Ben 10 belongs to Man of Action and Cartoon Network
Urusei Yatsura belongs to Rumiko Takahashi
Story
(Takes place during Obnoxious Aliens Times 10 (Part 3))
[The Proto-TRUK is flying in the air. Inside the vehicle are Ben and Rook. The former is sitting on the passenger seat while the latter on the driver's steering the wheel]
Ben: I'm sure glad that it's finally over. All that's left now is to go home. Exactly how long will it take to get back to Plumber HQ, partner?
Rook: According to my device, we should be returning to base in the next 20 minutes.
Ben: Good. It'll be enough time for me to show everyone my brand new alien.
Rook: I must say, Ben, that I had some doubts of your plan but it actually worked. You managed to manipulate Lum into giving a sample of her DNA.
Ben: Of course, I did. When it comes to wooing the babes, I'm a natural pro. No girl can resist the coolness of Ben Tennyson.
Rook: Not even the ones who have tried to destroy you before? Rojo, Frightwig, Charmcatser.
Ben: I'm good with the right kind of girls. It helps that I have some great qualities: looks, powers and a totally awesome catchphrase.
Rook: Whatever fits that universal sized ego of yours. By the way, I've been meaning to ask. How was your time with Invader back at the restaurant earlier?
Ben: [He freezes up for a second] Uh… I can't really tell.
Rook: And why not?
Ben: It's nothing to speak of. We just ate and then left the place. That's all.
Rook: I can tell by the hesitance of your voice that something did happen. What was it, Ben?
Ben: Alright. I'll spill. My lunch break with Lum wasn't the worst but it hasn't been the best either. Real complicated. Just thinking about the whole thing makes my head hurt.
Rook: Exactly how bad was it?
Ben: If you really want to know, I'll start from the beginning.
[A flashback shows the city earlier to where Ben is walking and Lum is floating.]
Lum: So where exactly are we going, Ben? You said you wanted us to have a talk.
Ben: I dunno yet. I'm thinking. [His stomach growls] Ooooh! The hunger. I guess I'm famished from all the adventure. Maybe we can stop at some place for a quick bite.
Lum: I've been meaning to find a restaurant around here right before you and your Revonnahgander friend attacked me.
Ben: That's because you tried to destroy us. Why don't you put what happened behind already and have some lunch?
Lum: As long as you keep your promise to patch my ship back to the way it was.
Ben: Yeah, yeah. I pinky swear. Let's just go. I'm starving.
[A teenage boy with dark-haired holding a fast-food paper bag while drinking a milkshake walks by on the other side of the street]
Lum: That guy over there with the bag and the cup. He can tell us where to find a decent eatery around here. [She flies off to speak with the man]
Ben: Hey! Wait up, will ya? [He tries to run after Lum but stops when he sees cars driving in the middle of the road] Just my luck. A moving traffic.
Lum: Excuse me. I'm in search of a restaurant in this area. Would you be so kind to tell me where to find one?
Unnamed dark-haired boy: [Stops drinking for a second] Wha? [He turns around and sees Lum floating above the ground] Wow! Nice trick. Think you can teach me how to levitate too?
Lum: You haven't answered my question. Is there a place to go get food like the ones you have in your hands?
Unnamed dark-haired boy: Oh, these? I picked them up from Sweetshakers. It's a little further away to the other side of town.
Lum: Really? Getting there shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for your help.
Unnamed dark-haired boy: You're welcome, floating girl. [He walks away]
[Ben, who has changed into Crashhopper offscreen, hops over to Lum]
Crashhopper: You left me.
Lum: I'm sorry but do I know you from somewhere?
[Crashhopper touches the Omnitrix dial reverting himself back to Ben]
Ben: Remember now?
Lum: Oh, Ben. I got good news. There's a dining place we can try. The boy I spoke with earlier called it Sweetshakers.
Ben: The type that sells milkshakes? Not really my thing. I'm more of a smoothy fan.
Lum: Well, you can't dislike a restaurant that has different tastes when you haven't even been in it. Besides, you're the one who said we should stop and get something to eat.
Ben: I guess you have a point there. Any idea where to find the joint?
Lum: Yeah. Just follow me.
Ben: Alright but try not to get far away this time. [He taps on the Omnitrix and slams it. He has become Big Chill.
Lum: Let's go.
[Both Lum and Big Chill fly off]
Big Chill: I gotta ask, Lum. I know you're from outer space but have you ever been to a restaurant before?
Lum: No, but my parents have. They would always go out to this one place for a romantic dinner. It is Stardust Cluster, one of the best fine dining in the galaxy. Do you know why it's called that?
Big Chill: Because it has a five-star rating?
Lum: Not quite. It's said to be a great way to spend the evening because that's where the magic happens. Mother admires the establishment for the elegant environment and father likes it for the quality of the food. It was a special occasion that my parents and other couples could spend some quality time together. If I ever have a husband, I would love for him and I to go a fancy restaurant like Stardust Cluster someday. What about you, Ben?
Big Chill: I prefer the fast-food types. Their food is tastier.
Lum: Even with all those high calories? You should really be careful on what you eat.
Big Chill: Let me guess. It's not good for me?
Lum: More like you might get a big belly like my daddy.
[Lum and Big Chill look at each other for a moment before having a good laugh]
Big Chill: Oh, mercy.
Lum: Yeah. Don't tell him I said that.
Big Chill: Sure. Next question. Have you and your people ever taken over other worlds?
Lum: Yes. If I recall correctly, the Oni race have ruled nearly 200 planets.
Big Chill: That's quite a number. I would like to know one thing though. Why?
Lum: Why not? It's what we do. Daddy says it's good for empire expansion.
Big Chill: So you guys invade other worlds simply to feed your ambitious conquest? How typical for a pack of planet jackers.
Lum: You make it sound like a bad thing. We just control many worlds as we can to unify them into our nation. It helps brings peace on a universal scale.
Big Chill: Pressuring a lot of planets into living under your reign isn't exactly peace. It's oppression.
Lum: What do you know? You're a simpleminded human being who can't win in a game of tag even with the most highly advanced device. Besides, some of the inhabitants from the other worlds didn't mind being dominated. There's nothing wrong with a little subjugation.
Big Chill: You really think so, Lum? How would you feel if someone from another planet came to your world and enslaved it?
Lum: Hard to tell since Oniboshi never had an invasion before.
Big Chill: Well what if it actually did? Try to think about that.
[Big Chill's words get Lum to ponder on whether or not if her people's world conquering philosophy are truly justified. After a few seconds, she starts looking sad]
Lum: I think…
Big Chill: Yeah?
Lum: [Slightly angry] I think you should stop lecturing me so much about the ways of my people. It's really getting on my nerves.
Big Chill: [He sighs] Just when I thought you were starting to learn.
Lum: Look. There it is.
Big Chill: What?
[Lum and Big Chill spot Sweetshakers. The building exterior is mostly white. The logo which is written in red is located in the middle top side. Lastly, next to the restaurant is a large sign that has a big glass cup filled with vanilla and whipped cream along with a straw inside the drink]
Lum: That's the restaurant we've been searching for. The one that says Sweetshakers on it. The one with the milkshake sign.
Big Chill: [Sarcastically] Really? I never would have guessed.
[Lum and Big Chill land on the ground. As they arrive at Sweetshakers, the Omnitrix times out reverting Big Chill back to Ben. The two of them then enter the restaurant and see tons of people inside]
Lum: So this is what a fast-food place on your planet looks like? I must say it's quite nice. Though, it could use some renovation. It's too retro.
Ben: Nobody asked for a restaurant critic. Remember, we came here to eat. Just try to stay out of trouble and act normal.
Lum: Okay. Ahem! Greetings, everyone. My name is Lum Invader and this is my rival Ben Tennyson. We will be eating here to satisfy both our appetites.
[Every person at Sweetshakers stare at both Ben and Lum. Embarrassed, the former puts his hand to his face]
Ben: Rule number 1. Never publicly announce what you're going to do. Rule number 2. Hurry up so we can sit down and chow down.
Lum: As you wish.
[Ben and Lum walk up to the cashier behind the counter]
Unnamed male cashier: Welcome to Sweetshakers. How my I take your order?
Ben: Yeah. I'll have the number 1 combo with no onions.
Unnamed male cashier: Uh-huh and… what can I do for the lovely gal?
Lum: Let's see. I want to try the strawberry milkshake.
Unnamed male cashier: Consider it done. The total is going to be eight ninety-eight.
[Ben takes out his wallet and picks a $10 bill. He gives the money to the cashier who places it inside the cash register and gives Ben change back in the amount of a dollar and two cents]
Ben: Thanks.
Unnamed male cashier: My pleasure. Oh, just one more thing. [He gives a slip of paper to Lum which says Trey Garrett, 678-392-6146 and Call Me]
[Ben and Lum go to find some seats]
Lum: I'm confused. Is this supposed to be some sort of request for a challenge?
Ben: If you knew what the slip meant, you'd turn it down.
[The two sit separately on two diner booths between a table]
Lum: While we wait for our food, let's finally have this chat you've been asking for. Anything on your mind you want to discuss?
Ben: Yeah. How about my origin? I became a superhero back when I was 10. It began when I was on summer vacation with my grandpa and cousin. Went walking in the woods during the night right before a space pod containing the Omnitrix crash landed near me. When I got closer, the thing sprung to life and attached itself on my wrist. It was that moment which changed my life forever as I gained all sorts of powers from different alien species making me stronger, faster and smarter. I also learned that with great power comes worst enemies who want to destroy me, steal my watch and take over the world. Of course, I kicked their butts and saved the day. As time passed, I became a whole new me and got a brand new Omnitrix. Eventually, I came to be known as the world's most famous hero who ever lived.
Lum: That's a great story. Going from a normal person to an extraordinary warrior. It must feel really good being champion of the Earth.
Ben: You betcha. I get tons of things with my well-earned fame. Awards, interviews, merchandise. The list goes on.
Lum: I don't mean to be judgmental but it sounds like you pride yourself to a high degree.
Ben: When you're this popular to the public, your bound to be the best.
Lum: I see.
[A redhead waitress comes and gives Ben and Lum their food]
Waitress: Here you are. A milkshake and the original double steakburger with fries and a drink.
Ben: Thanks.
[The waitress walks away]
Lum: Such a simple, yet delicious dessert. It's going to taste so good in my watery mouth.
[Lum closes her eyes as she is about to take a sip of her strawberry milkshake right before it gets swiped by someone else. She sucks before opening her eyes and discovering that her dish is missing]
Lum: Huh? My milkshake. It disappeared. Who could have taken my sweet flavored treat?
Ben: [Swallowing a chunk of the steakburger] You should try asking them.
Lum: Them?
[Ben points to the other direction to show Lum where her milkshake could have gone. On the opposite side were a trio of girls. One of them is a short blonde, the other is African-American with puff hair, and the last one is a redhead with a ponytail. The girl with the ginger hair is the one holding Lum's strawberry milkshake]
Lum: We should go over there and teach them the importance of not taking what isn't theirs.
Ben: You go. I'm gonna stay here and chow down to this tasty burger.
[Lum gets up from the booth to see the three girls]
Lum: Hello.
Unnamed redhead girl: I'm sorry. What?
Lum: Good day to you. What I'm trying to say is that strawberry shake you hold in your possession belongs to me. I was wondering if you could be so kind to return it.
Unnamed redhead girl: Oh, this?
Lum: Yuh-huh.
[The 3 girls look at each other for a moment and crack an evil smile]
Unnamed redhead girl: You want this back? I'll give it up.
Lum: Thank you so much.
[It seems that the redhead girl will give Lum back her milkshake as the Oni reaches for it. However, in act of cruelty, the ginger girl pulls it back and drops the drink on the floor. Lum stares in shock as her strawberry milkshake has become wasted. Devastated, she breaks down on the floor and looks very sad even to the point of putting her hands on her eyes]
Unnamed blonde girl: Aw! What's the matter? My friend said she'll give it up and that's exactly what she did.
Unnamed African-American girl: [Mockingly] Yeah, girl. No need to cry about it. [She laughs]
[Lum starts weeping]
Unnamed redhead girl: Oh. It looks like she is gonna cry. Get the cameras ready, girls, because this gonna go viral.
Lum: You…
All 3 girls: Huh?
Lum: How dare… how dare… how dare you?
[Lum becomes so enraged electricity sparks all around her]
Unnamed redhead girl: What-What's going on?
Unnamed African-American girl: I think we made her mad.
Lum: You… ruined… my… milkshake. Now… YOU'RE GONNA PAY!
[Lum's electrifying temper roared like thunder. Her powers were so terrifying it affected everything that is light and electronic. First, the ceiling lights exploded. Then, a family of a husband, wife, son and daughter using their cell phones have their devices shut down. Finally, the cash register gets struck. Garret checks the drawer and finds both the coins and paper burned]
Trey: This is so gonna get taken out of my paycheck.
[The scene shifts back to an angry Lum and 3 frightened teenage girls. They slowly back away as Lum menacingly approaches while levitating towards them. Ben briefly stops eating and takes the time to groan about Lum's violent outburst]
Ben: Great! You leave her alone for a few seconds and she blows a fuse.
[Lum raises both her hands up as she is currently charging her attack against the girls who were mean to her]
Lum: Prepare for your divine punishment. One… Two…
[All 3 of the girls hold each other as they are about to be electrocuted with a very powerful high voltage by a vengeful Oni girl]
Lum: THR-
Ben: [Offscreen] STOOOOOP!
[Lum turns around and sees Ben who looks disappointed by her behavior]
Lum: What are you staring at me for? They were picking on me. I'm going to give these meanies their rightfully deserved comeuppance.
Ben: Uh, no you're not. You're gonna tone down the spark and take a chill pill before you do something stupid and embarrass us both.
Lum: Shut your mouth or I'll turn my wrath on you first. They are getting zapped by a thousand volts whether you like it or not.
Ben: Look, Lum. I get it. Their total jerks but threatening to turn them all into French fries over a spilled milkshake? That is so not cool.
Lum: This is idiotic. Why do you care if I intend to harm these girls?
Ben: I care because I'm a good guy. You know. Hero. It's my job to help people no matter what. Ever since I got my powers, I would use them to protect everyone from danger. To see someone get hurt or even killed is something that doesn't sit well with me. So if you think I'm just gonna stand by and let you electrocute those girls to death, you got another thing coming, Lum.
Lum: You would be willing to defend their lives even though their awful?
Ben: All life is worth fighting for. Both good and bad.
[Lum powers down]
Lum: Your noble nature. I find it confusing yet admirable. You truly are Earth's greatest champion.
Ben: Of course, I am. Helps that I saved my world and the entire universe more times than I can count.
Lum: [Turns to the three girls] As for the three of you, consider yourselves lucky. He convinced me into not executing you where you stand. Though I'm still mad about earlier, I will forgive your transgressions if you apologize that is.
Unnamed redhead girl: [Afraid] Sure. We're sorry for being mean to you. Right, girls?
Unnamed blonde girl: [Afraid] Yeah.
Unnamed African-American girl: [Afraid] For realsies.
Ben: I think that's enough scares for one day. Let's try to be a little more civilized this time.
[Ben and Lum are back at the booth they sat earlier. Lum is currently enjoying her new strawberry milkshake]
Lum: So juicy and refreshing. Just as I imagined it would be. Who knew this planet could produce such an amazing frozen dessert?
Ben: I'm glad you like it. Wouldn't want you to have a bad taste in your mouth. Speaking of taste, you should try the fries. They're really good.
Lum: Thanks but I decline. Those things are so unappetizing. All salt and no sweet.
Ben: Oh, well. More for me. [He eats the French Fries]
Lum: (This Earth boy is so casually calm. He treats this temporary break from conflict as a picnic. I find it strange but pleasant. By getting to know him, he has proven to be a complex person. Cocky, impulsive and yet noble. The way he stood up to me earlier which no other man would. He didn't even use the power of the Omnitrix for such bravery. Perhaps his claims of heroism do hold weight after all. Maybe… Maybe he's the one.) – Thinking to herself
Ben: [He belches] Boy! That hit the spot.
Lum: Ben Tennyson. May I ask you a question?
Ben: Go ahead.
Lum: From the time you grew up on Earth, have you ever dated any girls before?
Ben: Just one. She was Japanese-American and has an awesome alien thing for a pet if you can call it that. I really liked her and we had good memories together. At least before we broke up.
Lum: How unfortunate. Any reason why you two had a falling out?
Ben: Well… let's just say I got caught up in the things I do. It's no big deal though. She and I are good friends now.
Lum: I'm glad to hear that. Definitely better than how things turned out with my former boyfriend.
Ben: You have an ex too? What happened?
Lum: It goes way back from my childhood. My friend and I met the boy who we both had a crush on. Years later, he came to us and chose me to be his lover and I accepted him. At first, he seemed like the perfect boy. Soon enough, I saw him for what he truly was. A shallow, boorish, moron who only thinks about food and nothing else. All he does is stuff himself with the meals he eats and he doesn't even chew with his mouth closed. It was the worst moment of my life I tell you.
Ben: Wow! That really does sound awful. He must have been that bad, huh?
Lum: Without a shadow of a doubt. I hope to never ever see that gluttonous pig again.
Ben: All I can say is one bad date is one good breakup. Who needs a jerk like him?
Lum: Who indeed?
Ben: [He suddenly farts] Whoopsie! The burger and fries must be catching up to me. I gotta go use the bathroom. I'll be right back. [He gets up from the table and goes]
Lum: Having lunch with Ben Tennyson has been really good. He's so kind and brave as I would expect from a real man unlike my ex. I feel as though I finally found the right suitor to start a family and lead the family with. [She sees a pickle slice on Ben's tray and picks it up] What's this? It looks like some sort of fruit. I bet it's filled with sugary flavor. [She eats the pickle slice]
[Suddenly, Lum looks she's having a panic attack. She gets up from the table and starts moving frantically while covering up her face. Everyone becomes concerned especially one of the Sweetshakers' employees who comes to check up on her]
Unnamed male employee: Miss! Is there something wrong with your face? Let me take a look.
[Lum lets go of her hands showing a change in her expression. The Oni girl went from surprised to fuddled as she had now been inebriated from the pickle she ate. Not only that but electric sparks emit around Lum's body]
Lum: Is it hot in here or is just me? I'm thirsty. [She walks to a table where a bob cut obese woman is sitting]
Unnamed woman: Uh… Can I help you?
Lum: [She picks up the lady's glass of water and pours it on herself] That was refreshing. [She flies to another table belonging to a couple]
Unnamed man: Do you mind? My wife and I are trying to have lunch.
Unnamed woman: And for Pete's sake, wear something a little more modest. This is a restaurant not a strip club.
Lum: Cub? I don't have one. I don't even have my very own baby. Well, not yet anyway. I'm thinking about giving birth. I want to name my child Ken. He'll be healthy and strong. Hmm… That name does sound familiar to someone I know. The boy of whom I met in the last several days and then there's my little cousin. What are your thoughts?
Unnamed man: I think you have a problem in the hearing department. So why don't you be a good girl and leave us alone?
Lum: Your food is getting cold? Don't worry. I'll warm it up for you. [She uses her electricity on the couple's burgers. As a result, their meals have been burned to a crisp] Now you two can have a nice, hot meal. You're welcome. [She flies away]
Unnamed man: [To his wife] And they say the best burgers are the ones that are fried.
[As Lum floats around, a hand is placed on her shoulder. She turns around and sees the manager]
Unnamed male manager: Young lady! I don't know what your issue is but it's affecting my establishment. Customers are sending complaints and some have even left the premises to find somewhere else to eat. At this rate, Sweetshakers will be put out of business. I'm afraid you're gonna have to go.
Lum: Oh, that sounds fun. I would like to come to the party. Is it okay if I invited all my friends? They can certainly live it up if you know what I mean.
Unnamed male manager: I'm being serious. Out of here before I decide to call the police.
Lum: I get it. It's a costume party. Not a problem. I've been saving my special outfit for the occasion. Wanna see my sparkly, yellow striped dress?
Unnamed male manager: THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING, GIRLY! REMOVE YOURSELF FROM MY RESTAURANT AT ONCE!
Lum: It sounds like you're yelling at me. I don't like that. You need to be taught a lesson. [She charges up and electrocutes the manager. The customers look in shock and horror] Okay, everybody. Let's boogie! [She raises her arms horizontally and releases large electrical blasts out of her hands. The people quickly exit Sweetshakers]
[Meanwhile, Ben comes out of the bathroom]
Ben: Wowee! That felt good. I can go for another bite. Hopefully, nothing crazy happened while I was preoccupied. [He sees that the customers are gone, the manager lying on the floor unconscious and finally Lum all charged up in electricity as she's releasing her energy] Why am I not so shocked?
Lum: [Singing] Don't get so fidgety! You're always looking all over the place! Stop looking away from me! More than anyone else, I love you, love you, love you the best!
Ben: Nice song. Really has a catchy rhythm. Too bad I gotta stop the music as it's getting awfully loud. That and you're looking a little looped, Lum. Seriously, what's gotten into you?
Lum: [She stops using her powers for a moment] Ah, Ben. I'm so glad you came. You're just in time for the party. Wanna dance with me until the sky falls down?
Ben: No. I'm taking you far away from here. You're out of control and out of your mind. Look at this place. You pretty much made it to where it's unsafe for anyone to come. Can't believe I'm saying this but I'm glad we're not as Mr. Smoothy. You would've wrecked it even worse than Sweetshakers.
Lum: [She laughs] You're so cute when you act shy. Come on. It's time to tango. [She grabs Ben by the arm]
Ben: [Being dragged] Hey! What are you… WOAH!
[Lum lifts Ben off the floor as she floats and grabs his other arm]
Lum: Allow me to demonstrate a special dancing technique that I call The ZipZap. Are you ready?
Ben: [Scared] No.
Lum: Good! Here we go. [She starts by shaking Ben's left and right arm. Then, she slowly twirls around like a ballerina while holding Ben and lowers his body. Finally, she spins very fast which causes Ben to get teary eyes and a stretched mouth. Soon enough, she stops]
Ben: Feeling dizzy! I think I'm gonna hurl.
Lum: You like that? Then you're gonna love this. [Sparks appear around her body]
Ben: Oh, no! [He gets zapped. Afterwards, he has burns and bruises from the shock. He is then dropped to the floor by Lum]
Lum: [She takes a bow] And that's how I do The ZipZap.
Ben: Yeah, yeah! You had your fun. Now let me show you how I play. [He touches the Omnitrix and selects an alien before slamming on the core. He is now Four Arms]
Four Arms: New game. It's called stay still. [He uses all of his arms to restrain Lum]
Lum: Can't move. I don't like this. Let go of me.
Four Arms: Sorry, princess. That ain't gonna happen. Not until you stop acting cuckoo.
Lum: You big lunk! I said let go. [She shocks Four Arms. The attack stuns him enough into releasing her]
Four Arms: Guess that didn't work. There's an old saying. You gotta fight fire with fire. In this case, it's electricity. [He touches the dial and changes into Shocksquatch]
Shocksquatch: You like to zap, do ya? Well, let's see how you like it. [He charges up and releases a high-voltage bolt from his body against Lum. Unfortunately, the spark did no damage to the Oni girl]
Lum: Mmmm! Tastes like candy.
Shocksquatch: WHAT!? [He stops charging]
Lum: Thanks for the treat. Here's something to give you in return, beast. [She shoots her electricity at Shocksquatch. The lightning burns his face]
Shocksquatch: Aw, man! That's not fair at all.
Lum: Yippee! I win and you lose.
Shocksquatch: It's not over yet. I got plenty of guys who'll take you down for sure. [He touches the Omnitrix and turns into Pesky Dust]
Pesky Dust: Of all aliens, its this one?
Lum: How adorable! What are you gonna do, little man? Tell me a fairy tale?
Pesky Dust: Actually, I thought I could put you sleep. [He points his finger at Lum and releases sleeping gas that ends up making her drowsy]
Lum: Oh, my! I'm. Getting. Tired. [She falls asleep]
Pesky Dust: Sweet dreams. [He touches the Omnitrix and reverts back into Ben]
Ben: And now, the moment I've been waiting for. Omnitrix. Can you hear me? There's a pretty alien girl nearby. I need you to run a DNA scan on her, pronto!
Omnitrix: [The screen shifts to DNA Scanner] Scanning. [A few seconds go by and then the screen sends a message saying Scan Complete] DNA fully acquired.
Ben: Awesome! I'm all set for tomorrow.
[The manager who was zapped earlier wakes up]
Unnamed male manager: Uh… my aching head. Huh? What… What happened to my respectable restaurant?
Ben: It's a funny story, sir. You see, a gang of alien invaders came by and said they were gonna turn this place into a concentration camp to keep people in. I ordered the customers to get to safety and held off the evil dudes from outer space. They were tough but I beat them all. I told those guys to get off my planet if they knew what's good for them. The punks went inside their spaceship and flew back into the stars.
Unnamed male manager: That's what really occurred here?
Ben: You betcha!
Unnamed male manager: Gee! I owe you a debt of gratitude, boy. You saved us all.
Ben: What can I say? All in a day's work.
[Snores are heard. Ben and the manager look and see that a sleepy Lum is making those sounds]
Unnamed male manager: You know. I feel like I've seen her before. Is she…
Ben: One of the customers who ended up falling asleep and I had to protect her from the threat.
Unnamed male manager: Oh! Okay. I'll just back to my office. I need to sit down for a while.
[Sometime later, Lum begins to gain consciousness but her eyes are half open]
Ben: Wakey wakey, sleeping beauty! It's time to get going.
Lum: [Getting up] Ben. Is that you? Where are we?
Ben: Sweetshakers. The place you and I went to grab a bite. The same place you almost demolished in a deranged rampage. Does that ring a bell?
Lum: Hardly. I have no memory of being mentally ill while I was here. Although, the last thing I remember was eating that green fruit and then suddenly everything went blank. I must say it tasted so sour.
Ben: Green fruit? Sour? It probably was a pickle slice that fell off my burger. I'm guessing that was the reason you were so cray-cray in the first place. I could say you were feeling pickled. [He chuckles]
Lum: My mother has said to never eat anything that contains brine. It'll make me have "the spins".
Ben: No kidding. Now that it's over, we can finally be on our way. Both of us have a big day tomorrow. Wouldn't want to waste it being here all the time.
[Ben and Lum leave Sweetshakers. The flashback sequence ends. It cuts back to Ben and Rook riding in the sky]
Rook: That was a most interesting story, Ben. Still, I can't imagine how unpleasant it was to be in a restaurant with her. Invader is a troublesome individual but that temper and unstable use of electricity? It must have been like walking in a thunderstorm.
Ben: You're telling me. I just hope to never do that again. Lum is more annoying than a bunch of Megawhatts put together.
Rook: Then I wish you the best of luck tomorrow because it will be a never-ending nightmare should you lose.
THE END