Ben 10 Porn Story: Alien Demon or Undead Chapter 18

Chapter Eighteen

Come
in, Ben, Gwen called as she set her book aside.

How
did you know it was me? he asked as he closed the door behind him.

The
dishes from breakfast have already been picked up, she replied.
Not to mention that its daytime, so that takes a few people off
the list of possible visitors and Kevin wouldnt have bothered to
knock.

Oh,
he said simply.

Ben,
are you alright? she asked, taking in his disheveled appearance.
You look like you havent slept at all.

I
dont know, he replied with a sigh as he dropped down to sit at
the foot of the bed. Ive just been thinking a lot. Couldnt
sleep.

About?
she prompted.

About
everything, I guess, he said with a shrug. As cool as it is to
visit another world, I just keep thinking about why were here. I
mean, weve been fighting aliens for a while, and we always did
everything we could to make sure everyone made it out in one piece.
I know there were a couple of times where that didnt happen, but
how many people died in Los Soledad? Did we really have the right to
let them get involved in that?

They
were going to get involved whether we wanted them to or not, she
reminded him.

We
should have done more to make sure they didnt get hurt, though,
he argued.

This
wasnt our fault, Gwen stated firmly. You know that as well
as I do.

Maybe
youre right, he conceded with a sigh. I dont know. Im
just tired, frustrated, and confused, I guess.

Tired
and frustrated I can understand, she began. What are you
confused about?

Promise
not to laugh? When he saw her nod, he took a deep breath. I
found out why Kevins been making those jokes He paused,
shifting uncomfortably. You know about me and Karian.

You
should know not to pay any attention to his jokes by now, she said
with a smile. You know how Kevin is.

I
know, but He looked down, frowning as he tried to figure out
how to phrase his words. After I got out of the hospital, when I
went to talk to Karian, he kind of said something along those lines
He said he cared about me more than he should, but he didnt expect
me to feel the same.

Do
you?

The
question surprised him, although he should have expected it. After
all, he had come to Gwen for advice for a few reasons. She knew him
probably better than anyone and it was less likely that she would
make fun of him like Kevin would. Ben looked at her, trying to read
her expression. There was no judgment in her eyes, only curiosity.
Looking down again, he shrugged.

Truth
is, he said, I dont know. I didnt really think about it
until after we got back from visiting his family. They pretty much
kicked him out, just because of what he is. He shook his head
slightly before lifting his gaze to hers. You should have seen
him that night, when he was talking about killing himself. It seems
like hes been through a lot, more than any of us know, and he
needs someone that at least tries to understand him.

This
is about you too, Ben, she said. It sounds like youre not
really sure about your own feelings right now and I cant blame
you. Its only been a couple of weeks since you and Julie broke up
and its a pretty big leap to go from having a girlfriend to
thinking about a guy. I think you should take a little more time
before even thinking about anyone else. If he isnt pressing the
issue, then I dont see any reason why you should worry about it.
Take some time away from relationships and if he needs a friend, then
be his friend.

I
guess youre right, he said, managing a smile.

Besides,
she continued, were only fifteen. You have plenty of time to
decide what you want to do. Its not like hes going to get any
older. Just be careful, though. It might be easy for you to look
past what he is, but you already know how dangerous he can be.

Yeah,
I know. The small puncture wounds had almost healed, but the scar
they would leave would serve as a reminder not to be careless.
Standing, he covered a yawn before heading towards the door. As he
opened it, he paused and glanced back at her. Thanks for the
advice. Well, and for not laughing about it.

Anytime,
she said with a smile. If youre awake this afternoon, Dornin
promised me a tour of the castle. You and Kevin are invited too.

Dornin?
Ben echoed, trying to place the name.

Hes
one of the advisors, she explained. The one with the purple
robes who never shows his face.

Oh,
he said, nodding. Well, I think Im going to try to catch a nap
for now. Maybe if Im up to it, Ill go with you later.

Gwen
watched him leave, frowning in concern as she reached for her book.
She wasnt sure of her own feelings regarding his dilemma. While
she wanted her cousin to be happy, she also wanted him to stay alive.
With a sigh, she opened the book, turned to the bookmarked page, and
resumed reading.

*****

Saturday
night arrived faster than the teenagers had anticipated. Aside from
the brief confrontation with the gypsies, there had been no issues
during their visit to Zalyndrya. They had seen their hosts only a
few times since their arrival, but the other residents of the castle
had been friendly towards them.

Ben
stood outside of his room with Kevin and Karian, waiting for Gwen to
join them. He was surprised to see Kevin in a suit, even more
surprised that the older teen actually owned one. Karian was clad in
a dark green tunic – silver embroidered trim catching the light of
the torches over black pants that were tucked into his boots.

After
a few more minutes, Gwen emerged from her room, smoothing out the
simple knee-length black dress. As a group, the headed down the
corridor and descended the stairs, catching a glimpse of the other
guests as they walked through the main entrance chamber.

Entering
the Great Hall, they were directed to their seats near the front of
the audience. The room began to fill quickly and their attention was
drawn to the long table against the front wall. Across its surface,
arranged in a neat line, they could see various family crests set
behind personal items. Some had a sword placed in front of them,
while others had helmets or other armor pieces to represent each of
the fallen. There were nine different displays in total and Ben
looked down, reminding himself of Gwens words.

A
hush came over the crowd and he looked up again as Lothan and Lalasa
walked down the center aisle to stand before the gathering. Their
two senior advisors stood on either side of them, and they exchanged
a few words before Lalasa addressed the assembly.

Greetings
and welcome, she began. I am grateful that you were all able
to attend. Tonight, we pay tribute to those who have fallen. She
paused, glancing at her husband before continuing. Recently, we
visited the realm known as Earth and during that journey, we were
engaged in battle with creatures that sought the destruction of that
realm and its inhabitants.

It
was decided that we would provide assistance to help Earth deter the
potential invaders, Lothan added. Initially, we had planned to
confront them ourselves. However, when we returned home to make
preparations, we were offered assistance by several members of the
Royal Guard. In addition to them, three brave warriors of Earth, who
had already fought the invaders in the past, played a large part in
the battle.

As
many of you know, Lalasa continued, the Royal Guard has served
the inhabitants of this castle for many generations. It is a legacy
that has been passed down from father to son to daughter. We have
employed many honorable men and women throughout the years. When
they learned of Earths peril, they insisted on helping without
hesitation. They are the strength of Zalyndrya. The desire to help
those in need, regardless of the risk, is a trait that has become
common throughout not only the Royal Guard, but throughout other
denizens of our world.

A
murmur coursed through the crowd as words of agreement were
exchanged. They quieted again as Abigalia stood and made her way to
the front of the room. She stopped beside the Elven advisor, who
rested a hand on her shoulder.

My
daughter took part in that battle as well, the woman said. Her
husband, the gypsy Dravias of the Crimson Fox clan is among the
fallen.

I
do not regret our decision to fight, Abigalia stated. During
our visit to Earth, we met some extraordinary people. They stood
strong to defend their home from a threat that most of their world
was unaware of. Looking to Ben, Gwen, and Kevin, she motioned for
them to join her. Dravias was proud to count these three among
his friends, as am I.

Id
like to say something, Ben spoke up, glancing over at Lalasa and
Lothan. As they nodded, he took a step forward. Its hard to
decide where to begin. These people, he motioned to the items on
the table, they didnt even know us, or about our world, but
they stepped up and fought beside us. I cant even begin to
express how big that is. He paused, looking down for a moment
before lifting his gaze and speaking again. I had said before
that there shouldnt be any sacrifices.

Theres
still a big part of me that sticks by that, but Ive also come to
realize that without their help, we might not have made it out of
there. Without their help, Earth might not be in one piece right
now, he added. I wish I had the chance to get to know them.
I wish I had the chance to get to know Dravias better. He seemed
like a great guy and I know were all going to miss him.

**

Can
I get out of this suit now? Kevin asked. He had already removed
his tie and shoved it in his pocket. The gathering had moved into an
adjoining hall where refreshments had been prepared and Kevin took a
sip from the goblet in his hand.

Is
that wine? Gwen asked, ignoring his complaints.

Yeah,
he replied. So?

Kevin,
we’re underage, she reminded him.

Different
world, different rules, he said with a shrug. When she rolled her
eyes at him, he chuckled. Come on, Gwen. Lighten up a little.
It’s not like they really have anything here that doesn’t have
alcohol in it.

Ever
heard of water? she countered before changing the subject.
Where’s Ben?

Last
I saw him, Karian was introducing him to the locals, he replied
with a smirk.

And
that’s funny to you, she remarked, arching a brow.

The
last time I was able to have a good laugh at him was when that
Highbreed gave him a black eye, he explained. And that only
lasted until it healed.

Don’t
you think you’re taking this a little too far? she asked.

Nah,
he replied, shaking his head. He can handle it. Speaking of the
happy couple…

Gwen
followed his gaze, watching her cousin and the vampire approach.
They had been laughing until Kevin’s last remark and Karian’s mirth
faded as he shot a glare at the dark haired teenager. Ben glanced
between them, realizing that Kevin must have said something that
Karian found less than amusing. With a sigh, he shook his head
slightly.

Can
you two at least try to get along? he asked.

It’s
not my fault if he can’t take a joke, Kevin stated.

Perhaps
if it was actually amusing, Karian replied.

Why
do I get the feeling this is going to be a common theme with them?
Gwen asked as Ben moved to stand beside her.

Well,
I guess they’ll get used to each other eventually, he replied with
a shrug.

You
seem to be enjoying yourself, she remarked, changing the subject
in attempt to ignore the bickering between the other two.

I
guess, he conceded. It’s like stepping into one of those old
fantasy novels. You know, the ones with knights and castles and that
kind of stuff. I sure could go for a smoothie, though.

Well,
at least we don’t have to worry about you moving here, she said
with a laugh before growing serious again. That was a nice
speech. I think a lot of the people here appreciated it.

Thanks.
He nodded slowly, glancing down for a moment. I just figured that
I should say something. I mean, I know it won’t bring anyone back,
but it just seemed like the right thing to do.

It
was, Karian assured him, pausing the debate with Kevin. The
other guests will be departing soon, so you should be able to retire
to your rooms now if you would like. I trust you can find your way
by now.

Where
are you going? Ben asked as the vampire turned away.

I
am going for a walk, he replied. As this will be my last night
in Zalyndrya, I would like to take some time to enjoy it.

Fair
enough. Glancing to his side, Ben realized that Kevin had wasted
no time in departing. Gwen offered a reassuring smile before heading
towards the exit and he slowly looked back at Karian. Mind if I
tag along?

If
you wish, he said with a hint of a smile.

They
made their way through the thinning crowd and into the main entry
chamber. Karian paused for a moment, apparently deciding on which
route to take, and then proceeded through the double doors. The cool
night air greeted them as they walked through the courtyard and
through the gate leading out of the enclosure. Few clouds obscured
the sky, allowing the light of the four moons and the multitude of
stars to illuminate the winding path.

Are
you sure you want to give all of this up? Ben asked once the
castle was out of sight.

I
have very few pleasant memories in this world, Karian replied.
The only truly happy times in my life were so long ago that the
memories have already started to fade. It is time to start over, to
leave this place behind. He glanced up at the sky as he slowed
his pace. Do you know why the Konistavs purchased the house near
your town?

Come
to think of it, no, he said, frowning. I dont think we ever
asked.

When
we lost contact with my sister, I insisted on returning to Earth with
them, the vampire explained. However, I am not permitted
within the city limits of Los Angeles. So, we found a location far
enough away to keep their associates placated, but close enough for
convenient travel to the city. Once they had everything in place, I
joined them at the house, but they had already made plans to confront
the alien threat.

And
you agreed to fight to protect your sister, Ben concluded.

Exactly,
Karain confirmed. We had already lost sixteen years and during
the past two, we have managed to get to know each other again. I
could not risk that, especially now that she is with child. Her
husband, however He paused shaking his head slightly. I do
not think he has gotten past the fact that I nearly killed him.

You
really should stop doing that. He offered a smile as he glanced
over at the vampire.

I
plan on it, Karian replied with a chuckle. Starting over means
completely starting over. I suppose this mean I will have to learn
your language.

Wait.
Ben stopped and stared at him for a moment. All this time, you
couldnt speak English?

Do
you think I wear this simply for fashion? he asked in response as
he pulled the ivy pendant from beneath his tunic. I never had a
reason to learn it until now.

Well,
we can help you if you want, Ben offered.

I
would appreciate it, Karian agreed. One of the drawbacks to
this pendant is that it only translates into formal speech. It does
not suit me. It will be nice to speak as myself again.

I
can imagine, he said. So, what are you going to do once youre
settled in your new home?

I
am not sure yet, he replied with a shrug. Perhaps I will
travel. I am a gypsy after all and I will have a whole new world to
explore. Although I will have to make sure that there is a way to
remain in contact in the event of another alien problem.

You
should get a cell phone, Ben suggested. Well take you to go
pick one out when we get back home.

Karian
arched a brow, but nodded after a moment. He stared up at the stars
as if committing every single one to memory before returning his gaze
to the teenager. Parting his lips to speak, he shook his head
slightly, reconsidering his words before turning to retrace their
steps.

Come,
he said. We should prepare for tomorrow night. Be sure that all
of your possessions are in order so that we can depart once the sun
sets.