Ben 10: Justice Incarnate

The More Things Change

Siberia

XX Days Earlier

Deep beneath the frozen expanse of northern Siberia, miles of stone and ice were removed in a flash. In its place was a hidden world in the perpetual twilight of the underground caverns. The temperature contrasted the icy surface above, maintained by geothermal heat that filters through the rocky ceiling, casting an eerie, warm glow across the prehistoric landscape.

Lush jungles stretched out beneath an eternal twilight sky, their dense canopies alive. Towering ferns and colossal trees create a labyrinthine forest where dinosaurs roam freely.

A lone Neanderthal, Gnarrk, navigated these ancient woods with caution. He wore a patchwork of furs and skins, moving silently through the underbrush. His keen eyes scanned for both prey and predators.

As Gnarrk pushed aside a thick frond, he emerged into a clearing with a crystal-clear lake. At the water's edge, a group of Hadrosaurs dipped their beaks into the cool water, their large, gentle eyes watching for danger. Gnarrk crouched.

A thunderous roar shattered the peace. From the shadows of the trees, a Tyrannosaurus rex burst forth, its massive jaws agape. The Hadrosaurs scattered, their panicked cries piercing the air. Gnarrk's heart pounded, but his instincts took over. He sprinted to the nearest tree and climbed swiftly, his powerful limbs finding purchase on the rough bark.

Perched high above, Gnarrk watched as the T-rex chased its prey. One of the Hadrosaurs stumbled, and the predator seized its chance. With a ferocious snap, the T-rex claimed its prize, the struggle lasting mere moments.

Hours later, the ethereal crystal light above dimmed, casting long shadows across the jungle. Gnarrk descended from his perch and made his way to his hidden cave. The entrance was concealed by a thick curtain of vines, and within, the cave opened into a surprisingly spacious chamber.

He had learned to find solace in the presence of the dinosaurs and the unchanging landscape.

He settled by the fire pit and sparked a flame, the warmth, and light a small comfort.

Gnarrk's musings were interrupted by a rustling at the cave entrance. He tensed, grabbing his spear. But instead of a predator, a small creature emerged from the shadows. It was a juvenile Triceratops.

The dinosaur sniffed the air, then cautiously approached Gnarrk. He remained still. The Triceratops nuzzled his hand, seeking warmth and safety. Gnarrk gently stroked its rough hide, feeling a connection to the creature.

This proverbial snowglobe of the ancient past would be eventually introduced to the modern world, but its origins remain a mystery to all inhabitants except its celestial creators.

Planet Kwyzz

XX Days Ago

Green Lantern Bulletin:

Anomaly Detected in Sector 1136

The planet Kwyzz glowed softly as it orbited its Static Sun. Unlike any other, this sun did not emit light in the conventional sense. Instead, it pulsated with a steady, unchanging frequency throughout the cosmos, bathing Kwyzz in a constant, soothing hum.

Kwyzz was known as the most beautiful world in all transmission. Its landscapes shifted colors and patterns, a living tapestry woven from the very essence of electromagnetic waves. The White Noise Rapids, Kwyzz's oceans, churned and roared randomly. Even its inhabitants were composed entirely of electromagnetic waves. There was no defined shape to them, their bodies shifting and changing in rhythm with the world around them.