Hidden inheritance

Chapter 12: Nightly Encounters

Ben nodded. "So if Ghostfreak was someone important, he could rally a lot of people to obey to him and do his dirty job. Talk about a possessive and entitled jerk, he wasn't that competent when he was stuck in the watch. He definitely can't do this alone. What should I do if I meet his henchmen?"

"As always. Teach them a lesson and show them what happens when they dare get in your way." he maliciously advised. "You already know how to make yourself clear, show those fools of the night they shouldn't mess with the power of a future king."

Ben smiled. While he wasn't fully comfortable with the idea of becoming Vilgaxia's next ruler, he couldn't help but bask in the feeling that someday, he'd be the leader of an entire planet, an entire species. He would become all powerful, and Vilgax kept feeding that feeling. He couldn't resist wanting all that power to himself.

Max always taught him to restrain himself and do what's right, but Vilgax's advice felt right too. He was able to kick villain butts straight to the hospital with his powers, he was able to save more people, he could still be a hero. Holding back all this time made him feel like an animal in cage.

Speaking of which, he hoped the Christmas village they went to got its damage fixed after everyone was brought back to normal. Gwen had lectured him about destroying the place, and frankly, Ben felt he had to get that out of his system. Max had been kidnapped to become Santa Claus, he didn't care what the problem was with wrecking the "evil Christmas spirit" that day.

He had to admit, he almost lost it when Sixsix grew green elves ears on his head, sticking out of his helmet. That was so hilarious he and Kraab almost gave away where the Sotoraggian was hiding during the adventure. He felt Sixsix was glaring at his partner when they left, especially since Kraab's big lack of organs prevented him from turning into an elf too.

"You know, I realize it just now, but Gwen is kinda right. Your entire ship kinda smells like a fish tank when I think about it. I mean, it's not as bad as I thought, and she just thinks I've been using Ripjaws too much. But, why's that?" asked Ben. "You don't need water to breathe. Do you have a big aquarium somewhere around?"

"The humidity in here recreates the natural environment of our planet. This way, I'm never too uncomfortable before leaving for a mission. You could say it's like I carry a piece of home with me." explained Vilgax. "It's also good for my pets. They can be very hungry sometimes, and if I have to feed them, it's better if they're in the right living conditions."

"Wait... you got pets in here? Like, a dog or a cat?"

Vilgax tilted his head. "Did I never show them to you?" Ben shook his head no. "Hmm, there's a first time for everything. Come with me." he said as they both got up.

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He just had to walk a few miles, and he'd be out of Grover's Mill soon. It was hard finding a ride during the night, he had to sneak into the back of many farmers' trucks and run before he was caught.

People around here really needed to invest in more lights. It was really dark, and he needed to recharge his energy powers.

The life around here seemed so dull, he almost thought of burning down a few fields, see the farmers freak out. They couldn't really blame a kid for a fire, could they? Too bad he wasn't Heatblast, would've been more fun to see them freak out in front of a burning dude.

Maybe the diamond alien could've helped cutting down the tall grass, he could've left circles behind and make people believe it was aliens who did it. Not that they'd be wrong for once.

His thoughts were interrupted when someone crossed the road, running past him in a hurry.

Kevin blinked and looked at where he saw the silhouette hide. It looked like a kid, probably younger than him. Why was he taking a walk at night this late?