"Witches, vampires, water monsters and would-be Dr. Frankenstein… more like Anur Transyl than that? Impossible." Ben was still a little skeptical of what he heard from Elena and Duke, on the other hand, Ben knew that as enigmatic as Paradox was, he could be very direct when it came to serious matters.
Why Duke brought up the subject of "solving mysteries" and "revealing secrets" as if he already knew what Ben wanted when he asked him to tell him about local legends involving the Lords was also weird, or was that simply a positive comment from the merchant about how interesting the legends were.
Ben was really considering investigating and knowing why the Lords, even acclaimed as saints, have macabre legends invented by the village people about them. But he still had doubts on how and where to start, he couldn't just go to their respective homes and get information out of them themselves. Ben hasn't even seen one of them face to face. Ben began to coolly analyze the stories about the Lords he had just heard, and consider a few factors:
"On the one hand, two of them seem to enjoy barbecue from humans as much as I love french fries and Mr. Smoothy: Lady 'Dimicrula' and the 'Loch Ness Monster'. On the other side, we have the 'Puppet Master' with her version of Annabelle from the Deep Web, and the aspiring Dr. Frankenstein. Perhaps I should start with the most 'human': Donna Beneviento and Heisenberg." Ben was sitting on that same wooden bench next to the Maiden statue, with his elbows propped on his knees and his hands with fingers clasped together in front of his face, covering his mouth, and a faraway look on his face gave evidence that Ben was in the dark. drift in an ocean of thoughts, inside your mind.
It was afternoon, 3:20 pm. Ben was alone there, most of the villagers were working or in their respective homes doing something common day-to-day. While Ben was still lost in his thoughts, the sound of footsteps approached where he was, coming from the narrow alley that led to the altar.
Ben doesn't hear the sound of footsteps approaching and stops next to him, until he hears a male voice calling him.
-Hey, Yankee. The voice caught Ben's attention causing him to return to the real world and look who was there. A man wearing a faded green overcoat, a white button-down shirt with a green one underneath, brown cargo pants, black leather high-top boots with buckles, and black leather gloves on his hands.
He had gray hair, a black leather hat on his head, and round sunglasses on his stubbled face. He wore a kind of chain adorned with a hook spring around his neck. Ben got a good look at the man who had called him, who had his right hand in his overcoat pocket and the other clutching a lit Montecristo Cuban cigar. Ben couldn't tell if he had started that day on the right foot or it was just a coincidence, because one of the first people he wanted to start investigating was right in front of him, greeting him with a crooked smile on his face: Lord Heisenberg.
"This is Dr. Frankenstein. He doesn't seem so sinister at first glance." Ben thought as he assessed the man in front of him.
-Uh, hi. Ben greeted him back, not very openly. So Ben decided to do something unusual.
- You must be Dr. Franken… I mean Lord Heisenberg, right? This was Ben's attempt to confirm something about that guy, who just reacted with an amused chuckle, but with a slightly perceptible tone of malice, which Ben took notice of.
"Not bad, brat." The Lord told himself in his mind, still keeping that crooked smile on his face.
-The very same. Doctor Frankenstein is just a nickname I ended up getting from some villagers who particularly... I think it does a lot of justice to me. Heisenberg said, as he approached Ben in slow steps.
- And you, you are the boy who fell with a parachute in this… end of world. Benjamin Tennyson, right? Heisenberg asked, before smoking his cigar.
- Exactly. And here it is not so bad. It's better than many places I've been before. Ben said, smiling slightly as he thought of Heisenberg's nickname which he claimed to do justice to him.
- I wish I could agree with you, boy. I say this because I've been here a long time and there are still certain things about this place that get on my nerves. Heisenberg said something that made Ben remember what or who the Lord might not like in that place. That was the cue Ben needed.
- Certain things, or certain people? Ben asked something that surprised Heisenberg a little.
"He's been here long enough to know a few things. Duke must have told him how much I hate that whore who lives in the castle." Heisenberg thought, his expression going from surprise to a crooked smile.
-Heh, so you already know, right? Heisenberg asked, looking at Ben through those sunglasses, already expecting the right answer.
- By now, I know you don't like Lady Dimitrescu. That in addition to other things. Ben said.
- Things? What kind of things? Heisenberg asked.
- Things like… Ben paused briefly, as he stretched out his legs to cross them and rested his back against the back of the bench, and crossed his arms before continuing.
- Bedtime stories for insolent children. Ben said, with the same crooked smile that Heisenberg kept on his face. Heisenberg knew very well what Ben was trying to say with that statement, and he realized that the boy had a sense of humor, as well as a certain amount of arrogance.
"That winged bitch told me there was something different about this brat besides just being a Yankee. And that watch… not going to lie, it's a beautiful design." Heisenberg was analyzing Ben and the legacy of Azmuth he had on his left wrist, while the reflection of the glowing green hourglass outline was in those sunglasses, captivating the warlord's eyes for a few moments.
-Do you like horror stories, Yankee? Heisenberg's question was pretentious, with a hint of slight but noticeable malice in his voice.
- I was asked the same thing recently. And the ones I've heard here are great entertainment. Ben replied in a playful tone and smiling, putting his hands up as if he was enjoying the conversation.
"Entertainment, right?" Heisenberg thought while still smiling, also showing that he looked like he was enjoying himself.
-I've noticed that you like to play funny. Do you happen to have any other... gifts other than comedy, Yankee? Not that we don't like to have a few laughs, but the fact is: Mother Miranda and we Lords love performers who deliver an audience…a great show. Heisenberg asked, as he fidgeted with his cigar hand. This captured Ben's attention instantly. Was that a prerequisite to getting some respect from Mother Miranda and the Lords? Possessing some artistic gift that can entertain them is a prerequisite for joining the "family"?
-Well, I'm not one to brag a lot, but… I'm a man with many surprises. Ben loved to say that when he had the chance. A certain arrogance was seen in his expression when uttering such words.
- Heh, surprises, huh? What kind of surprises are we talking about, Yankee? Heisenberg was a little curious.
- Surprises like… seeing is believing. Ben said, still keeping a crooked smile on his face.
- I got it. But how do you… exactly do that? Does it have anything to do with this watch, or is this model the new fad? Heisenberg asked, wanting to know if the watch Ben had on his left wrist was a different version of Samsung's Galaxy Smartwatch.
- A good magician never reveals his tricks. Ben replied, not worrying too much that he was talking to a supposed Dr. Frankenstein, while still keeping his smile. Heisenberg noticed how firm the boy's words were when he said them. Somehow he seemed to be serious. Small talk or not, Heisenberg was somewhat familiar with "seeing is believing" surprises, and he would love to test the veracity of the outsider boy's words, among other things.
- Heh, I like you, Yankee. Mother Miranda will be delighted to know that we have a self-employed magician here in the village, and we would love to appreciate this talent on an exclusive basis. How about? Heisenberg asked, his smile still on his face, as if he and Ben couldn't allow themselves to be surprised by each other. On the other hand, that wasn't the first time Ben was invited to meet the "family".
-A "walking prune" was also kind enough to invite me to meet you, and I think it's a great idea. And… Ben put one of his hands to the side of his mouth, as if he wanted to whisper something from a distance.
- Don't tell her that, okay? She is sinister and seems to be a little crazy. Ben whispered, making Heisenberg laugh a little at that comment which was about someone he knew very well.
"That bitch was always crazy, brat" Heisenberg fully agreed with Ben's statement in his mind.
-Magician and jokester. You really are an artist, Yankee. Here's some friendly advice: avoid walking around at night. Curfew is at 9:45pm, and lamps, torches and house lights go out at 10:00. In short: it's the time when bedtime stories… Heisenberg paused briefly to smoke his cigar, before continuing.
-Come to life. Heisenberg said, smiling as he blew out smoke from the cigar he was smoking. Ben heeded Heisenberg's advice, which sounded more like a warning, but as it had been from the beginning of the conversation, Ben wasn't surprised by how serious the warlord seemed to be.
-Should I worry about this? Ben asked, one eyebrow raised as he kept a carefree expression on his face.
- That's up to you, Yankee. I'd love to keep chatting, but I have some "Lord's errands" to deal with. Heisenberg said, taking a few steps back away from where Ben was standing.
- See you, Tennyson. Heisenberg said, smiling and waving his hand as he turned and walked towards the path that led to the altar. Ben watched him walk through the gates as he thought about what the warlord had said about curfews and bedtime stories somehow coming to life. This only served to activate Ben's "inner Sherlock Holmes" to come up with the idea of walking through the village just when the lights were no longer on.
"I hope there's a full moon tonight. Something tells me the night sky here is beautiful." Ben thought, as he looked down at the Omnitrix on his wrist, remembering when he and Azmuth were talking a week ago.
….
Flashback
….
Ben was lying on the sofa at his house after fulfilling his arduous mission defeating Maltruant, thinking about everything that had happened since he found the Omnitrix prototype when he was ten during his summer vacation that year.
He was looking at the final version of the Omnitrix on his wrist, feeling prouder than ever that he had saved the universe yet again. Bearing the Omnitrix was an honor Ben seemed born to receive, the only one worthy of wielding something as extraordinary as Azmuth's greatest creation. Ben was deep in thought until a familiar voice called out to him.
-Hello Ben. The voice came from none other than the Great Thinker Azmuth. Ben got scared when he saw the Galvanian on top of the table that was in the middle of the room, measuring 20 cm. He soon sat up and straightened his posture to greet his guest.
- Uh hi, Azmuth. Er, what do I owe the honor of your... Ben didn't finish welcoming his guest, as the guest interrupted him.
- Well, you don't have to be so cordial. The truth is, I heard about your last dangerous mission and how you came out victorious once more. I must say… I'm proud not only of you, Ben, but to know that my greatest creation… is in great hands. Azmuth said, an approving smile on his small triangular face with green eyes and black rectangular pupils similar to a toad's. Ben was glad to hear that, but he still didn't know why Azmuth had come there just to say those kind words.
-Thanks. Ben thanked him, smiling humbly.
- And as you once again proved yourself worthy of using the Omnitrix... Azmuth didn't finish his statement, to say a sentence that Ben really wasn't expecting to hear.
- Access Master Control. Azmuth said.
- Master Control unlocked. A synthesized female voice came from the Omnitrix, while the green hourglass outline flashed as the voice spoke.
- Fuck! Ops sorry. Er, how many aliens can I turn into? Ben couldn't contain his excitement and apologized for uttering that inconvenient word before asking his question.
- 1,000,912 DNA samples available. The Omnitrix's voice answered, making Ben even more excited.
- As I explained before, DNA samples are organized into 10 groupings for simplicity, and now you don't have to worry about selecting transformations manually. Azmuth said, explaining what he had already explained to Ben during the event of the war against the Highbreeds.
- I know, it's the voice command. Ben said, as memories of when the Omnitrix's Master Control Recalibrated being activated ran wild through his mind.
- Not only that, the energy that keeps the Omnitrix and your DNA connected is now coursing through your nervous system, and being transmitted from neuron to neuron in your brain, right now. Azmuth said, causing Ben to widen his eyes a little in surprise.
- Does it mean I can change shape just by thinking? Ben asked, an immense euphoria on his face.
- Exactly. I developed this neural contact mechanism because I was aware of some problems you had when selecting transformations even with the old controls. Well… say goodbye to that problem. However… Azmuth paused, catching Ben's attention.
- This selection mode allows you to transform into all aliens just in a thought, including Alien X. I suppose you know the risk and responsibility you have if you need to resort to such a resource. Azmuth said, looking serious since he got there.
- Yes, I understand the risks. Ben nodded, a serious tone in his voice.
- That's not all either. When the Omnitrix detects an uncataloged DNA sample and scans it with Remote Scan, you must select the new transformation manually so that you can select it with a thought later.
And as I've said before, the Omnitrix is hardwired into your DNA and your nervous system, so it's more of a part of you now than ever. Azmuth instructed Ben on how the Omnitrix could be used from then on. Transforming into the desired alien just by thinking meant avoiding sudden dangers and being caught off guard, instantly. Ben could avoid a crushing attack by transforming into Goop at the last moment, the Polymorph's malleability plus other attributes would be perfect in cases like this.
-I understood. Thank you very much, Azmuth. Ben thanked him, more proud of himself than ever.
- Keep making us proud, Ben. If you'll excuse me, I have to get back before some intern does something I wouldn't do. And speaking of which, I know it's asking a lot, but… Azmuth was walking across the wooden table in the middle of the living room of Ben's house, one hand holding the other behind his back. He turned to Ben before finishing his sentence.
-Try not to screw up. Azmuth said, giving Ben a smile before fading away and teleporting back to Galvan Prime. Ben just had time to crack a smile in response to the Galvanian's gentle teasing.
….
End of flashback
….
"That's it, I'm going to take a walk around tonight. Did he really take everything I said about magic seriously?" Ben thought, as he looked at the Maiden statue. He noticed that the supposed maiden was pointing her sword at Castle Dimitrescu, and he wondered if that statue and the Lady of the castle had any connection.
Even though Heisenberg had only spoken in reference to the curfew, Ben wasn't the type to let others tell him when he should curfew and go home or not. He just had to watch out for some so-called night watchman who was taking his shift walking the alleys with an LED flashlight in his hand, and remember to leave his bedroom window open so he could get in and out without going through the front door of the Luiza's house.
Being cold at night was something Ben didn't have to worry about too much thanks to his sweatshirt, although the white color was striking under the light.
It was almost 4:00pm when Ben thought about going back to Luiza's house and taking a nap before doing his tour around the village. He was still sitting on that bench, relaxing as he listened to the birds chirping, his hands supporting his head and his legs stretched out and crossed. Her eyelids were starting to get heavy and she put her hand in front of her mouth before yawning.
"A cup of that delicious coffee that Luiza made earlier today would be great now. And where are those two?" Ben's thoughts were on the two girls he had met that morning, who coincidentally were looking for him. The two found him sitting on that same bench, staring into space as if deep in thought. They watched him from a distance of about 15 feet while whispering to each other.
-He must be thinking about what, huh? Greeta asked, while still keeping her gaze on Ben.
- In us... Maybe in me. Bianca replied, teasing her friend as she eyed Ben, smirking. - Don't be so conceited. Gretta snapped, finding Bianca's response a bit overbearing.
- What 's now? It's just a guess. Bianca said, before covering her mouth to stifle an amused giggle.
- OK. Let's talk to him right away. Gretta said, before the two friends got close to Ben, who this time, heard the sound of footsteps approaching him, making him look in the corner who it was.
-Hey, I was wondering where you were. Ben greeted them, a crooked smile on his face as he held his posture, showing confidence. It made Bianca realize that she was right about Ben thinking of them in some way.
-I did not say? Bianca whispered, giving her friend a light elbow in the arm, smiling in satisfaction that she was right about what she said to her friend, while keeping her eyes on Ben. Gretta cleared her throat before referring to Ben.
-Serious? That's great, because we wanted to ask you something. Gretta said, smiling friendly.
- What would it be? Ben asked, raising an eyebrow.
- A friend of ours is having a birthday today. She also knows she has an outsider and would love to meet him. Bianca replied, for Gretta to continue.
- And we wanted to know if you would like to go to the party with us. What do you think? Gretta made a rather interesting invitation and surprised Ben. A friend of theirs is going to have a birthday on the same day Ben set foot in the village and meeting him in person was something she would have liked, according to what he had just heard. He straightened up, sitting up more politely to pay attention to the two girls.
- Uh yeah, sure. What time is the… party? Ben asked, wondering if this was really a party or just a review between friends.
- It's not really a "party". Gretta said, before giggling, finding Ben's question a little funny
- It's more like a review between friends. Some boys go too. Bianca said, detailing what that celebration of another year of their friend's life would be like.
- It will be at 5 o'clock sharp. Gretta said.
- 5 o'clock sharp. OK I go. Ben confirmed his presence in the review, making both girls smile in response.
- All good. And we told her a little bit about you, so… try to go with that same outfit, she wants to see your style up close. Bianca said, paying yet another compliment to Ben's different style of clothing.
- And that includes the watch. Her father is the watchmaker I told you about earlier. Gretta said, giving the Azmuth legacy on Ben's wrist a quick look.
- Wow, you guys really loved that watch, huh? Ben asked in a joking tone, referring to the constant compliments that everyone he spoke to had given him about the strange but interesting watch.
- Yes, and other little things. Bianca said, giving Ben a sensual look as she laughed at his question. Ben realized this as he looked into the blonde girl's blue eyes.
- Many of them. Gretta followed her friend's cue, as if they both enjoyed seeing the boy's cheeks blush with embarrassment, just as it was happening here. The two found Ben's reaction to their compliments cute and amusing.
-Well, that 's all. See you later, Ben. Gretta said, smiling and turning to walk away with her friend.
- Don't be late. Bianca said, waving her hand in farewell while also smiling in a friendly way.
Ben watched them go down the street that led to another distinct part of the village, while he thought about how interesting everything was going on there. Perhaps this could be something he could extract more information from about the Lords, legends, Mother Miranda herself or whatever. Ben made these reflections while saying to himself in his mind, glad to receive a nice invitation with that even being an outsider.
"Yeah… here we go."
….