What kind of alien transformation did I unlock?
Diamondhead's mind wandered through the possibilities as he considered the options. Could it be Buzzshock? Or maybe Wildvine? It might even be Way Big, or perhaps X, one of those universe-ending powerhouses...
The crystal warrior couldn't help but speculate, but to actually know which alien DNA the Omnitrix had acquired, he'd have to wait until his transformation ended and check the device's interface directly.
As dusk settled across the landscape, the Rust Bucket rumbled smoothly into the outskirts of the city. Diamondhead made sure to duck into the RV's tiny bathroom just before his transformation timed out, even though Howell could probably guess what was happening, maintaining the facade was part of being a proper "masked hero."
Diamondhead went in.
Asher came out.
Howell noticed the Omnitrix symbol on Asher's wrist had changed from its usual green to red before reverting back, and his expression grew thoughtful. But he said nothing, keeping his observations to himself.
"My friend, we're in the city now, completely safe territory. Thank you for everything you've done to help us." Max brought the RV to a gentle stop and addressed Howell politely from the driver's seat.
As an adult who'd survived years on the streets, Howell immediately understood Max's unspoken message. He stood up with a knowing grimace, rubbing his swollen face. "Yeah, I should get going anyway. Need to pick up some ice for this bruise, hurts like hell."
The fewer secrets he knew about this family, the better. He wasn't eager to end up silenced for knowing too much!
The domineering presence of Diamondhead and the terrifying ferocity of Wildmutt still lingered vividly in his memory.
Before climbing out of the RV, Howell turned back with a serious expression. "I know something about the Forever Knights organization. I only cooperated with them briefly before, but I understand how they operate. For small fry like me, they probably won't bother with serious retaliation. But you folks?" He shook his head gravely. "You need to watch your backs. They will come after you for revenge."
His words hung heavy in the air.
Max, Ben, and the others exchanged worried glances, tension creeping into their expressions.
"If they come for revenge again," Asher said calmly, hands tucked casually in his pockets, his voice steady and confident, "then we'll defeat them again. And again. And as many times as it takes." His tone was matter-of-fact, but carried absolute conviction. "We'll keep fighting until we've dismantled the entire Forever Knights organization. Then maybe they'll be the ones afraid of us."
Though his voice lacked the booming arrogance of Diamondhead's battle cry, the quiet certainty in his words radiated an unshakeable sense of security.
His declaration seemed to bolster everyone's spirits. Ben straightened up with renewed confidence, and even Gwen looked more determined. They all watched as Howell disappeared into the gathering darkness.
The Rust Bucket continued toward a more secluded spot where they could park for the night.
Although Ben desperately wanted to test out his upgraded steel armor and see just how much stronger it had become, it was already too late in the evening. He'd have to wait until morning to properly experiment.
The moment the Omnitrix finished recharging, Asher eagerly activated the interface, unable to wait any longer to discover which new alien transformation he'd acquired.
He didn't transform, he just wanted to preview what form it would take so he'd have some mental preparation.
"This is..."
Looking at the pattern displayed on the Omnitrix screen, Asher's brow furrowed in confusion. "A lizard?"
The holographic interface showed the silhouette of what appeared to be a reptilian creature, but something seemed off about it. The design didn't match any of the alien heroes he remembered from the original Ben 10 series, at least not any of the frequently used ones.
All his questions would have to wait until tomorrow when he could actually test it in combat.
After the RV found a stable parking spot, the four of them took turns showering, a welcome luxury after the day's chaos.
Everyone headed to bed afterward to rest... except for Gwen, who needed to practice her magical exercises before sleeping. She spent an additional hour meditating and performing spellwork, steadily strengthening her mystical abilities before finally turning in for the night.
Meanwhile, at the Forever Knights' fortress...
The remaining dozen or so knights surveyed the devastated courtyard with mounting dread. Craters and impact marks scarred the once-pristine grounds. They had no idea how to report this disaster to their leader.
"Tell me," a voice said from behind them, emotionless, toneless, yet somehow making every knight present break into a cold sweat, "what happened here."
The Eternal Knight had arrived.
"Lord Eternal Knight!" the knights stammered, turning in unison to face him.
"It's... it's our fault, sir."
Standing at the fortress entrance was an imposing figure clad in steel armor, his face hidden behind a golden mask engraved with the Forever Knights' insignia. The design was elaborate and intimidating, lending him an aura of overwhelming authority.
His eyes blazed with barely contained fury as he scanned the destruction.
The courtyard was demolished.
So many of his men had been knocked unconscious or injured.
The turrets and defensive weapons, completely destroyed.
And when he'd gone to check the storage warehouse, he'd discovered that much of their irreplaceable alien technology had been wrecked beyond repair. Worst of all, the most valuable piece, the lightning core, was missing!
The Eternal Knight's rage threatened to explode.
Never before had he suffered such a humiliating defeat. A sub-base nearly obliterated, his soldiers beaten down en masse. The cost of repairs alone would be astronomical!
And the alien technology, those were priceless artifacts, treasures that couldn't be bought with any amount of money!
They'd completely failed to "steal the chicken," and in the process lost a massive amount of rice in the bargain. This entire situation was a textbook example of catastrophic failure.
"Haaaah..."
To suppress his violent temper, the Eternal Knight clenched his fists so tightly his gauntlets creaked. Behind his golden mask, fury seemed to radiate like physical heat. "Asher Tennyson... Ben Tennyson... and that alien technology you possess. I will take it all from you! And when I do, I'll make you pay a price ten times worse than this!"
As for the knights who'd failed him? He wasn't going to kill them in a fit of rage.
He wasn't an idiot. Everything had already been stolen, and the enemy was clearly formidable. Losing under those circumstances was understandable.
If he executed his own men now, that really would be losing both his wife and his army in one stroke.
Better to keep them around. He could always kill them later if they outlived their usefulness.
So instead, the Eternal Knight took the unexpected approach of consoling his subordinates, even offering them medical expense payments for the first time in recent memory. The gesture brought several of the injured knights to tears, and they swore fierce oaths of loyalty, vowing they would follow him through hell itself if necessary!
Once he'd completed his preparations...
He wouldn't let anyone from that damned RV escape. As for Howell? That cowardly opportunist had better pray their paths never crossed again!
The night passed in silent tension.
Asher himself had fallen into a deep, peaceful sleep.
Perhaps exhausted from the previous day's continuous battles, even Asher, who normally slept lightly and remained constantly alert, accidentally overslept for once.
When he finally woke, Ben and Gwen were just starting to stir as well.
The morning routine proceeded as usual: washing up, brushing teeth, and eating breakfast together in comfortable silence.
After finishing their meal, Ben suddenly marched directly in front of Asher and jabbed a finger at the arc reactor glowing on his chest. "Asher, forget waiting around, we're having our match this morning!"