DNAlien Lair

In the shadows of a grotesque, dimly lit lair, a Highbreed stood tall, its imposing form radiating contempt as it gazed down at the DNAlien kneeling before it.

"You may speak, half-breed vermin," the Highbreed intoned coldly.

"Gratitude, Master," the DNAlien rasped, its claws clasping a data pad. "For months now, someone has been leaking the details of our operations to the authorities. I have uncovered the source of the leak."

The DNAlien tapped the pad, projecting a holographic image of Max Tennyson.

"His name is Max Tennyson. We've had trouble with him before."

The Highbreed's eyes narrowed. "Then let this be the final time he troubles us. Destroy him."

Bellwood High Soccer Field

The sound of cheering echoed across the soccer field as Ben Tennyson, now seventeen, leaped to block a goal. His teammates erupted in applause, lifting him onto their shoulders. He'd grown taller, leaner, and more confident since his last adventure—but his cocky grin hadn't changed a bit.

Kuri Morningstar sat in the bleachers, a soft smile on her face. She hadn't seen Ben in five years, and he'd certainly grown up—but so had she.

Her long blue pigtails fluttered in the breeze, her maroon high school uniform giving a nod to her love for Shinto-inspired styles. She adjusted the hem of her skirt, watching as the game ended.

As the players put Ben down, Kuri hopped over the railing and jogged toward him.

"MVP! Congratulations, Ben!" she called out.

Ben turned, his grin widening when he saw her. "Kuri?! Wow! Y-You're back!" His voice cracked slightly, a hint of nervous excitement in his tone.

"Yeah, and with good reason," Kuri said. "I was hoping to talk to you—and Max—about something. Wanna come with me?"

"Sure! I mean, yeah, of course!" Ben stammered, trying to play it cool.

The Rust Bucket

Ben pushed open the door to the Rust Bucket, a proud grin on his face. "Grandpa Max, guess who came to visit!" he called out. "Grandpa—"

Before he could finish, a DNAlien lunged out of the shadows, knocking Ben to the ground.

Ben hit the floor in a crouch, instinctively slapping his wrist where the Omnitrix had once been—but it was gone. Realizing he was unarmed, he scrambled back, reaching for anything he could use as a weapon.

"IRU!" Kuri's voice rang out, her hand tracing a glowing rune in the air.

A roaring blaze erupted, surrounding the DNAlien and flinging it out of the Rust Bucket. The creature screeched in fear and fled into the night.

Kuri stood tall, her glowing rune fading as she made a motion to sheathe an invisible sword. The weapon vanished into nothingness.

"More training?" Ben asked, brushing himself off.

"Yes," Kuri said simply. "I've mastered all the runes now. You should see Reiko—she's even stronger than before."

Ben shivered at the thought. Reiko had been terrifying when they were kids. Facing her without the Omnitrix? No thanks.

"Hey, I think it was looking for something," Ben said, rummaging through the Rust Bucket. He pulled out a holoviewer, its screen blinking to life.

Xxx

Max's familiar face appeared on the holoviewer. "Hello, Ben."

"Grandpa! What's going on?" Ben exclaimed.

"I left this recording where I knew only you would find it," Max said, his tone calm but urgent. "I'm in a bit of a situation, but it's nothing I can't handle—certainly nothing for you to worry about. There's renewed alien activity on Earth, and I'm investigating."

Max paused, his expression softening. "Oh, don't worry about the Omnitrix, either. I have it, and it's completely safe. They'll never get their hands on it. Say hello to our old friends Kuri and Reiko for me. Love you. Max out."

The holoviewer blinked off, leaving Ben and Kuri in silence.

Xxx

"He's got the Omnitrix?" Ben muttered, frowning.

"That doesn't make sense," Kuri said, her brows furrowing. "Even my Grams said you were the Guardian of the Omnitrix. She called it your soulbonded weapon."

Kuri absently touched her hand, where faint rune marks shimmered. She treated her magic sword the same way Ben had once treated the Omnitrix—with a mix of reverence and duty.

"Then why would he say that?" Ben wondered aloud, frustration creeping into his voice. "Something's not adding up."

Kuri placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Let's not jump to conclusions. Meet me at Reiko's dojang. I'll check there for any leads."

Ben hesitated. "I'll head home first. I… might need to grab a few things."

Kuri nodded, her expression unreadable. "Be careful, Ben."

As she stepped out into the night, Ben's mind raced. Something was wrong. And if the Omnitrix was involved, he knew one thing for sure—his quiet, normal life was officially over.