172 Fanfic #172 A Result of Consequence by BigPear(Ben10XMyHeroAcademia)

This fanfic is a fusion between the worlds of Ben 10 and My Hero Academia following Ben Tennyson. I really like this fic because does a really good job of combining the intrigue of the alien life forms, while running the excitement of mha.

Synopsis: That summer when Ben first found and used the Omnitrix was a simple one. Find bad guy, go hero, beat bad guy, get away, repeat. Ben was on top of the world; in a world full of quirks, he had the coolest one of all. However, every action has a reaction, and Ben's vigilantism has landed him in trouble. Now at UA, Ben must prove himself a hero, or suffer the consequences.

Rated: T

words: 208k

https://m.fanfiction.net/s/13745281/1/A-Result-of-Consequence

Here's the first chapter:

Humanity was a strange species.

They had no incredible feature that set them apart from the other species on their homeplanet of Earth. No flight, no elemental control, no one-of-a-kind power that would give them an edge. Humans were... painfully normal.

Yet they persevered.

They struggled, fought, developed, and evolved their way into the most dominant species on their planet by far. A human in a vacuum was very weak; similarly-powered creatures could easily overpower them in a fight. However, humans took care to ensure that could never happen. They developed tools to help defend themselves and make life easier. They began to warp the very land around them, controlling resources and creatures alike to form communities. When safety was achieved, they branched into philosophy and science. With a better grasp of themselves and the world around them, humans began to achieve amazing feats! From fire to electricity to nuclear power, humans became the masters of Earth, and began to look beyond their own planet. To the moon, then to Mars, and maybe even beyond. Humanity was ready. They wanted to explore, and now had the capacity to reach the welcoming stars above!

Then a baby was born with the seemingly alien ability to emit light.

Soon, humanity entered a strange series of mutations that would shake the foundations of their society forever. More and more of these mutations sprung up, giving humans, a painfully average species, abilities galore! Overnight, the focus of humanity shifted from exploring new worlds to rediscovering theirs. A society that had literal superheroes, a dream come true for so many! Projects dedicated to space exploration and colonization were cut in favor of programs that would delve into the science of 'quirks' and items to better support these powers. Literal superheroes and supervillains emerged, and soon life on Earth resembled more of a comic book. Dreams of space were replaced by dreams of superman.

How unfortunate, that humanity never did realize just what was out there, in the cosmos, for them to discover. That aliens existed. That they were not just funny green men, but lifeforms forged from different circumstances, with powers and abilities that rivaled those of even the most powerful quirks! And how much these alien lifeforms actually interacted with Earth and the humans that inhabited it.

Even before the quirk emergence/mutation, there were three major groups that interacted with life from the great beyond. The first were the noble Plumbers, officers of justice and order, who 'fixed the leaks' in society caused by extraterrestrial forces. The second were the strange Forever Knights, who led a more secluded mission that only those in the order knew. Those that knew them feared their devotion to prepare for the arrival of a strange being only known as 'The Dagon.' The last, and most evil of the groups were the Flamekeeper Circle, who wanted to revive 'The Dagon' believing it to be the key to a second wave of euphoria and gifts. With the Forever Knights and the Flamekeeper Circle in a secret war, it was up to the Plumbers to ensure aliens would not be revealed to the public. Working with the governments around the world, the Plumbers ensured that humanity would continue to exist without knowledge of alien life, to allow the human race to naturally develop technology, space travel and the actual desire to explore the cosmos without interference.

Perhaps the greatest Plumber in this era was Maxwell Tennyson, the Plumber Magistrate of Earth who worked tirelessly to bring alien wrongdoers on Earth and nearby planets to justice without disturbing the public. Maxwell earned himself an honorable retirement, after decades of fixing the leaks of extraterrestrial life and technology. For many years this natural state of humanity lasted, with the quirk society doing it's thing, the alien side remaining hidden. All was going well. That is, until a certain prototype alien device enroute to Maxwell, garnered the attention of the Galactic Warlord known as Vilgax. Humanity remained blissfully ignorant of an awesome but deadly space battle between the device's escort ship and Vilgax's battleship that resulted in the device being jettisoned onto the surface in the general direction of Maxwell's genetic signature. As luck would have it, the pod did land quite near the retired Plumber's location, but in a twist of fate, it was not a legendary Plumber that opened the pod, but his 10 year old grandson, Benjamin Tennyson.

It was then, in that summer, where Earth and the humans living there got their first real experience with alien life. For Ben had unknowingly bound himself with the prototype of the only level 20 technology artifact in existence, the Omnitrix. This watch-like device was developed as a way to experience all forms of intelligent species found throughout the universe. Linked to the DNA of hundreds of thousands of individual species, the Omnitrix was a one-of-a-kind tool, built by its creator with Maxwell's quirk in mind. Quirks were genetic-based, and Maxwell had inherited his family's quirk known as Genetic Equalization which gave his body that ability to incorporate foreign genetic material and neutralize any negative effects it may have caused. Maxwell never got sick as a result of his quirk, handy for a hardworking keeper of intergalactic peace such as himself. But the watch had detected another potential host, a descendent of Maxwell's, and had an even more suitable quirk. That quirk was Cellular Adaptability which was Maxwell's quirk but boosted in all fronts, allowing the wielder to resist even lethal diseases, have better temperature regulation, and heal from wounds faster. As you may have guessed, that individual with such a quirk was Ben. Like any other child in the quirk age, Ben had dreamed of being a hero, but Cellular Adaptability alone did not give him a fighting chance. He needed something more, and now it was locked onto his wrist.

In a roadtrip across the United States, Ben ran about as a self-proclaimed 'hero,' while being hastily mentored by his Grandpa Max, who had yet to reveal his Plumber history, and Gwen Tennyson, who attempted to keep the other two anchored to Earth. While Ben slowly grew into his new powers, rumors of these 'aliens' began to spread, with people initially thinking that it was a group of vigilantes with mutant-type quirks, but the United States Government immediately recognized the issue and sent forces to subdue the aliens in secret, not knowing it was actually a human child playing hero. Little did the humans know however, that an even greater power was waiting, healing, in the solar system, and used these news stories to locate the Omnitrix wielder. Vilgax descended upon Earth, set on his desire to use the Omnitrix to conquer the rest of the galaxy.

Vilgax would not be the last powerful villain Ben, Gwen and Grandpa Max would face; Vilgax had sent alien bounty hunters, powerful robotic drones, and then he himself entered the fight. Other figures emerged as recurring enemies Ben used his alien powers to subdue. Two characters in particular rose up, with quirks that proved troublesome for even the Omnitrix wielder to defeat. The first was Dr. Aloysius Animo who possessed the quirk Animal Genetic Reconstruction which allowed him to alter animals at their most primal level and then control them, creating monstrosities that forced Ben to the limits of his aliens in order to defeat. The second was Kevin Levin, against whom Ben had to LEARN his aliens to beat. Kevin had the quirk Osmosis which allowed him to absorb energy and matter into his body for him to use. When he absorbed the Omnitrix, he gained 1/10th of each of Ben's aliens and was able to use them at will. He eventually lost control, turning into the monster known as Kevin 11, and proceeded to team up with Vilgax to defeat Ben together. However, the child prevailed despite their combined efforts, and Maxwell banished them to the Null Void, a dimension that held the worst of the galaxy's criminals to exist without being able to harm anyone else. Dr. Animo slunk into the shadows, seemingly defeated, and Ben seemed to have emerged victorious; against all odds, he survived his summer vacation.

Space was not done with him yet however, as when Dr. Animo re-emerged in another plan to beat the Tennyson's, the ensuing battle resulted in the Omnitrix's Self Destruct Mode being activated, and with the Petrosapien Tetrax Shard, Ben and Gwen set off to meet Azmuth, the Omitrix's creator. It was in that adventure where Ben broke out of his childlike-haze of pretend heroism and nearly fell into the pits of despair. After learning Vilgax escaped the Null Void to pursue them, that the Omnitrix's explosion would be powerful enough to wipe out the entire universe, losing Gwen to carnivorous Florauna, and being rejected by Azmuth after finally reaching him due to using the Omnitrix as a weapon, Ben came to a conundrum: was he using the Omnitrix to be a hero, or for the mere thrill of being powerful?

Shocking Azmuth, Ben gave his answer by turning to fight Vilgax and his drone army without the ability to use the Omnitrix. Ben, a 10 year old human boy, went to fight Vilgax, a being so powerful Ben could not beat him even with the powers of the watch. Inspired by Ben's heroism, Azmuth turned off the Self Destruct Mode and gave Ben back the ability to transform, and with the newly discovered To'Kustar form, affectionately dubbed Way Big, assistance from Gwen who escaped the Florauna, and the allies he made on the journey, Ben flung Vilgax into space. Azmuth humorously declined Ben's offer to return the Omnitrix, mentioning that the device would do well in the hands of a hero. Returning home, changed and determined, Ben and Gwen were deposited back on Earth by Tetrax to an unusually gloomy Grandpa Max. With summer vacation ending, Maxwell dropped Gwen off at her home before going to Ben's home. To Ben's surprise, Grandpa Max entered his home with him, muttering about 'getting it over with fast.' Ben's confusion would soon be answered as he and his grandfather walked inside his home, to find his parents at the dinner table with grim expressions on their faces, and a mysterious man in a suit with many documents before him on the table. Looking at his grandfather in confusion, Maxwell simply nudged Ben forward, where the 10 year old took a seat, and Maxwell followed letting out a sigh. Ben was about to learn every action has an echo, and he was about to deal with the echoes of months of 'hero' activity he had done.

-Ben has to live with the consequences of his actions-

Ben squirmed nervously in his seat. He had faced down galactic warlords, aliens, and mad scientists without pause, but the sight of his parents, grandfather, and that weird guy in a suit with such dour expressions made him antsy. He opened his mouth to speak, only to be cut off by a simple proclamation by his father.

"We know everything."

Well shit. That is not good.

"Well that is not really fair. Not the whole truth. I already knew of Dad's Plumber history, and while I was not happy about that in my life, I was content to live with it as long as it affected Dad's life, not mine." Ben noticed his dad was glaring at grandpa, which filled him with confusion. Why would his Dad not want to be a Plumber? Was it not an honor? Did he not like fighting? Then the glare shifted to Ben, and he hunched over to avoid the piercing gaze. "However, it appears that now this alien business has plopped back into my life, and it involves my son of all people. I know it has something to do with the watch on Ben's wrist, but I need to know something Dad."

Ben peeked back up to see his father's intense gaze burning into Grandpa Max's indifferent, neutral expression. "Could you have prevented it? Was it possible that my SON could not have been cursed with such a device? Is it?" Silence greeted this accusation, and a heavy pause sat over the table.

Suddenly standing, throwing his chair back with a loud crash, Ben winced as a fist slammed into the table as his Dad bellowed out "ANSWER ME DAMMIT!"

A hand was placed on his shoulder to calm the man's breathing.

"Carl please, we only know what the agent has told us. I think we should wait until both your father and the agent have spoken, then we can talk. Please keep it together?" The sight of his wife's worried gaze was enough to bring the man's temper down.

"Yes,yes-you are right Sandra. I'm sorry, this is-this is-just so overwhelming. I just want Ben to be safe..." Carl Tennyson bent down to put his chair back into position as he started to regulate his breathing with his eyes closed. It was then the next can of worms was opened up.

"Sir, I think you are here to inform us of something?" Inquired Grandpa Max, who Ben noted had shifted his neutral gaze from his Dad to the agent, who had yet to say or do anything. The agent turned to his grandpa, and nodded.

"Yes, that you Maxwell, I think-"

"Max is fine. I haven't been called Maxwell since I retired."

"But your actions in the past month or so indicate that you are not retired anymore I'm afraid. The Mount Rushmore base was activated, with weapons and armaments reported missing by other Plumbers, and you later gave confirmation yourself that it was you who took and used these weapons. Those are not the acts of a retired man." Grandpa Max's lips tightened until they went white with the tension, but aside from that his face gave no tells. The agent's eyes then turned to Ben, who nervously met his gaze. The man stood up, straightened his suit, and walked over to Ben's side of the table, and with the eyes of the three adults on him, he extended his arm to the child. "Agent Coleson, United States Extraterrestrial Control Division. Pleased to meet you Ben."

Ben reached out to grasp the man's hand in a shake, and as their hands retracted back, he blurted out "Coleson? That's the most stereotypical agent name ever." Immediately Ben regretted everything as his Dad sputtered, his Mom gasped, and his Grandfather turned away coughing, using his mouth to cover his smile. Ben was sorry but how could he not say that? The name, the suit, the plain black hair, the slim frame that had clear muscle definition, and the easy grin made it too easy. Thankfully, before his parents could say or do anything, Agent Coleson turned around and walked back to his seat chuckling "If I had a nickel every time I had that said to me, I wouldn't need to be an agent."

Ben sighed in relief, but tensed back up immediately upon seeing his parent's murderous gazes. If he was not grounded for life before, it was certainly happening now. The sound of a throat being cleared, and paper's being shuffled brought the Tennyson family's attention back to Coleson. "Benjamin Tennyson, Maxwell Tennyson, your actions within this summer have been brought to the attention of the United States Government, especially my branch. Maybe if society was not already filled with superhuman abilities, this would have turned out differently, but sadly, with the laws revolving quirks and the government treating your alien forms like quirks, the following issues have emerged." Coleson shuffled a page behind the stack, and began reading off the next in the pile.

"Benjamin Tennyson, you have been a vigilante with absolutely no regard for quirk usage laws, and not working with law enforcement properly. Every state you have visited has had their laws broken by a mysterious groups of vigilantes with powerful mutant-type quirks, but we all know it was you. We recognise your drive to do good, but your lack of cooperation with the police, hiding your true identity by choice, and your immense amount of collateral damage overshadow your accomplishments." With each violation listed, Ben could only feel the guilt inside his body grow, as he did not fail to notice his parent's shock. He could only guess that Agent Coleson had only shared the circumstances Ben was in, and not any of the details. That revelation only made the guilt worse.

"That was the political side, what with the law and such. But now we need to discuss the issues that my branch has dealt with for the last couple months." Ben's gut twisted. That was not it? There was more?

"Since before quirk society, and for literal centuries, the governments around the world worked with the Plumbers to regulate alien interference with Earth. Alien technology could be devastating if in the wrong hands, and an agreement was reached by all nations to let humans naturally grow into a spacefaring species; we do not want to endure the problems of a species being prematurally given spacefaring technology like the Krogan, as Maxwell pointed out years ago. Until this summer everyone was doing splendidly. Now imagine our surprise when sightings of a Tetramand, then a Kineceleran, and eight other species were found on Earth all at once." Ben sighed aloud. This, he knew, was him.

"We have managed to keep you out of the media Ben, we did everything we could." That surprised Ben, but from the way his parents and grandpa's eyes all widened, he was not the only one. "We went along with the ten vigilantes with mutant-type quirks story, and spun it so that they were a band of do-gooders who did not want to be bound by the law as they fought evil. So we followed your path, making stories and arrests that would cover your tracks and leave no trail. Arrests were made, then had the stories altered so that it would seem like one of the vigilantes were caught. For example-" Coleson pulled out a picture of a criminal mugshot, angry blue eyes glued forward as his slim body was constricted with anti-quirk cuffs on his wrists and ankles. "This guy, whose name is withheld for legal reasons, was a small-time criminal with a speed quirk who tried to move up in the world by stealing from a bank. Our boys easily took him in, but we used his story to cover your Kineceleran form. I won't bore you with the other nine, but rest assured, aside from the local rumors and legends you created that we can not stomp out, your name is clear Ben."

Ben let the breath he was holding out and the beginnings of a grin were dancing on the edges of his mouth. Free, and with no one the wiser! It still nagged at him, though. Why would the government do this much for him, considering the hell he put them through? Mustering up his courage, Ben looked straight into Coleson's eyes and asked him the question himself. He would immediately regret the answer.

"So people do not connect you with the aliens when we arrest you."

Ben was reeling in shock. Arrested? Him, at age 10? That was not possible... right? He looked to his left, at his Dad's mouth agape in panic, and his Mom's tears finally falling with no resistance. He looked to his right, to see Grandpa Max's fists clenched right in his lap, his head bent with jaw locked uncomfortably. The realization was setting in and Ben's mind began to panic. This was real! He was in deep, deep shit! And his parents and grandpa knew it too!

Coleson swept his gaze across the Tennyson family before letting out a disappointed sigh. "Look Ben, we really do not want to arrest a 10 year old. We are legally obligated to report this, and no matter what we say it looks bad. However, what you have done warrants no other course of action. You broke nearly every law regulating quirk usage and heroics. Those are in there for a reason. I'm sure you have been over it in school, but you understand what would happen if no quirk regulations were in place, right?" Ben managed a nod at that. It did not take a genius to realize how fast society could possibly crumble if everyone just used their superhuman abilities willy-nilly.

"I know you wanted, and still want, to become a hero, Ben. I know because I did when I was your age, heck, every kid in this day-and-age wants to be a hero. I understand why you did what you did. Your Cellular Adaptability quirk, which you probably knew would never let you become a hero, became more of a burden then a gift that quirks are. Suddenly, that same burden suddenly gave you the ability to use a device that gave you the equivalent power of multiple, extraordinary quirks. The rush of power you experienced was the drive for many of your actions, I know too many cases like yours Ben." As Ben absorbed Coleson's speech, he recalled memories of when his quirk was first revealed. He was so excited to get the news of his quirk that day to the doctors, literally vibrating in his seat! He was debating if explosions were cooler than teleportation when the news dropped that Ben had inherited a more powerful version of his father's quirk line. Cellular Adaptability certainly sounded cool, and his parents were esatic that this would ensure Ben would live a long, extremely healthy life, but for Ben it was a let down. Sure, it was cool to say, and kids were certainly jealous at school that he would never get sick, but he could only watch enviously at the other, more lucky individuals. He saw other kids that had immense strength to crush rocks with their bare hands, speed to trivialize games at recess, and dozens of other quirks that kids could actually demonstrate and show off.

Everything changed when he got the Omnitrix. Suddenly, he had the strength to bend steel, speeds rivaling that of the top speedster heroes with even greater control, and so much more! His ten aliens gave him unrivaled power, and he relished in it. But now, it was those moments of glory that had sentenced him to imprisonment. Ben was brought out of his reminiscing when his Dad tried to argue for his case.

"But-But, Ben here was only trying to do good! My wife and I raised him right, I'm sure he was doing this for the greater good, and using the alien forms responsibly! I don't really understand everything he's been through, and how that dang watch works, but I believe in my son!" Coleson let out a sigh-he was going to be doing that a lot- as he brought out another folder and handed it over to the Tennyson. Ben watched as his Dad took the folder and began to lay the pictures within on the table before his Mom, and as he saw the first picture, his heart sank. He knew what it was. And it was one of the biggest regrets he had.

"Your son used one of his forms, an Ectonurite-basically an alien with ghost powers, to illegally enter a grand reveal event for a Sumo Slammer arcade game. That was the weakest offense he made in using the Omnitrix for his personal gain. He was also deemed an accomplice of criminal Kevin Levin in adjusting two trains to collide: one transporting money and the other... a passenger train." Ben felt as if two massive spears of guilt shot through his heart as his mother let out a horrified gasp, and his father just sat in stunned silence. That night was among the worst moments of Ben's life, and he had several near-death experiences in that competition. Not only had he been a villain that night, but he had also spawned one of his worst enemies, Kevin 11, who used his alien's powers against him. Hopefully Kevin 11 was still locked in the Null Void, but if Vilgax escaped, maybe he could too, but Ben did not want to dwell on such thoughts. Grandpa Max's sudden vocalization brought the attention onto him.

"I know it sounds bad. Carl, Sandra, as the adult responsible for Ben this summer, many of the events that happened can be blamed on me. I failed you as a father, and to you Coleson, I failed you as a Plumber. I just saw how happy Ben was, that I was not hard enough on him until it was too late. I'm sorry." The table sat in stunned silence, as the legendary Plumber Maxwell Tennyson spoke from a bowed head, and with utter sincerity in his voice. "However, I do have something to tell you Coleson, before you drag away my grandson in cuffs." Grandpa Max suddenly straightened his back, turned to Coleson, and spoke.

"Ben may have been immature: he was rash, stupid, greedy, and arrogrant, but all kids would have been in his shoes. In our call right before this meeting, I told you I believe Ben is a good kid, with a good heart and is hero material." Grandpa Max stood, marched to behind Ben and put his hands on his shoulders, squeezing gently. "Ben has been through a lot, more than any kid his age has any right to undergo, and I've seen him grow as a result. In just a couple months he has gone from a prospective thrill-seeker, to a serious hero-in-training. He has made mistakes-but he has learned from them. He made bad friends, but he was the one to break off those strings and come back to the right side. He was given power not meant for him and is just starting to realize the responsibilities he has." Ben felt a surge of pride fighting his guilt as his grandpa sang his praises, but he knew he only grew as much as he did because he messed up. Big time.

"I'm sure you've researched the beings we've fought: Vilgax, Kevin Levin, Dr. Animo, and so many others. The latter two were powerful quirk users that, despite your resources and full attention, could not find, fight, or apprehend. The former was a galactic warmonger that could have easily brought our world to ruin in a day if he so chose." Ben could not help but feel that describing Vilgax was the best course of action. His parents went through a lot tonight, and his Mom looked like she was going to faint at the revelation of her 10 year old baby boy fighting someone who could subjugate entire planets and species. Grandpa's tightening grip refocused Ben. "Some of the choices he has made were wrong, but that is the way of life. It just so happened that Ben's situation meant that instead of being a life lesson, it put lives in danger. And he acted to remedy those wrongs. We can not take off the Omnitrix Coleson; but I beg you, let Ben have another chance. He's had a hero's revelation, now let him walk that path before you close it forever." Grandpa Max ended with his plea, and the table watch with bated breath as Coleson rubbed his eyes, moaning a bit. Ben could make out a faint 'Don't do that, tears and motivational speeches are my weakness...' before he cleared his throat and resumed his professional demeanor.

"I understand you Max, I really do. We did take into consideration the threats Gwen, Ben and you have faced. From the bottom of my heart, and the hearts of my entire branch, we thank you for your service Benjamin Tennyson, as we could not have stopped Vilgax in the position that we were in." Coleson bowed in his seat, making Ben uncomfortable. Having an adult, and one that worked for the government about to arrest him, thank him, was a mess of emotions. Coleson continued. "With all that you three have done, most of your offenses have been lifted. Gwen Tennyson was only an accomplice, and has been deemed a non-threat. There was no reason for her to be in his discussion as a result of that decision. Maxwell Tennyson, while you did use Plumber weaponry, it was to fight an alien 'leak' and you did so professionally, despite your retired status. That and your history have pardoned you as well." Coleson then proceeded to drop the truth bomb.

"While these reasons would have also pardoned Ben, a certain fear began to spread first in my branch, then to others. Then, a single argument was circulating among all those who deal with the extraterrestrial emerged. And that was that Ben Tennyson, regardless of how he turns into his forms, is an S tier threat."

Silence hung over the Tennyson family. Ben was to be arrested because he was deemed as a threat? Seeing confusion in their faces, Coleson began to explain.

"You must understand that many people do not know what you know. We only know that the device on your wrist, Ben, is the only piece of level 20 technology in existence, and that it allows the wielder to turn into ten different forms, and it is called the Omnitrix. We know literally nothing else. We also know that it interacts with your quirk, further isolating you from what we know." Ben could understand where this fear was coming from. The only humans who knew of the Omnitrix's true design were himself and Gwen. That was because they had literally met with Azmuth. Coleson's next confirmation was quite shocking. "Ben, you also have shown incredible adaptability and power with the device. In just three month, the level of proficiency you have achieved is staggering. For someone without pyrokinesis, gills, flight, or multiple limbs, when you enter the forms that do you display no hesitation or need to adjust. If that is a feature of the device or you training, we do not know. All we know is that with your ten forms and with their individual powers, you are near unstoppable. As an untrained child getting familiar with the watch, you went from state-to-state, escaping pro heroes and the law without breaking a sweat. Granted you had your cousin and grandfather to assist you, but evading so many professionally trained heroes considering your personal status is concerning. Even if they did catch you, your combat prowess is so great that you would have easily fought your way out. People are afraid of you while you are ten years old Ben. They tremble in fear of what you will be like with years to train."

So that was it. Ben could understand now. His immaturity came full circle to bite him in the ass. He messed around when he needed to be a hero, and now he was being hauled away like a villain. He did not want to see him Mom cry, so he got up, lower lip trembling, and arms clenched to his sides. Best get it out of the way now.

"I'm ready. Can we do it fast?"

"Do what?"

"Cuff me, haul me away, whatever you call it."

"Who said I was going to do that?"

"At the start- you said you cleared my name so that my arrest would not be linked to the sightings of my aliens."

"Ben sit down. I'm not done talking."

Ben's head lifted back up in shock, and an ember of hope glowed in his heart. His Dad looked up from comforting his grieving Mom, whose tears had started anew, and even Grandpa Max tilted his head.

"Ben, it is true that your initial action sparked a mass panic in my branch, but your grandfather brought up some very relevant points. Mr and Mrs Tennyson, if you would look inside this folder please." His parents opened up the last folder with trembling fingers, took a picture each, and their expressions began to shift. What were once overwhelmed with grief and destruction slowly morphed into... a smile? PRIDE? What did Coleson have? What were those pictures. As his Dad began covering up the photos of his darkest hours, he began laying out the opposite. Ones that were far more recent. Ones that showed him in his best light.

"Those fears began dying down as we saw a shift in the attitude and actions of the aliens. It was gradual, and took months, but I think I speak for everyone when I say that if I was not aware of alien existence, these were pictures of heroes." Ben could not believe what he saw. His Dad laid a photo down of him in his Tetramand form, lifting rubble from a collapsed building so that the people trapped could escape. Another one of him as a Kineceleran, dropping off a collapsed senior citizen from a retirement home ablaze; his stance indicating he had done this before and was going to do so again. His mother was holding one where, as a Petrosapien, he had single handedly saved a family from a truck that had lost control of it's brakes; he stood unflinching as he took the vehicle head-on, protecting the four innocents. The ember of hope deep in Ben's belly began to brighten. He remembered some of these!

Coleson began once more. "The difference between the aliens and their activities at the start of summer and the previous month are night and day. Max was right; you do have the heart of a hero kiddo, and you now have the actions to prove it." Coleson smiled at Ben as he internally cheered. Things were looking up! His mother spoke up, hope in her voice.

"So these acts- are they enough to resolve his arrest?"

Coleson shook his head, bringing the mood down. "I'm sorry Mrs. Tennyson, the risk of Ben is too high, and he broke so many laws regarding quirks, and even more secret ones regarding alien regulation. No one, two, or five acts of heroism will make up for months of vigilantism." Ben's Dad was next.

"So there is no hope then. Why tell us this if it will not change anything?"

"Because while the pictures will not, the deal will."

"Deal?"

"Yes Mr. Tennyson, the deal." Coleson's smile faded as he finally brought up his suitcase from the floor onto the table and started fiddling with the lock as he spoke.

"You see, Ben's situation is complex. He has demonstrated fantastic heroic potential, but has broken more laws than most villains. He is a kid, but feared by those who only know his name. While much better now, his imachurity prevents him from ever being seen as a hero in the public eye. What Ben needs is to have the most pure experience of what it means to be a hero. He needs to change, in more ways than one. And there is only one place for this to happen." The suitcase opened, and Coleson took a single flyer out, and placed it in the center of the table. The eyes of Ben, his parents, and Grandpa Max bulged as they read the huge, bolded two letters above the iconic campus.

"UA High School in Musutafu Japan."

Immediately the Tennyson family burst into questions.

"What is this? My son breaks the law and is getting rewarded with entrance to the most prestigious high school in the world?"

"Ben is only 10 years old! He is not ready for High School!"

"This is ridiculous! How is this helping in any way shape or form?"

"I don't speak japanese, or know anything about Japan outside of the animes I watch sometimes."

Ben also regretted saying this, as the combined glares of his parents and grandpa seemed to scream: That is what you're worrying about!?

Coleson cleared his throat, getting the attention back. He held up three fingers. "I hear your concerns, and trust me, this was not some last-minute plan thought up by our unpaid interns, this has real reason backing it." Coleson pushed out his fist, collapsing his three fingers, before raising a single one.

"One, we can not have Ben go to a hero school in the United States. While we have 'officially' cleared his name by making those arrests mentioned earlier, dozens of heroes are still on high alert. While no American hero actually spoke to or fought you, we can not take any chances." Coleson then brought up the second finger.

"Two, Japan is the hero center of the world. While America is no slouch when it comes to hero quantity and quality, Japan has every country beat by a mile and a half. Their hero agency density is so great, that they are the only nation that is beginning to have a surplus of heroes. Japan also has some of the current greatest heroes currently active such as Endeavour, Hawks, and Best Jeanist. This is all fluff, however, that the greatest hero to perhaps ever live is there. Of course I am talking about All Might." That proclamation got Ben excited for the first time in the conversation. Of course, All Might! He was a huge fan! Well, who was not really? He was so cool, so strong, so HEROIC that Ben could not help but feel antsy. This deal could let him meet All Might! Coleson suddenly displayed a grim expression.

"Third. This may seem gruesome to you, Mr and Mrs Tennyson, but it is the truth. And that is controlling Ben in the worst case scenario, something we must take into consideration. We have already admitted our American heroes are incapable of properly dealing with Ben, and we humbly accept our shortcomings. That is the second reason Ben can not enter a hero school in the States; should he so choose he could rampage with no hero being able to equal him. Ben will be contained in Japan, and while it is highly unlikely he will suddenly become evil, I for one think it is ridiculous, if he does, he will not get far. Even with the powers of the Omnitrix, all evidence points to the japanese heroes and All Might being able to easily... handle him." Well, that was... something. Yikes.

Ben could tell he was not the only one thinking this. While his Mom and Grandpa Max were opposed to the plan, now that one of the truths was out, they were deep in thought. Coleson took the silence as an opportunity to lay out the framework of the deal.

"Ben, the deal generally states that to prove that you can be a hero and change your ways for good is to graduate from the greatest hero academia in the world. It will be a fresh start: no one will know your history and you will appear to be just another American transfer student. We can then monitor you and your journey in those three years. However, the plan is not just sending you to the best educational facility in the world just so you can cruise through. There are some important guidelines you must follow." Coleson suddenly stood, his chair screeching as it slid back from the sudden force. Ben sat, wide-eyed, as Coleson suddenly spoke in the most serious tone yet.

"Do not forget Benjamin Tennyson, that this is a test. An evaluation. An examination of you, your character, and the actions you take. We will provide you money for the plane ticket, and will also financially cover your housing and basic living needs. But make no mistake, that is the MAXIMUM we will do. I'm sure you know of the infamous UA entrance exam. Well, you are taking it. From there on out, a failure means you are done Ben. Fail the entrance exam and don't even make it into UA? DONE. Fall behind in school in their rigorous academic curriculum? DONE. Utilize the Omnitrix outside of specific circumstances given by your teachers? DONE. Get expelled for any reason? DONE." Each 'done' was spoken in a harsh, loud tone, louder than Ben had heard Coleson speak all night. The worst was yet to come, as Coleson's next description struck him with fear.

"Should you fail any of these requirements Benjamin Tennyson, that means you have failed to meet our expectations. You have not changed. You. Are. Not. A. Hero. Failure in this deal means you will be immediately escorted to the United States and begin your sentence." Those words were like ice in Ben's veins.

"So this deal IS Ben's second chance. UA will be as much of his school as it will be his prison. The professional teachers that serve as teachers there, the wardens. Do they know?" Grandpa Max spoke softly, absorbing the details of the deal.

"No, absolutely no one outside of the Tennyson family here, Gwen, and specific members of the United States government know about Ben, or anything he was involved in. That will change if he accepts the deal, however." Ben's right eyebrow raised. More conditions, really? Coleson noted this expression change, and jumped right in.

"Benjamin, should you accept the terms of this deal, a Plumber will be dispatched under the guise of a new hero to become a part of the UA faculty. Maxwell here will assist in that decision. That Plumber will be our eyes and ears inside the campus, and monitor your activities. A proper cover story will be implemented to make sure that your Omnitrix is a believable support item rather than an alien artifact. Oh, and one more thing." Coleson leaned forward, narrowing his eyes, and spoke in a low, cold tone.

"Should a 'leak' of alien knowledge sprout in Japan, you will be held responsible, and you will not be given a trial. Should news of the Omnitrix be revealed that it is alien in origin, there will be consequences surpassing that of your life-long prison sentence. Are we clear?" Ben rapidly nodded, his brown hair bouncing, a testament to the rigorousness and sincerity behind the action. As Ben slowed down, he asked the question on all the Tennyson's minds.

"What if I say no?"

"I take you to our maximum security prison immediately. Like what you were preparing for just a couple minutes ago."

"I take the deal Agent Coleson."

"As I thought you would."

Agent Coleson began taking various documents and pens out of his suitcase, forming a pile for the parents to sign, and some for Ben to sign. Before Coleson could actually hand out the papers, Grandpa Max spoke up once more.

"Let me go with him."

Immediately, Ben flinched once more as his Dad rose up, anger on his face.

"You were the one responsible for this in the first place! This is your fault! You have no right and no power to say anything!" If Grandpa Max was hurt by those words, he did not show it. He never even faced his son. He kept his eyes locked onto Coleson, who had a bemused expression on his face.

"Carl is right, it is my fault. I failed as Plumber, as a grandfather AND a father. But, Ben will need someone to help him integrate into japanese society and culture. I can let him focus on his heroic studies by being there for his basic needs." He then turned to his son, who challenged his soft gaze with a furrowed brow and lips tightened with rage. "I failed you once Carl. Please let me make it up to you by helping Ben in the most important three years of his life. I do not have to go to work everyday. I can afford to take a three year gap, not you. Please."

At first it looked to Ben like his Dad would say no. However, as he opened his mouth to shout him down, Sandra Tennyson also rose and began whispering into this ear. This went on for only a minute, but it seemed like an eternity to Ben. Stealing a glance at Grandpa Max, Ben could not help but be impressed by his stone-cold visage, never giving away a single emotion. The whispering stopped, with Sandra sitting down and Carl clenching the fists at his sides. He looked up. And gave a single brisk nod before sitting down again. Coleson let out a weak chuckle.

"Should be simple enough. We kinda expected this, so this will not be hard to do." Ben decided then would be a great chance to test his luck.

"What about Gwen? Can she come?" Coleson looked up and closed his eyes with a sigh.

"Ben, Gwen can not know about this. While we are aware that Gwen is just as involved in the alien world as you and Maxwell, she has the best chance of living a life unaffected by it. I do not want to go into more details, but the less she knows, the less of a threat she is deemed. Do it for her, will you?" That means only he and Grandpa knew about her origins; that she had alien powers too! And she did not need a watch! If only they knew she was practicing literal magic. Ben could only hope she could pass her growing skills as a quirk mutation.

"What happens between now and the deal?" Ben's mom asked

"Ben will be a 'normal' boy, but will be closely monitored at all times. At least one agent will be watching him, no matter if he is at school or home. The parameters of the deal extend to this period of time as well Ben. Any evidence of alien transformation, any rumors of alien technology, you are going to the slammer." Ben expected that much, so it was not a sudden bomb like many other things tonight.

Ben's Dad moved things along. "What and where do we sign?"

After about 10 minutes of carefully signing official government documents, the deal was done. Ben had his second chance, and UA was the place he would prove himself, or pay the price. After carefully packing his suitcase and heading out the door, Coleson took one last look over his shoulder, and called out to Ben. "I know you got this kid. Keep your head up, mind clear, and graduate with flying colors. Then come back to the States and become a hero here, then we can spend a lot of time together!" Coleson laughed as he got into his care and drove away.

Ben and his Mom waved goodbye, as Carl and Maxwell Tennyson remained seated at the dining table.

"Ben, go to sleep it's been a long day for you. Sandra, please leave me and my father to talk this out."

"But Carl, I need to hear this too, if Ben is-"

"This is not about Ben, this is about me and him." Ben had never heard his Dad talk in this tone, and not to Mom, and certainly not about Grandpa Max! He fidgeted by the kitchen entryway, not wanting to leave his grandpa to die. Grandpa Max noticed this, and managed a smile. He then made a 'shoo shoo' motion with his hand, giving Ben reassurance. He nodded back and went up to his room for the first time in months. He quickly showered, changed into PJs, and brushed his teeth. Sliding under his bed, his Mom quietly entered the room, and sat on his bed and twisted her body to face him as she talked.

"We will go over this over a couple days Ben. But, alien shifter or not, Plumber or not, villain or not, you are still my son. I love you. So does Dad. Never forget that."

"I know. I'm sorry for so much Mom, I-I, don't really know how to say it but..."

"And that is why we are going to talk. About that watch. About you. About the future. All of it. But to do that you need sleep. Goodnight, Ben."

"Night Mom."

With a kiss to the forehead, and closing the door behind her as she left, Ben's Mom finally left, leaving Ben alone for the first time in a very long time. Too tired to care, too tired to think about what he had just signed himself up for, Ben closed his eyes and fell into a blissful, dreamless sleep.