I while ago I had drawn an image based on the idea of the Omnitrix merging with Ben, after a near-death moment during a mission that went wrong. I finally got around to making something else on it, as I really like this idea and wanted to expand on it.
I also wanted to expand on Ben and Azmuth's characters, as they're two of my favourites, who also have some of the crappy writing in the series, unfortunately. A shame, since I love the concepts of them as characters, and the many ways you can shape their dynamic. For me, I've seen it as a mentor and student, but with a family-like growth between the two overtime since I like the idea that Ben often sees people close to him as family, while Azmuth starts to learn to be a little more open when dealing with this chaotic teenager of a boy.
But, anyway, I hope you enjoy this. I also want to shout out my friend Ora, as she did help with some of the dialogue in this.
Synopsis:
Ben had figured that sooner or later, his good luck would run out at some point, and the danger of his hero business would catch up to him one day. But that doesn't mean it's not scary when it does happen, especially when so close to a near-death experience. However, he comes to find that he survived thanks to the Omnitrix. The catch being that...now it's merged with him, and that's not an easy thing to live with.
Thankfully, he's got some good support, including a wise, old, grumpy but well-meaning mentor Galvan.
Characters:
Ben Tennyson
Azmuth First-Thinker
Warning: Near-Death Experience, Loss of a limb, Blood/Talks about blood, talks about medical stuff, a smidge of swearing here and there.
Nothing about that day's mission felt special, even different enough to indicate what was going to happen. To Ben, it was just another fight to get over and done with, another day to win and save people. Not saying he didn't take things seriously, but after a while, you do start to get used to it all, especially when you're someone who deals with nutjobs wanting to either rule or destroy the galaxy every Sunday. So no one could fault him for not seeing what would happen.
It had been Vilgax this time, his most common problem since the giant warlord had declared himself to be Ben's main nemesis since the day they met. Today his wild plan involved trying to conquer another planet, but things went downhill fast for that plan as the planet was under Plumber protection, as not only was the home planet race allied with them but also because of the precious and valuable minerals that were things you didn't want getting into the wrong hands. But that didn't stop Vilgax, as normal, as he was one to never back down until the very end. Say what you will about the man, he was persistent.
So it didn't take long for a Plumber fleet to break out into a fight with Vilgax's own spacecrafts and soldiers. It was a rough battle, so it was only natural to call Ben and Rook in, even Gwen and Kevin spared some time, reminding Ben of the good old days. He even remembers making a crack to Gwen about how it only felt like yesterday that all this nonsense with Vilgax started.
It didn't take long for a plan to be set in motion. The Plumbers, including Grandpa Max, would be distracting as many ships and soldiers as they could, Kevin and Gwen helping in those areas by boarding onto smaller ships and clearing them. For once, Rook and Ben would not be staying by each other's sides, as the plan required Ben to sneak onto Vilgax's main ship on his own, and try to reach the main control panel. Rook wouldn't be able to follow, and while he voiced wanting to stick with his partner in battle, Ben eased his worries and told him he'd be fine. Despite his fears, Rook did listen, because Ben did have a natural luck on his side that never seemed to fail him just yet.
Oh, if only they knew.
It had all been going fine at first, just another day on the job, another day of Ben using his skills with the Omnitrix. He's been using it for at least eight years by now, and the ways he used his aliens was one of his best skills. Not because of what the aliens gave him, but rather what he could do with them, finding use in all of them. And since he was now eighteen, he would soon be getting master-control, and he was ready to see what he could do with it. But for now, he had an old enemy to deal with.
It hadn't taken much to get onto the ship, using Goop to sneak on, deal with some guards, and began looking for the main control room. He could already tell Vilgax knew he was there, judging by the blaring alarm and sudden swarm of guards, but Ben could handle it, he always could.
And, of course, when finding the main room, he found the warlord himself. It didn't take long for Vilgax to do his usual threats, followed up by Ben teasing and taunting him, which led into one of their normal fights. Vilgax would throw his hits, and Ben would combat with the powers of his aliens. Nothing different, nothing special, Ben even had to admit he wasn't that scared, even thinking about what would be for dinner when he got home.
But that's when everything took a turn for the worst. Vilgax had enough, and when he managed to knock Ben back for a minute, he commanded his airship's laser gun to charge up and prepare to strike the main Plumber ship. That caused panic in Ben, as he knew that not only were there many lives in that ship, but people like Grandpa Max were there, perhaps even Rook, Kevin and Gwen. So he had a change of plan, take down Vilgax quickly, so that he could stop the charging of the weapon.
He was winging it a lot at that point, reacting in the moment, his blood pumping fast as he kept repeating to himself to save them, to protect them. Perhaps that's why he didn't focus enough on Vilgax, because Ben truly believed that he had knocked out the warlord, turning his back on his enemy before racing over to the controls, rapidly typing away, trying to find the off switch.
But with all his focus on stopping the weapon, relying so much on his luck and genuinely believing he had dealt with Vilgax, it all meant he hadn't seen it coming. While he didn't see what happened, he heard. Grunts and groans as Vilgax pulled himself up, and with Ben distracted, he pulled out his new tool for the day from his side, an alien gun of some sort that he got from who knows where in the galaxy. Ben had heard the charging of that gun, a hum and spark of energy lighting up, and a part of him knew he was endangered. He did have plenty of time to dodge, but the only problem was that if he moved and didn't keep his focus on shutting down the airship's laser, he might not be able to turn it off in time, especially if he went right back to fighting with Vilgax.
So like always, Ben placed his faith in his luck, thinking that maybe, just maybe, he could turn around at the last second and not only save everyone, but himself, either by dodging or turning into an alien to tank the hit. It's what he always did before, and it worked in the end, so why not now? But unfortunately, it didn't work out like this for once.
Because the moment Ben clicked that final button, seeing the words "Countdown-Stopped", he had flung himself around just in time to see a blaring light, and before he could even blink he felt a painful force striking his left side and arm.
For a few seconds, everything went white, a fuzzy ringing noise swarming his ears. One moment he was standing, the second he was crashing to the floor, and then everything hit him at once. His side was burning, as if someone was pressing him against the sun, claws of pain digging their ways into his body, twisting and turning everything in an effort to hurt him. He could feel his blood, warm as it flowed out of his body, making him feel lighter and lighter every second, the disgusting feeling of something in him leaving.
Ben was pretty sure he was screaming, he had to be, but the hot shocks of agony running up his body were messing with his senses, hearing and feeling everything at once, and yet also unclear, hazy and confused. His vision was horrible, unable to focus on anything, the world around him a swimming mess of colours and lights. He could hear his heart racing, booming like a drum as each beat rattled his body. It hurt, god, it all hurts so much!
He knew something was seriously wrong. Yes, he had tanked an unknown weapon, but why did it hurt so much? Through his panicked confusion, slowly feeling light and dazed from all the blood loss, he became aware of why exactly it felt so awful when trying to shuffle a little on the floor. His left side felt lighter, lighter than he should be, making him aware something was missing. Another tiny shuffle and...Oh, his entire left arm was missing. If he wasn't in such shock, he probably would have vomited at the realization.
He wanted to scream again, to call for help, to do something other than just lay there, letting out heavy and unsteady breaths. But he couldn't, too much blood was leaving him and he could feel himself slipping away, and fast. And through it all one question repeated in his head, was he going to die?
But through his unsettled senses, something else was going on, though he didn't know entirely what. He heard someone talking, along with heavy metallic footsteps, most likely Vilgax. Ben could only imagine how smug the warlord was being, having finally beaten the boy it seems. And while Ben's left arm was most likely no more, he knew the Omnitrix would be around somewhere, landing somewhere in the room. Was Vilgax going to win? To get the watch and somehow use it? Ben knew that Azmuth wouldn't let that happen, and had made it that only someone with Ben's DNA could use the Omnitrix, but you can't blame him for not thinking clearly at that moment.
Though, he could hear something else speak, but it was very quiet, and much more robotic. Was it the watch? Ben couldn't tell, but did see a rapid flash of green, and the sound of Vilgax roaring out in brief pain before seemingly collapsing, his large body causing vibrations across the floor that made Ben jolt in pain.
But just as Ben closed his eyes, accepting his fate, something touched him. Well, latched onto him would be a better word. His eyes flared back open as another wave of pain swarmed his body, feeling something unknown attached to the location of where his left arm used to be, growing and morphing as he felt it dig into his body. Strange energy began flowing through his body, connecting with his blood stream, organs and nerves, and he could swear he heard that robotic voice, whispering to him numbers and orders, echoing in the back of his head, but he was too focused on the pain to understand.
He felt his body convulse for a few minutes, unable to process what was happening to him, why it was all hurting again. He wouldn't have been surprised if he was in tears by that point, and while he felt his mouth open, he knew he wasn't speaking, screaming even, the pain stealing his voice.
He wasn't sure how long this went on for, because for him it felt like hours, but it could have been a few seconds for all he knew. But he did pick up the sound of what he thought was Vilgax standing up, sluggishly. Yet, before the man could do anything, there were suddenly new voices, including one yelling something. Ben heard a scuffle of some kind, and the sound of Vilgax being knocked back down to the ground.
Ben should have known this was help, at least he hoped so, but he was in too much pain at that point to comprehend that, unable to focus on anything in that moment. The voices around him were muffled, obviously worried, loud and panicked, but it only made his ears ring, and he managed to shut his eyes, shrunching them in an effort to block out everything.
"...Ben….."
The boy reacted to that, that voice closer, yet much quieter than the rest. He flinched, turning his head to follow it, yet didn't dear open his eyes. It was too much, he just wanted it to stop. But whoever was talking to him wasn't having it, being patient as they repeated, this time Ben was able to pick up on what they were saying entirely.
"Ben Tennyson, can you hear me?"
He knew that voice, it was a good voice. Old, wise, calm, dry at times too, but he could hear the traces of worry. So Ben cracked open his eyes a little, and while everything was still hazy, his eyes unable to focus and most likely being watered down by tears, he did see a tiny figure in his field of vision. He noted the green they were wearing, and the large circles that made up their eyes. He knew this man, but why did the name slip away from him?
Ben tried to say something, he thinks, but it only came out as a whimper, a lump caught in his throat as agony flared up him again. The small figure reacted, lifting his hand and brushing it gently across Ben's cheek, the first gentle touch the boy had felt in a good while. It helped somewhat, but Ben was ready to take anything that helped in anyway.
"You'll be ok.. you'll be ok…"
He heard them whisper, and Ben wanted to believe them, able to give the tiniest of nods. But everything soon became a blur again, people talking, rushing around, Ben eventually finding himself being carried off somewhere. The entire time he found he was unable to drift off into unconsciousness, as whatever was attaching to him wasn't letting him close his eyes, so he had to go through everything awake, yet barely aware. But after what felt like days to him, after being moved somewhere, he heard that robotic voice again, but for once clear.
Protocol-Merging-Morph_ Completed
Then, there was a sudden jolt where Ben's arm used to be, it made him gasp, his body stiff, before his eyes fluttered shut, and he found himself able to drift off to sleep finally, welcoming the dark void to rest in…
And that's how it all went down, at least from Ben's perspective. Cracking his eyes open, he focuses his vision, staring up at the now familiar clean white ceiling. It's been at least a week and a half since all that went down, and now Ben was on his way to recovery.
When he had initially woken up, somehow still alive, he had been bombarded by loved ones who were relieved he was ok, well, ok in terms of not being dead. When he was able to stay awake for more than a minute, they had caught him up on what really happened. Vilgax did indeed hit him with an unknown weapon, one that the Plumbers had taken from him while locking him up, and Ben's left arm had taken most of the damage, and by that they mean it was gone from his body completely. What was left of it could not be saved, but that didn't matter at that point, as Ben finally learnt that that robotic voice was, and what had latched onto him.
It was the Omnitrix. When it found it was no longer attached to its main host, along with learning that its host was dying, it had shocked Vilgax with a defence protocol, before finding its way to Ben, somehow replacing his arm by latching on to his body, and morphing into an arm and hand, though still sporting it's green, black and silver colour scheme and alien like look. This caught Ben off guard, as it did with anyone else, even Azmuth, who didn't know the Omnitrix could do such a thing.
The watch was programmed to save Ben anyway it can, and does upgrade on its own, but this was still a complete surprise. Connecting with Ben's biology, becoming a true part of its host in an effort to keep him alive. Meaning not only was Ben recovering at Galvan Prime to heal, but to also be monitored based on this discovery.
So here he was, in his private hospital room, dazed, tired, sore, though very much still alive and healing. He was also very much bored out of his mind, having never been fond of sitting around in one spot for too long. But for once, he wasn't gonna risk anything just to have a little fun. There was a lot of process, a lot to think about, and oh boy did he feel like shit.
Sighing to himself, his eyes drifted down to his side, staring at his new arm. The Omnitrix had done a good enough job to match the shape and even feel of an arm, hand and fingers, and the way it connected to his body felt like it was truly morphed with him, as if an actual limb rather than a prosthetic. But it was still blaringly obvious that this wasn't a real arm, or even something natural. The alien nature of it made it stick out like a sore thumb, and Ben still wasn't used to having this thing a part of him, connected to him physically, and mentally.
Pursing his lips, he shuffled his eyes back up to face the roof, letting his vision clear its focus a little more, before distracting himself by either thinking about random thoughts, or counting things in the room. It was his way to pass time right now, as he was unable to do anything else. Yesterday he had counted how many tools he could see in the room. Not the most exciting thing, but it was better than nothing. Though, he should really try and convince Azmuth to put a TV in this room or something.
But, speaking of the First-Thinker, Ben heard the door automatically side open, and a small pair of feet stepping into the room. Ben didn't need to lift his head to know who it was, especially when hearing that familiar voice.
"Counted how many ceiling cracks there are yet?" Azmuth queried, Ben hearing him making his way over to the side of the bed.
Ben hummed tiredly under his breath. "Mmh, seven…" He replied, his voice a little dry.
There was a brief pause, before hearing the old galvan speak down next to him. "I'll have to get that checked out then." he mumbled to himself.
Azmuth suddenly jumped, his spring-like feet able to get him onto the bed with ease, Ben feeling him land next to him. The teen rolled his head over to look at Azmuth, despite how stiff his neck was. He saw the man looking over a tablet, obviously reading over some updates on Ben's condition, before lowering it and turning to the boy.
He looked Ben up and down, a calm but expressionless look across his face. He was often hard to read. "How are you feeling?" Azmuth finally said, bringing his gaze back to Ben's.
Ben paused at that, needing a moment to think. He will admit he wasn't as bad as he was when this all first happened. Not shaking with pain, dizzy and faint, able to stay awake for a good while, it was good signs he was healing. But he wasn't out of it just yet, his entire body feeling awful. Downfall to being a human, a body that's frail and soft.
Giving a mild shrug, Ben spoke. "Tired, sore...strange?...not sure how to describe it." He listlessly said, not having the right words coming to mind. His brain basically just felt like paste right now, and he had a feeling it was going to be that way for a while.
Azmuth nodded, not the least bit surprised. "I guess that is to be expected."
The galvan then wandered over to the Omnitrix, the fake arm resting by Ben's side. It was humming softly, with the dial area occasionally twisting and turning. While the process of attaching itself to Ben was done, there was still a lot for it to do, including helping Ben with his recovery.
Gently, the man brushed his fingers along it as Ben watched in silence. "The Omnitrix appears to be doing fine too." Azmuth openly commented, given it was his job to watch over the boy and his greatest invention.
Ben gave a dry huff of a laugh, though it was very quiet and weak. "I would hope so, given it's now my new arm…"
Azmuth didn't respond to that, knowing the boy was trying to lighten the mood, despite his current position. He doesn't fault Ben for doing so, understanding it's his way of coping. Though it was a good sign that Ben was alright, and still the same good-natured teen underneath what he's going through.
So Azmuth pulled his fingers away, and took a few steps back from the Omnitrix, folding his arms behind his back as he looked to Ben. The boy had been placed under his care and watch since the incident, as not only does Galvan Prime have the best medical care for Ben, but also because Azmuth is the only one who knows how to deal with the Omnitrix. He had been personally checking up on Ben at least once a day, making sure things were going well, and to provide the teen some company.
His friends and family had visited when they could, some even staying overnight a few times, but due to Galvan Prime being so far away from most of their homes, and with how busy life was being currently, many couldn't stay for as long as they wanted. Ben never blamed them, and understood, but he wasn't a person who liked being alone, and with how easily bored he could get, he was quick to appreciate any visit he could get. And since Azmuth came by the most, the two would often end up chatting, mostly about simple things, but it was enough to keep Ben calm and happy.
Azmuth then glanced back at the Omnitrix. "Have you tried moving it yet?" He questioned Ben, raising a light brow.
Ben paused at that, looking unsure in himself. "I, ah...tried a little. Mostly with the fingers, but…" He gave a hesitant look at his new arm, eyes trailing down it all the way to the fingers. "Couldn't get much out of it, and it...hurt…" He whispers that last part with light shame, as if it was wrong of him to feel pain.
He never liked feeling so weak and helpless, it just wasn't his style. He was the hero, the savior of the day, the one to go out and kick butt and protect people. If he couldn't do any of that, then it felt like a part of him was missing, and it never sat right with him.
But Azmuth nodded lightly, responding with. "It's going to for a while. Your body is still processing what happened to it, and the Omnitrix will need to make adjustments over time." He gestured to the watch, wanting to reassure Ben that he'll be up and about eventually.
Ben didn't look convinced though, due to his current feelings and body condition. It's not easy trusting something when you feel awful in the moment, but he knew there was no point in whining about it. He needed time to recover, and even with Galvan Prime tech and the Omnitrix doing its best, he was still human after all, and his body needed all the time it could get.
Azmuth looked at Ben's expression, seeing the teen thinking deeply to himself. It was no secret that Ben was uncomfortable and hated a lot of this, and Azmuth couldn't blame him. No one would be happy to have this happen to them, and it's not easy knowing how brittle your own body can be, especially when you're a superhero that relies on the bodies of inhuman creatures. It's not that Ben hated being humans, but rather he sometimes forgets what he really is behind all those aliens he shapes into.
Tapping his foot lightly, Azmuth decided to speak about what he actually came in for. "But, if you're up for it, I'd like to do some minor exercises, small movements with the arm." He shuffled around his own hand and arm to emphasize this. "The more you train, the more you'll get used to it." He explained, giving a tone that told Ben he can say no if he wasn't comfortable enough.
The young hero looked to him when hearing that, debating it over in his head, before biting his lip and giving a soft nod. "I guess I can give it a shot…"
Azmuth nodded back at him, and again raised his own left arm, wanting Ben to copy. "Now, try and raise it up a bit, and see if you can hover it there." He stated, ready to watch and note down what he sees as a mental note for later.
Ben took a moment to prepare himself, knowing this was going to sting. He had already been experiencing signs of phantom pains here and there, and losing an entire limb, only for it to get immediately replaced by an alien watch, it was going to take a long time getting used to. But he was stubborn, and wasn't one to back down from a challenge. Besides, he knew sooner or later he had to start doing something, if he was ever going to get better.
So taking a sharp breath, he reached into him for the force he needed to move the arm. For a few seconds, it merely twitched and flinched, barely moving as Ben had to bite his tongue from making any sounds. It was like trying to move a puppet that was covered with pins and needles on the inside, along with being weighed down by bricks.
However, he managed to shuffle it a bit over the blanket, before lifting it up into the air, the entire thing slightly shaking. He didn't get it high up, but it was still something. Ben did let out a heavy breath, feeling an ache wash over him, but he didn't drop it back down.
Azmuth was pleased to see this, his voice still quiet and calm, but with a light soothing tone behind it. "Good, now keep it there and wiggle your fingers lightly, at least as many as you can, alright?"
Ben swallowed but nodded back, trying to command his fingers to follow those instructions. The thumb was the first to move, curling lightly with every stiff movement, followed by the pinky and pointed fingers, then the ring finger, till eventually the middle finger decided to join in. He couldn't make them do any wild gestures, and many of them weren't even following the same pace as the others, but any movement was better than none.
The two also noticed to themselves how the Omnitrix hummed a little louder at times, nothing too noticeable, but it was clear it was responding to the movement, perhaps recording this new data in hopes to allow Ben easier control in the future. Ben did have to admit, at least he got something that will probably make this entire process easier over time.
Azmuth nodded, rubbing his chin out of habit "Think you can move the arm side to side a bit?" He suggested, tilting his head lightly.
Ben slowed down in moving his fingers, pausing again to think about it. He was already feeling pretty sore, and the mere act of moving fingers was enough to drain him quite a bit, but he might as well give it a go. If he was pushing himself too far, Azmuth would say something.
So with a stiff motion, his fingers curled in a slightly awkward position, he slowly moved his shaking arm side to side, letting out a light hiss under his breath as he did so. He did note that he wasn't shaking as much as he did at the start, though still noticeable, but he supposes it's an improvement somewhere.
Azmuth followed the moving arm with his eyes. "How does it feel right now?" He questioned Ben, briefly glancing at him.
"Hurts, but...it does feel a little bit better the more I move it." Ben admitted, taking a deep breath as he began to reach the end of his limits for the day.
As carefully as he could, he stopped the side to side movement and placed his arm back down to his side, biting back a groan. It made him really realise how he took simple motor functions in his body for granted, not something you think about until things like this happen. He had met amputees before, even a few in the Plumbers, and they had made it look so easy. Then again, he was in his early stages of physiotherapy, and those he met were already used to it by the time he talked to them.
Azmuth wandered over to the Omnitrix, scanning his eyes over it, thankfully seeing everything was going fine so far. "Best to keep stretching it when you can." He recommended, pulling back to look to Ben. "At least three times a day you must stretch, ok?"
Ben nodded, repeating after him. "Three times a day, got it…" He then shuffled up a bit, using the medical bed and pillows to support him, able to now properly look and talk to Azmuth now.
The galvan pulled out his tablet again, recording down anything new, before glancing over the things he has planned for the next few weeks. "And we'll try lifting some weight with it soon." Azmuth openingly explained, eyes reading lines of words.
"Greattttttt…" Ben dragged on, groaning to himself. Lifting his hand on its own was hard enough, weights were going to be something else.
Azmuth raised a brow at him. He knew none of this was easy, so he added on. "You can start by lifting light things." He then paused, looking away for a moment as he considered something, before looking back and continuing. "Or...even me."
Ben blinked in light surprise, looking down at Azmuth to confirm what he just heard. "Really?..."
Azmuth was a selective person when it came to being held, as do most galvans in general. They'll let you know when you can pick them up, either by them asking for a lift, or they jump and expect you to catch them or lend your shoulder. They weren't people who liked being held like toys, as it often reminded them of their biggest flaw to them, and it feels disrespectful when someone else snatches them up without warning.
So you can't blame Ben for being surprised by that offer, as he had learnt his lesson the last time he tried lifting Azmuth up like a toy. But the man gave a gentle nod, with a soft look in his eyes showing he was ok with it, and that he trusted Ben enough. The teen had to admit he felt touched by this, giving a tiny smile.
"Thanks…" He uttered quietly, glancing away shyly from Azmuth for a moment.
Azmuth did give his own tiny smile, shaking his head lightly, before speaking again. "But don't push yourself, best to take things slowly."
Ben looked back at him, his expression falling when hearing that. "Processing it all feels harder right now…" He muttered.
"Well, you're not alone, Tennyson." Azmuth folded his hands behind his back, glancing to a nearby desk that was covered in small gifts and 'get well soon' cards. "Your family and friends are always happy to support you when you need it." He turned his gaze back to Ben. "As am I."
Ben looked ashamed, having not wanted to sound disrespectful for the support he has been getting. He knows it's only natural for him to be feeling down right now, but he couldn't help but feel annoyed with himself over it. "I know, and I'm thankful for you guys…" He clarified, though his eyes drifted down to the Omnitrix, a sorrowful and unsure look in his gaze. "But having to live with this, it's not going to be easy…"
"And what changes are you afraid of, exactly?" Azmuth questioned him, hoping to learn a little more so he can help.
Ben thought to himself for a few seconds, debating if he should say something. On one hand, he didn't want to waste any more of Azmuth's time, knowing the First-Thinker would have things to do, projects to build, an entire planet to lead, but on the other...He knew he should say something, speak about those certain thoughts digging away at him. He was someone who wanted to act tough whenever he could, but deep down he would always be someone who wanted comfort.
Plus, Azmuth and him had interesting interactions, a dynamic that benefited both of them in a way others couldn't provide. Ben was one of the few who could stop Azmuth out of his bad habit ways, and would show him other ways to do something, to not give up and lose hope. And the teen's chaotic lifestyle definitely taught Azmuth a thing or two about patience.
Meanwhile, Azmuth could talk to Ben in a way others couldn't or wouldn't. He provided Ben with truth, logic, and understands the pressure Ben faces, with the things he's seen and dealt with. He could give Ben a much needed smack of reality, while others might not be able to find the right words, or would rather coddle him with "it's ok" and "it's alright". It was strange, in that despite how different they were, they were both also similar. Two chaotic forces in their own ways, that needed the other to ground them. After all, it was Ben who brought hope to Azmuth back when they first met, and Azmuth had given him the much needed hard talks when bad things happened.
And right now, Ben needed that logical and honest talking to.
Sighing, Ben glanced away as he spoke. "I mean, for one I have no idea how this will affect my biology and way of living down the line…"
The Omnitrix can do a lot of things, and Ben had almost always been fine with the idea of it being a watch, something he could take off one day and slip on the next. While there were times it could connect to his biology, especially the original watch, there was always the idea that he could somehow take it off if he ever needed to, and that nothing was permanent.
There was also the fact that for a good while now, he's often been debating and thinking to himself what he is. Many could easily call him human, because that was who he was, what he was born as, what his base form is. But the amount of times he's gone alien, all the trips and travels around space, more than most humans have done, the things he created, destroyed, learnt and affected. Was he really human at this point? Was he something else entirely? And now with the Omnitrix physically attached to him as a new limb...It didn't help those unsettling thoughts.
Ben's gaze fell, a sad and nervous look in his eyes as he let a tired expression wash over him. "And...I guess in some ways I am afraid of what others will think." He bit his lip and looked back at Azmuth, as if expecting to see a puzzled expression, but the man still held his neutral look as he listened to Ben. "Which I know sounds dumb, but I can't help but feel so nervous...The idea of when I finally go back out in public, people staring and whispering, it'll all feel so uncomfortable."
While his public relationship isn't as bad as when he was first revealed to the world, there was always going to be the bad side of it. The media that jumps at every chance to paint him as something bad for the sake of drama, the people who still feared aliens and the galaxy, struggling to understand just how small earth really is. Many still hated the idea that someone so young got to wield something so powerful, having to trust their lives in the hands of a teenager.
While Ben kept a level head and had fun here and there with being a celebrity, especially when meeting passionate fans that really care about him, it did hurt to feel so isolated from your own kind, that either treat you as an untouchable god, or a punk kid ready to blow up everything for fun. He can't fault many for feeling that way, he probably would have been the same, in fact watchless Ben seemed to prove that point. It was easy for people to be scared of what they didn't understand, especially things they refuse to understand.
With his good hand, he fiddled with his blanket. "And while I trust my friends and family to not treat me any differently, I guess a part of me fears something could happen, even if I don't know what…" Ben confessed, shoulders sagging to match his exhausted feelings.
He feels dumb for thinking that way, because his family and friends have been by Ben's side through the weirdest and most dangerous of things. Kevin and Gwen had been by his side during the High-breed invasion and the Forever Knight mess with Diagon, along with many other things. Rook has been his partner for a good while now, and accepted a lot of the craziness in Ben's life rather fast. His parents adored him, his mum still insisting to make him pack lunches for any mission he was going on. Grandpa Max was always ready to give Ben the comfort and support he needed, and always did his best to keep the boy's ego in check. And Julie, while their relationship had been rough to the point of break up at one point, she has been standing by Ben's side, helping him reconnect with his earthly background every time he felt like he was drifting away from his home.
They had all been there for him, even when he tried pushing them all away and even treated them badly back when he was scared to show how he really felt. Yet why did he feel like the moment they would see him up and about again, wielding the watch as his new arm, they would walk away in disgust. It just didn't add up.
Azmuth took in his words and worries, rubbing his chin and whiskers as he thought of the right words. "Those are natural worries to have, Ben." He glanced down at the Omnitrix arm laying next to him. "It's a sudden change in your life no one saw coming, and we don't know what else could come next."
It was strange to think about how his own creation surprised him time and time again, either through Ben using it in creative ways, to the watch itself pulling out tricks that it evolved on its own over time. This had to be the most surprising trick it pulled out to date, because Azmuth had never once thought about programming something like this in, and while he added in the anti-death function to protect Ben, he didn't think something like this could happen. And yet, a part of him had to feel grateful that it did something when they almost lost Ben.
But just because it saved Ben's life, doesn't mean the boy had to be happy about this arrangement. There was a lot to take in, a lot to think about for the future, and what steps to take to live with this change. Anyone would struggle with this, even Azmuth himself.
Azmuth turned his sights back to Ben. "But I've seen you bounce back from a lot, and I know you'll find a way through this, especially with the people who'll back you up." He reassured Ben, letting him know that no matter what, he wasn't going to be alone through this. He then picked up his tablet again, showing it to Ben. "And I've already been doing some research and tests on this new predicament."
Ben did perk up a little at that, having been wanting to understand what's to come for him and the Omnitrix. "What have you learned so far?..." He quickly replied with the question, eyes on the tablet that was too small for him to read.
Azmuth looked down at the tablet, using a finger to swipe through pages. "For one thing, your immunity will be stronger. Far less likely to get sick now, which means you won't have to deal with those pesky side-effects your aliens get."
The young hero gave a quiet snort. "Guess that is a bonus…"
Giving a quick mild smirk to that response, Azmuth went back to explaining his findings so far. "But while most of your biology will be boosted, and quite healthy, things like outside electricity and certain energies striking the Omnitrix might not go over well often, so you'll need to watch out for that…'' He warned Ben, giving him a look knowing the moment the boy is up and running about, he'll be back to heroing and throwing himself into danger the second he can.
"Wonderful to know…" Ben dryly responded, hoping he can remember that for later on.
Azmuth stopped at one of the pages, pursuing his lips as he glanced over it, before looking back up to Ben. "And...as we suspected, the Omnitrix has become your life support from now on. Too much damage done to your chest area, and some vital organs. The watch is keeping them stable and running, but without it you'll have at least 30 minutes before you promptly die."
There was a slight stiffness to Ben when hearing that, and while the boy didn't give much of a look, Azmuth knew he was uncomfortable knowing that. It was one thing having the Omnitrix replace his arm, but it was another knowing that from now on, he can't live without the watch being attached to him. And something told the both of them that there would be a situation where something like that may happen, and they could only hope someone will be there to help reattach the watch again.
Not wanting to dwell on those thoughts, Azmuth spoke. "But those are worries for the future. Plus, it looks like it won't be easy to take this thing off of you." He gestured to the watch.
Ben glanced at it when Azmuth gestured, pausing for a few seconds, before managing to crack a weak smile. "Guess that means you can't snatch it away every time I annoy you now…" He teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Azmuth raised a brow at that, but did offer his own smirk. "I suppose that's true."
While he wasn't one to crack a joke every five seconds, Azmuth wasn't heartless. Besides, if it can help give Ben a smile during his current predicament, then Azmuth had no problem joining in on the joke.
But the man thought over Ben's other worries, knowing he should say something about them. "However, as for your emotional sides of things." He saw Ben's face fall a little, but he pressed on. "Give it time, Tennyson. You're allowed all the time you need to process this, and your friends and family will respect that."
Ben sighed, but didn't say anything. He knew Azmuth was right, because deep down he already knew this. He trusted his loved ones enough to know they wouldn't turn their backs on him over something like this. In fact they were likely to do the opposite, ready to jump in and help him during his recovery the moment he gets to go home. He knows his mother will already be making preparations to spoil him until he's better.
Azmuth watched over Ben's expression, and continued on. "The public will be its usual self. They will have rumours, gossip and want to understand something that isn't their concern, but you can only do so much with that. It's best to worry about yourself, rather than what they may think." He advised, as he knew it was the only thing Ben could do with the public. But Azmuth did scoff lightly to himself. "Besides, they'll always be vultures craving for the next scrap of drama, nothing you can help with there." He rolled his eyes lightly, having never liked the media and how it portrayed things. The amount of times any news stations tried to get his opinion on something was ridiculous.
A part of Ben did want to laugh at Azmuth's reaction towards the media, but his thoughts were stuck on the trail of the topic of relationships. "I just don't want this to affect any of my relationships...With Gwen, Kevin, Rook, Julie, Grandpa, my parents even…" He nervously listed off, his good hand fiddling with a part of his oxygen tube carefully.
"It won't." Azmuth quickly assured him. "The watch may be changing your biology, but it's not changing who you are as a person."
That didn't seem to settle Ben's fears, thinking back on how different he feels from his own kind. "But...what if I do become more Omnitrix than me?" He glanced away, lost in thought as he could hear the gentle hum of the watch in the back of his head. "I can hear it, whispering mostly. The small commands it makes, the data banks shifting around...A background noise right now, but what if it becomes something more?" He snapped his eyes back to Azmuth, his tired eyes begging for questions he needed to know.
Azmuth did think over that for a second, before replying. "It will only morph more if something like this happens again." He looked over to the watch, narrowing his eyes ever so slightly. He trusted the Omnitrix to keep Ben safe, but even had his worries about it from time to time. "And I'll be sure to keep an eye on it anyway. The Omnitrix is supposed to protect its host, so there's no sense protecting the body of a host that doesn't have the mind of the host." He emphasized by tapping his own head.
"But what if…" Ben tried to speak, but his voice trailed off as Azmuth spoke up again.
Shaking his head, Azmuth said. "You can't live with what-ifs, Tennyson. If it does start to happen one day, then we'll deal with it when that day comes. For now, we deal with the problem at hand, that is real, and not a what-if." He gestured to the watch once more.
Ben opened his mouth to say something, but stopped. He didn't have the words to argue with Azmuth, because he was right. For now the problem was getting used to having the Omnitrix as his new arm, and learning to move on from these fears of how people viewed him. There was no sense worrying over a problem that hasn't happened, and might not ever happen. He was still unsure, but over time he knew he would get better.
"I suppose you're right…" Ben sighed out, agreeing with Azmuth.
Azmuth held his chin up. "That I am."
Ben raised a brow at him, listening to Azmuth's own confidence. Not an easy man to argue with, but for now that was a good thing, means there was someone to combat all of Ben's current fears and worries.
So the two sat in silence for a moment, Azmuth waiting to see if Ben would say anything else, and the boy did when looking down at his fake arm. "It is still strange just how much it has bonded with me…" He managed to twitch some of the fingers, biting his lip when doing so.
He wasn't sure if he was ever going to get over what happened, and what the watch was to him now. And with the information of knowing he can't live without it now, means he can't ever one day decide to live a life without it. Though, he wasn't sure he ever would have. He had tried once, and yet it came back to him no matter how long he tried to ignore it. But something about losing that choice in general, it didn't sit well with him.
Azmuth tilted his head, stepping closer. "I do hope at least it's comfortable, in terms of its placement."
Ben looked to him, trying to think of the right words to reply with. "I sense a lot of what's going on through it, and yet it does feel like an arm and hand at the same time…"
Nodding lightly, Azmuth carefully poked it lightly with his fingers. "At least it's not hard in most areas."
Most of the Omnitrix was made out of a flexible material, at least most of the outer layer, made so for easy removable and placement, along with it being more comfortable to wear around your wrist. Pure metal that stuck to your skin would have been a bit much.
"Feels like rubber mixed with skin…" Ben had to admit, managing to stretch out his fingers briefly. "In some ways, it's like my arm was never gone…" He uttered to himself, in a way that suggests a part of him is still comprehending the idea that his real arm is gone.
"But now it is indestructible." Azmuth tapped the side of it lightly, before pulling back.
"Harder to break and take too…" Ben added on, humming under his breath. He pauses again, before giving a look to Azmuth. "Think that will put Vilgax off, finally?..."
Azmuth raised a brow, knowing the truth behind that question. "I wouldn't say so."
Ben sighed in light annoyance, but gave a tired smile. "Darn…"
Last he heard, Vilgax was on lock down in a far away Plumber prison, most likely with a heavier sentence after what he committed. According to his friends, Vilgax himself mentioned he was surprised to have caused quite damage, as he had never been that successful before, but he was quick to go back to gloating about it, and making threats for the future.
Ben knew he'd get out eventually, he always did one way or nothing, either by his own cleverness and planning, or because someone thought it would be a great idea to team up with him, for whatever reason. Ben wasn't looking forward to it, knowing that Vilgax will be quick to point out the damage he caused, and draw all attention on Ben's new arm. While Ben was above that kind of stuff, he knows he'll still hate having that kind of attention drawn to him. Plus, since Vilgax managed to do this, Ben knows he has to be more serious in the future. If it could happen once, it could happen again, and he didn't want a second run of this ever again.
But after another moment of silence, with Ben resting back down in a more flat position, Azmuth caught the sight of something gleaming in Ben's eyes, an unreadable expression that caught his interest. He felt like he knew what it was, but he couldn't quite place his finger on it. He could also tell the boy looked ready to go back to sleep, but Azmuth wanted to help clear any final thought he might be having, to help him settle a bit.
Pursing his lips, Azmuth spoke with a soft tone, one of the most gentle ones he could put on. "You ok now?" He asked, hoping to encourage Ben to speak a little more. "Beyond the obvious…"
There was a long pause from Ben, who had his gaze locked on the white roof above him, clearly thinking to himself. His expression shifted here and there, some looks more noticeable than others. He was clearly debating with himself on saying something, but he seemed nervous, in a more chilly manner, something haunting him.
Then, he suddenly spoke, something so genuine in the way he talked, his voice an unsettled whisper. "I've had moments before where I thought I was going to die…" He finally breathed out, his body deflating as he continued. "People trying to kill me, accidents that led me into some dangerous positions, even moments messing with time and space that nearly wiped me away but…"
He stopped himself briefly, thoughts hovering back to that mission, what he remembers of it. He had been in so much pain, he knew he had, because it was so bad that his own mind refused to remember the entirety of it for his sake. All hazy, moments that felt so heavy, so sickening to think back on, and everytime he tried to remember more, his body and mind would push him away, telling him not to do it.
How cold he had felt, how everything happened so suddenly, yet felt like it was dragging on. The blaring alarm in his head, telling him he was endangered, that he was dying, and it didn't look like he was going to make it. He made a mistake that nearly cost him his life, and while he survived, it still cost him an arm and mental health. How was he supposed to feel about that all?
Licking his lips, he took a shaky breath. "The pain was so real there, and in the moment my mind was screaming, so loudly, yet somehow also sounded muffled, suffocating. My head kept repeating that this is it...My last mission, my last adventure…" Those words tasted bitter to say, the horror behind them too real to think about.
He had seen a lot of the universe, the galaxy, the things time and space were, even meeting other versions of himself, both bad and good. He's seen some of the most powerful beings ever, things that could destroy planets, galaxies, universes even. Heck, he even had to recreate his own universe when losing it, because he was too late. But there was one thing that stayed the same no matter where you go, a force that will forever out win anyone, no matter how strong they may be, and no matter how far they can run.
Life and death were concepts that no one seemed to have true answers for, and yet here they were, appearing every day, every second, and while people can push and postpone them, they will one day win the war against you. And by now, Ben himself truly understood the fear behind it all.
"And it was terrifying…" Ben uttered out, his voice breaking for a moment, struggling to speak, to rethink about what he went through. "All those other times a part of me was still fighting, still hoping, telling myself I could do this, it's not over…" Subconsciously, he twitched his new arm, feeling it in its new placement, even if it caused a flitter of pain. "But right at that moment, I truly believed it was the end of me…"
What would have happened if he did die, if the Omnitrix hadn't saved him? Vilgax would have been taken down eventually, but he could only imagine the look on everyone when they found his body, seeing the damage he took. The tears in his friends and family's eyes, having to go home with a corpse and to tell the others what happened. His poor parents, losing their only child who was on the verge of being an adult. And Julie, dear sweet Julie, losing her boyfriend for a second time, only this time she wouldn't be able to get him back and make amends. He can only be so glad he was still here, for he could not put such a burden of grief on them all.
Closing his eyes, Ben shuddered. "And while I'm not on the verge of death anymore, I can't shake away that haunting feeling from when it all happened…" He opened his eyes again, as if to remind himself he was still here, alive and safe.
Azmuth was quiet the entire time Ben spoke, not moving or saying a word, knowing it was best to let the boy speak his mind, until he had no more words to say. But when it became clear Ben was done, Azmuth calmly walked up to his side, his own hands clasp together as he mulled over some thoughts.
And eventually, Azmuth replied. "The brush of death is never an easy thing to face." He acknowledged, knowing exactly what Ben was saying, what he was feeling. Death and life was, afterall, a part of nature that everyone has to face eventually. It was the one thing every alien in the galaxy could connect over. "The moment you feel it, it makes you really understand that no one is invincible and that once a life is lost, there is no turning back on that."
Ben didn't respond, but he didn't need too, because Azmuth was right in his words, and they hit Ben hard deep down. Death did make him feel weak, and it hadn't even taken him in the end. It made him realise that in one second, everything could have ended with one sudden action, because he hadn't been careful enough.
"Death is a scary force, one that doesn't pick favourites, and has a job to get done eventually." Azmuth mused over, his manner calm and wise, truthful in what he says. "And you have every right to be afraid of it."
Ben looked to the side, feeling uncomfortable with the topic, yet not stopping Azmuth in what he was saying. For most of his life, Ben reflected all fears and tears with humour and pride, to often cover up how he really felt. Either for the sake of others, or for the sake of himself. At times he had taken it too far in a straining effort to hide those feelings, and ended up hurting others just so he didn't seem weak. But death, even if it only narrowly came close to taking someone or himself, always had a way to break him down the fastest.
Azmuth looked to Ben, seeing his averted gaze and expression. It made him pause, he too thought back to what nearly happened. He had been the first to learn what happened, when the Omnitrix blared an alarm in his lab, and Azmuth had to do a double take when the watch reported that Ben was dying. A part of him didn't believe any of this until he saw the broken teen himself, laying in a pool of his own blood, unable to focus as the Omnitrix was morphing onto him. Azmuth wasn't one to lose his cool often, but that day had made him say a few unsavoury words.
Looking down at Ben's fake hand, Azmuth reached out his own hand and rested them on Ben's fingers. The young hero felt that, perking up ever so slightly when feeling the attempt at comfort. "Even though you were the one to walk by death, we all felt that fear it could produce when seeing what happened to you." Azmuth sighs, shaking his head lightly, unpleasant thoughts in his head. "The aura it emits, it's not an easy thing to go through."
Azmuth then pulled away, again allowing Ben to take in the words before saying more. Everyone had been panicking that day, lost in their emotions and fears for Ben's safety, the shock of it all getting to everyone. It wasn't just Ben who relied too much on his good luck, who thought he could be invincible. Even Azmuth himself had to admit that he thought Ben could never end up like this.
However, Azmuth pushed away those darker whispers in his head, the what-ifs trying to plague him, because at the end of the day, Ben was alive and still here. "But death decided it wasn't your day, and it's good to not take that for granted." He folded his hands behind his back, catching Ben flickering his gaze back at Azmuth. "While you're allowed to be scared and afraid by what you went through, you can't let it hold you back for the life you still have. And while you've got something new to deal with, you can get through this. It's just another obstacle you have to face, like all the rest before."
Ben took in his words, knowing Azmuth was right. Fear was natural, all these feelings were natural because they were the honest part of him reacting to what he went through. He couldn't stop that, but he could control his actions on how to handle them.
But another thought fluttered through Ben's mind. "Did you…" Ben faltered, struggling to ask his question. But Azmuth gave an encouraging expression, and Ben managed to speak again. "Did you ever brush past death before?..."
Azmuth paused at that, a look flickering through his gaze, some kind of memory entering his head for a moment. "A long time ago, yes…" He eventually replied, looking away for a moment. "And even to this day it gives me a chill just thinking about it."
A part of Ben wanted to ask, but he stopped himself. He didn't want to push Azmuth, and it wouldn't be far to put them both in a position talking about their near-death experiences. Another day he might learn, but for now he was fine with the knowledge knowing that Azmuth understood where Ben was coming from.
Shaking his head, Azmuth looked back to Ben, standing tall. "But I've learnt to not let it hold me back. There's still a lot I can do in life, and I see no sense in wasting the time I still have."
There had been a time where he nearly gave up on the life he still had, the life he didn't lose. And no one had been able to reach him in those darkest days, most either telling him he was crazy, awful, or a danger. Maybe some of them were right, maybe some of them were wrong, who knows, because at least in the end, someone had hope in Azmuth's life, and showed him there was a lot he could do with his time, clever ways to help the world, and to help himself.
Looking over the Omnitrix again, Azmuth rested his hand on the dial, feeling the vibrating hum of energy around the core. "And I can only be glad that something I made during my time, has let you keep more time for you."
Ben blinked, before giving a kind, yet teasing smile. "Aw, shucks, going all emotional on me, Azmuth?..." The boy bantered weakly. "I'm touched…"
Azmuth gave him a look, before rolling his eyes and letting out a sigh. "You're hospitalized, so you're lucky I'm letting you say that."
And Ben chuckled, a genuine one at that, and while it wasn't much due to his current state, it was enough to make Azmuth smile too. Again, he could see that hero, the kind soul who would give anything to protect everyone, was still there, fighting everyday. Even after everything, Ben's strong spirit never ceased to impress him.
After chuckling for a bit, Ben let out a tired breath, starting to feel how tired his body was becoming quite rapidly. Seems he's spent his energy for the day. But he looked down to Azmuth again, resting his head back on the pillow. "Thanks, again...for all of this…For listening…"
"It's quite alright…" Azmuth hummed, folding his arms behind his back while noticing Ben's drifting expression. "But I think it's time you rest again, you look like you need it."
"I think I'll be needing it for a good while…" Ben mumbled to himself, his heavy eyelids getting the better of them as they closed. Azmuth thinks he mumbled a thank you, but it was quiet and very drowsy as it didn't take long for Ben to fall asleep.
Azmuth stood there for a bit, making sure that Ben really was asleep, and when he was confident the boy was fine, he hesitantly turned to make his way out of the room. "Rest well, Tennyson…"