Utopia for Phantoms

By: ScarletDia

The story's title was previously called, "DOLLHOUSE". But it was changed to its current title because I find it more fitting for the themes that will be portrayed in this story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Ben 10.

Prologue: Abraxas

"The bird struggles out of the egg. The egg is the world. Who would be born must first destroy a world." —Demian by Herman Hesse

I open my eyes to the beeping rhythm of the heart monitor beside me. I slowly raise from the comfort of the bed to scan my surroundings. White, was the only description for the plain room. Across the room a stranger with bright green eyes and long red hair was staring at me. I stare back. We both look at each other. The girl has a blank look on her face as numerous wires surround her fragile form with her only company being the IV standing beside her together with all the machines. She appears sad and lonely, until I realize that girl was me. My reflection in the mirror.

For some reason it wasn't a surprise. Next, I turn my attention to the discomfort in my right arm and discovering it to be the IV needle inserted tightly into me. I was in a hospital. The girl in the mirror was alone in a hospital room.

My final realization was:

I knew what everything was and where I was, but what truly frightens me was not knowing who I was… were.

"Doctor! The patient is wake."

I was broken from my trance. I turn to the voice and caught a glimpse of a young woman running out the door. The next few minutes was a blur to me seeing as everything went by so fast. To me who have recently awaken to this strange world of white, came into contact with 3 people. Like a newly born infant, these people and this isolated room was the start to my world.

The doctor who appears to be in his fifties wearing large spectacle was saying something. I try to concentrate; however, for some strange reason nothing he said got through to me. It was all incomprehensible. A jumble of words, sounds and gibberish were ringing in my ears.

"Ms. Teni—sonn you are currently-y ree-sssidingg inn B-bellwooodd Hosspiital. Wwee ha-ve ccontactedd youur family aand theey w-will bee aarriving sooonn. Youu a-re safee heree."

What…? What was he saying? Please speak slower…

All the words were muddle except 'Family'. That was the only sound that was ringing loud alarms clearly in my mind. That word alone made me feel, bitter, unpleasant and disgusted. Was it normal to feel that way towards family members? Why wasn't I glad, happy or even relief?

"Gwen! My sweet little girl!" A woman suddenly ran up to me and forced me into a tight embrace.

"Honey you're going to squeeze the life out of our little princess." An unfamiliar man chuckled.

A woman and a man suddenly made their appearance in my miniature world. I panic as the strange woman continued to crush me. I try to push and tear myself out of her iron grip. I struggle and desperately shove myself away from the woman. I don't know these people, but one thing I feel for certain was complete repulse! Why was that?! The doctor and nurses didn't make me feel anything. But these strangers and their very presence makes me nauseous. Sickening me to a degree of wanting to vomit.

"Gwen, darling what's wrong?" The woman looked at me in disapproval. No one else saw her eyes. They only heard the worries that was being emitted in her vocal.

"Let go, let go!" I shouted. My feeling of dislike for the woman increasing.

"Gwen, is that any way to behave to your mother who has been worry sick about you?" The man gaze at her in dissatisfaction. His voice express concern; however, she could see the annoyance in his eyes.

"She's not my mother. I-I don't know you people! Get away from me!" I scream at the top of my lungs trying to suppress the bile that was rapidly raising in my throat. Just hearing the word mother makes me want to puke. How could this woman who disgust me so much be my mother? I know what mother means. Understanding how a mother should make their child feel safe, protected and loved. This woman didn't.

I could tell the occupants in the room was shock at my announcement. The woman beside me was the first to response.

"Doctor, what is the meaning of this? How could my own child not recognize me and…and even say I'm not her mother!" The woman said in distress as she was held comfortably in her husband's embrace. For reasons unknown, it seemed fake to me. Although, the woman was crying into the man's chest while the man showed obvious worry… All of it just looked like they were actors on a stage, performing their supposed role. I wasn't stupid to comprehend that in their role playing, I was their daughter and they were my loving parents. Maybe they are, but for some inexplicable reason my instinct was telling me to not trust these people. Therefore, I couldn't bring myself to view them as just that.

The doctor tried to calm the woman. Next, he turn his undivided attention onto me. I shallow the thick lump of saliva in my throat. I didn't like where this was going...

"Ms. Tennyson, do you recall how you got here? Do you know where you are?" The doctor inquired in a steady voice.

I didn't reply. I could tell where this was going and I didn't like it.

"Ms. Tennyson, it is critical for you to answer these questions. This will help you with your recovery. Now, do you know who you are? Do you remember your name?" The doctor push forward.

I notice my 'suppose parents' staring intensely at me. Their eyes seems to be hopeful…? It was simple to understand. They were anticipating my answer. I was the only one close enough to notice. After all, I was the only one recognizing the abnormalities in their eyes; they were fantastic actors.

"I know where I am." I reasoned.

"That's good. Now, do you know who you are?"

"I know."

"Who are you then?" The doctor persisted.

"I'm me."

"And what's your name?"

"...I'm me." I stated the second time. This time I wasn't so confident seeing as my voice shook. Tears swelling in my eyes as I close them. I could feel droplets of my tears smearing my cheeks. The trembling of my hands was hard to suppress.

I'm me and no one else.

And this was the world I have awoken to.

TBC.

The story happens in UA when Gwen is 16, but diverges from the original storyline.

R&R