"Yeah, it's about time someone had a better idea than playing around with the watch. Thanks, Bianca." Ben thanked the blonde girl for her idea to break the monotony by suggesting they go somewhere else closer to the village.
Before that, while Marcos and Edward opened the gates that led to an unknown passage, Ben paid attention to two strange statues parallel to each other, which were representations of a creature with a human body and a goat's head, things that could be found in places where satanic rituals are practiced. It made Ben wonder if those statues had anything to do with the beliefs of the villagers, or even the much-claimed village leader. The appearance of the statues showed that they had been there for a long time, and that made that environment even more strange, added to that altar, that walkway with small poles parallel to each other, the gates that had ornaments with strange forms… everything there was sinister, to say the least.
After realizing that they had already passed through the gates, Ben soon hurried to join them again, getting right where they were.
Behind those gates, there was a path where ancient ruins that survived time could be seen. The light from the full moon, although useful, did not allow seeing many details of these ruins very clearly, so Ben thought it would be better to go back there in the morning while he stayed with the other youngsters walking beside them.
"If the Lords really do have superpowers, and that were given to them by Mother Miranda, she sure as hell doesn't just have healing powers. Not that I'm not enjoying this meeting between friends... but I can't wait to investigate what the fuck is going on here. I'll figure out a few more things." The more Ben discovered and learned, the more the mystery became complicated, remembering how the legends about the Lords referenced them and associating them with the fact that they supposedly had some kind of superpower, he began to connect the dots. Each of the Lords had to possess a power that corresponded to how the legends related to them. He just needed to think about it calmly, until he came to a succinct conclusion. But that could be difficult when he still had to pay attention to the youngsters who he was taking a tour with, in a different place than where they were before. The youngsters went down a small staircase, until they reached a large bridge made of the same stones that paved the floor of the ruins.
At the beginning of the bridge, there was a staircase that went down towards a place a little more below, where another bridge could be seen, but this one was a wooden drawbridge, whose lifting and lowering mechanism was operated by a large crank.
However, they went straight across the old pavement bridge, and stopped at the edge of it so they could see the river below. The current of the river was calm. They could still hear the sound of the water hitting the rocks and tree trunks. Ben watched that river for a few seconds, as did the other youngsters.
-It's a beautiful sight. Ben commented, wanting to bring up the subject to break the silence.
- It's even more beautiful in the sunlight. If you want to come back here in the morning and see for yourself… Edward echoed Ben's comment about the scenery, agreeing with him.
- I was talking about that starry sky. In big cities, sights like this are rare, almost non-existent. Ben said, as he looked up at the night sky, with the full moon and countless stars as sources of light. Ben has been in space and on other planets enough that he is no longer impressed by these night views when he is on Earth. He literally watched a fucking Big Bang in live action. However, Ben only said that so they would have something more interesting to talk about that wasn't just about Azmuth's legacy on his left wrist.
-And how are things there in the big cities? Marcos asked a very pertinent question for the moment. He and the others were waiting for Ben's answer.
- There are thousands, or even millions of inhabitants. All with their respective rights and duties that they, as citizens, must have and follow. The air here is pure, people are more united and happy, who always reach out to help those in need. But there, people literally breathe polluted air, are more individualistic and are only willing to help when they know they will get something in return. And I didn't even mention the dangers that lurk in these places. Ben replied, with a subtle but noticeable regret in his voice. As much as Ben, being his world's most famous superhero, resided in Bellwood, the social problems there still persisted, just like in any other big city.
-Wow… They looked more interesting from the pictures in the newspapers. Gretta said in a slightly dismayed tone, disillusioned with the idea of big cities being the best places to live.
- Yeah. Postcards and photos of beautiful and paradisiacal places tend to be misleading. But living in a big city also has its advantages. Ben said, a slight smile on his face.
- And what are these advantages? Bianca asked, interested in what day-to-day living in a big city was like.
- Housing, steady employment, academic training, infrastructure, access to information, and everything that inhabitants of a big city are entitled to. Ben replied, looking at Bianca while smiling gently.
- If even with all that, those who live in these cities get tired of living in them... But changing the subject, are you enjoying the tour, Ben? Gabriella asked, looking at Ben as she smiled amiably.
- It's been pretty nice so far, even if I have to come back here in the morning and see it all again, but better. By the way, how far does this river go, or where does it end? Ben asked, looking out over the river, imagining that there was a motorboat near a dock.
- We don't know either. But its source is close to here. It's a waterfall right where one of the Lords lives, Lorde Beneviento. Edward replied, as he filled his glass with bourbon, making Ben remember that he also had a glass half full of the same drink, inducing him to empty the glass.
- And it's also a great place for fishing and swimming. Swimming pools are nothing compared to this. Marcos commented, as if he already knew the preference of a "city boy" for chlorinated swimming pools, instead of rivers, lakes or something like that.
- There's something we both agree on. Ben said, approving Marcos' comment with a smile. Ben loved the days he went fishing and swimming in rivers and lakes with his friends, as well as Grandpa Max, Kevin and Gwen.
-I thought you liked swimming pools better. Edward said, a little surprised to learn that the "city boy" liked to swim in places where the water wasn't purified with chlorine and cleaned by filters connected to water pumps powered by 220v.
- Not a lot. I prefer places like this, being in touch with nature, away from all the noise of traffic and the collective hysteria of the people. Ben said, as the memories of the days of fishing he had with his relatives and friends during the summer vacations ran through his mind. He watched that river with a distant gaze as those memories came and went.
-Good to know that. We also love to bathe and swim in places like this. Bianca said, before sipping the last of her grape liqueur as she held her gaze in Ben.
- Now that it's spring, that water must be wonderful. It's been so long since the last time… Gretta said, reinforcing what Bianca said about them enjoying bathing and swimming in that river.
- If you're interested, you could come with us, Ben. What do you think? Gabriella asked, looking at Ben with a smug expression.
Ben had already realized that this was another one of the three girls' cheeky pranks just by the tone of their voices and the looks in their eyes. As much as internally he was enjoying this, he didn't want to give them the satisfaction of seeing his cheeks blush again, like if they wanted to do that every chance they got.
-It sounds interesting, but I didn't bring my swimming shorts. Ben replied, without any malice in his countenance or tone, but that only gave the three girls more openings to continue their banter.
- And why shorts? You're not thinking of going to bathe in the river with your clothes on, are you? Bianca asked, still keeping that smug look on her face as she looked at Ben, making him further analyze the question Gabriella asked him, and get what they were trying to say.
"Are they talking about… swimming naked in that river? Is that a common practice for people who live here? They really do that and they're inviting me to… No, Ben, come on." Ben's eyes widened in surprise as he understood what that meant. He was fighting his inner demons not to allow his mind to go to the gutter and imagine the scene where those three girls were bathing and swimming naked in that river.
-Uh, really? I mean, I really don't know if that would be a good… Ben averted his gaze as he grinned and scratched the back of his neck, like he always did in awkward situations. However, he didn't finish responding to that supposed offer, because he was interrupted when he heard laughter coming from the three girls, who considered Ben's reaction too funny.
-Oh, Ben! You should have seen your face! Bianca said, rubbing her eyes that looked like they were watering, before laughing again.
- You're so funny when you're embarrassed! Gretta said, before covering her mouth with the hand that was holding her glass, and laughing some more.
"Oh man, they really love to make fun of me." Ben said in his mind, acknowledging that he actually fell for the prank.
-Yeah, ok, you guys really pranked me this time! Satisfied? Ben asked, pretending to be annoyed, rolling his eyes and holding his hands up, palms out, like this was surrender or something.
- Awwn, don't be like that, Ben. You're so much cuter when you're not mad. Gabriella said in a playful tone, as if she were talking to a baby. Ben just smiled slightly in response.
- Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm already tired of staying here. Bianca said, implying that she still had one more place to go than that.
- You're right. Let's go. Gretta said, already knowing where her friend was suggesting they all go. Gretta, Bianca, and Gabriella led the way together, crossing the large bridge with steps a little rushed, as if they wanted to keep their distance from Ben, Marcos, and Edward. Ben watched them walk away and took advantage of that moment to ask the two guys a few questions, while the three also followed the same path the girls were going.
-Is it my impression, or are those three already… Ben didn't finish his question, it was Edward who was quick to interrupt him to answer it.
- Drunk? Not yet, but they're almost there. Edward replied, before taking a sip of bourbon.
- They tend to get playful after they have several shots, but it's still a few more before they get drunk. From then on, don't pay too much attention to what they tell you. And I say this from experience. Marcos said, remembering how those three girls, mainly Gretta and Bianca, behaved when they were drunk. He smiled as flashbacks of embarrassing and funny moments involving those two girls flashed through his mind.
-And where are we going now? Ben asked, curious as to where he and the other kids were going.
- Another place where the view is also nice. But changing the subject… What the hell happened back there? Edward asked, smiling, who looked amused to see the three girls making fun of Ben.
- You didn't think they would invite a stranger to go bathe with them in the river, did you? Marcos asked in a teasing tone, before laughing a little.
- Of course not! It didn't even cross my mind. I just... wasn't expecting them to take the banter to such a, I don't know... "adult" level. Also, I didn't want them to think I was a pervert, which is why I reacted that way. Ben replied, justifying his reaction with that prank. - Well, I don't blame you. After all, when it comes to the youngests, they are three of the most attractive girls in the village, according to male opinion. Marcos said, watching the three girls climb the stairs that led to that place, as he, Ben and Edward followed behind.
- But the Countess's daughters, dude, until today no woman has appeared that surpassed them in beauty, well, despite them being… a little different from the others. Edward said, emphasizing something that immediately captured Ben's attention. He learned of the existence of the daughters of the Countess, who is portrayed in one of the local macabre legends. If Ben wanted to find out more about the Countess who lives in the castle along with her daughters, this would be the ideal time.
-And how are these… her daughters? Ben asked, wanting a detailed description of them, but not showing anything more than simple and apparent curiosity, like an "undercover detective".
- That 's three. A blonde, a brunette, and a redhead. They are a little too tall compared to most of the taller women and men in the village. Something between 6'4 feet. As far as I know, they only wear black hooded dresses, and I say this because they have never been seen wearing anything else outside the castle. Edward said, before filling his glass with bourbon and taking a sip of the drink. Edward held out his hand that held the bottle of bourbon. As he was drinking, he couldn't directly ask Ben if he'd like to drink some more. Ben nodded and held out his hand that held the glass for Edward to fill.
-I also think that this differentiates them a little, but is that all? Ben asked, before taking a sip of the drink that was in his glass, wanting to show a certain indifference.
- No, it 's not. Do you remember when you asked what kind of power the Lords had? Yeah, if the Countess has it, why wouldn't her daughters have it? Marcos asked a rhetorical question as he looked at Ben and smiled slightly.
"According to legend, Lady Dimitrescu's daughters hunt the men of the village and take them to the castle, where they have their flesh and blood swallowed by the Lady and her daughters. It would make perfect sense if the three witches had some kind of superpower, otherwise, legend itself would not even portray them as witches." Ben was running through the information he was getting, in his mind, and started connecting the dots.
-It's something I wouldn't believe if you guys told me, I would say. Ben said, showing that he understood what Marcos meant with that rhetorical question.
- Exactly. Not that we don't want to tell you or explain anything, but the fact is… these are things you could spend a lifetime trying to explain, end up going crazy and never find out why they manage to do such feats. In short: seeing is believing. Marcos said, justifying why he and Edward didn't give more details about what were the gifts and powers that the Lords and associates had. Maybe they didn't want to give Ben a bad impression by making him think they and the others in the village were crazy, which was something he kind of understood.
If he told his new friends that that strange watch on his wrist gave him the power to transform into "magical monsters", he too would be seen as someone with a few screws loose. And that was why Ben was determined to discover the mysteries behind the legends and the Lords for himself, instead of asking questions whose answers were useless.
-I understand perfectly. Ben nodded, smiling slightly. He thought it best to ask questions about where they were going when they got there.
While Marcos and Edward answered Ben's questions, Gretta, Bianca and Gabriella were also talking to each other about other subjects.
-What are they talking about? Gretta asked, looking back discreetly and curious as to what the boys were talking about.
- I'm pretty sure it's about us. Bianca responded quickly and directly, almost sounding like a statement.
- Why every time boys are talking about anything, do you think it's about girls or women? Gretta asked, looking at her friend with an arched eyebrow, knowing her friend's mania for guessing the topics the village boys talked about among themselves, and it almost always came to the same thing.
-And why wouldn't they be talking about it when we're not close enough to hear them, huh? Think about it, dear. Bianca asked, as she tapped her temple with her index finger repeatedly, keeping her gaze on Gretta.
- Because not all your "guesses" are right. And you're still conceited enough to think you even know what they think. Do you have a crystal ball, or what? Gretta asked in a teasing tone, giving her friend a stern look.
- Is that true, Bianca? I didn't know you had a vocation for clairvoyance. Gabriella said in a joking tone, taking a cue from Gretta when she talked about a crystal ball.
- No, it's more like witchcraft. Hanging out with the "Old Hag" isn't doing you any good, honey. Gretta said in a sarcastic tone, smiling, intending to push her friend's buttons. Bianca was listening to Gretta and Gabriella's giggles, but it didn't bother her enough to piss her off, making her laugh along with her friends.
….
As soon as they finished go up the stairs , the youngsters arrived in a place, which for Ben, looked a lot like the altar, if not for the presence of four large stone monuments that were, or seemed to be, representing Kings. There were also the same small fire poles parallel to each other, and the same octagonal carved stone construction like the altar near the village. All that was at the top of a hill, where the light of the full moon and the stars fulfilled their function of illuminating the night.
Ben wanted to get a little closer to that "second altar", just to identify some similarities that this one had with the other, and he saw something in the center that followed the same octagonal shape, but this one had a pattern of light and dark colors, which it made the thing look a lot like an… umbrella.
"Hey, I think I saw something just like that in that newspaper. It looked like a company logo, or…" Ben didn't finish analyzing what he was looking at, because he was interrupted by Marcos and Edward, who approached him.
-Do you also like medieval architecture, outsider? Edward asked in a friendly tone, noticing that Ben had approached that altar just to stare at what was in the center of it. Ben used to associate everything that was medieval with the Forever Knights, who have been a pain in the ass for Ben and his friends on several occasions.
For Ben, everything that was medieval should be in a place where anyone who liked to see iron armor, swords, axes, shields, spears, paintings of kings and dragons could appreciate: a museum. And castles could serve as tourist attractions, places to visit and exhibits for those who are fans or fanatics of all that Medieval Era history encompasses.
-Maybe a little. I just noticed the similarity of this place to the one where we were before and wanted to see the details more closely. And speaking of details, who are these four? Ben asked, looking around and noticing the four monuments that were there.
- These are the Four Kings. All we know is that these statues and the ruins below are from the same era, and the story that relates the existence of an ancient and powerful empire that inhabited this region, and was ruled by these kings, has been lost to time. Marcos replied, while also looking at the statues, remembering every word he heard when those same words were said to him, whenever he asked his parents when he was just a child.
-Wow… this whole place has an interesting story about everything, in every corner of it. Here would be a great postcard for sightseeing. Ben made a positive comment about all the historical richness of that place, as if he really was an exchange tourist.
- Well, you're basically a tourist. Enjoy your stay here while you can. Edward said, smiling friendly. Ben wanted to go look past an iron railing that was there like a fence, between two of those statues of kings.
Right away, he spotted a large industrial chimney, where dark smoke was coming out. From where Ben was standing, he could see the outside of a large industrial complex, which by the lights, was running at full steam. At this point, Ben knew exactly what the place was and who was managing the operation of that complex: Lord Heisenberg's Factory.
"So that's where you stay, Dr. Frankenstein?" Ben asked himself in his mind as he watched the factory from afar.
-This is Lord Heisenberg's house. Edward said, as he and Marcos approached where Ben was. Gretta, Bianca and Gabriella, who were still talking to each other, also decided to go closer to where Ben and the boys were. The six young men were there, observing that factory and the house of one of the Lords.
-It's not what I would call home. Sleeping there must not be easy. Ben said, smiling slightly while still keeping his eyes on the yellow and red lights coming from that factory. The yellow from the light fixtures outside and the red that seemed to come from inside the place, visible through the windows, even from that distance.
-You took the words out of my mouth. I bet he goes down to the village sometimes just to relieve his ears from the noise inside. Marcos said, not only he but the others were also listening to the sounds coming from the factory.
- And he's alone there? Ben asked, wanting to know more about that mysterious factory.
- I heard that there were more people working there with him, and you better not ask what they were working with there, no one has the slightest idea. Marcos said, before taking a sip of bourbon. He filled his glass with the drink before that.
"Yeah. I think I've gotten enough information already. Or not…" Ben was undecided whether to start investigating with the information he already had, or if it was better that he got more.
-Wow, is it getting late already? Bianca asked in an ironic tone, wanting to get the attention of the only one who had a watch there.
- Yeah, listening to bedtime stories takes a long time, doesn't it, Ben? Gretta followed her friend's cue, only to hear the "magic watch" voice speak the time once more.
-Oh yeah. Omnitrix, what time is it? Ben asked the clock, waiting for the device to respond.
- 8 hours, 40 minutes and 18 seconds p.m The Omnitrix's voice responded, just like the other time the Clock Function was shown.
- We still have one hour. Ben said, a slight smile on his face. Something made him think that his "magic watch" would gain a certain "fame" among the villagers.
- Ben, of the very few outsiders who arrived and stayed in this village, you are the… uh… Gabriella didn't know what word would be adequate to attribute to Ben for having presented them with something as incredible and interesting as the Omnitrix, performing only its simple secondary functions.
-Coolest. I think this is the right word. Edward said, finishing Gabriella's sentence as he smiled.
- Thanks guys, but I'm not thinking of staying here. Ben acknowledged the compliment, smiling slightly in appreciation.
- Don't you want to think a little better about it? Gretta asked, a smug look on her face. Ben understood very well what she meant by that.
He just looked at her and answered her with a crooked smile, before returning to observe the mysterious factory, where one of the Lords made that place his home.
"Sorry hottie, but it's not gonna happen."
….