POV: Cal

This has been pretty fun so far. I met an all-powerful being, was told I was dead, got to choose a new life, and received a bunch of things like my own friendly symbiote—which I gave a name to, but that's for later. Right now, I have to deal with a kid scaring himself awake. So yeah, this is going to be fun.

"AH!" I could see the kid shoot up from his bed with scared eyes. Then, I spotted the Omnitrix on his wrist, letting my eyes linger briefly before returning to the road.

With Max still driving, Gwen went to her cousin, "What's wrong, dweeb? Had a nightmare being back in school?" she laughed at his unimpressed face.

Honestly, I hated having those kinds of dreams. They felt like the end of the world with vacation over. But that was then. This is now.

I turn to Max and ask, "Is he okay?" in a worried tone. I don't remember which episodes had him wake up like that since it usually meant something terrible was going to happen or that he really was dreaming of school. Max seems terrible at lying because I could see his worry crease on his forehead a bit. "He's fine. He just ate something bad yesterday."

I heard Ben laugh sarcastically in the back, "Haha. No, it was that weird alien from my vision—only bigger, uglier, and scarier."

Gwen deadpans him, "Sure you weren't just looking in a mirror?" Ben returns the deadpan look and sticks his tongue out at her. Having eyes in the back of the head isn't a bad perk.

Max could hear them, "It was just a bad dream, son. We can talk about this once we get to Rapid City."

Ben then says, "It seemed so real. He looked right at me and said, 'I'm coming for you now.'" in a slightly ominous tone.

I looked at Max; he had a shocked expression. Ah, crap. It's this episode. Why couldn't it be Dr. Animo or GhostFreak? At least I can't be possessed with my partner covering my six. Then again, he's still stuck in the watch.

~You're right about that. I got your back.~

And I got yours.

We fist bump in our mental link.

"Change of plans. We're going to Mount Rushmore." Max sounded serious as he gripped the steering wheel tightly.

Gwen spoke up, "Wait. What about Cal Grandpa?"

Ben then asked, "Who?" with a confused look as he got out of bed.

I peeked around the chair, "That would be me. Cal Links. Your gramps offered me a ride to Rapid City."

How should I play this out? Hmm.

Max lessened his grip on the wheel, "Oh, right. Sorry about that, Cal."

"It's okay. But why Mount Rushmore? It seems like an odd place to visit just because of a dream," I said curiously.

Max seems to stutter, "W-well, it would help ease Ben's anxiety with seeing something grand like Rushmore. It's therapeutic."

That was one of the worst lies I've ever heard.

Okay, now this is the time to shine. It's now or never.

"Huh, that's kinda funny. That was my next stop. How about this? I can fix the fridge and anything else that needs fixing up. And you could give me a ride to Rushmore instead, I'm meeting a friend there today."

Gwen's eyebrow rose, "How'd you know the fridge was messed up?"

I tapped my ear, "I got great hearing. And sounds like the power distribution system needs some readjustment."

Both kids smiled. "Grandpa, you gotta let him fix it. Please!" Ben clasped both hands together in a begging pose.

Max looked a little troubled at this. "Uh, well." With both kids double-teaming on their gramps with puppy eyes, he conceded, "Okay, okay. Here's the plan…"

Max explained what was okay to try to fix and what wasn't, which took a few minutes of discussion. Overall, it wasn't a bad deal. I will get to fix the RV and will still be on the move.

I gave a lazy salute, "Aye, aye, cap'n."

Max smiled, "We'll head to Mount Rushmore. Drop off Cal there, and we'll find a parking place."

I chuckle quietly. Sure. Park the Rust Bucket in the secret Plumbers' base.

"Sure, that sounds good. I'll see what I can do about the Rust Bucket's 'quirks.'

I set the 'backpack' down at the dinner table and got to work. I can control my symbiote even when a part is separated, though the range needs work. So, as I casually checked out the fridge and radio system, I sent a few 'mini-syms' into the Rust Bucket, sensing what they could do based on the symbiote's unique understanding of technology.

Man, this thing has a crazy amount of tech. I understand Max added and replaced things with plumber tech, but this was incredibly awesome. Except it looks like the misc things like the fridge were messed up by the energy they give off in the grid.

~I need time to understand how this works, so you're freed up until I need your assistance.~

Okay, I'll check out the phone.

I sense it nodding back at me, so I take a breather at the table and pull out the smartphone.

I checked the apps and noticed I had an email from someone. Who would contact me?

I checked out the email:

From - ROB

To - Cal

Subject - Congrats

Hey! I'm glad you arrived safely. I had trouble getting you in, but it was just a small technical problem, and we fixed it. Sorry if you experienced a rough landing.

To make it up to you, we added a Dwarf Star to your Pocket Dimension. The reason is that I nearly scattered your being across a few universes. So I pulled a few strings and got you that. I know you planned on using the Sub-Energy. It saves you the trouble of getting it. Hope you enjoy your new life! This'll be the last time we talk for a while.

P.S.

I did make it so you could meet the Tennysons as soon as you arrived. But I had to balance it out, so you'll have to deal with what comes with hanging out with Tennysons. Good luck!

Checking it over twice, my eyes nearly popped out of my head.

A Dwarf Star! That makes my plan to get the Sub-Energy redundant—well, it's almost redundant. But nearly getting atomized is troubling. Well, I'm here and fine.

I swiped and tapped till I found the chat groups of the multi-verse. This is the other reason I chose to get this. Besides the unlimited battery life, it lets me talk to others across the multi-verse. And there's a shop where they sell almost anything and missions to earn points to buy those things. Though they cost a pretty penny. I could exchange things, and in return, I get points.

I scrolled through the chat groups till I found the right one.

Links has entered the chat.

Frogman235: Welcome!

LilypadX5: Hi!

GodKing1: Hmph.

Links: Thanks.

Frogman235: So you're the new drifter? We were told that you could use some help with something. What is it you need help with?

GodKing1: I am NOT helping this welp with anything until he proves worthy of our teachings!

LilypadX5: Now now. Why not hear them out first?

GodKing1: Hmph, fine.

Links: Uh, well, I just wanted to learn how to use KI. I'm a species that can naturally use it. Still, I want to understand its fundamentals and apply them to my new everyday life.

Frogman235: ...

LilypadX5: ...

GodKing1: …

Links: Uh, did I say something wrong?

Frogman235: No, it's just that…

LilypadX5: There are so few people that can do that.

GodKing1: The fact that an entire species can use KI naturally is abnormal unless it has been under extreme stress for generations.

Links: Well, I picked the Saiyan race.

All except Links: Makes sense.

LilypadX5: People who become that species learn to use KI independently.

Frogman235: Hardly any of them ask for assistance.

GodKing1: Just like the species, they become arrogant of their power and die before even achieving their first transformation. It's embarrassing seeing warriors like that. They don't even deserve to be called warriors! SCUM IS MORE THAN GENEROUS!

Links: Wow, I did not know that. Well, I'm here to learn, not die trying to wing it—unless I have to. Please teach me your ways.

All except Links: …

Frogman235: I am willing to teach you.

LilypadX5: I will teach you as well. I sense you have a good soul.

GodKing1: Hmm. If you are to follow my instructions, I will teach you. But only to show what a true warrior should be.

One or two discussions later…

Links: So that's how it works. I had the right idea, after all.

LilypadX5: Yes. You have a great foundation, but you must train your mind to better control your KI. Otherwise, you will lose before the fight begins.

GodKing1: Training each aspect of KI will push your body's limit. That is why it's essential to keep pushing yourself.

Frogman235: That is all we can give you for now. We will send textbooks on other subjects. Remember to keep a steady schedule of rest and training. It's important not to overextend yourself.

Links: Got it. Thank you. Here's where you can send those books.

Address of Pocket Dimension mailbox.

Frogman235: It was no problem.

LilypadX5: Good day.

GodKing1: Train to be a TRUE WARRIOR!

Links has left the chat.

After that chat, I saw that it had been only half an hour since I sat. So I took out a small box of tools from the pack via P.D. and went to work…

The mini-syms showed where the problems were and how I could fix them. So, after a few minutes of disassembling a few bits here and there and putting the mini-syms to work on the areas I couldn't get to, it was pretty easy to fix the quirks.

Ben asked, "How old are you?" he was checking on his sumo slammer cards and glancing at my work.

I take a moment to think about it as I work: "Last I checked, about 18."

"That's pretty young. I took you being older.", Gwen said as she got on her laptop at the table.

I chuckled, "I get that a lot. The beard does most of the work. I had my birthday a few months back.", which was true. Thanks to ROB, I kept my birthday and month the same, just not my actual age, but I don't think that really matters; I was only a couple of years older back then.

Gwen then said, "What about your parents? Aren't they worried about you traveling?"

I frowned a little but lightened up, "They would be if they could."

Ben and Gwen looked confused, but Max spoke up, "So, how's it going with the fix?"

I appreciated the change of topics, "I almost got it done. Just another minute, and I'll be done." I have to say. Having a boost in intellect really helps me understand how tech works. Maybe not as good as Azmuth, but I'm sure I can outthink the guy another way.

I had everything put back together and slipped my toolbox into the P.D., then I noticed we were out of the forest and into grass plains. The sight was beautiful. Blue skies stretched across for miles, and buffalo lay or ate. I forgot what it was like to travel.

The last time I did that was when I was heading to Britain. The coast and smell of food were incredible, not to mention the accents of all kinds of people. I remember getting into an argument with some ass talking about 'Americans suck and don't have manners' or something like that. I mostly remembered how I punched him square in the face and wrapped my arms around him to choke his stupid butt out. Heh. The Army did me good.

I shook those thoughts away and sat at the table across from Ben. I took out my own cards of sumo slammers and laid them out between us. Ben's eyes lit up at me, "You have sumo slammer cards?!" he said excitedly.

I smiled. Yep, this kid reminds me of my little cousins. "Yeah, I found it interesting. So I started collecting them." I spread the said cards out for him to see.

"Oh, cool. You got the gold sumo slammer? I need that one to complete my collection!" He said with more excitement in his eyes.

I knew getting these cards was the right move. I picked out many items to take with me to my new life. Only the special items would land near me, as the rest were in my P.D.

"You want it? I move around a lot, so I don't need them on my travels." I said non-chantilly.

"Are you serious?" Ben said excitedly with a wide smile.

I smiled as I slid him the complete collection of cards.

"Coool!" Ben said aloud, holding the cards before himself.

He put the cards down, still holding them in one hand, and held a fist to me with his other hand, saying, "Thanks."

I take my hand and give a fist bump, but Ben returns the cards before I can clench a fist. I look at my hand, then at Ben. Slightly confused.

"But I don't want it. You found them your way. I'll find them my way."

I never thought I'd see Ben's serious side now. Maybe when fighting an alien or after. But not about something as silly as collector cards. This just goes to show that he's made to be a hero who won't take shortcuts but forge his own path. That's one reason why I love his story of becoming a hero. Even if he's obnoxious most of the time.

I took the cards, put 'em in my pack/P.D., and took out a notebook and pencil, "You got it, kid. Now, how about I draw something epic for you?" This made the kid grin, and Gwen got curious as I started drawing. She was on her computer doing whatever she did, probably researching that private school or something related to science.

Gwen then asked, who was next to Ben, "What are you drawing?"

"Nothing but one of my best works," I responded as I finished drawing in less than two minutes. I ripped the sheet of paper and slid it to them both to see a drawing of a dragon and man duking it out on a piece of land in space. The details were meticulously made, and shooting stars and a spaceship were in the background.

The kids' eyes widened at the work. "Woooah," they said in unison.

I smiled in pride. I then started to list other things on the next page—just some things to do in this life. This'll take an hour.

An hour later…

We stopped at a gas station for a quick fill-up. Ben and Gwen went into the store with me for snacks while Max gassed up the Rust Bucket. As we were hauling all kinds of snacks in our arms, I noticed a man outside the store window. He was wearing a lab coat and black pants, looking at his timepiece and then right at me.

Well, shit. This is gonna fun.

I paid for the bags of snacks and told the kids, "You two go ahead. I've got to use the restroom." They nodded and took the bags to the Rust Bucket. I then walked around the building to the back and found someone I should've expected when I landed here.

"Dr. Paradox." I greeted.

"Hello Cal! Good to see you again, or is this our first time?" The Doc said with enthusiasm and the same serene look of 'just another day.'

"Hey Doc, this is my first time meeting you, but not the first time I've seen you," I said knowingly.

"Ah, yes. You know me from what you call a throwback show. Well, not yet, but you know what I mean, don't you." Doc said, keeping that smile which oozes Doctor Who vibes.

I nod and say, "Well, that makes sense, but that's not why you're here, right?"

He nodded back and looked at the timepiece. "Since this is the day you first arrived, your future self gave me this for you." He pulled out a small metal box with tech patterns.

I took the box and looked at it curiously. " I'm guessing this needs time before I actually need it," I said non-chantilly.

"Bravo! I knew you'd get it, and so did yourself." Doc then put the timepiece back in his pocket. "I better be off to see you again, ta ta!" In a flash, he was gone.

Well…that happened. Wonder when I need to use it?

I shrug and place the box in my P.D. I then walk back to the Rust Bucket, knowing that sometime in the future, I'll have a plan for something either good or bad. I'm leaning towards the bad.

As I returned, I noticed Gwen looking nervous when she saw me.

Something's up.

~Indeed.~

I ask worriedly, "What's wrong, Gwen?"

She tried smiling innocently, but that made it more suspicious, "N-nothing. Nothing's wrong."

I raise an eyebrow. "You sure about that?" I look around, and then I feel something cold behind me.

Gwen looked startled for a split second, then cooled her expression to a nervous smile, "Come on. Let's get back on the road and-"

Before she could finish, I felt coldness from behind again. On instinct, I channeled KI into my right hand and swiped quickly at the coldness.

"Argh!" I heard a ghostly yell, but I didn't see anything. I could feel that I had grazed something, though.

"What was that?" I ask rhetorically as I look at my hand.

Gwen spoke up, "It was probably the wind. Come on, Ben probably ate all the snacks."

"Sure.", I said flatly.

We went back in the RV, and I didn't see Ben anywhere. But the bags of snacks were on the table.

"Where's Ben?" I asked Gwen.

"He's probably in the can. He probably ate too much, the dweeb." She went to sit down and open a bag.

I closed my eyes and reached out with my KI sense, an ability I learned on the fly while fixing the Rust Bucket. Gwen's KI was intense. I knew Mana was like KI to an extent, but it worked a little differently. How? I can't say. Since my knowledge of KI was limited and Mana was less detailed in the show.

As I reached out with KI, I saw that Ben wasn't in the RV or at the gas station. Then I felt a being that was coming to the Rust Bucket. It was coming, heading for the toilet.

Ah. I could use this, thanks Ben.

It was Ghostfreak that was lurking around. Ben probably got childish about some nonsense again.

I opened my eyes, walked to the toilet, and opened the door. Ghostfreak became visible before me just as the symbol on his chest blinked red and beeped. Ben or Ghostfreak looked surprised, and then a red flash blinded me for a few seconds. As the light settled, I saw Ben, eyes wide, then said, "Uh oh."

I rubbed my eyes a bit. Ow, that was freaking bright.

"That's an understatement, kid." I look to my left to see Gwen's shocked face, knowing what I witnessed.

Then Max came in and said, "We're good to go." he noticed Gwen's face and me rubbing one eye, "What's wrong?"

This is gonna be fun, as usual.