In the MCU/Marvel with the Omnitrix/Ultimatrix-Chapter 47: Shifting Realities

"You did what to their light fountains?" Emma's voice carries equal parts exasperation and amusement as we return to the tower several hours (and three realms) later.

"In my defense," I start, trying not to grin at the memories of crystal beings chasing their now-rainbow colored fountains, "we didn't touch anything sacred. Just their recreational areas."

"Brother," Thor's booming voice carries from the common area where he's apparently returned early from his date. "Why are the light elves claiming their public gardens are now displaying what they call 'moving color patterns'?"

Loki manages to look both completely innocent and utterly pleased with himself. "How strange. Perhaps they're becoming more artistically inclined."

Tony emerges from his lab, tablet in hand. "So, JARVIS tells me you two were conducting 'important interdimensional research.' Care to explain why I'm getting calls from three different realms about unauthorized light shows?"

"Would you believe it was a cultural exchange?" I try.

"Teaching stuffy civilizations about modern art?" Tony's eyebrow raises. "Actually, you know what? I kind of want to hear this story."

Before Tony can press for more details about our interdimensional art project, reality... shifts. One moment I'm in the tower, the next-

"What the-" I stumble, disoriented by the sudden change in location. A forest? And is that... my eyes widen as I recognize the figures before me. No. No way.

Ben Tennyson, Gwen, and Kevin stare at me with open hostility, probably because of my white hair and red eyes. Great. Just great.

"Albedo?" Ben moves into a fighting stance, hand hovering over his Ultimatrix.

"Not quite," a familiar voice interrupts - Professor Paradox, looking exactly like I remember from my previous life's knowledge. "Our friend here is from another multiverse altogether. I can see it quite clearly."

"Another multiverse?" Gwen's energy fields flicker with uncertainty.

My fists clench as I process what's happening. I was just starting to get a handle on things in my universe, dealing with new forms, building a team, and now this? The frustration burns hot, but I force it down. Getting angry won't help.

"Look," I say, keeping my voice steady despite the rage simmering beneath, "I don't know how I got here, but I need to get back. My world has threats that-"

"Ah yes," Paradox interrupts, checking his watch. "Quite serious ones too, I imagine. Though perhaps this little detour isn't entirely... accidental."

"Not accidental?" My voice carries barely contained frustration. "I have responsibilities, threats to deal with. My team-"

"Will be quite fine for the moment," Paradox interrupts smoothly. "Time is, after all, relative. Particularly when dealing with cross-dimensional travel."

Ben's still staring at me, though his stance has relaxed slightly. "So... not Albedo?"

"No," I reply, trying to keep my temper in check. "Just someone who really needs to get back to his own universe. Where, by the way, there are actual threats that need handling."

"Ah, but perhaps," Paradox's knowing smile makes me want to transform and... no, stay calm. "The threats in your universe are precisely why you're here. After all, knowledge can come from the most unexpected places."

I notice where - or rather when - we are. Right after Ben's first Alien X transformation. After Paradox stopped him from using it to chase Aggregor.

The implications hit me hard. Is this about my own Celestialsapien form? About my reluctance to use it?

Gwen's studying me with that analytical look I remember from the show. "Your energy... it's similar to Ben's, but different. Like it's been..."

"Modified?" I finish, understanding dawning. "Yeah. That tends to happen when your powers come from a different universe's version of the Ultimatrix." No point to hide it, not that I can with an Anodite who actually knows her stuff, and an Omniversal Time Traveler here.

Kevin's studying my Ultimatrix with obvious interest. "Different universe's version, huh? So what can you turn into?"

"That's... complicated," I reply, still trying to process this situation. Here I am, standing with the actual Team Tennyson, when I should be dealing with threats back home. "And not really relevant right now. What's relevant is why I'm here."

I turn to Paradox, who's watching with that infuriating all-knowing smile. "My best guess is that this is about my version of Alien X, isn't it? About my refusal to use it?"

Ben's expression shifts dramatically at the mention of Alien X. "Wait, you have a unique version of the Celestialsapien form? But that's... there's only supposed to be one Alien X in the Omniverse. Unless..."

"Unless it was created differently," Paradox begins, understanding his confusion. "His Ultimatrix is tied to his soul. The Celestialsapien form it created is different - born from his own essence rather than simply copied DNA."

And therein lies as well the interesting part. You" He turns to Samael, "don't fear the power - you fear the paralysis. The thought of being trapped in endless debate with aspects of yourself, unable to act when action is needed."

"And what's the point of mentioning that?" I ask, unable to keep the edge from my voice. "Being trapped in eternal debate while actual threats need handling - that's not fear of power, that's common sense."

"Fascinating," Paradox muses, that knowing smile still playing at his lips.

Ben shifts uncomfortably. "Wait, so his Alien X debates with parts of himself? That's... different."

"Different and potentially worse, his personality doesn't seem the type to give in." Kevin mutters, earning an elbow from Gwen.

"Time grows short," Azmuth's voice cuts through the discussion as he suddenly appears beside Paradox.

His eyes fix on my Ultimatrix with that particular mix of curiosity and concern I remember from the show. "A soul-bound Celestialsapien... fascinating, but potentially problematic."

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"Azmuth," I acknowledge, trying to keep my voice steady despite the surreal nature of this situation. "Let me guess - you're here to tell me why this is all a terrible idea?"

"On the contrary," the Galvan inventor replies, studying my Ultimatrix with newfound interest. "I'm here to tell you why your reluctance, while understandable, may be precisely what makes you suitable for such power."

Ben looks between us, confusion evident. "Okay, I'm lost. How does being afraid to use it make him better at using it?"

"Because," Azmuth states with that particular tone that suggests he's explaining something obvious, "true wisdom lies not in fearlessly wielding power, but in understanding its cost."

"Okay, I'm done with this conversation walking in circles. White suit doctor looking guy here is a cryptic mess, and you three don't seem much help - no offense," Samael states looking at Gwen, Kevin, and Ben.

"But you," he begins as he faces the smartest being in five galaxies, "You can help me. Give me the Master Control."

"And why," Azmuth's eyes narrow, "should I grant such access?"

"Because I have theories - well, a theory, when it comes to this particular situation," I reply, meeting his gaze steadily.

"One that could solve everything - whoever this Aggregor is, my displacement, the incident that will nearly destroy my team. But I need full access to make it work."

"Interesting," the Galvan inventor studies me with renewed focus. "You believe you've found a connection between these events?"

"More than that. I think I know how to fix it all. But I need something that isn't Alien X. I need... specific DNA."

Azmuth's expression shifts slightly. "Our situation with Aggregor is indeed dire. And if your theory..." he pauses, considering.

"For now it might be warranted..." Azmuth murmers.

"Command Function Override: Code 10." the Galvin loudly commands.

The Ultimatrix suddenly glows. "Voice Command recognized. Awaiting soul verification."

Soul verification, the only reason, I have been unable to hack the damn Ultimatrix while being able to replicate Azmuth's voice with technology.

"Soul verification?" Azmuth's eyes widen with genuine surprise. "My Omnitrix never..."

"Soul of Creator verified," the Ultimatrix announces as Azmuth places his hand on it. "All DNA samples accessible. Current count: 1,000,920 transformations available."

"Fascinating," Azmuth mutters, studying the device with new interest. "A soul-bound transformation device... the implications..."

"There's one more I need," I say quietly. "Dagon's DNA."

"Dagon?" Azmuth's shock is palpable. "But that's impossible. Energy beings can't be..."

The Ultimatrix pulses: "Celestial-class DNA detected in database. Dagon genetic template available."

"A soul-bound device," Azmuth whispers, "capable of replicating pure energy beings. You're either brilliant or insane."

Paradox's knowing smile returns full force. "Now this... this should be interesting."

"I need space," I state, already moving away from the group. "A lot of it."

"Wait," Ben calls out. "What exactly are you transforming into? What's a Dagon?"

Paradox's expression turns serious for once. "An entity of immense power. A being that exists in pieces across multiple realities, capable of reshaping existence itself. In many ways, more fundamental than even a Celestialsapien."

"More powerful than Alien X?" Gwen's energy fields flicker with concern.

"Different," Paradox corrects. "Where Celestialsapiens are bound by cosmic law and debate, Dagon is... primal. Pure force of will and reality."

The Ultimatrix pulses with new energy as I select the form. The transformation is... different. Not like becoming an alien, and nothing like what I imagined Alien X would feel like.

This is older, vaster. Power floods through me, reshaping reality itself around my new form. The sky darkens as I expand, growing to a size that makes mountains look like pebbles.

Dagon's replicated way of consciousness is ancient, primordial - but unlike Ghostfreak, it doesn't hold remanents of the original. There is no fight for control. This form is now, simply, me.

"By the stars," Azmuth whispers, his scientific detachment cracking in the face of such power.

Below, I can sense their awe - even Kevin's usual bravado silenced by what he's witnessing.

Time to test my theory.

From this vast form, reality itself spreads before me like pages in a book. I reach out with senses beyond mortal comprehension, searching for... home. My original world. The place I came from before all this.

Nothing.

'Ultimatrix,' I focus my thoughts inward, 'help me search.'

"Unable to locate specified reality," the device responds within my consciousness. "Origin point not detectable within accessible dimensional spectrum."

Frustration burns through me, making reality ripple around my massive form. Fine. Let's try something else.

The Marvel universe - my new home. That reality spreads before me instantly, clear as crystal. I can see the tower, Emma's worried presence, Loki's growing concern...

"Hey!" Ben's voice calls from far below. "What's taking so long? Did you find a way to stop Aggregor?"

Annoyance flares through me - already frustrated by my failed search, and now... Actually...

I extend my awareness, finding Aggregor instantly. With barely a thought, I drag him through space and time, depositing him rather unceremoniously at Ben's feet, having him freak out - I'm petty, sue me.

"What- how-" Aggregor struggles, but another flex of will strips him of his stolen powers, binding him in energy that even he can't break.

As Aggregor struggles in his bonds, a thought occurs to me. With Dagon's power, with this level of control over reality... why not solve everything now? I extend my awareness across dimensions, searching for Thanos - the Mad Titan whose shadow looms over my new universe's future.

I find him easily, his presence a dark weight across reality. One thought, one flex of will, and I could...

'I wouldn't,' Paradox's voice cuts through my consciousness. 'Some threads, when pulled too early, unravel more than you intend.'

Images flood through Dagon's vast awareness - futures where Thanos's premature death leads to worse threats rising, paths where the universe fractures without the crucible it needs to forge its defenders.

The frustration burns, but I understand. Even with power this vast, some things need to happen in their own time.

I open a portal to my Marvel reality instead. Sometimes the hardest part of having power isn't using it - it's knowing when not to.

I then let Dagon's form fade away. The transformation into Jetray feels almost mundane after such power, but it serves its purpose as I fly down to land beside the others.

"There," I say, transforming back to human form. "Aggregor's dealt with."

"Well, I believe its time I go," I state looking at the swirling portal showing Fisk Tower in the distance, after a moment of awkward like silence.

It seems the power still surprised them - Paradox excluded, the bastard has a grin on his face. "Thanks for the... interesting detour."

"Wait," Kevin calls out, tossing something small and sleek my way. My reflexes catch it automatically. "Communication device. Made it with help from Ben's smart forms. Should work across timelines and universes - at least in theory."

I examine the device - definitely more advanced than anything Earth tech could manage. "You made this in case you got separated?"

"Yeah," Ben shrugs. "Though we never tested it across different multiverses. But if you ever need backup..."

"Assuming it works at that range," Kevin adds. "No guarantees, but worth a shot."

I pocket the device, nodding my thanks. The gesture means more than they probably realize - having a potential link back to the universe that created my powers.

"Good luck with your theory," Azmuth says, studying me with that calculating gaze. "Though perhaps next time, try not to bend reality quite so dramatically."

"No promises," I reply, stepping toward the portal. "After all, you just gave me access to a million new forms."

The last thing I hear as I step through is Paradox's amused voice: "Oh, this is going to be quite entertaining to watch."

The portal deposits me back in Fisk Tower's common area, exactly where I left - mere minutes after my disappearance, judging by everyone's positions. Emma's mental presence floods with relief, though her expression remains controlled.

"That was... interesting," Tony starts, but before he can continue, the Ultimatrix suddenly pulses.

"Primary objectives achieved. Code 10 temporary Master Control protocol deactivating. Reverting to standard operation mode."

"Wait, what?" I stare at the device in disbelief. "You're telling me that was just temporary?"

"Affirmative. Master Control access granted until specified goals were met. Goals now completed. Access restricted."

"I should've known it was too good to be true..." I mutter to myself.

I swear I can hear Azmuth's smug laughter echoing across dimensions, with Paradox's amused chuckle not far behind. Those crafty little...

"Did you just get played by your own device?" Loki asks, not bothering to hide his amusement.

"Not just the device," I mutter, remembering Paradox's knowing smile. "Pretty sure this whole thing was planned from the start."

The communication device in my pocket feels heavier now - at least I got something permanent out of this interdimensional field trip - if it works that is.

"So," Tony breaks the awkward silence, "want to explain what just happened? And why your watch is suddenly being sassy about access codes?"

"Let's just say," I reply, collapsing onto the nearest couch, "that there are some very annoying time travelers and genius inventors out there who think they're hilarious."

Emma's mental presence carries both amusement and concern. 'You gained something from this though. I can sense it.'

"Yeah," I mutter, patting the communication device in my pocket. "A way to call for help if things get really bad. At least I hope so, none of them could guarentee it working from another Multiverse."

Loki studies me with newfound interest. "They actually exist? You really visited another Multiverse?"

"And dealt with some... interesting characters," I confirm, then grin despite my frustration with the Master Control situation. "Though I did get to traumatize a power-stealing alien by dropping him from between dimensions. So there's that."

The others exchange looks - probably wondering just what kind of adventure I had in those few minutes. But some stories are better left for another time.

After all, we still have to explain to Thor why three different realms are complaining about unauthorized light shows. How they found out it was us is beyond me - I blame Loki.

When in doubt, blame Loki. That's my new motto.

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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all liked the Chapter!

Do tell me how you found it? Was it fun?

Or nah?

Also, what do you think, should the device work?

If it works, then in the future, we'll get more Ben 10 characters and storylines.

If it doesn't then well, we don't get that.

Do tell me what you vote for.

It working.

Or

Not

Well, I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)