97. Max's 81st Birthday

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(Lex POV)

After I gave Vilgax to the two Bens so they could have a normal conversation while beating the poor alien, we all got on the RV and were now hovering in the air, right above their battle. Everything happened quite predictably. Despite the fact that I dented Vilgax quite badly, he was still a very worthy opponent, especially for a 10-year-old Ben.

Finally, Vilgax came in handy with his modifications and the information inscribed in his DNA. He began to slowly suppress and 30-year-old Ben. Still, Vilgax was right when he said he knew every Omnitrix alien and their movements. He was just unlucky to meet me.

- Are you sure they don't need help? Looks like they're losing. - Ashley asked worriedly.

- Do not worry. Vilgax is already on his last legs. It's just that the two Bens need to find their rhythm and work together. - I said with a smile, looking at exactly how it happens.

10-year-old Ben turned into Diamondhead, while 30-year-old Ben returned to human form for the first time and started fighting 'Ben style'. That is, reckless and stupid, mostly relying on huge luck.

- Ha, looks like you were right. - Ashley said in surprise as the two Bens began to dominate the battle.

- Well, how was your battle with GorillAnimo? - I asked anyway.

- Pretty simple. He doesn't know how to fight at all. As soon as I beat his body, I filled it with rubble and twisted off his head. Basically, he's weak. - Ashley said with a smile, clearly asking for praise from me.

- Hey. - with indignation in his voice, shouted the head in the jar.

- Oh, Dr. Animo, I didn't see you. Long time no see. How are you doing? - I asked with a sneer in my voice.

- Don't you see it? Your girlfriend destroyed my beautiful body. - Animo yelled, almost blushing with anger.

- Yes, I see life has beaten you. I thought my Animo was unlucky. - After carefully examining Animo's current state, I said.

- What happened woth your Animo? - 10-year-old Gwen inquired as we continued to watch the battle.

- Our first meeting, let's say, did not go according to plan. As a result, because of me, Aloysius received amnesia and now he is in a psychiatric hospital. - With an awkward smile, I said.

- Truth? - Gwen asked in dismay as the others listened to my story.

- Yes. Although, now he is doing very well. Last time I checked, he started a new study on animal cloning. And if he succeeds, he will not only be able to restore the extinction of rare animals and bring back previously extinct ones, he will also be able to start the production of cloned meat, which in the future will solve the problem of world hunger. I'm even thinking about funding his research. Honestly, he can save the world from many problems. - I said honestly. How, after all, life turned around surprisingly, because of one too strong blow to the head.

- Wow! I didn't know Dr. Animo was capable of such a thing. - Gwen said in surprise, while Gwendolyn and Grandfather clearly agreed with these words.

- So my genius is recognized? - Animo asked softly.

- Not yet. But, he started from scratch. Having got rid of the burden of the past and forgetting about all the things that had previously worried him, he again devoted himself to science. I think he is really happy now. - I said, trying to influence Animo 10,000 a little.

Still, whatever you say, but Animo is a real genius. One of the smartest people in the world, and possibly in the galaxy. It is unfortunate that due to some lost award, he embarked on a criminal path and ruined all his potential.

Dr. Animo, hearing my words, fell silent, deep in thought. Perhaps he has a chance to start all over again.

- Looks like they're done. - Max said, lowering the bus to the ground. Both Bens managed to defeat Vilgax and encased him in solid ice from which he could not escape. At least for a while. It's Vilgax, he always comes back.

When we went outside, two Bens were waiting for us and both of them were obviously in a good mood. The older Ben was still in the form of Arctiguana, with which he froze Vilgax. Given the chance, I quickly scanned this alien. It won't be redundant.

This is an alien, my second acquisition for today. When the older Ben chased his younger version and Vilgax, he turned into some kind of flying alien that I had never seen before. Fortunately, I managed to scan it.

This time, I decided not to risk it and turned off the automatic scanning function.

The last time my Omnitrix stuck to the Ultimatrix and only copied twenty aliens, it malfunctioned for a while and I had to fight without it. Who knows what will happen to the clock if they copy 10,000 aliens at once. I'd rather not find out. Still, no one will give me another watch of the same kind.

- What was that flash? - Ben asked. Fortunately, he decided to refrain from excessive boasting.

- Do not pay attention. Okay, back to base. We need to bring you back to your time. And before that, celebrate Grandpa's birthday. - Ben 10'000 said with a smile. Looks like 10-year-old Ben's psychotherapy worked just fine.

Hearing what Ben said, Grandpa and Gwendolyn smiled happily and rushed to hug. I don't think he even need my help. It looks like 10-year-old Ben has the scariest technique in the world of Naruto - Naruto Therapy. Well, in this case, Ben Therapy.

- Okey, okey. Stop hugging. Let's get back. - adult Ben, said with a chuckle.

***

*Five hours later*

We returned to Ben's headquarters, where we had a little party in honor of Grandpa. Everyone especially liked my cake. It seems that at this time there are some problems with chocolate and it is hard to get it. So Ben and Gwendolyn were especially pleased.

While I was busy talking to 10-year-old Ben and Gwen, who constantly asked different questions, 30-year-old Ben managed to have a heart-to-heart talk with Grandpa, and they reconciled.

At the same time, he apologized to Gwendolyn and Max for his past behav6ior. He even refused to help the Galactic Enforcers and trusted them to handle everything themselves. Looks like his brains really fell into place. And now, I feel useless.

- All right, guys, it's time for you. You need to be in time for another party. - Gwendolyn said with a smile, opening the time tunnel for 10-year-old Ben and Gwen.

- It was nice to meet you. Goodbye. I love you Grandpa. - After first saying goodbye to me and Ashley, Gwen hugged Max and walked towards the tunnel.

Having said a few parting words in the end, Gwendolyn let Gwen through the portal and she disappeared from this time.

- I love you too, Grandpa. I'm glad to know that you will be just as cool in your 80s. - hugging Max, Ben said with a smile. Still, he's not that bad. Sometimes.

- And you, next time we meet, I'll kick your ass. - Ben yelled, pointing his finger at me, and then went to his older version to say goodbye. In doing so, he completely ignored Ashley. Perhaps I was wrong in my previous conclusions.

Ben 10'000 spoke to Ben 10 for a bit, giving some parting words, and promised that he would never again become a boring adult like before and would always rely on his family.

It looks like 10-year-old Ben never learned the whole story, which is not surprising. Such things, it is still too early for him to know. Although, that didn't stop him from reminding Many-Faced Ben of important things and helping him with his current problem.

- Farewell. Call if you need help. - Ben shouted and waving his hand, jumped into the portal, which closed in a second.

- What a cute boy. - Ashley said through gritted teeth, clearly annoyed at being ignored.

- I'm sorry, Ashley. He still has a lot to learn. - Ben 10'000 said shamefacedly.

- Nothing, I understand everything. He is just a child. So what about us? What time do we get back? - Ashley asked Gwendolyn.

- It's harder for you. You need to be sent to the time axis of another world, so this will require some calculations. And a lot of energy. In this, I need your help, Lex. - Gwendolyn said, thinking a little.

- I don't mind, it's not difficult for me. Does it mean that we will stay here for a while?

- Yes, but only for a couple of days. I will bring you back, right after the moment you left. So you don't have to worry about being late for Grandpa's birthday. - said Gwendolyn with a smile.

- It's okay, we don't mind. - I said, and in confirmation of my words, Ashley nodded her head.

- I'm glad we were able to meet again. B- en 10'000 said looking at me and Ashley. And then he added: - Unfortunately, I won't be able to give you time today. I need to talk to a few people and ask for forgiveness for my behaviour. You can stay at the base, there are several rooms here. Make yourself at home. Again, I'm sorry, but I have to go.

Turning into another unfamiliar alien, which I immediately copied, Ben disappeared in the blink of an eye. Great, another new addition to my collection.

- Grandfather, do you mind that he left? - Ashley asked.

- It's OK. We celebrated my birthday so he can go. He needs to talk to a lot of people. - Max said with a smile. Fortunately, this time, there was no hidden sadness in his words.

- Yes, especially he needs to apologize to Kai. I even feel sorry for him. - with a smirk that said that the last words are lies, said Gwendolyn.

- Moreover, for tomorrow evening, we have planned a small man's party. Lex, I hope you'll join us? - Max asked.

- Of course, I don't mind.

- Then Ashley and I will have a girl day. - said Gwendolyn, embracing Ashley with a smile.

- Okay, I don't mind either. But, Gwendolyn, I wanted to ask why you wear Bezel's Charms like that? - Ashley asked, pointing to the charms that were attached to Gwendolyn's right hand.

- What are you talking about? How else can I wear them? - Gwendolyn asked incredulously.

- Ashley means why didn't you bind them to you with a spell from the Book of Archamada? - I explained.

Gwendolyn looked at me in surprise, then said: - I didn't know that it was possible to do that. At one time, I destroyed the Book of Archamada to keep it from falling into Hex's hands. Have you kept the book?

- Yes. And tied the Charms. Although, there was only a spell to bind the Charm of Luck, but Lex decided to take a chance, and he managed to bind the Keystone. And then Gwen and I tied the rest of the Charms. - Ashley said as she showed off her Telekinesis and Electrokinesis Tattoos. I, in turn, showed the Tattoos of Luck and 10x Enhancement.

Gwendolyn's eyes lit up with excitement, and she asked hopefully: - Do you have a book with you?

- Not. - I said mercilessly, destroying hope, and then returned it, saying: - But, I have an electronic copy.

Gwendolyn practically shook with delight and asked: - You'll let me read it, won't you? I was never able to get my hands on it, and for several years I had to master the Charms on my own.

- Of course, it's not difficult for me. - I said and took out my phone and began to figure out how to send the information to Gwendolyn.

While I was doing this, Ashley decided to satisfy her curiosity again and asked: - Where is my alternate version? Kevin seems to be. I wanted to meet him and ask for advice about my powers.

Upon hearing Ashley's question, Max and Gwendolyn's faces changed. It seems that fate still overtook Kevin, and he turned into a monster again. Poor fellow.

- You see, Ashley, Kevin is having trouble with his abilities. - Max said delicately.

- He went mad with power again and we had to lock him up in Null Void. - said Gwendolyn harshly.

- Oh… Sorry for asking. - Ashley said awkwardly.

- Nothing. We tried to help him, but we couldn't. However, this does not mean that we have given up. - Max said, trying to support Gwendolyn, who was clearly upset about the fate of her boyfriend.

- Okay, let's not talk about sad things. Gwendolyn, how about you give us a little tour of this base? - I changed the subject.

- Of course, why not. Let's go to the basement first. There, we have a large Null Void projector, which is now the key to this entire prison. - said Gwendolyn enthusiastically and led us downstairs.

***

*Another five hours later*

As a result, we were given a full tour and were shown the most interesting places, including a museum with trophies. It was quite interesting to look at Ben's story through the glass case. My inner fan rejoiced.

When we got to the flying board stand, Ashley couldn't help but take one to fly. Although she can already fly, according to Ashley, flying on a board is a completely different feeling.

In the end, Gwendolyn gave Ashley one of Ben's boards. Ashley was extremely pleased with such a gift, especially when she found out that our Gwen already has one.

After the tour, we went to a nearby restaurant, which, fortunately, turned out to be for people, and there was normal food.

Although, Grandpa tried to take us to another place with more exotic food. It was lucky that Gwendolyn was able to persuade Max to abandon this idea.

Then, we went to the cinema for a 7-D movie. The special effects were just amazing, not to mention the immersive technology. But the plot, as always, left much to be desired. However, we had a good time.

And now, Ashley and I were going to our rooms, which Gwendoline had arranged for us, at Ben's headquarters. Max has already returned to his RV and Gwendoline to her apartment.

We walked quietly down the corridor, in awkward silence. And to get rid of it, I said:

- So you're not boycotting me anymore?

At first, Ashley looked at me in confusion, and then, realizing what I was talking about, smiled awkwardly and said:

- It was Gwen's idea. She decided that ignoring would be the best punishment for you.

- It's certainly unpleasant, but tolerable. And what did she want to achieve? - I inquired.

- I do not know. She just wanted to punish you so that you would understand your mistake. - Ashley said with a shrug.

- already understood her, and I will do anything to redeem her. Though I still won't break up with Hope. As with you. - I said seriously.

- I know. You are faithful. Even a lustful. - Ashley poked me in the ribs with her elbow.

- Well, that's what I am. So, you don't resent me anymore? - I asked anyway.

- I did not take offense. I just decided to support Gwen. However, you really were wrong.

- Yes I know. - I said with a sigh.

Stopping in the middle of the corridor, Ashley looked at me and said seriously: - You see, Lex. We have known each other for a short time, but you have changed my life a lot. You help me, you support me and give me everything I want. You are wonderful and I love you very much. You have one flaw, and I'm ready to put up with it, because your pluses far outweigh your lustful.

- Ha ha, thanks. That's good to hear. And you really don't mind the way things turned out? ; I asked, tightening my grip on Ashley's hand.

- Honestly, no. After all, it was I who initially got into your relationship with Gwen and it's not for me to complain about other girls. I just want that you loved me and paid attention to me, and the rest is not important. - Ashley said sincerely.

- I love you. You can be sure of it. I will do everything to show you this and so that you do not feel left out. - Kissing her on the forehead, I said sincerely.

- I know, I was just taken aback by the way you acted after meeting Hope. You became detached and even a little cold, as I now understand, out of guilt. Then I was just afraid that you stopped loving me and you no longer need me. - Ashley admitted after wiping a few tears.

- That will never happen. Do you hear. Since I started dating you, it means that I want to be with you. And nothing in the world can separate us. Get those stupid thoughts out of your head. - I said harshly, hugging the girl.

- Well thank you. I just needed to hear it. - hugging me tight, Ashley said, and then added: - Just don't do it again. I was really scared and hurt.

- Promise. - I said sincerely. In vain, I still pulled with a confession. This only made it worse.

- Okay, it's getting late. Time to sleep. - Letting go of the girl, I said.

- Yes, it's time. - Ashley said as she wiped her face, then added in full: - Lex, aren't we alone right now?

- Yes. I don't think there's anyone else in the building. And what? - I inquired.

- If you don't want to go to my room... And stay there until tomorrow. - Ashley said, cheeks red with embarrassment.

- What? - I said, a little confused by such a proposal.

- I'm already sixteen. - Ashley said shyly, looking into my eyes.

Understanding perfectly well what she means, I decided not to refuse the girl and, picking her up in my arms, quickly ran to her room.

- You'll like it. - I finally said to the embarrassed girl.

Well, then, it was what you thought.