Now that the sun was starting to rise, Ben was ready to begin the day. He got out of Vamps' bed and began walking down the hallway to his room. But when he entered, he saw someone was in his bed.
"Well, well…a visitor?" he thought outloud, now walking over and gently moving back the covers. When he moved them back, there was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen AND she appeared human! "Woah! What's another human doing here?!"
The girl gently opened her eyes and gave him a small smile. "You must be Ben." She smiled gently. Ben moved back in shock and his face turned red.
"I'm sorry! I'm not a creeper I promise!" he said.
"Hey calm down. I know that," Melody grinned, now sitting up. "This used to be my room so when I come to visit I usually stay in here. Whampire told me it was ok since you were with Vamps."
"That was only for one night," Ben said, his face red in embarrassment.
"Ben, there's nothing wrong with being with them now and then. They're great at comforting. I would know," she smiled, now getting out of bed. Ben quickly turned to not appear inappropriate, but she only laughed and walked up behind him and touched his shoulder. "Ben, I have on a shirt and shorts. Turn around."
"I…uh…actually think I better get going," Ben said, now nervous. Melody smirked and gently grabbed him by his shoulders and spun him around. My gosh! For a girl, she was strong!
"I said…look at me." Melody giggled. Ben looked at her and his mouth almost dropped open. She had beautiful dark eyes and dark raven like hair. Her skin was slightly pale and she had a gorgeous smile. Ben felt his heart begin to flutter! "Now, that wasn't so bad was it?"
"Of course not!" Ben said, now stepping back and looking flustered. But then he took a small breath and put his hand out. "I'm Ben."
"And I'm Melody. It's nice to meet you." She smiled.
"So…who are you?! Are you a friend of the family?" he said.
"Yes, we're very good friends. We're not blood related but I call them brothers because they've helped to watch over the kingdom after my father disappeared," she said gently. Now Ben was confused. How could a human rule over a creepy planet like this? But he preferred to wait to ask questions.
"I'm sorry. I know how it feels to lose parents," Ben said lowly and looking out the window.
"Yeah. Sometimes I definitely miss my parents," she said, now hugging herself gently.
"Tell me about it," Ben said, now leaning against the wall. Melody noticed his grim expression and walked over to him.
"Hey…don't be sad Ben. The most important thing is that you have a new family now. One that loves and cares for you." Melody chirped.
"True. I wouldn't know what to do without those guys. They really saved me." Ben said, running a hand through his hair.
"And you mean a lot to them. Especially since they are throwing a gala for you this week!" Melody grinned.
"Wait what?! Oh my gosh I almost forgot about that!" Ben said in horror.
"What's wrong? Don't you like parties?" Melody asked.
"Well yeah, but I don't really know how to mingle at an "alien" party." Ben said, now rubbing his neck sheepishly. "In plus, they consider me a prince now and I'm still learning the princely stuff."
"I can help with that Ben. After all, I'm still princess so I know about things like this," she smiled. "But first things first, we need to get you some fine clothes."
"Oh yeah. Vamps and Whampire said that they are still trying to find me a tailor because they wanted me fitted for something specific. They won't tell me what though," Ben said gently.
"Yeah, they love surprises." Melody smiled. "Right now, let's talk about dances. Do you know the bat walk or the claw hanger?"
"What on Earth are those?!" Ben said in shock.
"Why they're the newest dances of course!" Melody giggled. But then she noticed Ben looked uncomfortable. "Aww Ben c'mon! I can teach you!"
"No thanks. I'm gonna go and get ready to practice with the Omnitrix. I'll catch ya later Melody," Ben said, now turning to the door. Melody pouted and changed into her bat form and flew over his head and landed in front of the door. Ben stood in shock and began backing up.
"W-What did you just do?!" he said in surprise.
"I changed into a bat. Oh…yeah I'm also part Vladat," she said, rubbing her neck. "Sorry I didn't tell you that before."
"I-It's ok. I just wasn't expecting that, but that explains a lot. Especially you being a princess and all," he said honestly, now rubbing his chest to alleviate the surprise. Melody giggled and walked forward, placing both hands on his shoulders.
"Ben. I'm also here to help you, you know? I want you to learn about our culture but also feel comfortable around everyone, including me." Melody smiled warmly. "And if you'll let me, I can help you be ready for the gala and I promise you'll have a great time."
Ben looked uncertain for a moment, but then his eyes met her gaze and she just gave him a gentle grin the same as before.
"Well…alright. Why not," he smirked.
"Perfect! After I get ready and you practice with the Omnitrix, we can prepare for the gala," Melody smiled, now jumping happily.
Ben nodded and then heard a knock on the door. As it slowly opened, Whampire walked in with Vamps behind him.
"I see you two have already met," Whampire grinned.
"We knew it would not take long." Vamps smirked, now making Ben blush. "Now then, we overheard Melody saying that she would help you prepare for the gala. That is a splendid idea because you will meet many dignitaries there and other rulers from nearby planets."
"But you guys know I'm not that kind of person to mingle and all that!" Ben said, now feeling overwhelmed again.
"Oh calm down. You'll be fine. Now let's go get some practice in because when you are done, you are to go to the fitting room because I have some tailors lined up." Vamps said, now walking down the hallway. Ben smiled and walked after him, happy to be with Vamps. As they walked away, Whampire turned to Melody.
"You and Ben seem to get along great." Whampire smiled.
"Yes, he's great Whampire. But he still seems uncertain and sad. Could it be because of all of what he has gone through?" Melody asked gently.
"Yes. Ben has gone through a lot. It will take him some time to gain complete confidence." Whampire said softly. But at that moment, Whampire smirked as Melody hugged him gently.
"We will help him, won't we Whampire? Vamps seems like he has really taken a liking to him too," Melody grinned.
"Of course we will. We will always be there for Ben and yes, Vamps has definitely taking a liking to the young teen," Whampire smiled, hugging her back.
Meanwhile…
"You've got to keep your guard up!" Vamps called, now dodging Feedback's punch. Ben had just turned into Feedback and was ready for a mock fight.
"I'm trying!" Feedback called back, now swinging his tail.
"Keep your tail lower, or else I can do this!" Vamps smiled, now grabbing his tail and swinging him into a tree. Feedback shook his head and sent an electric blast at Vamps that scorched his arm!
"GAH!" Vamps snarled in pain.
"VAMPS! VAMPS I'M SO SORRY!" Ben pleaded, now running to him after changing into his human form.
"Ben calm down. You did the right thing. After all, this is training," Vamps chuckled, now gently running his hands in his hair.
"But you're hurt!" Ben said. But his eyes widened as the scar slowly began vanishing. Vamps was healing himself.
"You were saying?" Vamps chuckled, now leading Ben back to the castle. "That's enough for now. We're going to head back now because you need a shower and you need to be fitted for your suit."
"A suit?" Ben asked.
"Yes. A special kind. Now then, come…" Vamps said, now walking in and seeing the long line of tailors, hoping to be chosen to make the special outfit.
"Oh no…" Ben groaned. "This could take forever!"
"Just grin and bear it." Vamps said, now sitting on his throne and beckoning Ben to sit on the throne made for him since he was a prince. Once he sat, he saw the long line of tailors come forward to explain why they should be chosen to make the special suit.
2 hours later….
"Vamps…" Ben groaned in a whisper.
"Hold on young one. We have only one more left," Vamps said, now sitting lazily and with one leg propped up on the throne arm. None of the tailors had shown them designs that they wanted for Ben's suit and the princes were getting impatient.
"Vamps, must you look so tired?" Whampire said, now leaning back lazily.
"Says the one who is about to fall off his throne," Vamps smirked back. Whampire rolled his eyes and nudged his older brother. Melody was watching from the balcony and enjoyed watching them interact. She had been away on business and was beyond happy to be back home.
Meanwhile, the brothers and Ben were looking at the last tailor. He was a male Ectonurite who had a charming smile.
"Hello your highnesses. I would be most honored if I could make the young human's suit. I have had a lot of experience," he smiled, now floating up near them. Ben thought Ectonurites were creepy and evil, but this one was actually handsome and had a kind smile. Nonetheless, Ben shivered as he came closer.
"Now now, young human. There is no need to be afraid. I am only here to make your suit," he grinned, now wagging his tail in a friendly manner. He was nowhere as creepy as the others, but that that he appeared like a ghost was creepy.
"What design do you have in mind? If it is suitable you are hired," Vamps asked. The Ectonurite flew over and showed his design to Vamps, who made sure that Ben couldn't see it because he wanted it to be a surprise. Both brothers looked at it and then nodded to each other. "Perfect! You are hired."
"Oh thank you my king and prince! You won't regret this!" the Ectonurite tailor smiled.
"What is your name tailor?" Whampire grinned.
"Nuro." He replied. He then arched an eyebrow as Ben hand planted against his own face. Did they HAVE to pick the ghost like alien for this?!
"There's no way I'm letting that ghost touch me!" Ben said, but yelped as he heard a voice in his head.
"We will see about that young one." The voice chuckled. Ben's eyes then widened at the playful smirk that formed on Nuro's face. This was definitely not going to be easy!
guestsurprise: Oh dear. Ben is already up to his neck in adventure already. What will happen next?