Episode 3: A Worthy Opponent (Main Story)
Summary: After defeating Vilgax's invading force for the twentieth time, Benjamin Tennyson gets too overconfident and thinks that he is invincible. But soon, Vilgax enlists the aid of Raze, the deadliest assassin in the entire galaxy, and he will become an opponent not even Ben, Gwen or Grandpa Max can handle. Will there be a way to stop him or will Vilgax finally triumph?
Chapter 1: Overconfidence?
(Incarcecon)
Incarcecon, the place where all the lowest scums of the galaxy are taken by the galactic authorities to be imprisoned until they perish. It was the highest security prison with the least record of prisoner escape. There were more than a hundred thousand guards in this facility and probably more than million prisoners and convicts to start world war three. Many of the inhabitants of Incarcecon were guilty of charge and some were probably here just to hide from bounty hunters throughout the universe. There had been very few prisoners who gets to bail out of this prison, but those who do are considered to be very lucky.
The prison was built to be like a fortress. To be able to withstand against even the largest invasion, and with a patrolling fleet flying around the complex every minute, a ship would need to have a miracle to device just to get through the blockade.
Deep within the darkest pits of the prison fortress, was a place the guards call, Prison Cell A-I-D which had been amply named, The Dead Hallway by the inmates. It is here where the toughest, most ruthless and merciless creatures of the galaxy are kept. They were too dangerous to be left roaming around freely since they would kill every inmate they see. In there a prisoner would be provided with a single cell chained to the wall with a laser lock so that they won't be able to scratch themselves without the guards knowing about it. The cell doors were also unique, since they were powered with a special force field capable of electrocuting anything that touches it.
Today, three guards were walking down the Dead Hallway to check up on the inmates.
"Alright… let's get this routine done and be on our way" said the leader of the group as he carried his portable roster on his hands. "This place gives me the creeps"
"I know what you mean sarge" said one of the veterans, "A platoon came here the other shift and suddenly Placto somehow got loose" he chuckled out loud as he carried his laser rifle, "Man, those guys were never the same when they came back out. It took half a company just to get that man back in his cell"
"R… really?" came the rookie who seemed rather terrified of the story, "W… what happened to them?"
"You really wanna know?" the veteran asked growing a grin.
"Hey, stop scaring the rookie" the sarge ordered, "He's new to this facility. Give him some support"
"Yes sir" but the veteran simply whispered to the rookie, "When Placto came out, he literally sucked the life out of them. He's a Gargon you see and you know how much they like meat"
"ERGHH!!" the rookie yelped like he almost wet his pants.
"Yeah… he actually went and ate the guys fourth tentacles off his body" he continued, "And you know what he said then? (pause) He said it tasted like spaghetti"
"AHH!" the rookie was now terrified beyond all reasons.
"Enough!" the sarge barked out a little pissed off, "Stop scaring him and get over here! I don't want to be here anymore than he does. Let's just check them out and go" he then approach the first cell, "Prisoner number-133, Red Whip… check. Prisoner number-140856, Darth Vader… check. Prisoner number-50983, Stealth… check"
But then the rookie suddenly became confused when he noticed that the prison cell was empty, "AHH!! He's not here! Stealth is gone! He must've escaped!"
"Be careful kid!" the veteran shouted clucking his weapon, "He could anywhere!" he chuckled out while holding a laugh.
"Be quiet you two!" sarge barked out before turning to the empty prison cell, "Nice try Stealth, but your shadow is still visible. You might've fooled the rookie but I can see through your ruse anytime" immediately the alien convict reappeared on its wall, hissing venomously at him. "Don't worry rookie. You won't be the first who fell for that cheap trick"
"Oh… s… sorry sir… I just thought that…… never mind"
"Ok let's continue" sarge ordered out as he moved to the prison cell, "Prisoner number-501st, Raze…… the deadliest assassin of the galaxy…… check…"
The rookie quickly took a peek on the force field and noted the humanoid alien with six arms wearing a battlesuit armor was silent and in chains. "Uh… who's that?" he asked the veteran.
"Hmm? Oh you mean Raze? That's the toughest guy in the galaxy" He explained casually, "When he was still roaming free in the prison courtyard, he beat up probably seven or eight guys with a single blow. He was supposedly a bounty hunter with a wanted tag on him. On his last mission the dealer sold him to us and kept the money to himself. We used everything we had to stop him. Heck, even the Jade Warriors were no match for him"
"Really?"
"Yup, saw it myself. The Jade Warriors ambushed him back in Rilei IV and got whacked so bad they had to be suspended from action"
"Wow… that must've been something"
"Hey enough you two. Tour ride's over. Let's get out of here" but just when they were about to head off towards the guard post, a sudden clang in the steam pipes alerted their attention. "Wait… did you guys here that?"
"Yeah…" the veteran answered, more serious than before, "It sounded like it came from up there" he pointed at the steam pipes that were located above them. "Do you think it could be Alima pests?"
"Could be… but let's just be sure" the sarge then turned on his communicator, "Control, scan the area for Alima pests will ya? (static noises) Control, do you copy? Control? (static sounds) Hmm… strange… there seems to be a problem with the…" but before he could even finish that sentence, an explosion occurred right behind them, creating a hole on the toughest prison cell in the entire facility. "What in the Alliance's name?"
A few seconds after the explosion occurred, several of Vilgax's drones suddenly appeared out of the hole, firing their weapons at the guards. Buy the time the chaos started, the prisoners of every cellblock began to panic and a complex wide state of emergency was activated. Every guard and soldier quickly grabbed their nearest weapons and prepared for battle.
"We need to fall back!" the veteran recommended, "There's just too many of them!"
"We need to stand our ground here soldier!" sarge ordered, "If one of these prisoners escape, a thousand more will be put in danger! Keep firing and don't let up! That goes double for you rookie!"
"Y… yes sir!"
As the three guards continued to fire against Vilgax's forces, the drones began tinkering with the force field that confined the prisoner number-501st, Raze. They brought out some kind of energy disrupter and before the guards knew it, the force field was already down. The drones then disable the laser chains that held all six arms of the assassin.
"They're trying to get Raze! Stop them! Control, emergency lockdown on Prison Cell A-I-D now! Raze is escaping! Control? Does any read me!?" as the guards continued their battle against the drones, a spaceship suddenly appeared by the hole that had just been made. A wild guess would say that this was the escape vessel they were going to use.
Raze didn't really know or care what was going on, but he sure didn't want to spend the rest of his life time in Incarcecon. After boarding the space shuttle, another explosion occurred, creating a minor distraction for the security forces while they escape.
This was certainly turning into an interesting day…
(Opening theme) (ahehehehehe)
(Bellwood city streets) (Earth) (03:30 PM)
Bellwood city, the place that was said to be the normalest city in the entire country of the US of A, a place where people could live in peace, harmony and tranquility, a place that no harm shall come to any of its citizens and a place where you could call home………
Yeah right…
It USED to be…
Bellwood city was a war zone, clear and simply. A city terrorized by criminals, thieves and mutant aliens bent on world domination. There is never a time where the police sirens would not be heard and emergency services rushed to every corner, trying to save lives from whatever danger that posed a threat to the city.
Even by daylight, the evil-doers of the city do not sleep or fear the police. They were bold and often take fights onto the streets if necessary. But now… a few months after summer break had ended, a new law enforcer came into town. An alien force like none the world has ever seen was laying waste to the city's low lives. There had been many rumors going on about the alien vigilantes. Some claim to see a creature with four arms stopping robbers on their tracks. Another group had taken pictures of another alien that was made entirely out of diamonds.
And of course… the list went on…
But this was a good thing for the city. The police didn't find it to be hindering and in fact, a lot of the emergency services were actually kind of grateful for them. The aliens had saved countless lives in Bellwood city and a lot of people had begun to even speak praises of them. Unlike most superheroes or vigilantes that worked around the world, these aliens would gladly pose in front of cameras and allowed the media to take pictures of them. They had become so popular that children began to play as them and one even said that he wanted to be Heatblast's sidekick.
And today was no different for the work of a superhero…
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Ooofffff!!" that was the sound of a thug grunting as he was slammed to the ground by Ben in his Cannonbolt form. Apparently a group of thieves were planning to rob the bank and go in for a quick getaway, but little they know that Ben, Gwen and Grandpa Max were there to make a little withdrawal from the account. When the robbers came in, Ben quickly found himself a secluded spot in the toilet room and went hero.
"Sorry, if you want to make a withdrawal, you're gonna have to get in line like everyone else buster!" Ben smirked as unrolled himself in front of one of the six thieves.
"What are you two waiting for!?" the boss of the gang shouted, "It's only a big round yellow ball with big teeth! You guys can take him!" the two goons quickly grabbed some hard objects from the ground and charged at the Arburian Pelarota (Pelota in Spanish means ball and rota as in rotation) like crazed suicidals.
"The name is Cannonbolt! Not ball!" Ben yelled back before rolling back into his round form. When the two goons came at him, he immediately pound them to the ground and made sure they'd stay there… at least until the police arrives. "Oh yeah… who rocks!?" but little did he know that the first guy he beat up was coming back to up.
"Look out Cannonbolt, behind you!" shouted a kid who appeared to be one of his fans.
Ben quickly noted the bad guy and rolled backwards, crushing the goon flat. "Thanks kid" he gave out a thumbs up to the kid who warned him. But then he noticed another two goons coming at him. "Aww man… don't you guys ever take a break?" with one jump and one roll, he crushed the two attackers making them into living pancakes. "Awww… I had such a crush on you guys ahehehehehehe" but just as Ben was busy mocking the downed bad guys, a sudden scream caught his attention.
As he turned his head around he noticed that the boss of the gang had the clerk of the bank as hostage with a club in his other hand. "N… not a move you round, yellow freak! You take one step up front and this girl gets it!"
Ben didn't really know how to deal with hostage so he simply just complied and stepped back for a moment. He was good when facing opponents but under these circumstances, he was as clueless as a monkey. But just when the thief thought he could get away with the money, Maxwell suddenly appeared from behind with an iron pole and WHAM!! Down goes the bad guy.
"That'll teach you to handle a lady, punk" the old man smirked as he turned to Ben, "Nice one… uh… Cannonbolt" he said out loud trying not to appear related with Ben in front of the crowd.
"Not bad yourself gramps" Ben replied with a chuckle. It wasn't long then till they began to hear the police sirens coming from the distance. "Well gotta go! The police should be here any minute now" and with that he bounced off through the door and back to the RV so that no one would get suspicious of his activities.
With Ben gone, Max turned to the clerk of the bank, "So uh… mind if I cut in line?"
(A few minutes later) (Rust Bucket)
After that heroic effort in the bank, grandpa Max and Gwen returned to the Rust Bucket only to find Ben there grinning like an idiot knowing full well that he had done well for today. "Well, someone here looks happy" said Max after putting his withdrawn money in his wallet.
"Duh!" was the word the boy used as a reply, "I stopped two robberies today, chased a jewelry thief all across the highway, wrestled a mutant alligator by the sewers and plowed the Circus Freaks back to prison right when they got out. Isn't there a villain left out there who could give me a challenge?"
"That's what you said last time when we had to fight the Negative 10" Gwen grumbled as she picked out the morning newspaper. As she read the highlights of the day she groaned even more when she saw Ben in his Wildmutt form giving some orphans a ride on his back. "Ughhhh… alien mutt gives orphans a ride home" she said the title out loud.
"Oh yeah I remember that" Ben recalled, "That was when I was chasing Thumbskull up a tree. Man, you should've seen the look on his face when I gave him a bite on his behind ahehehehe"
"Ahehehehe… too much information, thank you very much" the girl replied, shifting the pages to the fashion corner boringly.
As the drive went on, Ben quickly let out a sigh, "Man… I wish something big would happen… at least then, I won't have to go to school at all"
"Now Ben…" Max stated, "I'm sure you're confident with your skills, but you shouldn't get too overconfident. When I was still back in the Plumbers, I used to think I could take on anyone myself. I beat up so many aliens that I believed that I was also invincible"
"So… what happened?"
"Well… during a mission, I had to face off against two Crololian Demes" Max explained, "I used every trick I had in the book and they still came after me. I ran up a mountain wall and cling onto the ledge. I was unarmed and my communicon was broken. All I had left were the clothes on my back. Luckily for me those dumb dogs weren't exactly the best climbers. So I waited and waited and after an hour, one their claws scratched through my butt…… the scar has been there ever since" he gestured to his gludious maximus which his two grandkids only stuck their tongue out in disgust.
"Ewww… grandpa!" they said together.
"Hey, it's a lesson" he replied to their annoyed tone. "I'm just telling you not to get too overconfident or you'll be leaving a fight in disgrace"
"Yeah… but could you please not mention your behind? Just thinking about it grosses me out eghhh!" Ben shivered to the thought of having a scar on his butt.
(Vilgax's flag ship) (The Jala) (Training room)
Right after Raze was taken out of Incarcecon, he was immediately escorted to the Jala, Vilgax's main battleship. The ship itself was a marvelous design capable of housing more than a million people without any life support. But sadly, all of Vilgax's minions were drones.
A few minutes later, Raze was brought to the training room where a giant monitor hovered over him. A moment later, several drones popped out from the holes sockets and began to attack him. Raze knew that this was some kind of test to see if he was strong as the rumors claim that he was. With his six bionic arms and battlesuit armor, he prepared himself for battle.
When the drones attacked with their laser beams and drill machines, he used everything he had in his body to fight back. He used martial arts and his superior agility against his opponents making them confused and uncontained… driving them off balance.
One after one after one, fell before his deadly accurate skills… and in just five minutes, he destroyed more than a hundred of the drones sent against him. But even though there was not an enemy left on the field, he still did not let his guard down. Raze was an expert killer and the constant times of being on the run made him cold and unable to trust others with their words.
Right just when things were quieting down a bit, a giant robot mantis drone appeared behind with giant claws ready to tear anyone or anything apart. If a person should see this monster up close they would immediately go crying back to their safe havens, but Raze simply starred at it boringly like he had already faced greater challenges. With one good leap, he jumped onto the mantis robot's arm and pulled it with relative ease like it was made out of paper. And with the power of his six arms he carried the torn limb of the robot like a club and slammed it right onto the giant, destroying all of its circuits in an instant.
Once the battle settled down a little later, the giant monitor suddenly turned on, revealing the face of Vilgax, the great warlord. "Hmm… most impressive" the hissed, "The rumors of your exploits do not do you justice, assassin… or should I call you… Raze?"
"Vilgax…" the assassin known as Raze spoke back, "The Chimera Sui Generis from the planet of Dokmar II and leader of the second most powerful faction in the galaxy"
"You know of me?" the warlord asked a little curious.
"I had been hired to assassinate you once" Raze explained, "But unfortunately, my employers betrayed me before I could complete my mission. To what do I owe the honor of meeting the great warlord himself?"
"Like all of your employers, assassin, I wish to hire you into my service" Vilgax hissed back in a very snake like manner.
"I refuse (what?) You broke me out of prison and decided to test my strength. You have already used me once therefore I cannot do you anymore service"
Vilgax really had to resist an urge to kill Raze with a press of a button. The guy was good that much he wouldn't deny and his skills are exactly what he needed to defeat Ben Tennyson. "Name your price assassin!" he yelled out finally, "I posses half the galaxy at the paws of my hands. I can give you anything that you want! A planet to rule if you will! Just say it! Every being has a price"
"And that is where you are mistaken" Raze replied holding up three of his hands, "I am an assassin who does not work for money… I only work for my honor and pride as a warrior!"
"That's too bad…" Vilgax hissed, "And to think I recovered your weapons for no reason at all" immediately the door to the next room opened up revealing a servant-bot carrying four long masamune katanas and two plasma rifles.
"My weapons!" for once Vilgax was pleased to see the surprised expression on Raze's face. "Where did you find them?"
"They were locked up in a secure vault in the Dao system" Vilgax answered, "You now owe me a debt of honor, assassin. You will aid me as such as your honor demands it!" he raised his voice slightly trying to get the fear out of the warrior.
Raze, paused for a brief moment as he took his weapons into his hands. He was a man who repaid all debts and not one to hold tie to anyone. So after sheathing his armaments on his back, he turned to the monitor and bowed slightly to his new temporary master. "Very well… as payment of gratitude, I shall do for you one deed… lord Vilgax"
"Excellent…" he hissed back with an evil grin growing upon his cheeks, "… I need you to destroy someone for me"
"Name my target and it shall be done" the assassin rose back to his original position with a prideful pose.
"The target's name… is Benjamin Tennyson" a picture of the boy quickly appeared on screen in full color and along with his cousin Gwen and Grandpa Max.
"A human? I have never hunted a human before…" the assassin quickly took the image of the boy into his mind and familiarized himself with all of his features, from the clothes that he wore to the color of his eyes. "How and where will I find him?"
"Oh do not worry about that" Vilgax grinned, "He will be the one who finds you"
"Very well then… I shall locate and defeat this human… if that is what you wish. When that is done, my debt from you shall be cleared" and with one last bow, Raze left the room to prepare himself for the next battle.
(Bellwood city restaurant) (The Hudson House)
Ben, Gwen and Max were in a small city time diner that served the highest quality food here side of the state. After that little battle back at the bank, they thought they deserve a little treat for their actions so Max decided to treat him to one of his favorite place. The Hudson House, named after its first founder, Oswald Hudson.
The diner was built out of a big old trailer that broke down here in the city some five years ago and was converted into a small establishment by the owner. There were a total of eight tables complete with comfy sofas to boot. There were also a row of stools lined up fairly on the counter with a good clear view of the TV.
"Thanks for treating us out for dinner grandpa" Ben thanked with a smile. Although he had to share a seat with his cousin Gwen he didn't mind.
"Ahh your welcome sport" the old man thought nothing of it, "Besides, you guys earned it. After fighting for the whole day without break deserves a little reward after all"
"So why bring us all the way here?" Gwen asked, "I've never heard of the Hudson House before"
"It's a great place!" Max answered, "My favorite restaurant in the entire city. Its got a quiet neighborhood and a friendly community and…" but before he could finish, a sudden disturbance began to occur right at the cashier.
"Alright lady! Coughed out the dough and no one here gets hurt!" a thug quickly pulled out a weapon from his holster and pointed it at the cashier. "And that goes double for all y'all!"
"So much for a friendly neighborhood" Ben muttered before turning to his Omnitrix, but before he could activate it, Max stopped him.
"Wait Ben… watch and learn" the old man grinned from ear to ear as he pitied the guy who dared try to rob this place.
"Is this a hold up?" the old lady clerk in Max's age replied holding a frown, "Alright… wait right here and I'll get the money" but just as she was about to reach for the cash register, the old lady pulled out a baseball club from the cabinet and whacked the guy right on the head. "That'll teach you to rob this joint ya free loader!"
"That's it! You asked for it lady!" the thug threatened. Bur right before he could even get back up on his feet, another one of the patrons of the store grabbed the mop from the janitor's closet and stuck it right on his face. "Ahh! Hey, what the!?"
"You came to the wrong place to bust little man!" came another patron's voice as he smacked him with a cold iron fist. Once the thug had been beaten to a pulp, the old lady clerk opened up the door and threw him out on the muddy street like a pig on a pigsty.
"And stay out! We don't serve your kind here buster!" was the last comment she gave out before slamming the door close. And with that, the clerk and the patrons simply went back to their respective areas like nothing had happened. It was probably a usual routine to happen once in awhile around these parts of town.
"Whoa, talk about your friendly neighborhood" Gwen muttered.
"Sorry about the scare kids" the old lady clerk apologized, "I hope that thug didn't scare away your appetites. These things happen all the time around these parts of town"
"Don't worry Maria, they're stronger than they look" Max replied.
"Well I hope so. Tell ya what, why don't you guys or…" but then she soon realized who she was talking to, "Wait a minute… Max!? Maxwell Tennyson, is that you!" this quickly caught the attention of the other patrons who were also in the area. "Oh my goodness, you gained a lot of weight! I can hardly even recognize you! How ya been? Hey everyone, look who it is, it's Max!"
"Hey Max!"
"Maxie buddy over here!"
"Hey!"
The old man quickly gave them a good greeting wave before the old lady continued, "So how ya doing Maxie boy"
"Never been better" was his answer. They soon gave each other a good old hand shake and a friendly hug. "How's Oswald doing?"
"You mean that no good husband of mine?" the clerk known as Maria inquired, "He's probably on his way to the fishing pond right as we speak. Left me to take care of the diner all by myself, that no good varmint. Sometimes I wonder what I ever saw in him" she then turned to the two kids who seemed to be confused, "And who are these little angels?"
"Kids, I'd like you to meet Maria Hudson, an ex-Plumber. Maria, I told you about Ben and Gwen didn't I?" he gestured to his kids with a carefree smile.
"Oh yeah… the wonder twins I've been hearing about" she said astoundingly, "The one with the Omnitrix that can change into any kind of heroes and the spell book girl" the two kids quickly gave out a shhhh sound to gesture her to keep it down low, "Oh don't you worry kids. Everyone here knows about your little secret. You'll find that everyone here is a friend"
Ben's eyes quickly widened as he got what she was saying, "Wait… so you're saying that everyone here is…"
"An ex-Plumber" Max finished him off his sentence, "As a matter of fact, this place used to be Plumber outpost. Maria here is the co-founder of the Plumbers"
"So that means…"
"I'm the second lady in command kiddo" she interrupted the boy as he stood up in shock, "My husband was the founder of the Organization. We've been battling extraterrestrial aliens and hooden-nannies for fifty long years and are still in great shape" she then turned to Max with a wide grin.
"Wow gramps" Ben remarked, "All this time I thought you were the one in charge of the Plumbers"
"Actually he was supposed to be" Maria answered, "One time my husband offered him to become his successor of the Plumber organization. You couldn't believe how disappointed Oswald was when you said that you didn't want the job"
But the old man simply waved his hand up in defense, "Oh I couldn't possibly replace you guys. I don't know what Oswald saw in me. There was no way I could've lead the Plumbers as good as you two coukd"
"Heh… same old Maxwell" Maria added with a smirk, "Always the modest one. So how's that buttox of yours Max? Still got that scar from little ol'e poochie?"
"Poochie?" Ben and Gwen cocked up a brow curiously.
"Ahehehe… well yeah…" Max answered nervously.
"Do you kids know that your grandpa Max has a scar on his butt?" Maria gestured to which they nodded back in reply.
"You mean the one he got when he was careless fighting against aliens?" Ben clarified.
But Maria simply shook her head, "No no no… I meant the other one. The one he got from poochie" seeing that they didn't know what she was talking about she decided to explain, "Well, since you kids would like to know"
"Come on Maria, do they really need to hear this?" Max pleaded to which she simply laughed back in reply. "Oh come on Max, they'll love it" she replied cheerfully before continuing, "You see kids. When Max was still a rookie in the Plumbers, I had a pet dog named poochie. He and little Max didn't really get along very well and they would often fight. One night when Max stole his bone from his bowl, the little guy got so angry that he bit Max's behind so hard that one of his tooth got stuck there ahehehehehehe. If you look closely, you'll still see poochie's teeth marks on it"
Ben and Gwen really had to fight down a laughter as Max turned bright red with embarrassment. He must really lost some respect from his grandkids since they always thought he would be a person who could do no wrong.
"See? I told ya they would love it" Maria added.
"More like, you loved it" Max shot bat still embarrassed by the whole poochie bite.
"Wow… a whole diner of secretly retired super agents!" Gwen said in amazement, "I guess you can't judge a place by its outer appearance nowadays!"
"You got that right kid" Maria nodded with a friendly lady smile, "So what I can get ya? This one will be on the house to celebrate Maxwell's return. I haven't seen you since summer break. All you ever sent were emails and letters"
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
While our heroes continue to have a friendly chat in an extremely friendly environment, they did not realize that only a few blocks away, a contingency of Vilgax's drones along with Raze, the assassin were watching their every move.
"That boy is what the great warlord Vilgax wants me to hunt?" Raze questioned to his muted drones as they simply waited and watch. "He must be getting rusty. A simple human child managed to halt his advance? I guess you shouldn't judge a planet just by its shape and size and level of technology. But I'll need to approach him at a better angle… see what he's truly capable of" he then turn to his drones, "Go and create chaos… I'll watch from here" with a simply nod, the drones quickly disburse from the building and scattered themselves throughout the city so that they may wreck havoc among its populace. "Now… let us see what he can do"
(An hour later)
After the Tennysons finished off with their meal, they decided to head out before Ben decides to go onto his fifth plate and burst his body to death. "Thanks for the meal Maria" Max appreciated, "You still haven't lost your touch"
"Oh don't sweat it" was her reply as she turned to a full stomached Ben, "Why I've never seen anyone eat more than three of my delicious pork chop"
Ben burped out loud and chuckled, "The best dinner I had in years. I'll definitely come back here again"
"Come back any time little man" came the old lady's reply, "Any friend or relative of Max is a friend of the Plumbers. You'll always be welcome here at any time. Oh any by the way. I got you something for the road home. Triple ham and cheese sandwich mixed coated with mayonnaise. Enjoy"
"Whoa… it's like a whole meal packed into one bite! Thanks Maria!"
"Don't sweat it kid" she then turn her attention back to Max, "Are you sure I can't tempt you to stay? Oswald would be very disappointed not meeting you after such a long time"
"That's ok" Max waved back, "Besides, I need to get these two home. I'll come and visit again tomorrow"
"Come by anytime you like. You two can even have meals for free"
"Umm maybe you should reconsider that" Gwen replied smiling jokingly at her cousin, "Ben has more than six stomachs and I don't think sloppy Joe can fill them all"
"No problem… nothing like a little challenge to spicy up the day. You all drive safely now ya hear?" and with one last farewell, Max quickly drove off towards the city streets so that the kids can finally go home and relax.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The road trip on the highway went as smooth as silk and nothing bothered our heroes on the duration of the trip. Gwen was busy studying for a pop quiz tomorrow and Ben didn't speak because his mouth was too busy chomping the sandwich Maria made for him. Everything was fine and everyone was happy. But as Max continued to drive through the busy city streets, he began to feel rather odd. It felt as if the battle that had just happened from morning to evening didn't even happen. They had battled countless paranormal forces, beat up criminals that were beyond the call of duty and saved the world so many times that he had already lost count. If a normal kid should experience this, their lives would've been changed dramatically. But here… his two grandkids looked like nothing extraordinary was going on.
Perhaps it was just his mind going through overload mode here, but now that he thought about it he couldn't help buy wonder. What was going on in the minds of his grandkids? Were they changed through this unnatural life a 10 year old? Would they be any different if they had just been normal kids with no super powers and no magical abilities? He couldn't tell…
All he knows is that whatever happens now… must go on. He cannot change the past and allow himself to be the one with the Omnitrix… or defeat Vilgax on his own. He would just have to move on and continue the life he had chosen.
"Ughh… grandpa!" Ben called out, "The freezer is broken again! Oh well… melted ice cream it is" he quickly took out a bucket of melted ice cream and shoved a spoon full of it down his mouth.
As Gwen was distracted by the sound of the constant yuckiness pouring down the boy's she gave out a bleh sound. "Eww… gross. Can you at least eat silently so that no one can see your might rudeness? Just hearing you slurp is making my stomach churn" but then suddenly, a loud explosion occurred right off scream making Max hit the emergency breaks.
When the RV finally came to a full stop, the trios quickly came outside to get a clear view of what was going on. "Whoa!" was all Ben could say when he saw the skies. A small army of Vilgax's drones were terrorizing the citizens of Bellwood and from the looks of it, they were just randomly destroying targets. "Aww man… can't it be enough for one day? I already went hero six time today!" he groaned.
"Looks like Vilgax's come back for revenge" Max concluded before grabbing some weapons in the RV, "Ben, you and Gwen go stop the drones. We have to move them out of the highway at all cost!"
"No problem!" Ben replied as he turned into XLR8, "I can do this job with one leg tied behind my back!"
"Ben! Wait!" but it was far too late for Gwen to call him since he was already long gone. "Oh brother…" she groaned.
Immediately right after the attack had begun, Ben got right back to work as being hero. Every drone or android sent against him were instantly brought down with super sonic speed and razor sharp accuracy. Ben was probably used to this since it has been the only thing he had been doing for the past months after he came back to school. Beating up bad guys and claim the title of hero again and again and again like some sort of a routine or something. But he didn't mind. To be allowed to destroy things without getting shouted at was probably the dream of every 10 year old kid in town.
But little did the boy know that his every action was being monitored by Raze, the assassin. He was starring from the roof of a tall apartment, watching every move the boy made. And right now… he seemed to be both impressed and disappointed with the boy. "Hmm… odd… I have never heard of a power that could change a human into a Kineceleran before" he analyzed, "His fighting techniques are impressive, but they lack form and timing…… and…… he's overconfident. He's not worthy of being my opponent… but just in case… let's see what happens next" he quickly waved out to the other drones to concentrate their attacks on Ben.
As the drones continued their relentless attack on Ben (XLR8) and his family, the highway soon became a war zone and no one there was safe from the fight. Ben hated it when civilians hindered the full use of their abilities.
"I guess a hero's work is never done" the boy sighed as he wounded up a mini tornado to thrash three of the enemy drones. "Come on, I already fought you guys yesterday! Don't I get a day off or something?" it was probably useless to talk to robots since they don't reply to him anyway, but that still didn't stop Ben from trying to become a joker.
Gwen and Max were also busy on their side, battling the dreaded robotic army, but unlike Ben they didn't have time for quick remarks. "Ugh… for once I just wished we could have a day when we don't have to fight for our life! During after school time, normal kids usually go home and do normal things like doing homework or reading a book. But no-- we have to fight off against (wham!) aliens and (ka pow!) deadly robots!"
"Ahe… sorry sweetie" Max smiled apologetically as he felt kind of responsible for changing their lives, "We must've gotten a little side track"
After the first wave of enemies were down, Ben quickly began his rescue mission. This too was also a routine for him. After he defeats the villains, he had to get the people out too. As he searched through the wrecked highway he came across a mother and her son trapped inside their turned over car. "Are you two alright in there?" he asked to which they replied with nod.
"Whoa!" came the boy, "I know you! You're XLR8, the super fast alien! I heard all about you! My sister is like your biggest fan!" Ben blushed slightly out of the compliment. He could never really get used to that. But just when he was distracted, one of the damaged drones got up and prepared to attack again, "Ah! Look out behind you!" but Ben quickly swapped that fly down with his mighty tail, sending it back to the ground.
"And stay down!" the boy remarked.
After helping the two family members out of the car, Ben quickly made his way back to the RV where Max and Gwen had just finished mopping up the rest of the drones.
"Ben?" Max called out, "How was your end of the field?"
"Not a problem!" came his instant reply, "Although it's kind of strange though"
"What is?" asked Gwen.
"Usually in video games: After we defeat all the small fries, the big boss usually appears. But I don't see Vilgax or any of his mid-boss cronies anywhere"
"He's probably gone, now that his robots are beaten" Gwen remarked, but sadly grandpa Max didn't quite agree, "I think Ben's right. Usually Vilgax would attack us directly no matter what the odds were. I've lived long enough to know how that guy thinks. If he's not here, then this attack was probably just some sort of a distraction. Sorry, but it looks like we're gonna have to postpone your return trip home for a little while longer"
"And to think summer was over already…" the girl groaned out as they all boarded the Rust Bucket.