Hey everyone this is chapter 3 of Xenotrix. I would appreciate criticism and comments on my work so I can write better. Now this chapter might be a bit shorter than what you're used to but it's more of an explanation and reactions of the Xeno gang to the Omnitrix and the concept of extraterrestrial life

Chapter 3: Explanations and Rest

"Um, can I just say that you guys were hallucinating all of that, and what happened was that we kicked their butts and escaped?" Rex unconvincingly said while looking away from them. He really hoped he could find a way out of this without having to explain his secret.

Unfortunately, it looks like fate doesn't want that because Nia is giving him a look of murder and snarling. "Oh no I thought you were dead! But what did I find? You somehow coming back to life becoming the Driver of the Aegis and somehow transforming into weird monsters!". She was breathing hard from all the yelling and the battle just a while ago.

Rex looked at Pyra and Dromarch hoping they would diffuse the situation, but their faces told him they were curious as well.

"Well, Rex, I do believe your secret is out now. It wouldn't be a good idea to not tell them if you want their trust". Gramps suggested.

Groaning because he realized his grandfather was right. If he wants them to trust him then he needs to trust them with his secret otherwise there will be problems in the future.

"Okay I'll tell you what happened but you guys need to promise me you'll try to keep it a secret. What I'm about to say will change Alrest forever". Rex says with a serious tone and looks on his face

They all looked at each other before nodding at him confirming that they promise to keep what he is about to say a secret.

Lifting his left arm he shows them the watch "this is the Omnitrix and it's the most powerful device in the universe and yes I said universe those creatures you saw me turn into weren't monsters they're aliens". He explained to them.

Nia just has a look of disbelief directed at him "Aliens like beings from other worlds do you honestly expect me to believe that?". Did he really expect her to believe that? The thought of life existing on other worlds was just a fantasy even more than Elysium.

Dromarch came forward with a dubious expression on his face. "Master Rex, although I'm grateful to you for saving us I cannot believe in the idea of life from other worlds existing without sufficient proof." he looked Rex in the eyes as he said that. He was right as well Rex needs to show them something that could prove extraterrestrial life exists.

Pyra knew Rex wasn't lying but she still had a doubtful look on her face. How did her Driver know of the existence of extraterrestrial life and how did he gain this... Omnitrix? It didn't seem like something a normal person like Rex should have.

Mythra also had a thought in her head as well. Why was this Omnitrix created? After seeing how powerful Rex was back there fighting Malos and how adaptable he was, wouldn't such a device paint a giant target on the user's back?

Rubbing his temples in frustration he should have expected this. The Omnitrix is level 20 technology, the highest form of tech there is in the universe. Alrest in his opinion is considered a level 2-3 tech planet. I mean sure you could argue that the ether rifles are energy weapons and that would bump them up to level 5. But ether rifles don't fire genuine lasers so that downplays it a bit not to mention Alrest has no space travel capabilities.

The gaps between levels were insane as well. Level 1 is stone-age tech such as wheels and hammers while level 2 is engines and wires.

The Omnitrix would seem like a divine artifact that would be mistaken as a tool used by the Architect himself, the god of their world.

"I'm not lying, I'm speaking the truth, does anything in Alrest seem advanced enough to give someone the ability to change from species to species in a flash?" he questioned. He hoped they would believe him and didn't think he was a crazy person from everything he's said.

Nia looks at him and is unable to come up with anything to debunk him. "Alright say I do believe you. How did a child like you get a watch like that in the first place?" Nia inquired she still had some doubts about Rex's claim but after seeing how serious he was and the fight from before she was starting to believe him.

"Haha, funny story I found it when I was 10 years old walking out in the fields of Leftheria". He laughed at the memory of him finding the watch. Before looking up at the sky in fond reminiscent.

"When I looked up in the sky I saw a shooting star going across Alrest but all of a sudden it redirected to my location landing not far away from me. Curious about the shooting star I approached it and saw some sort of sphere holding a watch within it". He pauses smiling at the memory the Omnitrix had fallen into his hands by pure luck. But even so, he's glad it did with its power he helped so many people in the world and the universe.

"You mean to tell me you acquired that device when you were just a child?" Nia asked incredulously at the thought of Rex having so much power at a younger age than he is now. Not to mention what kind of irresponsible adult would allow a child to keep that much power in his hands.

Meanwhile. 70000 thousand light-years away Azmuth sneezes and wonders if someone is talking about him.

Nodding Rex smiles at them. "Yep and I've been using its power to do good across Alrest. Stopping the core crystal hunters and the Brionac is just one of the many examples I have over the years".

Not just those groups Rex has also fought alien threats from other worlds as well. It was difficult to prevent people from finding out about aliens but with the Plumber's help, Alrest didn't know life existed on other worlds.

Pyra looked at Rex in concern. "Rex have you ever been able to take it off such a device must have put a huge target on your back". Though now that she thought about it isn't that what she's doing to Rex by bonding with him and making him take her to Elysium.

Would her staying with him just cause him to become a bigger target? Pyra didn't want that. She has a selfish desire and if it would only bring pain to her Driver she wishes she could just do her mission by herself.

"The Omnitrix is bonded to my DNA on a molecular level and the one who can take it off is the creator of it, Azmuth". Rex explained though he did hide the fact that he knew the codes for taking it off as well. Since he doesn't want to part with the Omnitrix. It felt like the watch was a part of his being he didn't know if he loved the Omnitrix that much or it's because he felt it's like a limb to him now. It hurts to lie to his friends but Rex really didn't want to part from the Omnitrix

Thinking for a while Nia decided she would believe Rex. though there is something else bugging her about the Omnitrix. "Okay I believe you but how is that watch the most powerful device in the universe? Sure you were pretty strong back there but I don't think it's that strong". Don't get her wrong. With it, Rex was able to beat Malos but she doubts beating Malos makes you the strongest in the universe.

He stares at the group thinking if he should tell them how powerful the Omnitrix truly is. He was already hating himself for saying he can't take off the watch so he decided to be honest with them. Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes he steels himself for his explanation.

"How many transformations do you think I have?" he questioned looking at all of them.

Catching the group off guard by the question Dromarch was the first one to regain his composure and answer. "Well master, Rex, I believe a couple hundred maybe a thousand if what you say about there being life on other worlds is true".

Smiling sadly at the answer Rex didn't blame Dromarch for thinking of such a low number. People of Alrest have no idea how big the universe is let alone their galaxy. "Not even close. The true number of how many forms I could have is over a million". He sees everyone's reaction to his words.

Nia choked on her spit accidentally after hearing the number.

Dromarch had his jaw drop so low it might've hit the ground

Pyra looked at him with wide eyes unable to comprehend how powerful was her Driver if he truly had over a million forms.

Unbeknownst to them Mythra was also shocked she thought of herself as the strongest being there was besides her father. If what her Driver said was true then Rex was the strongest being she has ever encountered maybe even more than her father.

"A MILLION FORMS YOU HAVE THE POWER OF OVER A MILLION FORMS?!" Nia yells and goes crazy at the idea of anyone possessing that amount of power hell she doesn't even think the Architect himself has that much power.

Shaking his head Rex answered, "no I said I could have a million forms right now I have around forty forms. I can get new forms by turning the Omnitrix in combinations or by scanning aliens. Also, there is a time limit as you saw earlier. Transforming as I did during that battle drains the power supply much faster forcing me back to being human. So I'm not as invincible as you think I am".

He decided whether or not to tell them about the Master Control function. Not because he wants to lie again but because he's pretty sure such a function would destroy their minds given it's the Omnitrix's full unrestrained power that negates all the weaknesses he's just mentioned.

After some deep thinking, he decides not to tell them but he promises one day he would when their minds are a bit more open.

Nia takes a deep breath to calm herself from the shocking revelation Rex just gave them and decides to ask him the other thing on her mind. "Okay but how did you come back? What does that watch also bring you back from the dead too?". If that thing could she doesn't see how a guy like Rex could lose to anyone.

Rex begins to think about the Omnitrix's functions and lists them to see if there is anything like that. There's a self-destruct mode which when charged can blow up the universe. Scanning mode that catalogs new unknown alien DNA if he finds any. A universal translator that allows him to understand and speak any known language in the universe. Voice commands that respond to him and Azmuth. Capture mode that captures any aliens that escape from the Omnitrix but he has no use for this since there's only one form that escaped and Rex is glad to be rid of him. There's even a self-defense mode that protects the Omnitrix from being cut off his arm by emitting an energy field. But there isn't a mode that can save him from death, which is a mode that Azmuth should've made in his opinion.

Having finished his thoughts Rex answered, "Nah nothing like that the reason I came back is because of Pyra. she gave up half of her life force for me and I'm grateful for it".

He looks at Pyra with warmth in his eyes. He's really thankful for what she had done and promises he'll take her to Elysium. But looking back at the memory he remembered the look in her eyes, the pain. He's seen that look on Tetrax and begins to wonder did Pyra do something in the past that she regrets and is trying to atone for it? He makes a mental promise to himself that he'll help her and support her until she heals from whatever is haunting her from her past.

Nia looks impressed and shocked at Pyra "whoa is that only an Aegis can do?" she asks in amazement after all Pyra had just brought someone back from the dead which should be impossible unless you were maybe the Arctechit.

Pyra nods to confirm though she doesn't know if there were any side effects from this. Neither she nor Malos ever had to give up half of their core to their Drivers so she's in unknown territory here as well.

"I want to pay her back by bringing her to Elysium to her home," Rex said.

"Well I guess that makes sense… wait Elysium?" Nia questioned. Sure she could understand paying someone back for saving their life. She is an example of that from Jin. But Elysium, how did he know that it existed for real?

Rex nods "yes I met Pyra in some sort of simulation that's based on her memories from the real Elysium that's supposed to exist in our world" he explained. Though if it was a simulation based on the real Elysium did something happen to the genuine article?

Pushing that thought out of his head quickly he thinks 'no stop thinking like that if you think about the worst of something it won't end well. But don't hope for the best as well. If things don't go right just try to fix it.

He learned that the hard way when he hoped Azmuth would shut down the self-destruct mode of the Omnitrix. But the old Galvan wouldn't since he thought the universe was a lost cause. It took a lot of convincing but after Azmuth saw him fight even without the Omnitrix he inspired the old creator to put his faith in him and a bit more faith in the universe as well.

Beginning to feel fatigued he decides that's enough for today. From the sleepless nights since leaving Argentum and the battle just a while ago not to mention this long conversation, he was ready to go to sleep on Gramp's back and enter a blissful dream. "Alright, I know you guys probably have more questions but can we please get some sleep? I haven't slept for the past few days and that battle really drained me". He yawned.

They all hesitantly nod, seeing how tired he was not to mention he did fight most of the battle while worrying for their safety.

"Oh and ugh give me one minute". Rex leaves the group and heads inside his house and goes towards his desk. Opening the drawer he searched through it until he found what he needed. A strange rectangular device that's a bit bigger than his palm with the same symbol as his Omnitrix on the back. He notices the box right next to it and ponders 'should I? No, that battle wasn't dangerous enough for me to add that program into the Omnitrix. Besides, if I do, the Omnitrix really will become a weapon like Azmuth said, not a Device meant for peace".

Grabbing the device and leaving the box behind he heads back to the group. He touches the screen of the device activating it and a holographic map of Alrest shows not only their location but all of the Titans too.

Pyra, Nia, and Dromarch had a look of amazement on their faces seeing such advanced technology.

Smirking at their reactions "Yeah some of my forms are very intelligent and with them, I've been able to construct a holographic map of Alrest though for some reason it can't show me the World Tree itself. Weird right?". Though that wasn't to say this was easy. Even with Greymatter and Brainstorm together it was still difficult to find the necessary materials to build a satellite while creating a device that connects with said satellite. He still couldn't figure out why his satellite can't show him an image of the World Tree. It was strange every time he tried to take a look at the world tree or take a photo it just comes up blank.

"Anyway this is what I call the Omni-plate. The map is just one of its many functions. But it's the only one I need right now". Looking at his map Rex tries to find the closest Titan. "Mhhm the closest titan right from where we are is Gormott we should probably head there. I may have bought supplies but only enough for one person. I didn't expect to have so many people with me. We should head for Gormott so I can buy enough supplies. Sounds good?". He says as he puts the Omni-plate in his back pocket.

Examining each of them he realizes they must be tired from the ancient ship as well from the mental shock he gave them. However, he has a problem. He never needed sleeping bags since he always uses XLR8 to run straight back to gramps and sleep on his back whenever he finishes exploring or dealing with criminals.

Since he doesn't want to come off as a rude person he offered "hey I don't have any sleeping bags and I only have one bed so you girls can decide who gets the bed I'll just sleep out here". It honestly wasn't that bad in his opinion as long as he doesn't have his nightmares he feels this is a small sacrifice.

Nia glares at him for suggesting that "hold on there mister I know how tired you are and there is no way you are sleeping out here. Dromarch and I have actual experience sleeping outside unlike you". She remembered the times when she and Dromarch were on the run and being forced to sleep outside so she could hide her status as a flesh-eater.

She and Dromarch headed to another part of the titan to give Pyra and Rex their space.

Rex nods at her but he then looks at Pyra. "Well, Pyra I guess this means you can have the bed you must be a little tired after that fight too".

Pyra was touched by her Driver's words but she was also worried for him at the same time. Suddenly she had an idea though it was an embarrassing one. "Um I-I-I don't mind sharing the bed with you Rex you should have the bed too this is your home after all". She said with a blush on her face. This was going to be her first time with a man on the same bed.

'Pyra! Are you sure about this!? What if he takes advantage of us in our sleep!' Mythra warns Pyra inside their head.

'Mythra Rex seems like a nice guy. You saw how much he protected us from Malos and he even told us about his secret' she defended.

'I know he protected us but you do know he was hiding something he was lying to us'. Mythra accused

'Aren't we doing the same to him though? We're hiding you and our true intentions of going to Elysium we're manipulating him. Pyra points out their own hypocrisy which is something she despises.

'Uh... a...uh fine I guess we can share the bed with him but make sure he doesn't do anything funny. Got it!'. Mythra threatened she wasn't going to let a boy take advantage of her or Pyra after everything they've been through.

Rex blushes at Pyra's words "um are you sure Pyra? Won't I make you feel uncomfortable in the same bed?". Not that he doesn't want to be with Pyra on the same bed. He still thinks Pyra is the most beautiful girl he's ever seen but she should sleep with the one she loves, not him.

Smiling at her Driver's words Pyra nods. "Yes, I would like to share the bed with you besides… you're my Driver and I'm your blade so we should stay together right?". She didn't even know where these words were coming from but Rex's kind nature really made her feel safe and thankful that she has such a wonderful Driver.

But there was something else she had to do first and it involved the titan that they were on. Pyra asks "But there's someone I have to talk to first so you can go lie down ahead Rex".

Surprised Rex asks "okay sure but who're you gonna talk to?". He's pretty sure she knew nobody here to talk to.

Pyra just walks forward towards gramps "hello Azurda it's been 500 years hasn't it?" she greeted the dragonic titan recognizing him even after all these years.

Azurda turns his head and smiles at her "yes it has been a long time indeed I'm glad to see Rex was the one to awaken you". He was thankful to see an old face, especially one that is a friend.

He was also glad Rex became her Driver because he believed that she would be able to help Rex heal the mental scars that were inflicted upon him 4 years ago. In return, Rex would help them heal their pain from the Aegis war 500 years ago.

He felt helpless even though he was able to help with the symptoms of Rex's trauma he couldn't cure the cause of it. There was only one thing that ever helped Rex get through his trauma but he lost it 4 years ago and it just made his trauma worse.

Rex looks at the both of them in confusion and surprise "wait you two know each other?" He questioned. He hadn't expected that and 500? years just how old was gramps?

Chuckling at his grandson's confusion he grins at him "oh yes miss Pyra and I go back to Aegis war. You do remember what I told you about the war, right Rex?" the titan asks though he had a sinking feeling in his gut that Rex wasn't listening back then.

Rex just rubs the back of his head sheepishly. "Ah sorry about that I kinda ignored you and instead focused on unlocking new transformations on the Omnitrix".

He felt really bad now but could anyone blame him? He was 10-11 years old at the time and he had a super-powered watch that could get stronger by just fiddling with it.

Sensing a stern lecture from Azurda coming he quickly says "well I need to go set up the bed bye!" and rushes into the house to do just that.

Azurda just sighs at this. He's a bit annoyed at his surrogate grandson's childish nature but he couldn't blame him. He hears a giggle and turns to Pyra who was trying to suppress her laughter.

"He's so cute" immediately Pyra's eyes widen and she quickly covers her mouth as her face lights up red from the unintentional comment about Rex.

Azurda lets out a loud laugh at Pyra's reaction "careful Pyra I worry that my little Rex might just fall for you if you tell him that." he joked.

Pyra's face lights up even more at those words. Sure Rex was cute but she didn't want to make him fall in love with her given what she truly wanted when reaching Elysium.

Trying to change the subject from the embarrassing comment she made. "I'm sorry I dragged him into this Azurda" she apologized hoping that would be enough.

"Oh no don't worry as a matter of fact I'm glad it's him who bonded with you. With Rex by your side anything you desire can be accomplished even if Malos is standing in your way". Azurda reassured.

He meant what he said too. Rex in his opinion could potentially be even stronger than Mythra and he's pretty sure Rex was hiding a few transformations from him.

"Is he really that strong?" she asks curiously

The titan nodded his head "yes after all the things that boy has gone through over the last 5 years his body is stronger than anyone I know… but his heart and spirit are a different matter" he said dejectedly at Rex's mental health.

Before the Aegis could ask him about it he cuts her off. "His past is his right to tell you Pyra just like how your past is your right as well. Please if you want to find out, ask him yourself".

Everyone had their pasts and secrets they wished to keep for themselves and only they can decide when they wish to reveal the demons that haunt them to others.

Nodding at Azurda's words Pyra accepts them though she still has one more thing to say. "So aliens didn't expect that after 500 years" she joked. 500 years ago aliens were probably an even more foreign concept than it was today.

Howling in laughter at the joke he says "well it wasn't anything I expected to find out 5 years ago as well but not an unwelcome one. It proved that we weren't alone in the universe".

It was quite a shock for him too. He thought he'd seen it all in the Aegis war 500 years ago but this just proved that anything could happen even when one thinks they've seen it all.

Pyra looks at him with a worried expression "5 years ago… tell me did Rex really acquire that device when he was 10 years old?" she questioned.

She couldn't imagine a child acquiring that much power and coming out okay. Was he also afraid of that power too, just like how Addam was afraid of Mythra? Would… would he be afraid of her too? She doesn't want to imagine that. Her own Driver is afraid of her and rejecting her the thought of it hurts her heart more than anything.

"yes but that's all I'm going to say if you want to know more ask him. But if you're worried about the boy rejecting you, don't worry he won't, that's just the kind of man he is".

Feeling reassured Pyra relaxes and lets out a yawn she didn't know she had. "Hah I've slept for 500 years yet I feel tired". Strange maybe it was from all the mental shocks she's had today.

"You should probably go to sleep. I believe Rex is waiting for you on his bed" Azurda teases the poor girl.

Pyra just looks down to hide her blush at the thought of sleeping with Rex and Azurda's teasing.

She climbs down from Azurda's back and begins to make her way into the house. The house had a… homey feel to it. There were a few items she recognized and some very high-tech stuff she didn't. Probably some alien tech he kept or something he built like that Omni-plate he showed them earlier.

Wandering her eyes she finds Rex on his bed sleeping which was against the wall with him leaning along with it. She gulped at how cute his face looked when he was sleeping.

Rex's eyes were shut but his face was so calm it looked like he died a peaceful death with no regrets. His snores were small and short like a little mouse squeaking and they sounded so wonderful to her ears. His body was positioned in a way that allowed her to see all of him which allowed her to admire his body. Even if he was wearing clothes she could tell he was muscular but not in a bulky way it was more of a lean type to her.

Realizing she was staring at him Pyra's face lights up. She quickly shakes her head to gather herself and heads towards the bed. Carefully laying down on the bed as quietly and as gently as possible so she doesn't wake Rex from his blissful sleep. When she got herself into a comfortable position she suddenly felt Rex move his arms around her and pulled her face into his chest.

Now Pyra's face really is brighter than her hair. Then she begins to feel it. The heartbeat of her Driver. It… It… It was comforting. His heartbeat was nice and quiet and not like a major thumping at all. Instead, it felt like a lullaby, and the sound of it made her soul feel safe and warm. She felt as long as she has him she doesn't have to worry about anything.

Smiling she snuggles into Rex's chest to feel more of his warmth she hears him whisper. "Warm… so… Warm… I… like… it". She feels glad about that before falling asleep herself.

Deep in her head even though Mythra wasn't in the real world she could feel how Rex feels like through her bond with Pyra. This feeling… It felt so wonderful to her. She feels happy and safe just like Pyra. Before falling asleep she had one last thought 'this feeling I don't want it to go I want it to stay with me forever' she's glad no one could hear thoughts not even Pyra.

So this chapter is shorter mostly because it's just an explanation chapter with everyone's reaction to the Omnitrix and the existence of alien life forms. I'll admit my favorite part about this chapter is the fluff which I'm a sucker for in any story. So I got criticism. I should describe more and not rush. I'm not sure if this is enough but I tried to describe it more in this chapter. Hopefully, I wasn't too fast But I would like advice on how to write better.