Chan in Bellwood (Rewrite)

by Inkaliber

Jade has been having trouble in school lately. With parents as busy as hers, who could really blame her? With all this stress and uncertainty brought about by their daughter's behavior, what will her parents do? Send her to her uncle Jackie in... Bellwood? How will things change when a certain family gets involved in the lives of the Chan Clan from the very Beginning?

15. Closure

UltimaOwner1- I'm not entirely sure about the dress part. Zem, my writing buddy, helped me find out about the pins. Definitely something for us to look up later.

P96822- Now I didn't write that she was isekaied into another world. It was just written as Ellie being saved by the Universe and being given a new life. She wouldn't be mentioning Danny and Vlad if they weren't in universe. Clone memories will indeed make things interesting.

I don't own Jackie Chan Adventures, Ben 10, or any other series that may appear here. I do own OC characters, species, objects, and concepts unless stated otherwise.

Voices

"Talking."

'Thinking.'

"YELLING!"

"Author/Guest/High or demonic entity talking. Also, surprise at the end of a section."

"AUTHOR/GUEST/HIGH OR DEMONIC ENTITY YELLING!"

"Whispering."

"Author/Guest/High or demonic entity whispering."

[Language Indicator]

"Machine or alt communication talking/Talking in flashback."

"MACHINE OR ALT COMMUNICATION YELLING/YELLING IN FLASHBACK!"

"Machine or alt communication whispering/Whispering in flashback."

---

Bellwood, Pennsylvania

Jade snored in the bed, huffing as she rolled around. In her mind, a dream of her in a generic hero attire flying around played out. Dream Jade giggled as she flew around, approaching a cloud shaped like Ben's face. She kissed the cheek of the cloud before flying away, causing it to explode. She soon heard a beeping noise, looking down to see an army of evil alarm clocks bouncing towards a town of blank faced people. She grinned as she flew down to face them, only for an airhorn to suddenly wake her up as it swallowed her dream self.

The reincarnate cried out in shock as she rolled off the bed, her nightgown riding up her stomach to reveal the blue panties she had on. She moaned in annoyance as she pulled some hair out of her face. She looked up, rubbing her eyes before noticing that Viper was standing above her while wearing a yellow nightgown.

"...I must be dreaming still," yawned the Chinese girl. "Viper's off doing cool stuff for Mr. Max." She slowly began to close her eyes again, only for the airhorn to sound again. "I'M UP!... Viper?"

Jade immediately sat up, her eyes sparkling. "RIGHT! I thought last night was part of that dream! You're actually here!" The woman chuckled, rubbing the girl atop her head.

"And you specifically told me to wake you up the loudest way possible," reminded the ex-thief. "I will say that it was cute hearing you mumble about the 'cute Benny cloud.' That cute scream was worth busting out the airhorn. You should be more careful when making deals, kid." Jade looked away, blushing as she crossed her arms.

"Yeah, you're right…" The girl suddenly popped up, her eyes going wide. "WHAT TIME IS IT!? MY PARENTS ARE GOING TO MEET US AT THE SHOP!" Viper smirked, shaking her head.

"Your alarm only just started going off. We have plenty of time to have a girl morning. I brought some of my personal favorite products so march yourself into that bathroom, birthday girl." Jade grinned wildly as she ran for said room, her night gown flying off as soon as she entered the area. She sighed while lowering into the bubble bath, wiggling her toes around to pop some bubbles.

Viper looked over the girl's hair, rubbing some of it in her hand gently. "I have to say, I love the length. You could definitely do a better job keeping it healthy. Do I get three chances to guess the reason for that?" The reincarnate groaned at this, rubbing her temples.

"I tell Jackie to get a specific type of shampoo and conditioner but he just grabs something cheap that he likes, a stupid two in one. Not like I can change it out either. He just doesn't understand girl hair care." She leaned her hair back as she heard Viper get in, blushing as she felt her head rest against something soft. The woman chuckled, rubbing the girl's scalp.

"I can see that. I'll get you some of this for tomorrow. Don't want your big day to be ruined by brittle hair. You gotta tell me how you got it to grow so long." Jade looked forward, trying not to show her jealousy.

"H-Horse Talisman. It heals every ailment be it physical, mental, or spiritual. It's complicated. All I can say is there was definitely some mental and spiritual pain when I had cut my hair." Viper frowned at this, only to smile as she shook her head.

"Girl drama, and pretty bad girl drama if you had to cut your hair. Sorry to hear it but at least you're feeling better." Jade covered her face, groaning a bit.

"How do you do that? I swear you're the first girl I've met that can read me like that." Viper giggled, rubbing the back of the girl's head.

"Years of practice. You think you're the only girl that's had problems. I'm mostly just telling you how to avoid problems I had myself." The woman then tapped Jade's shoulders. "Time to stand up."

Jade did as told, feeling a bit embarrassed. "So, did you try out my advice on 'cute Benny cloud?'" The Chinese girl giggled, the blush still on her face.

"Oh yeah. I never had a boy's eyes on me like that and I'm loving it. He clearly likes what he sees but he's not making it weird or creepy. He's just adorably bashful and attracted." She gasped as she felt a light squeeze at her chest, a sponge soon following as Viper scrubbed her.

"Well can you blame him? Puberty's been doing you well, and it'll do a lot better if you eat more protein. You're looking a little skinny but you're definitely filling out that hourglass figure. I'm surprised that you don't have boys trying to ask you out more often." Jade looked down at the water, trying not to make noises.

"I-I'm not that impressive. Definitely not like other girls. I mean, look at you. You've got the dream bod and look amazing." Viper giggled again, moving the sponge lower.

"I was actually flat chested up until I was around fourteen. You're further along than I was, something your little boyfriend is going to enjoy a lot." Jade gasped from a certain feeling, only to glance back.

"Y-you're joking… Right?" Her bather giggled, shaking her head.

"Nope~. These girls didn't start budding until I was close to my fourteenth birthday. I was teased a lot for being flat in the chest and it didn't help that I was putting on a little weight from stress eating. I know what it feels like to have all the girls picking on you, along with all the other drama most girls go through." Jade took in her form, her eyes resting on her chest as they twinkled slightly.

"...You really think they're gonna be that good? I can't just take Ben's word for it if he ever sees them because… well he's Ben." Viper smirked, shaking her head.

"You're still young and growing. Don't look down on yourself or you'll just hurt yourself. Trust me. From one girl to another, you look great. Now, let's rinse you off so that I can clean up before we get you into something cute."

As this was going on, several streets away, Ben could be seen rummaging through his closet as he threw articles of clothing onto his bed. He cried out in success as he finally found what he was looking for. He slid on his best shirt, a black button up shirt, as he also wore khakis. He then slid on some nice sneakers, knowing that there was going to be a lot of walking soon. He heard a sigh, causing him to frown.

"Didn't you just clean this room?" questioned the voice of Ellie. Ben looked towards his new twin, noticing that she had let her curling hair remain down. She was wearing a purple jean jacket, a dark blue top, jeans that hugged to her bottom, and red sneakers. "You try to impress a girl that already likes you so much that it's kinda weird." The boy groaned, looking at the ground.

"Hello, Jade's parents are going to be here," huffed the boy. "Not only do I want to look nice for her birthday but I have to make a good first impression on them. You don't exactly look ready for the party. Jade is going to be dressed up." Ellie rolled her eyes, smirking as she leaned her back against the doorway.

"Ben, it's a surprise amusement park birthday party. Jade is going to be dressed for going to an amusement park and, according to Chinese culture, no one is supposed to dress better than the host." Ben suddenly sat up, looking panicked.

"I DIDN'T THINK OF THAT! I CAN'T GO OUT LIKE THIS! STUPID-STUPID-STUPID!" He looked through the clothes on his bed, actually putting them back up in the closet as he went. Ellie slowly walked back, looking down the hall.

"MOM! BEN'S SCARING ME AGAIN!" Ben groaned, shaking his head.

"Ellie, unless you wanna watch me get dressed, go to your room. I don't have time to close the door." The girl then grinned, causing the boy to freeze before he could even touch his shirt. "If you yell I'm going to-" Ellie then began running, a grin on her face.

"EEK! NOW HE'S TRYING TO STRIP IN FRONT OF ME!" The boy growled, shaking his fist.

"I TOLD YOU TO GET OUT! STOP MAKING ME SOUND BAD, YOU LITTLE WEASEL!" He then sighed, slumping forward. "And I have a sinking feeling this is only the start of what it's like to have a sister." The boy looked through more of his clothes, trying to find something more appropriate as his mother stood in the door while wearing a pink shirt and a knee length green skirt.

"Ben, stop being mean to your sister and get dressed," ordered the woman. "We have to get to the Chan residence in an hour." The boy bumped his head against the wall, moaning.

"I'm trying to find something that looks nice but still fits the culture. I spent so long trying to dress up nice that I didn't think she'd be dressed for going to an amusement park by her folks." His mother chuckled, shaking her head.

"Ben, just wear the green and black shirt. You haven't even tried it on yet and you can wear some nice shorts with it. It's going to be a hot day, after all, and the last thing you want to show potential in-laws is your sweaty pits. Which reminds me, put on deodorant." The boy nodded his head, sighing.

"Thanks Mom… Be honest, do you think I even have a chance?" The boy crossed his arms as he stood up straight. "The most uncultured boy, making a good impression on the most cultured parents?" His mother walked into the room, kissing him on the forehead before she laid out the outfit she described.

"Yes. You have just as good a chance as any other boy, and you're learning her culture. She's also learning yours, mostly from her uncles. You'll do fine, so long as you get dressed in time." The woman hugged Ben close, the boy turning around to reciprocate.

He closed his eyes, feeling like he could feel his mother's heartbeat. His eyes scrunched as he thought he heard something pumping faster, moving out of beat slightly with the pumping he was familiar with since he was little. His mother let go as she walked out of the room, the boy looking towards her with a slight twinkling in his eyes.

"W-what was that?... This better not be alien DNA changes making me hear things." He sighed as he picked up the green t-shirt with black detailing and the cargo shorts, running with them to the bathroom. As this happened, back at Section 13, Viper hummed to herself as she weaved Jade's hair into a bun with small hair loops coming off it. She then smirked, nodding her head.

"I don't think anyone is going to be able to top this birthday gift," stated the woman. "Looks rather expensive." Jade twirled around as the woman walked back, marveling at the qipao she had received in the mail from her mother. It was as green as her American name with a blue phoenix design, purple gems making up the eyes and the claws. Jade struck different poses in the mirror, ones that she knew would have made any guy that saw her blush.

"It's even in my size," gasped the reincarnate. "How did she even… Jackie. He must have gotten her my size somehow. Not like I'm not used to him doing things behind my back. Still, this has to be the most expensive qipao I own."

She then grinned, puffing out her chest as she held her hands behind her head. "Ben is going to go brain dead when he sees me in this. I wonder why the dress part is so short though." Viper snickered, knowing full well why. She then got right up against the girl, guiding her arms and her body.

"You want some advice? Put your hands behind your back and push your chest forward. Emphasize those assets and he'll need to stop and think a bit. You'll have a lost puppy on your hands and he'll eat out of your palm, metaphorically of course." Jade giggled at this, shaking her head.

"Is she ready!" cried Jackie from the other side of the door. He opened it, poking his head in. "We have to-" He gawked, crying out as he held the sides of his head. "How did-wha-where did you get that!?" Jade turned around, putting her hands behind her back.

"Mom sent it in the mail. You DID give her my size so I thought you knew." The man huffed as he looked around, panicking slightly.

"You can't go wearing that! You'll attract so much attention!" Viper smirked, almost challenging Jackie.

"That's the point, Mr. Chan," argued the ex-criminal. "Besides, her father paid for it. I assume he'll want her to wear it on her birthday. Can't fight the father on this one." Jade giggled, putting her hands on her hips.

"YEAH!" cried the girl. "Besides, I don't have anything major I could wear besides my good clothes. It's way too hot for my hoodie and my other stuff is a little too basic for a birthday. I have tights I'm going to put on." Jackie grabbed his head, shaking it.

"That's not what I mean! I mean your clothes will attract not the best people. It says you're rich and you've been-" He winced as he felt an elbow hit his gut, Viper glaring at him. She crossed her arms as she took a few steps back.

"Jackie, you want to get to the park or not? We can't exactly change her now. You're a trained martial artist and I can still put a man in the hospital. It's why I'm here, so you don't have to be next to her all day long." Jade looked between the duo, her eyes narrowing in confusion.

'The park?' mentally questioned the birthday girl. "What are-" Jade gasped as she was pulled along by Viper, the woman having a slight sway in her walk.

"Let's go before I have to put those moves on you myself." Jackie leaned back, Viper having her chest rather close to his. She then walked off, Jade grinning as she was still being pulled along.

"I see what you did there. I SO gotta try that on Ben… when Mom and Dad aren't around at least." Viper smirked, looking back at her.

"I think you'll enjoy the results. Boys are very easy to play with when you know how they'll react, especially the GOOD boys." Jackie groaned, following after them.

"VIPER!" cried the man. "No corrupting Jade!" The former criminal only laughed, shaking her head.

"Already a little late for that, boy scout. I'm only telling her things I'm sure her mother would teach her when it comes to working her future husband. I'm not giving her anything THAT deep. Besides, she's thirteen: the age where she should be allowed to do this stuff with the boy she wants to take the last name of." Jade blushed, looking away.

"Actually, by Chinese tradition, the girl keeps her father's name. I-" She was pulled along a bit more, Viper smirking.

"I know. Doesn't make the implications any less wrong. Rather you take Ben's name or not, it doesn't change the meaning." Jade blushed, trying to hide her face with a brown bag as she blushed. "Another word of advice: if you really wanna get with a guy, learn to stop being flustered all the time."

Jade just listened to the woman as they were in the rather nice vehicle, her eyes looking at the ground. "It's cute when you start being couples but eventually it makes you look like a blushing virgin whose never had a boyfriend. You're almost past the marker where you and Ben start dating technically so start acting like the young woman you are. If it helps, keep looking for those moments where you can put your own moves on him. The more you're both used to each other, the less blushing you'll be having."

Jade gulped, nodding her head as she rubbed her cheeks in an attempt to make the blush go down. She needed to get her head in the game. Jackie groaned, looking towards Viper.

"You are a bad influence," huffed the man. "She is a young lady, not a-" Viper rolled her eyes, leaning towards the man.

"And I'm treating her like one. I know what she is and isn't ready for, meanwhile you buy products that hurt her hair. Trust me, she's better off knowing this in a controlled environment rather than learning it from someone who would take advantage of her. Now, buckle up so we can get this car moving and your Uncle doesn't yell at us about being late." Jackie looked away, trying not to stare at the chest that was partially displayed to him by Viper.

As the car rides went on, Jade and Ben were both making the same exact motions as their separate car rides went along. Ben would at times look at the Omnitrix on his wrist while Jade would adjust the large bag she carried. Ben fixed his hair a bit more as Jade made sure the bands keeping her hair in place were secured. They both bounced up and down in their seats a bit, practically watching the buildings go by them. Ellie groaned, rolling her eyes.

"Ben, you're going to look like a total dork if Jade sees you acting like a girl," stated the newest Tennyson. "Man up a bit and chill." Sandra looked back, a small smile on her face.

"Ellie, be nice to your brother," ordered the woman. "He's just a boy in love." Ellie leaned back, her hands behind her head.

"Yeah. A boy that keeps checking himself. I thought girls were the ones that worried this much. Ben's going crazy trying to impress Jade when she already likes him a LOT." Ben crossed his arms, his eyes looking almost closed.

"Well excuse me if I like to look nice for my girl," argued the boy. "I mean… she's not mine until I get her father's approval but still-" Sandra chuckled, shaking her head.

"It's his first real date and the father is going to be there," argued the mother. "You'll understand when you find a boy you like and have to make a good impression on his mother." Ellie huffed out a short laugh.

"Yeah, like the perfect guy is just going to pop up out of nowhere… Universe, don't you dare try anything." She then shook her head with a sigh. "Besides, who'd want to be with a clone of a guy anyway? I know more about being a guy myself so I doubt I could make any boy like me." Ben huffed, shaking his head.

"Well that's a load of buuuularcy," stated the boy. "You sound so much like Jade when she has self-doubts. Trust me, both as a girl and as a Tennyson, you'll find someone. Mom always talks about how Dad was the dorkiest guy when she met him and look where we are now." Sandra laughed, shaking her head.

"Oh he's still a dork: a dork I love very much," stated the woman. "He'll show off his Star Wars card collection any change he gets. Thank goodness he had work to do or we'd have to sit through another 'Jackie Chan Geek Out' moment. Now that would leave a bad impression." She heard the phone ring, answering it while grinning.

"Hey Honey!" cried the voice of Carl. Both Ben and Ellie winced, looking towards each other with gritting teeth. "Work let off early today so I'll be meeting you at the park! I'm bringing Ben's old Super Moose baby blanket to get it signed by the original voice of Super Moose!" Ben held his face in his hands, groaning.

"Dad, please no," moaned the boy. "Anything but that." Sandra giggled, the knowing look still on her face.

"That sounds wonderful, Dear," stated the mother. "Make sure you bring your collection to show Jackie." She snickered as her eyes sparkled a bit. 'That way Mr. Overprotective can be distracted while Ben gets me that daughter in-law and I can butter up Mrs. Chan.' Carl gasped, his voice sounding excited.

"GREAT IDEA! I have some merch to ask him to sign! Of course, I should leave the underwear at home. That would be way more embarrassing than the life size cut out. I hope I can get that in the park." Ellie mirrored Ben's position, groaning a bit as Ben looked towards her.

"Welcome to the family," whispered the boy. "Just be happy he's not bringing anything of yours." Sandra giggled at the duo's reaction, shaking her head.

"Alright, Dear. See you there. Please try not to be too much of a boy with Jackie. Love you!" She heard her husband hum as her hand neared the phone.

"Where did I put the Monkey from Kung Fu Panda action figure?" questioned the man. "It should be with the rest of the figures." The woman rolled her eyes with a grin.

"It's in your underwear drawer. You dropped it in there after our last date ended up with us in bed." She heard a sigh of relief.

"Thank goodness. I still have no idea how she does that." Sandra shook her head before hanging up, feeling like she had tortured the kids enough. As this happened, Jade looked around nervously. She hummed, looking down at herself.

"...Did I forget to put on perfume?" questioned the Chinese girl. "That's definitely not mine I'm smelling." Viper leaned closer, giggling.

"Let's just say yours was out so I gave you something special," reassured the woman. "Trust me, you'll love it." Jade leaned away as she looked out the window, only to push her face against it.

"Hey, this isn't the right road. It's definitely not the way to the park either. What's going… on…" Her eyes began to widen the moment she saw the giant Super Moose head come into view, the open mouth of the masked hero head being an entrance to a huge amusement park. "...MOOSE WORLD!"

Her eyes lit up like Christmas as they actually began to turn towards the park, the seatbelt only allowing her to bounce up and down in her seat. Jackie was about to ask her to sit still, only for Viper to stop the girl's hyper jumping by simply putting a calming hand on her shoulder. The woman then began smoothing out Jade's hair a bit.

"Calm down," began the former criminal. "We'll have to fix your hair again if you keep this up, meaning less park time." Jade could not lose the grin on her face, her eyes glued to the massive moose head. The moment the car was put in park and the girl was released, she practically jumped out the door. She giggled, hopping up and down on her toes.

She then spotted Uncle, the old man having to explain some of the things he had chosen to bring to the people at the front desk. She winced as it looked like he was getting into a shouting match with one of the guards, potentially about his "Lucky Rabbit's foot". "Wow, the old man really is as old fashioned as you said he was." Jackie sighed at this, shaking his head.

"I know," moaned the man. "Jade, let Viper help you find the others while I go talk with the nice security man… Jade? JADE!?" Viper laughed, pointing to her right.

"You really are bad at paying attention to your surroundings. She's right over there." Jackie followed the point, watching as Jade ran towards Gwen.

"Oh. Okay… Wait, how did you notice her leaving? She made no sound." The woman rolled her eyes, crossing her arms behind her back.

"It's not that hard, seeing as she's a lot like I was when I was her age. She has more of the good than the bad but she could definitely use a more attentive guardian. The fact she always runs off without you, a master martial artist, noticing is quite funny. Maybe being a gymnast has its perks when it comes to being so quiet." Jackie looked down, sighing.

"Yet another thing I need to work on. I-" He looked towards the woman again, only to watch as she was gone. She suddenly was behind him, a smirk on her face. She then rubbed his shoulders, causing him to gasp as he patted his chest.

"Let her enjoy her day. We can work on her communication skills later." Jackie turned around as soon as she let go, confusion in his eyes.

"We?" He found that she was gone again, turning around to watch as she was already walking up to the girls. "How do they do that?" He sighed, remembering that he had to deal with Uncle. Someone spotted his approach, waving him over.

"[Mandarin] Kong-Sang!" cried a familiar voice. Jackie winced, noticing Shen and his wife Ai as they stood off to the side. Shen was wearing a plain black hanfu with white ku and black shoes while Ai wore a plain black qipao with dark green leggings and black heels. "Jing has been arguing with security over his belongings for twenty minutes, many of them about being able to be lost or mistaken for souvenirs." Jackie nodded his head, straining a smile.

"[Mandarin] I'm sorry," apologized the martial artist. "Uncle can be quite stubborn, arguing with security until they surrender. Let me save the security guard then he will be right with you. It won't take long… I hope." As Jackie walked over to the man, Jade giggled as she walked alongside Gwen.

"Wow!" cheered the redhead. "I can't believe your parents sent that in for your birthday. It's so beautiful! It looks really expensive too." Jade smirked, holding her hands behind her back.

"Thanks," sighed the Chinese girl. "I think this has to be worth fifteen thousand bucks here in the US. I'm definitely being careful with what I eat today. Only fork and knife foods and no sauces." Gwen blinked, a concerned look on her face.

"No kidding! There's gemstones everywhere on this thing. Maybe you should have saved it for a day where we wouldn't be surrounded by a bunch of kids. You, I trust, but other kids?" Jade frowned, shaking her head.

"Daddy bought it to see me wear it today. I don't want to let him down as he and Mom likely have to go home tonight, hence the early party." Uncle walked over, a slightly miffed look on his face.

"Parents staying for few weeks," argued the old man. "Trip VERY expensive over sea. Want to spend time with Yu. Probably have more money if not buy such expensive clothes, but it does look beautiful." Jade's eyes widened as she waved her hands.

"Wait, they're actually staying for a few weeks? That means they can see my recital…" She grinned at the thought, only to moan as she frowned. "And my week of pain and suffering, known as a period." Uncle huffed, waving the girl off.

"You make too big a deal. Get used to it." Jade crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing.

"You've never bled for a week and dealt with stomach cramps. I wouldn't wish it on anybody." Shen cleared his throat, a frown on his face.

"[Mandarin] Jing," growled the man. "I know that tone. It is my daughter's day of birth. Please, show her some respect." Uncle turned around, crossing his arms.

"[Mandarin] She will be fine," huffed the old man. "Just sulking over approaching womanly times. This is her second time with it. She just needs to get used to them at this point." Ai narrowed her eyes, causing Uncle to wince.

"[Mandarin] Jing," huffed the mother. "It takes more than a single period for a young lady to get used to it. It will take at least a year for her to be able to handle the pain." Jade clenched her teeth, trying not to moan in dismay in front of her parents. She then smiled as she noticed her father's head movements, hiding her annoyance as she watched him smile.

"[Mandarin] Come, Xiaoyu," requested the man. "I wish to see you closer." The girl quickly ran over, carefully coming to a stop. "Please, give me a turn." Jade giggled, holding her arms out a bit as she did as requested.

She came to a stop, only to frown in concern as she saw the frown on her father's face. She was worried that she had done something wrong, only for the man to sigh. "I have missed so much of your childhood trying to do right by you. You have already grown into a young woman without me noticing. I am a terrible father to not have paid you any attention and it caused you to resent me."

Jade looked away, rubbing her arm as she tried to think of something to say. "Instead of looking deeper into things, I sent you away. In the end, you were captured by wicked people. Words cannot express how sorry I am for putting you in such a terrible position." She turned towards her father, trying not to look him in the eye.

"[Mandarin] All I wish to know is if I dishonor you. Have I made you think me unworthy." She winced as she saw her father's deepened frown, only to find herself pulled into a deep hug.

"[Mandarin] Dishonor? My child, the greatest gift and honor is having you for a daughter." Jade began to feel her lip quiver as she buried her face into her father's stomach. Gwen cooed silently, wishing she had paid more attention when Ben was trying to practice Mandarin around her. The birthday girl then giggled, smiling a bit.

"[Mandarin] I know American film culture, Daddy. You got that from Mulan." Her father smirked, rubbing the back of her head.

"[Mandarin] It makes it no less true. Truer than any words I have spoken. You'll find that I turn to others, be they people or films, when I cannot find the right words to say for myself. I know it can be hard to understand me sometimes, something your mother can attest to." Jade giggled as she was allowed to pull back, looking up at the man.

"[Mandarin] I think this is the best birthday present you could give me. It is all I have wanted to know since I was nine." She giggled as she felt her father's hand rub her cheek.

"[Mandarin] I am sorry it took this long for me to say those words to you. If I had been around to listen and let you know of my willingness to do so, you would have heard them long ago. Now, this is the day to celebrate your birth. It is time to dry those tears." The girl suddenly began to panic as she felt at her face.

"My mascara is running! Viper, help!" The woman in question approached, nodding her head with a giggle.

"No problem," reassured the woman. "The first moment we get to a bathroom we'll be able to fix it." Ai leaned towards Shen, the man already frowning.

"[Mandarin] I told you that was the best way to resolve this," hissed the woman silently. "Perhaps next time, you'll listen when I warn you about girl troubles." Shen held up his hand, sighing multiple times in agreement. The group eventually found their way inside, Gwen sitting down on the sink counter as she crossed her arms. She looked towards Viper and Jade, tilting her head.

"So… what did you and your dad say?" questioned the redhead. "I don't exactly have the best understanding of Mandarin yet." Viper grinned, continuing her work on Jade.

"They made up," reassured the woman. "Simple as that." Jade suddenly winced, her makeup hiding how her face was paling.

"W-wait," gasped the Chinese girl. "Y-You understood what we said?" Viper grinned, a slightly devious look in her eyes.

"When you live the life I have, you learn a few languages. Everything alright?" Jade gulped, looking down at the floor.

"N-no! E-everything's fine." Viper sighed, shaking her head.

"If you're worried about me knowing what you're saying in Mandarin, then best get used to it. I've been learning from Jackie to boost my proficiency and it's a lot of fun. What? Were you hoping to have secret conversations with a certain someone?" Jade blushed as she looked towards the ceiling, Gwen missing the point of the tease as she hummed.

"That sounded… more excited than anyone would normally say about learning a language," observed the redhead. "What, are you trying to date her uncle or something?" Viper stood up, sending the same teasing look towards the magical girl.

"Guess that's for you to find out, isn't it? Anyway, let's get back to the others and wait for the little boyfriend." The girls stepped out, only for Jade to immediately hide behind Viper's legs.

"HIDE ME!" cried the girl. "IT'S HER!" Gwen and Viper looked forward, noticing that a Chinese girl wearing a simple blue qipao was standing boredly while a man was talking to Jade's father.

"What's wrong?" questioned the redhead. "Who is she?" Jade peeked out, shaking in her shoes.

"T-That's Ming Hua. Please, whatever you do, don't tell her about anything. Nothing that happened to me, no magic, and especially don't tell her about Ben until he's with me. In fact, we should hide until she leaves." Gwen narrowed her eyes, turning her neck back and forth a bit.

"Oh, so it's the girl that bullied you into cutting your hair. Want me to put a hex on her so she wets herself?" Jade looked even more scared at the question, only for Viper to pull her in front of her.

"You can't run while your parents are here, Jade. Also, Lucky Girl, no magic." Jade immediately nodded her head, ignoring Gwen's shocked look at being called out.

"She's right," huffed the Chinese girl. "Not only is it rude, but they could tell others that the Chans curse those they talk to. They could accuse us of so many bad things. That is a terrible, no good, very bad idea." Gwen looked towards Jade, huffing a bit.

"Really? People would believe that?" Jade growled, narrowing her eyes.

"Chinese people are VERY religious. Sure it's culture but still. Just like your churches here in the Americas believe in a god, my people believe in magic, demons, and gods. It's not structurally different from your churches, in the sense that you can make people believe anything if they are zealous enough or you are convincing." Gwen looked away in disbelief, only for Viper to clear her throat quietly.

"She's not wrong, Gwen," agreed the woman. "There's plenty of people in the world that are very religious. Some can go to the extreme with their beliefs. Best play it safe and just talk with Jade's folks. Let the adults handle this and just go enjoy some rides, win some prizes, and have fun."

She then smirked, rubbing Jade's shoulders. "Of course, for little Miss Birthday Girl, the party can't begin without the most important guest." Jade looked slightly confused by the comment, only for a familiar huff to be heard by the entrance.

"Mom, how much longer," groaned Ben. "Tickets don't usually take this long." Jade slowly began to grin, her heart fluttering as she leaned against Viper. Her eyes shined a bit, a blue light spiraling through them as the boy became the center of her attention. Sandra chuckled at her son, sliding a wristband on his wrist.

"Jade's not going anywhere, Ben," reassured the woman. "And remember, it's Yu or Xiaoyu around her parents. Brownie points for knowing her real name and all that. Now, go get her." Ben grinned as he ran into the park a bit, only to skid to a stop and nearly fall over as he spun his arms a bit.

Jade walked away from Viper, a slight sway in her step. She put her arms behind her back, continuing Viper's instructions as she accentuated her body a bit. Ben used all of his might to not let his jaw drop, as her chest seemed bigger from her pushing it out more.

'Humina-humina-humina. I'm screwed: happily screwed.' Gwen gagged at the sight, only for Viper to grin knowingly.

"You gag now, but you'll be doing the same when you get a boyfriend," predicted the woman. "All girls want to play with their boys heads though, hopefully, you do it for one boy and not multiple. I have plenty of advice to give out, especially if your target is more of a butt guy. Of course, you'll have to behave if you want access to this well of knowledge." Gwen scoffed, rolling her eyes as Jade stood before Ben.

"I see you like my new Qipao~," teased the reincarnate. "Daddy bought it for me." Ben gulped, nodding his head.

"Y-yes," simply stated the boy. "You look so beautiful." Jade blushed while bowing her head a bit, only to pale as she heard clicking teeth.

"[Mandarin] Just as I thought," huffed the voice of Ming. "You really are a floozy, Chan." The birthday girl suddenly looked back, seeing the bane of her existence. "Given those tight clothes you wear, it isn't shocking." Ben glared at the girl, holding his arm protectively in front of Jade.

"[Mandarin] I don't know who you are, but hold your tongue," growled the boy. "You don't know Yu like I do, so stay quiet." Ming huffed, rolling her eyes.

"[Mandarin] Oh please. I've known her since she was nine years old." Ben's glare grew, actually spooking the girl until a gruff huff filled the air.

"[Mandarin] Hua, enough," barked the voice of the girl's father. "We are guests and you choose to disrespect our hosts?" Ming Hua suddenly turned around, bowing to the man.

"[Mandarin] Yes, Father. I only speak how I see." Her father narrowed his eyes, having a similar look to the one Ben gave off.

"[Mandarin] Keep your tongue civil. You are already on thin ice with what I've learned you've been saying to Miss Chan. Need we have this conversation again in private?" Ben did his best not to smirk, knowing that the situation wasn't one for sass. Ming kept her head bowed, her brow twitching.

"[Mandarin] No, Father. I remember every word, but I am not wrong. Chan is showing off her body to a boy. I-" She bowed a bit deeper as her father clicked his teeth just as she did.

"[Mandarin] From what I saw, it is not anything beyond her father's business. Keep your tongue still unless you have something kind to say or it is dire." Ming grumbled under her breath, earning a hidden raspberry from Gwen. Ben smiled at Jade, nodding his head.

"[Mandarin] Let's just have fun," requested the Omnitrix hero. "We'll take this one thing at a time." Jade nodded her head before looking towards her father and Ming's father.

"[Mandarin] Yu, I invited my friend in order to mend bonds," began the man. "I hope to not have to break off my friendship with Ming Bao. He is the one who helped me get to where I am in my research position. I owe him much, so I was hoping that we could find a path where you and Ming Hua can find even grounds to stay together." Jade put on her fake smile, causing Ben's smile to twitch.

"[Mandarin] I will try, Father," reassured the young Chan. "I will try to get along with Ming." Her father nodded his head, knowing that Ai was frowning at him.

"[Mandarin] That is all I ask. I do not expect a bridge to form today, but the first step is always to meet at the edge of the water." Ellie leaned towards Sandra, narrowing her eyes.

"What are they saying, Mom?" questioned the former ghost girl. "Do I need to haunt someone?" She winced as she had her head rubbed, simply following after her mother as the woman approached.

"[Mandarin] I believe that Miss Viper can go with the children while we discuss matters, such as the contract," began the blonde woman. "Jackie is very busy with my husband at the moment." Ben looked back, wincing as he saw yet another moment of his father embarrassing him. He took a deep breath, trying not to show his annoyance. He turned towards Shen, bowing respectfully as he had practiced.

"[Mandarin] It is an honor to meet you, sir," stated the boy. "I have studied tirelessly in order to learn your culture and be ready to communicate if needed." Jade held her hands together, watching her father's serious frown form.

"[Mandarin] Your Mandarin is good for a boy your age," informed the man. "It still needs work but your hard work is on display. I hope you'll make sure my daughter's celebration is a joyful one." Ben stood up, hiding a gift bag that he passed to his mother. He then smiled towards Jade.

"[Mandarin] That's the plan. Yu, let's go find some stuff you want to do." He let Jade pull him along as he grinned, Ellie and Gwen soon following after them. Ming huffed as her father waved for her to follow, doing as told. Viper waited until the others were turned away before frowning.

'Yup,' thought the woman. 'That right there is going to be the problem child.' The quartet and their unwanted guest came to a stop in the middle of a large area, humming as Viper stood nearby. Jade looked around, humming as she saw everything that was available. She turned around fully, only to gasp and take a few steps back as Paco was standing a respectable yet still close distance.

"Hola, Yade!" greeted the Hispanic boy. "Feliz cumpleaños!" (1) Jade huffed, brushing off her qipao rather than the family tradition of heart patting.

"Paco?" questioned the birthday girl. "How did you get here?" The boy grinned as he nodded his head.

"Yackie's girlfriend invited me and El Toro so we came together. He is… discussing with security about his mask. He sent me ahead. I thought you knew." Jade sighed, nodding her head.

"To be fair, I didn't know I was coming here either as it was a surprise. Sorry about that. I'm sure you remember Ben and Gwen and this is Ellie, Ben's sister. My father invited Ming's father so she's here too. I-"

She frowned, suddenly looking towards the boy. "Wait, how did you know it was me? I'm not exactly wearing what I did in Mexico. My hair's also different." Paco simply grinned, nodding his head.

"Yade looks different but has the same head shape. Very easy to distinguish and same level of squintiness so-." Jade's eye twitched, Ben holding his hand up.

"L-let's just have fun and stop talking so much," stated the boy. "It's a birthday party, so let's stop standing around waiting for something to happen." Gwen decided to distract Paco while Jade leaned closer to Ben, a scowl on her face.

"If he says my head looks strange or something about squinty eyes ever again, I'm going to punch him in the face," whispered the birthday girl. "I know he hasn't been outside Mexico before but still, it's rude." Ming huffed, nodding her head.

"I can agree with you, Chan," huffed the girl. "Also, I speak English." Ben looked back, his eyes narrowing.

"And you couldn't have done that sooner?" questioned the boy. "A heads up would have been nice." Ming crossed her arms under her chest, an annoyed frown on her face.

"I was with my father and Chan's father. It would have been rude. I was made to learn English years ago because my father went overseas for several months. If I really am meant to 'mend the bonds' as Father and Mr. Chan calls it, then I am likely to stay here for the remainder of Chan's trip with her and her uncle." Jade winced, her eyes widening.

"You're living WITH ME!?" cried the birthday girl. "Why me?" Ming looked away, clicking her teeth.

"It is not my choice, for I'd much rather go home. Father has found work here and is paying your Uncle to stay in his shop. He wants to stop this fighting and says there is plenty of room. Again, would much rather go home." Jade held her hands to her face, sighing.

'Jackie, why? If you had at LEAST told me, I could have been prepared. You are SO doing extra gymnastics with me for a week.' She felt her shoulders being rubbed slightly, sighing as she leaned into the feeling. Viper smiled, one that Ben would recognize as a dangerous smile.

"Now, now," began the woman. "Let's just relax and have a GOOD day. Not every day that a girl turns thirteen. Let's go." Ming gulped at this, nodding her head as she followed the one in charge.

"Yo, Viper," whispered Ben. "Um… mind giving me some pointers on how to do that? Mom's good at shoulder rubbing too and I want to be able to do that for Jade. You know, for the future." Viper grinned at this, rubbing the boy's head.

"We'll talk about it later, Loverboy. Now, go give your little girlfriend a fun time." Ben grinned, quickly running after Jade. Viper chuckled, imagining Ben as a lost puppy just like she had put in Jade's head. Ming growled, looking away.

"[Mandarin] Of course," huffed the bully girl. "Perfect Xiaoyu strikes again." She was unaware that Viper had understood her as she followed along, earning a confused brow raise from the woman. The festivities eventually began as they should have, starting with a rollercoaster that Jade was all too eager to ride on. She cheered as she sat next to Ben, the boy grinning as he leaned into the guard bar.

Ming sat out on the ride, being well known for a dislike of fast rides. Next came a collection of carnival games, Ben showing off for fun as he worked his way up the prize pool of one of them. This led to Jade walking around with a large stuffed panda in her arms, snuggling it as she sighed. A lazy river raft ride, some arcade games, and other fun things were soon to follow. Jade eventually had to let the stuffed animal ride on her shoulders, still grinning as she kept her eyes on the path ahead.

'I SO wish I could stuff this in one of my storage scrolls without being suspicious,' thought the birthday girl. 'Still, a trip to Moose World, Ben loving my new outfit, winning prizes I actually want… Other than Ming being here, it's been pretty awesome so far. I'm going to enjoy this as much as possible!' Ellie suddenly squealed, a look of excitement on her face.

"Actual moose!" cried the newest Tennyson. "I've never seen a moose before!" The group looked towards the area in question, a few of them having their eyes go wide at the sight of a small collection of moose. They were in a rather sophisticated looking pen, collars around their necks as they grazed on plants of some kind. Viper hummed, narrowing her eyes.

"I didn't think moose could be in groups with multiple males," stated the former criminal. "At least, that's what I've read from National Geographic magazines." Jade grinned, bobbing up and down on her toes.

"Who cares!?" cried the birthday girl. "Come on, Ben!" She dragged the boy along, unaware that she was accidentally holding his arm against her chest. The boy blushed, mentally screaming as he had a goofy smile on his face. A teen rubbed one of the moose inside the pen, wearing a beige zookeeper-esk uniform.

"You're looking good, momma," stated the teen. He then noticed the group's approach, tapping the collar of the moose. "Stay behind the line, please! Let them come to you and don't make sudden loud noises." Ben hummed, tilting his head.

"Hey, do I know you?" questioned the boy. "You sound familiar." The teen cleared his throat, hiding his eyes with his hat naturally.

"Probably not, but you could say I've been around the block. Anyway, behind the line please." Ben noticed his toe was a bit over the line, backing up a bit. One of the male moose slowly walked over, Jade grinning as she began to pet its head. Ben smirked as he joined in, feeling the strangely wooly fur of the creature. Ellie looked towards Ming, noticing her annoyed frown.

"What's wrong, Ming?" questioned the girl. "You don't want to pet a live moose?" Ming looked away, seeming unsure of herself.

"I-I have cats and dogs at home," denied the girl. "Moose are cute but I'm not interested, especially if it brings me too close to Chan." Ellie rolled her eyes, placing her hands on her hips.

"Seriously, what is your problem? Why do you hate Ja-Xiaoyu so much?" Ming frowned, looking more confused than annoyed.

"Hate her? What gave you the idea I hate Chan?" Ellie huffed, gesturing to the young couple.

"Um, hello. You bully her out of the things she likes and traumatized her into cutting her hair." Ming scoffed, tipping her nose up.

"Is that what 'Miss Perfect' tells you? I advise her and try to get her to stop being stuck up. If it comes off as bullying then that has never been my intention." Ellie hummed, not entirely being sure. Gwen then frowned, looking over.

"So throwing food at her to ruin her nice clothes, pulling on her hair, and telling her that things she likes can be dishonorable is helping her?" questioned the redhead. "If that's the case, then things overseas must be chaotic." Ming looked away at this, once again having an unsure look on her face.

"That was an accident that turned into a dumb food fight. A boy thought he could be clever. Also, I have never tugged her hair… at least not that hard. I only tell her what could be seen as dishonorable." Viper frowned, looking down.

"Right and telling a very superstitious girl that anything might be dishonorable won't mentally harm her," stated the woman. "Take advice from an older woman, kid, words hurt more than you think." Ming held her hands up, huffing.

"I haven't done anything different from what Father did to teach me." Gwen was about to comment, only to wince as she heard a voice that was actually more annoying than Ming's at the moment. Ben frowned, immediately putting himself between Jade and the origin of the voice.

"So, Tennyson plays with animals now," insulted Cash. "What are you, five?" The bully then smirked as Jade turned around, the girl looking annoyed. "Look at 'Yu' wearing expensive clothes like you're running the- Are those actual gemstones?"

Ben leveled a glare, gritting his teeth as the bully chuckled. "Now that makes it really expensive. Would be a shame if something happened to-" Cash suddenly winced, finally noticing the same glare that had scared him the first time he had really messed with Jade. The Omnitrix hero stood tall, standing above the bully.

"Cash, beat it," growled the boy. "It's her birthday and she doesn't need the mentally unstable bully ruining it for her." Cash growled, trying to challenge the taller boy.

"You don't scare me, Tennyson. Whatever you did last time, it won't work." The teen in the pen hushed some of the moose, the beasts looking a bit antsy.

"You, skinny kid, your scaring the moose," growled the teen. "Do you want to find out what these antlers can do to you?" Cash smirked before pushing Ben towards the pen, the boy waving his arms to try and not go over the line. The bully then went for Jade, the girl looking ready to defend herself. Viper suddenly pulled the boy away by his ear, pinching it tightly.

"You want to act tough, kid," huffed the woman. "Maybe you're hard of hearing but the signs say you have to be quiet. Even then, you're being a brat and disrespectful to the birthday girl. Try something like this again and I'm calling security. Now get lost."

Cash cried out as he stumbled forward a bit, holding his ear. "Brats." He then grinned turning around as he took a deep breath. He coughed a bit as a ball of hay landed in his mouth, the teen in the pen having his arm stretched out from where he had thrown it. Cash ran away, trying to pull the ball out of his mouth.

"And that, folks, is how you shut up a nosy visitor," stated the teen. Gwen looked towards him, earning a grin and a small wink. The redhead looked away, blushing slightly as Ming leaned forward with a smirk.

"Maybe that'll get him to shut up," began the girl. "That had to be the most dishonorable boy I've ever had the displeasure of seeing. I hope you Americans aren't all like him. No offense." Ben chuckled, trying not to laugh out loud.

"That's just Cash, at least I hope there aren't more jerks like him out there," huffed the boy. One of the moose screamed suddenly, butting its antlers against the pen. The teen ran over to it, hushing it as he rubbed its neck.

"Not happening, Zeta," huffed the boy. "Just breathe and let Uncle K figure out what's wrong." He looked over the beast, noticing a dart with a bent tip landing on the ground. "Just my luck. I need to get the moose inside folks so visiting hours are over."

Jade moaned in disappointment, watching as the moose she had been petting was ushered along down a set path. All but Gwen began to walk away, the redhead humming as she crossed her arms. She looked around before silently hopping the fence.

"I don't know what that was, but that definitely wasn't a moose scream," huffed the magical girl. She picked up the dart that was on the ground, looking it over as a liquid sloshed inside. "This is some kind of tranquilizer dart, but it looks way too advanced for Earth. It didn't even go in the moose." She snuck along the path, whispering a spell to herself as she held her breath.

She move carefully in the rather armored barn, looking around for any signs of the moose. She turned a corner, only to hold her breath even harder to keep from screaming as she ducked behind the wall. A large beast with multiple eyes, gorilla-like arms that acted as legs, and massive antlers moaned as they walked around a laser fence. The teen from before dumped some purple organs and orange vegetation into a trough. The teen rubbed one of their heads, chuckling a bit.

"Close call, Zeta. That bounty hunter nearly blew everything." He then turned around, pulling out a blaster as he aimed towards where Gwen was. "Of course, he doesn't realize he's still casting a shadow." Gwen panicked at the sight, waving her hands as the breath she took dropped the spell.

"WAIT! It wasn't me! I just saw the dart and watch a lot of documentaries. I wanted to see what was going on." The teen groaned, looking down.

"Right. I feel like I've seen you somewhere before. Kinda hard not to recognize a pretty face. Who are you?" Gwen looked away, blushing slightly again.

"T-Tennyson. Gwen Tennyson." The teen huffed, looking her up and down.

"Of course. It has to be one of you, but at least it's the cute one. Look, I'm just repaying my last debt so I can go home. Don't go blabbing to your stupid cousin or try starting a fight." Gwen suddenly tilted her head, her eyes narrowing.

"Wait? You know me?" The boy sighed, pulling off his hat to reveal his long black hair and his light black eyes.

"It's Kevin, Kevin Levin. We met two years ago before you and your cousin got me and Vilgax stuck in the Null Void, though that was mostly my fault. Vilgax got out after we busted into a Plumber outpost, throwing me to the Plumbers and landing me as an inmate. Didn't enjoy that but at least I finally got my head clear before I was let out on good behavior, if it could actually be called that. I was just one of the random people they let out for being not amongst the worst in their eyes."

Gwen winced a bit, not realizing that Kevin had been left in that state. "Of course, it helped that I didn't look like some monster anymore. Anyway, you're not supposed to be back here. Things are probably gonna get hairy as it is." The redhead looked towards the beasts, watching as they gulped down the mixture of food.

"Who's targeting these things? Better question, what even are they?" Kevin rubbed Zeta, sighing again.

"Barnacks from planet Homos. They're not very smart, even for animals, but they're highly sought out for their meat and their horns. They're almost extinct at this point so the Plumbers are supposed to be here soon to take them to a secure breeding ground. Once that happens, my debt is paid and I can finally go home. You could say my mom chewed me out for running away and becoming a felon." The redhead frowned, holding her hands behind her back as she subconsciously puffed her chest out.

"Right. Sorry for causing that." Kevin turned around, actually chuckling.

"I needed my can kicked anyway. All that was mostly on me and I was pretty much set to go to juvie if I was ever caught before you two showed up. I still have my moments but being around the worst people in the galaxy makes you respect what you have. Of course, if I actually talked with Mom about my freaky powers then I could have probably avoided a lot of this too. As much as I'm liking the view, you really should get out of here before the violent part happens."

He put the blaster away, picking up a metal pipe. "No offense but you're kinda on the frail side to be a sidekick." Gwen huffed in annoyance before pulling out her spell book.

"My sidekick days ended two years ago. I've got plenty of tricks up my sleeve now. I might be skinny, but I'm very capable of fighting. SHIFTEM MORPHEN!" Light shined around her, though the girl was unaware of how the light hugged her figure.

Her Lucky Girl attire formed over her as she slid a small ring onto her finger. "The others can go without Gwen for a bit, because Lucky Girl's on the scene." Kevin laughed at her, causing her to puff her cheeks out.

"Cute. Unless that thing's made of kevlar it'll be vaporized." Gwen smirked, stretching the butt fabric a bit before letting it snap back into place.

"Galvan thread, actually. Grandpa wouldn't let me help Ben without it when he found out I was Lucky Girl again." The teen boy whistled, holding his hands behind his head.

"High end stuff. Maybe find a magical girl transformation that doesn't give guys a nice view of what you're packing." Gwen blushed, covering herself with her arms.

"D-Do you want help to make this easier or not? I can't help how magic works sometimes." This earned her another laugh, causing her to pout.

"Can't blame a guy for liking the good stuff. Anyway, just don't get hit." As this was going on, the group continued on without noticing Gwen's departure. Ben took to carrying Jade's stuffed panda so that she could look over some things in the souvenir shop of the area they were in. He kept his eye out for other signs of trouble, watching as Ming sat nearby with a sigh of relief.

"All of this walking is hurting my feet," sighed the bully girl. She then looked towards Ben, watching as he scanned the area. "So, have your parents agreed to you and Chan dating? You two are rather close." Ben smirked, looking towards the sky.

"Oh, they love Xiaoyu," stated the boy. "Mom's even learning to make more Chinese food and she keeps finding things for the two of us to do together." Ming smirked, leaning back against the table she was sitting at.

"That is not what I meant. As good as it is that you are both enjoying each other's company, you have to have Chan's father's permission." The boy looked towards her, carrying a deadpan expression.

"I know. It's why I haven't done anything serious yet. Besides, why would you care? From what I've heard and how you've been acting, you give off the impression that you hate her guts." Ming groaned, rolling her eyes.

"Why do you people keep talking about me hating Xiaoyu? Yes, she's a spoiled brat and tends to show off her beauty in annoying ways, but I've never said I hated her." Ben glared slightly at her.

"Ever hear the phrase actions speak louder than words. Do you have any idea how much you put her through, whether you meant to or not?" Ming looked down, huffing a bit.

"When I first met Chan, she didn't attempt to make any friends. She spent time around other girls without saying anything. She wore expensive clothes, had all these amazing things, but she acted like she was better than everyone else. I was trying to help her. Sure I went a little far at times but I was trying to get her to socialize with us at school and just be normal."

She huffed as she narrowed her eyes. "I never did anything that was inappropriate or cruel. The only thing I regret is what I said about her hair that led to her cutting it off. I stopped talking to her and then suddenly, a few weeks later, she's gone to America before I can apologize for my dirty comment and my mistake." Ben stood up, putting the stuffed bear in a safe spot.

"Maybe you didn't, but did you make sure your little friends didn't get the wrong idea. The things she told me that happened, they were pretty messed up. Also, did you ever consider that she was just nervous and didn't know how to communicate in a new environment. That's one of the basic things a lot of kids go through when changing schools. I like to think it's not just an American thing."

Ming looked away, gritting her teeth at the fact that she didn't have an answer. "If you ask me, it sounds like a lot of what your saying is more about you being jealous of her. You wouldn't be the first jealous girl to say a lot of what you said or to do things that you say are 'helping'. I'm not going to assume anything but it's what it sounds like to someone who's seen enough public school to know what kinds of people there are." Ming looked forward, clenching her fists.

"I… don't disagree completely. My father was rather angry when he heard what had happened. I did reflect on my past comments and I know I was being judgmental about her looks and 'stuff' as you Americans say. I didn't mean for anything bad. I truly thought I was helping." Ben picked the bear up again, sighing.

"Look, I'm not a mind reader so I can only take you at your word. All I'm saying is that if you really wanted to help, there were better ways to do it." Ming huffed, crossing her arms.

"I was nine years old. We aren't boys. We don't do things as you're thinking because, as the phrase goes, kids can be cruel." Ben huffed, looking away as he thought of all the things that could have been done. Viper then walked over, a smirk on her face.

"Now I get what's happening here," stated the woman. "Hearing things from both sides, Jade was the girl that was trying to fit in and you mistakenly thought you were helping. It's a common mistake that leads to both sides seeing each other as the bully and victim. Jade is an affectionate nickname we have for Yu before you ask." Ming hummed, tilting her head.

"Jade, as in the gemstone. Clever." Ben smirked, leaning back a bit.

"Yup," sighed the boy. "She's awesome. Anyway, I think this is getting into more girl talk territory. As my Mom would say, 'it's an AB conversation so I'll C myself out'." The boy walked towards the shop, adjusting the panda plush in his arms as Viper giggled.

"Smart kid," complemented the woman. "So, I think I can help you and Jade to work out your problems. It won't be an immediate fix as there's bound to be built up aggression on both sides since you've been at this for a while. It might not seem like it to you, but you have been saying a lot of hurtful things to her that need to be resolved. Better be ready for that."

Ming sighed, knowing she couldn't say no due to her father's desires and orders. Back at the barn, Kevin made some inner metal walls raise while Gwen drew some symbols on the ground. The redhead hummed to herself, putting some runes on the support beams. Kevin looked towards her, noticing how her butt and chest stretched the suit a bit. He smirked, his brows raising in interest.

"Gotta ask, is that outfit meant to cling to every curve?" questioned the teen. "I don't wanna think you do that for other reasons." Gwen blushed, clearing her throat as she stood up straight.

"It's necessary for full free reign of movement," informed the magical girl. "Like a glove or a gymnastics uniform." Kevin smirked, looking her up and down again.

"You don't hear me complaining. Any guy would love to have a nice view like this. Even beats a good muscle car. Wouldn't mind seeing you stretch a bit." Gwen winced, her whole body turning red under her suit.

'Dang it, VIPER! I've been showing off for him, haven't I!? This is all your fault for putting this in my head!' A bang was heard on the outside wall, causing the duo to frown. A cowboy yell filled the air, a mechanical bull-like ship ramming through the roof as several men and women were seen riding on the sides.

"Finally!" cried a man in a Texas accent. "Let's grab these big fellas and get them home in time for supper!" Gwen leaned towards Kevin, the boy sharing her deadpan expression.

"DNA masks. They're not human." A woman on top of the ship growled, looking more sophisticated than the others as she wore a blue suit.

"Don't mess around, hoodlums," growled the woman. "I've got a deadline to fulfill or none of you get paid." Gwen held her spell book close, gritting her teeth.

"Why are you even going after these things?" questioned the magical hero. "They're nearly extinct and there are ecosystems that need them." The blue woman laughed at this, shaking her head.

"That's the thing, they're both nearly extinct and powerful. Imagine what an army of them could do to an unsuspecting planet, meaning that the bigshot warlords will pay top dollar for them. I already have a good thirty of these beauties. Once I have enough bred, I'll sell most of the elderly while keeping the young to keep the supply coming. Now, deal with them and get those barnacks!" The hillbilly-esk group jumped down, cheering out as they held weapons of different kinds.

One of them landed on one of the symbols on the ground, crying out as the ground shifted to trap him in a mound of dirt. One of the females landed in one that made vines wrap around her, a mask falling off her face to reveal a bug creature that groaned in annoyance. Kevin spun the pipe in his hand, pointing it towards a fat man that began rolling towards him. Metal suddenly shot up his skin, coating his entire body before he slammed his fist into the rolling man's face. The man fell back, laughing as he was revealed to be some kind of white creature with yellow lumps all over its stocky body.

"You can't hurt me," chuckled the man. "My shell's far too tough for-" His exposed face was slammed, causing him to cry out as he fell onto his back.

"Oh my," huffed the boy. "If only your face wasn't exposed." The woman clicked her teeth as she jumped down from the ship, pulling out a rod as she tried to slam it down on Gwen. The redhead rolled away before holding out her hand, sending a small plume of fire forward. The woman simply let the mask get hit as it fell off her face, revealing her blue skin and massive ears.

"Now this is interesting," began the woman. "No staffs, rings, or any focus those little Earth magicians like to use instead of a Core Crystal. Perhaps an Anodite. Now that would be a profitable farm." Gwen jumped back, keeping her spell book in hand.

"Never heard of an Anodite," huffed the girl. "It just comes from the book." The woman chuckled, pulling out a second rod.

"Doesn't matter if you've heard of them or not. I can still breed you and get many Anodites. They're so hard to find out in the wild galaxy, at least before they shed their skin. Now, be a good little pet and KNEEL!" She threw one of the rods forward, only for Gwen to smirk.

"ENTROPICUS!" The spell hit the rod, causing it to fly off course and bounce around before hitting the sender in the gut. Gwen then kicked her in the face, sending her flying back as she rolled across the ground. The hired goons groaned as they stumbled around, Kevin still spinning the pipe in his hands. He then pointed at the woman, grinning.

"Looks like you just picked random dudes off the street at this point," insulted the teen. "You'll get to know them a lot better behind bars." The woman growled, looking towards the group.

"WHAT AM I PAYING YOU IDIOTS FOR!?" cried the leader. "FORGET THE BARNACKS! GET THE GIRL!" Gwen jumped up, landing in the rafters, feeling nervous as the bug woman broke herself free. She gulped, not liking the sound of being ganged up on.

"Um… I don't think we can fight all of them off if they're gonna switch targets," stated the redhead. "I'd hate to ruin Jade's birthday but this sounds like a group project." She aimed her spell book towards the open roof, only for a laser blast to hit the book out of her hand. She muttered under her breath, the invisibility spell taking hold as she grabbed up the book and hid it away. Kevin smirked, putting his hand near the laser pen.

"Well, looks like I'm gonna have to add in the old fashioned way," began the boy. He placed his hand on the laser, pulling in some of the energy as Gwen was forced to run. She bounced off the bug woman before using the ship as a springboard out of the hole it made. Kevin used the energy he absorbed to knock out the large creature as he quickly followed suit.

"AFTER THEM!" cried the blue woman. "THE ANODITE IS WORTH TEN TIMES WHAT I'M OFFERING YOU FOR THESE THINGS!" As this was happening, Ben playfully chased Jade around the small square as he held her panda up in front of him. Jade cried out playfully, jumping around to avoid the bear before Ben crashed into her with the plush acting as protection. Ming giggled, shaking her head at the duo.

"So childish," huffed the girl with a smirk. "It is adorable." Viper smirked, rubbing the girl's head.

"Nothing wrong with acting your age," stated the woman. "You're all still kids." Ming looked down, grumbling to herself.

"Father doesn't think so. He expects me to be mature. 'A good mother must act respectful and proper.' There is no room for childishness." The former criminal hummed, looking forward.

"Sounds like he has some blame in all of this, then. No offense but he's missing an important part of motherhood. A mother needs to be able to have fun or she won't have the ability to help the baby mature properly. There's more to being a mother than being mature and respectful, especially if you want to have a good relationship with your kids. Trust me, I wish my mother had been around to teach me and my sister that one."

Ming winced at this, looking down as she remembered her father's orders to keep her tongue in check. "Anything you wanna say can stay between us girls." The girl sighed at this, leaning forward.

"Mother never really played with me, always telling me how she expects me to act. I-I tried to do that with Chan." Viper frowned, logging this information for later. Ben walked away to grab him and Jade some drinks, the birthday girl sighing as she hugged the stuffed bear to her chest before laying down on a bench. She stood up as she felt her instincts hit her, looking up as she noticed Lucky Girl flying through the air on one of her platforms.

"HELP!" cried the redhead. She grew dangerously close to a rollercoaster as a laser net missed her, the projectile zapping a tree it wrapped around. Jade narrowed her eyes, growling.

"BEN!" cried the birthday girl. "GOTTA GO TO THE BATHROOM! HELP GWEN!" The girl ran off, Ben poking his head out in confusion. He looked towards his cousin, cursing under his breath as he dove into a hiding spot. Ellie hummed, her eyes turning purple.

Gwen cried out as she flew around the roller coaster, another net missing her and hitting a light post. She looked back to make sure the ship wasn't getting too close, only to crash gut first into a low hanging branch on a tree. She groaned as she fell onto the ground, holding the area.

"That's going to make my period worse in a few weeks. I can feel it." The ship sped towards her, looking like it was about to crash.

"YOU IDIOTS!" cried the blue woman. "DON'T SQUASH THE ANODITE!" Gwen remained on the ground as the ship barely touched a hair on her head before flying up in a strangled arc. She held her hand out as she got a good view of its thruster. She smirked, the pink power forming in her palm.

"ENTROPICUS!" She fired her spell, hitting her mark before a net was shot at her. "Crap." She cried out as she felt electricity all over her body, the ship flying around out of control before it crashed into the ground with a small explosion. The blue skin woman stumbled around dizzily, holding her head as her ears rang.

"Next time, I'm hiring someone else," growled the woman. "Now I need to find another ship to get off this planet, after I just captured the Anodite." She cried out as a metal pipe hit her head, Kevin landing between her and Gwen.

"Not on my watch," growled the teen. "Get you Lazaran butt off my planet." The woman growled, looking towards him.

"Not like I want to be trapped here for who knows how long. All you had to do was stay out of my way and none of this would have happened. I would have had the Anodite and you would keep your beasts. Now I have to terminate you." Kevin frowned, clenching his fists.

"Typical criminal behavior, blaming all their problems on everyone but themselves. Guess I gotta teach you a lesson in pain, and the hammer of justice is unisex." The woman pulled out her rods as she blocked a strike from the boy, gritting her teeth as she skidded back. Viper snuck into view as she looked towards Gwen, only for the redhead to groan as she shook her head.

"DON'T!" cried the magical girl. "This thing feels like it's burning into my suit as it is. The more I struggle, the tighter it gets and the more I'm zapped. Just get Ben!" She heard a zapping sound, Megawhatt landing behind her.

"Don't worry!" cried the electric creature. "I'll get you out, one bite at a time!" Gwen growled, shaking her head.

"YOU BITE ME AND I TURN YOU INTO A GIRL FOR A MONTH! YOU HEAR ME!" Ben growled, pointing at her.

"You wouldn't dare! You don't have any spells like that!" Gwen gritted her teeth, only to pause as her eyes suddenly turned purple.

"Wow, you two fight like little kids," said Gwen in a voice that wasn't her own. Her body became slightly clear as the net fell through her, her body floating upwards before she landed on the ground. Ellie suddenly flew out of her, allowing her to go back to normal. "Simple as that." Gwen sighed at this, glaring at the burn marks on her outfit.

"Great," huffed Gwen. "Now the Galvan tech is showing and I feel like my skin is burnt a bit. Grandpa's going to have a field day getting this fixed." Some of the grunts groaned as they began to walk away from the crashed ship, their alien forms being on display. The woman looked back at her approaching goons, growling.

"DON'T JUST LUMBER AROUND!" cried the woman. "GET RID OF THESE PESTS OR I'M CUTTING YOUR PAY!" Ben hissed at them, bringing his hand to the Omnitrix.

"I already don't like these guys," huffed the Nosedeenian. "What are they even after right now?" Gwen sighed, looking down.

"They were after those moose, which aren't moose by the way," huffed the redhead. "Now they're after me because that crazy lady thinks I'm something called an Anodite and wants to breed me to make more." Ben growled, his body sparking a bit.

"OH HECK NO! NOW I'M MAD!" He resisted the urge to slam the Omnitrix as he quickly spun it, selecting a new form before pushing it in. In a flash, Diamondhead took his place. The blue woman jumped back, her eyes widening.

"From a Nosedeenian to a Petrosapien?" questioned the woman. "That must be the Omnitrix! This planet is full of the most valuable things in the galaxy! Just imagine what I could get for those crystals!" Diamondhead then held his arm out.

"Greedy woman!" cried the crystal being. "Careful what you wish for!" He began firing shards of his form at her, causing her to wince as she began flipping back to avoid them. The large rolling creature from before tried to bowl the boy, only for him to make a ramp that forced him to roll back around to crash into some of his colleagues. "STEEERIKE!"

One of the goons looked like Heatblast, growling as he shot forth a torrent of flames from his mouth. Ben then made a crystal wall to block the attack, the bug woman flying overhead to try to spit on him. She winced as she felt Ellie fire her energy at her, sending her flying back over the wall. The flames that were shot at the wall began to grow hotter, causing the crystals to bubble a bit on the surface. The blue skinned woman laughed at the scene, only for a snap to fill the air.

"SCROLL OF WATER!" cried the voice of Jade. "SCROLL OF LIGHTNING! SCROLL OF GRAVITY!" Water particles in the air suddenly wrapped around the Pyronite, stopping his stream of flames as he was lifted into the air. Lightning suddenly shot through the liquid, causing him to cry out before he passed out. Ben turned around, his eyes narrowing.

"Jade!" cried the boy. "You… you… Holy Smokes." A figure suddenly landed before the group, the green crystals on Diamondhead turning reddish brown in color. His jaw dropped, unable to control himself like last time.

Jade stood before him in a dark blue leotard with short sleeves and short leg extensions on her inner thighs, the suit fitting just enough to where it showed off her frame without giving too much away. A red wizard's robe draped over her body as she put her arms through the sleeves, a string tying around the back to close the outfit piece slightly. Dark blue martial arts shoes formed on her feet as long black leggings rose from her feet to her knees. She completed the look with a dark blue domino mask that had a dark red line down the middle, the eye sockets having semi-translucent brown lenses. She smirked, leaning forward a bit.

"Don't be too surprised, Diamondhead~. You saw me like this a few weeks ago but I guess you have a bad memory. Maybe it's the leotard. At least the transfer scroll doesn't flash anyone anymore." Gwen narrowed her eyes, placing her hands on her hips.

"Can you two do this later?" questioned Lucky Girl. "I'd rather not be caged up and made to be a permanent baby mommy." Jade winced at this, a look of disgust on her face.

"THAT'S WHAT THIS IS ABOUT!? Talk about sickos." The blue skinned woman growled, standing on top of a stone statue as her other goons began to get back up.

"You simply don't seem to understand how the galaxy works, children," huffed the woman. "It's simply business. A woman has to make credits to feed herself somehow. This is the dirty work others aren't willing to do but has to be done. The galaxy isn't some utopia."

She pulled out her rods again, pointing them at the group. "We all have to make a living and I don't want to sit around waiting for governments to hand out checks for clean things. You humans have done all the same things I've done for years. You cage animals and breed them for livestock." Ben growled, clenching his fists.

"My cousin is NOT an animal," growled the boy. "She's a person." The woman growled, keeping her weapon pointed at them.

"Cry me a river. You humans are considered animals on many planets. I'm done talking. GET THE GIRL AND BRING ME THE OMNITRIX IF YOU WANT A BONUS!" Jade glared, her eyes turning blue.

"It's obvious that she's a crazy woman who only sees value in coin rather than soul," growled the reincarnate. "Let's put a stop to this. SCROLL OF ENTANGLEMENT!" She held out her arm as a scroll was pulled from a pocket dimension, firing several green beams at the enemies. Ellie reared back her arms as she grinned.

"Looks like it's time to rumble," chuckled the girl. "A little too late to use Danny's catchphrase but I'll take what I can get." She flew forward as the bug woman dodged the beam meant to entangle her, slamming her fist into the woman's face to send her spiraling towards the ground. Any goon that didn't get around the beams found themselves locked in green chains that wouldn't budge for anything. Diamondhead slammed a fist into the ground, sending a path of crystals forward to pop the rolling alien into the air.

The woman growled as she tried to run at him with her baton held out, only for Kevin to slug her in the gut. He then lifted her over his head before throwing her back the way she came. He grinned, cracking his currently metallic knuckles.

"Forget about me?" questioned the absorbing boy. "Welcome to Earth, the biggest pain in a criminal's… butt. If I wasn't forced to hold my tongue for the job that would have sounded a lot cooler." The villainess growled as she pulled out a large gun as the energy charged up. Gwen's eyes turned slightly pink, tiny cracks seeming to form at the edges of the eyelids.

"KEVIN, DUCK!" cried the magical girl. The teen did as told, dropping low as a huge blast of magic went hurtling forward. The attack hit the weapon, causing the woman to fly back as it fell onto the ground. It began releasing warning sounds, beams of light beginning to come off of it. Diamondhead shook, his crystals vibrating.

"NOT GOOD!" cried the diamond hero. "ANYBODY GOT THE WORLD'S BIGGEST BOMB SHIELD!?" Jade smirked, holding a large scroll over her head.

"GREATER SCROLL OF CONTAINMENT!" cried the reincarnate. The runes on the scroll glowed before firing a large blue beam at the weapon. It was then pulled inside, Jade pointing up as one of her already active scrolls of gravity forced the now closing scroll to rise high into the air. As soon as it got far enough, barely reaching miles away, it exploded like fireworks as the energy was dispersed. The shockwave knocked everyone over, even the stalwart Diamondhead.

The group heard cheers of far off crowds, the people thinking it was simply part of park festivities to see a sudden fireworks display. The woman moaned as she moved to her hands and knees, coughing before she realized that her limbs were caught in crystals. Diamondhead stood above her, his gems slightly glowing as if there was starlight coming off it.

"You brought a tier twelve weapon to Earth. The Plumbers are going to have a field day with you." The woman spat on his foot, growling in anger.

"You can't arrest me!" cried the vile cretin. "You're just a stupid child, just like the rest of them!" Viper huffed, rolling her eyes.

"Adult woman, here," argued the caretaker. "He might not be able to deal with you, but they might." Several ships disguised as parade balloons began floating down, Max walking forward as he nodded his head.

"Gentlemen, round them up," ordered the old man. The criminal woman cried out in anger until a muzzle was put over her mouth, the crystals being chipped away at by a few men. Gwen turned around, her eyes slowly going back to normal.

"Grandpa!" cheered the redhead. "Guess we ended up ending that meeting of yours a little quicker than it should have gone, huh?" Her grandfather chuckled, rubbing her head.

"You kids are terrible at dealing with these things quickly and quietly, but you are getting better. If you ever plan on being Plumbers, maybe try making less noise. You make it rather easy to tell what's happening. We'll handle the criminals and the police, then I'll join you shortly." Jade huffed, crossing her arms.

"Oh, don't go fast for them on my account," huffed the girl. "First they were after some alien moose thingies, then the crazy lady thought Gwen was some Anodite thingy." Max narrowed his eyes, sighing a bit.

"I see. I'll have to make sure they're in high security." Gwen frowned, crossing her arms.

"I hope you plan to tell me about that soon," scrutinized the redhead. "This sounds like something I need to know." Max nodded his head, wincing a bit.

"That's a discussion for your grandmother. Just try to go about everything like normal while I try to get in contact with her… if she didn't lose the communicator again." Viper glanced back at the bushes nearby before smiling at the group.

"I think that's enough action and fun for the 'Super Kids'," teased the woman. "We have cake and gifts to get to before the day's over." Jade smiled, nodding her head as she pulled out a scroll.

"Scroll of Transference," stated the girl. The scroll wrapped around her entire body, her qipao forming on her as the paper unfurled. Ben gulped, looking the girl over as he was changed back by the watch.

"Um… it's just your shoes that are missing, right?" questioned the boy. Jade hummed, looking herself over. Her eyes twitched, sighing in defeat.

"Just one more thing. I hate magic sometimes. Let me get this scroll fixed in the bathroom ALONE. I don't need any more surprises when it comes to magic today." Ben looked away as the girl ran off, rubbing his cheeks as he groaned.

"I am so screwed." He looked back towards her, looking away immediately as he covered his mouth. 'Her butt's stretching the qipao! I can see the crack! DARN IT!' He cleared his throat, shaking his head. "Speaking of screwed, you-"

The boy turned, only for his eyes to widen. "Hey! Kevin's gone!" The group looked around, noticing that the boy had indeed disappeared. Max smiled, shaking his head.

"He's fine, Ben," reassured the old man. "I'll explain another day." Ben huffed, grumbling under his breath. It didn't take long for Jade to be finished with her work, the group walked together, Ben sticking near the birthday girl. Jade moaned, rubbing her head.

"I FINALLY got everything to come back," huffed the reincarnate. "I need to ask Uncle what I'm doing wrong as I do NOT want the next time to have me in my undies or worse. That would be a nightmare and I wouldn't be able to blame Shendu or the Dark Hand either. I've loved everything else about this day so far but I wouldn't mind it ending soon." Paco smirked, holding his head up.

"I thought it was asombrosa to see you fight evil people," stated the boy. "I and the strange girl saw everything before she left." Ben leaned towards Jade, noticing her nervous expression.

"Still miffed about his comment earlier today or did the scroll mess something up?" questioned the Omnitrix wielder. "I don't know how much I can help if anything's missing but talking to him I can do." Jade leaned her head onto his shoulder, causing him to blush slightly.

"My bra was torn up by the spell so I had to toss it," informed the birthday girl. "I am SO not messing with that scroll until…" She suddenly stopped, slowly looking back towards the boy. "Paco, what strange girl?" The Hispanic boy smiled innocently.

"Ming," stated the wrestling fan. "She go quiet when seeing you fight like luchadores before she ran off. She had a strange look on her face. I am surprised you did not notice she left." Jade felt her breathing grow heavy, her face paling.

"No… She's going to tell my parents. They'll take me back to Hong Kong where they won't let me touch a single piece of parchment or use my own ink. I won't be able to help stop Shendu and-and-" She suddenly felt a calming embrace, Ben placing his head on the back of hers.

"We'll figure this out, Jade," whispered the alien hero. "I promise, everything will be okay even if I have to make it okay somehow." The speakers around the park suddenly blared to life, causing the group to look up.

"All guests please proceed to the exit in an orderly fashion," instructed a woman's voice. "The park is being closed due to reports of suspected terrorist activity. Security will ensure everyone leaves safely so please enter single file while bomb squad searches the area. Be aware that bomb search will be performed on all guests."

Jade gulped at this, worried that she would be patted down. They couldn't find the others before everyone began to be shuffled into lines at the exit, several things being checked before people could be let out. Ben squeezed Jade's shoulder slightly before she went through the check, the girl suddenly humming as her chest began to feel less awkward. As soon as she was given a clear to pass, she used the chaos of the people trying to reach their cars to check inside her qipao.

'I-it's my bra but good as new?… No, it was destroyed. Did the magic fix- no that's stupid. Magic doesn't work like that. It either works or doesn't so-' Ben stepped out next, Jade immediately letting the qipao snap back into place as she stood up straight.

It didn't take long for them to get into the parking lot, noticing their large group waiting by a collection of vehicles. Jade's parents immediately ran over upon noticing her, the girl gulping at what she knew would come. Her father knelt down, immediately looking over.

"[Mandarin] Are you okay!?" questioned Shen. "Did security do anything?" Jade shook her head, still waiting for the demands to come.

"[Mandarin] I requested to be checked by a woman and they obliged," informed the girl. "I was only required to take off my Qipao and she didn't see anything that looked dangerous." Shen sighed, nodding his head.

"[Mandarin] Good. Now, let us find somewhere more appropriate to finish things. There is still a celebration to be had. No terror will stop that." Uncle adjusted his glasses, nodding his head.

"[Mandarin] Uncle's shop will be fine," stated Jing. "The back will have plenty of room." Viper chuckled, shaking her head.

"Good thing I packed everything at the shop then," revealed the woman. "Now, we have a party to get to." Jade looked between the adults, her eyes widening slightly.

'He-he didn't demand answers,' thought the young Chan. 'But… but Ming saw everything. Didn't she say something about this? Is she planning to tell the whole family at the party? What is she doing!?'

Jade was left with her concerns the whole ride, her parents wanting her to ride with them for safety. She would sometimes glance towards the car she saw Ming get into, dreading what would happen when everyone was within the safety of Uncle's shop. The kids were mostly left to themselves for a while once they were let inside, waiting in the quiet room as the adults made last minute preparations. Ming sat on the opposite end of the group, her unreadable frown solely put on Jade. As soon as the adults were out of sight, the bully girl stood up from her seat.

"Chan, I request to speak with you alone," stated the girl. "...Please." Ben narrowed his eyes, growling under his breath a bit before Jade put her hand on his shoulder.

"Down, Ben. I-I've got this." The boy slowly relented, watching as the duo made their way into the upstairs area. The door to the guest bedroom was shut, Jade sighing as she clenched her fists. "Ming, about what you saw…"

She turned to face the girl, her eyes slightly blue. "I'm not the same girl you knew and I'm not going to let this keep going. I…" Her voice died in her throat, the next thing that happened shaking her slightly. Ming Hua, the most prideful girl she had ever known, was on her knees with her head touching the ground.

[Language Change: Mandarin]

"I'm sorry. I well and truly am, especially for what I made you endure. If I had just tried to talk with you then you wouldn't have been put in danger. I heard from your parents, your family, and your friends. Truly, I thought I was helping you and never intended to make you doubt your honor."

She kept her head to the ground, the whole experience still putting Jade through a loop as the prideful girl continued. "I was just trying to help you connect with other girls in school because you would do nothing but listen. When you arrived, you did not talk with anyone, wore expensive clothes, and I perceived this as you thinking you were better than everyone. I just wanted to make things work, thinking we could be friends, but clearly I didn't understand what I was doing. I messed up without realizing that I was causing you grief and pain, so I beg for your mercy and, should you allow it, your forgiveness."

Ming pushed her forehead so hard against the floor that Jade began to worry that the spot would be red the entire night. "I will do anything you wish of me as retribution for my foul actions, even if it means to shame myself. It is what I deserve for the years of misery I caused you. Say it and it will be done." Jade looked over the girl, anything she had planned to say being thrown out the window as she tried to process what was happening.

Ming began to quiver, not taking the silence well as she imagined terrible things she would be made to do. The birthday girl eventually sighed, her face slowly turning into an unreadable frown as she approached the waiting girl. She helped her up, earning a surprised look similar to the one she had displayed.

"I don't want you to suffer anything worse than I've already had to endure. If I hadn't come to America I might have taken your offer but… after everything that's happened with bad men, I couldn't dare have what happened to me happen to you. I would not be able to look anyone in the face again." She looked down, expecting to be caught in a corner. Instead she looked up to see the horrified look on Ming's face.

"No… Please say they didn't undress you. Say no one touched you." Jade couldn't control her expression as she looked away, gritting her teeth. Even the mention of the moment still bothered her deeply.

Ming began to heave, her eyes starting to water. "I-I caused this. I'M SO VERY SORRY! Please, say anything you wish and I will do it to repay this debt somehow. I must!" Jade looked towards the girl, trying not to mirror her display.

"All I want, all I've ever wanted, was for us to be friends. For us to stop fighting." She couldn't take it anymore as she felt an embrace around her, leaning forward a bit as she sniffled.

"Then I shall be the bestest of friends you could ever ask for. I shall never assume anything ever again, and I shall keep every secret no matter what it is. I will do so until my last breath." Jade felt a hand at the back of her head, for once not letting it bother her as she leaned in a bit more. While she had wished it didn't take coming to America to make this happen, she felt a weight on her shoulders and in her heart began to lift and take her pain and doubts with it.

"XIAOYU!" cried Jackie's voice downstairs. "COME HERE PLEASE!" The girls looked towards the door, knowing that Jackie would start by looking where the others were. Jade noticed her face in the mirror, sighing as her makeup was running again. She knew that this was going to be a bit.

[Language Change: English]

Ben paced back and forth in the waiting area, clicking his teeth as he held his hands behind his back. Ellie looked unaffected by his actions while Gwen began to look concerned. The sister simply sighed, flipping a page in a magazine she was looking over.

"Ben, you're going to run a hole in the floor," stated the ghostly girl. "You're already a few hundred dollars up the creek from where you did that at home three days ago, worrying about if Jade was going to like your little gift or freak out." Ben stopped in place, groaning as he looked up.

"So sue me if the girl I love is in a room alone with her biggest bully," huffed the boy. "Her future is on the line, not to mention ours if Ming decides to blabber about all of us." Gwen stood up, a frown on her face.

"You're overreacting, Ben," denied the redhead. "You heard what Ming told us at the park." Ben crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing.

"Actions speak louder than words, Gwen. What about her seeing you and Jade using magic, seeing me turn into two different aliens, and let's not forget KEVIN was there! By the way, we'll come back to WHY you were acting buddy-buddy with KEVIN LEVIN later. It was like you… like… him…"

His eyes slowly narrowed as he watched Gwen begin to blush slightly. "OH YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! WHY KEVIN!? YOU KNOW HE'S A MONSTER!" Gwen growled at him, her eyes turned slightly pink.

"OH AND YOU'RE MR. PERFECT BOYFRIEND!? NO ONE'S PERFECT, OR DO I NEED TO REMIND YOU HOW MANY PROBLEMS YOU CAUSED YEAR ONE WITH THAT STUPID WATCH!?" The girl took deep breaths, closing her eyes before opening them to reveal that they had gone back to normal. "Besides, he's changed. You wanna say actions speak louder than words, then take the fact that he actually saved me instead of doing his job."

She winced suddenly, rubbing her arms. "He could have let that woman take me and NO ONE would have noticed. By the time you did, I'd be off in space being forced to carry the kid of any sap that decided to have their way with me. People change, Ben, something you're fond of saying about yourself." Ben closed his eyes at this, clenching his fists as he growled.

"Why did you wander off in the first place? I'd expect my dumb ass to do that but not you. You're supposed to be smarter than me, to pull me back when I do the stupid thing that needs fixing. I don't want to imagine any of that happening to you." Gwen sighed, lowering her head as she put her hands on her hips.

"Ben, just accept that Kevin has changed. He's the reason I'm still here talking to you. As for the dart thing, you could say I was curious when a moose shrieked like a howler monkey. I heard his story and that the animals were endangered so I couldn't NOT help. That woman just happened to know that magic needs a focus and my book wasn't a good enough answer for her."

The girl looked towards the ceiling, clicking her teeth a bit. "I need to start carrying around something convincing to make people think it's my focus. That or I'll need to be like Mr. Chan and carry around every ingredient for every spell I use. I don't think I can fight security like he does though." Ben sat down in a seat, holding his head as he sighed.

"Just… just be careful. I almost lost you once years ago and I almost lost Jade a few months back. I-I don't think I'm strong enough to lose anyone. Now I have a sister to worry about too, no matter how cool her ghost powers are." Gwen sat beside him, rubbing his shoulders as best as she could.

"Ben, one of these days one of us might get captured. We're kids, not invincible superheroes or Avengers. Every time we fight, we play a dangerous game with our lives. I'm not going to turn a blind eye when someone or something needs our help, so it's time to start actually putting the 'Hero' in 'Hero Time'. If this is going to be what we do, we have to be responsible for ourselves just as much as we try to be responsible for others."

Ben was about to say something, only for them to hear Jackie's muffled cry for Jade to come along. "Party time. Don't let Jade know you got all mopey on her birthday. You've got something big to give her, after all." Ben suddenly stood up, an annoyed frown on his face.

"I-I DID NOT GET MOPEY! You-you're just seeing things." The girls giggled at him, leaning towards each other.

"Such a boy," stated the duo together. They laughed as Ben took deep breaths, the boy trying not to explode on them. He simply picked up a cup of oolong tea to take a sip of it before walking out of the room.

"...We had tea in here?" questioned Ellie. "I'm sure that cup wasn't here before." Gwen sighed, shaking her head.

"Ben does weird things sometimes," huffed the redhead. "It's probably old tea and he's about to spew it out or something. Let's just hurry. Jade will be down any second unless we need to lay down the hurt. Then I'll show you how we girls get payback."

Ellie gulped as Gwen followed Ben out quickly, mentally considering whether she was the normal one or not at this point. Jade slowly made her way down the stairs, Ming following warily behind as she held her hands together in front of her. They followed the sound of chattering, Jade slowly grinning as she saw the large set up of the room. She noticed Ben's concerned frown on her, only for her to grin as she waved him off dismissively. The boy sighed in relief, knowing that he was in for the dreaded 'I told you so'.

Soon enough, Jade found herself chewing on a piece of cake as she kept it away from her qipao. She looked over the range of gifts she had opened as she took in the day's events. The gifts ranged from simple chocolates to a replica of El Toro's mask, the latter causing the age old argument of who was the better fighter between their adult idols. The girl mentally giggled as she remembered Ben looking miffed at not being considered in the running, wondering why guys like to compete. Of course, Jackie had to be the one to get her a collection of socks with some cash hidden in one of the socks though she was grateful nonetheless.

One thing that shocked Jade was that Viper had gotten her the hair product she had been asking her uncle to get her multiple times. It even came in multiple varieties, a gift that definitely wasn't cheap. She giggled as she felt her hair be slowly adjusted by the former criminal herself.

"Plenty to work with to keep this hair nice and fresh," stated the woman. "I wasn't sure what scents you like so I chose my personal favorites: Strawberry and cherry blossom. I also found a nice makeup bag and some soap bombs on short notice. Just like any other girl, you go through a lot of makeup." Jade giggled at this, scratching her cheek as she leaned back in her seat a bit.

"It's awesome!" cheered the birthday girl. "I am going to be taking nice long baths whenever I can." Sandra walked over, a grin on her face.

"Last gift of the night from friends, as far as I know," stated the woman. "It may or may not have anything to do with a certain something else." She cleared her throat, Ben gulping as he slowly walked over. He carefully placed the ornate bag down, giving it ample space on the table. Sandra pulled out her phone to take pictures, Jade frowning as she noticed the Tennysons in the group looked a bit tense.

'Ben, what did you do?' She carefully grabbed the bag, pulling the paper out one thing at a time. She began to pull out an ornate box, the symbol for the Omnitrix and a phoenix symbol on it. "...What is this?" Ben held his hands together, looking rather nervous.

"A promise I made," stated the boy simply. Jade hesitantly began to unlatch the front, her hands shaking from the anticipation. She slowly lifted the lid, all noise around her halting as her eyes focused solely on the silver hair pin. Where it was simply bare silver before, the wing extension was encrusted with green jade gemstones. She slowly picked it up from the box, Gwen gawking as the girl's parents gasped.

"T-that looks way more expensive than I thought when you told me about this, Ben," huffed the redhead. "Is that actual gemstone?" Ben didn't take his eyes off the birthday girl, his hands still held together.

"Pure silver with jade gemstones. Precious and pure, like her." Jade slowly stood up from her seat, holding the hairpin out like it was her last lifeline.

"Viper, please," requested the birthday girl. The woman nodded, immediately approaching as she carefully took the pin. Ben watched as the object was slid into the girl's hair, the gemstones seeming to glow slightly as his eyes sparkled. Jade slowly looked towards him as soon as it was fully in, her eyes threatening to water up again. He shakily held out his arms, trying to smirk.

"P-please," requested the boy. "I want this." The girl suddenly crashed into his chest, her head buried into it as she held him like she would never do so again.

"Stupid Omnitrix growth spurt. I can't bury you in my chest now as I wanted." Ben slowly returned the embrace, the plants in the area beginning to look more lively as he rested the top of her head in the crook of his neck. Sandra took pictures faster than any phone had a right to move at. Shen leaned towards Ai, a small smile on his face.

"[Mandarin] It would seem they are both serious about this," stated the father. "Perhaps such is why the mother was eager to begin talks while the children were away." Ai nodded her head, seeing a slight sparkle in Sandra's eyes before she smiled.

"[Mandarin] Indeed," agreed the Chinese mother. "We had planned to discuss this over the course of our stay, though it seems the rules need to be made. That is for tomorrow, however. For now, Let our daughter enjoy her birthday. As such, I must practice this American trend and take as many photos as humanly possible before the moment is gone."

Ai pulled out her phone, quickly mimicking what Sandra was doing to the best of her ability. It would almost seem like Ben and Jade would never leave each other's embrace, their hearts beginning to beat as one. Deep in Ben's mind, something began to spark slightly. A small spherical object began to turn, light slightly shining off of it as if it had recently been active. It suddenly began to spin around like crazy, the Omnitrix symbol appearing on it before twisting into the maw of a beast.

In real life, the green energy of the device turned black with shining stars as it flowed more rapidly in its camouflaged state. The faceplate glowed before jittering, a set of green eyes peering out of the black of the helix symbol. Lines of code seemed to change on their own, bending to the will of this new energy.

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This is the closing chapter to the story and hopefully a good point to end off. I hope that many of my plans for the future and the ideas you guys send in will work out rather well. I don't want to give up on this story idea but so much has to change that simply editing the old chapters won't fix it. Keep the ideas coming and let me know what you think about this chapter. For those on Ao3, any further comments will be answered with comments of my own. Stay safe, stay healthy, keep reading good stories, and leave some room for joy and imagination in your lives, alright? Until the next time we meet, this is Inkaliber, signing out.