[center][img]https://preview.redd.it/omniverse-fanart-by-ethanpierceart-insta-v0-hc0vd4rnmz1b1.jpg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=1e17e51b9653de9bbc5d60d1d2ff751acd582d1c[/img][/center]

[b]|| Bellwood, Earth[/b]

The Rustbucket rolled through Bellwood in the soft glow of late afternoon, its engine humming. Inside, the air felt calmer than it had in days. Ben sat in the passenger seat, watching the houses drift by. Max sat next to him at the wheel, humming along to the radio. 

“[color=springgreen]You know… even with everything that happened, I'm glad we got to do this.[/color]” Ben said, letting a smile cross his lips as he turned towards his grandpa.”[color=springgreen]It felt just like old times.[/color]”

And he really meant it. Sure he'd yet to resolve his arguments with Gwen, or discover whoever that stalker inventor was, but there was really something about being back on the road again. He was even going to miss the Rustbucket’s bumpy beds. 

Max kept his eyes on the road but smiled. “[color=indianred]I’m glad son. We’ll have to get a few more in before you have to start school again in the fall[/color]”

That comment made his heart sink slightly but Ben tried not to let it show. “[color=springgreen]Yeah. Guess so.[/color]”

From the back of the RV, Gwen began to make her way down towards them.

“[color=7ea7d8]You’ll have to take some trips to visit me wherever I end up going to school.[/color]” She mused, clearly having heard the topic of conversation. “[color=7ea7d8]Have a feeling you'll be visiting New Orleans quite a bit…[/color]”

Gwen’s voice trailed off as the RV turned into Ben’s street. Her eyes stared out ahead of them, her mouth beginning to fall agape. Ben followed her gaze.

The front door of the Tennyson house was smashed inward, hanging crookedly off one hinge. Splintered wood littered the porch. The frame looked like something had forced its way through without slowing down.

“[color=springgreen]No…[/color]” Was all Ben managed as his stomach dropped.

Max braked hard. Ben was out the door before the Rustbucket fully stopped, Gwen right behind him, Max moving with surprising speed for his age.

It took them mere seconds before they crossed the threshold.

The living room was a wreck. Furniture overturned. Picture frames shattered. A lamp flickering weakly on its side. 

And standing in the center of the chaos was a towering figure who turned toward them as they entered.

He was massive. Broad‑shouldered. His skin a deep, stony blue marked with glowing lines of purple that pulsed like veins of molten energy. Heavy armor plates wrapped his torso and forearms, each etched with symbols that looked more like scars than decoration. His face was sharp and predatory, with ridged bone structure and eyes that burned with a cold, intelligent malice. Two large montrels snaked off the back of his head like a pair of horns. 

A thick chain hung loosely from one hand, moving behind him to a trio of crouched creatures.

Insectoid. Armored. Their bodies were a mix of chitin and sinew, with long hooked limbs and ridged heads that twitched as they breathed. They stood over Ben’s parents, who were bound tightly in a loop of metal cable, their eyes wide but unharmed. 

The creatures clicked softly, restless, as if waiting for a command.

Ben’s breath caught. He knew those shapes. Those claws. Those mandibles. He'd found himself pursued by these creatures many times before.

Brood.

They were swarm predators, hive‑minded, relentless, and almost impossible to domesticate. The idea of anyone keeping them on chains was wrong on every level. They consumed everything they touched. It's like they were bred for it.

Judging by the look on Grandpa Max’s face, he recognised them too.

Ben took a step forward, ready to charge. His hand shifted to the watch.

The brood reacted instantly. Their bodies tensed, mandibles flaring. A low, vibrating growl rose from all three at once. The sound reverberated around the room.

The towering figure merely clicked his tongue softly.

“[color=#d7b0ff]Now now. Patience.[/color]” He said. 

Ben froze mid‑step. His voice was calmer than he had expected, given his beastly appearance. He was well spoken. Poised.

It was at this point that the figure straightened fully, turning his attention toward them.

“[color=#d7b0ff]Allow me to introduce myself,[/color]” he said. “[color=#d7b0ff]I am Xanto Starblood. Scholar of the Outer Clutch. Master xenobiologist. And the rightful handler of the creatures you see before you.[/color]”

The Brood shifted at the sound of his voice, their focus sharpening.

Starblood’s gaze settled on Ben.

“[color=#d7b0ff]You,[/color]” he said, smooth and certain, “[color=#d7b0ff]have something I desire.[/color]”