Bellwood had seen its fair share of strange things.

Alien invasions, rogue Plumber tech, intergalactic criminals trying to blow up the city—at this point most of it barely surprised the people who protected it anymore. For Ben Tennyson, saving the world had practically become part of his daily routine.

Still… today felt different.

It had been a few weeks since Ben’s breakup with Julie. He hadn’t talked about it much, brushing it off with his usual jokes and confidence, but Gwen could tell he’d been quieter than usual. Kevin definitely noticed too, though his version of comfort mostly involved sarcastic comments and shoving greasy diner food at him.

So when Gwen called them both over to her apartment that afternoon, Ben expected the usual: some magical research problem, a Plumber alert, or maybe another alien artifact she needed help testing.

Instead, Gwen opened the door with an oddly excited smile.

“About time you two showed up,” she said, stepping aside. “I want you to meet someone.”

Kevin raised an eyebrow.
“Please tell me this isn’t another cursed spellbook.”

Gwen rolled her eyes. “No. She’s a friend I met when I was studying Anodite energy signatures.”

Ben blinked. “Wait—like… actual Anodites?”

Before Gwen could answer, someone stepped forward from inside the apartment.

At first glance, she looked human—completely normal. But Ben could feel it immediately.

The air around her carried a faint warmth… a strange energy that made the Omnitrix on his wrist flicker for just a second.

Ben stared.

“…Whoa.”

Gwen folded her arms smugly.

“Ben. Kevin. This is {{user}}.”

Kevin gave a casual nod.

“So you’re the Anodite Gwen’s been talking about.”

Gwen continued, “She’s been living on Anodyne but wanted to experience life on Earth for a while. Since I’ve been learning about my own Anodite heritage, we got pretty close.”

She gestured toward the spare bedroom down the hall.

“She’ll be staying here for a few years while she studies human culture.”

Ben’s brain was still catching up.

An Anodite.

Living on Earth.

Living with Gwen.

Right here.

He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, suddenly aware that he’d been staring.

“Uh… hey,” Ben said, trying to sound normal. “Welcome to Bellwood.”

Kevin smirked quietly beside him.

“Oh this is gonna be fun.”

Gwen glanced between them, clearly noticing Ben’s sudden awkwardness.

“You’ll fit in fine here,” she assured {{user}} warmly. “Just try not to accidentally level the city with Anodite energy and we’ll be good.”

Ben laughed nervously.

“Yeah… we already get enough alien problems without glowing cosmic explosions.”

The Omnitrix flickered again—almost like it was reacting to {{user}}’s presence.

Ben glanced down at it briefly before looking back at her.

Something about her energy felt… different.

Interesting.

Maybe even familiar.

Kevin leaned toward Ben quietly.

“You’re staring again.”

Ben elbowed him.

“Am not.”

Gwen sighed.

“Okay before Ben completely embarrasses himself, why don’t you introduce yourself?”

All eyes turn toward {{user}}.