Alright, here's Chapter 1. In this chapter, Kenny and Devlin have a sleepover and Ben tells them a bedtime story of the beginning of his life with Kai. Enjoy:
Time changes everything and the world seemed to have evolved with advanced technology. Not only could you drive on the road, but also in the air! There were also floating businesses in the sky as well. Everywhere you look, it's technology this and technology that. Somewhere in the world was a special city located near the Plumbers secret HQ. A statue of Ben 10,000 stood in the middle of the city (what do you expect from the president of the world) and a tall sky scraper building that had a roof design of the Omnitrix. This building was not only apart of the Plumbers HQ, but also the home of Ben Tennyson.
Only he and his son Kenny lived there, but relatives and friends were always welcome to stay when they wanted to. Ben usually works and fights off monster aliens everyday. While he does his job, his son Kenny will be off on his hover board hanging out with his cousin Devlin. Today, they were hanging out by the ice cream parlor sitting on the curb. They each got triple scoops of ice cream and were trying to lick it down to the cone before it melted over.
"Oh man, our ice creams will be melted down to our hand soon," said Kenny
"I have an idea," said Devlin
"What is it?"
"How about a contest? The one who eats their ice cream the fastest and reaches the top of the cone wins."
"You're on!"
"Okay GO!"
Devlin and Kenny began woofing down their ice cream till they reached the top of the cone. Devlin raised his hands in victory, having to finish his ice cream first before Kenny. Before Devlin could gloat, he and Kenny were making odd faces and holding their heads. They both fell back on the sidewalk moaning and groaning. After a few minutes, they were calm again. They both sat up and continued to rub their heads.
"I hate brain freeze," said Kenny
"I guess we should have thought of that first huh?" said Devlin
"You know, I don't get it?"
"Get what?"
"How can you beat me in any sort of contest when I'm older than you?"
"Yeah by 2 months, but being older has nothing to do with it. It takes skill to win."
"Maybe you can teach me some of your tricks Devlin."
"Then where would the fun be when we compete?"
"HEY!"
They both laughed, but their laughter was interrupted by a beeping noise. Devlin looked at his watch and was receiving a call from home. He pushed a button and a hologram of Gwen appeared on his watch.
"Devlin, dinner is almost ready. Time to come home," she said
"Awe mom, do I have to now?" pouted Devlin
"Yes Devlin. You need to come home. Your father is already on...are you okay?"
"Yes mom, I'm fine."
"Did you and Kenny have another food competition?"
"Sort of."
"What was it this time?"
"Ice cream contest."
"Oh Devlin, what am I going to do with you?"
Hologram Gwen rubbed her head. She knew her son would always come up with the craziest food competitions with Kenny and will end up regretting it later.
"Just come home now," said Gwen
"Yes mom," responded Devlin
Hologram Gwen disappeared and his watch returned to normal with the time showing. Devlin picked up his hover board about to head off.
"Devlin you're so lucky," said Kenny
"What do you mean?" he asked
"You have a mom. I wish my mom was here with me. My dad is always away battling aliens and it gets lonely at the house sometimes."
"If you don't mind me asking, where is your mother?"
"In Heaven."
"What happened to her?"
"I don't know. My dad won't tell me."
"Have you ever asked him?"
"Yes, but that was years ago. He looked sad when I asked what happened to her. I don't think I can ask him again."
"Kenny, I think you have the right to know."
"Then what do I do?"
"Just tell him you want to know the truth and that you are old enough to handle it. Well, I better get home. See you tomorrow!"
"Bye Devlin!"
Kenny watched his cousin fly off on his hover board. Kenny then grabbed his hover board and decided to head home. He knew that his dad would be home soon. When he arrived at home, he switched on the lights only to discover it empty as usual. Nothing but furniture and some lab equipment.
"I'm home!" Kenny called out
All he heard was his echo. Kenny set his hover board by the door, sat down on the big sofa, grabbed the remote, and watched TV. There wasn't really anything good on, but he just stuck to one channel wondering if it'll bore him or entertain him. About an hour later, Kenny heard footsteps enter the room. He knew that it was his father.
"Hi Kenny, did you have a good day?" asked Ben
"It was fine," he responded in a bummed way
"What's wrong?"
"It's nothing dad. Just got a lot on my mind."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not really."
"Well whenever you want to talk, I'm here to listen. You know you can tell me anything son."
Kenny watched his father walk into the kitchen to prepare dinner.
"Not everything," Kenny said under his breath
2 weeks went by. Friday night has finally come and this was the weekend Kenny was looking forward to. His cousin Devlin was coming over to spend the night for a few days. Kenny had cleaned his room, brought out the game system, and made sure the cupboard was loaded with snacks. Ben walked in to see Kenny preparing the TV for video games and movies.
"Looks like you have everything set," he said
"Yep. I hope I'm not forgetting anything," said Kenny
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Kenny and Ben went over to answer. It was the Levin's. Devlin charged in with his bag and sleeping bag. He set them down by the floor and then did the cool handshake with Kenny or as they call it; a greeting. Ben smiled. It was good to see Kenny getting along with Devlin.
"Thanks so much for watching him this weekend," said Gwen
"We appreciate it Ben," said Kevin
"Not a problem. Kenny has been looking forward to this all week," he replied
"Devlin?" called Gwen
"Yes mom?" he replied
"I want you to be a good boy while we're gone. Do as you're told."
"I will."
Gwen kissed him goodbye and Devlin felt embarrassed. If getting kissed by your mother in public is bad, it's worse when you get kissed in front of family esp. when you look up to them. When Kevin & Gwen were out of sight, Devlin wiped his face. He just hoped that Kenny wasn't watching. He walked back inside as Ben closed the door.
"Well, shall I order pizza?" asked Ben
"Yeah!" said Kenny and Devlin together
"Alright then."
Ben went into the kitchen to order pizza as Kenny and Devlin grabbed the game controllers and began a video game. They played until the pizza arrived. While they were eating, they played a movie. They decided to watch "Avatar." Kenny found it amusing that it takes an army to fight off giant blue aliens when it only takes his dad to fight off an alien group.
"So, you think your dad can take on those aliens?" asked Devlin
"I'm sure he could if he wanted to or if they even existed," responded Kenny
"Well, did you ask your dad yet?"
"Ask him what?"
"About your mother."
"Oh, I never asked him."
"Why?"
"I chickened out. I'm just afraid that he might get mad."
"Mad? Kenny, don't you want to know what happened to your mother before you find out from a stranger?"
"Well, yeah."
"Then ask him. You should never have to go through life wondering what happened to her when he has the answer."
"But you're also forgetting that it may be hard for him to talk about."
"That's true, but you still have the right to know."
"Alright, I'll ask him tonight."
"Good. Now how about a contest?"
"What kind?"
"Stuff ourselves with as much pizza as we can. Whoever eats the most wins!"
"You're on!"
Later that night, with full tummies, Kenny and Devlin were in their pajamas and getting into bed. Ben came into the bedroom to wish the boys a goodnight.
"Hey dad?" questioned Kenny
"Yes?" replied Ben
"Can I ask you a question?"
"I believe you already did."
"Dad!"
"Okay, what is it?"
"Well, remember when you told me I could tell you anything and that you'll listen?"
"Alright, what did you break?"
"It's not that dad."
"Well, what is it?"
"This is a personal question."
"Kenny I'll tell you where babies come from when you're older."
"DAD!"
"Sorry, I was only kidding. Now, what is it you want to ask me that's so personal?"
Kenny took a deep breath and gulped.
"Dad, what happened to my mother? I want to know. Please tell me!"
Ben was kind of shocked at his son's question.
"Kenny, what brought this up?" asked Ben
"Dad, I've always wanted to know, but didn't have the guts to ask you because I thought I upset you the first time I asked you," replied Kenny
"I see," said Ben
"Dad, I'm almost 10 years old. Don't you think I have the right to know?"
"I want to know too," said Devlin
"Devlin if you want to know, why don't you ask your parents?" asked Ben
"You really think it's a good idea to ask my dad?"
"Good point. Alright boys, I'll be right back."
Ben walked out of the room while Devlin gave Kenny a thumbs up.
"See, that's all it took," said Devlin
"Yeah, but he didn't look too happy," said Kenny
"It'll be okay."
Ben came back in the bedroom with an old photo album. Kenny was surprised to see it. It has been ages since he last saw it. Kenny has been avoiding the old photo album because of what he asked his dad years ago and he brought it up again tonight.
"If I tell you what happened, will you go to sleep?" asked Ben
"Yes," replied Kenny
"Bedtime story!" added Devlin
"Well this isn't easy to tell, but you do have the right to know Kenny, you too Devlin. I just don't know where to start," said Ben
"How about the beginning?" suggested Kenny
"The very beginning," said Devlin
"Okay then," said Ben
He opened the photo album and turned to pictures that showed a wedding reception. Kenny and Devlin couldn't believe how young their parents looked at the time.
"Wow, you and mom were young!" said Kenny
"Yeah, so were my parents. Now they're old!" said Devlin
"Be sure to tell them that," said Ben sarcastically
"Alright, begin the story," said Kenny
"This wedding reception took place 10 years ago before either one of you were even born..." began Ben
End of Chapter 1. Sorry to end it here, but since the story enters a flashback from here, I thought it would be best to begin the flashback with a new chapter. I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. Chapter 2 will be posted soon.
