The Thing

Note : this story comes before FF#5, Ben Grimm and Alicia Masters's wedding

Ben Grimm, a.k.a. The Thing, from the Fantastic Four, is distributing punches as he is mumbling to himself:

• Just a quiet day to go back to Project Pegasus the say... You can stay a few hours with us, from the security team to play poker and smoking cigars... Just like the good old days I was the chief... But Noooo. There is an alert when I just have the best hand possible. And for what, some random monsters le by this no good bastard Diablo (sigh)...

Though it may seem strange, Project Pegasus is indeed under attack by the wicked alchemist and his monstrous minions.Why he decided to go after the research center. The spanish villain uncharacteristically didn't say a word. But he was after something in a high-level laboratory.

As The Thing clobbered the last monster, he faces off Diablo. The criminal seems dejected. He says:

• Bah. I lost my precious time here. I really thought the philosophical stone was here. The mortal who led me on will pay.

The Thing says back, showing his stony hands:

• If you really want some stones, I can give you these, but it will hurt.
• Grimm? You can not do anything to me. You better let me go and MAYBE I let you live and give you back you once human form.

Ben hesitates a second. For a very long time since his transformation after being change by the cosmic rays, he wished to be a human again. But he equally made his personal peace a long time ago too. So he charges, just saying :

• Wrong answer 'cause it's CLOBBERIN' TIME.

As The Thing approaches, Diablo spend little time to throw down a vial that quicklyrelinquish a violet smoke. Ben runs in it with confidence. But as he breathes, he instantly perceives something wrong. Ben howls, holding his gut. This is unusual. Since he is the Thing, Ben is never ill.

Then, he feels a violent electric discharge throught his body. It comes willingly from Diablo, who was behind the Thing. The Fantastic Four member is promptly on the ground, barely breathing and gradually losing consciousness.

Diablo is right in front of him, smiling, talking vehemently to Ben's haggard face.

• On a second thought, I can make this negative experience less useless for both of us. I can develop some... minor improvements to you and we will discuss your... repayment later. Diablo launches another discharge and The Thing looses consciousness definitely.

A few hours later, when Ben awakes, The Thing is in a bed and saw his friends : Reed Richards, Sue his wife, their Kids Franklin and Valeria, and even Johnny Storm, Sue's brother. All have overly concerned and grave faces. Grimm sees and feels something's off :

Reed starts off:

• Don't say anything, Ben. Diablo did something to you. And At this time I don't possess a clue of how he achieved this. I am not even certain I can transform you back. I have better chance to provide a real cure for your former condition...

The Thing is still not thoroughly awakes and have difficulties to follow. He has been radically transformed? Yes, he feels lighter but how...

Reed continues grimly.

• The best is you check yourself with this mirror.

As The Thing saw this new self, how Ben Grimm can not been shocked. His monstrous and stone face form is no more. The lovely face Ben saw in the mirror is definitely human – albeit a strong orange skin- with hair, long hair and a graceful face. Ben's body is still strong, fit, muscular but the shape is more... fine. And There are these to balloon of flesh stuck on the chest. Ben can also understand that The Thing's little thing doesn't exist anymore. Yes, Diablo radically transformed Ben Grim in an attractive, bodacious and sensual woman.

After a few seconds, Ben drops these words:

• Whatta revoltin' developement... I think I need a beer and a cigar...