Hidden inheritance

Chapter 21: What if: Race Against Time

The flash of light died out to reveal what looked like an older human, an averagely tall man with light brown neat hair, with Ben's green eyes, wearing a black bodysuit along with a coat. Along with that attire were black gauntlets with purple highlights, which looked somewhat familiar to Vilgax. He'd seen this kind of outfit in a history book during his youth, didn't he? But it was a long time ago, what was this new form?

"This guy, is named Eon. He's a Chronian from a planet that disappeared from time and space." said Ben in his new form, still looking down. "He wanted to take over the Earth, but was too weak so, he tried to use me to do it instead."

"And you defended yourself, right? That species has been weakened by its overuse of time powers, they couldn't have been much of a threat with your range of powers."

"I did but... he almost succeeded, I was really scared. For a moment, he was in control of my mind, I wouldn't be here with you if it wasn't for Gwen saving me." he said, sighing heavily. He wasn't as old as the Chronian who gave him this DNA sample, but it felt like it. "I attacked the Plumbers, I almost killed people. Kraab and Sixsix got restrained by that guy's goons and... Grandpa Max almost died."

Vilgax's expression switched to a shocked one. Though everyone could tell he hated Max, his face didn't exactly look pleased learning his archenemy was almost taken care of that night. Ben supposed Vilgax wanted to end Max himself, and while he wasn't enchanted by the idea, he had other stuff in mind.

"Bad people will keep coming if I keep the watch, and I can't let someone else have it. I got rid of Eon and saved the town before anyone noticed my absence, but it was so painful, so scary... This isn't like Ghostfreak, he planned to keep me transformed forever and never let me be me again. I was so scared I wouldn't see you again I..."

Tears started to stream down his cheeks as he closed his eyes, he couldn't believe what he was about to ask.

"I can't go with you. I'm sorry but, if people like Eon put you in danger, put Grandpa in danger, I'd never forgive myself, ever."

"Ben, listen. We're strong enough to take it, you and I." said Vilgax approaching him.

"No you don't get it, there'll always be more! Not even Clockwork was enough to stop him, he just came back when that portal he had was still working. And if it's not Eon, it'll be someone else, I can't let something bad happen to you or anyone on Vilgaxia if I follow you, I'll just cause trouble by baiting the problems directly here!"

"It's one problem, Ben. We'll find a solution, you know we're not easy to bring down. Come on, let's-"

"No! Please stop for a second!" said Ben raising his hands in frustration. "You've seen how many people are determined to get rid of me. As soon as word gets out that I'll leave the Earth, everyone is gonna try to follow and people will think I was the reason we risked the end of the world all the time! So please, let's just-"

He hadn't realized what he'd done until he looked at his father. Vilgax's expression was frozen, it looked like he stopped walking while Ben was ranting. His eyes widened, and he sent a purple beam to Vilgax, letting the squid man move again.

Neither of them spoke following this, only staring at each other in silence. Ben's head was full of conflicting thoughts, all he wanted was to go home and forget any of this just happened. And while he knew he could now go back in time, he knew it'd never fix the problems his family, both of them, went through.

Max was still willing to risk his life to save him, and as much as Ben was mad at him for not saying the truth, he also knew his grandpa did care as much as Vilgax had. So he couldn't just go against what Max taught him and bring ruin to innocent people he didn't know, regardless of how insistent and kind Vilgax had been this entire time.