It was a day that had begun simply enough.

Reed Richards had once again passed up breakfast and was instead tinkering about in his laboratory. The task of clearing the table was left to robotic servants created by Reed. Susan Richards kept herself busy by setting up some appointments for the Fantastic Four to appear at various charity events, while at the same time attempting to look after young Victoria. Johnny Storm vanished off into the garage to tinker about with some hot rod. Benjamin Grimm took note of the fact that if the garage had been a laboratory, Johnny's obsession would be exactly the same as Reed's.

As for Ben himself, he opted instead to spend some time with Franklin Richards. The first child of Reed and Sue. At only five years old, Franklin was already one of the most powerful beings in existence. He possessed the mutant ability to alter reality at will, and if not for mental blocks placed on his mind by his father intended to inhibit his powers, Franklin might have accidentally eliminated a dimension or two during a temper tantrum.

Ben didn't really give too much thought to Franklin's immense power. As far as he was concerned, Franklin was just a five year old boy who loved Cartoon Network, Disney movies, and video games. Ben still recalls how stubborn Reed was about buying Franklin a gaming system.

"I could make one just as good," he had said. "Besides, a lot of those games are detrimental to a child's development."

It had taken some convincing on the parts of Johnny and Ben (mainly because they were just as interested in video games as well), but with the added might of a five year old boy's pleading eyes, Reed didn't stand a chance and he caved.

"I'm gonna getchoo, Unca' Ben!"

"I'd like t' see ya try, short stuff," replied Ben. Of course, after Reed had gotten the gaming system, Ben then had to convince him that Franklin needed someone to play these games with, and since Ben's rocky exterior and large hands made it difficult to use the controllers, he would need something custom-made.

In reality, Ben was putting up a front and he knew it. Tekken Tag Tournament wasn't his game, but it was one of Franklin's favorites, and everytime he wanted to challenge Ben to a game, he would always name that one. And Ben knew better than to try arguing with a five year old.

"Aww cripes!" exclaimed Ben just as Franklin executed a finishing combo which caused the last of Ben's life bar to deplete itself. He dropped the controller on the ground and leaned back in his chair while Franklin watched the replay, giggling the whole while.

"Whee!" exclaimed Franklin. He jumped from the floor and got to his feet and did a little victory dance. Ben saw this and simply chuckled as he reached over for the glass of water which rested on the table by his side.

"Hey Unca' Ben, why's th' TV all weird?"

"Whaddaya mean, kiddo?" asked Ben. He looked to see what Franklin was talking about and saw that the entire television was a pale color with odd lines on it.

"Huh?" he asked. He got off his chair and moved closer towards the set. He reached out with his hand and touched it, then examined his rocky palm. There was no residue present at all.

"Yo Stretcho," he said. "Somethin's up with th' tube."

On the monitor, two glowing, yellow eyes suddenly appeared.

"Reeeeed..." said Ben. "I really think y' should look at this..."

The eyes suddenly vanished, and from the top of a television, a shape which seemed to resemble a head sprouted up. Facial features began to form, including the eyes which a moment ago were on the monitor. A mouth joined them and opened up as a cry emerged from the creature's throat. The television suddenly exploded in a mass of tendrils that launched towards Ben.

The Thing struggled against the techno-organic appendages. He used his immense strength to tear them off, but it didn't seem to cause the creature any pain. The creature became larger until it stood revealed as Pestilence.