Ben 10: Justice Incarnate

The Follow-Up

Chapter 21: The Follow-Up

Central City

Mr. Smoothy

July 12, 08:45 EDT

Ben was busy behind the counter, wearing a green apron. Alongside him, Harley sported a red-and-black themed apron that matched her usual color scheme. The store was bustling, with customers eagerly waiting for their drinks.

Ben was mixing a smoothie when he called out, "Okay, Harley, the next order is a Tropical Tornado with an extra shot of protein. Can you grab the protein powder?"

Harley, more cheerful after a well-deserved vacation, nodded. "Sure thing, Benji-boy!" She opened a nearby cabinet and playfully tossed the protein powder.

As Ben added the protein, an impatient customer said, "Excuse me, I ordered a Strawberry Slam 10 minutes ago!"

Ben smiled apologetically and said, "Sorry about the wait, ma'am. Coming right up!" After completing another order, he started blending the Strawberry Slam.

Harley sighed. "Relax, hun. It's the morning rush. You aren't the only one." The customer rolled their eyes and asked them to hurry.

The next customer approached nervously and ordered a Green Machine with a double shot of wheatgrass.

Harley enthusiastically started tossing ingredients into the blender, saying, "One Green Machine comin' right up!"

Turning to Ben, she continued their earlier conversation. "As I suggested, I have some new flavors on the menu. Have you given any thought to Hot Sauce Havoc? It's got a kick like a hyena on caffeine."

Ben chuckled and replied, "It can work, but I'll probably reserve that for a morning-after hangover drink. My grandpa had something like that for himself."

Harley grinned and handed the Green Machine to the nervous customer, who quickly walked away after thanking her.

Ben finished the Strawberry Slam and handed it to the impatient customer, who finally softened after taking a sip and said, "This is good."

Ben smiled, "Glad you like it!"

Harley leaned on the counter. "Let me whip up something wild for us. We could use the energy boost."

Ben grinned. "Maybe later, since we still have the breakfast line to get through."

Harley pouted playfully, then turned to the next customer with a big smile, "Hey there, whatcha havin'?"

The excited customer ordered a Banana Blast with extra peanut butter.

Harley smiled, "Now that's what I'm talkin' about! Extra peanut butter, comin' right up!" She started picking up bananas by juggling them toward the blender. "Hey, you think this banana's ripe enough to become a boomerang?"

Ben rolled his eyes in amusement. "Careful, the last time you threw fruit around, you had to clean the ceiling."

As Ben and Harley continued working, their contrasting personalities created a lively and entertaining atmosphere, much to the delight of the casual customers.

Central City

July 13, 13:12 EDT

Wildvine swung from one building to another, his vine-like limbs propelling him through the air. Below, the Flash zipped through Central City at lightning speed, a red blur against the cityscape. Heat Wave and Captain Boomerang were robbing an armored treasury convoy downtown.