Chapter 17 - A Glimpse into Ben Prime’s Future

[BEN 10,000]

MC'S POV

The day had finally come.

One of those rare days I'd been obsessively preparing for, because everything had to go perfectly. No slip-ups, no oversights. And even if I achieve it, I still risked messing it up big time for those I left behind.

As exaggerated as it may sound, today I wasn't just risking my life, I was risking the future of my own dimension's timeline just so that I could have a glimpse into the future…or at least Ben Prime's future. 

At least I'm certain that by 20 years from now I will have managed to shield this past of mine with every tech, power or magic at my disposal from any enemy who thinks themselves smart enough to attack me in my weakest. 

That and my future self better be certain to keep a tight watch over the Sotobro Effect and sense any change to my own timestream by the hands of any one capable enough to bypass my countermeasures. 

Regardless, the challenge itself had been exhilarating. 

Using my Ultimate Galvan (Grey Matter) form and all the recent knowledge I got from the Omniverse from exploring the Null Void Dimension, I'd spent countless days devising a way to subtly hijack a time portal spell cast twenty years ahead of me, while also ensuring I had contingencies in place in case either things went south or I missed this exact timeline and left it without me. 

Amongst these many contingencies, if I didn't return within 24 hours after entering future Gwen's portal, a backup clone of me would be immediately generated, armed with my memories and tasked with securing its own Omnitrix from a timeline where Ben Tennyson never existed.

But enough lingering in so many what ifs, now that we are back to one of our previous stops, setting camp by a beautiful waterfall next to Mt. Rushmore, I had a role to play.

About a week had passed since I had left to help Jen and explore the Null Void, I was actually glad that I'd managed to hide my absence with my good old trick with a mud clone from my Lenopan form. 

"I've got the marshmallows." Gwen announced, grinning as she carried a bag.

"I've got the graham crackers!" Kate chimed in.

"And I've got the chocolate!" Lucy added, her smile as bright as ever.

"We'll wait here for you to get the firewood so we can make s'mores." I said while leaning on the RV. 

"You know, it's always so nice to see you all getting along." Max chuckled while adjusting the roof tarp of the RV. "I'll be back in a jiffy."

"Great!" We all replied, practically in unison.

The moment Max disappeared into the woods with his ax, Gwen whipped out her checklist and began saying. "Okay, we need to make this perfect! Grandpa only turns 60 once!"

"Relax." I said with a smirk, snapping my fingers and pointing to the table, now set with plates, candles and a banner that read Happy Birthday. The cake was already baking in the RV's tiny oven. "Everything's ready." 

"Wait! You were baking the whole time?" Gwen asked, finally noticing the flour-streaked apron I'd left hanging by the door.

"Nothing says special like a homemade cake." I replied, winking.

But before Gwen could respond, the air around us warped as a swirling portal tore open, shaped like one of the Charms of Bezel. Wind whipped through the camp, scattering napkins and rustling the balloons.

"Okay, this can't be good." Kate muttered, clutching her belt as the portal's energy intensified.

From the vortex emerged a figure cloaked in blue, her green eyes glowing with purpose. Without hesitation, she flew straight toward Gwen, grabbing her by the arm so fast she couldn't react.

"Gwen!" I shouted, feigning panic while immediately activating my Omnitrix and transforming into my Kineceleran (XLR8) form.

In truth, I'd been expecting this, but I had to play my part. 

"Stay put!" I commanded both Kate and Lucy before racing into the portal at super speed, diving in just as it began to collapse.

The portal opened to reveal a sprawling futuristic city filled with bustling activity. 

Hoverboards zipped through the air, while humans and aliens strolled along glowing walkways. Neon lights illuminated sleek, towering buildings that hummed with advanced tech.

The figure holding Gwen flew out of the portal, her green eyes scanning the surroundings until symbols on her right arm began glowing yellow just as I rushed in, slamming into her with considerable force of my Kineceleran (XLR8) speed. 

She sprawled to the ground, releasing Gwen, who fell into my arms.

"Whoa." Gwen gasped, looking up at me as I lifted my visor and gently set her down while letting her regain her footing. "Where are we?"

Before I could answer, a pretty girl on a hoverboard zipped past, grinning at me. 

"Hey, Ben. Looking good!" She called, blowing me a kiss before disappearing into the crowd.

I managed a quick wave, but Gwen grabbed my arm in a fit of what appeared to be jealousy while narrowing her eyes.

"Yo, Ben 10K!" Another voice shouted. A boy and his alien friend hovered nearby on jet-booted platforms, waving enthusiastically. "Keep up the awesome job!"

"It's not 'where' we are that's the question, Gwen." I said, struggling to keep my cool as I took in the sights around us. "It's 'when' we are."

Gwen's gaze followed mine and her eyes widened. 

Towering above us was a massive statue of a familiar figure, sculpted with heroic grandeur. A gauntlet-like device adorned his arm and his expression radiated confidence. And behind this large monument I could even sight in the distance an actual Ben 10,000 Museum, which immediately reminded me of the one dedicated to the flash.

"'Hero of Heroes: Ben 10,000.'" Gwen read aloud from the plaque at its base before turning to me with an astonished face. "Is that… really you?"

"Looks like it." I casually replied, though my focus was already shifting toward exploring the city. "Heh, and all the effort I put into keeping my identity a secret. At least I'm glad it didn't cause the end of the world for me."

Before I could take a step, a loud crack echoed through the air before a powerful blast struck the base of the statue, sending chunks of debris raining down and the civilians running away screaming.

"Look out!" Gwen yelped as I scooped her up and dashed out of harm's way just as the statue crumbled behind us, reduced to rubble.

"More like 'was' me." I muttered, amused by the chaos Future Gwen had inadvertently dropped us into.

"Hey, Tennyson!" A deep, gravelly voice growled.

I turned to see a massive, rhino-like figure stepping out of the shadows. His mechanical reddish armor gleamed under the city lights, and a glowing blue cannon extended from the horn on his head.

"Do I know you?" I asked him while wondering to myself if this one time villain, named Exo-skull if I wasn't mistaken, had actually shown up another time in the franchise before Omniverse.

"Prepare for my revenge!" He snarled while completely ignoring my question. 

Without warning, Exo-Skull charged up his horn and fired a blazing blue energy blast just as I darted aside, carrying Gwen to safety before setting her down behind a nearby cover.

"Stay here." I said firmly before rushing back into the fray.

Using my Kineceleran (XLR8) speed, I closed the distance in an instant, zigzagging to confuse his aim. Exo-Skull fired again, but I effortlessly dodged, landing a powerful strike against his armored chest. Sparks flew as his plating dented under the force of my blows.

He roared and tried to counter, but I kept spinning around him, unleashing a flurry of hits that disoriented him. With one final burst of speed, I slashed his cannon-like horn clean off, sending it clattering to the ground just a whirlwind of force kept whipping around him, striking from all angles.

When the dust settled, Exo-Skull lay defeated, his armor battered and sparking.

"That takes care of it." I said, halting my movement just as my visor glowed blue and I activated Alpha, my personal AI, to scan the remains of Exo-Skull's tech, already imagining the possibilities of reverse-engineering the futuristic tech for my own use.

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GWEN'S POV

Even back when we were younger my cousin had always been an overachiever in everything, shouldn't surprise me that he took the hero job this seriously, but watching him now, I had been once again reminded of the gap between us that I've been trying so hard to get rid of for my whole life.

Ben zipped around the massive cyborg rhino, moving faster than my eyes could follow. Like always his strikes were all so well calculated, making his every motion seem effortless. 

The beast finally toppled with a loud crash, sparks flying from its damaged frame. I allowed myself a moment of relief before turning my attention to the hooded figure groaning softly nearby as she was starting to recover her consciousness.

Deciding to stop being the damsel in distress, I decided to approach the mysterious figures with caution, channeling my magic into a shimmering barrier of glyphs that quickly encased the one that tried to kidnap me as she sat up. 

The glowing runes pulsed faintly and I tightened my focus, ready to reinforce it if needed.

"Don't even try to escape." I announced firmly.

The woman, still shrouded by her hood, chuckled softly as she sat up straighter. 

"Magic." She said, almost to herself. "That's new, for you."

Her comment made me blink, confused by what she was talking about as the woman tilted her head, her hood still hiding her expression. 

"Quite the impressive barrier for an amateur, but…" With a lazy wave of her hand, the barrier fizzled out of existence.

I froze. That shouldn't have been possible, at least not to anyone that wasn't Ben.

"You'll have to try harder than that." The woman finally completed, amusement lacing her voice. "Though I must confess that I don't remember knowing magic before Grandpa's 60th birthday party."

The air seemed to leave my lungs. How could she know that?

I took a step back, my mind racing. Her movements felt familiar, her voice even more so. And then my eyes caught the cat icon on her belt, the same cat that was on my shirt right now.

It all clicked at once.

"You're…" My voice faltered as I pieced it together. "Wait. Are you… me?"

She chuckled again, standing slowly and pulling back her hood.

"Gwen?" I whispered, staring at the older woman who now stood before me.

"Actually…" She corrected, a faint smile on her lips. "I've been going by Gwendolyn since college."

I couldn't help but gape. Her short red hair and confident posture were so much like mine, yet she seemed worlds ahead of me. She radiated a calm, commanding presence.

"College?" I blurted, my excitement spilling out. "Ivy League?! Do I have a master's?!"

Gwendolyn laughed softly, not willing to reveal anything to me. 

"Listen, Gwen…" She told me, her tone gentle but firm. "I didn't come here to talk about your future. I came back to get Ben."

"Then why 'nab me?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"I remember Ben's listening skills sort of stunk." She replied, confusing me even more as she smirked. "Grabbing you was the only way I knew he'd come. Though…" She added, her expression softening. "…I didn't expect to find Grandpa's party in full swing… or that there'd be other kids around."

I raised an eyebrow, the more she spoke of her past, my present, the more I got the feeling something wasn't right. 

"So, time-travel is no big deal now?" My curiosity eventually won over my concerns.

"You just need the right spell to create the right kind of portal." My future self said casually. 

"I mastered magic?!" I shouted, the thrill of the idea lighting up my face. "How wicked is that?! What else do I know how to do? Did I ever get my black belt?"

Before my future self could answer, Ben appeared in a blur of speed while still in his alien form, his visor sliding up just as he approached us.

"What's going on here?" He asked, glancing between me and Gwendolyn. His voice was calm as ever, but I bet even he will be surprised with hearing what I've just uncovered. "Hello, Gwen."

Gwendolyn's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied him. "You're taking this… surprisingly well."

Ben shrugged as he reverted back to his human form. 

"Well, you've got the same kind of aura as my Gwen." He casually admitted while still appearing to be more impressed by the futuristic city we found ourselves in. "At first, I thought this was some weird prank she was pulling, so I decided to play along. Sorry for the punch back there."

Her gaze lingered on him while she remained quiet, from her reaction there was something she wasn't expecting to see in my Ben. Call it knowing me very well, but I could definitely tell she was lost in some deep thoughts.

"Aura, huh?" She finally mused aloud, more to herself than to us. "I didn't think you'd be sensitive enough to pick up on something like that."

Ben stared back at her, showing a serious face that led me to believe he was considering something, until he finally sighed and lit up his palm with his green magical energy.

"Just because you got older than me doesn't mean you should forget I was the one that taught you magic." He declared confidently, not being intimidated by my future self.

That seemed to be the final nail in the coffin for my future self to realize something, and from her reaction of surprise to everything we have been saying even I started to realize.

"We are from different dimensions." Both my future self and I remarked in unison.

Before anyone could say more, a streak of white zipped into the clearing, stopping abruptly in front of us.

A towering velociraptor on wheels stood there, taller and more muscular than my own Ben's alien form. His white-striped limbs and longer sleeves gave him an almost regal air, though the intensity of his movements hinted at a barely restrained edge. The Omnitrix symbol on his chest glowed faintly as he surveyed the scene, his gaze landing on the destroyed cyborg.

"Looks like the work of Animo. Might still need to run a full DNA analysis back at headquarters just to be sure." He muttered under his breath with his visor glowing, before turning to us. His glare lingered briefly on Gwendolyn and a faint flicker of recognition crossed his body language.

"Looks like someone else got to him first." He said, his tone neutral but edged with approval as Gwendolyn shook her head and pointed at us.

When his gaze swept over my Ben and I, he paused for a fraction of a second. Then, as though seeing alternate versions of himself and his cousin was nothing unusual, he turned to Gwendolyn.

"This is a busy day." He said suddenly, his voice clipped. "What have you done now, Gwendolyn? Clones, Variants or ourselves from the past."

"Well…" She began explaining before turning to look at my Ben who had already stopped showing his magic. "…since I don't recall you being this athletic at the age of ten, I believe it's safe to guess variants from a different reality."

"Urgh…I don't have time to babysit." The future version of Ben replied very rudely, as if we weren't even there. "Send them back."

The sheer nonchalance of his order hit me like a ton of bricks. Several years in the hero business must've made him so used to weirdness that not even his younger self from a different dimension could phase him.

From my future self's frowning expression and by how she crossed her arms, I could also see she had grown to not enjoy taking orders from her Ben. And clearly he also didn't really seem to care for a response, but just as future Ben turned away, obviously ready to blur himself out of sight, my Ben surprised him by just standing right in front of him.

"You know, you are not the first variant of me I meet." He told himself and I immediately recalled that variant named Jen, the way she behaved so differently from my Ben showed that their genders were not the only thing they had different from one another. "Though I must say that I'm not really surprised by how you seem to be still relying on our Kineceleran (XLR8) form after all these years."

That seemed to finally get future Ben's curiosity, given by how he didn't just simply runned away from my Ben and leave him speaking alone.

"Oh, I certainly don't recall meeting any variant of mine that hasn't stopped naming our transformations as if they were pets." He pointed out, but noticed how my Ben raised an eyebrow at that. "You know, we used to call this form XLR8."

"Clever." My Ben acknowledged it before grabbing his chin. "That other variant I mentioned decided to call it Deadtime."

"Not bad. Anything else you want to show me?" Future Ben asked, apparently becoming impatient again. "If not, I believe our talk here is over."

"Go on then, back to your headquarters." My Ben replied while dismissing himself with a gesture. "It's not as if I'm here for a job interview, I have nothing to prove to you."

The two Ben stared at each other for a few seconds before the older one let out a brief chuckle and blurred out of sight, leaving only a gust of wind from his departure that rustled my hair.

As the silence settled, I looked up at Gwendolyn. "He… seems intense."

"He's been like that for years." She sighed, crossing her arms. She glanced at my Ben, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Been quite a while since I last heard him chuckle."

"I don't know how your Ben was in the past, but my Ben has always been good with people." I told her, admittedly sounding more proudly than I was intending.

"Thanks for the compliment, but I just wasn't feeling like being pushed around by myself." He casually remarked before suddenly asking Gwendolyn. "So, will you send us back just like that? Why did you bring us here in the first place?"

"Of course not." Gwendolyn smiled before turning a bit timid with her response. "I-I…er…to be honest I wasn't trying to cross dimensions, but actually just bring here our past selves. Though at least this way we won't need to worry about damaging the time stream."

"You still didn't tell us your reason." I asked, catching my older self with a subject that seemed a bit too delicate for her to speak plainly.

"Well, short story short, Ben 10,000 needs your help." She told us, though her gaze lingered over my Ben the most.

"As much as I might agree that he needs some help with his attitude, I have a hard time believing that even after all these years he hasn't become extremely powerful." My Ben pointed out before asking. "What sort of help can we offer?"

"Ben 10,000 may have mastered the Secrets of the Omnitrix, but it still doesn't make him prepared for everything." Gwendolyn began telling us, her voice heavy with unspoken weight. "There's a crisis looming even he can't solve alone."

"Danger Alert!" Moments before both Ben and I could ask again what exactly she was talking about, the cat symbol in my future self's belt lit up and beeped until it announced out loud. "Sector 15-D."

"What's in sector 15-D?" Ben asked almost immediately.

Behind us, the faint hum of patrol drones and the flash of blue and red lights marked the arrival of the local police force, cordoning off Ben 10,000 destroyed monument. Officers moved methodically, scanning for threats and ushering curious onlookers away from the scene.

"Fort DNA-X..." Gwendolyn quickly replied as if she had memorized all sectors. "Earth's massive genetic depository with DNA samples from across the galaxy. It's vital for medical research, policing and law enforcement, even food production with so many alien species living here now." Until she realized something and told us. "Dr. Animo!"

"Uh, who?" I couldn't help asking, finding it too weird of a last name for a doctor to have.

"Wait, don't tell you have never met him during your summer vacation trip? He was meant to be one of the first villains we came across all the way back to our Washington D.C stop." Gwendolyn asked us incredulously while being reminded of her own past. "A mad scientist obsessed with genetic experiments on animals. Freaky frogs, mutant bats, prairie dogs... you name it."

"Doesn't ring a bell." I told her with a shrug. "But thanks for the spoiler."

"To be honest, we haven't had a foe that has come back yet. Either our prisons are more secure than yours or they have learned to avoid us at all cost." Ben casually explained it to my future self, earning us another one of her looks of surprise.

But before she could say anything else, a horn came from close by us as the familiar figure of the Rust Bucket rolled up, looking no different than it had 20 years ago.

As both me and my Ben quickly understood who was about to step out of the RV, we hid behind my future self just as Grandpa Max remarked out loud with a happy voice. "Gwendolyn, I thought that was you."

"And us." Both my Ben and I added with a happy smile just as we both came out of our hiding.

Right then we were both pleased to see that aside from having now grown a beard Grandpa resembled so much his past self, given how fresh his appearance was in our mind having seen him just a few minutes ago.

"Well, I see someone has finally figured out how to work their time portal." Max remarked with a fatherly laugh while greeting both me and my Ben with open arms just as we rushed to hug him.

"Grandpa!" We both greeted him back.

"Well, thanks for the compliment Grandpa, but actually I got these two from a different dimension." Gwendolyn approached us with a genuine look of appreciation for seeing us all together. 

"In any case, this is what I call a great gift, seeing you two again." Grandpa said while in the middle of our heartfelt embrace. Hearing his words seemed to have provoked a similar reaction of sorrow in my future self.

"Don't you still see us?" I finally asked, curious about why they seemed so sad once the subject was brought up.

"Well, Gwendolyn I see all the time." Grandpa admitted, still trying to keep his fatherly smile while his voice was tinged with a subtle sadness that didn't escape my notice. "It's been a long time since we've had all of us together." 

Gwendolyn averted her eyes, her expression guarded but her clenched fists giving her feelings away.

"It's great seeing you, too." I told in return, finally understanding that their Ben hasn't been all that present for them. 

Apparently, having noticed it as well, my Ben opted to lighten up the mood a little with a change of subject. "But the same shirt? Grandpa, it was 20 years out of style 20 years ago."

"Hey, when you find a look that works…" Grandpa replied back, still confident about his look. "But enough of that, you guys seem like you are in need of a ride."

"Fort DNA-X." Both me and my future self said together before sharing approving nods, while Grandpa led us inside his RV.

"Hop in." He said as we all entered the Rust Bucket, which was now leaden with high-tech machinery and computers, it earned the admiration of both me and my Ben. 

"Whoa! It's totally teched out!" We both said in unison. 

"You ain't seen nothing yet." Future me said proudly as we sat down and Grandpa Max engaged the controls with a smile. "Hit it, Grandpa."

The Rust Bucket hummed to life, panels sliding and shifting with a series of metallic clicks. Jets roared to life, their blue flames casting flickering shadows across the asphalt. My Ben and I exchanged wide-eyed glances as the RV lifted into the air with a smooth hum, leaving the ground far below us and rocketing itself towards our destination.

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MC'S POV

"Whoa!" Gwen and I said in unison, our voices filled with awe as we leaned closer to the Rust Bucket's windows, taking in the futuristic splendor of Omnitrix City.

The city stretched endlessly below us, its polished, silver towers gleaming under the faint green glow of the power grid running through the streets. 

Hovering highways twisted and turned between the skyscrapers, carrying streamlined vehicles in synchronized patterns. Everywhere you looked, holographic signs in alien and human languages blinked with advertisements, public service messages and animated artwork. 

Parks of strange, glowing plants broke up the steel-and-glass landscape and the air near it buzzed with life, a mixture of voices and sounds from species I'd never seen before.

At the center of it all stood the Omnitrix Tower, towering high above the city. Its design was unmistakable: a circular structure with silver spires wrapped around a glowing green core that pulsed faintly, as if alive. Sort of giving the vague impression that it is a building size functional Omnitrix.

"Omnitrix City." Grandpa Max said, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "Your future self, or at least our Ben, built this place to show what humans and aliens can accomplish together. Took a lot of hard work, patience, and maybe a little luck."

"Luck?" Future Gwen grinned, folding her arms as she leaned back in her seat. "More like sheer stubbornness. You know Ben, it was his way or the highway. And, well, he made it work."

"Guess I better take notes, huh?" I raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Stubbornness might just be the key to building something like this."

"Can't argue with that." Max chuckled. "Took decades, but it's a beacon now. Not just for Earth, but for colony worlds too."

"So, all those aliens down there." My Gwen asked, pointing at the bustling streets below. "They're all… living here? With humans?"

"Yep." Max said. "It wasn't always easy, but yeah. Aliens and humans living side by side."

"Not without a lot of headaches along the way." Future Gwen added. "Crime, culture clashes, even resource fights, this city has seen it all. But it's still standing and that's what counts."

I took all this in while mentally issuing a command to Alpha. 'Start scanning the city. Focus on the architecture, especially the tower. And don't get caught, we are dealing with high-tech security here even for future standards.'

'Acknowledged.' Alpha responded. 'Preliminary scans show complex systems requiring further exploration. Full analysis will take time and sufficient proximity.'

'Take it slow, then.' I commanded while simultaneously processing everything the others were saying, turning to Future Gwen. "So, what's the deal with the power grid? That green glow… is it some kind of renewable energy source?"

"Sort of." Future Gwen nodded, her expression lighting up. "The tower draws from a source created by one of Ben 10,000's most powerful transformations. It's what keeps the city running. No pollution, no waste. Just clean energy."

"That's… incredible." My Gwen said. "But it must've taken forever to get people to agree on all this, right?"

"Forever and then some." Future Gwen replied with a small laugh. "Convincing everyone wasn't easy. But sometimes, it just takes the right person at the right moment."

My Gwen had fallen quiet beside me, her gaze fixed on the streets below. 

Leaning in closer, I nudged her gently. "Hey, you okay?"

"I'm just thinking…" She hesitated, then glanced at me. "It's amazing what Ben—uh, your future self—managed to do. But it must've taken everything he had. I just… I don't want you to lose yourself trying to save everyone else."

Her words hit harder than I expected. 

"Gwen, listen to me. I'm not gonna let that happen." I said looking her in the eyes while also trying to not sound cheesier than that line already made it. "I don't care how many timelines or futures there are…this is our path, and we'll figure it out together." 

"You're not wrong to worry, Gwen." Future Gwen, having caught the tail end of our conversation, stepped in. "But remember, you're not us. And your Ben isn't him. You'll figure out your own way, one step at a time."

My Gwen gave her future self a faint smile, but I could see the doubt still lingering.

"Anyway…" Just then, Future Max cleared his throat, gesturing out the window. "…enough about us old folks reminiscing. Check this out."

He pointed toward a massive plaza below where a crowd had gathered, illuminated by the soft glow of the surrounding lights.

"That's Unity Plaza." Future Gwen said, taking over. "It's where we host events to celebrate milestones like new treaties, cultural festivals, stuff like that. It got a direct line of sight to the Omnitrix Tower, so it's kind of the city's heart."

"And all of it." Max added, gesturing to the highways and buildings beyond. "Runs on clean energy straight from the tower. Keeps the air breathable, the lights on and the streets safe. Well, safer than they used to be, anyway."

"Don't let him fool you." Future Gwen teased. "Half of those safety measures came because of us. I think every other week there was a fire, explosion or alien invasion."

"Hey, I resemble that remark." Max said, laughing. "But Gwendolyn is right, this city's been through a lot. And it's still here because people, and aliens, decided to work together."

"So, basically." I said, smirking. "You guys built a city that's part utopia, part constant repair job. Sounds… kind of perfect, honestly."

As the Rust Bucket began its descent, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer scale of it all. While the cartoon has left me intrigued, being here to witness the city that was Ben 10,000's legacy, reminded me of what could be achieved with the right mindset.

"See?" Future Gwen leaned toward Max, speaking softly. "I told you there's no need to worry about time paradoxes with these two. Different dimension, different rules."

"Yeah, yeah." Max gave a small shrug, smiling faintly. "Still weird seeing them like this, though."

I caught the exchange out of the corner of my eye and grinned. "Hopefully the good type of weird, Grandpa."

"Fair enough." He laughed. "Weird or not, some of my best memories came from times just like this."

"Best ones, huh?" I asked, half-joking.

He nodded, his eyes twinkling. "The best."

The Rust Bucket hummed softly as Future Max eased it to a stop next to a sleek ramp that curved down into the heart of Fort DNA-X. 

The structure was a blend of advanced alien technology and sturdy human engineering. Massive, angular and allegedly bristling with enough defenses to make even the most determined invader think twice.

"Well, here we are." Future Max said, shutting off the engine with a practiced flick of his wrist.

Before the words were fully out of his mouth, both Gwens were already out of their seats, practically racing toward the entrance ramp. 

"Come on, slowpokes!" Gwen shouted back while Future Gwen smirked and followed at a more measured, but still brisk, pace.

I chuckled, watching them for a moment before turning to Future Max, who had leaned back in his seat, looking uncharacteristically still. "You coming, Grandpa?"

He shook his head, a small, tired smile on his face. 

"No, no. You don't need my help. Haven't for a long time." He shifted in his seat, his gaze focused somewhere far beyond the present. "Just make sure to say goodbye before Gwendolyn sends you back, yeah?"

The words were casual, but the way his voice faltered ever so slightly made my chest tighten. I caught the briefest glimpse of sorrow flickering across his face as he turned away, probably thinking I hadn't noticed.

Before he could retreat further, I moved closer, placing a hand on his shoulder and said softly "Grandpa." 

He turned, startled, but before he could say anything, I pulled him into a hug. For a moment, he stiffened, maybe out of surprise, but then he relaxed, his arms wrapping around me with a strength that felt as steady as ever.

"Thanks." I said, my voice quieter than I expected. "For everything. Past, present and future… in every dimension. I know you've done more than anyone could ever ask."

Max chuckled softly, though his voice was thick. "Well, somebody's gotta keep you kids out of trouble. Even if it gives me more gray hairs than I know what to do with." For a second, I thought I saw the glimmer of tears, but he blinked them away quickly, giving my shoulder a firm pat. "Now, go. They're waiting for you."

I nodded and stepped back, giving him one last look before heading toward the ramp.

Soon after the Rust Bucket pulled away, its engine's hum fading into the distance, our trio stood before Fort DNA-X. The fortress loomed, an amalgamation of alien ingenuity and human engineering, its structure sprawling outward like a mechanical monolith.

The massive doors slid open with a mechanical groan, revealing rows upon rows of glowing DNA sample pods arranged in meticulous lines. Their eerie light bathed the room as an earth-shaking roar echoed through the chamber. 

Without hesitation, we all sprinted towards it.

"Ugh, we're late!" Gwendolyn groaned, frustration lacing her voice as she levitated effortlessly and dashed ahead. "My Ben must already be handling the situation."

"Late or not, he better not hog all the action." My Gwen muttered, keeping pace after quickly reciting some body enhancing spells. "Wish I'd brought my hoverboard. Ben, any shortcuts here?"

"This place is loaded with who knows what kind of traps or defenses." I reasoned with her, before gesturing towards Future Gwen, who led the way confidently. "If anyone knows the fastest route, it's her. Let's stick close."

Granted, I could've just activated my Ultimate Kineceleran (XLR8) form to get there instantly since no security defense could hope to catch me, but I stayed behind just enough to use the chaos to my advantage.

'Alpha.' I called mentally, keeping my thoughts discreet while running alongside the two Gwens. 'Start hacking. I want every piece of data this place has before security notices.'

'Acknowledged.' Alpha's cool, mechanical voice responded in my head. 'Initiating full system scan. This will take time.'

Before I could fully process the room, a deafening explosion tore through the air, shaking the ground beneath us. The shockwave sent debris flying, but Gwendolyn and I landed on our feet with practiced ease, catching my Gwen before she hit the ground.

Through the smoke emerged Ben 10,000, his towering Tetramand (Four Arms) form dominating the space. His armor-like synthetic skin gleamed under the fluorescent lights, jagged spikes protruding menacingly from his frame. 

His sheer presence and nanotech enhancements demanded attention.

On the far side, Dr. Animo stepped into the light, his grotesque, gorilla-like form augmented by cybernetics. His head floated in a water-filled dome, eyes gleaming with madness as his amplified voice echoed.

"Ah, Benjamin! Still the self-righteous hero after all these years? Let the doctor demonstrate to you how true evolution looks!" He said before turning his attention to us. "And reinforcements! How quaint. For every one of your 10,000 forms, I've stolen DNA to create 10,000 abominations!"

"Yeah? Think again!" Ben 10,000 roared, charging forward without breaking form.

The succeeding clash was brutal. Each strike from Ben sent shockwaves rippling through the room, but Animo's enhanced body absorbed the blows, countering with raw, primal force.

As both me and my Gwen were ready to show how capable we were, Gwendolyn held out a hand to stop us. "He doesn't like it when we interfere. Just… let him handle it."

My Gwen crossed her arms, spell book still in hands as she muttered, "He could've at least let us try to help."

Meanwhile, I took the opportunity to monitor Alpha's progress.

'Scan 34% complete. DNA sample scan is taking longer than anticipated due to security protocols.' It reported.

Ben 10,000's Omnitrix flashed green as he shifted strategies, morphing into his own futuristic Kineceleran (XLR8) form. His raptor-like speedster body zipped around Animo in a blur, striking with precision from every angle.

"Your tricks won't save you, Tennyson!" Animo snarled, slamming machinery into the floor to disrupt his opponent's movements.

Ben 10,000 switched again, becoming the frosty Arctiguana (Polar Mandrazill). With a blast of freezing breath, he encased Animo's arms in solid ice. The villain roared, shattering the ice and freeing his upper limbs, but slipped as Ben froze the floor beneath his feet.

The fight escalated as Ben 10,000 morphed into his Gormond (Upchuck) transformation, his wiry form using sticky tongues to redirect a thrown pod back at Animo. He followed it with an explosive stream of green glowing bile, sending Animo crashing into the wall.

My Gwen leaned toward Gwendolyn, whispering, "Okay, he's good. I'll give him that. But does he ever let anyone help?"

Gwendolyn's gaze darkened. "Not anymore. He hasn't been human in years…not since he decided the world's safety mattered more than anything else."

"You mean he—" Gwen began, but her future self cut her off.

"He's forgotten who he is." Gwendolyn said sharply. "And he won't let anyone remind him."

My Gwen shifted uncomfortably. "That's… not healthy."

"No, it's not." Gwendolyn's voice softened. "But try telling him that."

Alpha's voice buzzed again in my head. 'Scan 76% complete. Decryption protocols engaged. Security remains unaware. Captured DNA samples integrated into the database.'

In the fight, Ben 10,000's appearance shifted once more, this time into his Petrosapien (Diamondhead) form, immediately punching down and sending crystalline spikes shooting from the ground. One clipped Animo's cybernetic neck, sparking as it disrupted his systems. At that moment of distraction Ben 10,000 managed to encase his opponent on a large pillar of crystal.

"Enough!" Animo roared soon after breaking free of his momentary containment, grabbing a nearby claw used to transport the DNA pods around the facility, leaping forward with a desperate lunge as he brought his improvised weapon down.

Like always Ben 10,000 reacted instantly, morphing into his Nosedeenian (Buzzshock) form. His lightning-charged body zipped around Animo's claw before delivering a paralyzing shock that left the villain twitching uncontrollably.

In one final move, Ben transformed into Arburian Pelarota (Cannonbolt), his armored, spherical form slamming into Animo like a wrecking ball. The villain crashed into rows of DNA pods, shards scattering across the room.

Ben 10,000 returned to his Tetramand (Four Arms) form, which must've been his favorite whenever in combat, his expression unreadable as he bound the defeated Animo in cables from the wreckage. 

Right then, the room fell silent except for the sound of broken machinery, which prompted Ben 10,000 to turn away, his Omnitrix badge briefly flickered as if he were about to transform again but stopped himself once he confirmed there were no more threats nearby.

"Whoa." My Gwen breathed. "You're insane, Ben. In a good way, I mean."

"Just glad this version of me's still got it after all these years." I nodded, my tone a mix of respect and curiosity. "Though… from what I've heard, carrying that weight alone isn't exactly a badge of honor."

Gwendolyn smirked at me. "You're different from him at your age. Smarter, even. Guess that's why your Gwen likes you so much."

"W-what?!" Gwen turned red instantly. "I just… appreciate him, okay? He's more responsible and considerate than I expected. But that doesn't mean—"

Before she could finish, the air shimmered with a familiar energy.

Ben 10,000, still in Tetramand form, turned toward the source, his expression shifting from confusion to annoyance as a familiar voice spoke out.

"Analysis confirms we failed to arrive in time." A crisp and calculated voice announced.

'No way.' I told myself, surprised by the difference from the canon I was expecting.

Out of the dissipating smoke emerged Edwin Grandsmith, encased in a sleek, gold-and-bronze exosuit. His control of his jet propulsion was precise and calculated for maximum efficiency, as if every action had been planned five moves ahead. 

Following closely behind, Zak Saturday's flowing blue-and-black cloak, billowed around him as though alive, faintly crackling with cryptid energy. A flicker of movement revealed a small snake slithering out from beneath the cloak before disappearing back into its folds. 

Completing the trio was none other than Kai Green, her gear blending rugged practicality with a modern survivalist flair, and a floating camera drone hovered over her shoulder, its lens glinting as it recorded their arrival. She idly adjusted the hilt of what appeared to be Excalibur strapped across her back, the blade glowing faintly as though in sync with her confident aura.

"Didn't realize I called for backup." Ben 10,000 crossed all his arms, his expression unreadable. "Yet that's all I get nowadays."

"Didn't realize you didn't." Kai smirked, her gaze flicking to the floating camera. "I just figured it'd make for some great footage and brought the boys along."

"Footage aside, this isn't exactly subtle work, Ben." Zak tilted his head, his sharp near animalistic eyes scanned the room with cryptid-infused focus. "Thought we'd lend a hand. You know, spread the love."

"Spread the love?" Ben's tone was dry, as though the phrase offended his sensibilities. "Last time I checked, love didn't keep villains off the streets."

Edwin's voice cut in, a controlled monotone that somehow still carried weight. "Actually, collaboration increases operational efficiency. We optimize outcomes when working as a collective unit."

Ben's gaze flicked between them, then settled on Edwin. "Yeah? Then optimize this, take Animo to the Null Void chamber. That's somewhere even he can't worm his way out of."

Hearing that prompted Zak to crouch beside Animo, his cloak stirring faintly as small cryptids emerged from its folds. A pair of beetles scuttled out and began examining the bindings, their antennae twitching as they transmitted feedback to Zak.

Meanwhile, Kai's smirk widened as she placed a hand on her hip, glancing at her camera. "Oh, sure. Give us the cleanup job. Anything else, your majesty?"

Ben didn't rise to the jab. Instead, he turned to Gwendolyn while picking up my Gwen and me. His gaze softened for a moment as he spoke. "Gwendolyn, I'll meet you back at headquarters."

And just like that, we were gone, disappeared in a blur of Kineceleran speed. The silence he left behind felt as heavy as the tension in the room.

Unbeknownst to us who have left, Edwin approached Animo while moving methodically. "I suggest we expedite transport to prevent potential variables. Prolonged exposure increases risk of containment breach."

Kai sheathed Excalibur, her expression softening just a fraction. "Alright, Mr. Robot. Let's get this done before I have to hear you say 'expedite' again."

————————————————————————

BEN 10,000'S POV

The city blurred past in streaks of neon as I carried the two kids through Omnitrix City at Kineceleran (XLR8) speed. I kept my focus on the route ahead, my enhanced form cutting through the air with pinpoint precision. Getting them to headquarters quickly was my priority, even if the younger version of me might not understand why efficiency always wins out.

Then the boy spoke up. "Hey, you know I can walk, right?"

I glanced down briefly at the kid, my supposed younger counterpart from another dimension, then immediately refocused. "Yeah? Well, I can get us there faster."

He didn't miss a beat. "Wanna bet on that?"

The question hit me harder than I expected, like it came from another life entirely. For a moment, I felt something stir, something I'd buried long ago. 

Slowing down slightly, just enough to study his expression and confirm he wasn't bluffing.

"You're kidding, right?" I asked, skepticism laced with a faint twinge of amusement.

"Dead serious." He said, grinning like he knew something I didn't. "Let me down and I'll show you."

I came to a stop, setting both he and his Gwen on the ground. Kid Gwen adjusted her footing, brushing herself off before I contacted Gwendolyn through my communication. "I'll be leaving your younger self here for pickup. Need to teach myself a lesson."

Gwendolyn didn't argue, instead, she gave me a small, almost wistful smile, her eyes softening. 

"Haven't seen you like this in years, you know." She said quietly, somehow immediately understanding what I had agreed with the kid.

I stiffened but didn't reply. 

"Well, kid. Just so you know, I'm not running the standard Kineceleran (XLR8) setup. I've enhanced all my transformations with nanotech." I smirked slightly as my form shifted, sleek streaks of neon light illuminating my frame. "Watch and learn."

With that, I bolted forward, leaving a glowing trail of energy behind me as I flashed through the city. The upgraded tech ensured I didn't waste a single motion. After all, this form allowed me to patrol the entire planet, so I had to be the fastest being alive.

Or so I thought.

When I reached the entrance to headquarters, I expected to see nothing but an empty room before me. Instead, there he was. The kid. Waiting for me. Leaning casually against the wall like he'd been there for hours. 

And he wasn't even in his base Kineceleran form.

My visor's scan could only say that this form was considerably more evolved than mine.

The sight hit me like a punch to the gut. His form was larger, filled with feathers that glowed and pulsed faintly with stored kinetic energy. Even standing still, he radiated speed, like the air and time itself bent to his will.

"How did you—?!" I stammered. "That's… not possible."

He powered down, reverting to his human form with an air of effortless confidence. 

"Guess that futuristic nanotech of yours isn't all it's cracked up to be." He said with a smirk. "Don't worry, though. Happens to the best of us."

I stared at him, my mind racing. 

The kid had just outpaced me—me—like it was nothing. This wasn't just some fluke. His Omnitrix… his abilities… they were on another level entirely.

"What kind of Omnitrix are you running?" I asked, stepping closer, the curiosity bleeding into my voice.

"Let's just say it's not your average model. I modified it myself." He replied, the smugness never leaving his tone. "But if you're curious, we could settle it properly."

I crossed my arms, wondering how Azimuth would react once he heard about this variant of mine, before finally asking. "What are you offering?"

"A spar." He shrugged. "You've got this fancy headquarters, right? Let's see what your training room can do."

For the first time in a long time, I felt something unfamiliar, a spark of excitement that didn't require me to save another life. 

A friendly challenge. 

"Alright, kid." I finally said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. "Let's see if you're as good as you think you are."

And with that, after programming my computer to set off an alarm if anything happened while I was busy, I led my younger variant inside, already preparing for what was shaping up to be an unforgettable match.

Moving through the sleek corridors of my headquarters until we both arrived at a massive set of reinforced doors, we waited as the training room doors soon slid open with a low buzz, revealing the vast, high-tech space within. 

The arena stretched out like a coliseum built for giants, its shimmering walls alive with adaptive nanotech that reshaped to simulate any environment. Holographic projectors lined the ceiling, ready to conjure anything from blazing deserts to zero-gravity fields, while the floor gleamed with segmented panels that pulsed faintly, waiting for activity. 

Above, holographic monitors tracked every movement, every statistic, while drones hovered silently, ready to capture data or assist in emergencies. And at the center of the room stood a glowing sphere, the control hub for customizing simulations.

I led the kid, my younger counterpart, there to program the console with a few quick inputs while running at super speed. The terrain remained neutral, flat and featureless for now, mostly because this was going to be a test of skill, not survival.

"Welcome to the sparring arena." I said, folding my arms as I turned to face him. "I use it to train and prepare for the worst. Adaptive terrains, gravity shifts, drones…whatever you can think of. But for now, we'll keep it simple."

The kid didn't look the least bit intimidated, if anything he seemed used to these kinds of things, his eyes briefly scanning the room before turning to me. 

"Simple, huh? You sure you're not dumbing it down for me?" He quipped, his smirk sharp. "Nice place though. Bet it costs more than a small planet to keep it running."

"Not wrong." I replied, recalling the effort I had put into it with one of my most powerful forms. "Now, since your evolved forms seem to be your big guns—"

Before I could say another word, he activated his Omnitrix with just a thought. The green flash of energy subsided, leaving him in a new form I didn't quite recognize at first.

A gelatinous, blue-skinned creature stood towering over me, his translucent belly swirling with energy. Light blue growths jutted from his back and his limbs stretched unnaturally as he shifted, with the Omnitrix symbol glowing faintly on his right arm.

"Ultimate Gourmand (Upchuck)?" I muttered after scanning the alien with my visor. "Interesting… A fusion of Perks and Murks, if my sensors are not mistaken. But no mouth, huh? What's the plan here?"

"Who needs a mouth when I've got these?" He replied, his voice echoing from the swirling portal in his belly.

I nodded, impressed despite myself, and activated my Omnitrix, shifting into a Petrosapien (Diamondhead). With my glimmering crystalline form and the edges of my body outlined in glowing refracting light. "Let's see what you've got, kid."

The sparring began at a blistering pace, my crystalline body gleaming under the overhead lights as I created blades from my arms and charged. But the kid was already adapting. Using his strange portal-like abilities, he absorbed chunks of the floor through his belly and launched them behind me through his portals, catching me off guard.

Before he could capitalize on any openings my body shifted and grew, turning into the familiar bulk of a Polar Manzardill (Arctiguana), my body gleaming with a faint frosty aura as I prepared to attack. 

The spar continued with a blast of icy breath from me, the cold mist freezing the floor in a wide arc. He responded swiftly by opening another portal, absorbing the attack through his belly and teleporting it out in a powerful punch. The redirected ice slammed into my chest, forcing me to backpedal.

The back-and-forth continued, each transformation testing the limits of our adaptability to the other fighting style. I turned into my Nosedeenian (Buzzshock) form to rain down electrical bolts, the kid avoided them with fluid movement, his body rippling as if the attacks barely phased him. Then, with a twist of his belly portal, he somehow redirected one of my energy blasts right back at me. I darted aside, my small form making it easy to maneuver, but I couldn't deny how unpredictable his abilities were.

Switching tactics, I shifted into my Sphoeroid (Spitter) form, immediately coating the floor in acidic slime to corner him. But his gelatinous form wove through the battlefield, always finding new ways to turn my powers against me as his stretchy body maneuvered through the slick terrain with ease, his Puke Portals continuing to redirect my attacks, keeping me on my toes.

It was impressive, if not frustratingly so.

"Alright, let's kick this up a notch." I said, transforming into Four Arms. My nanotech-enhanced muscles and towering form pounding across the arena as I charged, closing the distance with a single leap. 

To his credit, the boy didn't back down. 

Instead, he absorbed a chunk of the floor through his portal and teleported it out in a massive blast, meeting my strike head-on. The impact sent debris throughout the arena and I felt myself slide back a few feet.

Finally, I shifted into Kineceleran (XLR8) form, using my speed to blitz around him. Neon trails lit up the room as I darted in and out, looking for openings. But the kid wasn't fazed, he used rapid portal creation to anticipate my movements, blindsiding me with my own momentum and slamming me into a far away wall.

Sliding down the smooth surface, I groaned and raised a hand. "Alright, I'll admit it. That's enough for now."

The kid powered down, willingly choosing to go back to his human form, though his smirk was kept firmly in place. "Had enough already? That's what you get if you hold back against me."

"You're better than I could've imagined, I'll give you that." I chuckled, shaking my head. " But that doesn't mean you still don't have a lot to learn."

"If you say so." My younger variant shrugged, already heading for the exit. "But next time, I'm bringing something even better."

As we left the training room, I couldn't help but glance at his Omnitrix. Having just seen two Ultimate forms of his, I must say…they are something else. And the way he handled himself, he definitely isn't an ordinary kid with just too much power than he can handle.

Soon we re-entered the central room, where Gwendolyn and his Gwen were deep in conversation, their topic not being what I had expected.

"…and if you adjust the spell matrix this way, you'll stabilize the flow of mana and reduce the strain on the caster." The youngest Gwen was saying, her hands moving animatedly.

Gwendolyn nodded, her expression impressed. "That makes so much sense. Can't believe that I've never thought of it that way after all these years!"

I raised an eyebrow, surprised. Gwendolyn rarely opened up about magic to anyone outside her inner circle of pupils, handing out praises even less.

"What? She's good." Gwendolyn remarked, catching my expression. "If she's already thinking this far ahead, she'll surpass me in no time once she gets her hands in her own set of charms. And it looks like your younger self has been teaching her well, makes me wonder..."

Just as she was about to ask my younger variant, he casually admitted with a shrug. "Things are easier to figure out when I become my Ultimate Galvan (Grey Matter) form."

I blinked. Of course. The kid had an evolved Galvan (Grey Matter) transformation. That explained a lot.

Before I could delve into the implications, the calm atmosphere was shattered by blaring alarms. The room shifted as lights turned red, and the main computer's voice echoed through the space.

"Danger Alert! Sector 1-A Centric." It announced.

'The Null Void Projector!' Was my immediate thought as my demeanor changed, every trace of amusement wiped away. I turned to the console, already issuing commands. "Gwendolyn, take the kids to a secure wing. I'll handle this."

This time Gwendolyn was the one to confront me. "No way. They are coming with us."

I hesitated, locking eyes with her. "This isn't training anymore."

"I know." She said without flinching. "That's why they shouldn't be sitting this one out. They aren't affecting the time stream and we could definitely use the help if someone managed to break into your headquarters."

I studied our younger variants for a moment longer before nodding. "Fine. But stay close and let's move now."

————————————————————————

FUTURE GWEN'S POV

The alarms blared as we took the fast elevator down, casting the cramped space in a flickering red glow. My grip tightened around my recently conjured staff, my trusty artifact that has aided me more time than I can count, and glanced at the others. 

My younger variant shifted uncomfortably, her brow furrowed in concentration as she flipped through her own handcrafted spellbook. Her sight was still a bit strange to me, a constant reminder of the person I used to be, inexperienced yet determined.

Though I could see how she waited for her Ben's instructions, proven by the quick peek I got from one of her pages, showing several drawings of the Omnitrix alien's transformations and how they inspired her to come up with better uses of her spells.

Speaking of him, the boy to his credit seemed confident yet prepared for everything, not even needing to touch his watch before a suit began covering his body.

"What?" Young Ben eventually asked me, clearly noticing my look of surprise at how advanced his superhero suit looked. "It's not only good for hiding my identity, it also helps protect my human form."

Looking at my own cousin, I noticed how Ben 10,000 seemed unconcerned by it while pacing in the limited space we all waited together, his energy barely contained, a nervous habit I recognized all too well. 

"Whatever this is…" He muttered shifting into his XLR8'S form. "…we end it fast."

Just as we all nodded, the elevator doors finally slid open, revealing the massive chamber of Sector 1-A Centric. The Null Void Projector loomed at the center, its iron form resembling the Omnitrix. Its doors locking the portal emitter pulsed with unstable light breaching through its growing gap.

My stomach dropped as I spotted Eddie, Zak, and Kai, all crumpled on the ground near the projector, bound by thick restraints that glowed faintly with energy. None of them stirred.

"No!" I was about to take a step forward before Ben 10,000 placed a hand on my shoulder, stopping me.

"Wait!" He said firmly, scanning the room. "They haven't tied themselves."

Movement by the controls caught his eye and I felt my breath hitch once I looked in the same direction, Dr. Animo towered over the Null Void Projector's control panel. 

"Animo…" Ben 10,000 growled, stepping forward just as he shifted into his Diamondhead form without hesitation, his crystalline body shimmering as he formed blades along his arms. "It ends now!"

Animo's mechanical laughter echoed through the chamber, his deep, distorted voice resonating from speakers embedded in his jar. 

"Oh, Tennyson!" He sneered, his massive form moving toward us with deliberate menace. "You should know by now, nothing ends while I'm still breathing. Or thinking, for that matter."

I started to raise my staff, preparing to counter whatever Animo was planning, but before I could act, a shadow detached itself from the corner of the room.

Vilgax?

My breath caught as he stepped into the light, his cybernetic frame hulking and menacing with augmentations crisscrossing his body. His already terrifying presence amplified by gleaming armor and the cold hatred burning in his crimson eyes. 

Before either me or Ben 10,000 could react, Vilgax lunged forward, his massive fist connecting with my Ben's chest.

The impact was deafening, more devastating than either of us could've anticipated, sending my Ben crashing straight into the reinforced wall with enough force to leave cracks spider webbing across the surface of the wall and Ben's crystal figure.

"As a matter of fact, it's only just beginning…" Vilgax said, his voice a low growl as he strode forward.

Ben 10,000 groaned as he pushed himself up, his crystalline body flickering with fractured light. "Vilgax? But how? Last time I saw you, I left you in pieces."

"The good Doctor here…" Vilgax said, gesturing to Animo. "…has given me just the right medicine. And you'll find it more than enough to put an end to a disease such as you."

"And there's more coming!" Animo announced with maniacal glee as the Null Void Projector roared to life, its swirling energy expanding outward into a blinding green vortex. The air buzzed with raw, chaotic power, and I could feel the dimensional rift tearing open.

Then he stepped through.

He was lean and wiry, his black jumpsuit clinging to a frame that seemed deceptively unthreatening, until you looked at his face. His long black hair framed a pale, scarred visage, an X-shaped mark carved into his chin. 

Kevin.

"So glad to be invited to the party," He said, stretching lazily as if stepping out of a pleasant nap rather than a hellish prison, his voice dripping with mockery while his eyes scanned the room, eventually settling on Ben 10,000 with a wicked grin. "Wouldn't you agree, Benji?"

"Wait, who—" My younger self frowned. "We already don't have a Dr. Animo back in our dimension, who's this guy?"

"Focus, they will—" I said sharply, keeping my staff raised, but before I could finish, Kevin activated his powers. 

His body began to shift and twist, his skin transforming into a grotesque patchwork of alien textures, all merged into one horrifying yet undoubtedly powerful form.

"Oh no…" I felt my younger self stiffen beside me as she whispered. "He's… like Kate. But… worse."

"What's the matter?" Kevin smirked, his voice now a guttural growl as he raised his blazing arm towards us. "Cat got your tongue? I thought you would be happy to see me."

"Stay close. Both of you." I gritted my teeth, stepping forward to shield the younger variants from the infernal blast of fire while gritting my teeth.

"You will all regret facing me again!" Meanwhile, Ben 10,000 got back to his feet, his crystalline fists clenched and voice steady despite the odds.

"Brave words, Tennyson.." Vilgax chuckled darkly. "…but a lie is still a lie. No matter how much you want it to be true."

The air crackled with tension as Vilgax and Kevin squared off against Ben 10,000. My older cousin planted his feet, his crystalline fists glowing with fractured light, but I could see it, he was barely holding himself together after Vilgax's earlier blow. 

His breaths were shallow, his stance just a little off-balance.

"One more thing, I've analyzed every one of your aliens and had their moves programmed into my new DNA." Vilgax's mechanical growl reverberated through the chamber. "Prepare for your annihilation."

"With all the effort I've also put in finding the meanest and toughest combination of alien powers, I almost feel bad for you." Kevin chuckled, still showing off his monstrous appearance, while cracking his knuckles. "Almost."

I raised my staff, ready to intervene, but before I could utter a spell, a blur of motion rushed past me. 

It was him, the younger variant of my Ben. Only, it wasn't just him anymore.

In an instant, his slim form shifted, muscles and limbs expanding with an audible crackle of energy as his watch emitted a blinding green light. His transformation was seamless, and when it faded, there he stood, the evolved form of Four Arms.

His Azure skin glowed faintly in the dim light of the chamber, the massive segments of muscles that covered his body like natural armor gleaming with power. The energy pulsating from his form was something I hadn't seen in years, not even in my cousin.

Before anyone could process what was happening, he leapt forward.

"No one's taking my buddy here down!" His voice boomed, echoing across the room as he planted himself between Ben 10,000 and the two villains.

Both Kevin and Vilgax reacted, their attacks already in motion, a fiery, crackling punch from Kevin and a devastating energy concussive Punch from Vilgax's cybernetic arm.

Despite no longer having four arms as his standard form, Ben's muscle fibers shifted around his frame, spawning several arms while bulking him up even more, catching their strikes mid-air. The force of the collision sent shockwaves rippling through the room, and possibly the entire tower, with the ground beneath us quaking and making deep fissures.

Young Ben wasn't unscathed, the strain was clear, as his muscles rippled under the immense force, with some audibly snapping before quickly regenerating back together. Kevin's fiery attack left scorch marks along one side of his body and Vilgax's attack caused some bones to crack loud enough for us to hear. 

But he held them, he actually held them both.

"What the—" Kevin growled, taken aback by the sudden challenge.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I break your concentration? You were all so excited with your own surprise party that I forgot to introduce myself." Young Ben said through gritted teeth, his voice steady and defiant as the damage he received began healing itself in no time. "As you all can see, there's another Omnitrix user in town."

"Kid… thanks for the save." Ben 10,000, shaken but still determined, stepped back, his eyes narrowing at the opportunity his younger self had created for him. "But let's take it outside before they bring this whole place down. We will leave Animo and the Null Void for the Gwens."

"Understood." The young variant of Ben nodded, his massive blue arms filled with hands still locked with the villains. With a roar, he pushed forward, the sheer force sending both Vilgax and Kevin stumbling back, barely giving them enough time to react as he ran past them and dragged them both towards the closest exit. 

As the three of them crashed through the massive doors leading into this level's hangar, the sounds of their battle quickly faded as Ben 10,000 ran after them, turning into XLR8, leaving me and my younger self alone with Dr. Animo.

Dr. Animo's distorted laughter echoed through the chamber as he turned back to the control panel, his grotesque gorilla body a blur of white fur and metal as his cybernetic claws danced across the controls, the Null Void Projector's hum growing louder.

"Do you really think that will make a difference?" He sneered, his jarred head swiveling toward us. "The fight out there is already over. Those fools don't stand a chance."

"You're not escaping, Animo." I tightened my grip on my staff, stepping forward. "And you're not releasing anyone else."

"You think I'd leave when the fun's just getting started?" He grinned maliciously before slamming a clawed fist onto a secondary control. Holographic screens flared to life around us, showing live feeds of the battle outside.

I froze, my breath catching in my throat as I saw the destruction unfolding in Omnitrix City. 

The streets were chaotic. Buildings crumbled under the shockwaves of each clash, while citizens had to be evacuated at an unprecedented scale. 

Ben 10,000 was forced to assume his massive alien form, Way Big, while young Ben fought while shifting through his hyper evolved versions of my Ben's original ten aliens. But Vilgax and Kevin 11,000 weren't just strong, they were an unexpectedly efficient duo, their attacks relentless.

"This…" Animo's voice oozed satisfaction. "…is a historic event. The day Omnitrix City learns who their true masters are."

"You're insane!" My younger self snapped, looking away from the live feed being shown to us, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and fury.

"Insane?" Animo roared, his massive form towering over her as he stepped closer. "No, girl. I'm a visionary that has been underestimated for far too long. But soon, this world will finally bow to me!"

Before I could cast a spell, Animo slammed his fists into his chest while activating a sound that summoned a swarm of his mutant creations, grotesque hybrids of animals, aliens and machinery. 

They skittered, flying and roaring as they swarmed toward us.

"Let's see if you can survive my pets until I get all of Ben 10,000's enemies out of this prison dimension!" Animo bellowed. "You will all be in for a treat if you last that long."

"Stick close to me!" I called to my younger self, raising my staff. With a swift motion, I cast a protective barrier around us, deflecting the first wave of mutated creatures.

"On it!" She replied, flipping through her spellbook. With a whispered incantation, glowing orbs of energy shot from her hands, targeting the swarm with precision.

Animo cackled as he watched from his perch, seemingly content to let his pets do the work. But I could see it, the control panel behind him, its screen still flashing with data from the Null Void.

"We need to disable that projector." I said, my mind racing as I unleashed a lightning bolt that stunned several minions in its path, my Charm of Bezel light up in my right arm.

"And deal with him." My younger self added grimly, her hands already glowing with another spell as the mutant horde continued to clash against my barrier, before trying to light up the mood. "No pressure then." 

————————————————————————

MC'S POV

The air buzzed with tension as I hauled Kevin and Vilgax out of the Null Void Projector's chamber, their combined mass and struggle against me felt like dragging a sinking ship, even with my current absurd strength. 

Vilgax's red eyes burned with cold fury, as he demonstrated that he also had some sort of heat vision strong enough to make me feel its heat. While Kevin's body, ever-shifting, was a grotesque fusion of stolen powers and jagged forms, thrashing violently in my grasp.

One last pull, and I forcefully hurled them both into the open street. 

Kevin rolled to his feet, his form warping mid-motion as his size doubled while his muscles bulged, serrated spikes erupting from his forearms. Without missing a beat, he dashed forward, blurring with sudden super-speed. 

I immediately shifted into my Ultimate Pyronite (Heatblast) form just as he reached me, lilac energy flaring from my body just as Kevin's claw swiped through empty air as I reassembled myself into the terrain behind him.

"Too slow." I declared, firing an endothermic blast into his back. A frost so cold it burned crawled up his mutated form, but he snarled and flexed, eventually shattering it with raw strength after struggling for a bit.

"Don't get cocky, sidekick!" Kevin howled as his chest morphed into an energy matrix, glowing green. 

A barrage of energy blasts erupted from him, apparently aimed to force me to dodge in order to open myself up for another strike. Unfortunately for him, this form I've taken was more than capable of absorbing and redirecting all the massive amount of energy Kevin was managing to throw at me.

One redirect shot glanced off him, sending him skidding back.

Before he could retaliate, the ground trembled as we both turned just in time to see a To'kustar (Way Big), Ben 10,000 in all his towering glory, slam into Vilgax with the force of a comet. 

Despite his considerably smaller size, Vilgax still managed to brace himself, tendrils whipping out to hook onto Ben 10,000's massive arms, actually succeeding in locking him in place for a brief moment.

"I still have unfinished business to settle with this form of yours, Tennyson!" Vilgax sneered before ballasting again his heat vision at Ben 10,000's eyes, momentarily blinding him.

His tendrils then immediately pulsed with energy, somehow siphoning strength away from Ben 10,000 even as he staggered back. As powerful as his To'kustar form made him, he still struggled, his massive size an asset and a liability that Vilgax knew exactly how to exploit.

While the two arch-enemies clashed, I refocused on the civilians with my HUD from the Omnitrix pulsed over the eyes of my transformation, scanning the area and marking evacuation routes from the archives I had Alpha analyze for me. 

In the midst of all that chaos, I still managed to notice a group of reporters cowering near a collapsed overpass, their cameras still rolling. 

"Stay low!" I yelled, darting to their position after sucker punching Kevin a block away, before shifting into Ultimate Petrosapien (Diamondhead) mid-sprint, driving crystalline pillars into the ground, propping up the unstable structure. 

Energy pulsating through the constructs, quickly stabilizing them as I made sure they got a nice angle of my heroic action.

"You're safe now." I announced, my voice a deep rumble.

As the reporters scrambled to safety, I couldn't help but glance at the nearest camera, giving the faintest nod. 

'Perfect. Let them see.' I told myself. 'I might not be the first variant to visit this future version of Earth, but I certainly would leave my mark.'

Across the street, Kevin's monstrous form was in chaos. 

He switched forms with dizzying speed, phasing through my crystal barriers one moment, then using sonic howls to disorient the civilians still fleeing. 

A woman tripped as Kevin rushed toward her, claws raised until I launched myself forward, shifting into Ultimate Four Arms midair. My fist collided with Kevin's chest, the impact creating a shockwave that knocked him back.

"Pick on someone your own size." I provoked Kevin 11,000, who responded by morphing again, his form twisting into a massive, multi-armed brute.

"You're not the only one with some tricks up your sleeve." He snarled, lunging at me with all six arms. 

I dug in, overstocking my muscles as we locked in a brutal grapple. My extra limbs sprouted mid-battle, matching his strength. Kevin was relentless, firing an energy blast from his chest point-blank, but I managed to twist in time, the blast searing past me and carving a crater into the street.

"Kid!" Ben 10,000's voice boomed, drawing my attention. 

Vilgax had maneuvered behind him, his tendrils wrapping around Way Big's frills as Future Ben's massive form staggered as his opponent twisted, exploiting his weakness with precision.

"You will fall!" Vilgax roared, his voice echoing through the city. He struck Way Big's frill with a tendril blade, sending him stumbling to one knee.

'Not good.' I thought, actually surprised by how much these two have grown powerful in the future.

Finally breaking away from Kevin, shifting into my Ultimate Pyronite (Heatblast) form before quickly absorbing chunks of debris, I crafted a massive railgun cannon and fired an electrified piece of my durable armor at Vilgax. 

It struck his chest, stunning him mid-motion as his tendrils spasmed uncontrollably.

"I've had enough of you, Vilgax!" I shouted, my lilac energy flaring brighter. 

"And what will you do, pest?" The alien conqueror turned, his expression twisted in anger. "Burn me? Freeze me? Try to shock me again? All you can do is delay the inevitable."

"Big talk coming from someone I've already defeated more than once." I remarked with a confident posture, knowing exactly which buttons to push.

He wasn't wrong though, I had to admit that for as resilient as future Kevin and Vilgax were, I couldn't overpower them outright without risking the city. My Ultimate Forms have easily curb stomped their versions from Jen's dimension, but even now after throwing some serious attacks they were still standing.

"You—" Vilgax was about to respond, but with the opening he gave me I quickly shifted into my Ultimate Petrosapien (Diamondhead) form, slamming massive crystal spikes into the ground that grew over Ben 10,000 and forced Vilgax away from him.

Ben 10,000 seized the moment, rising to his full height, he swung both fists down, slamming Vilgax into the ground with a tremor that cracked the pavement for blocks and reached an underground section of his city.

"Good timing," Ben 10,000 said, his voice strained.

"I try." I replied with a shrug, shifting back into Ultimate Tetramand(Four Arms) to deal with Kevin 11,000, who was already charging back into the fray. "Any plans?"

"Not many that wouldn't result in me accidentally nuking the whole city." He said through gritted teeth.

"So we will just continue beating them until either of us are unable to move?" I asked, recalling how the Null Void Egg's hadn't been created yet.

"You got a better plan?" He turned to face me from above.

"Uh…" I said, thinking about just going with my Galvanic Mechamorph (Upgrade) transformation and creating my own Null Void portal, until I reconsidered that boring solution. "Hey, it's your dimension and city, so it's your call. I'm just actually glad to be able to collect more experience on the limits of my transformations."

He gave me a weird look as he readied himself back to a fighting stance before our titanic clash continued to rage on, the streets of Omnitrix City bearing the scars of such chaos. 

Shattered glass and scorched metal littered the ground, reflecting the green and blue glow emanating from the Central Power Core in the distance, the same towering spire of energy surrounded by spiraling rings and force fields I saw during Future Grandpa's ride, it still pulsed like a heartbeat at the city's center.

Right then, Kevin 11,000 lunged at me again, his body still shifting mid-motion. One moment, his arms were a tangle of tendrils, the next, they were coiled springs of bio-metal, launching him at speeds even my Ultimate Tetramand's (Four Arms) reflexes multiplied thanks to the Keystone of Bezel barely kept up with.

I ducked, barely avoiding a clawed strike that shredded a nearby transport vehicle in half like butter. His attacks weren't just strong, they were wild, intentionally unpredictable, forcing me to rely more on reaction than planning.

So I shifted forms again, my skin hardening into a gleaming polychromatic exoskeleton belonging to my Ultimate Petrosapien (Diamondhead) form. Kevin's next strike glanced off me with a sharp clang, sending a ripple of kinetic energy back through his body.

"I swear." I muttered, casually bracing against his next charge. "You and other Osmosians I've come across have the same problem. Too much power, not enough finesse."

Kevin snarled. "Let's test that theory."

His body contorted once more, his form bulging and warping as he absorbed more abilities at once than should've been possible. His outline blurred, now part Ectonurite (Ghostfreak), part Vulpinancer (Wildmutt), part whatever else his DNA sponge of a body could hold.

And then he phased straight through my own attack.

I barely had time to react by spawning fist from my face before his fist, now easily the size of my torso, smashed into my side, sending me this time skidding across the street and straight next to Ben 10,000's foot.

I grunted, shaking off the impact as Future Ben grappled with future Vilgax. The warlord was still focused in wrapping himself around Ben 10,000's arm, his tendrils pulsing with a sickly red glow.

Clearly something was wrong. Vilgax wasn't just sapping Way Big's strength, he was rerouting it.

Ben 10,000 gritted his teeth as his muscles seized, his towering form trembling as a crimson energy pulse surged from Vilgax's tendrils, shooting toward the Central Power Core.

"Oh, sneaky you." I muttered, hiding my own grin.

"You're sharp." Vilgax admitted as he turned to me, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement, his voice smooth despite the battle. "But tell me, hero. What sort of victory would you be hoping for when the very heart of this city is destroyed?"

The Core pulsed violently, its spiraling rings flickering with unstable energy. The entire city trembled as emergency sirens wailed.

Then…a thunderous boom.

Every light in Omnitrix City went dark.

Admittedly, right then I couldn't resist a smug grin creeping up on my face.

————————————————————————

FUTURE GWEN'S POV

Moments before back in the Null Void Projector Chamber, the swarm of mutated creatures rushed forward, claws, teeth and mechanical limbs thrashing wildly against my barrier. I could feel the strain to my incantation as cracks formed along its shimmering surface. 

My younger variant was also at work, firing concentrated energy blasts at the closest creatures, her magic controlled but not powerful enough to take control of the battle.

"These things just keep coming! I can't believe I'm once again fighting a wave of enemies." She shouted, stepping back as a particularly large creature, a mix of a scorpion and a metallic lizard, lunged at her after breaking a crack in my defenses. She managed to sidestep its strike and countered with a burst of fire that engulfed its tail.

"You're doing great! Keep them off us while I handle the big one!" I replied, locking eyes with Dr. Animo, who stood gloating on his perch, his grotesque gorilla-like form illuminated by the flickering holograms around him.

"You think you can stop me, little witches?" Animo sneered, slamming a clawed fist against the control panel. "The Null Void will soon empty its contents into this world and there's nothing you can do to stop it!"

I ignored his taunts, raising my staff as the air around me shimmered. 

"I'll handle him. Cover me!" I called to my younger self and with a sharp motion, I shattered what remained of my barrier, sending a concussive wave outward that knocked back the swarm.

"On it!" She replied, conjuring a glowing shield around herself as she stepped forward to engage the remaining mutants. Her spells were noticeably smaller in scale but precise, her focus clear as she sent bolts of magic to disable the creatures' mechanical limbs or freeze them in place.

Meanwhile, I leaped towards Animo thanks to the Keystone of Bezel empowering me, my staff glowing with charged energy. He growled, meeting me mid-air with a swing of his massive cybernetic arm. 

The clash sent sparks flying, but I was ready. With a twist of my wrist, I unleashed a spell that sent tendrils of energy coiling around his arm, temporarily locking it in place.

"Not so tough when someone fights back, huh?" I said, planting a boot against his chest and launching him backward.

"You're nothing! My pets will rip you apart!" Animo roared, recovering quickly as he summoned larger and more grotesque mutants from hidden chambers around the room. 

One of these resembled a cybernetic centipede, its glowing red eyes locked onto my younger variant.

"Need a hand?" I called, hurling a beam of energy that sliced through the centipede's legs as the younger me capitalized on the opening, launching a blast of wind that sent the creature tumbling into a wall.

"We make an awesome team!" She replied with a grin, though I could see the sweat forming on her brow. She was pushing herself, but was holding her own.

Suddenly, the ground trembled as the Null Void projector whirred louder. 

I turned to see tentacles, slick and massive, slithering out of the portal. A deep, guttural sound echoed from within, the creature on the other side struggling to pull itself through.

"Yes!" Dr. Animo laughed maniacally. "Behold the power of the Null Void! This world is as good as mine!"

Before he could continue, a shadow loomed behind him and then, with a deafening crack, Dr. Animo was sent flying across the room despite his hulking body.

"Grandpa Max?!" Younger Gwen exclaimed, her eyes wide as our grandfather stepped into view, his cybernetic right arm gleaming under the flickering lights.

"Did you miss me, kiddo?" Max said, a small smile on his face as he flexed his arm, which shifted with a mechanical whirr, transforming into a massive hand cannon.

"When did you get that?!" Younger Gwen asked, awe mixed with concern.

"Well, let's just say that a lot can happen in twenty years." Max said while glancing at her before aiming the cannon at the mutants and firing, the energy blast disintegrating several of Animo's creations in one shot. "Let's finish this."

With Max joining the fight, the tide quickly turned in our favor. 

Younger Gwen and I focused our combined magic to disable the remaining mutants while Max kept Animo away from the Null Void Projector. 

The tentacles from the portal eventually began lashing out wildly as the portal began closing, their sheer size and strength causing the chamber to quake. One even wrapped around Max, but he used his arm cannon to sever it, sending the severed limb writhing on the floor before disintegrating.

Just as the creature began to pull itself further into our world faster, the lights flickered and then darkness. The projector powered down, and with it, the portal snapped shut, severing the creature's remaining tentacles. 

When the emergency generators kicked in, the room was illuminated once more, and the monstrous appendages dissolved into ash.

Cornered, Animo roared as his battered creations rallied, forming a barrier while he lunged for the Null Void projector.

"I won't be defeated by a pair of meddling girls and a washed-up Tennyson!" Dr. Animo snarled, slamming a massive clawed fist into the ground. The sudden impact sent scattering debris and knocked younger me off balance.

I steadied her with a quick levitation spell, my eyes narrowing as Animo's hulking form loomed over us. His cybernetic enhancements whirred and hissed, sparking erratically as he overloaded them in a desperate bid for power. The glow in his eyes became unhinged, his determination to win at any cost clear.

With a flick of my wrist, I sent a burst of energy into the mutants swarming toward us, creating an opening for Max. Without hesitation, he charged forward, his arm cannon transforming into a blade-like attachment. He slashed through the nearest creatures with surgical precision, clearing a path toward Animo.

Animo kept raging in defiance, lunging at Max with surprising speed for his size. The two collided, cybernetics clashing in a brutal exchange of blows. Sparks flew as Max countered Animo's strength with his own battle veteran experience, but it was clear Grandpa's enhancements were straining under the pressure.

Meanwhile, younger me and I worked in tandem to keep the remaining mutants at bay. She flicked quick, calculated spells, her blasts of energy striking with pinpoint accuracy, while I unleashed larger, sweeping attacks to thin their numbers.

Animo, despite his injuries, made a final desperate attempt to reactivate the portal. He shoved Max aside with a feral roar, his claws outstretched as he reached for the control panel.

"Not happening!" Younger Gwen shouted, stepping forward with her palms glowing. With a flourish, she conjured chains of glowing energy that wrapped around Animo's limbs, pulling him back just as he touched the controls.

"Nice work!" I said, adding my own magic to reinforce the spell. Animo thrashed violently, his grotesque form writhing as he fought against our combined power.

"You… you insolent pests!" He screamed, his voice filled with frustration as his body began to spark and falter. His cybernetic enhancements, pushed beyond their limits, started to short-circuit, sending arcs of electricity coursing through his body.

"Time to end this." Max seized the opportunity, his cybernetic arm transforming back into its reinforced form and with a single, well-aimed punch, he struck Animo square in the chest, sending the villain flying across the room. His body slammed into a wall with a heavy thud, collapsing in a heap.

Animo groaned weakly, his head detaching from the gorilla body as it attempted to slither away with mechanical tendrils underneath it. Before he could escape, my younger variant stepped forward, pinning the wriggling octopus-like head with her foot while smirking.

"Going somewhere?" She quipped, her voice laced with satisfaction.

The room fell silent save for the hum of the emergency generators still kicking in. The portal had shut down completely, the severed tentacles dissolving into ash around us. Animo's creatures all laid lifelessly on the floor.

"Good work, team." Max said, glancing between us with a small nod of approval. "But something caused that blackout and I don't think it was just luck."

I turned to the holographic screens flickering back to life, my heart sinking at the sight of the battle outside. Both Bens were locked in a titanic struggle against Future Vilgax and Kevin, their powers lighting up the city in an awe-inspiring but chaotic display.

"It was them." I said grimly. 

Younger Gwen's expression hardened, determination shining through her exhaustion. "We need to help them."

"Then let's wrap this up and get out there." Max said while glancing at the still unconscious trio of heroes who have been defeated by the villains, his voice steady as he sent a signal for the Rust Bucket to come pick us up. "The real fight is still waiting."

————————————————————————

BEN 10,000'S POV

For a moment, all I could do was breathe.

The battle was already over, that much was obvious.

My knuckles were white from clenching my fists, but not from pain, from frustration.

Omnitrix City's skyline was dark. The usual neon glow of power cores and street lights were gone, replaced by an eerie, oppressive silence. Hover lanes were frozen mid-air, powerless. The only illumination came from weak, flickering emergency lights struggling to reactivate.

I didn't need to check the Core's status. I already knew.

It was dead.

Already knowing that I would need to transform into my Atomix form and summon my Fusion Cuisine. Generate a nuclear energy orb powerful enough it could reignite the entire city's power grid, just like before.

In any case, I still felt the residual energy in the air, the echoes of a fight that should've leveled half the city. The kind of battle where entire squadrons of Plumbers should be sweeping in to contain the damage.

And yet…

I was the only one left standing.

Well, me… and him.

My grip on the pavement tightened as I pushed myself upright, blinking through the haze of exhaustion. The last thing I remembered was Vilgax draining my strength, siphoning it straight into the Core. My Omnitrix had shorted out, leaving me helpless as the city was plunged into darkness.

And then—Nothing.

Vilgax and Kevin 11,000 were gone. Not defeated. Not unconscious. Just… gone.

I should've been grateful. I should've been relieved that the fight was won without any more collateral damage. But something felt off.

The city was too quiet and standing at the center of it all was him.

He was back in his human form, his hero suit concealing any hint of exhaustion. No wounds. No sign that he'd just fought two of the most dangerous enemies in existence.

He extended a hand, which I hesitated before finally taking it. His grip was steady, almost calm. Like this was just another victory. Another impossible battle won.

I barely had time to process it before—VROOM.

The familiar hum of the Rust Bucket caught my attention as it landed near us, figures rushing through, weapons drawn and ready for action.

Kai skidded to a stop, sword still shining with energy, her stance shifted from battle-ready to uncertainty.

Zak's Cryptid pets had their claws extended as his eyes scanned the battlefield with visible disbelief.

Edwin just… stood there, staring as his advanced exoskeleton began running a quick analysis over how badly Omnitrix City had been damaged.

My Gwen and her younger variant exchanged a glance, still brimming with magical power.

And then there was Max. Grandpa Max.

He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the ruined battlefield. His trained eye took in the damage, the missing bodies and our current state.

"Glad to see you two already handled it." Max said, proud of us, no doubt, but the lack of action still left him a bit disappointed.

I swallowed, glancing once more at the hero standing beside me, having no clue how he managed to win over those two super villains together.

But given how he saved not only me, but everyone else's lives, I wasn't going to question it.

————————————————————————

(31/01/2025)

*Hey there! Thanks for reading my work! I hope this chapter is of your liking. 

Any ideas for powers, adventure arcs and girls are more than welcomed. I might not use anything, but you will have my gratitude for trying.

If this chapter is a mess of grammatical errors, please wait, I'll promptly try to fix it. But for that I need your feedback.

Thanks as always for your time, hope you have a fantastic day and please stay safe.

Bye.

**Oh yeah, it has finally happened! Don't know about you, my dear readers, but this was one of my most anticipated episodes to portray. This first version of future Ben is undoubtedly my favorite amongst the other portrayals.

I won't be extending myself here, mostly because I'm scared that I might once again reach the word count limit. 

I had to cut a few segments, so expect a flashback about the conclusion of the fight between my MC with the other two powerful villains in the next chapter. Among other things, feel free to let me know what you felt was missing from this chapter.