Notes: this story was written for AO3 in mind, so if something doesn't bode over that's why. Headcanons, Manny is half South-Korean, Helen/Pierce are half native american. thanks, for reading.
I have a poll, please just do it.
Kevin really hated leaving so early, and the fact that the entire house was full of light sleepers. The hardest part was passing the kitchen since that's where the parents would hold their 'secret' meetings. Thankfully, tonight everyone was tired out by Ben's arrival. Opening the screen door, Kevin sighed.
"Hey," Kevin jumped and stared at Ben sitting on the front steps, head in hands, and waiting at one in the morning. Ben smiled and said really softly, "the notebook Helen accidently gave me had your handwriting in it. Figure it'll be something shady, no offense."
Kevin crossed his arms over his chest, "So, gonna go get my dad now?"
Ben laughed a little and shook his head, "No. I remember how you were two years ago Kevin. You don't like authority, so I wanna come with you."
Kevin remembered Vulkanus, and all the people who had grudges against him, and all the people who Argit backstabbed. No way in hell was Kevin gonna let Ben tag along.
"No way. Sorry Benji, but Argit is bad news," Kevin started to go down the steps, but Ben tried to follow, "I told you, you can't come."
"If this Argit is bad news, then why don't you won't the Omnitrix on your side?" Ben stuck his hand up and the jacket fell just to expose the white new omnitrix. Kevin sighed, really Ben still had to have the last word.
"Fine," Kevin walked over to Ben, smirking, "but, we have change how you look first."
Kevin made sure the jacket was going to stay over the Omnitrix, then moving as much as possible hair over Ben's face, Kevin pulled the hoodie over. Okay, now Ben looked like he belonged in the alien black market scene.
"Listen, no matter what happens, don't use the omnitrix and don't talk," Kevin said trying to think of an explanation of why Ben would be there. Ben opened his mouth and Kevin put his finger on it.
"What did I just say?"
Ben glared Kevin and Kevin took his finger away. Ben crossed his arm and Kevin started to walk away. God, this was going to be a mess.
Ben was unusually quiet as they walked into town. Kevin did tell him to not to talk. They were on the outskirts of town in the light of the gas station. The 'OPEN 24 HOURS' sign was starting to burn in Ben's retinas.
Kevin had walked to the side and hadn't come back yet. Shockingly Ben didn't feel the need to run and make sure nothing was going on. Kevin said to act cool and not freak, stay in the front, and do not overreact to anything, Ben repeated in his head.
Kevin's head popped over to side and waved Ben over. Argit was smaller than Ben had anticipated and had longer spines.
"Whose this, Levin?" Argit pointed to Ben and Ben thankfully didn't flinch.
"He's a nobody. Just give me what I'm after and we'll leave," Kevin made the grabby motion with his fingers. Argit tsked, "You know better than that, Kevvy."
Three vines shot out of the ground; two grabbing Kevin around the arms and the last one around Ben's arms and torso. A Florauna wearing what Ben could only describe as hippie gear came from behind.
"You're going to destroy those things now right?" The Florauna shivered from what was in the bag Argit had.
"Yeah, yeah," Argit stepped closer to Ben, "So who are you?"
"No one to concern yourself with," Ben kicked the bag out of Argit's hand. The Florauna screamed and Ben was able to wiggle out of the grasp. Climbing up on the vine, Ben jumped and grabbed the bag in the air.
Kevin was able to tear his arms free of the vines, and land next to Ben. Absorbing the concrete on the ground Kevin growled out, "Bad move, Argie."
Argit decided the best option was to shoot off a handful of his spines, and run right after. Ben and Kevin had dodged easily, but when Kevin tried to run after Argit, Ben said, "Leave him be. We got what we came for?"
The Florauna was paralyzed on the floor, all but his mouth, "You guys need to destroy those-those things! They're the worst technology in the cosmos. They are causing diseases in every planet and -"
"What's in here?" Ben tried to open the bag but the Florauna screamed, "No don't! It'll kill you!"
"Shuddap," Kevin interrupted. Kevin crossed his arms and said, "It's just things that too high level for Earth."
"Do you know how much environmental damage making those things cost?"
"I said shuddap. You wanna get a slushie from the gas station before we leave?" Kevin asked not even looking at Ben.
"Yes.100 percent. Let's go," Ben smiled at the way Kevin snorted.
"Slushies are just as bad-"
"Shuddap," Kevin and Ben said at the same time before sniggering.
The gas station was completely lit inside and outside. The cashier seemed to be a teenager with purple dyed hair, "How may I help you?"
"Slushies," Kevin answered immediately.
"Of course, it's the only one of the two things you ever get here Kevin. One for your little friend, too?"
"Yeah," Kevin rolled his eyes at the absurdity of the question.
"Do you come here often?" Ben asked leaning against the counter as the girl made them each a red slushie.
"Like every other week," Kevin said looking around the store again.
"Your slushies are done," the girl put the slushies on the counter, "you're total is five-thirty."
Kevin dug out the money from his pockets, and said, "Keep the change."
"Wow. Seventy cents."
"Shut it."
By the time they got home Devin and Sam were up, frowning with the arms crossed at the front door.
Ben smiled innocently while Kevin said, "I have a perfectly normal explanation."
"Bed, both of you," Sam pointed towards the stairs. A little after seven Devin had called both of them down to the kitchen table.
"So, why were both of you out, last night?"
"I got the thing I wanted from Argit and so I'm done talking to him,' Kevin crossed his arms, okay so yes he was being mysterious about what it was but he wanted to surprise everyone. Ben had his hands running over each other, and was staring at the table.
"And you?" Sam asked raising his eyebrow at Ben.
Ben gulped, "Kevin and me-we were-are-we…," Ben looked down again and quietly continued, "we used to be friends and he really didn't like rules, so I knew that if something bad happened it be better to be there."
Devin sighed, "well, Ben is right about that. So, what exactly did you get Kevin?"
Kevin smiled, "I wanna surprise everyone after breakfast."
Devin sighed, "Fine."
It wasn't long before Angie had come down with Helen and told the boys to wake up the other three. Ben called Allen, while Kevin had to wake up Manny, and Pierce. Allen's room looked almost like a hotel room, everything in good shape, and left in its place. Ben only glances at Manny's and Pierce's rooms. Manny's was one of the dirtiest rooms Ben seen, and he's seen Dr. Animo's cell. Pierce's room was somehow more clean than Ben's and Ben was only there for a day.
Allen and Angie was both getting cereal from the cupboards. Helen was getting bowls, and spoons, while Sam was getting the milk.
"What's your favorite cereal?" Angie asked leaning over Ben.
"Anything is good," Ben said simply, he felt like he wasn't helping out enough. Manny passed Ben the bowl.
Ben said thank you to Manny, and he shrugged. The seating arrangement was the same as yesterday expect Pierce and Kevin changed seats. Ben kept his eye on the the bag just by Kevin's feet.
Just after Allen put his bowl of cereal into the sink did Kevin grab the bag and smacked it onto the table. Helen and Allen jumped a little bit at the noise.
Ben flinched, but watched as Kevin smirk went to a full smile, "So who wants to know what is in this bag?"
The adults, not counting Sam looked excited, while the kids looked nervous. So they definitely knew about how Kevin liked dangerous stuff.
"Well, wait no more-" Kevin reached his hand down in the bag and yanked the object out. An ID mask. Usually Ben would let Kevin do whatever stupid thing he felt like, but seeing as how he was about to put it on his face, Ben grabbed.
"Ben, what the-" Kevin still held onto as Ben brought it closer to his face, "please don't tell me you believed that environmental activist dude."
"Kevin," Ben started lowering the ID mask alittle, "this ID mask hasn't been cleaned. Which is a no-no."
Kevin rolled his eyes, "I'm not five. So just give it to me so I can wash it the sink."
Ben completely ripped it out of Kevin's hands, "No! The ID masks are dependent on technology, that's like washing your iPhone 2 in the toilet."
"Ew," Helen commented.
"So what do we do?" Kevin made a 'What now smart guy?' gesture. Ben turned down towards his room, and whistled.
Ship came running down and stopped right at Ben's feet. It spotted the technology in Ben's hand and instantly began to whine for it. Like a dog whining for a bone.
Ben crouched and gave the ID mask to Ship to clean. As soon as the mask was clean, Ben slipped the mask over his face, and turned into Kevin.
"Look at me, Kevin! I think I'm so edgy-ahh!" Kevin tried to grab Ben but both of them tripped over Ship (who thankfully wasn't hurt) tangling then on the ground.
"No. Way," Helen said before she sped over the boys on the ground, "We can look human with these?"
"Yup," Kevin said as he ripped the mask of Ben and stood up.
"But you should let Ship clean them first," Ben said as he dusted off his shorts, "they'll corrupt your brain. I mean, the brainwashing things in them but they're turned off."
Helen whipped to Devin, "Can we go into town?"
Manny and Allen, who were currently feeding the remaining ID masks to Ship, heads whipped up. Even Pierce seemed excited at this idea.
Sam and Angie both had a silent conversation in their heads, while Devin looked over the calendar, "Well, we can schedule today's training to Saturday. How does that sound?"
"Great!" Helen threw her hands up in her happiness.
Ben nodded, "I think everyone's cool with that."
Angie clapped her hands, "We do need more groceries."
Devin nodded, "Kevin, Ben go change. Everyone else grab an ID mask."
They owned two cars, the only one that could fight all the kids was a old big pickup truck. Sam had named the 'Snail', Ben took that to mean the speed. The truck was red, and the bed of it was large enough to hold all the kids, as they discovered that moment. Manny, Helen, and Allen was leaning against the glass of the truck. Pierce had the entire left side of the truck with his feet all spread out. Kevin had climbed over the tailgate instead of releasing it and helping Ben on. Ben huffed and heaved himself over the edge.
Helen and Pierce looked, of course like siblings even if they didn't have to. Both had tan skin, with shiny black hair that went past Pierce's shoulders, and Helen's mid-back. Pierce was wearing green cargo shorts with a million pockets, and a white tank top with the sides cut off. Helen was wearing stretchy shorts, flip-flops (she seemed to be fascinated with her feet), and a tye-dyed tank top. Helen's eyes were green, while Pierce's were blue (the same shade as a Kinceleran).
Manny was Asian, and still kept his arms muscular. He was wearing a bright sports sweatshirt with gym shorts and tennis shoes. His eyes were brown, almost black, his hair was black with red tips (but the red seemed to bleach to a medium pink). Allen was wearing normal jean shorts, a normal basketball shirt, and normal tennis shoes.
Angie who was still on the porch was wearing a yellow sundress, a big floppy hat, and sandals. Sam was wearing dark jeans, and jacket over his shirt. Devin had the typical cowboy jeans, and a tucked in shirt.
Helen laughed, and Kevin rolled his eyes. The adults did not understand why the kids were laughing. Devin jumped behind the wheels, Sam squished in the middle, and Angie with her arm out the window. Devin smiled and said, "So Angie is going to get groceries, and the rest of us are going to explore?"
"Yup, Dad."
Devin nodded and started up the car.
Snail was almost out of gas, so just as they entered town the truck pulled into a gas station. The same gas station that Ben and Kevin fought in this morning. Ben realized, this is the first time in a long while that we fought on the same side.
Ben looked over to Kevin who was watching the police inspect the holes in the concrete (Ben and Kevin both knew that is was the Florauna's vines). I wonder, did Kevin like fighting with me?
"Wonder what they're looking at?" Devin said. Ben realized that almost everyone was out of the truck, only him and Allen was left.
"Who knows. Who cares," Pierce said as he looked at the two left in the bed of the truck, "You two coming out or what?"
"Do we have to?" Ben faked whined and slumped over the edge.
"Sorry but yes," Sam said.
Ben groaned overdramatically and hopped over the side. Allen being the only good child, he put the tailgate down and climbed out. The gas station looked the exact same as this morning, maybe that was why Grandpa liked gas stations so much; they were timeless places with no being or consequences
"So, you 3 explore for a little while I get gas," Devin said. He turn to point at Kevin and Ben, "and you two stay away from the police, understand?"
"Completely," Kevin nodded.
"Absolutely," Ben said.
Devin turned back to the car.
"So, have you ever shot anyone?" Ben said as he leaned over the 'strange' holes with officer Miles. Officer Miles just laughed and shook his head, "No."
"Have you ever fired your weapon?" Kevin asked officer Sampson who was waiting in the car. Officer Sampson answered, "maybe."
Officer Sampson was on the force for 25 years and the 5th oldest member in Sweet Springs. Officer Miles was on the force for 2 years, and partnered with Sampson for 1 and half years. Sweet Springs was 5 miles out from the 'Levin Family Farm'. No one knew anything about the farm expect that is was private property and they paid their land taxes.
Officer Sampson also wanted to label this as the old springs acting up again. The town got it's name for the fact that they were surrounded by springs. Fresh water springs near the southwest of town, hot springs in the north and east areas of town, and saltwater springs in the northwest part of towns. Every few years the volcanic activity that created the springs would have small earthquakes.
Officer Miles on the other hand thought that the gas station, which was 2 miles away from the closest spring, was too far for any seismic activity. He also took notes about the strange way the holes looked. Bigger rocks piled around that hole, and the fact that it seemed that the holes form out from one bigger hole at the back.
It seemed that Florauna was smart enough to retract his vines, wouldn't want to be hunted by the plumbers would we? But it seemed like that Argit was stupider than the Florauna as he left several spikes of his. Sampson wrote them off as a porcupine wandering too close to civilization and bumping into the walls. Nevermind the fact that the spikes were slightly larger for a average adult porcupine.
"Ben! Kevin!," both the boys tried not to laugh, "I thought I told you leave the officers alone!"
Devin has glaring the two boys down as he approached Officer Sampson, "Sorry, for them. I'm Devin."
Officer Sampson stared at Devin for a long while before asking, "I don't believe that I ever met you?"
"I'm the owner of the farm a few miles west, the one that is 10 miles off the highway?" Devin raised his eyebrow and trained on Officer Sampson's face for any emotion. Kevin recognized the tight grip of his dad's hands. His dad was worried that something bad was going to happen. Kevin grabbed ahold of Ben's arm and slipped closer to his dad.
"I've heard of it. Strange how this is the first in the years that things been built that we see the owner. Even stranger how far from the road you are," Officer Sampson le this eyes wander over to Snail. The kids were in the bed, and Angie was standing outside holding the door waiting for Devin's signal.
"We just like out privacy," Devin let his hands hold the boys' heads and scooted them closer behind him, "besides it's not like anyone ever came up to talk to us."
"Oh, you know small towns and rumor mills. Vampires and werewolves and all that," Officer Sampson waved off the implications like they were for children.
Officer Miles came out from the side, and stepped over the tape.
"Guess you're right. I can't think of any reasonable thing for the weird shape of the holes, though." Officer Miles suddenly noticed Devin and shook his head, "I'm might sorry about not seeing before all of this."
Officer Miles stuck his hand out, "I'm Officer James Miles. Just passing through."
"Actually this man owns the old farm out on 57," Officer Sampson answered for Devin.
"Just got the rest of the house renovated. We can fully move out here now," Devin easily lied through his teeth, "Why don't you boys go back the truck and bug Manny for the candy we got you."
Ben looked at Kevin and did the one thing that normal kids did, "race ya."
"You're on, Benji."
The run was exceptionally short, with Ben winning. Angie looked back at Devin and whispered to Kevin, "What's going on?"
"The cops are talking to dad. The one with the sunglasses thinks dad is doing something illegal at home or something by the way that he's asking the questions," Everyone in the truck tried not to make it obvious that they were staring at the scene of the Osmosian talking to the police officers.
What seemed like a tense eternity later, Devin turned and walked back to Snail.
"Is everything okay, dad?" Kevin felt guilt rise in his chest, was it the holes from the Flourana or the fact that he was talking the police when his dad specifically told him not to?
"If they ever come up to our house, never answer the door. Understand?" Devin didn't turn to look at anyone in the eye.
After some small nods and even smaller answers the truck was back out on the road towards Sweet Springs.
Sweet Springs had an uneven population of 1,125. This did include the inhabitants the Levin Family Farm. The town had a three family owned diners, the first was a Hispanic restaurant. Which none of the families had before.
"Seriously? There was like 5 hispanic-actual hispanic not that Taco Bell pandering-on every block," Ben practically screamed in the truck as everyone watched the scenery out the car.
"Was it good?" Helen asked turning her head to look at Ben while they were talking.
"Depends. The one on 5th and Main always was in some kind of food violation. The one on Hill and Main had the best tacos. My favorite one was on Oak and Derby, they had steak, with salad, and shrimp, and-"
"What's it called?" Pierce asked.
"Oh. It's called-it's called… I don't remember," Ben's voice got really quiet before he realized that everyone was staring at him, "I haven't been there since my birthday."
"Hey, it's fine," Manny ruffled Ben's hair, "my favorite thing to eat was my dad's homemade sundubu jjigae. But instead of shrimp he used lobster's -God. The meat was so soft and warm as you gulped it down."
"My favorite was your father's kimchi stew, I can't pronounce any of the words to save my life," Angie turned through the little window in the truck that out looked into the bed.
"Kimchi Jjigae," Manny rolled his eyes, "and yeah, kimchi is always the best."
The truck got quiet and everyone knew why. Helen went next, "I loved it when Grandpa made deer jerky. It always so chewy."
"It was tough," Pierce interjected.
"No. It wasn't, you're just weak," Helen said from the opposite side of the bed.
"I liked your mom's cinnamon rolls," Sam stopped the fight from happening, "your mother could have gone to Peptos XII with her cooking skills."
"My uncle made the best grilled shrimp, with lemon, and smoke embedded in the flavor," Allen said playing with his hair.
There was an uncomfortable silence over the truck.
"I was 5 or so, and mom was cooking," Kevin wasn't looking at anyone, he was making a point of looking out the truck, "whatever she was cooking on the pot caught on fire. In a few minutes the whole kitchen was covered in smoke," Kevin's hand tightened on his shorts, "I stuck my hand out and absorbed the fire."
No one continued. Ben felt a sick feeling rise in stomach at the way that Kevin was avoiding everyone looks, and was shaking. Ben couldn't tell if from fear or anger.
"How about that steak place for lunch, hmm?" Devin said from the front. His knuckles were white.
Small yes's came from the front, and even smaller from the back. The steak restaurant was named Bluebell. The restaurant could hold 40 patrons at one time, in and outside the establishment. The seats were a black and white vinyl while the tables and wood floors were a dark mahogany. Four ceilings fans buzzed at the slowest speed possible. The building smelt of coals and beers.
"How many in your party?" the hostess asked. Her outfit matched the seating in a checkerboard pattern.
"9," Devin said as he looked around the restaurant. The only other patrons were a middle aged man with a baseball cap, and a teenage girl whose table was filled up with textbooks, and study notes.
"Right this way then," the hostess led the party to the only table the curled around the corners, and had half the seats in the vinyl, the other half on uncomfortable wood seats.
Ben, Kevin, Allen, Helen, and Manny all squeezed onto the vinyl, while the adults and Pierce, who liked to pretend he was grown up, all sat in the wood seats. The hostess handed everyone a fold up menu, with a total of four sides.
"Does anyone know what drink they'll like?" the hostess got her notepad out and a pen from the uniform.
"I'll take a beer, whatever's the cheapest," Sam said as he looked over at Angie's and Devin's unified disappointing looks, "what? I can get tipsy for little."
"Mountain Dew, please," Ben said as he looked at the menu.
"Pepsi," Angie said as she flipped through the menu.
"Tea, no ice," Devin smiled nicely at the host.
"Tea, but with ice," Allen said putting his menu down and scooting it far away as possible.
"Dr. Pepper," Manny leaned his head against his arm, and flipped through his menu bored.
"Water," Pierce said.
"Ugh, lemonade," Helen rolled her eyes, Pierce was so good.
"Mountain Dew," Kevin popped his knuckles and looked around the restaurant, why did it seem like something was wrong. The hostess smiled and left.
"So, for appetizers, how about the blooming onion with sesame seed dip, and mozzarella sticks," Devin said as he flipped through the menu looking at the prices.
"What's the blooming onion?" Allen asked as he looked over to Helen who usually knew everything he didn't.
"Oh, it's delicious," Ben said, "they take an onion and cut like a flower, then butter, and bread, and fry it so it's in the shape of a flower."
"Sounds good to me, dad," Kevin said as he looked out the window, something was definitely up.
After the meal, the group was walking towards the truck.
"So, where do you wanna go, now?" Devin said as he slipped his card back into his wallet.
"I saw bowling earlier!" Allen said raising his hand, "I think it opens at 1pm."
Sam checked his watch, "that gives us about a half hour or so."
Ben hiked his leg over the tailgate, before putting his hand out for Helen. Once everyone was in the truck Devin said, "So, we drive til 1, then bowl a few games."
"We have to do teams once," Helen said.
"And how do you think we should divide?" Pierce was frowning at his almost dead tablet.
"Three teams of three," Helen stuck her tongue out.
"Who in what group," Manny joined in on the teasing.
"The Wheels in one group obviously. Manny and his mom, and, uh, Allen," Helen crossed her arms, "so that leaves Devin, Kevin, and Ben in on team."
Kevin laughed awkwardly, "last time we teamed it went badly."
Ben punched Kevin's arm, "No. It went awesome, up until the end of course. You kicked butt, not as much butt as me but close."
Kevin leaned back and put his arms behind arms, "Every time we team up something bad happens. Just admit Benji."
"Make me Levin," Ben said before he looked away from everyone else.
"Ben is something wrong?" Allen asked.
"Everything's fine, Allen."
"Don't lie Benji."
"I'm fine, okay?" Ben said pointedly.
"Just leave Ben alone," Sam said over his shoulder.
After driving they realized that there was 1 bar in town. There was a small water tower, and a state park, where most of the town got its money from. Finally at 12:50 the group decided to drive back to the bowling alley. The bowling alley had 10 lanes with a small snack bar and the most colorful carpet in the entire world.
"So, someone is going to have sit out the first time," Devin said as everyone was putting their shoes on.
"I'll sit out," Ben said as he got comfy on the very uncomfortable chairs. After turning to the other adults, Devin nodded, "okay, but if you get bored, don't wander off to far."
Ben mutely nodded. The first set of games was Allen v Manny v Kevin v Helen, and Devin v Sam v Angie v Pierce, all who had the most colorful bowling balls Ben ever seen.
"Are you mad at me?" Kevin asked sitting next to Ben, Ben shrugged.
Kevin sighed, "That's not an answer, Benji."
"Your turn," Ben said.
Helen in Kevin's seat as soon as he got up, "So, why you mad?"
Ben didn't answer, "something."
Helen growled, and hissed.
"Move," Kevin said as he got closer.
"You got up Kevin," Helen said as she waved him away.
Kevin rolled his eyes as he sat across from them, "I'm gonna get you tell me Ben. Promise you that."
Ben shrugged again.
Eventually everyone had to sit out once, then the group did the teams.
"So everyone goes 3 times, then we play rock, paper, scissors for the 10th frame," Devin said to the whole group.
"Fine."
The Twelves (levin + tennyson = twelf, Ben didn't get it but let Helen name them whatever he didn't care) were last. The first team was the Wheels, then the Armbright (the armstrongs + albright = armbright, which did make Ben laugh because four arms and heatblast).
"Are you going to tell me or am I going to keep bugging you about this?" Kevin asked as Ben patiently waited his turn to go after Allen.
"Just-it's whatever. Let's drop it."
"You're upset. We are going to talk about," Kevin moved in front of Ben so Ben couldn't stand up.
"Fine," Ben crossed his arms, "I feel guilty about the subway, and the null void, and the stadium, and the mutation, and everything. Happy?"
Ben pushed his way past Kevin and grabbed their white marble designed bowling ball.
"Who said you had to feel guilty about that?" Kevin was following Ben to the lane.
"No one. But that doesn't change my feelings Kevin."
"And I what I said in the car made it worse," Kevin tried to grab Ben's arm, Ben just shrugged him off.
"I just wanna forget about Kevin okay?"
"Nothing is going to change if we don't talk," Kevin crossed his arms as Ben threw the ball down the lane.
"You could hate me more," Ben noticed that the others had left to the snack bar, leaving them alone to talk things out.
"Yeah. Fat chance," Kevin said.
"You were my first friend. And you tried to kill me," Ben let the whisper out. Like hell he was going to yell it in front of everyone in a public place.
"And you were mine. And I feel guilty about it."
Ben gripped his arms, "I had nightmares, and I see realities where you do kill me, and laugh."
"That's not me," Kevin scratched the back of his head, "I promise that's not me."
Ben squeezed his eyes, "I got kidnapped once by the Forever Knights," Kevin never heard of them, he'd better ask his dad later, "and they put me in this mind-thing. My perfect day so I wouldn't want to wake up."
Kevin was about to say something after a beat of silence, "And you were there." Ben said.
"You and I played arcade games, and then we laughed, and I missed you."
"Then when I tried to wake up the nightmares came back. You tried to kill me, but this time I would really die."
Kevin felt his throat tightened. Ben walked back to the seats, "and then Zs'Skayr happened."
"The Ectonurite."
"And you helped us, and I thought we could be friends again and then I let you back in the Null Void."
Kevin sat next to Ben, "Ben, you did not let me go. I saw your face, you were holding with all your strength. Secondly, we can be friends now. Third, I met my dad again after I went back in so thank you for that."
Ben laughed, it was a little wet, he's so close to crying, "you're thanking me?"
"Yup, and no take backs."
Ben laughed again, "Okay, okay."
"Okay."
After about 6 minutes the group came back. Helen smiled, "we got you a smoothie, Ben."
"Thanks."
After they got done at the bowling alley (the armbrights won), the group went to the only chinese restaurant in town, Joyous Panda. The meal was large and quick with everyone laughing and joking alongside each other.
"Uh, so quick question dad," Kevin said, "what's the forever knights?"
Sam almost choked on his drink, and Angie's eyes went wide.
"Well, the Forever Knights are kinda that anti-plumbers," Devin explained as he moved his broccolli around in his plate.
"They racist," Ben said before he took a big slurp from his Mountain Dew.
"Ben," Angie said, slightly reprimanding.
"I'm not lying, In fact no one at this table would be able to join them," Ben said.
"And why not?" Manny said. Ben rolled his eyes before he pointed at everyone individually, "Half-Asian, Half-Black, girl, clearly alien, alien, alien, alien, delinquent."
Allen choked on his water, "wait a minute. You're serious?"
"Yeah. They were founded by this old king in like the 13th century so it's hella racist," Ben said, "I even rescued a dragon-alien from them."
"They're sexist, too," Helen said as she crossed her arms.
"What about you Benji?" Kevin asked leaning over the table, "Why can't you join?"
Ben took a long drink, as the suspense grew, before he said, "Seeing as I beat the shit out of their leader and are on their most wanted list-actually I think the only wanted."
Kevin started laughing, "god, Benji."
"Stop calling me Benji," Ben said.
"Nah, ya see friends tease each other," Kevin said. Ben face lit up ever so slightly.
"Why are asking Kevin?" Devin asked.
"Heard about 'em from Argit," Kevin lied.
Devin nodded, "and why didn't you ask Argit?"
"Dad, you don't ask criminals stuff."
"Right, you ask your dad," Helen joked.
"Yup," Kevin said popping the p again.
"Ben I don't think we've asked this but what you do at home?" Angie asked.
"Like at my house or my home town?" Ben tried to clarify.
"The second one," Angie said.
"Well, there's the skate park," where I'll go alone, "and the pool, or beach," where I hate because of my scars, "the arcade," the adrenaline from playing sometimes gets me in a fighting mood, "and I play on junior soccer."
In fact, Ben hated about 90% of the guys on the soccer team. The only two he could stand was Drey, the best runner they had so half the time Ben did have to do anything (since he was best as goalie, since contact triggered fighting in him, and the adrenaline made him hyper), and Garrett was the best blocker they had.
"Maybe we can play sometime," Helen said as she stole some crab rangoon from her brother.
Devin suddenly froze up and looked his eyes on the door, "no one look. We are leaving early."
"It is kinda late, maybe we can a movie marathon after training tomorrow," Allen suggest trying to keep the mood jovial.
"That's a great idea, Allen, everyone gets to pick one movie," Angie kept the conversation going which did calm them down a little.
As they crawled out the booth Ben realized that Officer Sampson was what spooked Devin off a little. Ben didn't stare and didn't point it out to anyone else. Kevin was joking with Manny about a video game.
"Hey, Ben," Manny said, "Favorite video game?"
"Sumo Slammers," Ben said as they stepped into the summer cool air. Since this town is incredibly small with about half the population being families going to bed at sundown, you could see the fireflies in town.
"Wow," Allen said and tried to catch one.
"Come on Allen. You can catch some at home," Pierce told him.
"The first time I saw a firefly was 2 years ago," Ben said.
"Really? Wow, I can't imagine not seeing fireflies every year," Allen said.
"I mean I grew up on an actual farm with corn crops and that."
"Crop circles," Manny jokes.
Devin checked his pockets, "shit."
"What's the matter, Devin?" Sam said from the truck.
"I left my wallet inside," Devin ran his hand through hair.
"I can go get it," Ben volunteered.
Devin sighed, "Alright, don't talk to anyone."
Ben turned back. The waitress already saw that the wallet and happily gave it back to Ben. As Ben was leaving he felt someone grab his arm, turning he saw Officer Sampson.
"Come with me," he said.
"No," Ben said and shockingly failed to yank his arm out of the officer's grip.
"You don't have to stay, just tell me what's going on in that house," Officer Sampson said. Is he even a cop?
"Nothing," Sampson's hand tightened, "stop. You're hurting me."
"Benjamin Tennyson," Ben froze.
"I never told you my last name," Did my parents come back, saw i was gone, and issued a missing person report? Am I on tv? Why does he know my name?
"Ben!" Devin screamed as he ran over.
"The storm is almost over," Sampson reached his hand over Ben's mouth. What does that mean, you crazy! You're crazier than Animo.
He turned to Devin, "You aren't getting him back."
Devin growled, "Listen. I don't want trouble, but I'm in charge of that boy, so give him back."
Ben saw Sam leaning out the car, waiting for Devin's signal.
"Can't do that." Ben was shoved behind Sampson, Kevin stood up. By Ben's best guess Angie told him to sit back down, and Kevin reluctantly did it.
"Why?" Devin asked, when there was no answer he asked a different question, "Why do you need Ben?"
"The storm must eradicated." Devin's entire body twitched, and Sam was suddenly there pulled left of the two men, Ben in his arms. Before Ben knew what was going on he was dumped in the back of the truck, and Sam ran back to get Devin.
Ben didn't even get to sit up before the truck reversed, and speed towards the farm.
"Dad, what's going on?" Kevin screamed over the wind.
Devin didn't turn from the road, not even over his shoulders.
"The second we get home, go to the basement."
"But-"
"Listen, I don't care if you sneak out of the house every night, or break every single window in the house, or even run away to go back to your mom. Do this one damn thing for me Kevin."
"Okay," Kevin whispered. Before anything else could happen, a blast from the sky shot at the back of the truck. The truck barely missed.
"Goddammit," Sam said.
Angie turned to Devin, "what do you want us to do?"
Devin gritted his teeth, "Angie the tires in the back, don't throw unless you know you can make it." Angie nodded and opened the door. Another blast came, one the driver side, and truck bounced a little.
"Mom!"
"I'm fine, Manny," Angie crawled back into the bed of the truck and held one of the tires in her hand.
"Me, Devin?" Sam said, scooting closer to the passenger door.
"Go home, first the basement. Then the blasters. As soon as we are in the property, security system."
"Got it," Sam ripped the ID mask off, and jumped out the car, before speeding past the car. A blast almost hit Sam, and Ben finally placed why the blast looked so familiar. An Aeropela was chasing them.
"Angie, I know what's after us. If you can aim for the hind legs," Ben said to her as the truck hit a road bump and they jump up a few inches in the air. Angie nodded. After the fourth attempt to hit the car Angie threw the first tire. She got a direct hit on the legs. The Aeropela was down for the count for a while.
Just as the Aeropola dropped, an alien dropped from the trees and chase the truck. A huge white spider creature.
"The fuck is that?" Kevin yelled.
"Language!" Devin screamed as he swerved from a blast from the front before speeding faster. Now two aliens were after them. Ben could only see the spider one.
"Ben, where do you think I should attack?" Angie said.
"I don't know," Ben said, "I've never seen an alien like that."
Angie nodded, "the head then. I trick I've learned it's never bad to aim for the head."
Angie threw the second tire and a red beam of energy hit the tire and exploded it into a million pieces. Ben felt the hot rubber hit his cheek, he knew this heat. NRG.
"Five more minutes!" Devin screamed encouragingly.
Ben stood up, and Angie grabbed him.
"Let me transform! I can help!"
"No! You are not fighting Benjamin!"
A new red beam tried to hit them, hit the one of the tires instead.
"Crap!" Devin tried to keep the truck from swerving too much, "Hold on!"
"We need to fight!" Ben screamed.
"Ben! We are almost home! Stay!" Angie screamed in his ear. The white spider tried to grab the truck and ending up ripping off the tailgate off. The kids screamed as Angie grabbed them and shoved them as close to the truck as possible.
Devin was mumbling something, and the gate was so close in sight, suddenly Sam was running alongside the truck.
"Give me two and then I'll come back!" Sam screamed as he dodged the spider's legs.
"Take this one!" Angie screamed as she tossed Ben over the side. Sam easily caught Ben, "Give me Allen, now!"
Angie nodded and grabbed Allen before he knew what was going on. Suddenly Ben felt the ground of the basement, the door wasn't really a door, but a trapdoor situation with a hologram-ish opening. Ben grabbed Allen and tugged him over to the side, gladly just in time to miss Manny and Helen falling through.
"Dad!" Helen screamed as she tried to get her dad back. It looks like she got what she wanted when Pierce and Kevin came screaming down the trapdoor. Three things were shoved down the trapdoor before it was closed.
The silence was overwhelming after the chase and the semi-fight.
"What should we do?" Allen asked.
"We stay quiet," Kevin said in a small voice, "And we wait."
"Bullcrap!" Helen whispered-screamed, "I'm not waiting while our parents are fighting strangers!"
Ben felt bile rise in his throat, they're after me. I ruined everything again.
"Listen, do you think I'm happy? But you're right they are fighting and risking everything. They risked getting us here so we'd be safe. So we are going to wait two days like they taught us then, Pierce will hack the door, and we use the bags to get somewhere safe," Kevin said.
"Kevin's right," Pierce said, "they taught this stuff for a reason. Kevin and I will stay up tonight and everyone else can sleep."
Ben realized that he didn't have his sleeping pills. Looks like nightmares tonight, huh? Well we have a lot of material, better use it all at once. Ben thought cynically.