"It's okay," Asher replied with another gentle smile, his demeanor carrying a warmth that immediately put everyone at ease.
Asher looks so much more mature than the immature boys at school, Gwen thought to herself, a subtle blush coloring her cheeks. Unlike the boys her age, who seemed to think bullying girls was the height of cool, Asher possessed a quiet confidence and composure she'd never seen in someone her age.
Just then, Max approached carrying a plate, his weathered face wearing a mysteriously pleased expression. "You three must be hungry after all that running around! Time to refuel with some real food," he announced, setting down what appeared to be his latest culinary experiment.
The trio's eyes fell upon the plate in unison, and both Gwen's and Ben's faces instantly turned a sickly shade of green.
Writhing on the plate were thin, elongated creatures, unmistakably filled with what Max would euphemistically call "protein.
Even Asher, with his enhanced mental maturity, felt a chill run down his spine as he swallowed hard. "Grandpa Max, are you absolutely sure this is what we're having for dinner tonight?"
"This is an incredibly nutritious cuisine," Max replied with his characteristic grandfatherly smile, though to Asher it resembled something more diabolical. "At your age, you need plenty of protein to support healthy growth."
"Grandpa," Asher asked with barely concealed anxiety, "don't we have anything more... conventional? Like sandwiches or burgers?"
"Don't be silly! How could those processed foods possibly compare to the nutritional value of these?" Max said cheerfully. "Oh, and I think there's some beef tongue in the RV's fridge. Let me get that for you, too."
As Max walked back to the Rust Bucket, Ben immediately huddled closer and whispered urgently, "What snacks did everyone bring? I've got some leftover potato chips..."
"I have about half a bag of chocolate hazelnuts left," Gwen added miserably, her hopeful gaze finally settling on Asher.
Asher clenched his fists, steeling himself as he stared at the plate of wriggling larvae. "I have a suggestion," he said with grim determination. "The cow's tongue will certainly taste better than these... delicacies. You two eat the tongue, and I'll take care of these."
"Really?" Ben asked, staring at the writhing plate with a visible shudder.
"Here's the beef tongue," Max announced, returning with a properly cooked and seasoned plate that actually looked quite appetizing.
At that moment, all eyes, Max's, Gwen's and Ben's, were focused intently on Asher.
Taking a deep breath, Asher reached out with steady fingers, grabbed one of the protein-rich larvae, and closed his eyes before popping it into his mouth.
Crunch.
The texture was surprisingly crunchy, and the taste wasn't nearly as horrible as he'd expected. Most shocking of all, after swallowing, Asher actually felt a subtle surge of energy and well-being throughout his body.
He opened his eyes and looked at Max in genuine surprise.
"I told you that was an excellent diet for someone your age," Max said with a knowing smile.
Both Gwen and Ben watched in amazement, with Ben developing an immediate sense of respect for his cousin's courage. Asher was like those survival show hosts who fearlessly consumed whatever nature provided!
"You should try the tongue," Asher encouraged after overcoming his initial psychological barrier. He continued to methodically work his way through his unusual meal, while Gwen and Ben discovered that the beef tongue was actually quite delicious.
As they ate, the conversation naturally turned to the mysterious device on Asher's wrist.
"The watch used to glow green, but now it's red?" Gwen observed with her usual attention to detail.
"Let me experiment with this," Asher said, feigning confusion as he manipulated the device. "It seems the Omnitrix can't activate transformations when it's this red color, but when it's green, I can transform into alien heroes."
Right on cue, the Omnitrix emitted its distinctive activation chime as the light changed to green.
"Look, it's ready to transform now," Asher said, turning the dial to cycle through different alien silhouettes while fighting the urge to actually transform.
"Why don't you try some of the other aliens?" Ben suggested excitedly.
"Better not," Asher replied seriously, looking directly at Ben. "Those alien robots could return at any moment. The transformations in this device are our primary defense against those mechanical threats."
Max watched the exchange and nodded in agreement. Asher really is the ideal candidate for the Omnitrix.
"You're absolutely right," Gwen agreed emphatically. "This watch is a serious responsibility."
Their conversation was interrupted by panicked voices crackling through the Rust Bucket's radio.
"Help us! Somebody please help us!"
"We're in the northwest campsite in the forest, giant robots are attacking!"
BOOM!
A thunderous explosion interrupted the distress call.
"Those must be more of the robots from before!" Max reacted immediately, his experienced eyes falling on the Omnitrix. "They found other targets."
Asher's expression hardened with determination. "Those robots are definitely after me and the Omnitrix. Grandpa, drive us there, I'll take care of them myself!"
"Everyone in the RV," Max ordered, never one to hesitate in a crisis. He quickly climbed into the driver's seat and strapped himself in with military precision.
After making sure Ben and Gwen were safely inside, Asher secured the door and kept his eyes on the forest beyond the windows.
"Hold on tight, we're going in fast!" Max warned as he stepped on the gas.
The Rust Bucket roared to life, racing through the darkened woods at top speed as they raced to the scene of the emergency.