—It's Not Easy Being Ben—
"You hold the key to a power struggle so ancient, so vast, it is beyond your feeble comprehension..."
"You meddle in the affairs of gods and mortals alike..."
"The Omnitrix was never intended for you, Tennyson. It was meant for your grandfather..."
"Your reckless tampering with the fabric of reality will not go unnoticed..."
"You are unworthy of that power!"
"And you will always be just one bad day away from bending the universe to your will."
…
"Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is nothing at all."
The slow, steady ticking of a clock echoed through the silence.
…
Ben's vision swam in and out of focus, muffled sounds of chaos ringing in his ears.
Slowly, his eyes fluttered open, the world still spinning as he shook off the effects of a concussion. A piece of twisted metal fell dangerously close, clanging loudly against the debris. Ben lurched to his feet, stumbling, disoriented, and afraid.
A beam of green mana wrapped around him, forming a protective barrier. "Get up, Tennyson! Now!" barked a sharp, determined voice.
The Mage stood beside him, urgency in her tone, as the building crumbled around them.
Dodging falling debris and weaving through the collapsing structure, they sprinted through the maze of destruction. The ground cracked and shifted beneath them, the walls around them crumbling.
Ben's voice broke through the chaos, "What—What happened?!"
An office cubicle smashed down beside them, rattling the floor.
The Mage cast a quick glance his way, breathless. "You got cocky. He landed a hit on you, that's what happened."
"Wait, what? How?" Ben asked, still dazed.
"There's no time to stroke your ego, Tennyson!" she snapped, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Get us out of here!" She pushed him forward, urgency driving her words as the structure groaned, threatening to collapse entirely.
—FASTTRACK—
Without hesitation, Ben shifted into Fasttrack, scooping her up effortlessly as they zipped through the wreckage.
The Mage rolled her eyes as she clung to him. "Why must you be so touchy?" she muttered, but there was a trace of a smile beneath her words.
Elsewhere – Interior
The scene shifted. Lifeless bodies littered the floor, bloodless and cold. Flickering lights cast long shadows across the carnage, and the blaring alarm pierced the otherwise eerie silence.
A pair of black boots stepped into frame, marching purposefully past the fallen guards and terrified employees.
Inspector 13, the former master of Techadon weaponry, walked with robotic precision. His once pristine, all-white armor had been replaced by a menacing brown trench coat, a black-and-brown jumpsuit laced with heavy mechanical plating. A large, spherical device hung over his back, ominous and foreboding.
A haunting chorus echoed through the space as Inspector 13 advanced down the railed walkway, his gaze fixed on the enormous nuclear reactor before him.
With cold efficiency, he retrieved a small, intricate device from his coat and connected it to the reactor's core. The machine whirred to life, slowly siphoning a glowing, irradiated substance from the heart of the reactor.
Suddenly, a loud crash shattered the tense silence.
Inspector 13 turned, calm and composed.
Ben and The Mage stood ready, the air around them thick with tension. They had come to face him, prepared for whatever came next.
—TITLE CARD—
Bellwood Outertown - Nuclear Power Plant - Daytime
A news helicopter flies overhead, circling the chaos below.
"Half of the Power Plant's east wing has collapsed," the reporter's voice crackles over the broadcast. "From what we've gathered on the ground, 'The Mage' and Ben Tennyson, along with the brave efforts of the Bellwood PD, have drastically reduced the potential casualties—"
Suddenly, two Plumber Gunships zoom past the helicopter, their engines roaring, cutting the reporter off mid-sentence.
"It appears the Plumbers have been mobilized to the scene!" he exclaims, pointing to the rapidly approaching gunships.
Nuclear Power Plant - Reactor Core - Interior
Inside the heart of the power plant, Inspector 13 silently disconnects the device from the reactor core, securing it on his back. His gaze lingers coldly over the destruction.
Ben steps forward, fists clenched as he surveys the fallen bodies around them. His voice is hard. "Inspector 13... it's been a while."
The Mage, standing nearby, senses the shift in Ben's demeanor, her eyes darting toward him.
The former weapons master doesn't react to Ben's words. "Negative. 'Inspector 13' designation has been forfeited. New designation... Caedis Telum."
Ben's lips twitch in disdain. "Yeah, well... I don't care."
—GOOP—
Ben transforms into Goop, his green, slimy form hovering just above the floor. The Mage remains behind, her attention shifting to the bodies scattered around them. Instead of joining the battle, she begins checking for signs of life. Beneath a tilted shelf, she spots a scientist, shielding a terrified little girl.
Suddenly, twelve mechanical arms emerge from the shell-like contraption strapped to Caedis's back. They swarm toward Ben, attacking with terrifying precision.
In his amorphous state, Ben dodges the barrage, twisting and morphing out of harm's way. But one of the mechanical arms strikes the saucer that holds his form together, sending him crashing to the ground, his body collapsing into a puddle.
—LODESTAR—
Quickly recovering, Ben shifts into Lodestar, standing on the railing. Using his magnetic powers, he begins pulling the mechanical arms toward him, dragging Caedis with them.
But Caedis is ready. He draws two powerful blaster rifles, unleashing a torrent of firepower, disrupting Ben's magnetic pull.
Ben quickly retaliates, ripping the metal railing from beneath Caedis's feet and hurling it at him. But Caedis is always two steps ahead. He uses the momentum from the throw to propel himself forward, landing near Ben with a calculated precision.
With a flick of his wrist, Caedis activates an electro-staff, its crackling energy cutting through the air as it clashes against Lodestar's metallic skin.
Ben winces, the electricity coursing through him. He grits his teeth, trying to hold his ground.
—KICKINHAWK—
Ben shifts into KickinHawk, his most skilled hand-to-hand combat form, but even with his enhanced agility and strength, he finds himself outmatched. Caedis is relentless, each of his blows pushing Ben further back.
Nearby, The Mage continues tending to the wounded, her hands glowing as she heals a scientist and her daughter. She glances toward Ben, concern flashing in her eyes. He's struggling.
Caedis's voice cuts through the chaos, cold and calculated. "Your resistance is futile. My capabilities far exceed yours. Surrender."
Ben, breathless and weary, grunts in response, his movements slowing. "I'm just—trying—to level the playing field..."
Suddenly, a deafening explosion rips through the ceiling, and a massive hole opens up above them. Cosmobots flood in, their laser blasts lighting up the room.
Ben and Caedis both dive for cover.
Caedis calmly assesses the situation, pulling out three small spherical devices—Cluster Grenades. With calculated precision, he tosses them toward the Cosmobots. Then, using his mechanical arms, he begins scaling the walls, escaping through the hole in the ceiling.
The grenades roll across the floor, inching closer to the advancing Cosmobots.
Ben, back in his human form, spots the explosives. His eyes dart toward The Mage, who has gathered a group of civilians. Her eyes meet his, worry etched across her face.
Ben's gaze snaps back to Caedis, climbing to safety. Then to the Cosmobots. Then the grenades. Then the civilians—specifically, the little girl.
His heart pounds in his chest, a single, thundering heartbeat echoing in his ears as everything around him blurs. Overwhelmed, Ben freezes, paralyzed by the weight of the decisions before him.
In desperation, he slams his hand onto the Omnitrix, scrolling through its options. He locks onto a silhouette—a Celestialsapien.
His hand hovers over the activation button, but something stops him.
Everything around him has stopped.
Time itself has come to a halt.
Confusion washes over him as he looks around and realizes something strange—everyone is frozen in place. He walks toward the grenades, their mechanical ticking loud in the silence.
"Hello, my friend!" A cheerful voice breaks the stillness, echoing across the room.
Ben turns around to see Professor Paradox, his usual well-mannered self, standing behind him with a casual smile.
Paradox: "Ah, it's always good to see you," he exclaims, tipping his hat.
Ben: (groans, tired) "Paradox…"
Paradox walks past The Mage, who remains frozen mid-action, and observes her briefly.
Paradox: "I see you've even made a friend out of an enemy. How splendid!"
Ben furrows his brow, unsure of what Paradox means. Without responding, he slumps into a crooked chair, waiting for Paradox to 'spill the beans.'
Paradox continues inspecting the room, quietly knocking on one of the Cosmobots, his expression distant. Tap. Tap.
Paradox: "You're unusually quiet, my boy."
Ben leans back in the chair, arms behind his head, his frustration masked by exhaustion.
Ben: "As much as I enjoy seeing you again, you never bring good news. So, what is it this time? No more time wars, right?" His tone is direct but tired.
Paradox doesn't immediately respond. Instead, he pulls out his pocket watch, glancing at it with unsettling calmness.
Paradox: "No, my friend, no time wars. That's all over." He pauses. "Unforunately the matter at hand is far more pressing."
His voice drops, losing the cheerfulness. Paradox's expression hardens, taking on a rare, grave demeanor.
Paradox: "I'm here to warn you... of yourself."
Ben, startled by the sudden shift in tone, sits up straighter, his casual posture fading into unease.
Paradox: (softly) "I've done my best to shield you from the consequences of your actions, Benjamin. But there's only so much I can do." He turns fully, his eyes locked on Ben's.
Ben crosses his arms defensively, bracing himself for the worst.
Paradox: (firmly) "If you continue tampering with reality, it will begin to tamper with you. I speak from experience."
He walks closer, tapping Ben's chest lightly with the tip of his cane.
Paradox: "You are on a path I cannot follow. And if you ignore this warning…" (sternly) "You will cross a threshold from which there is no return."
Ben stares into Paradox's eyes, trying to process the weight of his words. There's a long, tense silence as he lets it sink in.
Ben: (muttering) "I'll… I'll keep that in mind."
Paradox steps back, his face softening only slightly, though his eyes remain serious.
Paradox: (quietly, but with emphasis) "Don't just keep it in mind, my friend. Adhere."
Without another word, Paradox taps his cane on the ground, turning away. The ticking of the grenades suddenly returns, snapping Ben back into the present moment.
The scene resumes with Caedis Telum hurling the cluster grenades toward the Cosmobots, and everything bursts into motion again.
Ben's Omnitrix flashes green.
—SPACEBREACH—
He shifts into Spacebreach, a towering, slender alien with a head resembling a cuttlefish. His silicone-based body is covered in jagged thorns along his hunched back. With a deep, guttural groan, Spacebreach raises his clawed hands.
Portals tear open around him, rips in space itself, swirling and shimmering. With rapid, practiced movements, he hurls the portals toward the crowd of survivors, enveloping them in safety. He shifts to shield the Cosmobots next, whisking them away from the blast radius.
The cluster grenades beep faster, their detonation imminent.
Spacebreach turns toward The Mage, who is still frantically healing civilians. Without hesitation, he conjures a portal beneath her, pulling her through just as the grenades explode, consuming the entire power plant in a fiery blaze.
The plant is leveled.
Despite their escape, the scene is a catastrophe—debris and fire litter the landscape where the nuclear facility once stood.
But to Ben, the worst part of it had settled in his mind. 'Caedis Telum' had escaped, again.
Bellwood Midtown - Rooftops - Daytime
A reddish portal opens with a crackling hum, and Ben and The Mage tumble out, landing roughly on the rooftop.
The sorceress quickly rises to her feet, her eyes darting around in a near panic, searching for the civilians they had just rescued.
The Mage: "Where—where are they?" Her voice trembles for a moment before she composes herself, forcing the anxiety down.
Ben shifts back to his normal form, dusting himself off.
Ben: "I sent them somewhere safe, same with the robocops. Maybe this time they'll take me off their hit list." He mutters with a hint of frustration, still harboring a grudge.
Ben walks to the edge of the rooftop, staring out over the sprawling city below. In the distance, the thick, dark cloud of smoke rises from the destroyed nuclear power plant. His eyes narrow.
Ben: "That murderer… We let him get away."
The Mage, still standing behind him, brushes off her robe and steps closer, her voice calm but resolute.
The Mage: "We'll get him next time."
Ben clenches his fists, his jaw tightening. He turns to face her, anger flashing across his face.
Ben: "There shouldn't be a next time! I can do better. I should do better!" His voice breaks with frustration, the weight of failure pressing down on him.
The Mage pauses, her gaze steady as she watches him wrestle with his emotions. She takes a slow breath before speaking, her voice low, measured.
The Mage: "True. But not alone. You did what mattered today. You saved lives. That's why we do this."
Her words carry an oddly soothing tone, even through her normally cold, monotone voice.
Ben: (sarcastic) "We? That's rich, coming from the 'lone wolf' who's always complaining whenever I show up."
A small smirk plays at the corners of The Mage's mouth, barely visible beneath her mask.
The Mage: "It took at least four of our 'coincidental' encounters for me to admit you have your uses."
Ben: (rolling his eyes) "I'll… try to take that as a compliment."
He listens to the distant wail of sirens, the sound sharp against the quiet rooftop. Ben exhales, the tension still lingering in his body as he speaks again, more quietly this time.
Ben: "These guys—Caedis Telum and the others—running around, causing chaos... It's on me. I failed, and it's my responsibility to bring them back in, badge or no badge."
He turns fully to The Mage now, his eyes searching hers, the frustration in his voice giving way to a deeper question.
Ben: "What's your excuse? Why do you do this?"
His question, tinged with anger but also curiosity, hangs in the air.
The Mage stands still, her eyes locking with his, the intensity of her gaze piercing through her mask. Her voice is quiet, but the weight behind her words is unmistakable.
The Mage: "You're not the only one who believes in doing the right thing... just because it's the right thing to do."
She hesitates, her eyes softening, almost as if she's about to reveal something she's kept buried for a long time.
The Mage: (softly) "It took me a long time to understand that mindset. You might be driven by goodwill… but I'm driven by regret."
The words linger in the air between them, heavy and raw. Ben's anger fades, replaced by something closer to understanding.
Before he can respond, The Mage turns on her heel, her torn cape fluttering behind her as she walks toward the rooftop's edge.
The Mage: "Have a good day, hero."
—WILDVINE—
As Ben, now in his plant-based Wildvine form, extends a vine-like tendril to catch The Mage by the wrist before she can leave, the sorceress halts, momentarily taken aback. She glances back at him, her brow furrowed in mild confusion.
The Mage: "What? Still trying to get my number?" She teases, her voice laced with sarcastic amusement.
Ben: (smirking) "I figured wizards don't usually carry phones in their pockets."
He retracts the vines and morphs back into his normal form, his playful tone dropping into something more serious.
Ben: "I'm not convinced about you. You go around anonymously, doing your 'good samaritan' thing... and then turn around and pull some really shady moves." He narrows his eyes, studying her. "You wanna hide who you are? Fine. But what's your angle?"
He steps forward, his expression hardening.
Ben: "I need to know what you're planning with all those stolen artifacts. Just tell me. Otherwise..." He pauses, his tone sharpening. "This little 'dynamic' we have? It's over."
The silence that follows feels heavy. The Mage doesn't respond right away. Instead, she moves toward him, her steps deliberate, closing the distance between them until she's standing uncomfortably close.
Ben's guard goes up, sensing something off, but he doesn't move, waiting for her to speak.
The Mage: "Benjamin." She says with hesitation.
She reaches out, gently resting her hand on his forearm. Ben glances down at her hand, then back up, his eyes locking with hers. Her gaze is unreadable—there's something intense there, but it's hidden behind layers of mystery.
The Mage: (softly) "Thank you."
Before Ben can react, she deftly pickpockets his Friedkin University ID card with her free hand, her movements quick and undetectable.
The Mage: "For inspiring me."
Ben's brow furrows in confusion, a slight flush creeping up his face. He's caught off guard, his usual sharpness dulled by the unexpected closeness. He stares into her eyes, momentarily lost.
Ben: (stuttering) "What?"
Before he can gather his thoughts, the sorceress drops a smoke bomb at their feet, the thick cloud instantly enveloping them. Ben coughs, waving his hands through the smoke to clear his vision.
When the air clears, she's gone.
Ben rubs his eyes and mutters under his breath.
Ben: "Freaking hot wizard ninjas, man..."
He shoves his hands into his pockets, reaching for his phone to check the time. The screen lights up, and his eyes widen in panic.
Ben: "Oh no! I'm gonna be late again!"
—JETRAY—
In a flash of green light, Ben shifts into Jetray, the sleek alien with large wings and a powerful tail. With a burst of speed, he rockets into the sky, leaving a trail of energy behind him as he races toward his next destination, cutting through the air with extraordinary speed.
Friedkin University - Archaeological Auditorium
The room was quiet, except for the sound of Professor Danvers meticulously organizing reports into a file. Suddenly, a fierce gust of wind blasted through the door, scattering papers in all directions. Caught off guard, the professor clutched her glasses and steadied her dress, her expression one of utter shock.
Ben burst into the room, mid-transformation, shouting as his voice trailed off.
Ben: "I'm here! I'm here! Oh—"
He stopped in his tracks, noticing the empty room. Class had ended. His eyes scanned the ground, now littered with papers.
—BRAINSTORM—
With a flash of green light, Ben morphed into the sharp-witted Cerebrocrustacean. His electrokinesis kicked in, neatly gathering all the scattered papers into a tidy stack, which he floated back into the professor's file.
Ben: "Please accept my deepest apologies for my tardiness, Miss Danvers. I present no excuse, for there are none sufficiently worthy!" He declared in a refined, almost pompous tone, his claws twitching with emphasis.
With another flash, Ben transformed back to his human form, nervously scratching the back of his neck.
Miss Danvers: (adjusting her glasses) "It's quite remarkable to witness those abilities firsthand." She paused, regaining her composure. "Benjamin, this is the second time—"
Ben: "I know, I know, I was—"
Miss Danvers: (cutting him off) "But!" (softening her tone) "It's alright. I saw the news. You don't need to explain." She handed him his report card with a bright, bold 'A' stamped on it.
Ben: (surprised) "But I didn't even get to present and
Ben: (surprised) "But I didn't even get to present and—"
Miss Danvers: (cutting him off again) "Oh, stop being so modest! Your report was easily the best in the class—right up there with Fellah's. I only wish more students put in half the effort you did. Your research, your writing... it was brilliant. Now, if only you could show the same level of dedication in class, we'd really be getting somewhere." She grinned, playfully scolding him.
Ben stood there, stunned, searching for words.
Ben: (awkwardly smiling) "Uh... thank you, Miss Danvers."
Miss Danvers: (with a smile) "You're welcome." She gathered her papers and added, "I hope you're ready for next trimester."
Ben gasped in sudden realization.
Ben: "Aw, crap! The registry!" He slapped his forehead in panic.
—ASTRODACTYL—
In a flash, Ben shifted into Astrodactyl and shot out the door with a sudden burst of speed, leaving a fresh gust of wind in his wake. The force sent papers flying across the room once more.
Miss Danvers sighed, shaking her head with a soft smile as she bent down to collect the papers, yet again.
Miss Danvers: (to herself) "He's a good kid."
Friedkin University - Registration Room
A small, grumpy Gourmand woman sat behind the counter, her oversized glasses perched precariously on her nose. She squinted at the monitor, her entire posture radiating exhaustion.
Gourmand Lady: (in a bored monotone) "Next!"
Ben Tennyson slumped into the seat across from her, still fatigued from his earlier rush.
Ben: (forcing a polite smile) "Hi! Just here to register for the next trimester."
Gourmand Lady: "ID."
Her voice lacked any form of enthusiasm, and Ben could already sense this was going to be a painfully slow process.
Ben reached into his pocket, then his wallet. Then he checked his other pocket. Then his jacket.
Ben: (growing increasingly frustrated) "Come on... There's no way I left it!"
Gourmand Lady: (clearing her throat, glaring over her glasses) "Ahem."
Ben sighed, defeated.
Ben: "Look, I left my ID somewh—"
Gourmand Lady: (cutting him off) "Student number..."
Ben: "Right, right..." He hesitated, looking around nervously as if the answer might be on the walls. The lady stared at him blankly, waiting.
Ben: (quietly) "Yeah... I don't remember it."
Gourmand Lady: (deadpan) "You don't remember it."
Ben: (sheepish) "I don't remember it."
Gourmand Lady: (sighs, raising her eyebrow) "Full name..."
Ben blinked at her, baffled by the monotony of the request.
Ben: (in disbelief) "Really?"
The lady raised her eyebrows even higher above her glasses.
Ben: (sighs) "Benjamin Kirby Tennyson."
She nodded, still utterly disinterested, and turned toward her ancient computer. Her fingers began clacking away on the keyboard, at a painfully slow pace.
Ben sat there awkwardly, drumming his fingers on his leg, waiting.
She kept typing.
And typing.
Ben: (internally screaming, making a dying expression)
She glanced at him for a moment, causing him to force a lazy smile, before returning to her marathon typing session.
More typing...
Ben: (looking around, fighting the urge to fall asleep)
Finally, she stopped and looked back at him.
Gourmand Lady: "Ok, Mr. Tennyson..."
Ben startled awake, not realizing he had actually drifted off. He straightened up.
Gourmand Lady: "Please sign these papers next to your name, choose your classes in curriculum order, and confirm your payment method. H.U.C. or Tayden?"
Ben, still groggy, yawned and replied, "High Union."
Without missing a beat, she slid the card reader toward him.
Ben passed his H.U.C. card. It loaded...
It declined.
The lady didn't even blink, staring blankly at him. Ben tried again. It loaded...
It declined. Again.
Ben's confusion grew as he stared at the card like it had betrayed him.
Gourmand Lady: (same flat tone) "Mr. Tennyson, if you cannot pay the tuition at this time, we can establish a payment plan according to our student aid policy. Would you find that... favorable?"
Ben sank lower in his chair, embarrassed and utterly defeated.
Ben: (sighs deeply) "Yeah... Yeah... I'll roll with that..."
Later...
Bellwood Midtown - Tennyson Residence - Evening
The bright glow of a phone screen illuminated Ben's face, the screen displaying his bank account balances: 197 credits and 84 Taydens.
Ben: (under his breath, stressed) "Crap..."
From across the yard, a familiar voice called out.
Kevin: (shouting) "Hey, Ben! Get off the phone and get your ass over here!"
Before Kevin could finish, Gwen swiftly elbowed him in the ribs.
Gwen: (sternly) "Language, Kevin!"
Kevin smirked, rubbing his side.
Kevin: (grinning) "All I said was a—"
Gwen cut him off with a smack of a rolled-up newspaper.
Across the yard, it was a full-blown family BBQ, with friends and neighbors scattered around. The yard buzzed with laughter, conversation, and the occasional scream from kids darting between legs. A large outdoor table was crowded with familiar faces: Kevin, Gwen, their son Owen, Ben's parents Carl and Sandra, Gwen's parents Frank and Lili, her brother Ken, and even extended family like Gordon and Vera, Max's brother and sister.
Sandra huffed from her seat near the grill.
Sandra: (complaining) "I can't believe it. The one time we're all here, and he doesn't show up."
Ben walked over from his secluded spot, pocketing his phone and slumping down onto the oversized bench next to Kevin. His dad, Carl, was still by the grill, flipping burgers with a calm, rational tone.
Carl: (defending Max) "Honey, Max just got back from Green Springs. He needs a break, a bit of rest."
Across the table, Gordon, with his typical teasing grin, couldn't resist poking fun.
Gordon: (laughing) "Max's getting old enough to need a bedtime schedule!"
His wife Betty Jean tried to stifle her giggle, while Vera chuckled softly.
Vera: (joking) "Aren't we all?"
Kevin rocked Owen's stroller back and forth absentmindedly, but his sharp eyes caught something off about Ben's demeanor.
Kevin: (nudging Ben) "Yo, Ben. You good? You've got that... lost-in-your-head look."
Ben blinked and shook off his thoughts.
Ben: (halfheartedly) "Yeah, yeah, it's nothing."
Gwen, overhearing from across the table, raised an eyebrow. She knew Ben better than that.
Gwen: (smirking) "'It's nothing'? That's code for 'I need help' in Ben-ese."
Ben gave a small, tired chuckle but waved it off.
Ben: (insisting) "Seriously, Gwen, it's nothing."
Now leaning in, Gwen studied her cousin more intently.
Gwen: (teasing but concerned) "Okay, now I'm really worried."
Ben sighed, his tone growing slightly firmer.
Ben: "I said I'm fine."
Kevin leaned over, whispering to Gwen in his usual cavalier manner.
Kevin: (whispering) "Babe, he said it's nothing. Let the guy breathe. He's probably just processing stuff. You know, he's a little crybaby half the time."
Ben glared at Kevin, his voice cutting through the gathering chatter.
Ben: (mocking, but loud) "I can still hear you, Aerosmith!"
Kevin, ever the clueless one, shrugged with a grin.
Kevin: "I know."
He didn't.
Before any more could be said, a voice rang out from the entrance of the backyard, drawing everyone's attention.
Rook: (cheerfully) "Greetings! Dessert has arrived!"
Rook appeared, carefully balancing a towering stack of boxes, each one filled with amber Ogia-based pastries. His arrival was met with applause and laughter as a few guests rushed over to help him unload the sweet treats.
The atmosphere lifted, and for a brief moment, Ben's troubles seemed distant—buried beneath the warmth of family, friends, and Rook's perfectly timed desserts.
Time passed, and everyone continued to share stories and socialize throughout the day. Carl cleaned up the grill while Sandra collected the dishes.
Ben and Rook sat at the right end of the backyard, a small table between them.
Ben: "Let me get this straight. No patrols, no on-the-field roles, no action...?"
Rook: "That is correct."
Ben: "I don't know how you can live day-to-day like that."
Rook: "While my job as a Magister may no longer prompt the same excitement as before, being at the office does have its benefits."
Ben waited, staring expectantly at Rook.
Rook: "Like... having a nearby microwave to heat up my food."
Ben looked at him blankly.
Rook: "There are no benefits, and I am profoundly bored."
Ben: "Finally, we're getting somewhere." He laughed. "Why don't you just leave? You could manage your own thing."
Rook: "Very unlikely. The Plumbers, although they have changed, remain my strength and stability. I will continue to uphold the principles of what it truly means to be a Plumber until the very end of my days."
Ben: "Hah, we'll see. Besides, there's another title that goes along with those 'principles.' It's called being a hero... You're a good guy, Rook, you don't need a badge to prove that. They don't deserve you."
Rook looked down, visibly upset. They sat in silence for a moment.
Rook: "I have missed you, partner."
Ben: "Yeah." He looked over at him. "I've missed you too, bud." He gave Rook a pat on the shoulder.
Suddenly, a kid ran up to Ben, excitement written all over his face.
Kid: "Ben Ten! Can you turn into Wildmut?!"
Ben laughed. "Not right now, little dude. Maybe later." He patted the kid's head.
Another kid came running.
Kid: "Ben Ten!"
Rook: "It seems that no matter where you go, you cannot escape the attention of your adoring fans."
Kid: "Sign my drawings! Sign my drawings!" The first kid jumped around, waving a crumpled piece of paper.
A few more kids surrounded Ben, and half the attendees turned to watch the commotion, amused by the sight.
Ben: "Okay, okay! Alright, kiddo, let me see that work of art—hey, one at a time!" He laughed.
"Let's see here..." he said as he took the various drawings.
As he examined them one by one, a wonderful collage of his different transformations, and even stories.
However, his eyes slowly widened upon skipping to one of the drawings.
Everything around him began to grow muffled.
The drawing—a chaotic mess of crayon colors—depicted what looked like a cluster of planets.
At the center, a pitch-black figure resembling a Celestialsapien loomed, a poorly drawn Omnitrix symbol on its chest, ruling over the planets.
An unsettling feeling stirred within Ben. As he focused more on the drawing, his cheerful demeanor began to fade. He felt a tremor in his breath as the weight of the world descended upon his shoulders.
Everything felt… small.
"Ben?" Rook's voice barely reached him as he placed a hand on Ben's shoulder. Ben did not respond.
Still surrounded by children, he attempted to sign the drawing but accidentally broke the crayon in the process.
One of the kids leaned in and asked, "Can you turn into Alien X?"
Ben snapped, releasing an out-of-breath gasp. He jumped up in an involuntary panic, causing the table to tip forward, startling the kids.
He stumbled to the ground but quickly got back up, complete anxiety coursing through him. Ben turned and dashed away, creating a scene as he sprinted from the gathering.
"Ben?" Someone shouted. "What happened?" another voice called out.
He just kept running.
He fled the backyard and into the street, nearly colliding with a passing car as it honked loudly at him.
He ran and ran, the world blurring past him.
Rook pursued him for a moment but stopped, realizing the gravity of the situation. He watched as Ben disappeared into the distance.
—CANNONBOLT—
Ben transformed, rolling through the streets. He didn't understand why he was running, but he couldn't stop himself.
It did not feel good.
"What is wrong with him?" Gwendolyn's voice echoed in the background as he rolled down the street.
Bellwood Midtown - Tennyson Residence - Interior
Rook closed the door to Ben's room.
Rook: "I have come to the conclusion that Ben has suffered a severe panic attack."
Sandra: "A panic attack?!" she yelled, worry etched on her face. "Oh Carl, our poor son." She hugged her husband tightly.
Carl: "What can we do?"
Rook: "While I am no medical professional, I suggest we give him space to, as they say on Earth, 'cool off.' After that, we may approach any necessary recommendations."
The whole family stood anxiously in the hallway.
Rook: "His vitals are in perfect condition. However, I ran a neural scan and identified that Ben has undergone multiple instances of severe anxiety. His 'all-good' attitude does not aid in resolving this issue."
Kevin: "Let me talk to him."
Rook: "I did say we should give Ben space, but I do believe that being approached by a friend rather than a direct family member would lessen the tension."
Kevin: "Nah, this is pretty relatable to me. I think I know what I can say to help him." He said confidently, while the whole family listened.
Gwen: "You sure that's a good idea?" she asked, cradling Owen.
Kevin: "Trust me." He winked.
Gwen nodded.
Kevin entered Ben's old room.
Ken: "Is he really the best person for this?" he asked, concern in his voice.
Gwen: "Definitely not." She admitted harshly to her brother.
Inside the room, Ben sat in the corner of his childhood bed, his head lowered.
Kevin: "Yo." He walked in cautiously.
Ben lifted his head slightly.
Ben: "Hey..." he practically whispered, sadness lacing his tone.
Kevin sat next to him, maintaining a respectful distance.
Silence filled the room.
Kevin: "I know that feeling, man..."
Ben lazily glanced at him.
Kevin: "Y'know, that feeling where everything just kinda falls apart on you so hard that you don't even know what to worry about anymore? You just… run away. I ran away all the time. Well... you already knew that. Point is— that's also why I used to always work on my car. I hid behind the wheel, driving away from my problems. I didn't care what road I was on; I just wanted it to never end. But you know what I realized?" He paused.
Ben lifted his head, now properly looking at him.
Kevin: "Every damn road ends at some point. Sooner or later, you can't drive away from your problems anymore. You gotta face them, and for me, I needed help to realize that. You and Gwen made me realize that. You were my dead end. So, maybe you should let us be yours." He said, oddly yet profoundly.
Ben started to subtly laugh. Kevin smiled, seeing it as progress.
Ben: "Dude, don't ever talk like that again. That was so… bizarre." He admitted.
Kevin: "Hey, I can't act tough all the time." He nudged Ben gently on his back.
Ben: "You're practically a stone; it's weird hearing you be so... 'deep.'"
Kevin: "Maybe I should ditch engineering and become a counselor."
They both laughed, the tension beginning to ease.
Kevin: "Ben, listen—you need something? Do you need money or anything? Gwen told me you're having problems finding a new gig. There's no shame in it y'know, Just let me—" He was cut off by Ben.
Ben placed his hand on Kevin's shoulder.
Ben: "Kevin..." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "Thanks."
Kevin: "No problem, man." He nodded in understanding.
Ben rose to his feet, and Kevin followed suit. They shook hands before transitioning into a brotherly hug.
Ben: "I'm gonna go see my grandpa."
Kevin: "Yeah, that'd be a good idea. Everyone's kinda stalking on the other side of your door."
Ben walked over to his window.
—BIG CHILL—
Kevin: "Hey."
Ben turned to look back.
Kevin: "I'm serious, whenever you're done feeling sorry for yourself, we're here for you. We didn't exactly have the most 'normal' upbringing, but we've got each other. Let's keep it that way." He said with a tinge of 'tough love' in his tone.
Ben nodded, feeling the weight of Kevin's words, before taking off and flying out the window.
Kevin sat back down on his bed, glancing at his cluttered desk. His eyes landed on an old copy of Sumo Slammers 2: Deluxe Edition. He picked it up and chuckled to himself.
Kevin: "Never-mind, this guy had a great childhood."
Later...
Bellwood Uppertown - Retirement Home
Grandpa Max could be seen cooking his typical alien cuisine. A strange tentacle emerged from the pan, trying to attack him, but he stunned it with an old Plumber's blaster pistol. After a brief victory, he tasted the stew with a spoon.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. He wiped his hands on a towel and went to answer it.
As he opened the door, a smile broke across his face.
A little while later, Ben sat on his grandfather's sofa, looking worn out.
Max savored his now-cooked meal, glancing over at Ben and gesturing for him to join. Ben waved his hand in decline.
Max paused mid-bite.
Max: "So, you opened your wallet, and all that came out was a butterfly," he joked.
Ben: "Something like that. I barely have anything left. I need to get a new job."
Max: "Ben, I know I haven't been very understanding about your decisions lately. I get that you don't want to take your abilities for granted, but sometimes you just have to take advantage of what's been given to you."
Ben: "Grandpa... You're the last person I expected to say that. I can't just use a transformation to print money. I can't cheat my way through life." He began to vent, his anger building with each word.
Max listened quietly, concern etched on his face.
Max: "That's not what I meant, son—"
Ben: "I am not a god!" he interrupted, stomping his foot. "I'm trying so hard to balance everything! Life feels like a never-ending game of chess! Everything I do, everyone questions it. 'Why'd you do it that way? Why'd you pick that? Why not use Alien X and make everything perfect?!' Gah!" He looked away, trying to compose himself.
"I thought getting Master Control of the Omnitrix would be the 'coolest thing ever,' but it hasn't been cool at all. It's just added this... this infinite weight of expectation. I'm constantly holding back, pulling my punches, and even with that, everyone either treats me like a deity or expects me to act like one. I can't go anywhere without getting praised or ignored out of fear. I can't even buy my own dang smoothie because someone already bought one for me, on the house! I don't want that! I'm not better than anyone! I just lucked out!" His eyes began to glimmer with unshed tears as he glanced down at the Omnitrix. "If I can even call it luck anymore."
Max crossed his arms, fighting to stay calm despite hating to see his grandson in such distress.
Ben: "I... I don't want to give up the Omnitrix, but I also don't want this pressure on me. It's too much. I'm stuck between being 'just your average guy from Bellwood' and the universe's biggest concern. I'm frustrated, Grandpa."
He lowered his head.
Max processed his words, taking a moment before speaking.
Max: "You're not a god, Ben..."
Ben raised his gaze, eager to hear more.
Max paused again, organizing his thoughts.
Max: "To whomever holds the greatest powers in the universe, they will forever be judged." He spoke in a steady tone, recalling an old lesson.
"That's what my commanding officer used to say back in the early days."
He leaned forward, emphasizing his next words.
Max: "Ben, you need to stop letting what others think of you affect you so deeply." He took a deep breath. "We all succumb to our emotions, our morality, even our mortality." He glanced at his reflection in the mirror, showcasing the lines of age on his face. "That's really all you need to prove to anyone that you aren't a god."
He leaned back again, his expression softening.
Max: "You are human."
Ben wiped his eyes, now fully focused on his grandfather's words.
Max: "Power invokes fear, even when that power is in the best of hands." His words echoed in the room.
Bellwood Uppertown - Highrise - Evening
A sleek ship whooshed by, weaving through the bustling air traffic that filled the sky among the towering skyscrapers.
In the heart of the sprawling metropolis, one of the lower buildings glowed with a flickering sign that read "Bar Oppah." Ships docked and departed, creating a lively atmosphere.
"There'll always be people who fear you, even if you're the hero."
Max's words echoed in Ben's mind as he walked through the vibrant streets of Uppertown, interconnecting various skyscrapers.
Ben was mesmerized by the array of passing pedestrians, each one a unique species with different shapes, sizes, and colors.
"What matters is that you keep being that same hero, no matter how much power you possess."
As he entered a building, he made his way to the nearby elevator, passing a few affluent individuals—both human and alien.
"It's not what you can do, but what you choose to do with it."
Ben stood tall, confidence building as he watched the changing numbers on the elevator display.
"Be yourself, son. Do what you love, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
He glanced to the side, catching his reflection in the elevator mirror.
"Look at me. I had enough reputation to become Grand Magister at any point in my later years."
Bellwood Uppertown - Max's Apartment
Max settled into his chair, continuing his thoughts.
"I had the power to get whatever I wanted in the agency, but I didn't."
Max's eyes held wisdom as he spoke.
"I chose to do what I loved, and even when I could have played my cards for more, I picked the ones I wanted, just like you do every time you choose a transformation." He pointed to the Omnitrix.
"You have to acknowledge that on your own."
Ben began to regain his composure, the weight of his grandfather's words starting to lift.
"Regardless of what I've said before, when you left the Plumbers... you're still my grandson. I don't want to see you so troubled."
Bellwood Uppertown - Bar Oppah Elevator
"You need a purpose? Money? Adventure? Go out there and do what you do best!" Max declared, his tone firm and resolute, like a soldier rallying his troops.
As the elevator doors slid open, Ben was greeted by a dazzling recreational space filled with neon lights and a lively cantina atmosphere. The air buzzed with energy as a live band played an eclectic mix of space-age jazz, their alien instruments creating a sound that mingled with the symphony of chatter and the occasional shatter of glass.
"Become a hero for hire," Max finished, his words ringing in Ben's ears.
Ben stepped out of the elevator, feeling the pulse of the crowd around him.
The doors closed behind him.
The music abruptly halted.
Everyone turned to look.
An eerie silence fell over the room.
Ben walked confidently toward the bar, surveying the various shady characters scattered throughout the establishment. In the corners, he spotted familiar faces: escaped felons, seated with their respective gangs—Thunderpig, Fistrick, Liam, Sunder, Zombozo, and others.
Reaching the bar, Ben was attended by an Appoplexian bartender, his demeanor as prickly as his skin.
"What'd ya want?!" the bartender barked, irritation evident in his voice.
"One neutrinosa," Ben replied, his tone casual as if he were ordering coffee.
The bartender growled but begrudgingly prepared his drink.
Just then, a large figure slid onto the stool beside Ben.
Ben looked up, unflinching, neither intimidated nor surprised.
The bartender placed Ben's drink in front of him. He took a casual sip, enjoying the vibrant flavors.
"You've got some nerve showing your face here," Vulkanus grumbled, glaring at him.
"What? I'm not allowed to enjoy a drink?" Ben quipped, poking fun at him with a smirk.
Vulkanus bristled, his fists clenching as if ready for a brawl, but their standoff was interrupted by a sharp whistle.
"Oi, Ben Tennyson. The Overseer is ready to see you," Solid Plugg announced, striding into view.
Ben stood up from the bar, finishing his drink in one swift gulp. "Looks like we'll have to catch up some other time." He slid the glass toward Vulkanus. "Later, twinkle toes." With that, he made his way toward the stairs leading to the private room overlooking Bar Oppah.
The music resumed, and the crowd erupted back into conversation.
Vulkanus glared at the drink left in his hand, then crushed it with a fist.
"Hey! You better pay for that glass, you molten pig!" the Appoplexian bartender yelled, his voice cutting through the noise.
Bar Oppah - The Overseer's Office
Solid Plugg opened the door, gesturing for Ben to step inside. The office gleamed with a golden hue, every surface shining as if polished just for show.
At the far end of the room, a grand desk sat beneath an expansive oval window that overlooked the bustling interior of Uppertown. Seated in a chair turned away from him, a woman dressed in a striking red dress stood nearby, engaged in conversation with the occupant.
Ben approached the desk, curiosity piquing his interest. "Uh, hello?" he called out, stepping closer.
The chair swiveled, and both the chair's occupant and the lady turned to face him.
"Benny!"
"Argit?!" Ben's surprise was palpable.
Argit: "Wow, you look great! Been working out?" Argit complimented, his enthusiasm contagious.
Ben's gaze flicked to the woman beside Argit. "Rojo?!"
"Tennyson..." Rojo replied, her tone grumpy, matching the expression on her face.
"You two? You guys are the Overseers of Bar Oppah?" Ben asked, his disbelief growing.
"Of course we are! Who else could it be, kid?!" Argit hopped off his chair, bounding over to Ben with a wide grin. "Hey, hey, come over here. Oh wait—first." He extended his hand for a goofy handshake. "Okay! Now come over here."
They both walked to the window, looking out over the chaotic scene below.
"Look at all these scumbags! Can you believe it?" Argit exclaimed, knocking on the glass for emphasis. "What a ridiculous government the High Union is! Imagine being so stupid as to let the Orcupons—my people—reject their treaty!" He laughed, his amusement filling the room. "By order of the honored galactic order, all preexisting Orcupon territory and property are out of their reach! Translation: ain't no jurisdiction in Bar Oppah!" He laughed.
Ben raised an eyebrow. "Lucky for you, I'm not a Plumber anymore, so I don't care."
Argit gasped theatrically. "Oh no! What happened? Run out of drains to unclog?" There was a hint of genuine concern beneath his teasing.
Ben: "It's nothing to talk about. I'm here for a job opportunity, like I said in my message."
Argit: "Oh! Yes, your message." He rushed back to his desk, settling into his chair and activating his Holo-pad. "Alright, Benny, Benny, Benny..." He began transferring information to a mobile device. "While that's loading, since you're not a Plumber anymore, I can say this." He clapped his hands together. "I... specialize in... 'under the table' business. You see, I am—"
Ben: "You're a mob boss." The boy finished, cutting him off.
Argit: "I was going to say 'entrepreneur,' but I'm flattered! Yes! You see, every one of those souls out there gets their work, their connections, their assets, their money... through me!" Argit paused, glancing at Rojo. "Ooh, sorry. I mean, through us!"
Rojo flashed a brief, odd smile at Argit. Rather out of character.
"Right..." Ben said, half-listening as Argit bragged.
Argit: "Now, you, my old friend, are somewhat of a vigilante now. If you hadn't already noticed, vigilantism is super illegal under the grandiose High Union of Interplanetary Systems..." Just then, a ding echoed from his Holo-computer. "Ah, it's ready!" He closed the device and grabbed what looked like a small communicator.
"This," Argit said, stepping closer to Ben, "is a custom communicator that will tap into a clandestine help line. I gave one a while back to some magic do-gooder, so it actually works."
Ben frowned at him, a mix of anger and disappointment crossing his face.
"Oh, right, sorry... But I do care! Because there's money on the table! Bounties! Rewards! Compensation! And now, they have... you!" Argit beamed, his excitement palpable.
Ben took the device and connected it to his Omnitrix. A holographic map projected above, displaying signals from various parts of the galaxy.
Ben: "What's the catch, Argit?" He asked, his tone serious as he eyed Argit.
"Mmmm..." Argit contemplated.
"Argit."
Argit: "Ah, nothing, nothing, no catch... except for twenty-five percent of your earnings."
"Fifteen percent." Ben countered.
"Deal!" Argit exclaimed, shaking Ben's hand enthusiastically. "Oh, Ben! I'm so happy! This is the beginning of a beautiful business partnership! You get to help those in need, and we get one more passive income. Isn't life just beautiful?"
Ben withdrew his hand and dusted off his jacket. "You're really paying a portion of your earnings to your bodyguard? I'll admit, you really have changed." He chuckled slightly.
"Dude, that's my wife." Argit replied, grinning.
Ben's eyes widened in surprise. "Alright then... I really should get going..." The hero said, feeling a bit thrown off by the revelation.
"Great! Awesome!" Argit opened the door, giving Ben a playful slap on the back as he nudged him out. "Get out of here! Go get me some money—I mean—go help all those in need! We'll keep in touch."
Ben: "Okay—" The door closed abruptly in his face, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Turning to the side, he spotted Solid Plugg watching him with a bemused expression.
Solid Plugg smiled.
Ben lazily returned the smile and walked away, shaking his head slightly at the absurdity of it all.
Tennyson walks back to the elevator, weaving through the usual cantina commotion, the chatter and clinking of glasses fading into the background. The elevator doors slide open.
"Times have changed," Grandpa Max's voice echoes in Ben's mind, filled with a mix of wisdom and sorrow.
The doors close behind him, and Ben stares ahead, slipping his hands into his pockets, lost in thought.
Bellwood Uppertown – Grandpa Max's Apartment
Max sits back in his worn armchair, a gentle, bittersweet smile on his face. "The world keeps changing, and you either change with it, or you lie down and rest. I've still got some fight left, but... it's time for me to rest now, Ben." His voice is soft, carrying the weight of years behind it.
Ben watches his grandfather closely, the lines on Max's face deeper now, etched by time. A pang of nostalgia hits him—memories of their adventures, summers spent fighting aliens and saving the world. He notices how fragile Max looks now, and it stirs something within him.
Max chuckles, his eyes twinkling with remembrance. "It's been a long time since that summer vacation, hasn't it?" He sighs, standing slowly, making his way to a tiny vault hidden in the wall.
"I've been holding onto this for when you graduated," Max says, punching in the code. "But I think you need it now more than ever." The vault clicks open, revealing a small compartment inside.
Bellwood Uppertown – Storage Hangar – Night
"Mr. Tennyson, right this way," a guard motions, unlocking the ray-shielded gate of the storage hangar.
Ben follows, the guard's footsteps echoing in the mostly empty space.
"I always figured I'd pass it on to you or Gwen," Max's voice continues in Ben's head. "But it always felt like it was meant for you—you were never one to sit still for long, just like me." Max's chuckle lingers in Ben's ears.
The hangar is mostly deserted, save for a few scattered vehicles. In the center, one large, covered object dominates the space. Ben approaches it slowly, resting a hand on the cloth that conceals it. The sound of metal beneath the fabric reverberates through the empty room.
"I made a few modifications..." Max's voice echoes with pride.
—SNARE-OH—
In a flash of green light, Ben transforms into Snare-Oh. His sheet-like appendages extend and grip the cloth from all sides.
With one swift motion, the cloth is pulled away.
The Rust-Bucket gleams beneath the hangar lights, its familiar shape revamped with sleek, futuristic technology.
"Maybe a little more than a few," Max admits with a chuckle.
The Rust-Bucket is a masterpiece, a seamless blend of old and new. Its hull, reinforced with materials designed for space travel, glows under the lights. Massive thrusters flank each side, built for interstellar flight, and a high-tech turret sits atop, ready for action.
Bellwood Uppertown – Grandpa Max's Apartment
Max tosses the keys to Ben, who catches them, staring down at them in awe.
"Grandpa, I—" Ben starts, but Max cuts him off with a gesture.
"Don't say anything. Just take it," Max insists, his tone firm but gentle. "This is my gift to you."
Bellwood Uppertown – Rust-Bucket Interior
Ben steps inside, his eyes wide as he takes in the Rust-Bucket's new interior. It's bigger, sleeker, filled with advanced controls and displays that feel both nostalgic and alien to him.
Max's voice lingers in his memory. "The best thing you could give me in return is to take care of yourself."
Ben runs his hands over the controls, his mind swimming with memories of their travels and the adventures that lay ahead.
"Prosper."
The Rust-Bucket hums to life as Ben starts the ignition. The dashboard lights up, and the hangar's launch pad begins to rotate, positioning the ship toward the hangar's bay doors.
"Get out there. There are worlds that need you—people who need someone like you. The galaxy needs a hero."
The bay doors part, revealing the endless night sky above. Ben's reflection stares back at him from the windshield as the stars beckon beyond.
"They need you..." Max's words resonate one last time.
Ben smiles, his eyes shining with determination. He presses the radio button, and a familiar tune crackles to life through the speakers, filling the cabin with energy.
The Rust-Bucket's thrusters ignite, sending the ship hovering upward with a powerful roar. In a split second, it rockets out of the hangar, shooting up into the skies above Bellwood.
As the stars envelop the ship, Ben enters orbit, activating the Omnitrix's navigation system. The galactic map appears, countless stars and systems waiting to be explored.
He grins, locking in coordinates for a nearby system.
"Hero for hire... I like that."
With a flash of light, the Rust-Bucket jumps into hyperspace, disappearing into the stars.
—END CARD—