`{Long time no post! So, this is part 1 of 'Secrets,' and it got pretty lengthy. I'll probably get part 2 up by the weekend, hopefully?}
In the oppressive silence of space, a fleet of white ships with the P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. logo emblazoned on their sides scanned the wreckage of the space station. Amidst the floating debris, sensors ceaselessly swept for any unusual energy signatures. Lights flickered on the ships' hulls as they moved methodically, creating a precise search pattern.
Inside one of the P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. command ships, Lieutenant Armstrong, an imposing red-skinned Tetramand, kept his eyes fixed on the main monitor, which displayed unusual energy readings. He held a small portable device in one of his hands, which blinked intensely.
"The tracker provided by the Magister indicates a strong signature in this area," Armstrong said, frowning. He twirled the device between his fingers and looked at the soldiers around him. "This technology is reliable. If it says something is here, then we will find it."
One of the operators at the control desk looked up. "Lieutenant, we are detecting something. There's an unusual energy pattern in the wreckage. It looks like a ship... but the sensors can't fully identify it yet."
Armstrong nodded, adjusting the communicator in his ear. "Activate the decloaking device. Let's reveal what's hiding out there."
The spherical device in the center of the P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. ship formation was activated. It began emitting pulses of blue energy, which passed through the surrounding wreckage. With each pulse, the Chimeran Hammer's camouflage began to weaken until it disappeared completely, revealing the enormous warship hidden among the fragments of the space station.
"Located!" exclaimed the operator.
Armstrong leaned forward, his eyes narrowed as he watched the immense ship appear on the screen. "The Chimeran Hammer... They really are here." He turned to the soldiers. "Teams Alpha and Bravo, form a complete perimeter around the ship. No entry or exit. I want full coverage. Team Delta, advance to the vulnerable points identified on the sensors."
"Yes, sir!" replied the team leaders in unison, as the smaller ships began to reposition, releasing troop pods onto the hull of the enemy ship.
"Lieutenant," one of the operators said. "We've detected an increase in energy activity on the Chimeran Hammer. It could be an attempt to activate defenses."
Armstrong slammed one of his fists on the control desk. "Prepare the shield neutralizers. We won't give them a chance to react. Advance, but with caution. Don't underestimate Psyphon."
Inside the command room, Psyphon attentively watched the images of the P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. ships surrounding the vessel. His nimble fingers operated the panel as he analyzed real-time reports.
"Master," Psyphon said, bowing slightly before the healing capsule that occupied the center of the room. "The P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. have found us. They managed to disable our camouflage and are surrounding us. Their ships are forming a complete blockade."
The capsule began to emit a pulsating glow, and a deep, powerful voice responded from within:
"They dare confront us...?"
"Yes, sir," Psyphon continued. "Defenses have already been organized, and combat drones are ready to be deployed. I myself will lead the forces to repel these... insignificant creatures."
The capsule released a jet of steam as the lid began to open slowly. Inside, an imposing figure emerged, its tentacles undulating with renewed strength. Its green skin glowed with a menacing hue, now complemented by the technological implants that covered part of its body. It stepped forward, each movement radiating power and authority.
With eyes fixed on Psyphon, the figure spoke with a deep voice laden with contempt: "Deactivate all defensive measures, Psyphon. We will not waste our drones on these... insects."
Psyphon hesitated for a moment. "Master, if we don't use the defenses, we could suffer significant damage to the ship..."
"I will take care of them myself," the creature interrupted, in a tone full of scorn. It raised one of its arms, gesturing with determination. "These P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. will be a perfect test for my current capabilities."
Psyphon bowed deeply. "As you wish, master. The defenses will be deactivated, and the drones will remain on standby for the attack on Earth."
The figure slowly walked to a large window that offered a clear view of space and the white P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. ships approaching. Its eyes gleamed intensely, and its tentacles rippled like serpents, revealing a mixture of patience and fury.
"Today, Psyphon, the universe will remember what it means to fear the name of Vilgax. And when Earth falls, everyone will know that the Omnitrix belongs to me."
Psyphon nodded, activating the commands to disable the automatic defenses. Meanwhile, Vilgax turned, walking towards the ship's main hangar, where he would confront the P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. agents personally.
The rising sun was beginning to illuminate the busy road near Rapid City. The Rust Bucket 2 glided down the asphalt, with Max at the wheel. Gwen leafed through the magic book in the passenger seat, while Ben sat at the trailer table, distracted, spinning the Omnitrix dial without much attention.
"Ben, is everything alright?" Gwen asked, noticing her cousin's distant gaze.
Ben sighed, resting his chin in his hands. "Ever since I used Upgrade to remove Rojo's robotic parts, I've been having strange dreams... It's always the same thing, like someone is watching me. Always a voice calling me: 'I'm coming for you!'"
Max looked at Ben in the rearview mirror, frowning. "What else did you see in those dreams, Ben?"
Ben leaned back in his chair, trying to explain. "I see a creature with tentacles. It's huge, looks like a giant squid or something. I think it said something about getting me... I only remember one name. It's..." Ben hesitated before saying: "Vilgax."
Upon hearing the name, Max slammed on the brakes, making the Rust Bucket pull over to the side of the road. Gwen held her book tightly to keep from dropping it, while Ben was pushed slightly forward.
"What was that, Grandpa?!" Gwen asked, surprised.
Max didn't answer immediately. He quickly got out of the driver's seat and went to Ben, holding his grandson's shoulders firmly. "Are you sure you heard that name, Ben? Vilgax?"
"Yes, that's what he said," Ben replied, now more confused by his grandpa's reaction.
Max took a deep breath, pulling a small white button from his shirt pocket. He pressed the object, which expanded into a white badge with a red hourglass symbol in the center.
Ben's eyes widened at the sight of the badge. "Hey, that symbol... it's the same as the Omnitrix! What is that, Grandpa?"
Gwen crossed her arms, clearly intrigued. "Grandpa, how long have you had that? And why have you never mentioned it?"
Ignoring his grandchildren's questions, Max pressed the badge. Phill's voice came through, with static in the background:
"Hey Max, what a surprise. Any problems?"
"Phill, we have an emergency. I need you to redirect the communication channel directly to Lieutenant Armstrong right now. The team sent to the location is in extreme danger," Max said urgently.
Phill replied, surprised: "We are monitoring operations. The P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. ships have already found the enemy ship. So far there is no sign of hostile activity."
Max shook his head, impatient. "Phill, you don't understand. If my suspicion is correct, they may be dealing with a threat they have no chance against. Have you made contact with Armstrong?"
"I did," Phill replied, the static lessening a bit. "I'll redirect to him now. Just a second."
While they waited, Gwen turned to Max. "Grandpa, who exactly is this threat? Why does it seem like you already knew about this?"
Max looked at the two, his face serious. "Vilgax is one of the most dangerous creatures that ever existed. He has destroyed entire worlds in his pursuit of power, and now he's after the Omnitrix. We don't have time for detailed explanations, but you need to trust me."
Ben felt a chill run down his spine. He looked at the watch on his arm and then at Max. "So, you knew about this the whole time? And you didn't tell me?"
"I didn't want to worry you," Max replied, taking a deep breath. "But now that he's active again... we need to be ready. No matter what happens, Ben, you need to protect the Omnitrix. It cannot fall into Vilgax's hands."
Gwen crossed her arms, visibly annoyed. "You think hiding this was a good idea, Grandpa? Now Ben is dreaming about him and—"
Before Gwen could finish, Phill's voice returned:
"Max, I got the contact. Patching through to Lieutenant Armstrong now."
Max ignored the questions and activated the badge's communicator. His voice was firm and urgent: "This is Magister Tennyson. I order you to abort the mission immediately!"
The response came with static.
"Armstrong, respond! Abort the mission now!" Max insisted, the tension evident in his voice.
More static filled the radio. Max pressed the badge again, trying to make contact. "Armstrong! Respond! Abort! I repeat, abort the mission!"
More static filled the communicator. Then, suddenly, the sound changed. First, there was a muffled groan. Then, something that sounded like bones breaking echoed through the channel. The sound was horrible and cut through the silence like a blade.
Gwen and Ben looked at Max, their faces reflecting growing fear. Max remained motionless, the badge still in his hand.
Finally, he turned to the two, his face serious and determined. "This... this is not good," he said, his voice grim.
"Grandpa, what's happening?" Gwen asked, her voice faltering.
Max took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "You need to trust me. Something very dangerous is happening. We need to get out of here now."
Ben looked at the Omnitrix on his arm, swallowing hard. "Get out where? What can we do against someone like this Vilgax?"
Max looked at the two with renewed determination. "We're going to Mount Rushmore. There, I have the necessary resources to deal with this. It's the only safe place now."
Gwen and Ben exchanged worried glances, but they knew there was no time to argue. Max ran to the wheel and accelerated the Rust Bucket 2 down the road again.
The interior of the Chimeran Hammer was an inferno of carnage and destruction. The floor was covered with debris, twisted metal pieces, and, above all, the shattered bodies of P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. agents. Some were split in half, their body parts scattered at impossible angles. Others were completely crushed, their bones splintered and their faces contorted in expressions of horror. The air was heavy with the metallic smell of blood mixed with the ozone from the explosions.
Vilgax stood in the center of the room, atop a macabre pile of corpses. He surveyed the destruction with a satisfied gaze, his green, gleaming skin reflecting the ship's light. In the middle of the pile of bodies, Lieutenant Armstrong, a large Tetramand with red skin and four muscular arms, was trapped by Vilgax's tentacles. His eyes showed fury, but his movements grew weaker as the tentacle tightened, crushing his bones and shattering his internal structure. Armstrong's four arms, normally an advantage, were now useless, desperately flailing against Vilgax's slippery skin as the pressure mounted. With each crack of breaking bones, the sound echoed through the ship, creating a symphony of pain.
However, his attention was drawn by the sound coming from the badge on Armstrong's chest. He extended one of his tentacles, touching the communicator with a swift and precise movement. Max's voice, deep and urgent, came through immediately, cutting through the death and chaos around him.
"This is Magister Tennyson," Max's voice was clear through the radio, "I order you to abort the mission immediately!"
Max's voice echoed through the communicator: "Armstrong, respond! Abort the mission now!"
Vilgax hesitated for a brief moment, feeling the pleasure of victory intensify as he noticed the tension in Max's voice. He tightened his grip on Armstrong's body even further, but his full attention was on the communicator. With a silent fury, he snatched the badge, raising it to his view. Max's voice still sounded through the communicator, urgent and desperate.
"Armstrong! Respond! Abort! I repeat, abort the mission!"
Vilgax observed the communicator for a moment, his smile widening with pleasure. He felt that with each passing second, the old hero was closer to experiencing true defeat. With an even more ruthless movement, Vilgax crushed Armstrong's body further, until he stopped moving. The sound of breaking bones was horrible and unmistakable. The Lieutenant, the last of the P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. present, was finally silenced.
With an impersonal gesture, Vilgax handed the communicator to Psyphon, who received it with an almost obsequious bow, observing the scene of destruction. "Trace the origin of this signal and compare it with the information extracted from Steel," Vilgax ordered, his voice low, but filled with overwhelming confidence. "Search the nearby P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. bases and human dwellings."
Psyphon, observing the destruction around him, nodded and quickly began tracking, typing commands on his arm panel. "You are stronger than ever, Lord Vilgax," Psyphon said, his voice reverberating with admiration. "This power, this strength... it will be enough to defeat any obstacle that arises."
Vilgax let out a low laugh, his impassive gaze observing the carnage he had left behind. "I am not at my peak, Psyphon," he said with contempt. "But what I have now will be more than enough. I have already destroyed entire worlds and, now, nothing will stop me from taking what is mine."
With a piercing gaze, Vilgax fixed on the void before him, feeling a growing sense of power and anticipation. He knew he was on the right path, that vengeance was within his grasp. And Max Tennyson, with his stubbornness and bravery, would be the key to unlocking the doors of his empire.
"Now," Vilgax murmured, with the coldness of a predator. "Max... will lead us to the Omnitrix... And when I have it in my hands... no being in the universe will be able to stop me."
The Rust Bucket 2 roared down the road, zigzagging at high speed as Max drove as if his life depended on it. The engine rumbled, and the wheels seemed almost to lift off the ground with every turn he made in an attempt to reach Mount Rushmore as quickly as possible. In the back seat, Ben and Gwen clung to anything they could to avoid being thrown around the interior of the vehicle.
"Grandpa! What are you doing? You're going to kill us before Vilgax even gets the chance!" Gwen shouted, clutching one of the seat supports.
"Trust me, Gwen, I've done this before!" Max replied, his eyes fixed on the road as he swerved around a truck.
"Okay, Grandpa," Gwen began, arms crossed and an accusatory tone in her voice. "You knew about Vilgax, you knew about the Omnitrix, and you never told us anything? And what's this about you being called Magister Tennyson? I thought you were in the Air Force!"
Max sighed, running a hand over his face as if exhausted, but maintained his serious expression. "I was never in the Air Force," he confessed, as he swerved around a car. "I lied about it to protect you. Even before your parents were born, I spent years in space, working as part of an intergalactic organization called Galactic Enforcers."
"Galactic Enforcers?" Ben asked, raising his eyebrows. "So, like... space police?"
"More or less," Max replied quickly. "I initially joined the P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S., which is a division of the Galactic Enforcers that protects planets like Earth—worlds that aren't yet ready to interact with the rest of the galaxy. Our job is to protect them from external threats and prepare them for a peaceful entry into the galactic stage. Later, I joined the Galactic Enforcers with your grandma and spent years traveling through space. I worked on missions on planets you can't even imagine. It wasn't easy, but I excelled, and with Frank's birth, I returned to Earth, my merits earning me the position of Magister of the P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. of Sector 2814, which includes Earth."
"So you knew about the Omnitrix the whole time?" Ben asked, looking at Max with a mixture of admiration and anger.
Max hesitated for a brief moment, but kept his eyes on the road. "Of course. The Omnitrix is incredible technology with various legends about it, and I know the creator. Or, at least, I once did."
"What?!" Ben and Gwen exclaimed at the same time.
"You met the creator of this watch?" Ben asked, pointing to the Omnitrix on his arm. "When? And how?"
Max took a deep breath, trying to organize his words as he swerved around another car. "It was about three decades ago, before your parents were born. I was still active in the Galactic Enforcers at the time. During a mission, I had the chance to work alongside the Omnitrix's creator, Azmuth. He is the first thinker of Galvan—one of the most intelligent beings in the universe."
Ben looked at the Omnitrix, dumbfounded. "You worked with the creator of this?"
"Yes. At the time, he was testing the Omnitrix's initial functionality, and I had the honor—or misfortune, depending on your perspective—of briefly trying it out. It wasn't exactly easy or comfortable to use, but the potential was evident. Azmuth explained that the device had the power to create empathy between species, allowing the user to understand what it's like to walk in another's shoes."
"So why did the Omnitrix end up with me?" Ben asked, confusion etched on his face.
"That's the big question, isn't it?" Max replied, swerving around a truck as the Rust Bucket 2's engine roared. "The last thing Azmuth would want is for this technology to fall into the wrong hands, and if what I heard from Tetrax is correct, Primus—the planet Azmuth created solely to make the Omnitrix—was destroyed. Maybe he sent the Omnitrix to Earth by accident, or maybe it was intentional. What matters now is that you have it, Ben, and that makes you a target."
Gwen looked at Max, still processing the information. "You should have told us this, Grandpa. We had a right to know!"
Max sighed, his face grave. "I just wanted to protect you. But now that Vilgax is after the Omnitrix, the only thing that matters is getting to Mount Rushmore. There's a P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. base there. If we can get there, maybe we can better prepare for what's to come."
Before they could continue their discussion, an explosion on the horizon caught everyone's attention. Columns of black smoke rose from Rapid City, and the sound of destruction reverberated down the road.
"Grandpa! Look at that!" Gwen pointed at the city, her eyes wide.
Ben also looked, and exclaimed "The city is on fire! We can't ignore this."
"Ben, don't do this!" Max shouted, briefly turning his head to him. "The city is not a priority now! We need to get to Mount Rushmore before it's too late! The base might be the only chance we have against Vilgax."
"I'm not going to stand here while people need help!" Ben activated the Omnitrix, the dial emitting an intense green glow. "They're after me because of the Omnitrix. So they'll get a good fight for it."
"Ben, no!" Max yelled, but it was too late. With a determined movement, Ben turned the dial and slammed it. The green flash transformed him into XLR8.
"You can't just run off!" Max insisted. "We need you at Mount Rushmore!"
XLR8 gave a confident smile, already moving towards the Rust Bucket 2's door. "I'll be back before you miss me. But for now, I can't just stand by and watch."
"Ben, listen to Grandpa! He knows what he's doing!" Gwen shouted, but XLR8 had already opened the moving vehicle's door. The wind roared inside, messing up Gwen's hair and bringing the smell of smoke from the city.
"Take care!" XLR8 said before jumping out of the Rust Bucket 2, landing gracefully on the asphalt. In a fraction of a second, he sped towards Rapid City, a blue blur disappearing on the horizon.
Max punched the steering wheel, frustrated. "That kid... He has too much courage and not enough sense."
"Then let's go after him!" Gwen insisted, worried. "We can't let him face Vilgax alone!"
Max sighed, accelerating even more. "We're not! Hold on tight, Gwen."
XLR8 arrived in Rapid City in a blue blur, but as soon as his alien eyes took in the scene before him, time seemed to slow down. The city was in complete chaos. Buildings in ruins, cars in flames, and people running desperately through the streets. In the sky, an army of metallic drones hovered over the city like a mechanical swarm, firing lasers that destroyed everything in their path.
XLR8's speed was his greatest advantage. As he raced through the city, everything around him seemed to be in slow motion. He saw the panic on people's faces, the slow movement of the drones adjusting their weapons, and even the small pieces of debris floating in the air after explosions. He knew what he needed to do first: save lives.
He wasted no time. With his long legs and agile movements, XLR8 began to save people as quickly as possible. He raced to a family trapped in a car that was about to be crushed by a pile of falling debris. In a fraction of a second, he shattered the vehicle's windows with his claws and pulled everyone out before the debris hit the ground. His feet with spinning spheres propelled him with precision, allowing him to take the family to the edge of the city and return before anyone noticed he had left.
Climbing buildings with skill, he leaped from rooftop to rooftop. He attacked the drones with his sharp claws, disabling them with quick blows. The drones tried to follow him, but he was too fast. XLR8 shook them off with impossible turns, disappearing into narrow alleys or behind destroyed buildings.
As he ran, he saw more civilians in danger. A woman was about to be hit by a falling pole. He ran to her and pulled her away at the last moment, leaving her safe with other survivors. With each new sprint, he saved more people, children, the elderly, and even pets that were lost among the rubble.
Then he saw them. A woman was trapped under a pile of rubble in front of a destroyed store. Beside her, a little girl, about five years old, cried, clutching her mother's hand tightly. He raced to them in the blink of an eye and tried to lift the rubble, but it was too heavy for him.
"Damn, if I could just switch quickly," he murmured, trying to hit the Omnitrix to see if it miraculously worked.
The little girl looked at him with wide, innocent eyes, despite the tears on her face. "Are you a blue dinosaur?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Please, help my mommy."
XLR8 paused for a moment, surprised by the question. He looked at the child and then at the rubble. Finally, a small, determined smile crossed his face. "Leave it to me."
He began to slam his claws against the rubble at an impossible speed, generating a screeching sound as the stones began to crack. With each blow, he saw progress, but he also knew he had to be fast. Then he felt it, even before he saw it—the approach of something massive. Very massive.
His super-developed senses picked up the vibration in the air even before he heard the sound. He turned his head to see a huge red ball, covered in black spikes, spinning rapidly towards him, destroying everything in its path. It crushed cars, debris, and even parts of the buildings that were still standing.
"Shit," he murmured, his eyes wide.
He continued to strike the stones with incredible speed, generating sparks as his sharp claws hit the hard surface. Each blow was swift, and the pile of debris began to crack. He knew he was running out of time, but he wouldn't give up. His visor reflected the determination in his green eyes as he moved even faster, trying to free the woman.
But looking to the side, he saw the spikes on his face, he saw the seconds ticking by as the spike advanced in slow motion, almost crushing him. He looked at the little girl, then at the rubble. He knew he wouldn't have time to save the woman.
In a swift movement, he grabbed the child in his arms. He ran, dodging at the last millisecond the deadly ball that passed through the spot where he had been moments before, reducing the rubble and everything around it to dust.
He only stopped when he reached the edge of the city, where he had already left other civilians. XLR8 carefully placed the girl on the ground. His helmet retracted, revealing his blue alien face with bright green eyes and the two black stripes crossing his eyes. He was clearly shaken, but tried to remain calm.
The little girl looked at him, still crying. "Where's my mommy?"
XLR8 took a deep breath, trying to hide his guilt. He placed one of his claws on her shoulder, looking directly into her eyes. "She... she's in a better place now," he said, trying to sound comforting, though his words weighed on his conscience.
The girl started crying harder. XLR8 looked at an elderly woman he had rescued earlier and asked: "Please, take care of her."
The elderly woman nodded, pulling the girl close. XLR8 stood up, and his helmet's visor covered his face again. His slender, swift body trembled with rage. He turned to look towards the city, where the red ball was destroying everything.
XLR8 races through the field of destruction, dodging smoking debris and explosions that still reverberate through the city's devastated streets. He arrives at the spot where he found the little girl and her mother, looking at a puddle of red on the ground before turning to the spiky ball. He sees the gigantic metallic structure beginning to open, like a menacing flower. The mechanical whir of gears fills the air. As the sphere's sections retract, they reveal Vilgax.
The alien is an imposing and terrifying figure. His dark red armor reflects the light of the surrounding flames, and his red eyes glow like embers. His muscular arms and pulsating veins on his green skin exude power. The tentacles on his head sway slightly as he looks directly at XLR8, analyzing his adversary.
"So it's you," XLR8 said, raising his visor to reveal his alien face. His voice laden with nervousness mixed with anger. "You're the Vilgax I heard about?"
Vilgax narrows his eyes, his voice echoing like thunder. "Yes, I am Vilgax. And you... are the wielder of the Omnitrix. But not for long."
XLR8 lowers his visor again, his posture becoming tenser, like a runner about to explode into motion. He adopted a fighting stance and spoke with exaggerated confidence. "Great! That way, I can carve a name on your tombstone."
With that, he dashed forward in a blue blur, aiming directly for Vilgax's chest. His sharp claws gleamed as he struck with a quick blow to the alien's chest. The impact reverberated with a metallic clang; both the armor and Vilgax's skin remained intact.
"What the...?" XLR8 murmurs, recoiling as Vilgax watches him with contempt.
Vilgax raises his massive arms and slams them down towards XLR8, who barely escapes, moving at incredible speeds. His punch destroyed the entire ground where XLR8 had been moments before.
XLR8 begins to run in circles around Vilgax, his accelerated brain trying to find a solution. "Think, Ben, think!" he tells himself as he dodges Vilgax's punches, one mistake could cost him everything.
With swiftness, XLR8 began to use the environment to his advantage. He picked up rocks, twisted metal pieces, and even an improvised Molotov cocktail from a destroyed store. He threw everything at Vilgax, but nothing seemed to work. The rocks bounced off, the metal pieces shattered upon hitting his armor, and the Molotov fire barely left a mark.
"Is that all you've got, Omnitrix wielder?" Vilgax sneered, with a tone of contempt.
Suddenly, Vilgax's eyes glow an intense red, and he fires laser beams directly from his eyes. The rays cut through the air, hitting the ground and creating explosions of dust and flames. XLR8 barely dodges, swerving to the side and quickly climbing up a building wall to avoid the attacks.
The lasers continue to pursue him, destroying windows and creating craters in the building facades. XLR8 races along the vertical walls with his impressive speed, leaping between buildings as the rays pass millimeters away. One of the lasers nicks his tail, making him cry out in pain.
"You're kidding me?" XLR8 shouts, clutching the side of his tail before jumping back onto the street.
Vilgax, impatient, takes a colossal leap, landing with a devastating impact. The ground cracks and pieces of concrete fly in all directions. XLR8 is forced to momentarily stop, leaping to a safe position as dust covers the environment.
XLR8 runs away and finds the wreckage of a destroyed drone. He pulls a still-sharp blade from the drone's carcass and holds it firmly. "Let's see if this works," he mutters, firing towards Vilgax again.
He attacks with the improvised blade, aiming for the most exposed areas of Vilgax's body. This time, he manages to cause small superficial cuts, from which dark green blood oozes. Vilgax growls in annoyance, his expression becoming even more menacing.
"Finally!" XLR8 says with a smile. "I think I found your weak spot."
But Vilgax shows no signs of weakness. He raises his arm again, separating it into tentacles that whip through the air in an attempt to grab XLR8. The speed alien continues to dodge with his incredible speed, attacking and retreating quickly.
"Interesting," Vilgax commented, looking at the small cuts. "But still insufficient."
Vilgax raises his fist, the implants on his arm activating, making them swell, and strikes the ground with superhuman force. The resulting shockwave is so powerful that it sends XLR8 flying through the air along with debris and pieces of concrete.
Before XLR8 can recover, Vilgax raises one of his massive arms, which transforms into a net of muscular, sinuous tentacles. The tentacles reach him in the air, wrapping around his body. He tries to struggle, but the tentacles squeeze with overwhelming force.
"You're fast, but not fast enough," Vilgax says, his voice dripping with contempt. He tightens his grip further, and the sound of bones and armor snapping echoes in the air. Blue blood drips down Vilgax's tentacles, staining them grotesquely.
XLR8 lets out a final scream of pain before an intense green glow envelops his body. In seconds, XLR8's alien form disappears, replaced by Ben, now in his human form, unconscious.
Vilgax reforms his arms, his tentacles returning to arm form. He holds Ben in a massive hand, lifting him like a trophy. His red eyes watch the boy with disdain, and he focuses on the Omnitrix clamped to Ben's wrist.
"I see," Vilgax murmured. "The Omnitrix protects its wielder... but it put its power in the hands of a child!"
He lifts Ben higher, yelling into the void around him. "What an affront! The most powerful weapon in the entire universe on a brat's wrist, using it as a toy!!"
Suddenly, Vilgax feels a sharp pain in his arm. A deep cut appears, oozing dark green blood. He growls, spinning quickly to find the culprit.
A man in white, technological armor flies by, holding a glowing lightsaber. He had cut Vilgax's arm at the exact moment he passed. With agility, he dives to pick up Ben. With a swift movement, he grabs Ben and fires his jetpack away.
"Who dares?!" Vilgax roars, leaping in an impressive motion and landing in the man's path. He lands forcefully, cracking the asphalt.
The man lands softly, placing Ben gently on the ground. He reactivates his lightsaber, the blade glowing with energy as he takes a guard stance.
Vilgax charges, throwing a devastating punch, but the man deftly dodges and counterattacks with quick, precise blows. The saber cuts through parts of Vilgax's armor, who recoils momentarily before firing lasers from his eyes. The man jumps to the side, dodging, and throws an energy grenade into the air during the movement. The grenade explodes with a massive shockwave, throwing Vilgax against the wreckage of a nearby building.
The explosion is deafening, but the man wastes no time. He bends down to pick up Ben, but at the last second, he dodges a laser fired by Vilgax. The ray grazes his helmet, which shatters into pieces, revealing his face. A trail of fresh blood runs down the man's cheek.
Vilgax, slowly rising from the rubble, watches intently. His red eyes glow as he recognizes the man. "I should have known... you wouldn't be far." He pauses, an almost mocking expression appearing on his face. "Max."
Max Tennyson stares at Vilgax, tightening his grip on the lightsaber. His expression is grim, but there is no fear in his eyes. "I didn't believe it when I heard your name from Ben," Max replies, his voice laden with disdain. "You should be dead. But, apparently, you've spent the last few decades as a rat, hiding behind Psyphon."
Vilgax lets out a hoarse laugh, his voice imbued with sarcasm. "And you? Aren't you happy to see an old friend, Max?" He glances at Ben, still unconscious on the ground. "Is that little Carl? No... you humans age quickly." He pauses, observing him better. "Apparently, he's another of your descendants. The resemblance is undeniable."
Max maintains his combat stance, raising the saber. "We haven't been friends for a long time, Vilgax." He takes a step forward, his voice filled with determination. "And you won't lay a hand on my grandson while I'm here."
Vilgax smiles maliciously. "Then come, Old Warrior. Let's see how long you can hold me back."
Suddenly, several figures appear around them. A group of Plumbers appears, surrounding Vilgax with weapons raised. Most are human, but there are also some aliens among them. A Vulpimancer charges forward, growling fiercely, while others position themselves strategically.
One of the Plumbers, a human with a resolute expression, shouts: "Magister! Go! We'll cover your retreat!"
Max hesitates for a moment, but then nods. He deactivates the saber, picks Ben up from the ground, and activates his jetpack. "Good luck, soldiers."
As Max takes off with Ben safely, Vilgax observes the group of Plumbers surrounding him. He laughs, a guttural, menacing sound. "How many of you are ready for death?"
One of the Plumbers responds firmly. "As many as it takes." He fires his weapon, initiating a coordinated attack.
Vilgax dodges with surprising agility, charging towards the group as he shouts: "Good to know! Because so it will be."
The agents initiate simultaneous attacks, firing energy beams and high-tech projectiles at him. Vilgax moves with surprising speed for someone of his stature, dodging the first shots with calculated steps and quick movements.
Suddenly, a Vulpimancer, teeth bared and growling furiously, leaped towards Vilgax. The canine alien was a mass of pure muscle and ferocity, his claws ready to tear anything in his path. Vilgax, however, showed no concern. He raised a massive hand and held the Vulpimancer by the neck in mid-air. The alien struggled, trying to bite or scratch, but Vilgax simply laughed contemptuously. "You think this is a threat?" He then spun the Vulpimancer in the air, using it as a canine shield against the Plumbers' energy blasts.
The shots hit the alien's body, who cried out in pain before collapsing in Vilgax's arms. Without hesitation, he threw the Vulpimancer at two nearby agents, knocking them down like dolls.
The Plumbers hesitated, but quickly regrouped. One of them gave the command: "Impact grenades, now!"
Small metallic spheres were launched at Vilgax, whistling through the air. He looked at the grenades with interest, then his arms began to separate into a network of muscular tentacles. With astonishing precision, he used the tentacles to intercept the grenades in mid-air, grabbing several at once.
"Interesting," Vilgax muttered. He swung the tentacles in the air, redirecting the grenades back at the agents. The resulting explosions sent Plumbers flying in all directions, some being thrown against walls and debris.
"Attack all at once!" one of the agents shouts, and a group of five soldiers rushes in formation, trying to engage him in hand-to-hand combat. Vilgax laughs scornfully as he attacks them with brute force. He grabs one of the agents by the helmet, crushing it in his hand before throwing the body at another. A third tries to strike him with an energy blade, but Vilgax dodges with ease, grabbing the enemy's arm and breaking it with a dry snap. In seconds, he neutralizes the group, leaving their bodies lying on the ground.
"Hand-to-hand is useless!" shouts the Plumbers' leader, a human in reinforced armor. "Weapons at maximum power! Anything less won't work!"
The agents adjust their weapons, and the sound of recharging mechanisms echoes across the battlefield. More powerful energy beams and explosive projectiles begin to rain down on Vilgax. He responds by firing his ocular lasers, cutting through the air with deadly precision. Four agents fall to the ground, severed in half, before the others can react.
Vilgax advanced with firm steps towards a nearby gas station, ignoring the enemy fire. He tore out two giant fuel tanks and crushed them with his hands. With a blast from his eyes, he detonated the tanks, causing a colossal explosion. A fireball rose to the sky, and a curtain of black smoke covered the battlefield.
Within the smoke, screams of pain began to echo. Agents coughed and tried to escape the chaos, but many were caught off guard. One agent, activating his communicator, shouted: "Team Delta, reposition! Status of other teams?"
Vilgax, hidden in the smoke, used his tentacles to grab the agent by the legs, pulling him abruptly into the air. The communicator fell from his hand as he struggled to escape. Vilgax lifted him above his head and, with a cruel motion, slammed him onto the concrete. The impact was devastating, and the agent's body lay motionless on the ground.
As the smoke began to dissipate, Vilgax slowly reappeared in the middle of the battlefield, walking slowly. He wiped some dark green blood that oozed from a small cut on his arm, but his gaze was one of pure contempt. "Twenty-seven," he declared, his voice cold and firm. "Are already dead."
The remaining Plumbers, now in the sky with jetpacks, began to reorganize. Some visibly trembled, but held their weapons with determination. Vilgax smiled maliciously. "Do you still keep your word?" he asked, his voice laden with irony.
In response, the Plumbers united their weapons, creating a massive beam of concentrated energy that hit Vilgax directly. The resulting explosion was immense, creating a gigantic crater on the spot. Dust and debris were thrown in all directions, obscuring the agents' view.
"Did we get him?" one of the agents asked, panting.
Another, trying to stay calm, replied: "Switch to thermal vision. We need to confirm..."
Before they could complete the command, Vilgax slowly emerged from the crater, his armor charred, but his body practically unharmed. He began to laugh, a deep, menacing sound that echoed across the field. "Max trained you well..." He paused for a moment, observing the agents who were reorganizing. "But not enough."
With a fierce roar, Vilgax advanced, the ground trembling with each step.
Max drove the Rust Bucket 2 urgently, the engine roaring as he sped towards Mount Rushmore. Gwen sat beside Ben, who remained unconscious on the makeshift bed in the back of the vehicle, her face etched with evident worry.
"Is he going to be okay, Grandpa?" Gwen asked, looking at Ben as she held his hand gently.
Max kept his eyes on the road, his expression serious, but replied in a calm and firm tone: "He just passed out, Gwen. He's strong, he'll recover." Although his words tried to reassure her, his voice had a slight tension that Gwen couldn't ignore.
After several minutes of heavy silence, Mount Rushmore finally came into view, its sculpted faces gleaming under the sun. As they approached, the Rust Bucket 2 slowed down upon reaching a visitor sign by the roadside.
Gwen pointed to the sign, frowning. "Grandpa, there's a sign here. I think we're in the wrong place. This is just a tourist spot."
Max let out a brief but amused laugh as he parked the Rust Bucket 2 near the sign. He looked at Gwen with a smirk and replied: "We're not visitors, Gwen. We're tenants."
Before Gwen could ask what he meant, Max took a Plumbers badge that was stored in a compartment on the vehicle's dashboard. He pressed the symbol in the center of the badge, and a mechanical sound began to echo from the site.
The mountain ahead of them vibrated slightly, and a disguised panel among the trees opened, revealing a ramp and a giant elevator embedded in the ground. The elevator adjusted to the position of the Rust Bucket 2, creating a stable platform for the vehicle.
"Get in, hold tight," Max said, accelerating the vehicle to position it on the platform.
Once the Rust Bucket 2 was fully on the elevator, the platform began to descend. Gwen looked around, her eyes wide with astonishment as the metal walls hidden by the mountain emerged around them. The elevator carried them underground, where lights flickered in metallic corridors that seemed endless.
"Grandpa... what is this?" Gwen asked, her voice filled with surprise and curiosity.
Max shrugged with a small smile. "Welcome to the P.L.U.M.B.E.R.S. base, Gwen. We've been here since before you were born."
When the elevator reached the bottom, it revealed a vast underground base, filled with alien technology, advanced vehicles, and uniformed agents moving to and fro. The glow of high-tech lights and the constant hum of communications created an atmosphere of preparation for something grand.
Max maneuvered the Rust Bucket 2 to a rest area, where medical agents were ready to assist. He quickly exited the vehicle, carrying an unconscious Ben over his shoulders, his determined footsteps echoing through the underground base as Gwen followed beside him, clearly worried.
As they walked through the corridors of the Plumbers' base, Max greeted some agents along the way, nodding or exchanging quick words of encouragement. "Stay alert. Vilgax isn't going to stop anytime soon," he warned as he passed.
Phill, appeared running towards him. He was sweaty, but with a confident expression.
"Max! The base is ready to deal with Vilgax. We have reinforcements positioned and defenses active."
Max nodded with a slight smile. "Good job, Phill. Now give me the vault key."
Phill hesitated for a moment, but quickly pulled a small metallic key from his pocket and handed it to Max. "I hope this is enough for what you're planning."
"It will be. Thank you," Max replied before continuing towards a more isolated room, Gwen following closely.
When they reached a built-in cabinet, Max inserted the key into the security panel. The cabinet opened with a soft pneumatic hiss, revealing three goggle-shaped devices with a gleaming metallic structure and small side buttons.
Max took the three devices. "Here it is," he murmured, more to himself. He handed one of the goggles to Gwen, placed another on his head, and kept the third for Ben.
"Grandpa, what is this?" Gwen asked, examining the device in her hands.
"You'll see. Now, follow me. We don't have much time."
Max began to run down another corridor of the base, moving with the speed and agility of someone who knew that place like the back of his hand. Gwen followed him, panting, trying to keep up with the frantic pace.
They stopped before a seemingly empty corner. There was nothing there but a smooth metal wall. Max turned to her and said: "Activate the goggles using code 2405."
Gwen hesitated for a moment, but nodded. She pressed the side buttons of the device, just as Max did the same. As they put on the goggles, a holographic interface appeared before them, with lines and numbers glowing in shades of blue.
Suddenly, the seemingly solid wall began to reveal a camouflaged door, equipped with a digital keypad and biometric readers.
Max placed his fingerprint on the scanner, then leaned his face close for the system to scan his retina. Finally, he typed a long code on the keypad. The door emitted a low sound and began to open, releasing a thin, cold mist as it revealed a large, illuminated corridor.
"Let's go," Max said, holding Ben firmly as he crossed the entrance. Gwen followed closely, her eyes wide as she examined the corridor.
"What is this place, and how did a door just appear out of nowhere?" she asked, unable to contain her curiosity.
Max looked at her for a brief moment before replying: "It's level 17 optical camouflage technology. Almost impossible to detect without access codes. This is the most protected panic room in the base."
The corridor led them to a large, secure room, equipped with advanced technology and reinforced walls. In the center, there was a bed where Max carefully placed Ben.
"We'll be safe here, even if the base is destroyed," Max said, pointing to the surroundings. He pointed to a machine on the wall, which emitted a faint hum. "That machine produces food. It should be enough for two years, if necessary."
Gwen looked at the machine and then at Max, who was now standing before the door.
"Take care of him," Max said, his expression more serious than ever. "I'll do what I can to make sure Vilgax never gets here."
He started to leave through the door, but Gwen took a step forward, her voice trembling. "Grandpa, wait! You can't go alone!"
Max stopped for a moment, his hand resting on the side of the door. He took a deep breath, without looking back.
"Gwen, I've made my decision. Stay here and protect Ben. That's what you can do now."
"But—" Gwen tried to insist, but Max had already left, closing the door behind him.
The sound of the locks echoed through the room, and Gwen stood still, clutching the goggles tightly. "Grandpa..."
Meanwhile, Vilgax rose in the middle of the devastated battlefield. With the body of the last Plumber falling lifeless from his gigantic hands, he breathed slowly, the mechanical sound of his armor echoing in the silence.
He activated a communicator on his wrist, and Psyphon's holographic image appeared before him.
"Prepare the attack on the mountain base," Vilgax ordered, his voice deep and authoritative.
Psyphon nodded without hesitation. "As you wish, master. Our drones are ready to depart immediately."
Vilgax entered his spiky sphere, which closed around him, protecting him like a mobile fortress. The sphere rose into the air, moving quickly towards the Chimera Hammer, which hovered over the destroyed city.