Somewhere close to the village.

-Where did you see him? What did you talk about? a female voice asked, coming from the speaker of a vintage telephone.

- He was sitting on a bench next to the statue. We introduced ourselves and talked a little about the village, until he decided to bring up the subject of "local legends". A male voice replied, before blowing smoke from his cigar.

- So he must already know who we are, and seems to be interested in what the legends say about you and the others. Do you understand what this means? The woman asked, in a serious tone, as if she was predicting something.

- According to him, the "bedtime stories" are just entertainment. He doesn't seem to be wanting to play detective, though… The man trailed off, prompting the woman on the other end of the line to ask a question.

- Despite what? She asked.

- I asked him if he had any… gift or special talent because of the different suit he has, and he said he was… "a man with many surprises". The man replied, saying the last sentence in a joking tone. The woman on the other end of the line seems to have found the phrase a little funny, her derision could be heard, piquing her interest in who had said it.

- Surprises, huh? And did he say what it was? the woman asked.

- I asked if it had anything to do with that watch, and he said something interesting. The man gave a vague answer, prompting the woman he was speaking with on the phone to ask.

- What did he say? She asked.

- "A good magician never reveals his tricks", with the most smug face you can imagine. The man personally found these words and those who uttered them quite comical, letting it show in his tone of voice.

- Interesting. I saw him snooping around the church this morning, looking at the portraits. It doesn't look like a simple watch, but regardless, it looks like a great... candidate. The woman said.

- He is not someone who is easily deceived, not like the other kids in the village. The man said, relating his first impressions he had when meeting a certain boy.

- Yes, and that's why we should be cautious. Because the outsider is a young and healthy boy, my expectations for the test with him are good. The woman said, showing the reasons for her interest in a certain newcomer.

- He has drawn a lot of attention from many, especially young people. His alleged disappearance could arouse suspicion, which is why we're meeting tonight to brainstorm ideas for how we can lure him to us. The woman said, her authority clear in her tone.

- He also said that he would love to meet the… "family". the man said, not showing much satisfaction in uttering the last word.

- Even better. And try to behave yourself, your fights with your sister wouldn't be a nuisance if they weren't so frequent. I'll let the others know, be there at 10 o'clock sharp. The woman ordered, an audible thudding sound indicated that the call had ended.

"What will happen this time?" The man asked himself in his mind before smoking his cigar, this being the man, Heisenberg, being in his factory quarters where he lived.

….

-A meeting between friends? Seems interesting. Luiza noticed how quickly Ben made friends with some young people from the village the very first day he arrived there.

- Yeah. A friend of theirs is having a birthday today and said she wanted to meet me. And I like to make new friends. Ben said, before taking a sip of the coffee he'd been missing for a few minutes.

- So you better get ready soon. You know where the bathroom is. There's a little cupboard under the sink with new toothbrushes and mouthwash. You don't want to congratulate their friend with bad breath, do you? Luiza teased Ben while smiling slightly in amusement.

- Yes, you are right. Ben said, scratching the back of his neck as he smiled too.

- When you're done, I'll lend you the perfume that my husband always uses after he takes a shower. Luiza said.

- Are you sure he won't mind? Ben asked, not too comfortable with using someone else's private things like a perfume.

- Yes I'm sure. By the way, he was here earlier and heard that you are staying here. He also wants to meet you. Luiza said, smiling slightly as she cleaned her kitchen utensils.

- It would be amazing. Ben said before looking at the Roman clock showing 4:30pm, deciding to go get ready as Luiza advised.

….

Ben opened the bathroom door to enter, closing it shortly after. The bathroom floor was white porcelain tiles, while the walls including the shower area were woody porcelain tiles with beige and brown colors. The sink was to Ben's right, made of grayish-white marble with a curved stainless steel faucet and a small cupboard where cleaning and hygiene items should have been. A rectangular mirror was also there, as well as white towels hanging on hooks.

The shower area was separated by a plastic fabric Box curtain, and the shower was made by aluminium, where hot water came from a tank connected to a wood stove, and the temperature was regulated by adding cold water by turning the two taps.

"Yeah… it's bath time." Ben started to undress and went under the shower, turned the two taps regulating the water temperature as he wanted and started to bathe.

"Could Luiza lend me her washing machine? I don't feel well dressing like a peasant. And I hope it's the 'wash and dry' type." Ben knew that his clothes would get dirty, and he anticipated that his stay there might take a while.

If Luiza had a washing machine that washes and dries, Ben would only have to worry about using the iron.

Ben finished his shower, dried himself with a white towel and tied it around his waist, before brushing his teeth. Ben opened the small cupboard under the sink and got a new toothbrush, took out some Colgate toothpaste and started brushing. When he was finished, Ben looked at himself in the mirror there, turning his face from side to side as he saw his own reflection. His ripped chest and abs, toned shoulders, the result of his soccer training, calisthenics, and hand-to-hand combat with Rook, were also reflected in that mirror. Ben grabbed a Gillette antiperspirant spray to apply to his armpits, used a Listerine mouthwash, and started getting dress with his clothes.

….

Once out of the bathroom, Ben was drying his hair with a towel, and found Luiza coming from the kitchen.

-The heater is very good, isn't it? Luiza asked, seeing Ben coming out of the bathroom.

- Yeah. Much better than an electric shower. Ben said, taking the towel off his head, a satisfied smile on his face.

- I was wondering if you could lend me your washing machine, if that's no problem. Ben asked politely, hoping he wouldn't have to wash his clothes by hand.

- Of course. Just tell me when you wash them and I'll put them in the washer myself, which is also a dryer. Iulian ordered it a week ago, and as he himself said: it's wonderful. Luiza said, smiling friendly as she spoke, leaving Ben relieved about washing his clothes.

- I'll get the perfume. Wait. Luiza said, going to what should have been her and her husband's room. Ben saw her return with a blue-green spray bottle with a silver cap. She handed it to Ben, who was examining the trophy-shaped bottle, looking for the model or manufacturer of the perfume.

-Try it. Luiza said, so that Ben pressed the button on the lid of the bottle and sprayed some of the perfume on his right wrist, thus having an olfactory glimpse of the fragrance. - Wow. It is very good. Ben said, smiling and already applying the fragrance on his neck and a little on the collar of his shirt.

- It's a French male perfume called Invictus, also known for being... a fragrance dedicated to heroes who fear nothing. Luiza said, smiling in satisfaction to see Ben liking the perfume.

"Cool, a fragrance dedicated to me." Ben thought, really taking the marketing phrase that was made by the fragrance's developers to heart and with good reason as he was indeed a hero.

-When your husband arrives, tell him I congratulated him on his great taste in perfumes. And thanks for letting me use the bathroom. Ben said as he draped his sweatshirt over his back and tied the sleeves in front of his chest.

- You're welcome, Benjamin. It's always a pleasure to help you. Luiza said, while still smiling in satisfaction for helping her guest.

- I think it's about time you went to see your new friends. And speaking of time, how do you see the time on this watch, without hands or numbers? Luiza asked, her curiosity and doubt evident in every line of her face.

- Well, this watch has an advanced time information system, which whenever I want to know, it kind of… tells me what time it is, you know? Ben explained, smiling slightly as he showed the watch by pointing his index finger at it.

- So it… literally tells you what time it is, whenever you… ask it? Luiza asked, as her gaze was caught by the glow of that bright green hourglass outline coming from the clock, making her jaw drop a little.

- Exactly. It has a little built-in microphone that's where I ask the time, and it answers me over the speaker. Much like a telephone. Ben replied, not being shy about giving these explanations about the Clock Function that the Omnitrix had.

- Interesting. Would love to see this after I get back, better go before you're late. Luiza said, making Ben remember his appointment.

- Okay, I'm on my way. See you later. Ben said, waving his hand as he turned to head towards the front door, out of the house he was staying in. Luiza was watching Ben pass through the living room until he entered the hallway that led to the front door, while thinking about the explanation he gave about the working of the strange watch that his host had on his wrist.

"Advanced system? That instead of showing, it says the time? The watchmaker will love to see this". Luiza thought, still curious about this time information system that until then was unprecedented for her.

….

At 4:50pm, Ben was heading towards the statue so he could wait for his new friends to call him to celebrate their friend's birthday, who according to themselves, wanted to meet the stranger boy in person. Ben sat on that same bench and waited for Gretta and Bianca to arrive.

"I wonder how these people celebrate birthdays? Is there going to be cake? Singing 'Happy Birthday' to someone from another dimension I've never seen before is kind of weird.' Ben was thinking about how the act of congratulating the birthday girl would be, which made him remember the date of the newspaper he had read in the morning: April 17, 2020.

Ben was born on December 27, 1995, in theory, he would be 25 years if he were a native of that world, instead of 17. If anyone asked his date of birth, he would have to say that he was born at the end of the year 2002, and that he would be 18 that same year.

"I'll take a look at the radio in my room.

Maybe I'll hear something useful in my language." Ben was wondering if any nearby radio stations broadcast shows, interviews, and played songs in English that he might know. Maybe something like Linkin Park, Imagine Dragons or Bring Me to Life.

Ben was immersed in his thoughts until he heard a clearing of his throat near where he was, making him look who was there, and it was just who he was waiting for: Gretta and Bianca.

The two girls were well dressed just for that specific occasion. Gretta she was wearing a tight-fitting dark red dress with short sleeves that covered her body to mid-thigh, long black stockings that covered her legs to the edge of her dress, silver bracelets on her wrists and a small gold-plated chain around her neck, wavy black hair was loose down her back to her waist, with strands covering her forehead in a double fringe.

Her lips were dark red from her lipstick, a black fur coat was tied around her waist, and she was wearing black leather mini boots with buckles.

That dress revealed a little of the curves of Gretta's body that Ben didn't stop noticing for a few seconds.

Bianca was wearing a white long-sleeved shirt with black stripes, light blue tight-fitting jeans, brown leather boots with buckles. Her short blonde hair was styled in a side braid with a strand covering the left side of her forehead, her lips colored in dark pink lipstick, and a necklace with a silver shell pendant.

As with Gretta, Ben noticed Bianca's look and those clothes revealed an attractive physique that the blonde girl had. Both looked beautiful and graced Ben's eyes.

-Wow. Are you sure this isn't a party? Ben asked, intending to compliment the look of the two who were there, as he approached them.

- Yes. Why? Gretta asked, already expecting a positive comment from the boy in front of her.

- Because it looks like I'm going for a walk with two celebrities. You are beautiful. Ben said, an approving smile on his face as he looked into both girls' eyes. Both came closer to him to thank him for the compliment.

- Do you know how much I loved hearing that, outsider? Bianca asked in an almost hoarse voice, getting close enough to Ben to give her a hug if she wanted to, while staring at him with a sensual gaze and a smug smile. Gretta followed her friend's cue, approaching Ben and bringing her face a little closer to his, also staring at him with the same look and smile that Bianca had on her face.

-Thank you, but save your compliments for now. We have a birthday to celebrate. Gretta said, her voice almost husky as she looked into Ben's emerald green eyes.

- And a birthday girl as beautiful as us wanting to meet you. Don't use your best compliments now. Bianca said, as she anxiously waited for the blush on Ben's cheeks to become visible again, which this time, it didn't.

Ben was mentally prepared at that moment, even if the fresh strawberry breath that hit Ben's nostrils while the girls were talking so close to him was present. Both were scented with distinct floral fragrances that mingled with the air Ben breathed, making him smell like roses and jasmine. However, Ben still had a confident, almost smug look on his face. Bianca noticed that Ben smelled very good, and assumed it was some kind of perfume.

-What's that smell, Ben? Bianca asked, her eyes closed as she smelled the fragrance.

- This is the fragrance of heroes, Invictus. Ben replied, his confidence noticeable in his voice as if the fragrance wasn't something he was borrowed from someone, as he gave the blonde girl a confident look.

- Wow, so you're a hero, Ben? Gretta found Ben's answer comical, it was noticeable in his smile. Ben knew it wasn't wise to say he was a superhero or to have saved the universe countless times while being in a world where he didn't belong. He was already mature enough not to let his ego get the better of him like it did when he was ten.

-I like to lend a hand to someone who needs help as much as possible… and sometimes impossible. Ben replied, still keeping a confident look on his face. The "impossible" part caught Gretta and Bianca's attention, making them wonder in their minds what Ben meant by that. Save people, or whatever? They decided not to think too much about it and take "impossible" as a simple metaphor.

- Interesting. I guess we could say that you are our hero. Gretta said something that took Ben by surprise as she kept her blue eyes fixed on his face.

- Uh, really? Why? Ben asked, raising an eyebrow, expressing doubt.

- Apart from the times when a friend of ours has a birthday or when we're doing something to kill time... it's so boring here. Bianca said, humming the last sentence in a wry tone of disappointment and pouting.

- We love meeting new people, and you freed us from the boredom's claws as soon as we heard about your… mysterious arrival. Gretta said, playing the role of a helpless victim of her monotonous daily life being saved by an amusing hero coming from who knows where, while blinking her eyes slowly and smiling softly. As usual, Ben like the true hero that he was, was loving it, but he wouldn't allow himself to blush in front of them again. Ben found the chance to crack a joke.

- Well, what can I say? Making people happy by saving their day is my duty. Ben said, deepening his voice and putting his fists on his waist in a typical caped superhero pose, his eyes closed and nose in the air. What he got out of it was laughs from Gretta and Bianca, who found that cliché American superhero performance very funny.

-Oh Ben, you fool! Gretta said, while still letting a few giggles escape.

- Your friends sure adore you. Bianca said, before laughing some more. The two girls were certainly ignorant of the stereotype of superheroes with their superpowers, as they are inhabitants of an isolated village located near a mountain range. Like advanced technologies, pop culture hadn't gotten there yet. How the village youths entertained themselves or kept themselves entertained was something Ben was yet to discover.

On the other hand, Bianca's statement made Ben remember Rook, Gwen, Kevin, his dimension 23 counterpart and others he liked and loved, and realized how right Bianca was in saying that. Remembering that made him smile in satisfaction as he saw the two girls laughing at his joke that Gwen would describe as ridiculous.

-Well, there you are. A female voice came from there, making Ben, Gretta and Bianca see who it was. It was a white-skinned girl, hazel-green eyes and light brown hair styled in a side braid in the shape of a herringbone. She was wearing a dark green long-sleeved knit blouse, a light blue jeans skirt with buttons, black tights under the skirt, and black boots. Her lips were colored with red lipstick and a string of pearls adorned her neck.

She approached Gretta and Bianca to greet and hug each other, "happy birthday", "thanks you very much", "you look beautiful", "you too" were heard among the three, making Ben realize that the girl who just got married join them, was the birthday girl of the day. After Gretta and Bianca finished congratulating their friend, they decided to introduce Ben to her.

-So, this is the boy we talked about earlier. Bianca referred to Ben, who raised his right hand in a wave as he smiled amiably at the birthday girl.

- Hi happy Birthday. Ben greeted her as I thought was convenient. The girl approached him while examining him from top to bottom, until she was face to face with him. Gretta and Bianca were two inches shorter than Ben in height, but the birthday girl was the same height as him. She looked into Ben's emerald green eyes, a mischievous smile crept across her face before looking at her friends behind her.

-What a beautiful gift you gave me, huh? The birthday girl made a joke that drew giggles from herself and her friends, who saw Ben's cheeks blush again and look away as he put his hands in his pants pockets.

"Two is enough, but three is too many" Ben thought. The birthday girl turned her gaze to Ben to greet him properly.

-Hello, I'm Gabriella, nice to meet you. What's your name? The birthday girl asked, a friendly smile on her face.

- My name is Benjamin Tennyson, but you can call me Ben. Ben responded, offering the birthday girl in front of him a handshake, but was taken aback by a warm hug Gabriella had given him.

- Thank you very much Ben… and I loved your perfume. Gabriella thanked Ben for the "happy birthday" earlier and approved the scent of Ben's perfume while still holding him. - Oh, you're welcome, it's nice to meet you too. Ben said, still surprised by that hug as he smelled the fruity fragrance of berries that came from the girl who hugged him. Gabriella broke her embrace and invited Ben, Gretta and Bianca to the place where her birthday would be celebrated.

-Come on, Marcos and Edward are already upstairs. Gabriella said excitedly.

- They better not have started without us. Bianca said in a serious tone, almost sounding like a threat.

- Relax, they wouldn't dare to do such things. Not after what happened last time. Gretta said, easing her friend's anxiety.

- Yes, you are right. Bianca said, as she, Gretta and Ben followed Gabriella who was heading to the path that led to that ominous altar. Ben was attentive as to the place chosen by them to celebrate the birthday of the girl that Ben just happened.

"That's not the best place to sing 'Happy Birthday' unless…" Ben's thoughts were interrupted when one of his new acquaintances called out to him.

-Ben? Gretta called.

- Yes? Ben answered.

- The boys we talked about earlier are upstairs. Those two are kind of goofy, but you'll like them. Gretta said, a slight smile on her face.

- They love to make jokes, but they are harmless. Bianca ensured the good nature of the boys who were waiting for them.

- That means we'll have three jokers to brighten up the night. Ben said as he grinned in amusement, drawing the three girls' attention.

- Don't tell me you also like to play the joker? Gabriella asked, showing an interest in Ben's sense of humor.

- That's just one of my skills. Ben said, a smug look on his face.

- I'm starting to like this gift even more. Gabriella said, looking at Ben behind her over her shoulder with a smug smile, jokingly referring to Ben as her birthday present.

- That's what everyone says when they meet me for the first time. Ben said, expressing confidence in his words while still maintaining his smile. That got a few giggles out of them.

"What drinks should he like?" Gabriella was dubious about Ben's taste for low-alcohol drinks.

"How old is he?" Gretta remembered that she hadn't asked Ben's age when she first talked to him.

"Three jokers, huh? I want to see where this goes." Bianca liked the idea of exploring Ben's sense of humor and knowing if it was better than the two boys who were waiting for them.

"Yeah… this night is going to be really long…". Ben was wondering what this meeting of friends would be like and how long it would take, as well as knowing that more questions about the clock would be asked and he already thought about how he would answer them all.

The Omnitrix's Clock Function would come in handy, although the existence of a "talking watch" might be somewhat confusing or even abnormal for them. Ben was attentive and ready for all of this and still intended to get more information that could be relevant to solve the mysteries that that village had, and in cases like that, patience and focus are crucial.

"But as they say… the night is young."

…..