"Stop that nonsense! I'm twelve years old — how could I possibly take a disciple?!"
Ethen glared down at Kevin, who was still kneeling on the floor, forehead pressed to the ground.
Kevin sniffled, eyes brimming with tears as he clutched at Ethen's leg. "Please, Master! Teach me! I just… I don't want to be bullied anymore!"
The pitiful look might've melted Ben's heart instantly — but not Ethen's. He knew Kevin Levin was a troublemaker to the core.
"I said no!" Ethen snapped, pulling his leg free. "I don't take disciples, got it?"
"Hey, man, what are you doing?" Ben called as he and Gwen ran up.
"Your snot's about to get on his pants," Gwen muttered, pulling Kevin back by the collar.
Kevin still refused to let go, eyes wide and desperate.
"I think you don't really want to be my student," Ethen said dryly. "You just want to get rid of us. Come on, let's go."
"Wait! At least let me thank you!" Kevin said quickly. He ran to an arcade cabinet, placed his hand on it, and released a surge of electricity.
Bzzzt—clatter!
Coins spilled out from the slot like a waterfall.
Ben's eyes went wide. "Whoa! You've got powers too?"
Ethen and Gwen both covered their faces. Oh, great. He just gave away the secret…
"What?" Kevin's face lit up. "You've got powers too, huh? You're a Kung Fu master or something?"
"Yeah! Totally!" Ben said, still trying to recover. "We're, uh, super awesome."
Kevin immediately dropped to his knees in front of him. "Brother, please! Teach me! If someone helps me control my powers, I'll never do bad things again!"
Ben puffed up proudly. "You got it! I'll help you!"
Ethen sighed. Kevin had just played Ben like a fiddle.
"Ben," Ethen said sternly, "We need to head back soon. Grandpa's waiting, and we leave tomorrow."
"I just want to stop by my base with Ben! It won't take long, promise!" Kevin said, putting on the world's most pitiful face.
"Oh boy," Gwen muttered.
Ben folded his arms. "Fine! Let's go. I'll make you stronger, bro!"
And just like that, the two of them walked off, arms slung around each other.
"Ethen…" Gwen tugged on Ethen's sleeve, worried. "Are we seriously letting them just go?"
"Relax, Gwen," Ethen said calmly. "Ben's fired up right now — if I interfere, it'll just make things worse. I'll keep an eye on them… and step in if things go south."
He smiled faintly. "Besides, I'm curious how many quests Kevin can trigger."
Then his eyes darkened slightly. "Maybe it's time Ben learned a little about how dangerous people can really be."
A soft flash of light shimmered over him — and in an instant, Ethen vanished like a shadow.
Gwen swallowed hard. Watching him disappear into thin air always gave her chills.
"If Kevin finds out Ethen's right behind him… he'd probably die of fear," she whispered.
Then realization hit her. "Wait! Those two just ditched me! Grandpa's gonna ask where they are—ugh!"
She stomped her foot, then bolted after them.
A short while later…
In a dark, cluttered basement filled with broken arcade machines and stolen electronics, a red-skinned alien with four massive arms stood over Kevin.
The Four Arms stance was solid — textbook Muay Thai.
"Got it? This is called Muay Thai. Power comes from your hips and shoulders!" Ben (as Four Arms) said proudly.
"I think I got it…" Kevin said, awkwardly copying the motion.
"Not bad. But your form's off—here, let me show you."
Four Arms stepped forward to correct him—
Zap!
Kevin's hand brushed against him, and a spark of energy jumped between them.
Kevin smiled faintly. "Heh, guess I picked it up faster than I thought."
"Good work!" Four Arms said, completely oblivious. "You learn quick."
"Yeah… real quick," Kevin muttered, trying not to grin.
As the red light of the Omnitrix flickered over him, Kevin's skin began to harden — mimicking Four Arms' tough hide.
He'd stolen Ben's DNA.
"This time," Kevin whispered, flexing his new muscles, "no one's ever pushing me around again."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that."
A calm voice echoed through the basement.
Kevin froze. He turned around to see Ethen walking out of the shadows, eyes sharp.
"You've got murder in your eyes, Kevin," Ethen said flatly. "You sure you're learning to defend yourself — not to hurt others?"
Kevin feigned confusion. "Ben, what's your buddy talking about?"
"Hey, Ethen, don't be so paranoid," Four Arms, crossing his arms. "Kevin's a good guy."
But the moment Four Arms walked past him—
CRACK!
Kevin's elbow smashed into Four Arms' ribs. The alien let out a pained roar and fell to his knees.
"Kevin… why?" Four Arms gasped, stunned.
Kevin sneered. "Sorry, bro. Ethen's right. You both saw too much."
He clenched his fists, his newly absorbed power glowing. "I'm done being weak! People only respect strength — so I'll take it for myself!"
"You fool…" Four Arms growled, clutching his side. "I taught you to protect yourself, not to hurt people!"
Kevin kicked him hard, sending him crashing into the wall.
Ethen stepped forward, his tone cool. "Ben tried to help you. And this is how you repay him?"
Kevin laughed. "You think I care? I'll crush both of you!"
Four Arms groaned, slowly deactivating the Omnitrix. "Kevin… don't make him fight you."
"Oh, you're gonna have to." Kevin smirked.
"Kevin," Ethen said softly, "Ben was worried about you. And you repay him with betrayal."
He lifted his wrist — the Omnitrix symbol glowing bright green.
"Guess it's time for your lesson."
Krrr-chhk!
With a flash of green light, Ethen transformed — into a bulky, armored alien surrounded by crackling energy.
"Shock Rock!!" Four Arms gasped from the floor.
Ding!
Mission triggered: "Kevin's Path of Crime."
Objective: Kevin Levin has turned against Ben. Teach him a lesson — "Never underestimate anyone."
Reward: 15 Points.
Shock Rock's visor gleamed as he squared up to Kevin.
"Anything else you want to say?" Ethen asked, voice cold and robotic.
Kevin's eyes narrowed, electricity arcing around him. "Yeah. I'm gonna beat you down too!!"