Consciousness returns slowly, like swimming up through layers of darkness. The first thing I register is Emma's mental presence, her concern wrapping around my mind like a protective shield.
"He's waking up," her voice carries both relief and lingering worry.
As my eyes open, I find myself surrounded - Emma closest, with Thor, Loki, and Stark hovering nearby. Their expressions carry varying degrees of concern and curiosity.
"How do you feel?" Emma asks, her hand finding mine.
Before I can answer, the Ultimatrix suddenly flares to life, its feminine AI voice carrying unmistakable anger:
"Warning: Ectonurite DNA signature attempting override. Standard containment protocols insufficient. Emergency recalibration required."
The device pulses with energy, its interface shifting and changing.
"Initiating complete playlist recalibration. Current forms compromised. Accessing backup genetic database."
Holographic displays spring to life, showing DNA sequences being analyzed and reorganized.
"New transformation list compilation beginning. Warning: Some previous forms will be replaced for user safety."
The displays flicker rapidly as new forms are selected:
"Celestialsapien detected - Designation: Alien X"
"Aerophibian detected - Designation: Jetray"
"Methanosian detected - Designation: Swampfire"
"Tetramand detected - Designation: Four Arms"
"Petrosapien detected - Designation: Diamondhead"
"Galvanic Mechamorph detected - Designation: Upgrade"
"Cerebrocrustacean detected - Designation: Brainstorm"
"Necrofriggian detected - Designation: Big Chill"
The device pauses, then suddenly emits a scanning beam that sweeps over Thor.
"New DNA signature detected. Asgardian genetic template viable. Scanning... Processing..."
Thor's expression shifts from concern to fascination as the beam analyzes his DNA.
"Asgardian template integration complete - Designation: To be named by user"
The Ultimatrix's interface stabilizes, its voice returning to its usual calm tone:
"Recalibration complete. New transformation set locked. Scan function now available for future genetic acquisition. Warning: Ectonurite DNA quarantined but not eliminated. User caution advised."
My attention suddenly snaps back to what to bd the first transformation listed. "Wait, Alien X? No, no, no - Ultimatrix, lock that form immediately!"
"Unable to comply," the AI responds calmly. "Celestialsapien form is required for maximum user protection."
"I don't care about protection!" I struggle to sit up fully, Emma's hand steadying me. "That form is too dangerous - lock it now!"
"What's wrong?" Stark asks, his usual quips absent in the face of my obvious distress. "What's so special about this particular transformation?"
"The Celestialsapien form remains unlocked," the Ultimatrix states firmly. "It serves as ultimate contingency against threats like the Ectonurite consciousness. User safety takes priority."
"User safety?" I laugh, slightly hysterical. "That form could accidentally erase the universe! Lock it!"
Thor and Loki exchange concerned glances while Emma's mental presence carries growing worry.
"Sam," she says gently, "what exactly is this form?"
"It's... it's essentially omnipotence," I explain, still trying to argue with the Ultimatrix. "Reality warping on a cosmic scale. One wrong thought, one disagreement between the personalities, and entire timelines could cease to exist."
"Fascinating," Loki murmurs, though his expression suggests he understands the gravity of what I'm describing.
"Celestialsapien form remains accessible," the Ultimatrix reiterates. "Its power ensures no entity, including Ectonurite consciousness, can fully compromise user integrity."
"There has to be another way," I plead. "The risks are too high."
My sudden panic about Alien X seems to finally trigger something in Tony. "Okay, time out," he says, raising his hands.
"Before we continue dealing with this supposedly reality-warping form, maybe it's time you actually explained what these transformations are? Because in all this time, you've never really told us."
I hesitate, looking at the faces around me - Emma's supportive presence, Thor's honest curiosity, Loki's calculating interest, and Tony's direct questioning. They've had my back through everything, even just now with Ghostfreak. Maybe they deserve some truth.
"It's... complicated," I start carefully. "When I gained these powers - according to the files Fisk found, there was magic involved in the experiments. Not just science."
"That explains the energy signatures," Loki murmurs. "They never quite matched purely technological origins."
"Each transformation," I continue, choosing my words carefully, "is based on a specific species. I have... knowledge of them, built into the transformations themselves. Their names, their capabilities."
"Species?" Tony leans forward. "As in alien species?"
"Yes. Species created by the Ultimatrix." I answer, which is technically true, as it created the DNA, since this is a spiritual device. "All named. Petrosapiens, Tetramands, Galvanic Mechamorphs - each one is a distinct species with their own abilities and characteristics."
I gesture to the Ultimatrix. "The device helps channel the transformations, but the knowledge... it's like it's part of me now."
"And this Celestialsapien form that has you so worried?" Thor asks.
"That's..." I run a hand through my hair. "That's different. Most of these forms have specific, limited powers. Strength, speed, energy manipulation. But Celestialsapiens... they're on another level entirely."
Emma's mental presence carries gentle encouragement as I explain, though I can feel her curiosity about how much I'm not saying.
"So each form is basically tapping into the genetic template of an alien species?" Tony asks, his scientific mind clearly racing. "That's... that's incredible. The genetic manipulation required..."
"It's more than just genetics," I correct. "It's... it's like becoming that species, understanding them from the inside out."
"Which explains your instinctive combat capabilities in each form," Loki observes. "You're not just changing shape - you're accessing inherent species knowledge."
I nod, relieved they're focusing on the general concept rather than pressing for specific details about my origins. Some secrets still need to be kept, at least for now.
"And now," I glance at the Ultimatrix with concern, "we apparently have access to one of the most powerful species in existence. Whether we want it or not."
The panic about Alien X returns, but at least now they have some context for why I'm so worried.
Even if they don't know everything, they understand more than they did before. It's a start.
"There's more," I add, running my hand over the Ultimatrix nervously. "With this form... the timer doesn't work. I could get stuck - permanently stuck - sharing my mind with personalities I don't even know. The power is so great it overrides the Ultimatrix's safeguards."
"These personalities," Emma starts, her concern evident both mentally and vocally, "what exactly are they like?"
Before I can answer, the Ultimatrix activates:
"Celestialsapien form personalities configured specifically for user Samael. Primary personality: Guardian - focused on protection and preservation.
Secondary personality: Innovator - seeks progress and change. Tertiary personality: Arbiter - the voice of reasoon, Samael himself - maintains balance between the other two aspects."
"Wait," I sit up straighter, "they're specific to me? Not standard Celestialsapien personalities?"
"Correct. Personalities manifest from user's core aspects, enhanced and separated by Celestialsapien transformation. Guardian represents your protective instincts and Innovator embodies your desire for meaningful change."
Tony whistles low. "So basically, it's you, just... with the addition of two cosmic-powered aspects of yourself?"
"That's... that's different from what I expected," I admit, though the concern doesn't leave my voice.
"These aspects," Loki interjects, his tactical mind clearly working, "they would need to agree before taking any action?"
"Unanimous agreement required for reality alteration," the Ultimatrix confirms. "Partial agreement sufficient for lesser actions."
Emma's mental presence carries thoughtful consideration: 'If they're aspects of you, maybe they're not as unpredictable as you feared?'
'Or maybe that makes it worse,' I send back. 'What if my desire to protect conflicts with my understanding of consequences?
What if wanting to change things changes it in a way unexpected to me and not to my liking? What if I take the free will of everyone away like this? I don't want the care of everyone for me to be false, not geniune.'
Thor moves closer, his expression carrying unexpected understanding. "Power that great... it is indeed a heavy burden. But perhaps having it shaped by your own nature makes it less dangerous than you fear. Perhaps even a blessing."
The Ultimatrix pulses softly: "Form remains accessible but requires conscious activation. Emergency protocols will not force transformation without user consent."
I look around at them - my team, my friends, maybe even my family in a way - and see not fear of the power, but concern for how it affects me.
Maybe that's worth something.
After all, I don't distrust myself with power.
"Still," I voice my deeper concerns, "I may love power, but loving it and being trapped by it are two very different things." The words slip out before I can catch them, making Emma's eyebrow raise slightly.
'That's surprisingly honest,' her mental voice carries a mix of approval and curiosity.
"I mean," I continue, trying to explain, "I'm not afraid of power itself. The Ultimatrix's other forms... they feel like extensions of me. Even at their strongest, they're still mine to control. But being the voice of reason between two cosmic-powered aspects..."
"Ah," Loki's eyes gleam with understanding. "You fear the weight of that responsibility. Being the mediator between such powerful forces."
"Wouldn't you?" I ask. "One wrong decision, one moment where I fail to properly balance between protection and progress, and reality itself could change."
Thor's expression grows thoughtful. "Yet perhaps that is why you were chosen as the arbiter. Your understanding of both the need to protect and the necessity of change."
"Or maybe," Tony interjects, "that's exactly why the Ultimatrix won't lock it. You're already the voice of reason - it's just giving you more powerful aspects to mediate between."
Emma's mental presence brushes mine supportively. 'You've always balanced power with responsibility. This would just be... a more cosmic version of that.'
The Ultimatrix pulses: "User's role as Arbiter is fundamental to form's stability. Guardian and Innovator aspects require balanced mediation."
I look down at the device, still uncertain. "The power to reshape reality with a thought, and I'm supposed to be the rational one keeping it in check?"
"Who better?" Loki asks, and for once there's no mockery in his voice. "Someone who loves power but understands its price?"
I lean back against the pillows, suddenly feeling exhausted. The weight of everything - Ghostfreak's emergence, the new transformations, Alien X...
"I... I need time to think about all this," I say, feeling Emma's mental presence soften with understanding.
"Of course," Thor nods, already moving toward the door. "Rest is often the wisest course after such revelations."
"JARVIS will keep monitoring your vitals," Tony adds, though his usual quips are absent. "Just... maybe don't reshape reality while we're sleeping?"
That actually gets a tired laugh from me. "No promises, but I think reality's safe for now."
Loki pauses at the doorway, his expression unreadable. "Power's burden is often heaviest when we understand it fully. Sleep well, young mediator."
Emma squeezes my hand once before standing. 'I'll be nearby if you need me,' her mental voice carries warmth and support.
As they file out, the Ultimatrix dims to its rest state, though I swear I can feel new potential humming within it.
I close my eyes, feeling like I've been hit by a truck. Or maybe several trucks. Possibly a whole convoy of cosmic-powered trucks with reality-warping capabilities.
Great, even my internal monologue is getting weird. Though considering I just found out I'm supposed to be the rational one between two aspects of cosmic power, maybe weird should be called the new normal, at least for my insane life.
"Tomorrow," I mutter to myself, "deal with all this cosmic mediator bullshit tomorrow. Right now, sleep sounds way better than contemplating universal consequences."
The Ultimatrix pulses softly, probably trying to tell me something important about my new role in maintaining reality's fabric, but honestly? The fabric of my pillowcase is way more interesting right now.
Emma's mental whisper reaches me: 'Sweet dreams, my cosmic arbiter.'
'If you start calling me that regularly, I'm retiring to become a professional nap taker,' I send back, already drifting.
The darkness pulls me under, and for once, I'm perfectly happy to let it. Let someone else worry about the world for a few hours. I've got a date with unconsciousness, and it's definitely not getting canceled.
The last coherent thought I have is that at least being the voice of reason between two cosmic forces can't be worse than dealing with Thor's emoji usage in the group chat.
Probably.
Maybe.
Oh god, what am I getting myself into...
----------------------------------------
(Author note: So! Stressed humouristic Samael strikes again!
Tell me, are you excited for the switch up of aliens? Also, don't worry, the earlier ones aren't permanently gone, the Ultimatrix just has them under lock and key, till Ghostfreak's influence over them dissipates.
Also, how did you all find Samael's reaction to Alien X now being in the roster? Because I find this reaction realistic.
That much power is very nice to have, but making mistakes with it is terrifying. And don't start with Nigh-Omniscience of Alien X, since that isn't default, and needs the other two to agree to use it, so the voice of reason - Sam himself - can make big mistakes with that power.
So yeah, I hope you all enjoyed,
And I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)