Charging forward without hesitation, Feedback leapt straight into the middle of the cavern and engaged all five bounty hunters at once.
Six-Six reacted first, raising both of his arm-mounted blasters and firing a rapid volley of laser blasts toward Feedback. The red beams streaked through the cavern air, but Feedback barely moved. He simply raised his arms and allowed the blasts to strike the antennae extending from his head. The energy was immediately absorbed, racing down the conduits along his black-and-yellow body before gathering in the plug-like fingers at the ends of his hands.
The stored power crackled loudly as Feedback grinned.
"Thanks for the recharge."
He released the energy in a bright electric blast that shot straight back toward Six-Six. The armored hunter was forced to brace himself as the electrical surge slammed into him, sparks dancing across his armor as he was pushed backward several steps.
At the same moment, the Predator rushed in from the side. Without any of its usual gear or weapons, most of which had been confiscated earlier when Evan had used Noir, it grabbed a broken piece of sharp stone from the ground and swung it like a blade toward Feedback's side.
Feedback twisted his body smoothly, leaning just enough to let the weapon slice through empty air. Electricity surged into his clenched fist as he pivoted on one foot and drove a single punch into the Predator's chest.
The alien hunter was launched backward as if struck by a speeding vehicle, crashing into a pile of broken mining equipment before sliding across the ground.
Feedback didn't even look back. His gaze had already shifted toward Kraab.
The crab-like alien lunged forward, snapping its massive claw downward in a crushing strike. Feedback tilted sideways again, narrowly avoiding the swing as the claw smashed into the ground beside him and cracked the stone floor.
Before Kraab could recover, Feedback thrust his arm forward.
His plug-like fingers stabbed directly into the metal plates of Kraab's chest.
Electric energy surged instantly through the connection as Feedback began draining the alien's internal power supply. Kraab's mechanical limbs twitched violently as sparks burst from the seams in its armor.
Feedback ripped his hand free and swung his now fully charged fist into Kraab's head.
The blow sent the heavy metal alien flying backward through the air before it slammed into the cavern wall with a loud crash.
The moment Kraab hit the ground, something small rolled across the stone floor toward Feedback. A metallic sphere that keeps blinking red. Feedback's eye widened slightly.
"Grenade."
Without hesitation, he discharged electricity from his fingers into the ground and launched himself backward just as the alien explosive detonated.
The blast roared through the cavern, throwing debris and smoke everywhere.
But before the smoke even had time to settle, Feedback shot straight through the cloud.
He slammed down onto Six-Six from above, pinning the armored hunter beneath his feet. His plug-like tail stabbed into the alien's armor plating.
Energy surged again as Feedback drained the power systems running through Six-Six's suit. The hunter struggled for a moment, arms twitching as the energy was siphoned away.
Then the armor went still. Six-Six collapsed completely powerless beneath him.
Feedback pulled his tail free as he slowly turned his gaze toward the last two figures in the cavern. Hoverboard and Samus had been standing quietly at the edge of the battlefield the entire time, watching the fight unfold without interfering.
Feedback folded his arms casually.
"So… are you gonna join in or what?" he asked confidently.
Hoverboard didn't answer.
Instead, he calmly activated a device he was holding.
A small cube shot out from the device. Feedback quickly jumped away from the cube as it landed beside the three defeated bounty hunters.
The cube immediately expanded into a glowing containment field that surrounded Kraab, Six-Six, and the Predator. The field compressed again a moment later, shrinking down into a compact prison that trapped the unconscious hunters inside.
Hoverboard retrieved the cube and examined it briefly before storing it away.
Samus, meanwhile, rested one hand on her hip as she studied Feedback with open interest.
"Impressive," she said calmly. "To think I'd see a spark of a warrior inside a youth on a backwater planet like this."
She tilted her helmet slightly. "Mind exchanging a few moves with me?"
Before Feedback could answer, she raised her arm cannon and fired.
Feedback lifted both hands instinctively, ready to absorb the incoming blast the same way he had absorbed Six-Six's lasers earlier.
But the beam that struck him wasn't the same kind of energy. Instead of being absorbed, the blast detonated outward in a powerful shockwave.
Feedback was thrown off his feet and blasted across the cavern, his body tumbling through the air before he was sent flying toward the massive open drop at the center of the mine.
Without wasting a second, he tapped the Omnitrix dial.
A golden flash erupted.
"Sludge!"
His body transformed instantly into a purple mud-like creature with glowing yellow eyes. The Omnitrix symbol appeared on his belly as his liquid arm stretched across the gap and latched onto the rocky edge of the cavern.
The elastic limb pulled tight, stopping his fall and dragging him back up onto solid ground.
From the side, Hoverboard watched the transformation carefully.
"So you can switch between different alien DNA," he muttered.
Before he could say anything else, another green flash erupted nearby.
Diamondhead burst forward from the light and charged directly at Hoverboard.
The armored bounty hunter tilted his head slightly in mild amusement before stepping forward to meet the attack, as the two immediately clashed.
Meanwhile, Samus kept her attention focused on Sludge.
Her arm cannon shifted configurations and unleashed a wide wave of flame.
The intense heat washed over Sludge's body, causing the muddy form to harden rapidly into a brittle clay-like surface.
Seeing his mobility disappearing, Sludge quickly tapped the Omnitrix again.
Another golden flash burst outward.
A winged figure emerged from the flames.
"Flame Wingman!"
The winged alien spread his single wing as the dragon-shaped head forming his right arm opened its maw. A blazing fireball shot out from the dragon mouth and streaked toward Samus.
She calmly raised her free hand. A semi-transparent energy shield formed instantly, blocking the fireball as it exploded against the barrier.
But the moment the flames cleared, Flame Wingman was already diving from above.
His entire body was wrapped in blazing fire as he plummeted downward.
"Skydive Scorcher!"
The attack slammed into the shield with overwhelming force. The barrier shattered in a burst of light as Flame Wingman crashed directly into Samus and drove her backward across the cavern floor.
He landed in front of her and pulled his dragon-headed fist back, flames gathering around it as he prepared to deliver a powerful blow.
Just then, a golden flash erupted. The transformation ended instantly.
Evan was forced back into human form.
His small fist continued forward and lightly bonked against Samus's armored thigh.
The two of them paused. They stared at each other for a moment.
Just then, the Another Omnitrix on his wrist emitted a faint glow.
[New DNA sample acquired!]
Evan groaned. "Stupid watch…"
He had already noticed the pattern. Every time the device collected a new DNA sample from who-knows-where, it automatically forced whatever transformation he was in to end.
His gaze lifted back toward Samus. The armored warrior looked down at him calmly. She didn't seem interested in striking a child.
Instead, she crossed her arms slightly.
"Not bad," she said. "At least you're skilled."
Behind Samus, a loud crash echoed through the cavern as Diamondhead was sent flying across the chamber and slammed hard into a rusted minecart.
Diamondhead groaned as he pushed himself up from the twisted metal, small fragments of crystal flaking off his arms as he shook the dust away. Hoverboard walked toward him slowly, his hoverboard resting at his side, but he made no move to attack again.
Instead, he simply looked down at him with clear disappointment.
"Six billion sentient beings on this planet," Hoverboard scoffed, "and an Omnitrix ends up in the hands of a foolhardy youth like you."
Samus rested one hand on her hip.
"At least one of them shows potential," she added calmly.
Diamondhead rubbed the back of his head and slowly stood up, still wincing from the earlier hit.
"I hate to rain on your parade," he said, "but like I told your two buddies earlier, this thing doesn't come off. Believe me, I've tried."
Hoverboard crossed his arms.
"Of course it doesn't," he said matter-of-factly. "Its power utilizes alien DNA which binds to the host's own genetic structure. It cannot simply be removed like taking off a hat."
Diamondhead narrowed his eyes. While Hoverboard was speaking, Diamondhead suddenly lunged forward and swung a punch straight toward the back of his head.
Hoverboard simply tilted his head to the side, letting the crystal fist pass harmlessly beside him. In the same motion he spun around and drove a swift kick into Diamondhead's side.
The impact launched Diamondhead backward again, sending him skidding across the rocky ground.
Hoverboard turned to face him once more.
"Your choice of aliens relies solely on brute strength without any regard for strategy," he said calmly. "Do you ever pause to consider your actions at all?"
Diamondhead pushed himself up again, clearly annoyed. "Hey! We've kicked more than our fair share of alien butt."
Hoverboard gestured toward the far end of the cavern where the earlier battle had taken place.
"Yes. Such as your recent success with the bounty hunters," he said dryly. "If your friend weren't so skilled in using his Omnitrix and understanding the abilities of his aliens, you might already be captured by now."
Samus folded her arms.
"You were moments away from losing your lives," she added. "And with your Omnitrix. Victory should have been swift and easy."
She looked directly at Ben.
"The Omnitrix is not some toy for your amusement. It is the most powerful device in the galaxy. The key to an epic battle between good and evil."
"It's not a weapon." Evan's voice suddenly cut through the cavern.
Everyone turned toward him.
"The Omnitrix isn't a weapon," he said calmly. "It's a key meant to promote intergalactic peace and understanding. It allows different species to experience life in another's shoes."
Many people misunderstood the Omnitrix and its creator, Azmuth. The device had never been meant to serve as a weapon of war. It had simply been designed as a tool for unity between species. Unfortunately, most of the galaxy only saw it as a source of unimaginable power and tried to claim it for themselves.
Evan didn't remember every detail from the original story he once knew, but he remembered enough to understand the Omnitrix's purpose.
Samus tilted her head slightly, amused.
"Now that," she said, "is an interesting way to view one of the most powerful devices in the entire galaxy strapped to your wrist."
Hoverboard shifted his attention back toward Ben.
"Still, our mission remains unchanged," he said calmly. "We were hired to retrieve the Omnitrix at all costs. Since it is attached to you, we will simply bring you with us so it can be removed properly."
Diamondhead blinked. "Oh no, we, wait."
He looked back and forth between them.
"Why is he left out?" he asked, pointing at Evan. "You're only talking about me."
Samus gave a small shrug.
"It's not your choice, little one," she said. "At least your partner here is qualified for his. We know his Omnitrix would at least be safe in his hands. Leaving it on your wrist is like inviting invaders to come and take it."
Hoverboard looked back at Diamondhead again.
"It is astonishing how little you understand about the strengths and weaknesses of these alien forms," he said. "You have barely scratched the surface of their potential."
"Oh yeah?" Diamondhead shot back. "And what makes you such an expert?"
Hoverboard reached up and pressed a control on the side of his helmet. The front of the helmet slid open. Revealing a face identical to Diamondhead's.
Diamondhead stared. "You're me?"
"Wrong," the alien replied calmly. "I am a noble warrior. My name is Tetrax Shard."
His gaze hardened. "And you are an impulsive annoyance."
At that exact moment, the Omnitrix flashed red. A burst of light surrounded Diamondhead and Ben reappeared in his place.
Nearby, Samus also reached up and removed her helmet, revealing a young woman beneath the armor. Long blonde hair fell down behind her head in a tied ponytail as she looked at the group calmly.
Evan blinked. "You're human?"
"Earth isn't the only place where humans live," she explained. "My name is Samus Aran."
She gestured slightly toward Tetrax.
"You could say that he and I are partners in this business. We track the hunt, and we split the reward."
She stepped forward slightly, her gaze shifted back toward Ben. "And right now, we have a mission that requires you."
Tetrax began reaching toward Ben. Suddenly, a golden flash erupted behind Samus, and they all turned.
The light faded, revealing SAM standing there where Evan once stood. The armored figure now towered slightly over both Samus and Tetrax.
"Hold on now," SAM said calmly as he stepped forward.
"I know Ben can be stupid, naive, immature, and a reckless fool at times."
"Dude!" Ben shouted. "Whose side are you on?!"
Behind him, Gwen struggled to keep a straight face while Max simply watched the situation carefully.
SAM continued. "But he's still a good person."
His tone suggested he was trying very hard to defend that statement.
Samus and Tetrax raised an eyebrow at the same time, clearly unconvinced.
"Look," SAM said, raising his hands slightly. "What I'm trying to say is that he might be a fool sometimes, but he's still a good kid who just needs guidance."
He looked at Ben briefly. "When he first got the Omnitrix, his first thought wasn't power or fame. He just wanted to help people."
And that was the truth.
Ben had the potential to become something incredible. With or without the Omnitrix, he was destined to become a hero. But as long as this world had an Omnitrix, it was better that it remained in Ben's hands than fall into the wrong ones.
"Tell me, if you were in his shoes, when a device as powerful as the Omnitrix landed in front of you. Would your first thought be 'how do I help others with this'?"
Samus studied him thoughtfully. "You seem to have a lot of faith in this kid."
Then she glanced toward Tetrax, seeing him step forward slightly.
"And what will you do," he asked, "if we continue with removing the Omnitrix from your friend's wrist?"
SAM stood still for a moment. Then the mechanical plates along his body shifted slightly.
Panels opened along his shoulders and back as glowing golden flames drifted outward into the air like countless fireflies, illuminating the cavern.
"If you still insist on taking the Omnitrix from him," SAM said calmly, "then I won't hold back."
The golden flames intensified. "I'll take you both on myself."
Seeing the golden flames drifting through the cavern and the mechanical panels shifting across SAM's body, both bounty hunters remained still for a moment.
But instead of preparing to fight, Tetrax slowly relaxed his stance.
To everyone's surprise, he took a step back. Samus glanced at him briefly; neither of them made a move to attack.
"Very well then," Tetrax finally said.
His tone remained calm, but his eyes carefully studied SAM before shifting toward Ben.
"Then I will entrust the safety of the Omnitrixes in your hands."
Ben blinked. SAM also paused slightly, the golden flames around him still drifting in the air. Clearly, none of them had expected that response.
Tetrax continued. "The galaxy is not as simple as you believe. The Omnitrix attracts attention from many powerful individuals, some far more dangerous than the hunters you fought today."
He looked directly at Ben. "But if what your friend says about you is true, then perhaps it is best that you keep it for now."
"I will return as soon as I am able," he promised.
Samus stepped forward beside him, placing her helmet back on before speaking.
"And I'll be there too," she added. "You'll see us again."
Ben scratched the back of his head, still confused by the sudden change in attitude. He lifted his wrist and pointed at the Omnitrix.
"What about this?" he asked.
By now, Evan had transformed back, and he stood beside him again in human form.
Tetrax looked at the device briefly before answering. "I will trust your friend's judgment that the Omnitrix is in good hands for now."
Then his expression hardened slightly.
"But trust is not something given lightly." His gaze narrowed as he looked directly at Ben. "Do not let down the trust of those around you."
Ben shifted awkwardly under the stare but didn't respond.
Tetrax then reached behind his back and unfolded the metallic hoverboard he had been carrying earlier. The board expanded into its full shape before he deactivated it and handed it to Evan.
"This may be of some use to you in the meantime." Evan raised an eyebrow slightly but accepted it.
The hoverboard felt surprisingly light in his hands despite being made from advanced alien materials.
"Uh... Thanks," Evan replied.
Ben immediately leaned closer, staring at the device with obvious interest.
Samus activated the seals on her helmet as the visor slid back into place. Tetrax did the same, his armor locking back into its full configuration.
Once both of them were ready, Samus pulled out a small device from her belt.
A red glow began forming beneath their feet.
The teleportation field slowly expanded around them.
Before activating it, Samus gave the group one last look.
"Stay alive until we get back," she said casually.
A moment later, the red light flashed brightly. Both hunters vanished instantly.
Ben stared at the empty spot where they had been standing. Then he slowly turned his head toward Evan.
"How come you get the cool alien stuff?" he asked, pointing at the hoverboard in Evan's hands with clear jealousy.
Evan inspected the device for a moment, turning it slightly as he examined the sleek alien technology.
"I could use some good alien materials instead," he murmured thoughtfully.
He seemed far more interested in what the hoverboard was made of than the fact that it was a flying hoverboard.
Ben folded his arms. "Man, that's not fair."
From behind them, Gwen walked over while holding a bottle of suntan lotion.
"Don't be sad, Ben," she said sweetly. "I've got something for you too."
Ben immediately perked up. "Really?"
Before he could react, Gwen flipped open the bottle and dumped a huge amount of lotion directly onto the top of his head.
It splattered down across his hair and face.
Ben froze for a second. Then he shouted.
"HEY! What was that for?!"
Gwen laughed as she casually closed the bottle and walked past him.
"Wouldn't want that big head of yours getting sunburned," she said with a grin.
Ben wiped the lotion off his face, still complaining while Gwen continued laughing.
Nearby, Max simply chuckled quietly as he watched the kids argue.
And beside them, Evan continued examining the hoverboard while walking back.