Ben 10: Earth's Mightiest Heroes

Meanwhile

Avengers Mansion

A gloved, clawed hand reached out of the darkness, carefully pressing a glass cutter against the mansion's window. The blade carved a small, precise hole before a hand slipped inside, unlocking it from within.

"Security alert. Forced entry detected." The mansion's alarm system blared. It barely had time to alert anyone before the intruder acted. A tall man clad in a skin-tight black cat suit entered. His costume obscured any defining features. Without hesitation, the infiltrator retrieved a flash-drive-like device and plugged it into the console in the foyer.

"External communications taken offline by unknown technology. Unable to send alarm." The system flickered, its failsafes overridden in mere moments.

A section of the lounge's fireplace rumbled and then slid open, revealing a hidden elevator. The figure stepped inside, descending into the depths of the Avengers Mansion.

As the doors opened into the dimly lit conference hall, he moved quickly, slipping into position at a terminal. His fingers flew across the interface, hacking into the mansion's database with a practiced efficiency.

"Accessing Avengers' personal files."

The screen is filled with dossiers, detailed breakdowns of each Avenger, their abilities, and their weaknesses. But one file stood out. Compared to the others, there was significantly less data on their shapeshifter.

The infiltrator scrolled through images, some taken from security footage, others sourced from public records. The alien's transformations were cataloged, but only in fragmented detail. And then, a photo: a brown-haired young man labeled Ben Tennyson.

A cover identity. That much was clear. But how deep did his abilities run? How many forms could he take? The infiltrator had come here to assess the Avengers to formulate a plan, but this wildcard posed an unpredictable factor. He would need to be tested.

Before he could dig further, the hangar lights flickered on. A low hum filled the underground chamber as the Quinjet touched down. Instinct took over. The intruder melted into the shadows, his presence vanishing as the craft's ramp extended.

Footsteps echoed through the space. Wasp and Captain America emerged, their voices carrying as they entered.

"Come on, Cap," Wasp said, stretching her arms over her head. "I'll show you your room."

Steve Rogers gave a small nod, rolling his shoulders. "Thank you. Maybe some quiet will do me good."

As they disappeared down the corridor, the intruder remained motionless, waiting. The hunt had just begun.

#

Despite the news and rumors that Captain America was seen alive in modern-day New York City, life continued as usual.

High above it all, Iron Man hovered, scanning the streets below through the HUD of his armor. "Alright, team, let's try out this patrol thing while Wasp is keeping the Captain busy."

"Why do this at all?" asked Hulk, who walked down the sidewalk without any hesitation. Many people opted to stand closer to the building to give the giant his proper space.

"Because, according to my PR representative, it'll be good publicity for the people to see us now and then. They'll be more assured, knowing that heroes are around.

Thor walked at a leisurely pace below as he surveyed the city with mild amusement. "Midgardians and their patrols... In Asgard, we did not 'patrol.' We rode forth in great scouting parties, seeking worthy battles!"