I do not own the Ben Ten franchise.
The following chapter takes place after Catfight.
Respect Goes a Long Way
Sprawled out on the living room couch, Ben lazily watched the spy movie that played on the television screen. It was the morning after Attea and Looma battled it out in order to win his hand in marriage, and he was exhausted. He didn't get back home until late, almost one in the morning, since he wanted to finish his date with Ester. His parents had not been pleased, and he couldn't exactly explain the real reason for staying out past curfew (he was completely humiliated by it, actually). He simply said that it was Omnitrix business and thankfully his parents accepted it.
Not in the mood to go anywhere, he figured he would lounge about at home. But it meant he had time to think, and so he could not help but go over the events of the night. He groaned to himself, struck by how utterly ridiculous the entire situation was.
Ridiculous by his standards. And that was saying a lot.
"Okay, we're just going to pretend it never happened," he muttered to himself. The Plumbers were already giving him a hard time about being the reason for almost starting an alien war. If he pretended it never happened, maybe everyone would forget about it.
A flash of green light shone briefly on the arm of the couch, bringing Ben's attention away from the movie. Hey…I know that light. He arched an eyebrow when Azmuth appeared, hands folded behind his back. He did a quick scan of the Galvan's features, but didn't see any signs of anger. Okay, good. I didn't do anything wrong…yet.
"Hey," he greeted. "What's up?"
"I was just at Plumber Headquarters, speaking with your grandfather. He told me an…interesting…story," Azmuth replied casually.
Ben furrowed his brow. "A story? What-?" Realization struck him and he gasped in horror. "No! He didn't!" He sat up with a desperate, pleading expression. "He did not tell you what I think he told you."
Azmuth could not help but smirk. "If you're thinking he told me about how the Incurseans and Tetramands nearly went to war with each other over you, then yes. He did."
Ben's face flushed with mortification. "It's not funny!" he insisted. "It was a long night, and nearly ruined my date with Ester."
"Two completely separate races went to war over you, a sixteen-year-old Earthling, because each wanted you to be their royal consort. It's the most asinine thing I have ever heard, and of course it all comes back to you. I fail to see how that is not funny."
Pouting, Ben slouched against the couch cushions. "See, it's times like this where I miss you lack of sense of humour." He tilted his head back with a sigh. "It's not even my fault. Stuff like this just happens to me. Ugh. I bet all the Plumbers are spreading that story around. My life is ruined."
"Don't be dramatic," chided Azmuth. "It's far from the most humiliating thing you've done."
Ben made a face. "Yeah, yeah. So, what, did you come here to make jokes?"
"Well, you can hardly blame me. This might be the most ridiculous thing that has ever befallen you."
"Okay, I'll give you that one," sighed Ben. "I don't even know why they wanted me in the first place."
Azmuth snorted. "Yes, why ever would two planetary leaders want you, Earth's hero and wielder of the Omnitrix, to be their consort?"
"Heavy sarcasm not necessary," said Ben flatly. "Yeah, fine, I have the Omnitrix. But they didn't even want me for that. They tried to keep me stuck in one form."
"You obviously impressed them, in some way or another, during your various fights. You seem to have knack for that."
Ben blinked. "Getting into fights?"
Azmuth rolled his eyes. "Well, yes, but that is not what I mean. Ben, you have a knack for being respected, even by your enemies. It was not the Omnitrix they were after, in a rare display. They were after you and your personal strength."
"So…they wanted to keep what I have inside the same. They just didn't like how I look?"
"For obvious reasons."
Ben glared. "That's a low blow!" But a smile broke through. "But thanks. I always knew you liked me."
"Don't be infantile," said Azmuth with a roll of his eyes. "But I can understand why they respect you. You handled the situation rather well. I was impressed when your grandfather told me how you solved the matter."
Ben rubbed the back of his neck, feeling pleased with the compliment. "It wasn't a big deal. I just told them the truth. They don't need a king by their side to rule their planet. They're strong, independent women. They sure as heck don't need me."
Azmuth studied the teen, who looked completely sincere and honest about the words he had just spoken. Though Ben was more often than not completely immature and reckless, the Galvan was reminded, by moments like this, why he had been impressed by the Earthling in the first place. Despite having his date completely ruined by two female alien leaders, he was able to look past his own personal feelings towards them and give honest advice.
For a boy whose mouth can get him in trouble, he certainly can have quite a way with words, Azmuth thought in slight amusement. Only Ben could nearly start an alien war on Earth by being the object of two aggressive females, and only Ben could fix it by giving a compliment.
"If only you could be this wise all the time," he said with a sigh. "It would save me a lot of trouble."
"Okay, enough ragging on me for the day." Ben made a shoo-shoo gesture with his hand. "You can leave now."
Azmuth smirked. "I think I have wasted enough time anyway. Goodbye, Ben."
He pulled out his remote, but before he could press the button Ben asked anxiously, "You're not gonna tell anyone on Galvan Prime about what happened, are you?"
"Don't be ridiculous. Of course I will."
