Fred's eyes snapped open with a jolt, a dull ache blooming at the back of his skull. He groaned, head heavy, and tried to push himself up on one elbow—only to find buoyant white tile beneath him and the soft hum of holo-screens filling the air. Blink by blink, the sleek consoles and floating platforms came into focus, and above him, the gentle swirl of a starfield ceiling shimmered. Gwen and Ben knelt at his side, concern etched on their faces.
"Hey—Fred?" Gwen's voice was soft, relief mingling with worry. "You okay?"
Fred managed a crooked smile, though each breath felt like sand in his lungs. "I'll…live," he rasped, rubbing the lump at his temple. He sat up slowly, looking around. "Wait—where's Eon?"
Ben exchanged a puzzled glance with Gwen. "Eon?" he echoed. "You mean that pale…creepy guy we were fighting?"
Gwen shrugged, brow furrowing. "We were smack-dab in the middle of it…then poof—here we are." She said as Fred looked at Michael, Venus, Billy, Mazuma, Evil Max tied up and out cold.
Fred grimaced. "So where'd he go?"
Before anyone could answer, a steady stride approached. Future Fred, looking every bit the seasoned hero—hair shot through with starlight, eyes measured—offered a calm nod. "He's gone," he said, voice rich with reassurance. "Don't worry about Eon. I took care of him."
Fred blinked. "Okay…but—why were we even brought here in the first place?" He sat back on his heels, looking at Gwen, Ben, Gwendolyn, Charmcaster, and Future Fred in turn.
Gwendolyn and Charmcaster glanced at each other, brows raised, as if trying to summon an excuse from thin air. Future Fred's expression ticked from confidence to sheepish. Each looked as clueless as the other.
Fred's irritation flared. "Wait a minute—don't tell me you used us as bait." His frustration cracked his voice.
Ben's eyes widened, Gwen's jaw dropped. "You mean…they knew you'd draw Eon's attention?" Ben's tone was a mixture of awe and indignation.
Gwen crossed her arms, voice frosty. "So that's why we wound up in the future—tied up and passed out?"
Future Fred exhaled, rubbing his neck. "Look, I'm sorry. It was…you were the best lure. Eon saw you as the anchor—so we needed you to bring him out. It was a hard call, but—"
"I don't care how hard it was," Ben interrupted, stepping forward. "A simple apology doesn't cut it. Ben Tennyson is not bait!"
Fred stood, voice firm. "Exactly. We want compensation." He folded his arms, chest puffing out.
Future Fred let out a rueful laugh. "Right. Compensation for using you as bait. Fair enough. Ask away—anything you like, it's yours."
Ben's grin snapped into place. "I want rare Sumo Slammer collectibles—you know, the limited-run golden editions—and all the games that go with them. Also that anti-grav console I saw in Sector 7." He rattled off titles with gleeful precision.
Gwen's eyes lit up. "I'd love one of Gwendolyn's advanced grimoire editions—especially the one on trans-dimensional runes."
Fred didn't say a word—he simply stared at Future Fred. In response, Future Fred produced a sleek holo-card etched with flickering glyphs. "Here's a list of prototype tech: quantum drivers, chrono-coils, tachyon thrusters—everything you asked for, and more."
Fred let out a low whistle. "You planned this, didn't you?"
Future Fred smirked. "I know how to keep myself happy."
Charmcaster clapped her hands, breaking the charged atmosphere. "I'll go prepare the time-portal for your return."
Fred leaned in, voice teasing. "So…How'd you bag those two?"
Future Fred's grin softened. "Hope here's still a bit woozy." He gestured toward Gwen, who rubbed her temples and tried to stand. Future Fred placed a protective hand on Gwen's shoulder. "Let me help her."
Fred watched them with mock indignation, lips pursed. Then—unable to resist the laughter bubbling inside—he sprinted off to join Ben and Gwen, who were already teasing Future Fred about spoiling them.
The atrium lights dimmed as Max teleported in, shimmering gold. His face split in a delighted grin. "Well, well—didn't expect to see you three again so soon."
Ben, Gwen, and Fred launched themselves at him in a trio of hugs. Ben laughed, patting Max's back. "Grandpa!" Gwen squealed as she buried her face in his shoulder. Fred wrapped his arms around Max's waist. "This is the best early birthday present!"
Max's eyes misted with happiness. "Hugs from my favorite troublemakers—that's perfect." He ruffled Ben's hair and winked at Fred. "Time to head home."
Charmcaster's voice rang clear. "Portal's ready." She guided them to a glowing arch of rose-gold light arching in the middle of the chamber.
They turned to Future Fred and Gwendolyn. "See you next time!" Ben waved. Gwen blew a kiss. Fred gave Future Fred a thumbs-up.
Future Fred saluted with a proud smile. "See you—and watch those timelines."
One by one, they stepped into the shimmer. A warm yellow light enveloped them, and with a soft pop, they vanished.
---
The next moment, the rust bucket stood before them, parked in the same dusty lot. Beneath the battered awning, pastel lanterns swayed in the midday breeze. The cake on the portable table remained untouched; the streamers fluttered lazily.
Max's voice floated from inside the RV. "You wouldn't believe the conversation I just had with Carol at breakfast. But here—are you kids okay?"
Ben emerged first, blinking against the daylight. "Uh, yeah, Grandpa."
Gwen stepped into the sun, dusting her hair. "We're fine." She shot Fred a sly grin; Fred nudged her back.
At that, Gwen flicked her wrist, and in a swirl of pink mana the decorations sprang back to their original, festive glory—the streamers re-twined, lanterns brightened, the cake's frosting regained its sheen.
Fred snorted. "Happy birthday, Grandpa!"
Ben and Gwen joined in—"Happy birthday, Grandpa!"
From inside, Max's chuckle filled the RV. "Best present ever."
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