Hidden inheritance

Chapter 9: Picking up broken pieces

He frowned at the thought of having them boss him around. He was a more experienced, more powerful and better hero now, yet they still treated him like he was the same helpless kid he was at the beginning of summer. He almost wanted to go see them now, show them what kind of hero he became...

But he knew that would only cause trouble for him, for Vilgax, for Sixsix and Kraab, and for them. It annoyed him that he was being denied all this fun, all this power just because he was a kid, because they didn't see him as more than just... Ben. He changed over the summer, it was about time they understood that.

He blinked as he heard a familiar noise. It sounded like a reaction engine, one that belonged to a spaceship Ben now knew well. Turning around to look at the field behind him, he grinned as he recognized the Chimerian Hammer, seeing it land on the green grass below.

He couldn't wait to show Vilgax what he could do! The man would be so delighted to see all the possibilities opened to Ben, to them both.

"Your father Lord Vilgax has arrived, young Master." said Kraab.

"Yeah. He's gonna be so glad to see me like this!" Ben giggled, jumping in place. "But wait, guys. I got an idea..."

Both Bounty Hunters got closer to hear what Ben had in mind this time. This kid surely wasn't anything they were used to.

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The place Ben had chosen for the meeting point was appealing compared to most Earthly views, Vilgax had to admit.

The waterfalls seemed inviting, and the waters looked clean, unlike what most of this planet's population did with its water. It wasn't as clean and beautiful as the ones on Vilgaxia, but it was still something.

Had it not been for his injuries to heal and for his inability to swim on this planet without changing to his true form, he would've gladly took his son to the water. Things would be so much easier if he could spend time with Ben without having to worry about the Plumbers meddling, but this was Ben's choice to make.

His ship was now parked on land, he let the hatch open, allowing his son and his guards to enter. Their message had been sudden and unexpected, this was the first time they were the ones contacting him. All he was told was that he needed to come to Earth as soon as possible. If the two hunters he hired failed to protect Ben...

Where was Ben?

"Where is my son?" he hissed.

Sixsix and Kraab were standing next to each other, looking slightly nervous from their postures.

"Well?"

There was a green flash behind them, and they stepped aside, revealing XLR8, an eager grin on the blue alien's face.

"Surprise!" said the young alien.

"There you are." said Vilgax, his features and voice softening.

XLR8 ran up to Vilgax, running around him in circle. The warlord was amused his son had that much energy and excitement to see him again, he hadn't had the occasion to see Ben act his age much since... since he lost him.

"I got something to show you!" said XLR8, stopping in front of his father.

Vilgax raised a brow. Did Ben find a new feature within the Omnitrix? This child was full of surprises.

"Wait for it..." said XLR8. There was another flash of green, and Ben was gone.

"Ben? Benjamin, where are you?" said Vilgax. There was slight worry in his voice, he didn't know what Ben meant to do.