As the introductions unfolded, Ben Grimm, standing tall and imposing, played the role of the guardian against the relentless onslaught of reporters. The unexpected turn of events had thrust us into the spotlight.
On the bar, surrounded by beautiful models and rich young ladies, Johnny Storm seized the opportunity to charm them. With a casual swagger, he called out. "I need names and shots, bartender!" His words echoed through the room, eliciting cheers akin to those of enthralled college girls.
Back to Alex, Observing the scene, I turned my attention to Ben and couldn't help but notice his comical size sneakers. "Nice shoes, Ben," I remarked.
With a hint of pride, Ben replied, "Custom made, 36 quadruple E."
Reed Richards, hearing this feeling sorry for his friend, interjected, "Ben, I can work on the machine. I just need to figure out the numbers."
Ben, brushing off the offer with a nonchalant wave, said, "Forget about it, egghead. I'm good as is."
Alicia Masters, a calming presence in the midst of the chaos, strolled over. "Better than good, baby," she quipped with a chuckle.
Attempting to make a toast with Alicia, Ben's strength unintentionally shattered the glass. Undeterred, Alicia tried to lighten the mood. "You just need to work on your touch."
In a playful response, Ben pulled Alicia into a warm hug. "I like the sound of that," he said, It hasn't been long but it seems they truly love each other. But Alex warp mind got thinking either Ben is using her as a rebound girl or she got Handicap fetishism.
As Felicia and Alex mingle with the people on the cruise ship. At this moment Reed seized the moment to approach Susan. With a hopeful look in his eyes, he asked, "Can I talk to you for a second?"
Sue, ever gracious, replied with a smile, "Sure."
Ben Grimm and I exchanged knowing glances, silently wishing Reed luck as he embarked on what seemed to be a pivotal conversation. As Reed and Sue engaged in a private discussion, Ben and I continued to enjoy the festivities, sipping drinks and socializing with the crowd on the ship.
In the midst of the lively party, Reed began discussing something as mundane as a broken gasket in the space station. Sue, slightly puzzled, remarked, "A gasket, Reed? We're at a party."
Unfazed, Reed intercepted her attempt to walk away, his tone shifting. "And if one of us were to wear it…" he trailed off, revealing a small gasket that resembled a ring.
Sue, realizing the gravity of the moment, was overcome with emotion. Reed, bending a knee, cut through the revelry with a heartfelt proposal. "No more thinking. No more variables," he declared.
Overwhelmed with joy, Sue, caught in the whirlwind of the unexpected proposal, could only manage a tearful yet delighted "yes." As Reed and Sue embraced and kissed, the party reached new heights of celebration.
As Reed and Sue reveled in the well-wishes of their friends and partygoers, Ben Grimm took a moment to have a discreet conversation with Johnny Storm. In hushed tones, Ben issued a request, "Hey, no more wisecracks about the way I look, okay?"
Johnny, ever the wisecracker, retorted with a smirk, "Hey, call me Mr. Sensitivity."
Johnny's looking at Ben couldn't resist adding a touch of his signature flair to the celebration. "Okay, wide load coming through! Everybody move! He's huge!" Johnny exclaimed, playing up the lighthearted banter that often defined their interactions.
This time, however, Ben wasn't in the mood for jokes. Clearly irritated, he approached Johnny with a menacing stride. Sensing the brewing tension, Johnny swiftly activated his powers, exclaiming, "Flame on!" He soared through the skies, leaving behind a flaming circle with a prominent number 4 in the middle.
Unfazed, Ben shouted after him, "Show off!"
Amidst the peak of the lively party, I approached Ben and Alicia, a playful smile on my face. "Alicia, can you please look after my precious kitten? Protect her from the guys who've been ogling at her, okay?"
Alicia, amused by my choice of words, chuckled and responded, "Sure thing." Extending a hand to Felicia, she added, "Shall we?"
Finally finding her bearings after the unexpected turn of events, Felicia nodded and replied with newfound confidence, "We shall."
Turning to Ben Grimm, wearing a more serious expression. "Hey, let's talk," I suggested.
Ben, picking up on the change in tone, replied, "Sure, what's up?" We moved towards a less crowded area, and as we walked, some SHIELD agents discreetly observed, attempting to eavesdrop on our conversation. With my heightened senses, I easily detected their surveillance devices but decided not to intervene.
Coming to a stop, I handed Ben a sizable box, containing a sleek black bracelet with a big circular button like a watch that has a number 4 on it. He raised an eyebrow, teasing, "Hey, I'm not into guys, you know."
Laughing at his response, I reassured him, "I'm not into men or boulders, so don't worry." Our laughter echoed in the air, lightening the moment.
However, I shifted the tone, explaining, "This is what I was talking about before. It's fully operational and should work with your genetic makeup."
As Ben processed the information, he looked at the rest of the Fantastic Four, understanding the significance of his powers in their dynamic. Attempting to return the box, he said, "It's fine. I'm fine with what I am now. I fully accepted everything I am."
Chuckling at his reaction, I responded, "No, this is actually something better. Let's just say I am a bit smarter, and I am better when it comes to these things."
Doubt lingering in his expression, I proceeded to explain the capabilities of the bracelet I had crafted for Ben Grimm. "This bracelet here can actually let you revert back to human. It does so by isolating the energy that is giving you power. But, of course, you'll be a weak meat bag in your human form. The good thing about this bracelet, though, is that it will automatically adjust to your size. You can turn it off again and regain your power, either by pressing a button or saying the keyword "Its hero time!"
Intrigued by the prospect, Ben wasted no time and activated the bracelet. A remarkable transformation ensued. The rocky exterior that defined him shifted, crumbled as if the stones are being absorb in his body reforming into a normal human form. It was a sight to behold – the metamorphosis from the colossal, rock-covered figure to a comparatively smaller, vulnerable human.
Overwhelmed with joy, Ben attempted to revert to his rocky figure and, pressing the Button again, rocks slowly forms around his arm as it enclose his whole body, his body enlarging in a second returning to his huge rocky form. True to my explanation, the bracelet responded to his command.
The emotional whirlwind struck him, and he couldn't contain his happiness. In a spontaneous burst of emotion, the big-hearted Ben Grimm engulfed me in a bear hug. However, cautious not to be crushed by his hearty embrace, I deftly sidestepped. Realizing my dodge, Ben snapped out of his elation.
Apologizing with a playful tone, I quipped, "Sorry, Ben. I'm not really into guys." The moment held a technological marvel and genuine human connection, forging a unique bond between us.
Ben Grimm, astonished, looked at me in gratitude. "You did it, Alex. I can turn back to my old self."
Grinning, I patted his back. "Thanks to technology."
Chuckling, Ben said, "Never thought I'd be able to switch between rock and human."
"Hey, it's what I do," I said with a wink. "Now, let's get back to the party. We've got a celebration to continue, I just hope you some extra custom clothes."
During his transformations, the seams of his clothes couldn't withstand the incredible metamorphosis. The fabric of his outfit gave in to the strain. There was an audible rip as his pants tore, leaving him standing in tattered clothes, much to the surprise and amusement of those nearby.
The crowd erupted into laughter, and even Ben couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected wardrobe malfunction. "Well, I guess I need some indestructible clothes now, huh?" he quipped, scratching his head.
I joined in on the laughter, offering a light-hearted solution. "Maybe we can add 'Fashion Designer' to my list of talents. We'll get you a wardrobe worthy of a superhero, one that doesn't look like an 80's rock band."
Amidst the good-natured laughter, Ben, still in tattered clothes, playfully flexed his rocky muscles, earning more cheers from the amused crowd. It became a memorable moment of the night, adding an unexpected and humorous twist to the celebration.
In SHIELD HQ, inside Nick Fury's own conference room, Coulson, Simmons, and Fitz gathered around a long table, their faces illuminated by the glow of computer screens. Coulson, one of the most hardworking agent, broached the topic that had been on his mind since the recent party.
Coulson said, "I think we need to re-evaluate Alex," he began, his voice measured yet resolute. "He was able to create a device that seems to have the ability to prevent the Fantastic Four's powers from activating."
Simmons, the resident expert in scientific matters, chimed in eagerly. "Yes, it was remarkable indeed. I managed to make a recording of it. His understanding of technology surpasses even that of Reed Richards. It would be a boon to have him on our R&D team."
Fitz, the brilliant engineer, nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. Just look at Mr. Arasaka's recent endeavors, like the prosthetic hand he developed. People have been trying to replicate it, but none have come close. And the cost-effectiveness of his creations is unparalleled."
Simmons turned to Fitz, her eyes alight with curiosity. "Mr. Arasaka? It seems you hold him in high regard."
Fitz chuckled, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You could say that. We've been trying to crack his firewalls for ages, but it's like trying to break through an impregnable wall. And those who persist? Well, they end up getting hacked back with a rather... irritating kids' song."
Simmons laughed at the memory. "Oh, I remember that, baby shark was song, our IT team got a head ache having that played for days in their department. We had to replace the whole computer because wiping the data just wasn't enough."
Their banter was interrupted by Fury's commanding voice. "Enough. Tell me more about why you think we need him."
Coulson, ever the diplomat, jumped in. "I believe he'd be a tremendous asset to the team. But perhaps we could approach him as a consultant as we can't really offer him anything at the moment. His technological skill is on par with Tony Stark's, and having him onboard could revolutionize our operations."
Fury, the stoic leader, considered their words carefully before nodding in agreement. "Very well. Let's review his file thoroughly. Get me everything we have on Alex Arasaka. Every detail. We'll see what more he brings before we proceed."
And so, the wheels were set in motion will SHIELD approach Alex Arasaka, Is a partnership possible, could it shape the future of technology and espionage in ways never before imagined. Only time would tell what role Alex would play in the world of superheroes and secret agents.
Find out in the next episode of DBZ.
Note:
Not sure if I can upload M-F like usual, I just got FF7 would probably take me a month and a few weeks. But I'll still do my best to upload like usual. Thanks for liking this half arse Fanfic of mine. You guys are the best.