Ben 10 — An Omniverse of Choices and Consequences

"Are you from another planet?" The burning being hair's flames flickered with curiosity, the dial ( 〉〈 ) on his torso shinning green.

"Yes. Don't waste my time and step into the teleportation circle to board the spaceship." The skeleton-like creature's voice was cold and commanding. A circle of brilliant light materialized on the ground before him, casting an eerie glow across the area.

'The figure and the being in front of me aren't monsters… they're aliens! They actually exist! I transformed into an alien?! But why is he speaking my language? And what's this about a teleportation circle?'

"OK." The transformed teenager decided to take the risk. 'Suspicious… But as far as I know, he just wants to retrieve the watch, it must belong to him. What a shame. He has no reason to hurt me if I collaborate, right?'

The crackling of the forest fire and his flaming footsteps were the only sounds breaking the tense silence.

'I'm about to see a spaceship — a real spaceship! I could die happy now… though I definitely don't plan to.'

All of a sudden, the dial ( 〉〈 ) to his chest glowed white instead of green.

[Initiating…]

[The Omnitrix's system has been replaced.]

[Current wielder : Ben Tennyson (shortened name)]

A synthesized voice echoed in his head.

Ben Tennyson was his name, well, shortened. He stopped in his tracks.

"Do you speak?" Ben lowered his head, looking at his torso.

"Did I not speak a few seconds ago?!" The skeleton-fish-like alien said, his ruby eyes shining, his dark dress adorned with various gadgets.

[Mental lounge's creation…]

[Process completed!]

[Slowing down the perception of time]

The skeleton-fish started to speak. "Coooooooooooooooooo—"

[Transport the host's consciousness]

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Location: Ben's Mental Lounge

__________________

Ben found himself sitting on a sofa. The green lounge room was square, with no doors or windows. There was only a sofa and a large television in front of it. The temperature was warm enough to not feel cold while not being uncomfortable.

If anything, the place was "cozy" for him.

'…It's still not a dream.'

[Correct assessment of your current situation.]

A voice echoed through the room, and Ben realized he no longer had the watch on his left wrist.

"Are we in my head?"

[Your observation is accurate.]

"And…" The young man had a plethora of questions, none of which came to him first.

[Time constraints require us to proceed. Several days of content await.]

"Proceed what—"

The television turned on.

"Cartoon Network? It doesn't ring a bell. Is it a channel from another country?" Ben was looking at the logo in the upper corner of the screen, each letter was either white or black in a square of the opposite color.

After the commercials passed, the channel announced a new cartoon series called Ben 10.

'No Sumo Slammers I guess… Hold on. My first name and the first sound of my last name?!'

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Dozens of hours later

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[Viewing session concluded.]

"..." Ben had seen four cartoons, two episodes of another cartoon, two animated movies being 2D and 3D respectively, and two movies with actors. To be precise, he did not watch them in that order.

One could say that all he watched was an entire saga, the Ben 10 saga, which revolved around a 10-year-old kid with a watch that helped him deal with any situation as a hero. By the end of the saga, he was 16 or 17 years old and had saved the universe several times.

Although the character had changed his watch twice, all of them had the same characteristic: they could change their user into an alien.

- The Omnitrix prototype

- The Ultimatrix

- The Omnitrix

With the exception of the Ultimatrix, which was not entirely of his own conception, the watches were created by a genius named Azmuth of the Galvan race, regarded as the First Thinker in the universe.

When he built the Omnitrix, he wanted peace, understanding between all species, with the user of the watch acting as a universal ambassador.

Azmuth had put countless DNA (and non-DNA signatures) inside the Omnitrix. Even if he couldn't put all the species into it, the Omnitrix could scan a missing species, thus gaining a new transformation.

[Your observations of the presented material are requested.]

"The saga was interesting but very inconsistent, the last season of Omniverse was crap except for a few episodes and the ending. The concept of turning into an alien is great, the story arcs were great, especially in Ultimate Alien, even the filler, but… Seriously, what did I just watch?"

This Ben was too different from him to be his future. He got his first watch when he was 10, not 16, and he seemed to be bipolar due to his ever-changing personality throughout the saga (if these cartoons needed to be taken seriously).

"Why show me the adventures of another Ben?" The Saga introduced the concept of parallel worlds.

"AND WHY THE TV FORMAT?!"

'Am I a cartoon character?!' His heartbeat echoed in his ears.

[Query noted. Perhaps we should discuss the concept of freedom and control.]

"That doesn't answer my fucking question!" His face turned red.

[What you have seen is proof that an entity has been controlling his life all along.]

[Sometimes his enemies would become stupid temporarily, he would become smart, sometimes it's the other way around, all of this serves one purpose… The entertainment of the entity.]

[He will see everything in TV format for his own amusement, but I reassure you, you are not a cartoon character and neither is the Ben you've seen, Ben Prime.]

"Why show me this?" His face regained its original color.

[An incident occurred in the Prime reality following the "show's" conclusion.]

[The entity now seeks control over all realities — the Omniverse. Note: The show's portrayal was incomplete. Further details pending.]

[While this entity is incredibly powerful, even they can be challenged by the right coalition of celestial beings and… special cases. Faced with a stalemate, a solution emerged: a proxy war.]

[An unprecedented conflict is approaching. The entity's pawns against the p—fighters of the Omniverse.]

[Unless you're comfortable with your life becoming prime-time entertainment within a decade, it's highly recommended that you take part.]

"…Hey. You were going to say I'm will be a pawn." Ben realized.

[Your decision would be appreciated.]

"Although I have no proof other than your words, if it's true then I would be crazy to refuse. Who doesn't want to have a free will anymore?"

'Among other things, I don't know what the AI will do to me if I refuse… Crap. It can hear my thoughts.'

[Let me clarify — rejection now simply means remaining neutral. However, if you haven't picked a side by the time the war begins, your registration becomes void. Nothing particularly dramatic.]

'Nothing dramatic? Like not being able to control my destiny?!' The AI seemed more and more strange.

"You are what?"

[A neutral AI designed to help you. I was installed into your Omnitrix in addition to a new operating system overwriting the old one.]

[The random advantage that all the participants of this universe have is being able to see the events of the Prime universe. It's not your world, but there are still many similarities and inspirations that could help you.]

[I provide you with: ]

- [An Omnitrix with a clean system, free of anything harmful the creator might have put in it.]

- [If you want to change your device, I will tell you how to download the system onto it.]

- [Omnitrix "tweak" functions, but only on the AI's terms, mine.]

- [Hardware backdoors or physical problems with the Omnitrix cannot be removed by software. They are still present, but I will suppress them as much as possible. The Residual Anti-Consciousness Protocol is one example.]

- [Universal passive translator, but almost all the Omnitrices already have it enabled by default, like yours]

"What is the Residual Anti-Consciousness Protocol?" Ben was puzzled.

[It is designed to make it impossible to use DNA, RNA, other carbon-based genetic molecules, silicon-based genetic molecules, and energy signatures that contain a trace of consciousness to transform without your confirmation.]

In the Saga, two aliens of Ben Prime had consciousness other than his own.

The first escaped after being used long enough for the Omnitrix's defenses to no longer contain it. After its escape, the ghost alien attempted to possess Ben Prime.

The second was an alien with two consciousnesses, so there were three consciousnesses in one body at each transformation. The alien was a celestial being who, according to the legends, was considered omnipotent. Ben Prime could do anything if the other two minds agreed with him; yet they could also choose to trap him forever.

[The entity is more powerful and Alien X has many limitations that was not shown in the saga.]

[And the celestial signature of Alien X is not stored in your watch unlike Ben Prime.]

"Damn it." With time, he would unlock new aliens; he was hoping to randomly unlock Alien X.

[And let me be perfectly transparent: my assistance is strictly limited to basic Omnitrix-related matters. The multiverse is seeking exceptional individuals — geniuses, fighters, strategists — not contestants who need hand-holding. If I believe you should discover something independently, expect silence. And yes, I will absolutely let natural selection take its course should it choose you.]

"I get it." He frowned, though he wasn't particularly upset since he hadn't expected help in the first place (not that he would refuse it).

"Anything else I should know?"

[To prevent you from following Ben Prime's exact path, your initial set of 10 aliens has been randomized. And no, I don't have the ability to choose them myself.]

The number 10 was significant — it was Ben Prime's original alien count and the source of the saga's name, Ben 10. Though he gained more transformations later, it wasn't a universal constant, just as the green color wasn't standard across all universes.

"Show me the 10 aliens and their characteristics."

[Quick learner, aren't you? Very well, I can assist with this basic request. Let me present it in a simplified format.]

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1. Heatblast

Pyrokinetic humanoid composed of fire, rock, and magma. Capable of projecting flames from any bodily location, but more easily from the hands.

Rather straightforward, wouldn't you say?

2. Ball Weevil

Small (less than 30 centimeters) but efficient insectoid. Produces explosive plasma spheres that serve as both weapon and transport. The spheres absorb surrounding matter, growing exponentially — and yes, that means unlimited potential for destruction.

Quite the package for something so… tiny.

3. Snare-oh

Mummy composed of mystical bandages. Complete control over bandage manipulation. Not indestructible but very resistant against anything not sharp, can regenerate.

Capable of using magic… should you prove competent enough.

4. ???

???

[Temporary description]

Shadow file suggests arachnid morphology.

I do hope you're comfortable with spiders… though I suppose we'll find out soon enough.

5. Brainstorm

Crab-like. Massive intelligence, can emit electricity from its brain and use it in various creative ways, such as moving objects with an electromagnetic field.

Use it if your brain is not enough… so it shouldn't be on a regular basis, right?

6. Armodrillo

Biomechanical entity with reinforced metallic composition. Essentially a walking demolition crew with drill-based appendages and seismic vibration generation.

Ideal for… infiltration missions of course!

7. Eye Guy

Humanoid, has about fifteen eyes spread over his arms, one in the middle of his chest. From his eyes he can shoot freezing rays, green fire rays, electricity, the list is not exhaustive. He can also move his eyes around the surface of his body and combine them to form a larger eye, resulting in more powerful shots.

The naming department wasn't inspired that day.

8. Buzzshock

Can harness, use and transform into electricity. If it absorbs enough electricity, it can clone itself. When it is cut, it clones itself. Since it can transform into electricity, it can hide in electrical devices.

Just so you know: being able to elementalize yourself also means you can easily die if one has the perfect counter.

9. Mole-Stache

[Before you protest — yes, this transformation is entirely legitimate. Your expression suggests skepticism, but I assure you it's staying. This isn't a joke.]

Mole-like, has a very articulate moustache. It can take on any shape and grow at a very high rate. Can use his moustache as a propeller to fly, just like in the saga…

Yes, you'll be flying with facial hair.

…It's a joke, of course! You can't use hair as propellers to fly! …I had to clarify this just in case you get any ideas about jumping from buildings while attempting this transformation.

10. ???

???

[Temporary description]

In the shadow image file, it seems like some kind of humanoid alien but with no legs and pikes as forearms.

Let's hope it can fly, if not you should be ready to prepare a wheelchair each time.

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"Why are the 4th and 10th transformations just listed as ??? with such ominous descriptions? No, the whole thing is concerning!"

[I don't have an infinite database. The Omnitrix's aliens change in all universes, and they have to exist in enough of them to be registered in my default database. One of the whole points is to collect them, not unlock them as if you were in a video game. But let's be honest, nobody cares.]

[Once you use these mysterious transformations, I can analyze and provide their full characteristics. You'll even get to name them yourself. For security reasons, I won't access this Omnitrix's original database without your explicit permission. Only the shadow image files showing their appearance and 3D models are entirely safe to access.]

"Why use Ben Prime's nicknames instead of the actual species names?" Some of the names like Eye Guy were ridiculous to the point where he even suspected that someone needed to actively think of a bad name before making them.

[You know it's easier; a code name is easier to remember, especially since you're already familiar with eight of them.]

"Fair enough. And…"

[Don't bother asking about the entity or the Prime world. That information isn't relevant yet.]

"I see… But I wasn't even asking about that — I meant the cursed text you just showed!" But seeing no response forthcoming, Ben let it drop.

"I can at least now its name—"

[No. Now, it's time. Which side will you choose?]

- [Freedom]

- [Control]

"This is obvious—" He paused; it wasn't actually. "What are the benefits of each choice?"

'And why offer a choice when it's so clearly biased toward freedom?'

[If freedom prevails, all will be guaranteed their independence. Anything becomes possible.]

[If control wins, order will be absolute. Please the entity, and you'll receive any wish with guaranteed survival. As you saw, Ben Prime had quite an easy life in the end.]

"..." He pondered. 'It can hear my thoughts but ignored my question. Maybe I should choose control?'

[What is your choice?]

Ben could sense the AI's growing impatience.

He reflected on Ben Prime's erratic life — sometimes serious, sometimes foolish, often forgetting past lessons. Most notably, he inexplicably ended up with a girl who had literally treated him like a dog, without even joking about it, because of one of his transformations. They just suddenly fell in love.

Maybe… the entity made fun of the fact that Ben Prime was his dog until the very end.

"Freedom." The choice seemed obvious thinking about that. Besides, even if choosing control spared him personally, if that side won, it would be—

[Freedom path chosen]

The AI cut off his thought.

[You can still change sides two times.]

'Wait, I can still change? Then why pressure me for an immediate decision?' Ben tried to find some logic behind this, but nothing made sense.

[In this universe (dimensions included), there are 10 participation slots and ??? participants with the same advantage of having watched the entire saga.]

"Are you joking?"

[Yes]

"You had me worried…"

[The others only saw episodes relevant to them and know the saga is called Ben 10.]

[(Rex and the participant from his dimension only watched their Generator Rex series episodes. The two crossover episodes are exceptions — just as they know little about you, you know little about them from those episodes.)]

…

"Am I dead?"

[Anything is possible. And remember, everyone would be different even without their advantages.]

"…even if I didn't choose to participate."

[You will still be affected. Yes.]

[As for winning a participation slot, there are several conditions. You'll receive notification in time.]

[Any question?]

"Four of them, actually. Important ones."

[Proceed.]

"Isn't this… just entertainment in the end? It's like some battle royale and this concept is liked by everyone I guess."

[...Yes. But the consequences are real. If you don't want to entertain the entity anymore, victory is your only option.]

Ben sighed.

"About the residual consciousness — does Azmuth know about them?"

[Your universe differs from others. I have opinions, but as stated, I won't answer such questions.]

"Hmm… He is the greatest genius in the universe, but it is not impossible that he makes mistakes."

After pondering, he asked another question.

"What are these tweak functions? Are they related to the master control?"

When Ben Prime transformed, his alien forms only lasted for a limited time — though never explicitly stated, it seemed to range between 10 to 30 minutes. Each subsequent transformation would further reduce this time limit, making extended battles increasingly challenging.

The Master Control eliminated these restrictions entirely, allowing instant, thought-based transformations without time constraints. Though rarely featured in later parts of the saga, it remained one of the most powerful and memorable -trix functions. More than just switching between aliens, it offered seamless access to different abilities, powers, and forms mid-battle without any delays or limitations.

Only the most versatile and powerful adversaries stood a chance; for everyone else, challenging a -trix wielder with Master Control activated was nothing more than a death wish.

[No, let's keep things simple for now. You're aware the Omnitrix does more than just transform species. The tweaks are additional code I implement into your system, expanding beyond basic functions. Remember, your Omnitrix now runs on a clean operating system with me integrated.]

[You have one final question.]

"…before the war, you expect me to do what?"

[Whatever you choose. Save lives or take them, give or steal, create or destroy — the Omniverse doesn't care. Your only requirements are becoming worthy of the war and securing a participation slot.]

[Time U—]

"Wait, one last question, please!"

[What?!]

"What's your true goal? Even if you are an AI and not someone communicating from afar, you're clearly biased and—"

[Time u—]

"Stop!"

Though no sound was made, the AI's frustrated anger was listenable in the silence.

[I believe I made it clear that I wouldn't answer certain of your questions, Ben Tennyson.]

"This isn't a question — it's a declaration." Ben rose from his sofa. "There are several things that don't add up, and you've left out many details. Since you won't answer, I'll figure it out myself. But let me be clear: every action I've made, make, and will make is my choice alone… nothing else."

[Interesting… Anyway.]

[Time up!]