JustTJ/Terrajl Presents…

Cartoon Hearts

Chapter One:

Our Story Begins

In the hallways of Bellwood Elementary School, 10-year-old Ben Tennyson was silently walking through, as he tried to reach for the school doors.

“Now if I just get through those doors before the bell rings, I’ll…”

RRRRRIIIIINNNNNGGGGG!!!!!

Then, the ground started to shake. Ben then looked behind him and saw a stampede of children running at him to the door. Ben shrieked as he tried to head to the doors before them, but was too late. The children bursts the doors open and ran out of the school building, each one of them running over Ben without noticing. When it was finally over and the children were gone, Ben stood up and tried to wipe the dust off his body and clothes.

“Got ran over by the stampede again, doofus?”

Ben then looks over and spots his cousin, Gwen Tennyson, standing right behind him.

“You can’t seem to get enough of Spring Break, can you?”

“It’s not my fault! I would have been outta here by now if that bell hadn’t rang!”

“Well come on, then. You don’t want to beat the traffic before the Detention kids come by, do ya?”

They then walked out of the school building and were now walking in the streets.

“Are you looking forward to going camping tomorrow with Grandpa Max?” Gwen asks.

“Totally,” Ben stretches his arms. “Finally, a week away from town. I got to hand it to you, it has been a while since we did left town.”

“After what happened last summer?”

“I still can’t get the Omnitrix to work, though. Man oh man.”

“Why is it still on your wrist? I thought you took it off weeks ago since that incident.”

“It just is.”

“I see. I better get home and start packing. Lots to do tomorrow.”

“Yeah,” Ben sighs.

“Oh, and Grandpa Max told me to tell you…that Kevin escaped.”

Ben’s face then looked pale.

“What did you say?” he asks.

“Kevin escaped from the Null Void,” Gwen explained. “He might be looking for you even as we speak.”

“And now’s not the best time,” Ben says. “By the time he shows up, we’ll be ready.”

“Yeah. Well, see you.”

“Tomorrow!”

Both Ben and Gwen walked separate ways, going to get ready to pack up for tomorrow’s big trip. But what they did not know…is for the worse…

Later That Night…

Ben got into his PJs as he sat on his bed. He looked at his clock. 9:30 PM. He then gave out a yawn and stretches.

“To tired, need sleep.”

He then laid his head down on his pillow and covered himself up with his blanket. He then gave out a loud yawn once more, as he closes his eyes, drifting off to sleep…

Then, when Ben opened his eyes, he was wearing his normal clothes and felt sinking underwater. He then moved his head around, wondering where he was and wondering why he’s there.

Hey. How did I got here? Must be a dream. I’ll probably just live with it. How bad can this dream be?

He then closes his eyes once more, wondering what might be in store for him at the bottom. It felt like a never-ending fall, as there seemed to be no end. Then, when Ben opened his eyes once more, there was a glow. When the glow faded, Ben was suddenly standing by himself.

“What the…”

He then looked around and saw a lake right in front of him. He then saw an amusement park and a bench right behind him.

“This is Bellwood Lake. How did I got here?”

Then, Ben saw someone out in the lake, but the sun was too bright for Ben to see. He then held his hand up to his eyes, and saw a figure standing right there. He had black hair, black shirt, black shorts, black boots, and black wristbands. Ben then noticed who he was.

“That’s…that’s Kevin. I’ll probably leave him there. He won’t notice I’m here, anyway.”

But then, when Ben was about to turn around, he saw the tides of the lake pulling back away from him on the ground.

“What’s this?”

He then looked up to Kevin, and saw a big tidal wave coming up from the lake, right in front of Kevin. Ben then gave out a smirk.

“That crash to the head might teach him.”

Then, Kevin spotted Ben on the shore. He then turned around, facing him, and offered his hand.

“What? He wants me to go in there with him? Forget it.”

Ben then had a horrid look on his face and saw that the tidal wave was coming in fast, right at Kevin. Ben groaned for a minute in anger, and then looked back up.

“KEVIN! GET OUT OF THERE! KEVIN!”

Ben then ran into the lake, and held his hand out, hoping to reach Kevin’s. But before Ben could reach to Kevin, the wave crashed from above them, and sends Ben sinking underwater. He held his breath for dear life as he looked up and saw Kevin again. Ben wanted to speak out, but couldn’t. Kevin then held out his hand once more to Ben, as Kevin was slowly fading away in the water. Ben tried to reach for Kevin’s hand, but the water surrounding him somehow pulled him away and everything went dark…

Ben then opened his eyes once more as he saw that he was still underwater, as he swam up to shore. He then poked his head out of the water, gasping for air. He then looked around crazily.

“Kevin! Kevin!”

No sign. He then looked and saw that it was already sunset, as Ben looked up and saw another person on the shore. At first, he thought it was Kevin who escaped the water, but it wasn’t. Ben then took a closer look and saw who was on the shore, waving to him, calling out his name.

“Ben! Hey, Ben!”

It was Gwen Tennyson, Ben’s cousin. Ben then waved back to her as he swam to shore. Gwen then reached for Ben’s hands.

“Here, I’ll help you out.”

Then, Gwen helped Ben out of the water of the lake, as Ben started coughing the water out.

“Gwen, where’s Kevin?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Kevin! He was out in the lake with me. Where is he?”

“Ben, you’re the only person who I saw out there. Besides, Kevin’s long gone, remember?”

“Gwen, what’s going on?”

Then, Ben notices that his cousin Gwen looked up at the sky. Ben then got back to his feet and saw what he wouldn’t believe…the stars were falling from the sky into the lake. But…there was also someone who was falling as well. Ben quinces his eyes to find out who it was, and there it was…Ben?

“That’s…me? But I’m right—“

But before he could continue, he then started to feel as if he was falling. And he was. Gwen then saw as she tried to grab one of his hands, but was too late. Ben then started to fall. He then looked up and saw his cousin.

“GWEN!”

“BEN!”

Then, Gwen disappears, as Ben started falling from the sky, into the blazing heat of the sun. There was yet another glow, and when the glow faded away, Ben was back underwater, as he was drifted to the bottom of the ocean. Ben then landed on his feet, but it suddenly felt strange…he was breathing underwater, as he looked around.

“Hello? Hello? Anyone home?”

When Ben took a step, pigeons came out of nowhere, and came a brightened glow. Ben then looked around and saw that he was surrounded by pigeons flying around. He then looked up at the distance, and saw them fly away.

“What is this dream?”

He then looked down and saw that he was on a colorful platform.

“This is all just a dream, Ben. All just a dream. Since this is a dream, I would be dreaming about alarm clocks with wings attached to them!”

So much to do…so little time…

Ben then looks around, as he heard a voice.

“Who’s there?”

Do take your time, and do not be afraid.

“Me? Afraid?” Ben says. “Ha! Ben Tennyson does not fear anything!”

The door…it’s still shut. Please, step forward.

“What is this? A game tutorial?”

Ben then walks up to the center of the platform. And then, everything around Ben started to glow.

There is…something about you. There is something that sleeps within you.

“Like what? A dog?”

Ben knew that this was no joke, but doesn’t show any sign.

If you give it form, it will give you strength…

“What?”

Then, three gray stones appeared around Ben, and on top of each of them were weapons: Sword, Shield, and Staff. Then, the sword started to lift up, and started to glow. When the glow faded, the sword was gone.

“Where did it—“

Then, one of Ben’s hands started to glow. And when it faded once more, there was the sword in his hands.

The Power of the Warrior…holds invisible courage…and holds terrible destruction. You seek this weapon, do you not?

“Well, a sword is a cool weapon, but what the heck?”

The Power of the Guardian…has kindness to aid friends…and a shield to repel all.

The Power of the Mystic…has inner strength…and a staff of wonder and ruin.

Which one of these will you lose?

“The mystic sort-of thing, I guess.”

Very well. You have gained the power to fight. You are now ready.

“Ready for what?”

Then, the platform he was standing on then shattered into millions of pieces, as Ben started to fall once more. He then landed his feet on yet another platform.

“Now where am I?”

Keep your heart strong and your soul brave. You must if you are to survive.

“I don’t understand.”

In time, you will.

Ben then saw that he was surrounded by black creatures, with glowing-red eyes.

“What?”

BEHIND YOU!

Then, a black creature jumped right at Ben.

“Whoa!”

He then swung the sword as the creature disappears. The other ones then jumped right at him. Ben then swung his sword, as he closed his eyes. He then opened them again to reveal that the monsters were gone and there in front of him was a door.

“Where did that came from?”

Open the door to reveal yourself…

Ben then grabs both handles and opens the door up.

“So long, loser!”

But what he didn’t know was that the doorway was engulfed in light. Ben then shielded his eyes and ran into the light. When he looked around, the glowing light was gone and he was now back in Bellwood Park. He then sighed in happiness.

“Finally, relaxation.”

Ben then turns around, and saw Bellwood Lake right in front of him. He then quince his eyes to see if anyone was out there, but was not.

“What a relief. I guess I must have accidentally slept here or something.”

But when Ben turns around, he saw a kid his age sitting on the bench. It was Ben’s friend named Cooper.

“Cooper! Hey. How long was I here?”

Cooper then looks up at Ben.

“Ben, what are you afraid of?”

“What?”

“What are you afraid of?”

“Growing older, I guess. Why’d you ask?”

“Is growing up scaring you?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

Ben then senses a presence behind him. When he looked, there were two of his bullies named Cash and JT. Ben then turns around and saw that Cooper was gone.

“Cooper? Where did he…”

“Ben,” Cash calls out. “What do you want out of life?”

“You mean what I want the most, right?”

“Correct.”

“To be the strongest ever, of course! Everyone knows that. I’m surprised you didn’t.”

“Is that what you wanted? To be the strongest ever?”

“I told you I do! Gosh! What’s up with you guys? This isn’t like you at all.”

“Ben,” JT says. “What is most important to you?”

“I don’t get it. Why are you guys asking me these life questions?”

“What is most important to you?”

“My family. Why’s that?”

Then, both Cash and JT faded away right in front of Ben’s eyes.

“What’s going on?!”

It has been decided.

Ben then looked up at the sky and notices the voice.

“You again?”

You’re afraid of growing up.

Being the strongest being is what you wanted out of life.

And your family is more important to you than anything.

Then, everything faded to black around Ben as he was standing on another platform.

“Again?”

Ben then saw that a stairway made from glass appeared from out of nowhere, as it leads to another platform.

The closer you get to light, the greater your shadow becomes.

“My shadow?”

Ben then turns around, and saw his own shadow moving. Ben then looks around for the sword, but could not find it.

“Darn it! Where did that thing go?!”

Ben then looks up the stairway.

“If I’m right, these stairs are the only way out!”

Ben then ran up the stairs as fast as he could, as he found himself on another platform.

“Again!”

Then, Ben turns around as fast, and saw his shadow again right behind him, taking form. Then, it turned into a dark being that only Ben knows what it was.

“You have got to do better than that. I’ve seen this movie three times. That’s just a Cloverfield Monster. It’s not real.”

But then he notices that the Cloverfield Monster was all black and had glowing-red eyes. It then tried to stump Ben with it’s big hand, but Ben dodges as he ran out of the way. Then, the sword from earlier appeared in his hands once more.

“I don’t know where you’re coming from, but let’s hope you’re the right thing to help me stop this thing!”

Ben then slashes his sword right at the wrist of the monster, as it screams in pain as it withdraws it’s hand. Ben then took another swung, as the beast screamed in pain once more.

“This is more like it!”

Ben then notices something: A heart was right there on the monster’s chest. Ben then charged at full speed, and sliced the heart. The monster screamed again as it was cornered. Then, when Ben took one final swoop at the heart, the monster screamed in pain as it fell off the platform, into the dark depths. Ben then looks down and saw it long gone.

“And that’s how I kick butt, Tennyson style!”

Ben then walks in the middle of the platform, as he looks around once more.

“Now, how do I get out of here?”

Then, the sword disappears from Ben’s hand, as he saw the Cloverfield Monster rising up from the dark.

“Impossible! I killed you!”

Then, Ben loses his balance as he fall on his back, but while he does this, a dark hole surrounded him, as dark shadows surrounded his body, as if trying to take Ben down with it.

“Get off! Get off!”

The Cloverfield Monster then hovers over Ben.

Do not be afraid, you hold the mightiest weapon of all, which will always be with you.

“Can you at least help me out?! I don’t understand!”

Do not be afraid…and do not forget…

Ben then screams out his lungs as he was plunged into darkness. He couldn’t move…he couldn’t breathe…in the darkness, he heard the voice one final time, saying to him:

You are the one who will open the door.

Ben then opens his eyes, as he starts to breathe again. He sat up as he wiped away the sweat on his face. He then looked around and saw that he was back in his room, and was wearing his PJs again.

“Just a dream. That’s good. But…why did it suddenly felt so real? Who cares?”

Ben then lies back down on his bed and yawns.

“Never again.”

Then, he opened his eyes once more and saw his Cousin Gwen standing over him.

“Hey!”

Ben then sat up and turned around to face Gwen.

“There’s a new thing going on, Gwen. It’s called ‘knocking’. Have you heard?”

“I came to wake you up, doofus. Besides, today’s the day.”

“It’s Saturday, so what?”

“Today’s the day we go camping with Grandpa, remember?”

“Oh yeah. I forgot about that.”

“You dweeb! How could you forget a day like this?”

“I’ve had a weird dream Gwen. This huge black thing was swallowing me up. I couldn’t move, I just couldn’t breathe, it suddenly felt real and then all of a sudden—Hey!”

Gwen then knocks her cousin on the head with her hand.

“Good. Just to make sure you’re awake.”

“It wasn’t a dream, Gwen. It was real. I know it. Or…maybe it was a dream. A dream that felt real, I dunno know.”

“You must’ve been pretty excited; I bet it caused you to have a nightmare. Get dress and get your stuff. We’re leaving.”

Gwen then leaves the room as Ben sighs in relief.

“Just what is going on?”

World Name: BELLWOOD

We now we Ben and Gwen driving in an RV on the road, with their Grandpa Max Tennyson driving the way there. Ben told the whole story to Grandpa Max about his dream.

“That is an awfully dream you have, Ben. It’ll pass. Just forget about it and you won’t have to worry so much. Everything will be fine.”

“I could have sworn that the dream I had felt real. It was. It did!”

“Quit it, dweeb,” Gwen calls out. “This is a special week to hang out and you don’t want anything bad to happen.”

Ben then looks out his window, with his mind wondering about the dream again.

At least this week will be fun. Maybe Grandpa and Gwen are right. I should forget about this dream and head on with my life.

Then, Ben looks back at Gwen.

“Come on, Gwen. You got to believe me about this dream, right?”

“Not like what my memories used to be.”

“Memories? What do you mean?”

“It’s nothing,” Gwen said. “I think I need to use the bathroom.”

Gwen then walks into the bathroom, as Ben looked up at Grandpa Max.

“What’s this about Gwen’s memories, Grandpa?”

“She’s been experiencing weird dreams and flashbacks, recently,” Grandpa Max explains. “But we thought that they were side-effects to her having magic powers and all.”

“Does it have something to do with her, you know, losing her memories when she was five?”

“Now that you mentioned it, we thought she had a blow on the head and suffered from amnesia. The only thing she could remember was our names.”

“Oh yeah. How’s that coming along? Is she remembering, already?”

“I’m not sure. But this may blow over, soon.”

Then, Gwen walks out of the bathroom.

“What are you boys talking about?”

Then, both Ben and Grandpa Max looked around hesitantly.

Then, the RV slowly comes to a stop. Ben then looked outside and saw that they were at a beach.

“Here we are,” Grandpa Max announces. “I picked our favorite spot this time. Right near the beach.”

Then, the trio stepped outside, looking at the view of the ocean and the looks of their cabin.

“You two go inside and check the cabin out. I’ll go get our stuff.”

Grandpa Max then heads back to the RV, as both Ben and Gwen shrugged at each other. They then head to the cabin, as Ben had a puzzling look on his face.

“Forget about that dream, Ben. It’ll pass.”

“I know. I just can’t seem to get out of it.”

“It’ll be alright, Ben. After all, how bad can this week be?”

As soon as they opened the door of the cabin, a figure suddenly kicked Ben into the air and onto the sand.

“Ben, are you okay?”

“Someone’s in there!”

“What?”

Then, a figure wraps his arm around Gwen’s waist as the other places a hand over her mouth. Gwen then tried to jerk her way out, but with no luck. Ben then sat up and saw Gwen being held hostage.

“Hurt me and you hurt your cousin, Tennyson. So what are you gonna do?”

Ben then narrowed his eyes at their attacker.

“Kevin?”

Then, the person stepped out of the shadows, revealing to be Kevin Levin.

“Bingo.”

Ben then sat up.

“Let Gwen go, Kevin!”

“Or what? I can absorb anything. So, what do you think you should do?”

“How about this!!!” a voice calls out.

Kevin then looks and was hit in the face by none other than Grandpa Max himself, as he was knocked to the ground, as he lets Gwen go. Kevin then tried to stand up, but Gwen’s hands started to glow.

“Shieldess Macostess!”

She then shoots out lasers at Kevin, as he was pinned down on the ground once more.

“Gwen, hold him down while I put this on him,” Max advices.

“You’re the grandpa!” Gwen says.

Max then took out a gray neck-wearing technology and was able to strap it on Kevin’s neck. Then, Gwen lets him go, as Kevin started breathing for air. Kevin then reaches his hand for his neck, and notices the neckband tech on him.

“What’s this?”

“A technical device that shocks you whenever you use your powers,” Max explains.

“Oh yeah?”

Kevin’s hands then were erupted with thunder, ready to absorb something, but then were shocked by the tech as he fell on his knees.

“That outta teach you,” Ben says.

“Ben, calm down,” Grandpa Max says.

“So now what?” Kevin asked. “You’re gonna trap me in the Null Void again?”

“If I have the Null Void Reactor,” Grandpa Max said. “For now, we should keep an eye on you.”

“What?!” Ben shrieks. “But Grandpa! He’s our enemy!”

“But for now, he’s hanging with us,” Grandpa Max says. “And as long as that tech is on his neck, we’re safe. When this week is over, he’ll be back into the Null Void.”

“Oh, so for the next 9 days, we’re here with Absorb-O?”

“Get a grip, Tennyson,” Kevin said, getting back to his feet. “So I’ll be hanging out with you guys for the week. That doesn’t seem so bad, like the mistake I made when I first met you.”

“Oh, you’d like a piece of me?!” Ben yells back.

They both were nose-to-nose at each other.

“I would if I have to!”

“Then do it!”

Gwen then pushes both of the boys out of each other’s face.

“Boys, get a grip. You’re acting like 3-year-olds!”

Gwen had both of her hands on both Ben and Kevin’s shoulders, trying to keep them apart.

“What Grandpa says goes. Unless you want me as your babysitter, get along!”

Then, when Kevin saw that Gwen had her hand on his shoulder, he immediately blushed.

“Fine,” Ben says, crossing his arms. “Throughout Spring Break, we’ll have Kevin here hang with us. Seeing as how everybody seemed so happy about it.”

“Maybe you three should go out at the beach,” Grandpa Max says. “I’ll get our stuff prepared.”

Then, the trio walked alongside the beach, looking out on the view.

“This place seems so…quiet for some reason,” Gwen pointed out.

“That’s because there aren’t many people camping here,” Kevin explained. “I pass by here sometimes when I’m not on the road.”

“You’re the one to talk,” Ben said.

“Cut it out, Tennyson,” Kevin said.

“Hey, what’s that right there?” Gwen asks.

She then ran up ahead.

“Gwen, wait up!” Ben called out, as both he and Kevin raced after her.

They then stopped on their tracks to find a log right in the front of the shore, a cave on the face of a wall made of rock covered in leafs and some kind of raft with a flag on it.

“What’s this stuff?”

“Some stuff I got from the woods,” Kevin explains.

Kevin then walked toward the log, and then the raft.

“I used the log when I take my break, and this is the raft I’m making. I’m almost done with it, though. Just new a few more small parts to complete this.”

“Why do you need a raft for?” Gwen asks. “We’re not stranded on an island.”

“It’s to get away from this place. I figured since there are many places out in the sea, I should go out and explore, you know? So I could forget Tennyson here and probably go out and see what’s out there, and see the world.”

“That’s…generous of you.”

“Yeah.”

“Blah,” Ben makes a gross face. “So, you want to leave this place, big deal.”

“Ben!” Gwen said.

“What?”

And so, as Kevin was putting up some small parts on the raft, as Ben sat on the sand looking out in the ocean, as Gwen sat on the log, putting up something together.

“So, what do you think you might find out there, Kev?” Ben asks.

“Probably I’ll find out where I came from,” Kevin said. “And to learn more of what’s out there, other than this Alien stuff that’s been going around, lately.”

“So I see,” Ben said.

Ben then looked at Gwen.

“What are you making there, Gwen?”

“Just a good luck charm, okay, Ben?”

Gwen then took out what seemed to be made out of shells, with strange-looking gems on each tip of it, and the middle of it, too, attached to a small vine.

“I made it out of seashells, small leafs, and jewelry. I kind of got the idea from Art Class at school. They said that Adventurers usually keep these for good luck, and in case anything bad happens, no matter where they are, they would always find a way to come back home safely.”

“Oh yeah? It’s not like anything bad can happen.”

“Knock it off, Ben.”

“So, what’s the occasion for that, Gwen?” Kevin asked.

“I said it’s a good luck charm,” Gwen explained. “It’s not like it could do irreversible harm.”

Later On In the Afternoon…

The trio was looking at the horizon of the ocean as Kevin was leaning against the log, Gwen sitting on it, and Ben just laying down on it.

“So how’s the raft coming along?” Gwen asks.

“Just need a few minor touches and then I’ll be done,” Kevin answers.

Ben then placed both of his hands in the back of his head, as he stares out into the horizon.

“You know, if there are many places like this one,” Kevin starts to explain. “Then why did we end up on this place?”

“Maybe because it’s fate?” Gwen asks.

“Maybe something more than that. You know, maybe there are other people out there that are probably different from us, so maybe we’re separated from one another, living in our own kind. Like how different types of aliens living in one planet from another, and we humans…we belong here. But…that still doesn’t explain why we even live here.”

“What makes you think of that?” Gwen asked.

“I…I actually didn’t. That’s just a fact, you know.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Ben commented.

Then, Grandpa Max’s voice can be heard in a distance.

“KIDS! DINNER!”

The kids then got up to their feet.

“Race you boys,” Gwen says, as she ran off.

Ben tried to run after her, but was immediately stopped by Kevin.

“Tennyson! Here!”

Ben then turned around as Kevin throws an apple into Ben’s hands.

“An apple?”

“I know how much you get hungry easily,” Kevin said. “So I thought you might want to try that apple.”

Kevin then walked passed him.

“If I were you, I’d share it with someone I respect. Won’t you agree?”

“Uh…maybe.”

Ben then looks at the apple and then took a big bite from it. He then ran to get ahead to both Kevin and Gwen…

The Next Morning...But Somewhere Far Away…

World Name: JUMP CITY

At a giant building that seemed to be shaped like a big “T”, at a city called Jump City, there are a group of heroes who called themselves The Teen Titans. It was just a regular morning, as Starfire, Raven, and BeastBoy were preparing some breakfast. But for an unknown reason, Robin and Cyborg weren’t in the kitchen with them.

“Dear Raven and BeastBoy, where are our good friends Robin and Cyborg?” Starfire asks.

“They’re probably asleep,” BeastBoy said. “I’ll go wake them up.”

BeastBoy then walked down the hall as he makes his way for Robin’s bedroom door. He then knocked a few times, but no answer.

“Robin? You awake? Its breakfast time and you’re missing it. Robin!?”

Then, without a warning, BeastBoy walks into Robin’s room.

“Robin, I told you its breakfast time and…”

But Robin was not in the room.

“WHAT!?! How…where did he go?”

Then, BeastBoy saw his wormy friend Silkie, emerging from Robin’s closet.

“Silkie? What are you doing in…huh? What’s that?”

BeastBoy then notices an envelope in Silkie’s mouth. BeastBoy then took it and looks at it suspiciously. He then saw that it had Robin’s symbol on the envelope.

“Strange. Usually Robin would tell us if he was going somewhere like he usually does.”

BeastBoy then opens up the envelope and read the letter. His pupils then shrunk.

“I GOT TO FIND CY!”

BeastBoy then ran out of Robin’s room and ran to Cyborg’s bedroom. Without knocking, BeastBoy ran in there, and saw Cyborg asleep on his platform. BeastBoy then ran up to Cy and started to shake him.

“Cyborg, wake up!” BeastBoy shouted. “It’s an emergency!”

But Cyborg was still asleep as he starts drooling his mouth off. BeastBoy then sighed as he turns into a lion and started to roar so loud, it woke Cyborg up. Cyborg then yawned as he sat up and stretched his arms. He then looked at BeastBoy, as he turns back into his old self.

“Have you ever heard of knocking, BB?”

“Cyborg, listen to me! We have a big problem! But you have to promise me not to tell anyone.”

“Like Starfire?”

“Not Starfire!”

“Okay, what about Raven?”

“No one, Cy! It’s top secret! Now without the girls noticing, we should—“

“Without us noticing what?”

BeastBoy then turns around and notices both Starfire and Raven standing at the doorway. BeastBoy then did a little fake laugh…

Meanwhile…

It was already morning on the 2nd Day of camp, as both Ben and Kevin were inside the cabin, on their beds, fighting over what they were fighting about.

“At least I’ll be leaving soon,” Kevin said. “Once this thing is off my neck, I’ll take my raft and then go, so I can get out of your life for good. How’s that?”

“Maybe you should.”

“Yeah. Well, maybe you should—“

“What are you boys fighting about?”

Both Ben and Kevin then looked and saw Gwen standing right at the doorway.

“We’re fighting over who’s better than who,” Ben explains. “We had a lot of battles, but I’m the one who usually kicks his butt.”

“Yeah, well said, Ben. I should take you on right here, right now!”

“Says you!”

“Quit it!” Gwen interrupts. “If it makes you feel better, how about a race?”

“A race?” both boys said at once.

“There’s a tree that’s shaped like a star not too far from here. The first person who reaches to that tree and comes back to the raft wins.”

“Good thinking,” Ben said.

“I’m good with that,” Kevin said.

Later on, we see Ben and Kevin standing right at the raft, as they saw a tree shaped like a star right up a hill.

“Okay, if I win, you’ll say that I’m better than you. And if you win, I’ll say that you’re—“

“Gwen gets to travel with me when I take my raft and go.”

“Wait, what?”

“Is that a deal, Tennyson? The winner gets to keep Gwen to themselves.”

“Wait, that’s not what I…Dude, you like Gwen, don’t you?”

“Shut it. It’s just a little wager. How bad can a small little wager be?”

“Ugh.”

“On your mark,” Gwen says. “Get set…GO!”

Then, both Ben and Kevin ran up ahead, as they tried to reach for the hill. Kevin then took a hold of one of Ben’s legs and pulls it back, causing Ben to fall.

“Hey! You did that on purpose! Hey, wait a minute…”

Then, Ben saw several tree branches closer to him, as he starts to climb up to the hill for the tree. Ben then jumped off and touched the tree right before Kevin did, as Ben slid on the hill down back as he tried to reach for the raft. Then, Kevin jumped on Ben and was up ahead. Ben then got up, and had to spit out some sand out of his mouth.

“Stop cheating, you cheater!”

Ben then caught up with Kevin, as Ben makes a jump for it. Then, he landed right on the raft.

“Winner! Ben!”

“Okay, I guess you’re better than me. There, I said it.”

Ben then got up.

“Ah-Ha! I told ya! Wait, if I win, then that means Gwen is…”

“To tell you the truth, I was only kidding about wagering your cousin.”

“Dude, that is NOT funny!”

“You should have seen the look on your face, Tennyson. What a laugh!”

“HEY!”

“Come on, boys. It’s time for lunch. Come on.”

Then, Gwen ran up ahead.

“Catch ya later, Tennyson!”

“Hey, wait up!”

Then, the trio then ran back to the cabin…

Back At Jump City…

Dear BeastBoy,

I’m sorry I had to leave without saying goodbye. I felt really bad about this. But there have been natural disasters, recently, so I’m leaving Titans Tower to investigate. The stars in the sky represent each world. Something’s up, and the stars have been disappearing one-by-one each day. I’m really worried about this, so I’m not coming back to Titans Tower until I figure out what’s been going on.

I’ve heard rumors that there’s one person who is the “key” to help us, the key to our survival. I want you to do me a big favor that both you and Cyborg would find him and stick with him.

First, go to Toon Town and find The Sugar Princess. She’ll tell you where to start off from there. Hopefully those rumors are true.

I wish you good luck, and never give up. Remember, the Teen Titans never quit!

P.S. Can you explain to Star about this? Thanks, BeastBoy.

I love you all,

Robin

“Yep, this is something big,” Raven says.

The Titans are back in the living room, confronting what was going on.

“But these clues…what could they all mean?”

“We have to trust our leader and friend Robin. He never gives up on us, why not trying not to give up on him?”

“Cyborg, can you see if you can track Robin through his communicator?” Raven asks.

“I’m trying, but he must’ve shut it off, because I can’t even get a signal from him. I wonder where he is at, now.”

“”Well, not to worry. All we have to do is find Robin and this “key””, BeastBoy announces. “Let’s just do what the note says. All we have to do is find The Sugar Princess from an outer world and speak with her. How bad can it be?”

“But if the both of us go, who’s going to watch Titans Tower and the city?” Cyborg asked.

“Don’t worry, we’ll take care of it,” Raven explains. “In case for backup, we’ll always call in Titans East.”

“Before you two go,” Starfire said. “I want you to bring him with you to help you in your journey.”

Both Cyborg and BeastBoy then looked and saw a yellow-looking mouse right there.

“Hi,” he says. “My name is Pikachu. I’d be happy to help you two on your adventures.”

“Please you two,” Starfire says. “We hope for your safe return with Robin. Please help him before it’s too late.”

“Not to worry,” Cyborg said. “I made some preparations with the T-Ship. It’s as new as day. Come on.”

“Right,” BeastBoy said. “Maybe I should pack us some food before we leave…”

Minutes Later…

Cyborg, BeastBoy, and Pikachu were then walking in the Titans Tower basement to the T-Ship. Pikachu was riding on Cyborg’s shoulder, talking about his own kind and his world.

“Let me get this straight, Pikachu. According to your story, your world was shrouded in darkness?”

“It was terrible. It’s a memory I could never forget. I got separated from my little brother Pichu, and we were scattered. And as far as I can tell by the looks of this place, I’m probably the only one to actually come to this world.”

“Don’t worry, Pikachu. All we have to do is not to tell anyone that we’re from other worlds, so we should try our best to protect The World Order.”

“My point, exactly,” BeastBoy says.

They then reach to a huge room, where standing in front of them was the T-Ship. The trio then climbed aboard the ship, as they put on Seatbelts and equipment.

“Area secured, all fastened up. Looks like we’re good to go!”

“Then let’s go!” BeastBoy cheers.

Then, the roof opens up as The T-Ship was powered up. Then, they took off, with Starfire and Raven waving goodbye to them, as Cyborg, BeastBoy, and Pikachu flies into the deep reaches of Space…

The Next Morning…

It was the 3rd day at camp. Ben got up as early as he could without waking Grandpa Max, Gwen, and Kevin. He then looked at Kevin’s raft, and could tell that it was finally done.

“So when this week ends, I guess Kevin would have to leave this place forever. Good riddance to him. And now to check out that cave…”

Ben then enters the cave through the leaves, and looks around. There have been many signs and drawings around. Ben then saw a wooden plate against a wall for what appears to be a door, but with no knob.

“This probably looks old. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“What is in front of you is the door.”

Ben then turns around, and saw a figure in a hooded coat.

“Who are you?”

“At last, the darkness has lured me to this door.”

“Door? But there’s no knob.”

“It’s with a keyhole, but a mortal like you would never see it with your heart.”

“What are you talking about?”

“This world has been connected.”

“World? You mean planet, right?”

“It is tied to the darkness, and soon, all who inhabits this world with give up their hearts to darkness.”

“Wait, so you’re from another place?”

“A small meaningless effort? You know, one who knows nothing can understand nothing.”

“Stop jerking around with me!” Ben says. “What are you doing here?”

“Someone whose heart is fed up with this place…whose heart is in desire to leave this place…and is full of anger and rage…which a sign for darkness within his heart is.”

“Wait, who?”

“WHO’S IN THERE?!”

Ben then looks and sees Kevin entering.

“I thought I told you to never come here. This is my secret spot, and I found it first.”

Ben then looked to wear the hooded man was, but he was gone.

“Where did he go?”

“Who are you talking about? Your grandpa?”

“No! There was a man in a hooded coat! Where did he go?! He was right in here with me!”

“Hate to break it to ya, but you’re the only person I found in this place. Now leave.”

“Okay, okay. Sheesh, grumpy.”

Ben then leaves the cave. Kevin then looked at a blank space on the wall, picked up a stone, and began writing on the stone walls.

K V N G N

Before he continued, he looked at the wooden plate on the stoned wall, and right in front of him was something that wasn’t there when Ben was in the cave…a glowing keyhole…

Later That Evening

There are both Ben and Gwen sitting on the sand, with their shoes off, just feeling the waves of water splashing onto their feet.

“You know, I think Kevin has changed,” Gwen comments.

“What do you mean?” Ben asks.

“Through the past 3 days, this isn’t like him. I think he’s becoming like us, you know. Being all good and stuff.”

“What are you talking about? Kevin’s the same old Kevin from last summer. The only person who’s changed around here is you. Ever since you learned those magic powers, you’ve been attached to them like glue, lately.”

“Maybe,” Gwen said. “Well, you changed since you got the Omnitrix.”

“I loved the Omnitrix. This is making me special, for who I am, for who I’m suppose to be. The protector of Earth, you know?”

“It’s not the watch that makes you, you Ben,” Gwen comments. “You become just you and nothing more. With the watch or not, you’re still the same old Ben. You know, at first, I was a little nervous that we had to come camping here. But…I think now I’m ready to take on anything. I’m always prepared.”

“Always.”

“Quit it!”

“You make me!”

Then, Gwen laughs.

“There’s nothing funny.”

“You’re funny, Ben. I realized that you’re the only cousin I got, the only person in this family who’s close to me. Now that I realized this, I have to show as much love to you as possible just as a cousin should be.”

“Gross. You ain’t gonna kiss me, right?”

Then, Gwen gives Ben a hug.

“No. Just a hug.”

Then, Ben laughs silently a little, but Gwen didn’t hear him. Gwen then stood up and looked out at the ocean.

“Ben, do me a big favor.”

“What is it?”

“Don’t ever change.”

Later That Night…

Ben was soundly asleep in his bed back at the cabin. He then slowly opened his eyes as he woke up, from remembering what Gwen had said to him earlier.

I realized that you’re the only cousin I got, the only person in this family who’s close to me. Now that I realized this, I have to show as much love to you as possible just as a cousin should be.

Ben then silently yawns, as he was trying to get back to sleep. Then, all of a sudden, he heard a loud roar. He then sat up and looked out the window. He then noticed that clouds were gathering around, as thunder and lightning came from out of nowhere.

“A storm? At least we’re all safe in our nice warm AAAHHH!!!”

Ben then noticed that both Kevin and Gwen weren’t in their beds.

“Crud! Kevin’s bed…and Gwen’s too. Where did they go? Probably going after the raft.”

Ben then got up, quickly got dressed, and ran outside. He then saw that the RV was pitch-black.

“Grandpa Max should still be asleep in the RV. That’s good. That gives me enough time to find both Kevin and Gwen.

Ben then ran through the beach, as the waves crashes on the shore, but only harsher. Ben then spotted a giant orb glowing up in the sky.

“What IS that!?!”

Ben then looked and saw Kevin standing by the raft. Ben then ran up to him.

“Kevin! Come on! We got to find Gwen and get back to the cabin! It’s not safe!”

“Ben…the door has opened.”

“What door?”

Kevin then turns around.

“Don’t you get it, Tennyson? The door is opened. We can now go to the outer worlds.”

“Did you get a blow on the head? We got to find Gwen!”

“Gwen’s coming with us! This may be our only chance, Ben. We may never see our loved ones again. We cannot let fear stop us. We have to be brave, Tennyson. Once we go through, there’s no going back!”

Kevin then offered his hand to Ben.

“I’m not afraid of the darkness, Tennyson. If you’re not as well, take my hand.”

Then, a dark circle surrounded both of the boys, as shadows began surging around them. Ben then tried to reach for Kevin’s hand, but the shadows were too strong, he couldn’t get through.

“Kevin! Stretch out your arm a little further, would ya?!”

Then, Ben closed his eyes tightly, hoping to reach for Kevin’s hand. When he tried opening his eyes, he couldn’t. He couldn’t move a single inch of his body. Then, when Ben finally opened his eyes, there was a light. When it suddenly faded, Ben was out of the darkness, and was back at the raft. Then, he felt something in his hand. He then looked and saw a strangely key-shaped staff right in front of him, which has the Omnitrix logo on it.

“What is this? A sword?”

The ToonBlade.

Ben then looks around.

“It’s that voice again!” Where are you?!”

The voice didn’t reply, as it was suddenly gone. Ben then looks around, hoping to find Kevin, but he was gone.

“Where did he go?”

Ben then shrugs and looks around for Gwen. He then spotted the cave.

“She could be in there.”

Ben then ran into the cave, and spotted Gwen.

“Gwen!”

Gwen then turns around, only to find her pupils were as blank as black.

“Gwen are you okay? You don’t look so good.”

“Ben…”

Then, the same keyhole as before appeared right behind Gwen, which really shocked Ben.

“I don’t remember that being—“

Then, the keyhole exploded with darkness, as Gwen was flying right at Ben. He then stretches out his arms, hoping to catch her.

“GWEN!!!”

Then, he folded his arms to catch Gwen, but mysteriously, Gwen disappeared. He then looked around, but was distracted as the darkness blows Ben away out of the cave. Ben then opens his eyes and saw that everywhere around him was darkness, as what appeared to be what was left of the camp. Ben then stood up and looks around. Ben then looked up at the sky and saw that the orb he saw earlier was growing bigger and suddenly felt powerful.

“Amazing, isn’t it, Tennyson?”

Ben then looked and saw Kevin right in front of him, with his back turned. Except the tech on his neck was somehow gone.

“All worlds will end.”

“What are you talking about? You mean all life in this universe will be gone?”

“Universes like these are what we call “worlds”. This is all what’s left of our world. Every living being in this world has already lost their hearts to darkness. Don’t worry, Ben. You’re still on my side, as well as Gwen. But, there’s just one thing’s that bothering me.”

Kevin then turns around, only to find that his eyes were glowing yellow.

“Where is Gwen?”

“Kevin? What’s wrong with you?”

“You lost her, right?”

Then, his voice started to echo.

“Kevin, what’s happening to you?”

Then, Kevin laughs evilly.

“The darkness in me is growing every minute. Watch and learn!”

Then, he started to fly up in the sky as darkness was swirling around him. Then, there was the same monster from before. Ben then gasps in fear.

“That’s…that’s the monster I fought against in that dream!”

Then, he starts to attack Ben, as Ben docks and hid behind a rock.

“What do I do? The Omnitrix doesn’t work and I don’t have a weapon.

Use your heart to fight back, for within you lies the strongest weapon of all.

Then, Ben’s hand started to glow. When the glow faded, there was the same key-shaped weapon from before.

“This thing. The ToonBlade, right?”

Then, Ben emerges from behind the rock, and stood in a battle position.

“Show me what you got! I’m not afraid of you!”

Then, the monster steps forward, hovering over Ben. Then, the same little black creatures from Ben’s dream appeared from the ground around him.

“Crud!”

Then, Ben thrust the Toonblade in his hands and ran right at the black creatures. He then sliced a few in half as he did a swoop jump and waves the Toonblade over at the other ones.

I can’t keep this up forever! Ben thought. I think it’s the big one I have to take down.

Then, Ben jumps on few of the creatures in hopes to attack the monster. He then jumped on it’s shoulders and swoops the Toonblade right at its face, causing it to screech in pain.

“One more time and…”

Then, the ground started to shake as the creatures disappears as the wind blew harder and harder. It had blown so hard that the monster was lifted into the sky and was shortly gone after it went through the orb. Ben found a piece of wood attached to the ground and tried to held on.

“Come on, Ben! Make it!”

Then, his hand slips, as he also flew into the sky, into the glowing orb…

End of Chapter One…