his head. "And you let him do this? For all these years."
"It was his choice."
"I know." Carl pinched the bridge of his nose. "I just can't imagine my own son going around risking his life. We taught him to do good and be better, but this?" Carl turned to him. "Why does it have to be him? He isn't even my real son, but just the thought of him going through what the Justice League does makes me shiver."
"Ben told me the story of when you and Sandra found out." Max continued. "You didn't take it too well. The two of you grounded him, and tried to keep him from using the Omnitrix. Then he told me he did one of the hardest things he's had to do." Max placed his hand on Carl's shoulder. "He walked out on you and Sandra to help his friend."
"Hard to believe." Carl scoffed. "Pretty sure he wouldn't listen to us even if we were Superman."
"And yet he does."
"And yet he does." Carl repeated, nodding his head.
"Let's go back inside." Max suggested. "I think I should fill you two in more on Ben. He could use the support."
"Did something happen?"
Max nodded. "Yes, but it isn't my place to tell you."
"You care about him a lot don't you?"
"He's my grandson." Said Max. "There's a saying that goes: we old folk always try to do better with our grandchildren. A bit of hindsight so to say."
Carl placed a hand on Max's shoulder. "I could use some tips. I don't really know how to deal with a super-powered son, dad."
Max smiled. "I've got a few off the top of my head."
"Gwen." Ben called out.
The redheaded Tennyson cousin paused just in front of her house.
"How'd you get here?"
"I flew."
"Of course you did." Gwen rolled her eyes. "Did you need anything?"
"I wanted to say I'm sorry." Ben began. "I don't know what you're going through, but–"
"You're right, you don't." Gwen cut him off. "I've got my own problems to deal with Ben, so instead of acting like you know me why don't you leave me alone?"
Ben recoiled as if Gwen had slapped him. People had berated him before, even death threats on occasion. But to have Gwen say that, even if it wasn't the Gwen he knew and loved was heart-rending.
Gwen spun around on her heel. "We can't all be special, Ben. So just do me a favor and leave me alone."
Ben couldn't find the will to speak and just watched Gwen enter her home. He clenched his jaw, doing his best to keep the tears that were building up from falling.
He walked away.
He just had to get away for a bit, he just began walking down the sidewalk and hoped he'd get somewhere quiet.
He didn't know why he expected Gwen to care about him. This was a world without an Omnitrix, and that summer all those years ago. The reason they grew so close was because he and Gwen had reached an understanding.
As they grew older Gwen was there right beside him, supporting him.
She was his rock.
To have that support stripped away…it hurt.
Hey!
This universe wasn't his. Ben Tennyson lived here, but it wasn't the same. His family didn't treat him the same, some of his friends never met him.
Hey!
Rook probably never came to Earth.
Kevin was probably still living on the streets, maybe even as a petty crook.
Look out!
A sharp searing pain suddenly ran up Ben's nose. He fell back clutching it. The tears that had built up from earlier leaking out for another reason.
"Are you okay?" When Ben had managed to pry his eyes open he was met with the concerned visage of a girl his age.
"Julie…" Ben managed.
"Yes?" Julie tilted her head. "Do I know you?"
Ben blinked, realizing he'd messed up in a way. Even more so as he realized that he'd somehow wandered into Bellwood's few tennis courts.
"How'd I get here?" He asked, his voice sounding somewhat nasally as he was gripping his nose
"You walked in while I was practicing." Julie pointed over her shoulder to an awaiting tennis ball machine. "I tried getting your attention, but you didn't seem to notice. When I went to turn the machine off it got off one last shot and hit you in the face."
"Well that isn't embarrassing." Ben sighed.
Julie chuckled. "You're cracking jokes, that probably means you're okay." She offered him a hand, which Ben took. "I think I've seen you around before, Ben right? You play soccer."
"Yeah, that's me." He supposed there had to be some constants in the universes aside from the Omnitrix.
Then Ben fell silent, not really knowing what to do next. His hand unconsciously going to mess with the back of his nape. He never really spoke with Julie much after everything, he just threw himself into more adventures with Rook. To stand around talking with her as if nothing had really happened made him feel wrong on a certain level.
"I-"
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Ben cringed, a sharp series of beeps began to sound off from the Omnitrix. Julie had even covered her ears from how loud the beeping had gotten.
"What's going on with your watch?" Julie was practically yelling.
"I have no idea." Said Ben, but a strange sense of familiarity overcame him regarding the beeping. He tried slapping the Omnitrix with a few choice words being hidden by the loud beeps.
The ground shook, and in a moment of pure instinct Ben dove for Julie and caught her as he threw himself and her to the side. His eyes were immediately back to whatever had just burst out of the ground. A single furry clawed hand had shot up from the ground, and a similarly furry and canine-like creature had pulled itself out from the hole.
Ben would've thought this creature was cool, especially since it reminded him of his German Shepherd. If the dog could stand on its hindlegs and had a physique that seemed to rival Fourarms.
It turned to Ben and growled.
His hand immediately went for the Omnitrix, but then he realized something. Julie was still with him, and this wasn't the same girl who'd gone on all those adventures with him.
Julie stared at the creature, her eyes wide, her hand had a death grip on Ben's jacket.
She was frozen with fear.
Ben quickly got to his feet, and ran with Julie in his arms. He heard the creature roar from behind, and only hoped his sprint would be good enough to keep some distance between him and the furball.
"Grandpa, do you copy?!" Ben cried out, circling a corner and muttering a curse as he came down a hall with no closets or vents that he could hide Julie in while he fought.
"I hear you, Ben." Max's voice sounded off from the Omnitrix. "What's going on?"
"Alien, need help." Ben grunted. The wall in front of him had broken down as the creature burst through. "I can't fight it off! There's people in the crossfire!"
The creature swung at him, but Ben had thrown himself backwards. He quickly got Julie to her feet and pulled her along as he sprinted down the halls of the tennis court and then outside.
The panicked screams of the people that had managed to catch a glimpse of the creature made Ben want to turn alien even more. His head spun around, then his gaze landed on a nearby alleyway. He and Julie dove into the alleyway and took a moment.
"You'll be safe here." Ben assured, then turned to the alleyways entrance.
"Wait!" Julie grabbed Ben by the wrist. "You're going back out there?"
"I don't have time to explain."
A large shadow ran down the length of the alley. The creature had found them. Ben stood in front of Julie and flashed the Omnitrix. However the creature had just stalked forward.
Ben grit his teeth, of course flashing the Omnitrix wouldn't do anything. It didn't exist in this universe.
It roared and stepped forward.
Ben turned to Julie. "I'll explain later." Then slammed down on the Omnitrix. A flash of green light enveloped Ben then grew.
A tall imposing figure with a pale yellow complexion took up most of the alley's interior. The creature took a step back then bared its teeth.
"You think you're the top dog?" The deep guttural voice of the transformation resonated through the alleyway. Four green eyes narrowed as a warning. "Meet the top banana, Power Plant!"
Power Plant charged the creature and forced it out of the alley and out into the street. Then sent a punch aimed right at its face, the creature skid back as a metallic clang sounded off right at the point of impact.
The creature's head shimmered for a moment.
Power Plant was an Atasian or as they were colloquially known as: A Highbreed. A race of plant like humanoid creatures much like Swampfire. In their weakened states they were capable of handily overpowering Humungousaur which was no easy feat, but this creature in front of him had just taken the punch with no problem.
Honestly impressive.
The creature let out a roar, but Power Plant had responded by hissing and unfolding his wings exposing the bright green membranes underneath.
Power Plant fired off the tips of his fingers at the creature which seemed to bounce off its fur. "I don't suppose you're in a talking mood?"
The creature had lunged for him and threw the Atasian through several cars before trying to crunch him. Power Plant struggled underneath the creature for a bit, the strength seemingly able to rival that of an Atasian. "Where the heck did you come from?!" He growled. The creature let out a few growls of its own before a sharp stinging screech nearly ruptured his eardrums.
A quick flash of green and the piston powered punch from Armodrillo had managed to keep the creature off him.
Armodrillo paused for a moment as he realized where he'd heard the beeping before. "The Pier." He said then glanced back at the creature.
It wasn't rampaging, it was asking for help.
Before Armodrillo could face the creature once more, it was as if a bomb had gone off. Where the creature once stood was suddenly a crater full of debris and shrapnel. The creature was actually dazed for once, and even looked somewhat intimidated by the newcomer.
A woman with raven hair and the most piercing gaze that he'd ever seen. It almost made Ben reluctant to act, but then she turned her vision onto him.
"You there." She spoke. "What reason do you have to attack this city?"
"Wait, I didn't attack this place."
The woman narrowed her eyes at him, but the creature had gotten its second wind and swung at her. However, the creature's blow came into contact with the bracers on her forearms and stopped.
"Wait!" Armodrillo cried out, but the woman had introduced her fist to the creature. But it didn't stay down, it kept trying to attack and she was fighting back.
The woman let out a roar as she launched a punch at the creature only to have it stop inches away from its target. The creature seemed to think this was an opportunity, but found itself unable to move as well.
"Are. You. Two. Done?" Both combatants looked to the source of the voice.
Correction, voices.
The creature that had taken Armodrillo's place was a bipedal white and green reptilian creature. It's short stubby yet well-built legs held up the creature as it stood by with its arms crossed almost disapprovingly at their actions. But what was most eye-catching about it were the 10 glowing green eyed snake heads.
"Please. Answer. Staring. Hurts." Each of the heads spoke individually, each uttering a single word in the sentence.
"Release me, Gorgon." The woman grunted.
"Gorgon? Has. A. Nice. Ring. To. It." The heads shifted around. "But. Ths. Name. Is. Snakepit.".
The now named Snakepit walked forward towards the restrained pair. "Can. We. Please. Calm. Down?" When the woman only seemed to struggle, Snakepit only rolled a pair of his many eyes. "I'm. Trying. To. Help."
Snakepit awkwardly waddled over to the restrained creature, then reached down towards the creature's hip and removed a red and silver disk shaped object.
"Can. We. Talk. Now?"
The creature's rabid growls and snarls would eventually become coherent and even came with a thick almost Scottish-like accent.
"You want to talk?! With her?!" The creature snarled in the direction of the woman. "She nearly killed me!"
"I did no such thing, the two of you were destroying the area."
"I'm. Going. To. Let. You. Both. Go." Said Snakepit. "But. Only. If. You. Promise. Not. To. Kill. Each. Other."
When no response came from either, Snakepit just hoped for the best. If they didn't want to play nice, he was sure Humungousaur or maybe even Atomix would get the point across.
A flash of emerald light enveloped Snakepit, revealing Ben standing in his place.
"I'm Ben, Ben Tennyson." He began. "What're yours?"
"Wonder Woman." She said.
"Any relation to Superman?"
"Coworkers, but call me Diana if it's not too much trouble." Ben and Diana turned to the creature. "Anything to say for yourself?"
"I will not say anything else until a representative of the Plumbers arrives." Said the creature. It remained on guard, but looked like it wanted to avoid a fight.
"I'm a Plumber." Ben replied, flashing his badge. "You can talk to me."
The sound of an engine rang out as a dingy old motor home came into view. Though if you asked the man inside, he would say that the vehicle had character. Ben supposed the name Rustbucket did have a certain charm to it.
"Maybe you can talk to him instead." Ben pointed to the man disembarking the Rustbucket. "Hey grandpa!"
Max had arrived in full gear, though Ben supposed it was to be expected since he'd said he needed help. But the Tachyon blaster might have been overkill.
"Max Tennyson." The creature's tone was almost revering. "My name is $%#*-P, and I offer my full cooperation."
Ben tapped on the Omnitrix a few times. "I didn't quite get that."
"You can't seem to grasp the intricacies of my language." The creature huffed. "Fine then, call me Spike. That seems like an accurate translation in your language."
Spike's glance went past Ben and Max and towards Diana. The heroine seemed to be doing the same.
"I'm under the impression that there's more to this than I'm aware of." She began.
"That's an understatement." Ben got in between her and Spike. "Look I can explain the situation, but the gist is that Spike needed help. He wasn't rampaging."
"I apologize if I'm not exactly convinced." She gestured to the ruined streets and the massive crater.
"The crater was your fault." Ben deadpanned. Then brought a red and silver disk like device that was in pieces into view. "This is a Universal Translator, it's pretty standard alien tech. But still pretty hard to get your hands on. Spike broke his and tried to find the nearest Plumber to ask for help, and it just so happened that it was me. So when he burst from the…tennis court." Ben's eyes widened. "Julie!"
His head quickly whipped back to the alley where he'd tackled Spike out from earlier. Ben rushed back and found Julie still huddled there, a little shaken but unharmed.
"It's safe now." Ben held out a hand.
Julie eyed the outstretched appendage. She reached out, but stopped inches away from Ben's hand. "What are you?"
"That's a long story."
"I've got time." She said and took his hand.
Ben couldn't help but smile, and led her out the alley. Max's expression softened a bit the moment he'd seen Julie, while Diana looked quizzically at the girl. Julie on the other hand eyed Spike wearily. Ben couldn't blame her, Spike had attacked her for no reason in her perspective.
Several armored vehicles suddenly arrived on scene. Their occupants suddenly piling out, Ben recognized some of them especially the woman who seemed to be leading the charge.
"Ben, go." Max instructed. "I'll take care of the cover up."
"Grandpa, these aren't our people."
"I know." Max nodded. "But they'll at least listen to me before drawing their weapons. I'll try talking with Molly, and I'll keep you posted."
Ben gestured to Julie. "My grandpa'll take care of you." Then turned to Spike. "What about you?"
"We'll figure something out." Said Max.
"I will cooperate." Spike nodded.
Then turned to Wonder Woman. "Hope you're in a talking mood." Ben approached.
"Always." Said Diana. "However, not here."
Ben and Max nodded to one another. The Omnitrix beeping as Ben fiddled with the dial. "Lead the way."
"Gotta say, Bats." Green Lantern sighed as he placed the dossier back down onto the table he and a few other Leaguers were seated at. "I knew you worked efficiently, but you already have a dossier on the guy?"
"Even I must extend my praise." Said Aquaman. "You say you only met this Ben Tennyson yesterday, and yet you have a somewhat comprehensive amount of information on him already."
"I would accept the compliments, but I didn't do this." Batman's expression remained unchanging. "When I returned to the Batcave late last night, I found it on my desk."
"Someone broke into the Batcave?" Green Arrow asked.
"Unlikely."
"You are not infallible, Batman." Martian Manhunter cut in. "But if there was no intruder, then how did this dossier fall into your lap?"
"It was given to me." Batman slid a piece of paper onto the table top. The area around the paper shimmered, and a moment later a holographic display of the paper's contents were projected.
It read:
To the Batman or those he'd invited to discuss this with,
Greetings!
Your new visitors are no threat to you, but I've seen and met enough Batmen to know that you're a paranoid bunch.
"They've got you there." Green Arrow chuckled.
As a show of good faith, I've provided you with young Benjamin's resume of sorts.
Please do not be surprised at your late comer's outburst.
"Have you guys read this?!" Shazam burst into the room. All eyes were on him, then returned to the letter.
Benjamin and I have had our fair share of adventures, and I'm sure he's bound to have more in your universe. All I ask is you watch over him, as powerful as he is. It is easy to forget that he's only sixteen years old.
Now I'm to let you all discuss what to do next, but as with all beings that deal with time I must leave you with cryptic messages.
But nothing comes to mind, so for now tata.
There was a moment of silence in the room. Glances were shared, and no one really seemed to know how to react.
"I have a query." Red Tornado raised his hand.
"Go on."
"What is the other purpose of this meeting?" Tornado swiveled his neck in Batman's direction. "With the exception of Green Lantern, all those present have an affiliation with the Team."
The others seemed to have caught on not long after.
"You wanna put him on the Team?" Green Arrow raised a brow, or at least did his best with his mask obstructing his features. "Sure he's got potential, but we barely know him."
"I am in agreement." Manhunter nodded. "His achievements are impressive, but how can we be sure they are not fictitious?"
"Now perhaps there is merit to Batman's suggestion." Aquaman cut in. "If Ben Tennyson is truly trustworthy, then putting him on the Team should have no issue. However, if he does have any ulterior motives then having him be under the watch of our protégés would be wise."
"I say let him join." Said Shazam. "He's helped once, and if he decides to help again then we can back him up."
"Red Tornado." Batman turned to the Android. "As the Team's primary handler, what are your thoughts?"
"I think he would be a valuable asset." Red Tornado began. "However, I think it would be foolish to not have a safety precaution should the need arise. If Ben Tennyson were to pose a threat, who's to say he does not have a transformation to deal with even the likes of Superman?"
A horrifying thought to be sure, but the discomfort that thought had brought to the expressions of those present lasted less than a fraction of a second.
"Shall we vote?" Batman asked. "Those in favor of letting Ben Tennyson join the Team?"
Hands were raised.
"All those who oppose?"
Hands were raised.
"Meeting is adjourned." Said Batman. All those present rose up from their seats. "If he accepts, all of us should be present to put the Team at ease."
"Agreed." Said Aquaman.
Batman headed for the door. "And someone please tell Flash, this habit of him being late is getting ridiculous."
A slow day for the Team was rare, but not unwelcome. The inhabitants of Mount Justice were often ready to go on missions at a moment's notice, but after the events of yesterday they weren't exactly rushing to be sent out.
To wish for a crime or a natural disaster was a bit of a morbid thought, but it came with the lifestyle. The constant crime fighting would give anyone a rush of adrenaline whether they'd admit it or not, and because of this it made boredom more apparent.
Conner lazily scrolled through the channels of the television. Nothing was on that piqued his interest, but then for the briefest moment he saw it. His fingers on the remote scrambled to go back a few channels.
It was a news report showing a rampaging Shark monster that could walk on land.
"Hey Kaldur, might wanna look at this." Conner called out. The leader of the Team was quick to respond, as was M'gaan and Robin.
Kaldur had sighed the moment he'd seen the creature. "When will King Nanue learn to control his kin?"
"Do you know him Kaldur?" M'gaan asked.
"Whether he does or not, that guy is tearing up downtown San Francisco." Conner crossed his arms. "Knew I should've just gone on patrol."
The shark creature let out a roar, but was quickly silenced and taken out of frame by a yellow projectile that had slammed into it.
"An Arburian Pelarota?!" M'gaan had gasped.
"Another Alien." Said Kaldur.
"So its probably him." The yellow sphere rolled back into view and unfolded into what counted as an alien panda. The camera zoomed into him, and sure enough the symbol on Ben's watch was on his chest.
"It is him." Conner rose from his seat.
"Stay down." Cannonbolt warned, his posture ready to strike if the shark creature didn't listen.
Unfortunately it's never that easy.
The shark creature turned and threw a car full of screaming occupants at him. A quick flash and Gravattack held the car up with a single hand, and with the other decided to introduce gravitational forces a few several dozen times stronger that of earth's.
"Should've listened." Gravattack sighed.
"You could've waited." Wonder Woman landed behind him.
"Sorry." Gravattack lowered the car back to the street. "Can't really wait when people are in trouble."
"I understand the thought." Wonder Woman walked up to Gravattack. A few moments later armored vehicles of all shapes and sizes arrived and people dressed in what could only be described as SWAT gear rushed to the creature.
A few of them pointed their guns at Gravattack, but with Wonder Woman vouching for him they quickly turned tail.
"Would you like to continue our chat?" Wonder Woman turned to him, but the Galliliean's eyes were still on the creature. "I was quite intrigued on how your Upchuck form had essentially eaten a small star."
Gravattack smirked. "Strangely it isn't the weirdest thing I've eaten."
"I'll bet." Wonder Woman chuckled. "I'd love to hear more."
"I've got a bunch of stories." Gravattack moved to slap the Omnitrix dial on his forehead, but before he could-
"Hey!" A small voice had called out. Several children had approached him and Diana. "Who're you supposed to be? And how'd you turn into that ball guy?!"
Wonder Woman had given him a little nudge.
"Well…I've got a bunch of names. Right now I'm Gravattack, and the ball guy was Cannonbolt. And this–" a flash of emerald. –is Jetray!"
The looks of awe on the faces of the children brought a smile to Ben's face. Diana had hovered beside him, and as they flew off they heard the children running off laughing and even calling out the names of his Aliens.
"Where to next?" Jetray asked.
"Well I was thinking-" a beep caught Diana's attention, she brought a finger to her ear. "Wonder Woman speaking…yes…how did you-?...no, I understand." She turned to Ben.
"Trouble?" Ben asked.
"No." Wonder Woman shook her head. "It's just, there are people who'd like to meet with you."
"I've got a bad feeling about this." Jetray sighed, then dashed off with Wonder Woman.
"Bad feeling was right." Ben muttered to himself as he exited the blinding tunnel of lights that Diana had called a Zeta Tube. It was a bit disorienting at first, but with the occasional Galvan teleporting him to Galvan Prime he'd gotten used to the sensation fairly quickly.
"So wait, you guys have one of these in every major city?" Ben pointed to the Zeta Tube.
"Yes." Diana smiled. "Did you expect us to fly everywhere?"
Ben wasn't going to tell her that he'd been patrolling the planet in his home universe these past few weeks by using Jetray and XLR8.
Then Ben realized the scale of the place he'd been telephoned to. It was a massive building that seemed to be part museum and part conference hall. The light of the sun that had leaked into the room illuminating the giant seal embedded into the floor. Ben took a moment to read the engraving.
Hall of Justice.
"Is this…your headquarters?"
"Impressed?" She asked.
"Very." Then Ben noted the figures standing a few feet away from him and Diana. Among them he only recognized the one in the cowl and brooding expression. "Batman?"
"Ben Tennyson." The Dark Knight replied. "Glad you could make it."
"Diana and I hit it off, so I would at least hear her out that people wanted to meet me." Ben eyed the ones standing behind Batman.
Ben offered an introduction, but to his surprise those present already knew about him. And here he realized that these people didn't have his ability for names.
I mean seriously, Aquaman?
"What's this about?" Ben asked.
Before Ben could get his answer, the Zeta Tube had once again activated and four costumed figures came out. He recognized them as: Robin, Aqualad, Superboy and if memory served the one in yellow was called Wally, but his hero name was Kid Flash.
Their faces expressing shock at seeing him.
"What is going on? My King?" Aqualad turned to his mentor.
"I'll cut to the chase." Batman stepped forward. "Ben Tennyson is being offered membership into the Team."
"As the Team's founding members, we thought it right to have you present for this decision." Aquaman spoke.
Ben turned to the four who seemed to be eyeing him from head to toe. Superboy was glaring, and Ben was pretty sure he was trying to burn a hole into his head.
"Why so suddenly?" Ben found himself asking. "Don't get me wrong, I'm pretty sure this is a huge honor. But you don't know me, and now you're letting me into your club?"
"Your friend gave us much to think about." Martian Manhunter replied.
"What did Paradox do?" Ben was almost afraid to ask.
"He gave us your resume." Flash chuckled. "Which is pretty impressive, won't lie."
Paradox was helping him out? And not in a roundabout way? That was odd. Ben turned back to the four, they didn't show any of the unease from earlier. However, they still seemed apprehensive.
"I don't think me joining is a good idea." Ben turned to the older heroes. "I'm honored, but-"
"Hey don't be too hasty." Robin called out. "Another big gun is always welcome."
Superboy let out a huff as he crossed his arms. Ben took note of his demeanor, he wasn't anything like Superman, he acted more like the Bat guy.
"I share in Robin's sentiment." Aqualad added. "The Team has many varied talents, but we've recently only been winning by the skin of our teeth. I am not so prideful as to refuse help when offered."
"Yeah new guy, let's take you out for a spin tomorrow." Kid Flash smiled.
"I have an assignment for all of you." Batman's gruff voice cut through.
"Or right now." Kid Flash sidled up to Robin. "Your boss doesn't mess around."
"Artemis and Zatana are preoccupied. M'gaan was left back home." Aqualad stepped forward. "Should we not wait? Or at least give this assignment to a Leaguer?"
"We believe as the Team's founding members you should…" Flash trailed off. "Be the ones to see your new recruit in action."
"Wow…that was convincing." Ben muttered.
"Follow me for briefing." Batman urged.
As they walked, Robin slowed his pace. He walked side by side with his fellow protégés.
"Any of you getting red flags from this?" Robin began.
"Quite a few." Aqualad replied.
"You think it has something to do with him?" Kid Flash motioned to Ben.
"It would make sense. He's shown to be able to warp reality, such an individual would and should be at the forefront of the League's mind."
"So are we supposed to keep an eye on him?" Kid Flash let a tinge of panic leak into his voice. "Our Team is awesome, but I think we'd be biting off more than we can chew."
"Agreed."
"Since we're in agreement, let's just stay whelmed and get through the day." Robin nodded.
"You're still on that?" Kid Flash groaned.
"What can I say?" Robin chuckled, and entered a back room that Batman had seemingly made materialized out of thin air.
Robin's eyes were practically glued onto Ben Tennyson. For the whole duration of Batman's brief, he couldn't help but keep glancing at him. He could read between the lines, he'd lived with Bruce long enough.
But to see Ben's expression change all throughout the debrief was something he didn't expect.
The brief was standard. Batman was asking them to Midway City, due to a series of murders that had been happening. At first it was just pets going missing, but suddenly people's dismembered remains were being found down alleyways.
Ben's face told him enough, and he seemed genuine in his anger. He was angry that people were losing their lives, and that something was out there doing it.
Perhaps even someone, if living in Gotham, had taught him anything.
Ben Tennyson just continued to intrigue him if he was being honest.
"Robin?" Aqualad's voice shook him from his trance. "Is something on your mind?"
"What do you think about Ben?"
"He's powerful." Aqualad began, his gaze stretching out over the rooftops he and Robin had decided to use as their overview upon arriving in Midway. "But he appears to be fighting the same fight as us."
"You think we can trust him?"
"I do not know, but if he is to be part of the Team. Then we must learn to trust him."
Robin sighed. "Just when I thought the whole "mole" situation was over." Robin knew that Ben couldn't have been the mole, after all he was from another universe if everything was to be believed. But just because he wasn't the mole, didn't mean they should trust him wholly.
Robin stretched out his limbs. "Wonder how SB and Ben are getting along?"
"They appear to be on civil terms." Aqualad chuckled. "However, Kid Flash seems to have taken an interest in Ben's abilities."
"Isn't KF out patrolling the area?"
"Yes, but that hasn't stopped him from asking questions." The Atlantean offered Robin the communicator from his ear.
The boy wonder couldn't help but roll his eyes the moment he heard what was on the other side.
~•~•~•~•~
"You're messing with me!" Kid Flash's voice rang out from the communicator Ben had.
"Nope, I'm being serious." Ben remarked. His eyes going over the transformation display on the Omnitrix. "There's a whole system of planets that's populated by aliens that look like movie monsters."
Ben glanced at the setting sun from his seated position. He recalled from the briefing that whatever was attacking people seemed to become active around sunset onwards. It wasn't the biggest of leads, but it was something.
"What about fast aliens?"
"Land, sea, or sky? Take your pick."
He didn't really know what the others with him could do. So he needed a transformation that was flexible.
"Land!" Kid Flash exclaimed.
"I've got two." Ben got up and walked towards the edge of the rooftop. "But my go-to is XLR8, he's pretty fast."
"We should totally race!"
"As much as I would love to hear KF gush about you, I think I've got something." Robin cut in.
"Go ahead."
"I decided to look at where each of the victims were found. Maybe establish a pattern, but from the looks of it's mostly random."
"I thought you had something." Superboy chimed in.
"Hold your horses. Jeez, you know I like to exposit." Superboy groaned at his teammate, but kept quiet. "There's a pattern to all of this. All the victims were basically in a straight line, albeit a few blocks apart."
"Do they lead somewhere?" Ben asked.
"Yeah, they lead to an army veterans shelter downtown."
"Something tells me whatever's doing this isn't trying to pay respects to the people who served." Said Kid Flash. "I'll meet you guys there."
"Good work." Ben smiled and turned to Superboy. "Shall we?"
"After you."
A flash of light and Ben had turned into a green skinned, humanoid with insect features.
"So who's this one?" Superboy asked.
"I call this one, Crashhopper." Then leapt off to the next rooftop in an instant. A blur zoomed past him. It was quick, but he could've sworn he saw Superboy's smirk as he passed him.
Back with the League, the Batman had remained in a control room with video feeds being played on every one of the several monitors in front of him.
"I thought you had faith in the Team." Wonder Woman called out from behind him.
"I do, but some supervision is required this time around."
"Because of Ben?" She asked, and when Batman did not reply she supposed she got her answer. "He's not a threat, you know?"
Batman raised a brow.
"Let me rephrase." Diana sighed. "He's not a villain."
"Neither is Superman, but there are people who are still afraid of him."
"Are you afraid of Ben?"
"I just need to make sure." Batman replied. "This is the only way I know how." He turned to Wonder Woman. "I'm risking a lot by doing this, I'm risking him, Diana."
She understood, and turned her gaze back at the monitors.
"May I watch with you?"
Batman motioned to the empty seat beside him. "Be my guest." Then handed Wonder Woman the file at his left.
"What's this?"
"Ben's resume."
Superboy and Crashhopper landed nearly in sync in an alleyway that had been shadowed by the setting sun. A flash of green light enveloped the alien, revealing Ben who greeted the awaiting Kid Flash with a wave.
"Just you guys?" Kid Flash asked.
"Robin and Aqualad can't exactly fly." Superboy replied, and moved to peek out of the alleyway. He could see the veteran's shelter from the alley. There didn't seem to be anything wrong with it, perhaps maybe the dirty outside.
"Neither can you, Supey." Kid Flash huffed.
"Robin, we're at the shelter." said Ben. "It looks like a decent operation."
"So did Cadmus." Superboy heard Wally mutter under his breath. That was something he had to keep in mind. He cursed the fact that he only had a partial Kryptonian physiology, if he was like Superman he would've been able to get this done faster. He turned to Ben. "I don't suppose you have something that can see through walls?"
Ben shook his head. "Best I can do is go through them, or alternatively bust through them."
"Let's not." Kid Flash sighed. He hopped on the balls of his feet a few times. "I'm gonna circle the area, you guys stay here." Then dashed off.
Once again Conner was left alone with Ben, and the genomorph opted to remain seated in the alleyway.
Ben blinked, and began fiddling with the watch once again. He wondered what he was looking for, especially when he had that Alien X transformation.
Why use anything else when he had that one?
"Something on your mind?" Superboy found himself saying.
"Oh, uh…not really." Ben replied. "Just thinking about what could be causing this."
"We've got a wide selection from criminals to mutants." Superboy sent a glance at him. "Take your pick."
Ben seemed to ponder on the thought for a moment. "I say it's an Alien."
"Sure." Superboy shrugged. "Not many of those come by earth."
"You'd be surprised."
Suddenly, people had started screaming. Ben and Superboy rushed out of the alley and out into the street, cars were rushing away from something in the distance.
"What is that thing?" Ben squinted.
"We're about to find out. Incoming!" The figure had leapt right at him and Ben. Superboy acted fast, meeting the being halfway and felt himself be thrown back the moment they made contact.
Superboy shook his head. His attacker was something that resembled a hairless ape with gray skin and a personality that reminded him of a rabid dog.
It was strong, and deceptively fast.
Superboy never would've guessed when its body was so disproportionate. Its legs were lanky, and looked to be supporting most of its weight on a single well developed arm, while its other arm was smaller but still like that of a bodybuilder.
"You got a name?" Superboy asked.
The creature roared at him.
"Guess not." Superboy and the creature charged at one another, and once again the creature managing to overpower him. The smaller arm had grabbed him by the throat and slammed him into the concrete.
A flash of light.
Then fire, lots of fire.
Superboy had taken the opportunity to regain his senses and sent three quick jabs at the creature's face. Then a strong uppercut was enough to give them both distance.
"It's here." Superboy yelled into his communicator, just in time to see the creature pick up and throw a green colored humanoid at him. Superboy had managed to stop himself from being flung too far, as well as the being that had been thrown at him.
Superboy eyed the symbol on the humanoid's chest.
"You should've turned into the Vaxasaurian." Superboy groaned.
"Too much collateral damage. So I decided on this guy. This guy's called Swampfire by the way."
"Fitting."
"I know right?" Swampfire sounded proud. "Wait, how'd you know about Vaxasaurians?"
"Car!" Superboy yelled.
Swampfire had caught the car no problem, then set it down. The creature was still coming at them, and it didn't even show any signs of damage from their attacks.
"This is the second time today I've dealt with something that wasn't bothered by what I threw at it." Swampfire's palms lit up. "Maybe you had a point about Humungousaur."
A small explosion that detonated at its nape rocked the creature. Robin had landed beside Superboy and Swampfire, with Aqualad soon coming from above to get in a cheap shot against the creature.
Only for him to be backhanded into a store.
Superboy charged back in, while Swampfire threw a handful of seeds at the creature's feet. The punch Superboy threw rocked the creature, but just as it moved to strike back dozens upon dozens of thick vines burst from the concrete and restrained the creature.
"Don't let up!" Swampfire called out.
Superboy did not need to be told twice, and continued to chain punch after punch at the creature's face.
Aqualad had rejoined the fight, and armed with his water-bearers in the shape of hammers slammed into the creature's spine.
The creature roared, and with a rough flex burst out from the vines. Swampfire did not stand around, and immediately rushed the creature just as Superboy had taken a blow that sent him flying into a window of a four story building.
Tackling the creature, both it and Swampfire slid back. With the Methanosian forcing the creature to the ground with a well timed leg sweep. His hands dug into the ground, more roots held the struggling creature in place as it roared and thrashed.
Kid Flash zoomed in a dazed look on his face. "Ben! I mean Swampfire!" He amended. "You can let loose, I evacuated the area!"
"If I let loose, there won't be an area." Swampfire grunted.
His options for transformations were limited.
Humungousaur would probably be able to overpower this creature at full size, but this thing was too fast.
Diamondhead could hit hard but not hard enough. Same with Fourarms, he didn't want to drag this battle out.
And there was no way he was going to use Atomix or Waybig and risk atomizing everything within five blocks.
"C'mon think!" Then it hit him. "Hold him down! I'm gonna try something!"
Superboy was the first to jump onto the creature, then Aqualad and Kid Flash. Robin on the other hand just did his best by firing several cables to aid with the vines in restraining the monster.
"Do what you need to do!" Superboy grunted.
A single vine-like appendage grew out from Swampfire and touched the Omnitrix symbol, and in a flash of light Swampfire was gone; replaced by a small blue skinned fairy creature.
"Pesky Dust!" The creature exclaimed, then blew several handfuls of green dust at the struggling creature's face.
"It's not working!" Kid Flash screamed.
But Pesky Dust was undeterred and kept blowing more dust at the creature.
Until finally…
The creature went limp. A few light snores even escaped its mouth.
Those present breathed a sigh of relief.
"You…put it to sleep?" Aqualad asked, clearly disbelieving what had just happened.
"I couldn't out muscle it without busting out the big guns." Pesky Dust spoke.
"The plant guy-Swampfire. He wasn't one of your heavy hitters?" Kid Flash asked.
"He's more of a general use kind of guy." Pesky Dust hovered over to the unconscious creature. "You know, strong, somewhat agile, versatile power set."
Robin's arm terminal powered on, ths hologram seemingly analyzing the creature. "I'm contacting the League." He said. "This thing's going to a Super Max prison, or if the League steps in: somewhere like STAR Labs."
"Gimme a few minutes with this thing." Pesky Dust cut in.
"Probably not a good idea." Kid Flash scratched the back of his head. "I don't wanna deal with this guy when he wakes up."
"The single handful of that dust lasts for a few hours, depending on who I used it on." A purple ripple slowly began to form on the creature's forehead. "There's something we're not seeing, and I'm gonna find out."
"What're you doing?!" Superboy exclaimed, but Pesky Dust had vanished into the creature's forehead. The purple ripple vanishing along with the fairy alien.
The founding members of the Team blinked.
"I refuse to be the one to tell Batman." Aqualad had simply said.
Intruding in the dreams of other beings was certainly something Ben couldn't get used to. Though, through his use of Pesky Dust he'd become somewhat numb to the weirdness that he would see in the unconscious minds of Pesky Dust's targets.
The landscape in the creature's dream was shaky. He likened it to having a smudge on the lens of a pair of glasses. He could get a general idea, but a clear picture was asking for too much.
Pesky Dust hovered in place, seeing the world from the view of the creature.
Odd.
Whenever he did this, it was always in the third person.
The creature was using its superhuman speed to get around the city. Scaling buildings, vaulting over cars.
Then the victims were shown. Pesky Dust averted his eyes, willing the vision away.
Then the scene changed now to the familiar third person perspective Pesky Dust knew. A desaturated red colored the landscape. Mechanical beeps and whirs were heard in the background. Ben had been in enough evil labs to recognize one at first glance.
He glanced around, only a sole figure in a white lab coat stood tall. Their gaze fixated in a tank of bubbling yellow liquids.
Did they experiment on themselves?
A dull bang rang out. A hand had slapped itself against the tank.
A man was in there, screaming and convulsing as his skin irritated then turned red.
Then the scene unfolded even more, there were more tanks. Dozens upon dozens of tanks that stretched out as far as the vision allowed him.
A ringing, and the figure in the lab coat had moved.
"Yes, Colonel?" They spoke into their phone. "The subjects aren't performing….a volunteer?" Ben didn't like the smile that grew on lab coat's face. "I pity the poor soul you manipulated to join our little program." A pause, then a chuckle. "I know you know I'm kidding, if anyone is foolish enough to join the Damage Program then they've signed away what it means to be human."
"Damage Program?" He tested the word in his mouth. Then the landscape shook.
Ben you have to get out of there! It's waking up!
Superboy grit his teeth as he desperately tried holding his ground against the struggling creature. It had suddenly woken up, despite Ben's assurance that it wouldn't be getting up for a while.
The familiar ripple of purple formed once more on the creature's forehead. Pesky Dust had jumped out from its head, just as the creature had flexed and broken out of the vines and sent the heroes flying.
Superboy fought to get to his feet, and rushed to meet the creature once again.
However…
The creature stopped, it roared and thrashed as if attacking an invisible foe. Superboy took a cautionary step back, and watched as it fell to its knees and began to shrink while it clutched its chest.
The other members paused as well, and watched as the creature had shrunk back into a scrawny man. His face contorted as if he was gasping for breath, and then stopped. Eyes wide and unblinking.
"Is he…?" Kid Flash asked.
Aqualad was the one to approach first, and placed a pair of fingers behind the man's ear.
"He's dead." Superboy spoke up, he couldn't hear a heartbeat from the man. The nod from Aqualad only confirming what Conner had said.
"Aqualad to Batman." Kaldur began. "We require aid."
The mood was somber once the group had returned to the Hall of Justice. The founding members of the Team plus Ben were seated once more in the room where Batman had briefed them earlier. The aforementioned Batman stood before them, just watching.
"This happens sometimes." Batman began. "You can't save everyone."
Ben did not bother hiding the displeasure that statement had caused him, but he remained silent. He knew that, but it didn't make it any easier.
"I'll be expecting a report from you by tomorrow Aqualad." Then Batman moved to exit the room– "You didn't do anything wrong, preliminary examinations show his heart gave out due to a certain additive in his blood."
Then he was gone.
Each of them not bothering to send a glance at the other.
"Guess that's another visit to Black Canary." Kid Flash sighed. "She's pretty, but man do I not like spilling my guts."
"Anything on your mind, you guys?" Robin asked. "Ben?"
Ben shook his head. "I'm fine, just upset." he glanced at the Omnitrix once more. "I could've done more."
"Ben, it may not be my place to tell you how to use your powers. But we as heroes have limits, even when we may be Omnipotent." Aqualad said.
Ben quirked a brow, then glanced back down at the Omnitrix. "Oh, you mean Alien X."
Aqualad nodded.
"You don't have to worry." Ben assured. "I don't use Alien X unless it's absolutely necessary, and even if I wanted to." He lifted the Omnitrix into view. "I'm banned from using him for the next six months."
The members of the Team didn't really understand, but they seemed to not want to pry any further. So they simply got up from their seats, with Ben following suit.
Upon exiting the room, they found Wonder Woman waiting for them.
"Hello boys." She offered them a soft smile.
"Are we in trouble?" Robin couldn't help asking.
"Nothing of the sort." Wonder Woman took a step forward, and presented Ben with a phone. When Ben glanced at her puzzled, she simply tilted her head. "You have a choice to make, the right call is to inform your parents of your decision is it not?"
Ben eyed the phone in his hand.
"Whatever you decide to do, Ben. Just know you've forged genuine bonds today." Wonder Woman motioned to the members of the Team standing behind him, all of them seemingly waiting to see what he would do.
Then Ben asked himself: What was he going to do?
M'gaan M'orzz hovered and floated about all across the common room of Mount Justice as she prepared a dinner spread for her friends. She didn't know when they'd be back, only that they were asked by Batman himself to go on an assignment.
She sighed, feeling somewhat disappointed they didn't call her to go on the mission with them. Though she supposed not every mission needed Miss Martian.
Artemis B-07…Zatanna B-08
M'gaan's mood became somewhat better as she heard the Zeta Tubes come online, and the silhouettes of her friends came into view.
"Welcome back." M'gaan greeted.
"Good to be back." Artemis stretched, then noticed the rather diverse spread of food. "What's going on M'gaan? Expecting company?"
"I mean we're all here tonight." M'gaan continued. "Might as well have dinner together."
Artemis turned her gaze to Zatana. "You up to eat?"
A long pause. Zatanna didn't look like her usual self, but M'gaan couldn't say she was surprised. She'd lost her father to Doctor Fate just a day ago, it hadn't even been twenty four hours yet.
A clatter of what sounded like silverware caught their attention. Artemis and Zatanna had narrowed their gazes at the entrances to the kitchen area.
"Is someone here M'gaan?" Artemis asked.
"Oh!" She slapped her forehead. "Hello Megan! I forgot-"
Robin B-01…Aqualad B-02…Kid Flash B-03…Superboy B-04…
"Hey ladies!" Kid Flash exclaimed, unmasking himself as he walked out of the light of the Zeta Tube. "The Wallman is back!"
"Hey you guys, how was the assignment?"
"Assignment?" Artemis tilted her head. "And you didn't call us? What was it boys only?"
"It's complicated." Said Robin, turning back to the still activated Zeta Tube.
Ben Tennyson B-10
Eyes went wide, as the brown haired boy from yesterday stepped out of the Zeta Tube's light. He gagged slightly as he walked.
"You guys really gotta get better teleportation tech." Ben sighed. Then paused, his eyes meeting with Zatanna's.
"What's he doing here?" Zatanna nearly spat.
"Batman has invited him to join the Team." Aqualad spoke. "An offer that we have considered, and decided that it would be in the Team's best interests to accept."
"Who's "we"?" Artemis asked. Her eyes meeting Wally's. "You four?"
"Ben's got moves, and frankly we could use them." Robin chimed in. "It wasn't just Batman who told us to consider. GA was there, Flash, Manhunter, Aquaman. All of them."
"Wonder Woman vouched for him." Wally added.
"If I can say something?" Ben raised his hand. "Me joining isn't set in stone, just a long trial period."
Artemis relented, but Zatanna was still glaring daggers at him. M'gaan seemed neutral about everything, but the general consensus was that the atmosphere was tense.
"M'gaan, I hate to trouble you." A familiar voice called out. Ben couldn't help but smile as he saw the ever so recognizable red Hawaiian print shirt. "But-oh, looks like everyone's here."
"Hey grandpa!" Ben approached. "What're you doing here?"
"After the whole incident with Spike. Batman went looking for me and had me come here." Max explained. "He seemed convinced that you'd show up, so I just went along and even made dinner."
"Dinner!" Wally exclaimed. "As in food?"
Ben grimaced as Max showed them over to the dinner table. He hoped the Team weren't picky eaters.
On one side, a nice spread of steak, various vegetables, and even what seemed to be fruit. On the other, chocolate cake, octopus tentacles, and even…
"Fried sheep's tongue." Ben blinked, and stragely it wasn't the weirdest thing he'd ever consumed. "Looks great grandpa."
"Thanks sport." Max turned to the Team. "You kids dig in, don't mind us."
Ben kept the protégés in his peripheral as they all moved to sit down at the table.
"Go and join them, if you're considering joining it might do you some good to get friendly."
Ben nodded, and walked over to the table. He took the free spot in between M'gaan and Aqualad.
"I hope its to your liking." M'gaan turned to Ben. "I didn't know what you liked, and Magister Tennyson–"
"Now M'gaan, we've been over this." Max smiled. "Just call me Max." Then placed a small basket of shining orange fruits that resembled a squash almost.
"Amber Ogia?" Ben was surprised, he didn't think the Revonnahgander's would part so easily with their planet's prized crop. Especially such a large amount such as this. "Where'd this come from?"
"After explaining everything to Spike, he felt bad." Said Max. "So as an apology he bought what little Amber Ogia there was in Undertown to give to you as a gift."
"Who's Spike?" Wally asked.
"He's an alien I butted heads with earlier this morning." Ben explained. "It's actually how I met Di-Wonder Woman. She kinda stepped in, and I had to keep her and Spike from leveling downtown Bellwood." Ben wondered about Spike after their initial encounter, specifically regarding the Omnitrix. It didn't go off near Spike, meaning he could most likely turn into his species.
"Hopefully, Spike's species isn't quick to anger." Ben sighed, he didn't need a second Rath.
"They actually aren't." Max cut in, placing his Plumber's badge on the table top. A rotating image of a similar bipedal canine creature with a strongman build appeared. "Fedobbrian's, while distantly related to Appoplexians. Do not share their hair-trigger temper."
"Could've fooled me." Ben bit into one of the octopus tentacles Max had prepared. "He flipped out when I turned into Power Plant."
"That's because the Highbreed are still a threat in the universe." That statement caught Ben off guard, but not entirely. What was he expecting? A universe without an Omnitrix meant no curing their toxic lineage.
"They're still dying out." Ben's expression grew stern."You think I could go and help them out again?"
"You want to help them?" M'gaan didn't hide the shock on her face.
"Yeah, why not? I mean I did it before." Ben reached for a steak. "It might be easier the second time around." Ben couldn't help but look at M'gaan's incredulous expression. "Is it that unbelievable?"
"You're talking about the most xenophobic race in the universe." M'gaan shook her head. "Their ways make the Caste System on Mars look appealing by comparison."
"Space racists?" Artemis blinked. "Didn't think I'd learn that those existed."
"The universe is a big place." Ben replied. "I know that from experience."
"Well aren't you the lucky boy who got to travel the universe." Zatanna offhandedly remarked. The air immediately becoming somewhat awkward. The other members of the Team being reminded of the events of yesterday.
Ben however had gotten up. "That's it." He muttered, then rushed for the Zeta Tubes. "Thanks grandpa, dinner was great! I'll be in Louisiana if you need me!" The Zeta Tube powering up and enveloping Ben in a flash of light.
The Team was left dumbfounded, and continued to eat the meal that had been prepared for them.
Each of them having a similar thought: How would Ben fit in?
After a tiring day, Gwen Tennyson finally breathed a sigh of relief as she entered her room. She dropped her bags off to the side, and moved to collapse onto her bed. Though, before she could a light tapping reached her ears.
By her window, she could faintly see a hand tapping on the glass. She sighed, and moved to the window. Right outside her window was Ben, precariously balancing on the tree branch that had grown over to her window.
Gwen raised a brow.
"Can I come in?" Ben's muffled voice began. Not wanting her cousin to fall two stories down to the ground, the red headed Tennyson cousin relented and with a click opened her window. Ben climbed in not long after. "Thanks, guess I found a difference between you and Gwendolyn." Ben dusted himself off. "You actually lock your window."
"Why're you here?"
"About this morning." Ben began. "I wanted to apologize."
Gwen felt somewhat guilty about that. She had snapped at Ben who had done nothing wrong, and it was honestly uncalled for. He only called her dweeb out of affection from what she could see.
"No, I'm sorry." She knew better, she was supposed to be the mature one. "I didn't mean to take out my issues on you."
"About that, I alway thought that the summer I found the Omnitrix only changed my life." Ben couldn't help but glance at the watch. "But in reality, it changed all three of ours. I learned to be better, both for the people who were counting on me, but especially with you Gwen."
Ben took out a bracer and handed it to Gwen. She eyed it suspiciously, especially when it seemed to shine with an otherworldly glow.
"What's this supposed to be?"
"Something that'll help you realize that you're just as special as I am." Ben slipped the bracer onto Gwen's arm. The stone right in the middle of it shimmered for a moment before dying down.
"Ben, I still don't know what this is."
"Don't worry about it." Ben smiled. "It's just a little something that'll help you out."
"Gwendolyn? Is someone there with you?" That was her mother's voice.
"I'm gonna go." Said Ben, moving back towards the window. "Just remember Gwen, you're my cousin. My family." His smile became somber. "My best friend. Just call and I'll come running, it won't matter where I am." Then jumped out of her window, a flash of green and a red blur had flown off.
"Gwen, honey?" Her mother opened the door. She looked around. "I could've sworn I heard voices."
"Sorry mom." Gwen began. "I've got a presentation tomorrow for my literature class, I was performing it to get a better grasp on the material."
"Well okay then." Her mother took a step back into the hall. "Don't be too loud, you know your father startles easily."
"I'll be sure to keep it down."
Now alone once again, Gwen breathed out a sigh of relief. She took a step back and lost her footing on her book back. Gwen let out a yelp as she fell backwards, her hand shooting out.
Then she stopped.
Her outstretched hand was coated in pink. From there several tendrils had shot out and wrapped around the light fixture on the ceiling.
Gwen blinked.
Then as soon as it started, the pink glow vanished, and Gwen had fallen to the floor. She ignored the soreness in her tailbone, and just stared at her hand in disbelief.
Cool…
Afterword:
As much as I would like to keep going for a chapter 3, the Remnants of Fate Gang comes first and its been months since an update. I hope those that find this story will stick around until the next update.
Unfamiliar Transformations/Aliens Used:
Power Plant
Source: 5 Years Later.
Changes made in story:
A general color swap, since I wanted to play with the idea that the Highbreed were based on bananas. While the Omnitrix does apparently have an Atasian form, I didn't like the name: Froot. So I used Power Plant from 5YL.
Powers:
Enhanced Strength
-Atasians even while weakened have been shown to be able to beat back Ben's physically strong transformations such as Humungousaur and Swampfire.
Ability to fire fingers as projectiles.
Flight.
Snakepit
Source: Unused Transformations.
Changes made in story:
Snakepit was mentioned in the Classic series episode Ken 10. Then given a design by Tom Perkins as an alien that was considered for Omniverse. Tom's design was a walking humanoid with snakes as his head.
Tom's design reminded me too much of the mecha geese from Regular Show, so I changed it and based the design on the serpentine from Ninjago albeit with a few more heads.
Powers:
Medusa Vision
-The ability to petrify someone much like Medusa but by firing a beam, but I tweaked this ability a bit since this is kinda busted.
-Only three of Snakepit's ten heads are capable of firing off the petrification beam, and even then they must be as close as possible. The remaining seven heads are capable of keeping targets frozen in place so long as they have them in their sights, blinking frees the targets and thus the heads must keep staring.
Minor Healing Factor
-Snakepit is capable of healing from most minor injuries such as cuts almost instantly.
Fedobbrians
Source: The Reboot Continuity; Bashmouth's Species.
Etymology:
The name Fedobbrian is a mix of the atomic symbol for Iron which is "Fe". The "Dob" suffix is taken from Doberman, a dog breed people often associate with aggression since I want this species to be related to Appoplexians, something the reboot does as Kevin's transformation Bashmouth is a mirror to Rath.
Powers:
Enhanced Strength
-In the reboot Bashmouth is capable of effortlessly taking down Fourarms and is capable of going toe to toe with Humungousaur.
Armor Generation (Tweaked)
-Fedobbrians are capable of turning their fur into a metal alloy. Experienced members of the species can do this on command, but the instinctual usage of this ability is to generate armor the moment they are struck before returning to soft fur.
If you don't understand, here it is in meme form: "Nanomachines Son!"
In the reboot is is shown to be able to strengthen Bashmouth's blows, and even harm Fourarms when the armor was struck. In respect to this story, it is hard enough to take blows from an Atasian and only cause minimal discomfort to both species.
Retractable Metal Teeth.
-Feddobrians have retractable metal teeth that have been shown to easily cut through stone.