Chapter 1: The Prologue of Two Heroes
The emergence of quirks had turned the extraordinary into the everyday, giving rise to a superhuman society. Yet, even in a world where dreams of heroism became reality, most of Earth's population remained oblivious to what lay beyond the stars. As humanity adapted to its new powers, a shadowy phenomenon took root across America-a rise in vigilantes bound by one mysterious symbol.
To some, these figures were new heroes, delivering justice on their own terms. To others, they were lawless rogues, self-proclaimed saviors with no regard for order. The truth behind their existence, however, eluded the public. Who were they? What drove them to choose this path? And what was their ultimate goal?
The answers were far stranger than anyone could imagine. These vigilantes, these so-called heroes, were not human at all-they were aliens. But that wasn't the most astonishing part.
Each of these alien vigilantes was an alter ego of one person: Ben Tennyson.
This is his story.
...
"You wanted so bad?" A boy with brown hair green eyes a black white said his voice with pain and loss as tears streamed down his face.
"Here than take it!" The boy suddenly exclaimed before charging forward toward black and red.
...
Ben Tennyson jolted awake, his face streaked with sweat, gasping for air as his heart raced. The nightmare still lingered, its grip on him tight. Groggily, he rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the sleep that clung to him.
He was 13 years old, just a kid-well, most of the time. His mind was filled with secrets that no one his age should have to carry. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he glanced at the newspaper lying on his nightstand. The headline caught his attention:
"Vigilante Feedback Gone Missing?"
Ben groaned, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on him. He didn't want to deal with it. Not today. With a sigh, he tossed the blanket off and sank back into his pillow, his thoughts drifting as he fought to get back to sleep.
The room around him was a chaotic mix of old and new. The walls were plastered with posters of his past adventures-shots of Four Arms giving a helping hand, Heatblast thwarting Dr. Animo's plans, and XLR8, the fastest man alive, his feet a blur of motion. In the corner of the room, a picture of Ben when he was 10, smiling wide next to Grandpa Max and Gwen, sat on his desk. It was one of those rare moments of calm before everything got complicated.
But the peace didn't last long. The shrill sound of his alarm shattered the quiet, jolting Ben out of his daze. His eyes snapped open, wide with panic, as he realized how much time he had lost.
"Crap! I'm gonna be late!" he muttered, his voice thick with dread.
Ben scrambled out of bed, stumbling as he tried to move quickly. His limbs were still heavy from sleep, but he didn't have time to think about that.
He needed to get ready, fast. In a flurry of motion, he grabbed his clothes, throwing them on with no real care for how they fit. He dashed for the bathroom, only to rush back down the stairs as quickly as possible, hoping he could make it to school on time.
In his rush, he tripped over the last step, falling forward with a loud thud that echoed through the house. His face hit the floor with a painful smack.
Ben groaned, lying on the hardwood floor for a moment, staring at the grain in the wood. "Oh, man. This is gonna be a great start to my day," he muttered sarcastically.
...
After wolfing down his breakfast, Ben grabbed his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. He darted toward the front door, ignoring the creak of the floorboards under his rushed steps.
"Ben, don't run in the house!" Sandra Tennyson's voice called from the kitchen.
"Sorry, Mom!" Ben yelled back as he stepped outside, grabbed his bike, and pedaled off toward school.
As he rode through the neighborhood, snippets of conversations reached his ears.
"There's a villain attack downtown," someone murmured as Ben passed by.
Ben glanced back for a second before muttering to himself, "I can't deal with that now-ugh, I'll be late for school."
He sighed as he approached a crosswalk, pulling to a stop at the red light.
"You heard about the villain attack?" a woman beside him asked, glancing toward her companion.
"Yeah," the man replied, scrolling through his phone. "I think it's some kind of supervillain team. Maybe... the Freak Show Three or something?"
"The Freak Show Five?" she guessed, frowning in concentration.
Ben rested his elbow on the handlebars, propping up his chin as the conversation buzzed around him. He didn't look interested, but his eyes darted toward the intersection.
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the air. Ben's head snapped up just in time to see a hero get flung violently into a nearby building, the impact shaking the street.
Gasps erupted from the pedestrians, some backing away in fear. Before anyone could react, a police car was hurled through the air like a toy, crashing onto the pavement and skidding across the street. It stopped just short of the startled crowd at the crosswalk.
Ben tightened his grip on the handlebars, his heart racing. "Oh, great. Just what I needed," he muttered, glancing toward the commotion.
A monstrous roar echoed through the streets, sending shivers down everyone's spine. Ben snapped his head toward the source of the sound, spotting a hulking figure emerging from the chaos. The creature's most unsettling feature was the giant toenail protruding from its otherwise bald forehead.
Ben's eyes widened in recognition. "The Circus Freaks," he whispered.
The woman next to him, who had been trying to recall their name, snapped her fingers in realization. "Oh, right! That's what they're called!"
A muscular hero entered the fray, clad in heavy metal gauntlets. He pointed at the hulking villain with authority. "Thumbskull! Member of the Circus Freaks! For your crimes, I will bring you to justice!"
Thumbskull chuckled mockingly, sidestepping the hero's first swing. With a smirk, he clasped his massive hands together and swung them upward like a hammer. His blow connected with the hero's chin, sending him flying off his feet.
The crowd gasped as the hero's body was suddenly ensnared by writhing red tendrils. Violently, the tendrils swung him from building to building before smashing him into the pavement with a deafening crash.
A woman, moving with eerie agility, flipped down from a nearby rooftop and landed gracefully next to Thumbskull.
"That's Frightwig!" a pedestrian exclaimed, pointing toward her.
Frightwig's pale skin contrasted sharply with the black paint streaked across her cheeks and the back of her head. Her tight-fitting black jumpsuit, adorned with yellow stripes down the arms, accentuated her sinewy frame. Five fiery red-orange tentacles writhed from her head as she surveyed the scene with her piercing olive-green eyes.
"They're just a B-list villain team, right?" another pedestrian remarked nervously.
"Yeah," someone else muttered. "Didn't they get wrecked by some vigilantes a while back?"
"Weren't they working with that crazy serial killer clown last year?" another person chimed in.
The conversation was cut short as a loud hissing sound filled the air. A nearby building began to sizzle and melt, its walls crumbling inward. From the destruction emerged another figure-a man with wrinkled, pale skin, uneven red eyes, and patches of scraggly black hair. His gums were green, and most of his teeth were missing.
"Acid Breath!" Frightwig yelled, clearly irritated. "What the hell happened? How'd they find out about our operation?!"
Acid Breath stumbled forward, his voice gravelly and panicked. "I don't know, but we need to make a break for it! The pros and the cops are all over us!"
Ben tightened his grip on the handlebars of his bike, his heart pounding. The situation was escalating quickly, and the chaos was drawing closer to the crowd.
"This is insane," a man murmured, backing away from the scene.
"Shouldn't we call someone?" a woman asked anxiously, clutching her phone.
"Forget that-just run!" another shouted as the tension in the air became unbearable.
Ben glanced down at the Omnitrix on his wrist, its green glow reflecting in his determined eyes. The Circus Freaks were tearing through the city, their rampage leaving destruction in their wake. At full speed, they barreled toward a police barricade, but Acid Breath unleashed a massive cloud of his corrosive fumes. The acidic fog engulfed the police cars, reducing them to puddles of molten metal in seconds.
The crowd screamed and scattered, but Ben remained rooted in place, watching the chaos unfold. With a sigh of resignation, he muttered under his breath, "Guess it's Hero Time."
He pedaled quickly down a nearby alleyway, weaving through dumpsters and debris until he found a secluded spot. Stopping, Ben hopped off his bike and leaned it against the wall, shrugging off his backpack and setting it aside.
His fingers hovered over the Omnitrix, pressing the button to activate it. The central dial popped up with a soft click, the cylindrical tower extending and rotating as alien silhouettes flickered across the glowing surface.
He twisted the dial, the symbols shifting with each turn. "Alright... let's heat things up," he said with a smirk.
Raising his palm, Ben slammed down the dial. A burst of green light erupted around him, illuminating the alley in an otherworldly glow.
The transformation was quick but powerful, the light fading to reveal a humanoid figure wreathed in flames. The warmth radiating from his body lit up the narrow space, casting a flickering orange glow over the walls.
"Heatblast!" Ben shouted, his voice now deeper and more commanding. He flexed his fiery fingers, flames flickering to life in his palms. With a grin, he directed his hands downward and ignited. A powerful burst of fire shot him skyward, propelling him into the open air.
As he soared above the city, the chaos below came into clearer view.
Heatblast stood atop the building, fireballs swirling in each hand as he surveyed the chaos below. With a cocky grin, he called out, "I didn't know the circus was in town! I would've bought tickets."
The Circus Freaks looked up, their attention snapping to the fiery figure.
Frightwig sneered, her tentacles writhing. "Why don't you run along and do some homework, kid?"
Heatblast laughed, rolling his shoulders. "Listen, losers, I've got better places to be, so let's make this easy. Give up now, and maybe I'll go easy on you."
Acid Breath responded with a guttural snarl, spitting a glob of acid toward the rooftop. Heatblast leaped aside, flames propelling him to safety as the acid sizzled against the bricks. He jumped from the roof, landing in front of the Circus Freaks in a burst of flames.
Thumbskull wasted no time, charging toward him with a roar. Heatblast's palms glowed as he built up a fireball, then unleashed a massive torrent of flames. The force sent Thumbskull hurtling backward, his body smashing into a parked bus, crumpling it on impact.
Heatblast dusted off his hands theatrically. "Who's next?"
Frightwig glared, her tentacles snapping in irritation. "Time to put out this candle. Permanently."
She ripped the door off a nearby car with her tendrils and hurled it at him. Heatblast ducked, the door sailing over his head and slamming into the pavement. Igniting his fists, he sprinted toward her and landed a fiery punch. The blast sent her flying into another car, leaving her scorched and unconscious.
Acid Breath snarled, his green gums flashing as he stepped forward. "Kid, you just made a huge mistake!"
He unleashed a stream of acid, but Heatblast ducked under it and skidded forward on a trail of fire. Sliding into position, he shot a torrent of flames, striking Acid Breath squarely. The villain flew backward, crashing into the pavement in a smoking heap, unconscious like the others.
As the dust settled, two pro heroes arrived on the scene, weapons at the ready.
"Stop, villains!" one of them shouted, stepping forward.
Heatblast crossed his arms and smirked. "You're a little late to the party, fellas. Better luck next time."
The second hero blinked, looking between Heatblast and the defeated villains. "Wait, what? He saved the day!"
The first hero scowled. "Doesn't matter. He's still breaking the law! Illegal Quirk usage is a crime, no matter how you spin it! He's no better than the freaks over there!"
Heatblast shrugged, flames already flickering under his feet. "Sorry to hit and run, but I've got places to be." With a burst of fire, he rocketed into the sky, leaving the heroes behind.
The first hero shook his fist at the sky. "I'll catch you, villain!"
The second hero sighed, watching Heatblast vanish into the clouds. 'You've gotta admit, though... that was awesome."
...
A Few Houra Later...
Ben sat at his desk, mindlessly clicking his pen as the classroom buzzed with chatter. His classmates were animated, their conversations looping back to the recent showdown in the city.
"It was totally Heatblast!" a boy near the window exclaimed, miming throwing fireballs. "The dude came in, blasting flames everywhere-like foosh! Thumbskull didn't stand a chance!"
"I know, right?" another chimed in, leaning forward. "And the way he sent Thumbskull flying into that bus? That was insane!"
"Pfft, Heatblast is cool and all," a taller kid said, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. "But you know who would've ended that fight in ten seconds flat? XLR8. Dude's lightning-fast. Blink, and boom-the fight's over."
"Are you kidding me?" a student with small horns on his head argued, jumping up onto his desk. "The best one is obviously Four Arms! That guy is a tank! He could've just picked up Thumbskull and thrown him into orbit!"
A girl sitting nearby rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Four Arms is so basic. It's literally just 'big strong guy' but with extra limbs. Heatblast has actual style."
"Style doesn't win fights," the horned student shot back. "Raw power does."
"I dunno," a quieter kid said from the back. "I think Grey Matter's the smartest. He's not flashy, but he'd probably outwit anyone. You don't need strength or speed when you can just outthink your opponent."
"Grey Matter's boring!" the horned kid scoffed. "We're talking about heroes, not some lab rat."
Ben sighed, trying to hide his growing smirk as he listened. They were all debating his aliens, completely unaware they were one and the same.
"I still think Diamondhead's the coolest," another student said, sketching in the corner of her notebook. "I mean, his crystals are practically unbreakable, and he's got that sleek design. It's way cooler than being on fire."
"Okay, fine, but Wildmutt is a beast-literally!" a boy near the front said. "He doesn't even need to talk; he just wrecks people. That's terrifying and awesome at the same time."
"I heard he's kind of a loose cannon," someone else countered. "Like, what if he just snaps and starts attacking everyone?"
Ben stiffened a little at that, gripping his pen tighter.
"Relax," the girl beside him whispered, nudging his arm. "They're just hyped up. It's not like any of them actually know these guys."
Ben chuckled nervously, glancing at the Omnitrix hidden beneath his sleeve. "Yeah," he muttered. "Not like I know anything about them either..."
The bell rang, cutting through the hum of conversation as students scrambled to their next class.
Moments later, Mr. Harold Jacobs walked in.
An older man with graying hair, thick eyebrows, and glasses, Mr. Jacobs wore a light blue button-up shirt and beige pants. He had a calm yet firm demeanor.
"Morning, class," he said, his voice carrying across the room. "Settle down." He placed a stack of papers on his desk. "Today, we're going to be discussing high school options. High school applications are coming up, and it's time to start thinking about where you want to go and what you want to do."
The room buzzed with excitement as students started murmuring about their plans.
"Settle down," Mr. Jacobs said again, raising his voice slightly. "I know you all want to get into the hero course."
The class erupted in cheers, with a few students even whooping.
"Of course!" one student exclaimed. "Hero schools are the obvious choice!"
"Bellwood High's got a pretty good hero track," J.T. chimed in, puffing out his chest. "But me and Cash? We've already applied to Legacy High."
The class fell silent for a second, before bursting into laughter.
"You and Cash applied to Legacy High?" a student said, incredulously. "Dude, no way!"
"Yeah," another student added, smirking, "no offense, but everyone knows Legacy High only picks the best of the best. You two? Not even close."
A girl snorted. "You've got cool Quirks, sure, but you're both pretty... rough around the edges. Legacy High wants people who can actually handle themselves."
J.T. and Cash exchanged glares, but it was clear they were starting to feel the sting of the criticism.
Ben snorted, unable to keep the amusement off his face.
"Shut up, Tennyson," Cash snapped, glaring at him. "You're Quirkless. You're not even getting into a hero school."
Ben stuck his tongue out in response, but didn't let Cash's taunt bother him.
"Last time I checked, Cash," a student said, grinning, "Ben handed you your butt on a silver platter just last month."
"Yeah!" another student added. "What was that about being tough? You couldn't even handle one guy!"
Cash slammed his hands on the desk in frustration. "Shut up! You're just lucky!" he yelled, glaring at Ben. "How about we settle this right now?"
"Murray," Mr. Jacobs warned sharply, cutting off the confrontation. Cash flinched, sinking back into his seat as everyone fell silent.
"Enough," Mr. Jacobs said, his tone calm but firm. "You've got a strong Quirk, Cash. But getting into a hero school isn't about just showing off or throwing punches. You need to show you've got what it takes to be part of a team. Legacy High is looking for the best of the best, but that means more than just power."
The room fell quiet, and even J.T. and Cash knew Mr. Jacobs was right. No amount of brute force or bullying would get them into a top-tier school.
"Now..." Mr. Jacobs continued, adjusting his glasses, "Let's focus on the different options and what they look for in applicants."
...
As the school day came to a close, Ben quickly packed his things, eager to get out of there. Just as he was about to head for the door, Mr. Jacobs called out.
"Hold on, Ben," Jacobs said, his voice stern but calm. Ben flinched slightly before turning back and sitting at his desk.
"I see you've chosen the Hero Course track," Jacobs began, raising an eyebrow. "You're planning on attending a hero high school?"
"Yeah, sir," Ben replied confidently. "Being a hero is what I've always wanted to do... so, yeah, that's the plan."
Mr. Jacobs let out a long sigh, running a hand through his graying hair. "Ben, you know that hero high schools, like U.A., only accept those with meta abilities. You don't have one, and even U.A. doesn't let anyone without a meta ability take the entrance exam."
Ben shot up from his seat, his frustration starting to boil over. "They changed that rule, didn't they?" he said quickly, his voice full of hope.
"In U.A.," Jacobs clarified, "but not here. Very few-almost none-will accept someone without a meta ability. It's about the next generation of top-tier heroes, not someone without a 'quirk.'"
Ben clenched his fists, frustration bubbling up. "You can just call it Quirkless," he muttered, trying to keep calm. I have the Omnitrix. I have more powers and abilities than anyone here, and yet none of it matters.
But... Ben thought, the reality sinking in. Since the summer, when Grandpa and Gwen were with me, my aliens have become practically celebrities. Everyone knows about them now, and vigilantes are frowned upon. Hell, I can't just say, "Hey, you know all those alien superheroes everyone's been talking about? Yeah, that's me. But I'm not a criminal or anything... I just fight bad guys on my own terms wait that's illegal?!'
His mind spiraled as he thought about the consequences. 'If I ever revealed that, I'd probably be arrested. All my aliens are seen as wanted vigilantes-no hero school would touch me with a ten-foot pole if they knew.'
Jacobs' voice broke through Ben's thoughts. "Ben, for your own safety, I'll have to inform your parents. They won't be thrilled with this, I'm sure."
Ben groaned, his shoulders slumping. He could already picture the scolding he'd get from his mom the moment he walked in the door.
"I'm sorry, Ben," Jacobs said gently. "I know you've got potential, but the Heroic track isn't meant for you. Not right now, at least."
Ben didn't say anything. He just nodded, feeling a mix of frustration and confusion. He stood up, his hands shoved deep in his pockets, and walked slowly out of the classroom.
...
As Ben wheeled his bike out of the school's bike rack, the familiar sound of a honking horn caught his attention. He turned toward the source and broke into a wide grin as he spotted the unmistakable shape of the Rustbucket.
"Ben!" a familiar voice called out.
Ben's smile grew ear to ear as he saw his grandfather, Max Tennyson, leaning out of the window.
"Grandpa!" Ben called back, hurrying toward the RV with his bike in tow.
Max chuckled, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "What's the matter, kid? Didn't think I'd swing by for a visit?"
Ben smirked as he approached. "What are you doing here? Please tell me there's some rogue alien causing chaos downtown or-better yet-Vilgax showing his ugly mug again!" he asked, half-joking.
Max laughed heartily. "Sorry to disappoint, sport. No aliens today-at least none that I know of. I just figured I'd take you out for a ride. Hop in."
Ben's curiosity piqued as he hoisted his bike into the back of the Rustbucket and climbed into the passenger seat.
Ben sat in the passenger seat, his elbow resting on the window sill as he propped his chin up with his hand. His gaze drifted out the window, where billboards of famous heroes like Captain Celebrity and Star and Stripe loomed above the bustling streets.
A pang of frustration and longing settled in his chest as he stared at the larger-than-life images. Deep down, he knew being a hero wasn't about fame or recognition-it was about doing good. But sometimes, the dream of standing on those billboards felt so far out of reach.
"Something on your mind, sport?" Max's voice broke the silence, his tone gentle but curious.
"N-No, it's nothing," Ben stammered, though the slump in his posture said otherwise. "It's just... high school applications are coming up, and..."
"And your folks aren't exactly jumping for joy at the idea of you being a hero?" Max guessed, raising an eyebrow.
Ben sighed, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "That, and the fact that I'm Quirkless. No hero school is gonna accept me. Plus, even if they did, I can't use the Omnitrix. My aliens are basically the country's most wanted vigilantes. It's like everything's stacked against me."
Max scratched the back of his head, frowning thoughtfully. "Yeah, I guess you can't keep up the vigilante act forever, huh?"
"I don't even care about being famous or anything," Ben said, his voice quieter now. "I just always dreamed of going to a hero school, y'know? Being a real hero. It's all I've ever wanted."
Max glanced at him, his expression softening. "Listen, kiddo, don't sell yourself short. You are a hero. You've done more good than most pros ever will in their whole careers. Licenses, schools, billboards-they don't make you a hero. You've already proved what you're made of, time and time again."
A small smile tugged at Ben's lips as he looked down at his lap. "Thanks, Grandpa. That means a lot."
Max smiled back. "No problem, kid. You've earned it."
For a moment, the Rustbucket was quiet, save for the hum of the engine and the sounds of the city passing by. Then Max's expression shifted, something thoughtful and hesitant crossing his face.
"You know, I might have an idea..." Max began, glancing at Ben.
Ben perked up, his curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
Max hesitated, his grip tightening slightly on the wheel. "Ah, never mind. Let's talk about it later, okay?"
Ben blinked, confused. "Huh? Come on, Grandpa-"
"Later, sport," Max said firmly but with a reassuring smile. "For now, just enjoy the ride."
Ben frowned slightly but leaned back in his seat, watching the billboards fade into the distance as they drove on.
...
About Two Days Later...
Ben walked home, scrolling absentmindedly through the Omnitrix as his backpack bounced against his back. The familiar sounds of his neighborhood were suddenly overshadowed by murmurs and whispers.
"Wow, that car looks expensive! Do you think they're celebrities or something?"
"Is the president in town? What's going on?"
Ben blinked, his focus shifting from the Omnitrix to the street ahead. His stomach dropped when he spotted a sleek SUV parked in front of his house, its polished exterior catching the sunlight.
His face paled. 'Okay, Ben, calm down. It's just a car. Nothing to freak out about... Maybe it's a car salesman. Yeah, that makes sense.' He nodded to himself, trying to maintain a semblance of composure.
That fragile calm shattered when the front door of his house burst open, and Sandra Tennyson stormed out, her face red with anger.
"I can't believe this!" she shouted, throwing her arms in the air.
Okay... Mom's upset. 'But that doesn't mean-' Ben's attempt to rationalize the situation was interrupted by another voice.
"Look, Sandra-" Max began, his tone soothing, though guilt laced his expression.
Sandra wasn't having it. She jabbed an accusing finger at him, her voice trembling with a mixture of fury and hurt. "You lied to us for nearly four years! How many times did you put him in danger? He's Quirkless, for God's sake!" Tears shimmered in her eyes as Max looked away, clearly remorseful.
Sandra turned sharply, her blazing gaze locking onto Ben. Her posture stiffened as she folded her arms, tapping her foot impatiently.
"Benjamin Kirby Tennyson. Get over here. Now," she commanded, her tone brooking no argument as she jerked her thumb toward the open doorway.
Ben gulped, feeling beads of sweat form on his forehead. 'Uh-oh. She's using my full name..'. He let out a nervous chuckle, trying to will away the impending doom. I'm so dead. With heavy feet, he trudged toward the house, bracing for impact.
...
Ben sat on the couch, his shoulders slumped, as his parents loomed in front of him, arms crossed in disapproval. Carl had a look that screamed "Too late to come clean now," while Sandra's glare radiated the unmistakable energy of "What were you thinking?" The combination made Ben squirm nervously.
Grandpa Max sat at the dinner table with Lieutenant Steel, who had taken a seat as if he owned the place. Steel was a tall man with a buzz cut, his blonde hair barely visible under his stern demeanor. A long scar ran down one side of his face, making his already sharp features even more intimidating. He sipped his coffee calmly, but his piercing gaze made it clear he was assessing everything.
Ben tried not to look directly at Steel. Their history wasn't exactly friendly. Steel had spent an entire day hunting Ben's alien forms under the belief that they were responsible for the chaos caused by Kevin Levin.
Since Kevin had stolen and used Ben's alien DNA to wreak havoc, Steel had thought Ben was the threat and had come close to killing him several times before they reached an understanding. Saving Steel's life had earned Ben a grudging favor, but even now, the tension between them lingered.
The room was unbearably quiet, the atmosphere so thick it felt like even the walls were judging him.
Ben finally broke the silence, fidgeting under the scrutiny. "So... uh... I have a feeling I'm in some sort of trouble?" he ventured, trying to lighten the mood.
Carl's arms flew into the air, his voice rising in frustration. "We know, Ben! For God's sake, we know! We know you're the so-called 'criminal' running around fighting villains and putting your life in danger!"
Ben winced under the intensity of his father's glare, his usual quick wit failing him. Before he could respond, Max spoke up.
"Don't worry, Ben. I told them. It's fine," Max said, though his attempt at reassurance only seemed to fuel the fire.
"Fine?" Sandra snapped, her voice sharp. "You call this fine? Our son has been risking his life for three years, Max!" She turned her gaze back to Ben, her fury tempered only slightly by her obvious concern. "You've been acting like some rogue vigilante, fighting villains and EVOs that could destroy entire cities. Do you have any idea how reckless that is?"
"O-Okay, so you know most of the story," Ben admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "But it's not as bad as it sounds! Ever since I found the Omnitrix, it's been my responsibility to-"
"Oh, of course! This is all Dad's fault!" Carl interjected, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he shot a glare at Max. "You lied to us, Dad! Me and Frank knew you had some secret life, but we never thought you'd drag our son into it!"
Max sighed, guilt evident in his expression. "I made mistakes, Carl, but this isn't the time to-"
"No!" Carl cut him off, his voice rising. "You lied to us, and now my son is lying to me too!"
"And it's our fault," Sandra said, her voice trembling with anger and regret. "We were too permissive, and look where it got us: our thirteen-year-old son risking his life needlessly!"
Ben jumped to his feet, his voice filled with urgency. "Not needlessly, Mom! It has to be me! The Omnitrix-"
"Yes, yes, we know," Carl interrupted, raising a hand to silence him. "The damn watch doesn't come off." He rubbed his temples, the frustration clearly wearing on him. "And now Dad wants you to attend a hero school."
Ben's eyes widened, and he spun to face Max. "W-Wait. A hero school? Like, seriously?"
Max nodded. "I've pulled some strings, called in a few favors. If you agree, we can have your... extracurricular activities swept under the rug."
Steel finally spoke, his voice low and commanding. "This isn't just a free pass, kid. You'll have to perform community service as part of your punishment. Attending a hero school isn't just about getting a license; it's about learning discipline and responsibility."
He set his coffee cup down, his piercing gaze locking onto Ben. "For the next three years, you'll train, study, and prove that you can handle the responsibility of being a Pro Hero. And once you graduate, you'll spend your early career performing additional community service to pay back what you owe society. This is a second chance-don't waste it."
Ben's face lit up, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Seriously?!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with unbridled joy.
"Absolutely not," Sandra snapped, cutting through his excitement like a blade.
Ben turned to her, his smile fading. "But, Mom-"
"No," she said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument. "I will not allow my son to risk his life needlessly. Not after everything we've learned today." She crossed her arms tightly, her protective instincts overriding any thought of compromise.
Ben's shoulders slumped, but before he could argue further, Sandra turned to Steel, her expression unyielding. "Isn't there any other way for my son to make amends? Anything that doesn't involve throwing him into even more danger?"
Steel sighed, setting his coffee cup down with a quiet clink. "Unfortunately, no, ma'am. Benjamin Tennyson may be what we officially classify as a vigilante-a criminal by the strictest interpretation of the law-but his actions over the past three years have proven otherwise." He paused, meeting Sandra's defiant glare with a steady gaze. "He's performed heroic feats that surpass most licensed Pro Heroes, including those in the top ten."
Ben blinked, stunned into silence. His eyes widened as Steel continued.
"Your son has already built a reputation. He's considered a hero in the eyes of many, and not just any hero-a top hero. That's why we're offering him this chance. Because we believe that Benjamin Tennyson has the potential to stand among the greats, like Star and Stripe or All Might. Perhaps even surpass them someday."
Ben's face broke into an awestruck smile, his eyes shimmering with hope.
Carl noticed his son's expression and felt a pang of guilt. He had seen that same excitement in himself once-an eagerness to prove oneself, to do something meaningful. But this wasn't a game; it was their son's life on the line.
Steel's tone softened slightly, though his words carried weight. "The United States is searching for its next beacon of hope, its own Number One hero. All Might's departure left a void, not just here, but across the world. Crime rates skyrocketed in his absence, and the darkness that followed was felt by everyone." Steel paused, glancing at Ben with a rare expression of respect.
"But three years ago, something changed. Crime began to decline. Even without a license, a ten-year-old boy outmaneuvered Pro Heroes and fought some of the most dangerous villains we've ever seen-saving lives in the process."
Sandra's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her anger mingled with fear. "He's just a boy," she whispered, her voice trembling. "He shouldn't have had to fight anyone. He shouldn't have had to save lives while putting his own in danger."
Steel inclined his head. "You're right, Mrs. Tennyson. He shouldn't have. But the fact is, he did. And in doing so, he's already proven himself capable of more than most adults. This isn't about pushing him into danger—it's about preparing him for the reality he's already stepped into. If we don't equip him with the right training and support, the alternative is far riskier."
Max leaned forward, his voice calm but resolute. "Carl, Sandra, I know how hard this is to hear, but you're underestimating Ben. I've seen firsthand what he can do. He's smart, resourceful, and quick on his feet. Your son—my grandson—has already grown into someone extraordinary."
Ben's chest swelled with pride at his grandfather's words, though the weight of the moment kept him grounded.
Max's tone softened. "He looks out for people. Sure, he can be reckless, but when it matters, he comes through. He makes mistakes like anyone else, but he learns from them. He grows. I'm asking you to see that side of him—the side that will shine even brighter with the right guidance."
Carl ran a hand down his face, the weight of the decision pressing on him. "So what are we supposed to do? Just sign some papers and send him off to risk his life every day? How do we live with that, Max?"
Max took a step forward, his voice measured but firm. "I'm not asking you to be comfortable with it, hell or even okay with it." He said looking into Carl's eyes.
Max crossed his arms, his voice steady but firm. "I'm asking you to think about what's truly best for Ben—not just as your son, not even as my grandson, but as someone who's already stepped up to do what most people couldn't even dream of." He glanced at Ben, his expression a mix of pride and concern. "That kid's got a fire in him, Carl. Even if we told him to walk away, to stop playing hero, we both know he wouldn't. If he sees someone in trouble, he's going to help. That's just who he is."
Ben shifted uncomfortably under the weight of those words. It wasn't like Max was wrong—but hearing it laid out like that made it harder to ignore.
Max turned back to Carl and Sandra, his tone softening. "You can either give him the tools to do this the right way, or you can leave him to figure it out on his own. And we both know how that could turn out."
His gaze swept the room, lingering on Ben's parents. "Ben's not just some reckless kid. Sure, he's made his fair share of mistakes, but when it matters, he steps up. He learns. And more than that—he cares. With the right training and support, he could be something greater, someone people look up to. A real hero." He let out a small sigh. "But that starts with you."
...
Silence hung over the room. Carl glanced at his son, taking in the mix of hope and fear on Ben's face. With a frustrated sigh, he threw up his hands. "Fine. Where do we sign?"
"Carl!" Sandra's voice wavered between disbelief and anger.
He turned to her, his expression weary but certain. "Sandra, if we say no, he'll just keep doing this on his own. At least this way, he'll have guidance—a real chance."
Steel nodded, pulling a set of papers from his briefcase. "You're making the right call. This agreement acknowledges what Ben has already done and ensures he moves forward with proper oversight. But once you sign, there's no going back."
Carl hesitated for a long moment before exhaling sharply. He picked up the pen. "I hope you're right," he muttered as he signed his name.
Sandra crossed her arms, reluctant but resigned. After a moment, she took the pen and signed beside her husband. "If anything happens to him..." she trailed off, her voice trembling.
Steel collected the documents with a nod of approval. "Good. Now we move forward." He turned to Ben, his expression hardening. "The next few weeks are critical. You follow every directive to the letter. One misstep, and this deal is off the table."
Ben nodded, his throat dry. "I won't mess this up."
Steel leaned in, his tone razor-sharp. "That means no vigilantism. No heroics. Not everyone upstairs is on board with this, and some would love nothing more than to see you locked up. You give them a reason, and this whole thing disappears."
Ben swallowed hard under the weight of Steel's gaze.
"This is your one shot," Steel said, crossing his arms. "Don't waste it."
With that, he turned and walked out, leaving the room heavy with unspoken tension.
...
...
5 years ago, a team of international scientists began a groundbreaking experiment called the Nanite Project. Its goal was to revolutionize biotechnology by creating nanites capable of healing injuries, eradicating diseases, and enhancing human potential.
However, something went terribly wrong. A catastrophic explosion during the final test released countless nanites into the atmosphere, spreading them across the globe. These microscopic machines integrated with every living organism on Earth.
While most of these nanites remained dormant and harmless, some individuals experienced dangerous activation.
When triggered, these nanites caused mutations, both minor and massive, transforming humans, animals, and even plants into beings called Exponentially Variegated Organisms (E.V.O.s)-creatures of incredible power and unpredictability.
2 years after the incident, humanity was still struggling to adapt. Governments and organizations, including Japan's Hero Public Safety Commission, worked tirelessly to contain and understand these mutations. Heroes were dispatched to combat rampaging E.V.O.s, as their presence posed a direct threat to society.
A live news broadcast
The camera pans to chaos unfolding in Tokyo's bustling Roppongi district. Screams echo as civilians flee, while a massive, skyscraper-sized E.V.O. marches through the heart of the city. Its body, a grotesque combination of metal and organic components, glows ominously with pulsating energy. Buildings tremble with each step it takes.
Reporter:
"We are live in Roppongi, Minato City, where chaos reigns! This bio-mechanical monstrosity-an E.V.O.-has appeared seemingly out of nowhere. It's destroying everything in its path! Authorities are urging residents to evacuate immediately. Pro-Heroes are on their way, but... can they handle something of this scale?"
The feed cuts briefly to shaky footage from a terrified onlooker's phone. The E.V.O. raises one of its massive, claw-like appendages and slams it into a nearby skyscraper, causing glass and steel to rain down like confetti. The screen flickers back to the reporter, who is visibly shaken.
Reporter contunies, "We've never seen anything like this! Could this be the result of nanite activation? If so, is this just the beginning of a new crisis?"
Providence agents surrounded the towering E.V.O., their weapons trained on its hulking, bio-mechanical form. The creature loomed like a living skyscraper, its metallic body interwoven with sinewy organic tissue.
Pulsing energy cores glowed a fiery orange, casting ominous light across the battlefield. Its jagged, clawed limbs left deep gashes in the earth with every step, the tremors knocking nearby vehicles into the air.
Suddenly, its shoulder-mounted cannons whirred to life. The cores ignited, and molten projectiles erupted from them like blazing comets. The first impact obliterated an entire squad of agents, leaving nothing but a smoldering crater. The explosions rocked the battlefield, sending shockwaves that flattened anything within their radius.
Flames and shrapnel tore through the air, consuming those too slow to evade. Chaos reigned as Providence struggled to regroup, their weapons useless against the E.V.O.'s impenetrable frame.
Through the carnage, the Pro-Heroes arrived. Their presence brought a flicker of hope to the shattered ranks of agents and terrified civilians. Mandalay took charge, her voice booming with urgency as she directed their efforts.
Tiger sprang into action, effortlessly carrying two civilians in his arms as he sprinted toward safety, his powerful legs carving deep grooves into the ground. Water Hose unleashed streams of water, dousing flames and creating protective barriers to shield the retreating civilians.
Ragdoll darted through the battlefield, her unparalleled agility allowing her to guide frightened bystanders through the chaos with uncanny precision.
Pixie-Bob ran forward, crouching low as she pressed her hands to the earth. The ground rumbled violently beneath her, and colossal mud constructs burst.
A colossal blade extended from the
creature's arm, its edge jagged and
pulsating with raw energy. With a
single, devastating sweep, the E.V.O
tore through Pixie-Bob's creations,
reducing them to rubble.
The broken fragments rained down across thebattlefield. Without pause, the beast swung again, its blade cutting through the ranks of Providence agents.
Blood sprayed into the air as bodies
were thrown like ragdolls. The
battlefield was littered with mangled
forms, the agents' advanced armor
crumpled as if it were paper.
The E.V.O.'s advance was
unstoppable.
Just as the situation appeared hopeless, a booming, familiar voice echoed across the battlefield.
"Have no fear! Because I am here!"
On top of a nearby building, All Might, the symbol of peace, appeared. With a flash of speed, he leaped into the air, One For All coursing through him, ready to deliver a mighty blow. He charged towards the towering beast, pulling back his fist with immense force.
"Detroit SMASH!"
The punch collided with the creature's metal body, creating a shockwave that sent a gust of wind and shattered windows in every direction. The force of the impact sent All Might flying backwards, crashing into a nearby building, his body barely able to absorb the weight of the monster's counterattack.
From behind, a new voice called out, "You should let the professionals handle it."
All Might slowly pulled himself from the rubble, his eyes narrowing in recognition as he saw a familiar figure approaching. It was Six, a skilled hero whose abilities were as mysterious as they were dangerous. With a simple nod, Six drew his blades and prepared for battle.
"Now, how about you dust yourself off and take it down?" Six said, his tone calm and focused.
All Might laughed, cracking his knuckles. "This is going to be fun. Let's bring this hunk of junk down!"
Six sprang into action, moving with incredible speed and agility, evading the boulders the creature threw at him. He leaped onto a nearby building, scaling its walls with ease before landing on the creature's back. With a swift motion, Six plunged his blades into a weak point in the mechanical beast, causing it to let out an agonized roar of pain.
All Might, moving with newfound speed and determination, saw the opportunity. "It seems I underestimated you, big guy. But I won't make the same mistake twice!"
With a burst of power, All Might raced forward, his fist pulsing with the energy of One For All. He launched himself at the creature, landing a powerful punch to its side, sending it crashing through several buildings.
"SMASH!"
The battlefield trembled with the aftermath, dust swirling through the air as the beast was momentarily knocked off balance. But just as the dust settled, something terrifying happened. The creature's glowing blue eyes sparked with a new energy. The air around the beast seemed to warp as it unleashed an electromagnetic pulse that short-circuited every technological device in the vicinity, leaving the area in a dead zone.
The mechanical parts of the creature began to retract and shrink, its body folding in on itself until it collapsed into the form of a small, 12-year-old boy. The transformation was so sudden that no one knew how to react. All Might stood frozen, his eyes wide with shock as the realization hit him-he had been fighting a child.
The boy dropped to his knees and fainted, his body limp from the overwhelming experience. As the heroes and Providence agents stood in stunned silence, Six approached the unconscious child. When the boy stirred and opened his eyes, he looked up and saw Six hovering over him.
"¿Has visto mi bicicleta?" the boy mumbled, clearly disoriented.
Six, unperturbed, lowered his blades and offered a hand to the boy, helping him to his feet. "Are you alright?"
The boy blinked, shaking off the fogginess in his mind before standing up, brushing himself off. "Yeah, I'm okay... I think. But... Woah! Are those swords? Are you a ninja? Was I speaking Spanish? Wait, is this Mexico? What happened to the city? Why is everyone staring at us?"
Six took a deep breath, sensing the shock the boy was in. "Easy, kid. You're in shock. Take a deep breath and answer a few questions."
The boy took a slow breath, nodding. "Alright... shoot."
Six tilted his head slightly. "First off, what's your name?"
"Rex," the boy replied, a hint of confusion in his voice. "Rex Salazar."
Six's expression softened. "Any family?"
Rex shook his head, his eyes downcast. "No... I don't... I don't remember anyone. I just woke up and saw you... not exactly the angel I was hoping for."
Before Six could respond, the ground rumbled once again. A new EVO emerged, this time from beneath their feet. It was a terrifying creature with a scorpion-like tail, and it moved swiftly toward Rex. As the tail rose, poised to strike, Six reacted in an instant, leaping in front of the boy to take the blow.
Rex screamed, "No! Leave him alone!"
The heroes prepared to intervene, but Rex, desperate, acted on instinct. He ran towards the creature and touched it. The same blue circuitry that had surrounded him during the fight began to spread across the EVO, and before anyone could react, the monster shifted, transforming back into a human form, still sporting a scorpion tail.
Rex exhaled sharply, wiping his brow. "Great... probably got rabies now."
The onlookers watched in stunned silence as Rex stood there, confused and unsure of what to do next.
"What?" Rex asked, sensing their gaze. "Do I have something on my face?"
Word of Rex's abilities quickly spread. It was revealed that he could cure EVOs, turning them back into their human forms. His extraordinary powers were both a blessing and a curse, and the authorities took notice. Rex was soon handed over to Providence, and due to the electromagnetic pulse that had wiped out all recordings, the truth about his actions was kept secret.
Though still a minor, Rex was offered a chance to train at a hero school of his choice, and after completing his training, he would receive a hero license, allowing him to use his powers freely. In a world plagued by EVOs that had ravaged cities and torn apart families, Rex became a symbol of hope.
The world now had hope. The battle against EVOs was not over, but it had a chance.
This is where Rex's story began...