Hidden inheritance

Chapter 10: Back with an apology

"No? I didn't mess for the Omnitrix for once, I just..." Ben wondered if Kevin was responsible. "Wait, I touched Kevin while I was in there, think it messed with the watch?"

"Hmm, this might be it. The energy from the Omnitrix might've clashed with his mutant state and overload the system, resetting it without you noticing."

"So I can't use my new aliens anymore?" asked the young alien worriedly.

"Of course you can." reassured Vilgax, brushing the boy's tentacled head. "The Omnitrix keeps track of your transformations. For every form you've used, they're listed as unlocked by the Omnitrix's database. Even if you lose Master Control, those forms you've gained are still there."

"Phew!" sighed Ben. "Man, it still stinks I lost it! I thought I could help you with my powers, do cool stuff with you." he pouted. "Now I'm back to being plain old me. Or not." he looked at his green clawed hands. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"Why am I human?"

A huge silence installed itself in the room. Sixsix and Kraab were at the entrance, still silent but listening closely while they guarded the door. This was a question they have been asking themselves too: why did Vilgax the Conqueror have a human son? As far as they knew, he wasn't adopted. Adopted by humans, yes, but it was hard to imagine Vilgax of all people want to raise a child that wasn't his as his own, a human at that (even if lately, a lot of things surprised them).

Vilgax crossed his hands, going deep in thought. He knew this question would come sooner or later when Ben was born, it would be hard to explain to his son the reason of their difference. Especially since Max Tennyson had taken him away. The truth could break him. Not for long, of course, but Ben wouldn't talk to his human family ever again and they'd suspect something, or mistreat him.

It would've been so much easier if Ben didn't grow apart from him, things were more complicated than he expected. Now he couldn't talk to Ben about it without making things worse. Like Max.

It angered him to know he and the Plumber were in the same situation. He knew he wasn't the most purehearted being in the Galaxy, but it didn't mean he had to share a misery with the old man, especially since he didn't want Ben mad at him either.

No, he wouldn't tell Ben, but unlike Max, he wouldn't hide everything from him either. Just what he needed to know.

"The reason you were born human... is partially my fault."

"Huh?"

"I... I wasn't the same man I used to be before we had you. I changed, I went through many dangers and perils, but one of my... mistakes affected me greatly, and... it also affected your mother."

Ben listened, his eyes wide.

"She was affected by the same curse I've had, and it affected you too, while she was still carrying you. The fact you're still here today, you're still alive, is to me one of the biggest miracles I've ever witnessed. As a result, you were born human, even if your mother was a Chimeran like me, like us both now."

"What was my mom like?" Ben asked.

"She was a peaceful and warm woman. She always wanted to make sure those she knew were at ease, even if she often got into trouble for it. She wouldn't listen when told otherwise, and she could be feisty at times, unpredictable. She was the brightest woman I've ever known."

He sounded lost in memory, nostalgic. Ben hadn't seen this side of him yet, despite the many times Vilgax showed himself to be a sensitive being underneath that creepy cool armor.