Ben 10 : Dark Destiny

Chapter 2: The Invitation

The monolith was a black void, a yawning chasm that seemed to swallow light. As Ben approached, it exerted a magnetic pull, drawing him in against his will. With a final surge of defiance, he resisted, but it was futile. He was consumed by darkness.
When consciousness returned, he was in a different place. A vast, ethereal chamber, devoid of any discernible features. The only light came from a single, pulsating orb suspended in the center of the room. It was the Omnitrix, but magnified a thousandfold, its energy core a swirling vortex of color.
A voice, deep and resonant, echoed through the chamber. "Welcome, Benjamin Tennyson. You have been chosen."
Fear and confusion warred within him. Chosen for what? He was nothing more than a boy, a product of chance.
"Chosen to fulfill your destiny," the voice continued. "You are the key to unlocking the true potential of the Omnitrix."
Destiny? He was just trying to survive high school.
The voice seemed to read his mind. "You are more than you think, Benjamin. Within you lies a power beyond comprehension. A power that can create or destroy entire universes."
A shiver ran down his spine. This was madness. He was just a kid with a watch.
"The Omnitrix is not merely a device," the voice explained. "It is a conduit, a bridge between dimensions. It has chosen you as its guardian, its protector."
Guardian? Protector? He was barely able to protect himself from bullies.
"The multiverse is in peril," the voice continued, its tone grave. "An ancient evil is stirring, a force that threatens to consume everything. Only you can stop it."
A surge of adrenaline coursed through him. He was a hero, a protector. That was his destiny, wasn't it?
"To defeat this evil," the voice said, "you must master the Omnitrix. Unlock its hidden potential. Discover new forms, more powerful, more destructive."
A chill ran down his spine. Destructive? That was a dangerous path.
"Fear not, Benjamin," the voice assured him. "You will have guidance. You will not be alone."
A holographic figure materialized before him. It was a humanoid creature, with skin the color of moonlight and eyes that held the wisdom of ages.
"I am Albedo," the figure introduced itself. "I will be your mentor, your guide."
Ben stared at the ethereal being, his mind racing. A mentor? He had never had one.
"Your training will begin now," Albedo said. "You must learn to control your powers, to harness the full potential of the Omnitrix."
With a wave of its hand, the chamber transformed. Walls materialized, filled with holographic displays and training simulations. It was a world unto itself, a realm of infinite possibilities.
Ben was alone again, but this time, he was not afraid. He was excited, challenged. He was ready.

[Continued in next chapter]