Previously:
After Alex's internal struggle with his Predator Mode, an armored Hunter Class figure—sent by a mysterious Overseer—arrived, aiming to steal Alex's powerful, enigmatic watch. The Hunter engaged the team in battle, causing a surge of overwhelming energy within Alex. As the power threatened to consume him, the support of his friends and his determination helped him regain control. However, the battle was far from over as the Hunter unleashed more surprises.
The battlefield around them was a chaotic dance of explosions, flashes of light, and the hum of energy. The air crackled with tension as Alex stood, his body vibrating with power, feeling the raw energy coursing through his veins. His skin seemed to tingle with the growing weight of the transformation—the Predator Mode was pressing against his consciousness, threatening to overwhelm him at any moment.
But he couldn't let it. Not now.
"Come on, Alex!" Gwen shouted, her voice breaking through the haze of battle. "Focus! We need you!"
Alex's chest heaved as his heartbeat raced, the energy in his body both an advantage and a curse. He felt the claws on his hands extend, his senses heighten to a level that bordered on the inhuman. His eyes flickered, the predatory instincts clawing at the back of his mind, trying to take control of his every movement. Focus. Stay Alex.
He shook his head and forced the primal urges back into the depths of his mind, locking them away. "I can't let it win." His voice was hoarse, but steady. He could feel the surge of energy, but this time, he pushed through it, keeping himself centered.
Ben was already in the middle of the fray, his Omnitrix activated, and his powerful form as Forearms was wreaking havoc. His massive fists crushed through the armor of the Hunter's drones, sending sparks flying in all directions. However, the Hunter was prepared for this—he wasn't about to go down so easily.
"Ben, watch out!" Alex called out, his voice carrying over the explosions.
The Hunter had moved quickly, his armor-clad body seemingly as agile as it was deadly. With a swift motion, he launched a series of energy blasts at Ben, the intensity of the blasts forcing Ben to dodge with impressive agility despite his hulking form. Ben staggered back but regained his footing just in time to see the Hunter launch another volley of energy projectiles toward them.
"This is getting out of hand!" Ben roared, raising one arm to block the incoming fire.
Gwen, standing beside Alex, fired a series of plasma bolts to intercept the attack. The blasts hit their target, but the Hunter was quick to react, creating an energy shield that absorbed the incoming fire.
Alex stepped forward, his mind racing. The Hunter's powerful attacks were only part of the problem; the bigger issue was the Hunter's apparent knowledge of their weaknesses. He was playing them like a well-tuned instrument, each move calculated and precise.
Alex could feel the Predator Mode within him again—restless, urging him to unleash its full potential. The power was seductive, its promise of unstoppable strength tempting him. He could end this fight now. But the cost… it was too great. If he let go now, he wouldn't be Alex anymore. He would become… something else.
The Hunter was starting to taunt them, his voice dripping with venomous superiority. "You're all so predictable. No matter how strong you think you've become, it won't be enough."
Alex clenched his fists, his body trembling with the force of his inner conflict. He could feel the hunger, the power urging him to break free, but he fought back, forcing his mind to focus on what was in front of him, the people around him, and the responsibility that came with his gift.
"Alex! Do something!" Ben shouted from across the battlefield. His form was starting to show signs of wear—he had taken several hits, and despite the enhanced strength of Forearms, his stamina was running thin.
Alex knew what had to be done.
"Ben!" Alex's voice was sharp, cutting through the chaos. "You keep the drones off me. I've got something in mind."
Ben gave him a thumbs up, his face full of determination. "You got it!" Without missing a beat, he turned back to face the incoming wave of drones, his muscles bulging as he launched himself into the fray.
Alex moved quickly, his form shifting as he tapped the watch once more, activating Chimera Sui Generis. The transformation was overwhelming—a torrent of energy surged through him as his limbs elongated, and his body adapted to the changing environment. His senses sharpened, and the energy flow within him became more controlled, less of a force of nature and more of an extension of himself.
The Hunter paused, his helmeted gaze narrowing in suspicion. "You think this form will be enough? You underestimate the force you're dealing with."
Alex smirked, stepping forward with a newfound confidence. His body was now a lethal combination of strength, agility, and adaptability. The hunter had become the hunted.
"I'm not here to play games." Alex's voice echoed in the tension-filled air.
In a flash, he lunged forward, his massive claws slicing through the air with precision. The Hunter moved quickly to counter, but the sheer force of Alex's attack caused him to stumble back, the armor on his chest cracking under the impact.
Gwen fired another plasma bolt at the Hunter's exposed flank, her aim true. The blast sent the Hunter reeling, giving Alex the opportunity to land a decisive blow.
With a roar, Alex slammed his clawed fist into the Hunter's side, sending the armored figure flying across the battlefield and crashing into a pile of debris. The Hunter's body slid to a stop, the armor dented and cracked, his energy shield flickering weakly.
"That was for Ben," Alex muttered, his voice heavy with the adrenaline that coursed through him.
The Hunter slowly began to rise, but his movements were slower now. He was clearly rattled, his body battered from the onslaught. "You'll regret this," he growled. "I'm not finished yet."
Before Alex could respond, the Hunter activated a device on his wrist. There was a low hum, and the ground beneath them suddenly shuddered. A series of drones—sleeker and faster than the ones they had faced earlier—emerged from hidden compartments in the walls and ceiling. The air filled with the sharp sound of mechanical whirring as they rapidly descended upon them.
"Not more of these," Ben groaned. He had barely recovered from his earlier bout, and now they were being surrounded by more enemies.
Alex stood tall, his eyes glowing with a fierce determination. He could feel the Predator Mode bubbling up again—this time, there was no turning back. "Let's finish this."
With a powerful leap, Alex moved toward the first drone, his claws extending in a blur of motion. The drone tried to react, but it was too slow. Alex's fist collided with the metallic creature's frame, sending it spiraling out of control before it exploded into a shower of sparks.
"Ben! Gwen! Help me clear these things!" Alex shouted, his voice barely audible over the noise.
Ben, now back in his Forearms form, was already charging into the swarm of drones, his massive fists sending them flying in every direction. Gwen, too, wasn't standing idly by—she fired another round of plasma bolts, cutting down drones left and right with precision.
The battle raged on, with every moment pushing Alex's limits. He could feel his body growing tired from the constant onslaught of energy, but he knew he couldn't stop. Not now. The Hunter was still out there, and the fight wasn't over.
TO BE CONTINUED...