In a decaying district marked by urban rot and neglect, an old house stands like a forgotten relic. Planks nailed haphazardly over the windows give it a look, blocking sunlight and trapping shadows inside. The paint peels in strips, and the porch sags like an old man's back.
[KCHK]
A man unlocks the front door. He is middle-aged, his face etched with the weariness of countless small grievances and disappointments. He wears a faded work shirt and his steps are measured, almost reluctant, as he enters.
The interior is an assault on the senses. The air is heavy with the stench of decay, animal musk, and stale chemicals. It is a zoo. Cages of different sizes are stacked haphazardly. Glass containers, terrariums, and aquariums line the walls. Birds squawk, frogs croak, lizards scurry, and the chickens cluck nervously.
He holds a handkerchief over his nose. "Man, smells like a zoo in here," he mumbles.
"How did you get in here?" a voice demands.
The man spins around, startled.
Standing in the center of the room is a woman. Lucy.
She's a young woman. Her short, unkempt brown hair has a streak of white running through it, a mark of stress or chemical exposure. Her brown eyes are hidden behind goggles, and her skin is pale and sickly. Lucy wears a Tuscan Red short overall over a dark grey bodysuit. A white cloth is tied around her waist. She also wears latex fingerless elbow-length gloves. Lucy has dark cosmetics on her face.
"Lucy? Is that you?"
The man stammers, "I—I used my pass key. I'm still your landlord, remember?" He pauses, his voice hardening. "Or at least, I was your landlord. Considering you haven't paid rent in eight months…"
Lucy scoffs. "Rent? All my funds go into my research. I'll pay you next month. I promise."
The man throws his hands up in exasperation. "That's what you said last time! And the time before that! Listen, Lucy, I felt sorry for you and your father when you first came here. You were just a little kid. But you're eighteen now. It's time for you to get a job and pay what your father owed before disappearing."
Her eyes narrow. "Don't talk about my father in his absence. He's coming back. I know it."
The man sighs, running a hand through his thinning hair. "Lucy, he abandoned you. He's not coming back. He probably went to scam someone else with his crazy experiments."
"It's Dr. Lucy," she hisses. "And my father is no scammer."
Lucy reaches into a nearby terrarium, pulling out a small frog.
"He was a misunderstood genius," Lucy says, clutching the frog. "The scientific community turned their backs on him because they knew he was better than all those fakers. And I'm going to prove it."
The man stares at her, a mixture of pity and frustration in his eyes. "Lucy, you're too big to be playing with toys. Don't you think?"
"This is my father's transmodulator," Lucy says, holding up a device. "After he left, I started finishing it for him."
"And what does it do?" the man asks, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Lucy smiles, a glint in her eyes. "I'm glad you asked. It creates and accelerates mutations at a genetic level. Observe."
Lucy aims the transmodulator at the frog and flips a switch. [ZZZZZ] The frog twitches. The frog grows, its skin turning a mossy green, its limbs thickening, its eyes turning a menacing red. Two small horns appear on its forehead, and larger, bone-like horns sprout from the sides of its head. Orange lumps pop on its body. Its tongue becomes thick, spiky, and olive-colored.
The man watches in horror as the frog mutates into a large, monstrous creature. It's easily eight feet tall, towering.
The man shrinks away from the mutant frog.
Lucy hops onto the back of the mutant frog, giggling.
"Don't worry," Lucy says, patting the frog. "For your kindness towards my father and me, I will let you live. You are not my target anyway. My real target is all those who turned their backs on my father, and me. I, Dr. Lucy Jannet Animo, will claim what belongs to us!"
The mutant frog [CROAKS] and bounds forward, nearly knocking the man off his feet as it heads toward the boarded-up front door. Lucy pulls a lever, and the transmodulator's beam melts through the wooden planks, creating an opening.
"Farewell, landlord," Lucy says with a wave as the frog leaps out of the house.
The landlord is paralyzed with fear.
[CROAK]
As Lucy and the mutant frog crash through the neighborhood, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Chapter 9 - Scene 1
The tires crunch gravel.
Ben taps his foot. "They're late," he mumbles.
Sandra pats his arm. "They're here, sweetie. Relax."
A cloud of dust kicks up.
Rounding the corner, an old RV rolls into the driveway. White is its primary color, but the vehicle has a beat-up, worn feel, showing its age.
A couple of red and blue stripes streak along the sides. Several antennas and satellite dishes clutter the roof, suggesting it's tricked out for communication or surveillance. Big, rugged tires hint at off-road driving capabilities. Mud coats the wheels, emphasizing the RV's age and frequent use.
The Rustbucket, Ben recognizes. The RV he's seen a bunch in the show.
The door creaks open, and Max hops out.
Maxwell Tennyson is a man who wears his years well. Silver-gray hair sits neatly trimmed on his head. Warm brown eyes reflect both kindness and a sharp intelligence. He's tall and muscular, solid proof of his active lifestyle and combat training. Today, he sports a green flannel shirt over a white t-shirt, cargo pants, and sturdy boots. A green cap, his signature, shields his eyes from the sun.
"Ben! Sandra! Carl!" Max calls, a smile spreading across his face.
He gives Sandra a hug. "Sandra, always a pleasure. How's my favorite daughter-in-law doing?"
"Doing well, Max," Sandra responds, returning the hug. "It's wonderful to see you again."
Max claps Carl on the shoulder. "Carl, son, you're looking good. How's married life treating you?"
Carl chuckles. "Can't complain, Dad. Keeps me on my toes."
Max turns his attention to Ben. His eyes linger on Ben, taking in his changed appearance. "Well, Ben, you've certainly grown. Last time I saw you, you were knee-high to a grasshopper."
Ben smiles, extending a hand. "Grandpa Max, it's great to finally see you again."
Max shakes his hand firmly, a glint of pride in his eyes. "It's also good to see you again, kiddo. You've become a fine young man."
Ben's jaw drops.
Following Max, a woman steps out of the Rustbucket.
Gwen.
Ben finds himself speechless. She's gorgeous. Long, dark red hair flows down to her waist. Bright green eyes sparkle with intelligence and wit. She wears a white button-up shirt under a fitted red sweater, paired with a sleek black miniskirt and long black stockings. Stylish black high heels complete her sophisticated, sexy look.
Her hair is tied up in a high ponytail.
Ben stares, completely mesmerized.
Gwen catches his eye and offers a playful smirk.
Damn, she's hot.
Gwen strides toward Ben, her high heels clicking on the pavement. She stops a few feet away, hands on her hips, a familiar teasing glint in her eyes.
"Still the same doofus, I see," she says, a smile playing on her lips. "Just taller, and maybe slightly less annoying."
Ben's shock fades, replaced by a surge of affection and playful annoyance. It is definitely her. He grins, falling into their old dynamic. "And you're still the same dweeb," he retorts, "just with better hair."
"Hey!" Gwen protests, playfully shoving his shoulder. "I'm not a dweeb anymore! I'm sophisticated."
"Sophisticated dweeb," Ben teases.
"Alright, alright," Max interrupts, chuckling. "Let's save the bickering for later. I'm starving. Sandra, what's for lunch?"
Sandra laughs, gesturing toward the house. "Everything's ready. Come on in, everyone."
Ben holds the door open, allowing Gwen to pass first. As she walks by, she bumps his shoulder again, her smirk widening.
"It's good to see you, Ben," she murmurs, her green eyes meeting his.
"You too, Gwen," he replies, feeling a warmth spread through his chest.
This should be interesting, Ben thinks, following her inside.
The aroma of Sandra's cooking fills the air, drawing them into the dining room. Laughter soon follows.
Max regales them with tales from his travels. The stories are wild. Lost cities, crazy treasure hunts, and close calls with exotic creatures. Ben listens, hanging on every word, while Carl shakes his head, amused by his father's antics.
"So, Gwen," Sandra says, placing a hand on her shoulder. "How are your studies coming along?"
"Great, Aunt Sandra," Gwen answers, smiling. "I'm on track to graduate at the top of my class."
Ben whistles. "Show off."
Gwen rolls her eyes. "Someone has to be the smart one in the family."
"Speaking of family," Carl interjects, "how are your parents doing?"
"They're off on some archaeological dig in Egypt," Gwen explains. "That's actually why I'm here. They asked if I could stay with you guys while they're gone."
Sandra beams. "Of course, darling! You know you're always welcome here. Stay as long as you need."
"Thanks, Aunt Sandra," Gwen responds, relieved. "I appreciate it."
The family continues to eat.
"So, Ben," Gwen asks, leaning forward. "What are you up to these days?"
Ben pauses, a sly grin creeping onto his face. "Well..."
Before he can elaborate, a sound from the staircase grabs everyone's attention. [THUMP THUMP]
Wildgirl bounds into the dining room, her orange fur slightly ruffled. She rushes to Ben, nuzzling against his side and wrapping her furry arms around his waist.
"Hey, hey, calm down," Ben says, chuckling and patting her head. "Everything's alright, girl."
Max and Gwen stare, shock etched on their faces.
"Uh, Ben..." Gwen starts, her eyes wide. "What is that thing?"
"Oh, this is Wildgirl," Ben replies casually. "She's my partner."
"Partner?" Gwen questions, her voice rising slightly. "Is she... a mutant?"
Ben shakes his head. "Nope. She's an alien. Actually, let me bring you up to speed."
Ben launches into an explanation, detailing the metallic sphere, the watch attaching itself to his wrist, and the alien transformations. He explains how he plans to become a hero.
Gwen listens intently, her initial shock giving way to disbelief. Max stares at the fuchsia watch on Ben's wrist.
"So you're planning to become, like, Captain America or Spider-Man now?" Gwen asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah!" Ben exclaims, grinning ear to ear. "Isn't it awesome? With this watch, I can help people and be a hero!"
Max watches the exchange. His smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. He studies the Omnitrix, his gaze thoughtful and troubled.
Max turns to Sandra and Carl, his gaze questioning. "Are you two okay with this?"
Sandra smiles warmly. "Max, we've always known Ben admired superheroes. He used to run around with a towel tied around his neck, pretending to fly."
Carl nods in agreement. "He has a good heart. With a bit of guidance, he could really do some good. Besides, it's his life."
Max studies them both, noting their calm demeanor. He sighs internally. They are right, of course. He cannot dictate how Ben lives his life.
Ben notices the concern on Max's face and places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Hey, Grandpa Max, don't worry. I'm not going to go charging into anything without a plan. I've been training with my aliens, figuring out their strengths and weaknesses."
He pauses, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "I'm also planning on learning martial arts. Gotta be able to hold my own even when alone, right?"
Sandra perks up at this. "That's a wonderful idea, Ben! You know, Gwen has been training in martial arts for years. She's quite skilled."
Gwen blushes, looking down modestly.
Sandra continues, her eyes sparkling. "Maybe she could teach you a few things while she's here. A little cousin bonding time, and you could learn to defend yourself."
Ben's face lights up. "Seriously? That would be amazing, Gwen! Would you be willing to?"
Gwen looks up, a smile spreading across her face. "I guess I could make some time in my busy schedule to train you, doofus. But don't think I'll go easy on you."
"Wouldn't want it any other way," Ben says, grinning.
Max watches the interaction, a glimmer of hope returning to his eyes. With proper training and guidance, Ben might actually be able to handle the power he has been given.
Max sighs and claps his hands together. "Alright, enough talk about alien shenanigans and superhero training. What say we get some dessert?"
His eyes twinkled mischievously. "I know this great place not too far from here. They have the most unique ice cream you've ever seen."
Gwen and Ben exchanged glances.
"Ice cream sounds good, Grandpa," Ben says.
"Yeah, but do they have, you know, regular flavors?" Gwen asks.
"Nonsense!" Max exclaims, waving his hand dismissively. "Where's the fun in regular? You gotta try something new, expand your horizons!" He turns to Carl and Sandra, "You two okay if I take them for a quick trip?"
"Go ahead, Dad. I am sure they will be fine," Carl responds, not looking up from his paper.
"Have fun," Sandra adds. "Be back before dark!"
Moments later, the trio piled into the Rustbucket, and Max steered them toward town. The interior was as eclectic as the exterior. Maps cluttered the dashboard. Alien gadgets lined the walls. The seats had springs. The interior reeked of old motor oil and something vaguely alien.
"So," Max began, pulling into the store parking lot, "this place is known for its exotic ingredients. You can find anything here, from pickled octopus to durian delight."
Gwen and Ben look at each other and can only smile.
They walked inside. A cacophony of sounds and smells hit them. Aisles overflowed with brightly colored candies, strange spices, and imported foods. Max made a beeline for the freezer section, his eyes scanning the rows of ice cream tubs.
"Ah, here we are!" he exclaimed, pulling out a container with a label written in a language Ben didn't recognize.
"Grandpa Max," Gwen groaned, "do we really have to try something weird? Can't we just get vanilla or chocolate?"
"Don't knock it 'til you try it!" Max retorted, grabbing another tub with a picture of a bug. "You never know, you might like it."
Ben couldn't help but grin. Arguing with Grandpa Max was a lost cause. They could do as they pleased.
They continued to shop. The cousins started to walk towards the back of the store, picking out some sodas when, suddenly, a [CRASH] filled the air. The noise was followed by screams.
Ben whipped around.
The storefront window was a mess of shattered glass. A huge, green creature stood in the wreckage.
The reptile was an oversized frog, easily eight feet tall, with bulging eyes and slimy skin. Sitting on top of its head was a young woman with a crazed look in her eyes.
***
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Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz