𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙊𝙢𝙣𝙞 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤

9. Reaniman: Trials of the Bounty Hunters

Grandpa Max settled into his chair. He had been feeling down since his attack, and he was eager to hear some words of wisdom from his wise grandfather. Max took a deep breath and began to speak.

Max went on to share more stories from his past, each one filled with challenges and obstacles that he had to overcome. He spoke about the Plumbers and who they were. Through his stories, he emphasized the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

As Max spoke, Ben felt a sense of comfort and strength wash over him. He realized that even heroes like his grandpa had faced challenges and setbacks, but it was how they responded to those challenges that defined them.

"Thanks, Grandpa," Ben said, feeling more determined than ever to continue his heroic journey. "I won't give up, no matter what challenges come my way."

Max smiled at his grandson, feeling proud of the young hero he had become. "I know you won't, Ben," he said. "You have the heart of a true hero."

"So you said that my parents are not allowed in here, and from what you've told me, you are a hero yourself. But what is Gwen doing here?" Ben questioned.

"That's because I am also a hero," Gwen said smiling." Ben went wide eyed. "You? A hero?! But how is that even possible?"

"Ben, I need to tell you about our grandmother, Verdona."

His cousin's voice was laden with a mixture of trepidation and determination, as if she were about to unveil a hidden world that had been locked away from him.

"Verdona," Ben murmured, "the name doesn't ring a bell. What does she have to do with my powers?"

Gwen took a deep breath, steadying herself. She moved closer to the bed, her eyes locked with Ben's.

"Verdona was no ordinary grandmother, Ben," Gwen began, her words measured and careful. "She was an Anodite, a powerful being of pure energy. Her powers... they didn't pass down to you like they did to me."

A flicker of confusion and disappointment danced across Ben's face, his brows furrowing as he tried to grasp the weight of Gwen's revelation.

"You mean... I don't have any powers?"

"You may not have inherited Verdona's powers directly, Ben," she said, her voice infused with reassurance, "but you possess an incredible gift of your own—the Omnitrix. It's a powerful tool, a connection to the extraordinary."

Ben's eyes widened, a glimmer of hope piercing through the haze of uncertainty that had settled upon him.

"The Omnitrix," he murmured, the word laden with newfound significance. "That's what makes me special."

Gwen nodded, a proud smile gracing her lips.

"Exactly, Ben. It grants you the ability to transform into different aliens, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. It may not be the same as my powers, but it's just as important."

"I may not have inherited those powers," Ben declared, his voice growing stronger with each word, "but I won't let that stop me. I'll use the Omnitrix to be the hero I'm meant to be."

"That's the spirit, Ben," she whispered, her voice filled with unwavering support. "We will be staying here for a while. And together, we'll face any challenge that comes our way, side by side."

Ben, Gwen, and Grandpa Max exited the hospital, their steps filled with a mixture of relief and exhaustion. It had been a long and challenging day, but they were finally on their way home. As they made their way down the bustling streets, their destination became clearer with each passing minute - Ben's house.