A few days drifted by. Life in the mansion settled into a rhythm of sorts. Ben, eager to make the most of his new reality, found himself drawn to the challenge of mastering hand-to-hand combat. Lucky for him, Gwen offered to teach him martial arts, an offer he couldn't refuse.
The mansion's gym became their battleground, the scene of many humbling defeats for Ben. Gwen, a whirlwind of controlled energy, was relentless in her instruction.
[Whack]
Ben landed on the padded floor with a THUD.
"Again, Ben!" Gwen said, her voice firm. "You're telegraphing your punches. Keep your movements fluid."
Ben pushed himself up, dusting off imaginary dirt. "Easy for you to say. You've probably been doing this since you were, like, five."
Gwen smirked. "Closer to ten, but point taken. Now, focus. Let's try that again."
Another series of blocks, dodges, and strikes followed, ending with Ben sprawled on the floor once more.
Gwen, standing over him, offered a hand. "You are getting better, though. You already have the fitness for it. I'm assuming that's from all that soccer you played as a kid and your daily workout routine."
Ben accepted her help, pulling himself to his feet. "Yeah, I guess I was in alright shape before all this," he said, flexing his arm, feeling the unfamiliar muscles bunch.
They took a breather, grabbing water bottles from a nearby cooler.
Gwen swiped at the sweat on her forehead, her eyes lingering on Ben for a moment. "You know," she began slowly, "you've changed a bit. Not just...you know"—she gestured vaguely at his body—"but your personality too. You're not the same doofus I remember."
Ben chuckled, leaning against a punching bag. "Well, I'm not a kid anymore, Gwen."
The air hung thick with unspoken words, a hint of something shifting between them. Ben had only known this version of Gwen for a few days, so, no, he didn't suddenly have some deep-seated feelings for Gwen. But those few days were enough for him to realize that she was an amazing woman. Especially now, with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, clad in sports attire, and sweat glistening on her skin. A blush creeped up his neck.
"What's wrong?" Gwen asked, noticing his flushed cheeks.
Ben cleared his throat, trying to play it cool. "Nothing, just...you've gotten more beautiful." He winced internally. Smooth, Ben, real smooth.
Gwen's cheeks flushed pink, and she playfully swatted his arm. "Stop it, Ben! You shouldn't say those things to your cousin."
"Hey, I'm just stating a fact," he said, grinning sheepishly. The words hung in the air. He almost wanted to take them back, and he also wanted to hold on to them. It was then a small drone entered the room.
[Whirr]
"Human, your suit is complete," Greymatter said, her tone characteristically impatient. "Meet me in the lab at your earliest convenience."
And with that, the drone zipped away, leaving Ben and Gwen in a state of excited anticipation
Ben shook off the remnants of their near-moment. "Well, that was...something." He grinned, grabbing his towel. "Race you to my room?"
Gwen's competitive fire reignited instantly. "You're on!"
They sprinted out of the gym, laughter filling the air. The awkwardness dissipated, replaced by the familiar teasing that defined their relationship.
They got to Ben's room, a space that somehow managed to blend the sterile luxury of the mansion with Ben's personal touches—posters of his favorite soccer teams, a stack of well-worn comics, and a haphazard pile of clothes in the corner. However, one corner of the room was drastically different. It had become Greymatter's domain, a chaotic mix of wires, circuit boards, and half-disassembled gadgets.
Greymatter, perched atop a stack of textbooks, looked up as they entered. "You're here." It wasn't a question, but a statement, delivered with her usual air of superiority.
"Yep, ready to see what you've been cooking up," Ben replied, his eyes scanning the lab-corner. "So, where is it?"
Greymatter held out a hand, and a small, matt black ring floated into his palm.
Ben stared at it, confused. "This is it? This is the super suit?"
"Behold," Greymatter stated, a hint of smugness in her voice. "The Omni-Exo Armor, in its most compact configuration. A marvel of Galvan ingenuity, utilizing Earth materials."
"Okay, but how does it, you know...suit?" Ben asked, turning the ring over in his fingers.
"Activating the armor requires a simple vocal command," Greymatter explained, a mischievous glint in her green eyes. "Merely utter your favorite phrase."
Ben raised an eyebrow, catching her drift. "You mean...?"
"Indeed," Greymatter confirmed.
Ben glanced at Gwen, who was trying to stifle a laugh. He sighed dramatically, then held the ring aloft. "It's Hero Time!"
[Whum]
The ring glowed with a pulse of fuchsia energy. Metallic tendrils erupted from the device, snaking across Ben's body. Layered armor plating formed over his torso, the chestplate emblazoned with a glowing heart-shaped hourglass with the number "10" emblem. The emblem shone pink. A sleek, aerodynamic helmet locked into place, the smooth, unbroken black visor concealing his face. Thin neon-pink circuit lines pulsed along the jawline of the helmet, adding to the armor's futuristic aesthetic.
Segmented pauldrons protected his shoulders, while gauntlets encased his hands, the knuckles reinforced for enhanced grip. The thighs gained reinforced padding, and dynamic stripe lighting lit up his legs. Finally, boots appeared, complete with retractable spikes on the soles.
The Omni-Exo Armor had taken form.
Ben stood frozen, gazing at his reflection in the full-length mirror. He turned this way and that, admiring the sleek, powerful silhouette. "Whoa," he breathed, his voice sounding deeper, modulated through the helmet's internal systems. "I feel like Iron Man, but…pinker."
Gwen circled him, tapping various plates. "It's definitely got a cool look. How's the mobility? Can you move okay?"
Ben took a few steps, testing the joints. "Not bad, not bad at all. A little stiff, maybe?" He shadowboxed, throwing a few punches and kicks. "Yeah, I could get used to this."
Greymatter floated closer, her arms crossed. "The is adaptive. The more you use it, the more it responds to your movements. But do not get cocky, Human."
"So, what can this thing actually do?" Ben asked, flexing his gauntleted hands.
"The plating is reinforced with carbon nanotubes and liquid metal alloys. It mimics rudimentary nanotech," Greymatter recited, her tone dry. "It should self-repair minor damage by melting and reforming."
"Nice," Ben said, impressed. "What else?"
"Strength augmentation," Greymatter continued. "Hydraulic joints amplify your strength to approximately two to three tons. Though prolonged usage may lead to overheating."
"Two tons?" Ben repeated, a grin spreading across his face behind the visor. "That makes me a superhuman!"
"The armor also features an energy-dispersal mesh to absorb and redistribute kinetic energy, as well as thermal regulation capable of neutralizing temperatures from -50°C to 300°C for one hour."
"Okay, that's actually really useful," Gwen chimed in. "What about stealth? Does it have any tricks up its sleeve for sneaking around?"
"Refractive camouflage," Greymatter confirmed. "It can briefly bend light to blend into surroundings. Lasts thirty seconds and requires five minutes to recharge."
"And of course," Greymatter added, as though it were an afterthought, "there are certain defensive systems. Primitive, of course, but adequate for dealing with your Earth-based threats."
Ben tilted his head. "Defensive systems? Like what? Lasers? Missiles?"
"Crude projectile weaponry is inefficient," Greymatter scoffed. "These are more…specialized. The gauntlets can emit sonic blasts, enough to disorient most organic beings. Additionally, the boots are magnetized, which allow for climbing metallic surfaces."
Gwen's eyes widened. "Sonic blasts? And magnetic boots? That's some serious gear, Ben. You have to admit, she has some serious skills."
Ben examined his gauntlets, a slow grin spreading across his face behind the visor. "Not bad, Greymatter. Not bad at all. What do you think, Gwen? Wanna see what this baby can do?"
"Already eager to head out?" Gwen questioned, a teasing lilt in her voice.
"You know it!" Ben said. Without missing a beat, he practically bolted from the room, determined to put his new suit through its paces.
He rushed through the mansion's hallways and into the living room, where Max, Sandra, and Carl were gathered. All three heads swiveled in unison, their expressions a mixture of surprise and amusement.
"Where are you going in that getup, Ben?" Max asked, his tone a blend of curiosity and concern.
"It's my super suit!" Ben said. "Greymatter made it. I thought I'd find some bad guys downtown and test it out."
Max's eyes narrowed slightly. "Hold on a minute. Going solo? That's not exactly a well thought out plan."
"I'm sure I will be fine. I have a 3-ton strength. What could go wrong?" Ben asked.
"I'm coming with you," Max declared, standing up. "Just in case."
Gwen also rose, a determined glint in her eyes. "Me too. Someone has to keep my cousin in check. And maybe offer some strategy besides charging in."
Sandra and Carl exchanged knowing glances. "Just be careful, okay?" Sandra said, her voice filled with motherly concern.
"Yeah, and try not to destroy too much property," Carl added with a wry smile.
With a chorus of assurances, Ben, Max, and Gwen piled into the Rustbucket. Max took the wheel, Gwen navigated, and Ben sat in the back, practically vibrating with anticipation. As they drove away from the mansion, towards the city, Ben knew this was the start of something big.
…
The skyline zipped by in a blur of steel and glass. Ben leaped across a gap between two buildings, the Omni-Exo propelling him upward with a force he'd never known. He landed on the next rooftop with a satisfying THUD, feeling the impact absorbed by the suit's gel layers.
[Ben] "Whoa, this is amazing!"
[Gwen] "Try to focus, Ben."
Gwen's voice crackled in his earpiece. Thanks to Greymatter, the suit linked seamlessly with her laptop, turning her into mission control.
Ben adjusted his stride, feeling the suit adapt to his movements. With each leap, confidence swelled. He was like a freakin' grasshopper on steroids. Buildings became stepping stones, the city spread out below him like a playground. The wind whipped past his helmet, and the city lights formed a vibrant pattern. He felt unstoppable. This suit, this power—it was everything he had wanted as a kid.
[Ben] "I'm feeling good, Gwen. What are we looking for again?"
[Gwen] "Anything out of the ordinary. A disturbance. Some kind of crime."
Ben slowed to a jog, scanning the streets below. People bustled about, oblivious to the hero soaring above.
Suddenly, Ben saw a commotion on a street corner below. A group of thugs were ganging up on a woman, trying to snatch her purse.
[Ben] "Looks like we got ourselves a situation, Gwen."
[Gwen] "What is it?"
[Ben] "Some guys are trying to steal a lady's purse."
Without waiting for Gwen to respond, Ben located a suitable fire escape and jumped. The Omni-Exo compensated for the distance, allowing him to land lightly on the sidewalk.
"Hey, dirtbags! Leave her alone!" Ben announced, striking a heroic pose.
The thugs paused, turning to face the armored figure. They exchanged glances, but their initial shock faded. Over the past few years, costumed heroes had become a common sight. This wasn't anything new.
"Get lost, tin man," the leader snarled, taking a step forward. "This ain't your business."
"It is now," Ben quipped, raising his fists.
The thugs charged. Ben might've been inexperienced, but the Omni-Exo amplified his strength and agility. He sidestepped the first thug's clumsy punch and delivered a swift jab to the guy's gut. The thug doubled over, gasping for air.
Another thug came at him with a knife. Ben blocked the slash with his armored forearm and followed up with a kick to the chest, sending the thug stumbling backward. He noticed his moves were stiff but effective. He was no martial arts master, but the suit's strength gave him a serious edge.
Suddenly, one of the thugs pulled out a gun.
[Gwen] "Ben, watch out!"
Before Ben could react, the thug fired. The bullet hurtled toward him. Ben braced for the impact, but it never came. Instead, there was a dull THUD. Ben looked down, confused. The bullet had crumpled against his chestplate.
"Heh, bulletproof," Ben chuckled, feeling a rush of adrenaline.
The thugs stared in disbelief. Ben seized the opportunity, knocking the gun out of the thug's hand and delivering a final blow to the jaw. The thug went down, out cold. He surveyed the scene. The other thugs were groaning, clutching their injuries.
"Anyone else wanna try their luck?" Ben challenged, cracking his knuckles.
They scrambled to their feet and fled, disappearing into the night. Ben turned to the woman, who was still trembling.
"Are you okay, ma'am?" Ben asked, approaching cautiously.
She stared at him, eyes wide with a mixture of fear and gratitude. She seemed like she was frozen in place. Ben realized his full helmet was probably intimidating.
"It's alright," Ben said softly, as he activated the helmet's retraction mechanism. The armor peeled back, revealing his face. "See? Nothing to be afraid of."
The woman's eyes widened further. A blush crept across her cheeks.
"Oh...oh my gosh," she stammered. "I...I'm fine. Thank you...so much."
A familiar horn beeped down the street.
[Gwen, over comms] "Ben, get your butt over here! We gotta go!"
"Gotta run," Ben said to the woman, winking. "Stay safe!" He jogged toward the end of the street, where the Rustbucket was waiting. Gwen leaned out the window, an exasperated look on her face. Ben grinned and hopped inside. He could hear the woman still swooning as they pulled away.
***
Leave a comment and review of your thoughts
Give some power stones to support this novel.
Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz