[Throne Room]

Celestia sat on a throne, adorned in gold and encrusted with various jewels. It seemed to glisten in the most fantastical way once the sun's rays bounced off it. Luna seemed to have a throne of her own, though it looked to be made out of stone. It looked really well-chiseled, if that were the case, but the numerous white stars painted onto it, as well as the black throw pillow placed on the seat, it looked almost... well, terrible isn't the word that came to Scott's mind, though it easily showed him that it's likely everyone here had a favorite princess, and that princess was Celestia.

Luna looked uncomfortable, and Scott did not blame her. If he had to sit on a throne made of stone every day, and people still favored someone else, he'd be uncomfortable too. "Well... that's a, rather... uh... shiny throne ya got, princess Celestia, I can see my glaring flaws staring back at me in every gem!" Scott stated.

Celestia nodded. "I take great pride in making sure everything's up to the royal standard, but my throne is not the subject of today's conversation, foreigner." Celestia stated.

Scott nodded and looked around, the throne room was much smaller than he initially thought it would be. He was expecting a room that defied physics, a room as grand as its rulers, but it was rather, plain. Say for Celestia's expensive throne, and Luna's throne of stone. "I'm well aware of the subject, I'm just hoping this doesn't become a re-occurring trend." Scott remarked.

Celestia nodded. "Let's get this underway, then. Guards! Send her in, she's waited long enough!" Celestia called out. A couple guards saluted the princess and opened up a set of golden double doors, allowing Applejack, the mare that kicked him square in the gut, to walk in. She trotted across the floor, just as enamored by the throne room as he was, but she kept her focus on him, a look of guilt and determination painted on her face. "Applejack, daughter of Bright Mac, You met this human a month ago, is that right?" Celestia asked.

Scott was stunned at Celestia's words. Scott looked himself over, seeming surprised. 'A month? I was knocked out, deprived of food, water, sunlight and movement, and locked within a dark, disgusting, damp and humid cell, for a whole month?! How am I alive, how do I even have any semblance of strength to move, fight back, speak, or even comprehend a single thought?! I should look like a shriveled up prune right now! I should look like how a Highbreed looks when they've been stranded on a planet comprised of only dry-ice and sand!' Scott thought, bewildered by the time that passed.

Applejack looked at Scott, seeing him in quite the state of surprise, watching him checking his body, almost as if logic was thrown out the window, and snapped its neck upon landing. Applejack smiled and chuckled, snapping Scott out of his bewilderment and soon stopped, realizing he must've looked foolish. "Ya must be mighty confused on what's happenin', huh partner?" Applejack asked.

Scott took a deep breath and sighed. "Well, you're not wrong. I didn't think I was out cold for a month, but then again, I survived whatever the hell brought me to your world, so I can't be too bothered. Anyways, I might be walking around fine and dandy now, but don't think for a second I'm not mad about the sudden attack you did to me! Seriously, is lending a hand, offering help, and helping thy neighbor seriously punishable to be locked in a dungeon or something, or was that day a month ago just the exception?!" Scott remarked.

Applejack smiled nervously, until that smile eventually faded. "Alright, I'm willin' to admit, that was a rash decision, and it got ya thrown in the slammer, that's my fault. I wanna say I'm sorry, and let bygones be bygones. But, that's why I'm here, it wasn't fair for ya to be punished, especially after what I was told by Princess Luna. I followed those feather-brained guards back to Canterlot, and, well it took me a while on hoof, but they took ya to the castle with ease. I tried to get inside, to explain that it was a misunderstanding, a bit of an error on my part, but these guards don't listen. It wasn't until Princess Luna asked me to stay and get my side of the story, that I knew this was the best course of action. Hope ya didn't starve down there." Applejack explained.

Scott scowled at that. "Knocked unconscious, for a whole month, I woke up hours ago, lady. How the hell was I supposed to eat, especially when my hands were cuffed, I was hung up like holiday decorations, and the food was put OUT OF MY REACH on purpose!?" Scott exclaimed, his voice reaching out through the entire room. Applejack winced, but she had to be honest with herself, she'd be just as irate, and just as pissed as he was, if that happened to her. "I'm hangry and I just got assaulted again minutes ago by some Vladat-pony hybrid creature, I'm not having a good time at the moment." Scott remarked.

Luna got off her throne and trotted downwards to stand next to Applejack. "I believe Scott wanted me to pass a message along to you, in case of an unexpected passing. He was hoping you were keeping your family safe, and that you made it to Canterlot alright," Applejack was confused by such a message, and Scott was about to explain, until Luna continued. "Judging by the side of Applejack's story, she assumed you had less than kosher or appropriate intentions, and that was after you had transformed back into your default state of being. Beforehand, is a different story, there's two sides that have yet to be heard. Depending on if these stories correlate properly with their information, no charges will be made, and you both will walk free." Luna decreed.

Scott sighed, and began to explain his story, from the moment his parents were murdered by strange changeling-esque creatures, to regaling the ponies of the heroic exploits of Ben Tennyson and his team. By the time he got to the mission that left him stranded in Equestria, he told the tale of how he even ended up in Equestria in the first place, recounting the feeling of a slow, painless, but conscious state of death, being brought back to life, and the feeling of being flung through reality, the dimensions shifting every which way, till it all stops and he ends up in a small clearing right next to the path Applejack would be on. Even showing the Altnetrix to Applejack and the Princesses.

He explained, in the best way he could, that it was a bootleg/inferior version of the original Omnitrix Ben had, the one that allowed him to turn into aliens and such. The princesses were quite impressed with how Ben Tennyson, a human, at the age of 10, had been able to save his universe well into adulthood, it was impressive, as well as concerning. Applejack looked at Scott, and for once, she could tell he was telling the truth, despite how insane it all sounded. She wasn't sure how to feel about the whole 'alien' thing, the changeling accusation made sense, but aliens?! That also explained that funky watch on his wrist, which she didn't pay much attention to upon first glance.

Applejack slowly, but surely explained her day long before she crossed paths with Scott, up to the point where her wagon came to pieces. Scott could account for everything and fact-check when he could, piecing the story together the best they could.

Scott looked at the Altnetrix, scrolling to the amorphous sludge-like creature, and decided to mentally prepare himself for what this could be like. "Applejack saw me as a Vreedle, and it's been a month since I last used this thing, so hopefully, by trying to transform again, it won't backfire." Scott stated carefully.

Luna stood in front of Applejack, all while Celestia stared curiously at the device. Scott took a deep breath and sighed as he pushed the core down, enveloping himself once more in a flash of green light as he began to change.

Scott's body felt like it was undergoing pins and needles, all while a strange purple sludge began to flow throughout his body. Soon enough, his body began to melt and merge with the sludge, causing everything to feel sticky, gooey, malleable, and most importantly of all, intact. Scott didn't gain any muscle, but he felt stronger than he did before. A pair of green orbs shine on what seems to be a head, and a mouth began to open, murky and melting as the creature swirled and shifted. A black collar formed on the creature's neck area, with white detailing along the ends, and the Altnetrix's emblem formed on the middle of the collar. The sludge made a gurgling roar-like sound as the flash of light died down.

As the light died down, the ponies stared in shock. The sludge like creature looked rather thick, the purple gunk that made up its body constantly shifted around as Scott looked at his new form. "Huh, I'm a Lenopan," Scott raised one of his hands, watching it form into a mace. He smiled and laughed like a kid on Christmas morning. "Oh man, this is all kinds of cool, if not absolutely strange." Scott stated, his voice was low in tone, constantly bubbling and gurgling between syllables. Soon enough, the Altnetrix soon chirped to life.

[Transformation sequence complete. Lenopan DNA sample has been properly catalogued in database.] The Altnetrix notified.

"Ok, I'm definitely gonna have to name this one something good! Never saw Ben Tennyson turn into one of these before, I'm surprised he never tried. One of his cousin's half-Lenopan, for crying out loud!" The Lenopan remarked, seeming more and more intrigued.

The ponies watched on as the sapient sludge creature continued to shape its body into various things, even going as far as to shape itself into Scott's human form, albeit very different. He now wore a black and white necklace, with the Altnetrix dangling right off it, a pair of white shorts with black detailing, black fingerless gloves, as well as white and black sneakers. "This is awesome! I've never once felt anything like this. I admit, I feel a bit denser than normal, it's like my body's made of silly putty and wet cement, but I'm not complaining! This is fantastic, I can see why Ben Tennyson always puts his trust into this thing, now! This is quite the experience!" Scott remarked, allowing himself to return to his original amorphous sludge-like form.

Celestia noticed the carpet becoming darker under the sludge creature, and grimaced. "It's a bit messy, that's something we can certainly agree on. In any case, we'll need to figure something out. A human, with the power to shapeshift into creatures unheard of by pony-kind, could become quite the danger. You've been taking this news rather well, Scott Baristo, maybe at one point, we could learn more about your world, just to try and figure things out," Scott nodded his slimey and viscous head. "For now, you must be famished after a month of little to no proper nutrition, am I correct?" Celestia inquired.

Scott's slimey smile spread so far across his face. "I'm practically starving, I could go for a buffet right now. I'm not sure what your policy is on meat consumption, but if you got meat, I'll gladly eat that too. Gotta get back into shape, I'm thinner than I was a month ago." Scott confirmed.

While the ponies did wince at the idea of meat being consumed, they did all seem to remember something, and went along with it. "I'll inform the chefs to prepare some, if we have it. Do you have a preference?" Celestia asked.

"As long as it isn't a horse, pony, or something as sapient as you or me, then no, princess, I have no preference... well, scratch that, I'll gladly take some chicken, if ya got it." Scott confirmed.

Celestia took a deep breath and nodded. "Luna, lead these two to the dining area, I'll send word down to the kitchen. Oh, and mister Baristo?" Scott looked back at Celestia. "In the future, try to refrain from using this 'Lenopan' form within the castle, it's leaving a bit of a mess." Celestia stated, pointing to the obvious darkening stain in the carpet, and the sludge trail he left behind. In a flash of magical light, she was gone.

Luna began to move in one direction, all while Applejack and Scott followed behind. Thankfully, the sound of a low droning beep started to blare out from the Altnetrix, and since Applejack was familiar with the sound it made, she was able to put two and two together, and knows that the device he used is running out of power. In a blinding flash of white light, Scott was turned back into his normal human self, and he was thankful, it was time to eat like a king... or like a starving hyperactive man-child, he'll figure it out once he gets his meal.

[Canterlot Dungeon]

The aliens sit in their cells, time passes by like sand in an hourglass. For the first time in a long time, they had been silent, still, motionless in confinement. They barely had time to process what happened hours ago, prior to the smaller princess running out, with the human saddled on her back. None of it seemed right, but at the same time, maybe it was a wake-up call. They all did notice something familiar about the human, specifically the green hourglass emblem he sported that was on the watch he wore. It was a brief moment, but they saw what must've been the Omnitrix.

The guards were uneasy, they always had to hear the aliens talk and rant on about how one day they'll be free again, but that day never came for the past few years, now that they weren't talking or ranting, the guards felt that today, might be the day that everything gets turned inside out, and flipped upside down.

Technorg sat in his cell, legs crossed, his large body frame taking up most of the space in his cell. He sat and thought back to the sight, the sight of the hourglass emblem he saw so long ago, on a watch, worn by a ten-year-old boy, being bullied by some atrocious amalgamized freak of nature. 'Ben Tennyson... you saved Technorg and everyone else from Slix Vigma's gladiatorial prison, now it is Technorg's turn to return the favor. No prison will hold Technorg again, nor will it ever hold Ben Tennyson.' Technorg thought.

The blob creature merely sat on their dingy little bed, silently pondering to themselves. 'The Omnitrix... so, Azmuth was able to finish the device after all, that's an interesting development. Looks a bit different from the original schematics, but nonetheless, at least he finished it... to which, this might just be my chance to escape this place. With the Omnitrix in my grasp, these equines will need a new definition of 'Hell' by the time I'm done. But how to get ahold of it in an easy and stealthy fashion, that's the real question... I'll think of something, I may be a Galvanic Mechamorph, but I still have tricks up my sleeve.' The Mechamorph thought to itself.

The mechamorph let their body relax, allowing a part of their self to be separated from his being. The separate piece shuddered, and formed into a small, but almost identical version of the mechamorph it spawned from. The mechamorph pointed to the window of his cell, causing the smaller mechamorph to start climbing out. "Go forward, my surrogate. Collect the technology of this world, and free your progenitor from this prison. This world will know hell, like no one has known before, and they will all cower and bow before me... so says I, Automate!" The mechamorph instructed.

The smaller mechamorph nodded, going through the bars as it landed on the ground, slithering into a few bushes. Automate lounged on their bed, waiting as it looked to the wall, the wall that kept them and Technorg in separate cells. "Soon... The Omnitrix will be mine, and when it is, I'll finally be able to get out of here, and if there's no way back to Galvan B, this world will be mine to rule," Automate looked at the square holes in the gate that contained them, then shifted their gaze at the guards. There were more of them, and two of them was hauling off a large spikey mace end, one that belonged to the Detrovite in the cell next door. Automate had no mouth, but it's safe to say, they were smiling, and it consisted of a solely sinister plan. "Time to finally leave this place. It's been... long enough." Automate remarked.

A unicorn stallion pushed the cart by the cell, and Automate made their move. Without warning, Automate forced their blobulous body against the gate, allowing parts of their being to push through the holes, bits and pieces fell to the outer side of the hall, all while the rest of them kept its physical form, slowly but surely escaping the cell. The guard stopped, shocked at what the creature was doing, and assumed it was a display of self-mutilation, until their body began to reform from the pieces that fell to the ground. Parts of them moved under the gate, building their physical body back up, but the other parts were threaded through a hole, increasing the process of rebuilding themselves on the outside of the cell.

The guard stopped and called a few of the others to his side, and while they were hesitant of the problem that was escalating, they did have a job to do. They stood around the mechamorph as its physical form was finally reformed into completion, and without so much as a warning, or an errant twitch, Automate lunged forward at the large mace end, melding their hands over it as the piece of tech began to wither and decay. Technorg tried to hide himself as much as he could, watching the only semblance of defense that was stripped from him, being withered and destroyed by the mechamorph. He had never seen the mechamorph do such a thing before, but it was clear that today was a special day, a day that would mean everything changes, forever.

Automate removed their hands, and noticed the guards, aiming their spears in their direction. "I see the cavalry wishes to be pulverized. Fantastic, I was in need of
some brave volunteers, anyway." Automate remarked.

The stallions readied themselves, staring the creature down. "If you know what's good for you, you will stand down and go back in your cell." One of the guards warned.

Automate let out a chuckle, their synthesized laughter echoed throughout the dungeon block, and though the guards stood their ground, the artificial creature's laugh sent chills down their spine. Automate looked at the guards, and quickly pieced together that this wasn't some kind of joke, let alone a bluff. "Oh, you're serious? You're actually going to try and stop me from leaving? Cute," Automate's left hand soon began to warp and change, becoming the mace end he had presumably destroyed, now crackling with a violet energy, protruding large energy spikes from every angle. The guards were shocked, as was Technorg, and Automate stared right at those who stood in his way. "Let's see how long it takes for you to regret your choices." Automate sneered.

The guards yelled out and charged at the mechamorph, spears drawn and ready to fight. Automate swung the mace at Technorg's cell, tearing the bars down with a single strike. He then flung the mace right at the stallions, knocking a few of them right across the hall. He maneuvered around the stallions, avoiding their attacks with minimal effort and slamming them to the other side of the hall, then he started rounding up their staffs and shattered them to pieces with his mace. "How ridiculous, you ponies use such a flimsy material for your weapons, but with the right mixture of metals," Automate grabbed hold of the broken spears, pocketing them inside of his body. "Gold can be quite the resounding resource. Now, who wishes to meet their end first?" Automate asked.

Automate moved forward, looking down at one of the guards, their helmet was off, and they were downright terrified. They swallowed and gritted their teeth, looking like they were on the verge of tears. "I worship the Sun and Moon, and I pray they eclipse your pitiful attempts to overthrow their might!" The guard refuted.

Automate walked forward and raised the mace, and without hesitation, brought the mace down, and a sickening crunch was all that could be heard. The stallion fell limp, and their body was thrown haphazardly into Automate's cell. A huge splotch of crimson liquid stained the mace, but soon flicked the crimson red across the walls, all while the stallions were rendered incapable of stopping the mechamorph as it slowly approached them. Technorg had faced many a tough opponent, but this mechamorph seemed less like a warrior, and more like a monster with a chip on its shoulder.

Technorg slowly left the confines of his cell, and as the mechamorph raised the mace towards the stallions, Technorg left, making his way up the staircase. He tried to block out the sickening cacophony of crunches that echoed from the dungeon floor, but it was devastating. 'Must find Ben Tennyson. Technorg must find Ben Tennyson.' Technorg thought to himself.

[Dining Hall]

After a fair bit of moving around, Luna finally found a set of doors she was looking for. "Here we are, the dining hall. I apologize if it took longer than anticipated to find the room, I'm more used to teleporting around with magic... magic, that I unfortunately don't have anymore." Luna remarked.

Scott raised an eyebrow at that last bit, but decided to say nothing about it. "Here's to hoping the table was set during our trek, I'm ready to consume this buffet like it's a balanced breakfast!" Scott remarked.

Applejack rubbed her stomach, feeling it slowly going empty. "Ah gotta agree, I don't think I could turn down a bit ah meat at this point, I'm gettin' hungrier than a ornery tape-worm!" Applejack stated.

Slowly, princess Luna opened the doors, showing off a large room, with a larger table, stretching from one end of the room, to nearly the other end. Several chairs were lined and set up appropriately, all while the table was covered by his huge white decorative cloth. "You two may take your seats, I'm sure the chefs will be on their way soon." Luna reassured.

Scott made his way to the halfway point of the table, and sat down. Applejack sat right across from him, and Luna was a few seats down from the both of them. The three of them sat in uncertain silence, so Scott decided to ask a question that's been brought to the forefront of his mind. "So, this might be a bit weird for me to ask, but how did you do that dream stuff, princess?" Scott asked.

Luna did not respond. Scott let her remark about her no longer having magic ring out through his head, and the more he thought about it, the more he tried to think on the logistic possibilities as to how she could look into, let alone enter his dreams, without magic. "Do you truly need magic to go into my dreams, or are you a natural-user of Somnokinesis?" Scott inquired. Again, the princess did not respond, but she did give Scott a confused look. "Somnokinesis is essentially the superpower of Sleep Manipulation, sometimes that can involve the concept of dreams." Scott explained.

Luna sighed. Applejack looked at Scott, unsure as to what he's getting at. "You seem like a chatty type, partner. How come you're questionin' the princess?" Applejack asked, seeming uncertain to Scott's intention.

Scott realized what exactly he was doing, and mentally kicked himself in the face. "I'm not trying to be rude, let me be clear. I'm just trying to figure out as much as I can, if I truly am stuck here. I don't want to believe it, and I still don't want to imagine the idea of me going home, as an impossible quest. I guess I'm trying to make the effort to understand," Scott gestured to the princess, meeting her gaze. "She's not some magical unicorn, she has no horn, and she's no pegasus either, she has no wings. She mentioned something about not having magic anymore, and she said she was a 'savior of dreams', and I'm curious if that has anything to do with the lack of wings and horn." Scott explained.

Luna held her head down, though she didn't seem upset from what Scott or Applejack could perceive. Luna looked back at Scott, stood up and turned her back to him, showing off the mark on her flank. A red crescent moon, amidst a splotch of blackness. "Do you see this mark, Scott Baristo?" Scott slowly nodded. "This mark, it's known as a Cutie Mark, it's what defines my purpose in life. Everypony has a cutie mark that defines what they're meant to do in life." Luna stated.

Scott tried to not question how that worked, but then thought on everything else with that knowledge. Suddenly, some things started to make sense, and he looked over at Applejack, who seemed reserved.

Scott looked back at the princess, noticing her walk closer. "My purpose, it's to guard and preserve the innocence and safety that a dream can bring, battling the nightmares, keeping them at bay as my subjects get a good night sleep. I used to be much like my sister, an Alicorn. I once embodied the magic of all three pony tribes, and each and every time I traversed the dream realm, kept away the nightmares, and gave words of wisdom to the subjects that required my aide, I've come to realize how futile and fleeting it was to be an Alicorn," Luna stood in front of Scott, her eyes locked onto his, all while he was unsure of what was about to happen.

Luna stared into his eyes, which ran a chill up and down his spine. "Can you imagine it, an almost god-like creature with power beyond it's own comprehension? It wasn't my place to use that celestial power. My sister, however, thought my worry to be trivial and nonsense. She frequently used her power to move the sun, bringing forth the sunrise, and the solar rays needed for farmers to grow their crops. All while I used my power to bring about a beautiful night. It was all I could do, but I didn't like having such power at my grasp, needless of the situation. It's why I chose to pass my power, along with my status as an alicorn, to Celestia. After a long time of returning to my earth pony roots, I soon found my way back to the dream realm, able to channel my magic through nature and continue my duty as the savior of dreams." Luna explained.

Scott took a deep breath and let this information sink in. He sighed, trying to think of a proper response, but he couldn't. He did hear rumors of one of Ben's transformations, Alien X, being one of, if not the strongest transformation he had. Literal omnipotence, able to do anything and everything, all with the caveat of debating on the proper use for such power. Scott was thankful he didn't end up with that transformation, otherwise, nothing would get done, or he might end up stuck.

'For a world of magical talking pastel-colored ponies, this truly did catch me off-guard. I'll have to figure this out in my own time. Then again, I wonder if I can turn into one of them. It may not be a good idea, since they are magical creatures, but at least I'll be able to come to a better understanding of these equestrian lifeforms.' Scott thought.

Before Scott could say something, the sound of loud footsteps echoed. They were heavy, it was like a giant was wandering the halls, though the room did not shake. They got closer, and closer, echoing louder as they seemed to get closer. "I don't know why, but I get the feeling that something's gonna disrupt the meal... and it hasn't even gotten here, yet!" Scott remarked.

Scott stood up, and the doors on the other side of the room burst open, as did several large chunks of the wall. Scott backed up, reaching for the Altnetrix, until a big, muscular, and orange thing came charging at him. "Aw crap!" Scott exclaimed. He tried to get out of the way, but was soon caught by the orange mass of muscle. It soon came to a stop, with Applejack and Luna staring at the creature in awe. Technorg held Scott in his arms, all while Scott tried to get himself free. "This has to be the worst month of my life, and I almost got devoured by an Ormerowon once!" Scott exclaimed, squirming to get free.

Technorg looked down at Scott, smiling. "Fear not, Ben Tennyson, Technorg's life may not belong to you anymore, but Technorg will return the favor in-kind, to repay you for freeing Technorg from the enslavement of Slix Vigma," Technorg looked at the two mares, noticing the tension in the room. "Technorg will start with these two ponies, they must be your oppressors." Technorg stated, leering at the ponies.

Scott, freed his arms and activated the Altnetrix, selecting the icon he needed. "Pal, I'm giving you one chance to put me down, and let me explain, because if you don't, by authority of the Plumbers, under the Casey-Kelly Accords, I'll have to put you under arrest for assaulting an officer of galactic law!" Scott warned.

Technorg raised an eyebrow. "You've become a Plumber? I'm impressed, you've become a formidable force for good, Ben Tennyson. You'll have to regale Technorg of the battles you've won once we've escaped." Technorg praised with a smile.

Scott was clearly not happy. 'This guy's not listening, I just warned him that I'd arrest him, and he's calling me Ben Tennyson? I don't look a damn thing like him! Besides, I'm not like him in any way, and it's time I showed how I'm different.' Scott thought.

Scott pushed down the core and in a flash of green light, Scott had transformed into his new Lenopan form. "That's it, I'm gonna put some dirt in your eye!" The Lenopan then thrusted both its arms up into Technorg's face, obscuring it with the sludge-like substance. Technorg let go and the Lenopan got in front of the mares. "Now, let's see if you can learn the difference between a hero, and a trained plumber cadet!" The Lenopan snarked, forming his arms into mallets.

Technorg finally removed the mud from his face, and seemed surprised, and attempted a civil response. "We can fight and compare strength later, Ben Tennyson. For now, we must leave, they'll overwhelm us if we don't move now." Technorg remarked.

The Lenopan scowled. "I'm not Ben Tennyson, you dim-witted Detrovite! Where did you even come from!? I was under the impression that this world was strictly full of magical creatures." The Lenopan questioned, giving a skeptical look towards the princess.

Technorg was shocked, but soon recognized something. Something about the way the badge on the sludgepuppy looked, it did not seem familiar, like he initially thought. "Then... Ben Tennyson, he has passed?" Technorg questioned, seeming somber. "Technorg was here for too long... Should've fought harder to escape, shouldn't have given up so easily." Technorg groveled.

The Lenopan was practically at a loss for words, and couldn't hold back his frustration. "First of all, Ben Tennyson would've been dead, if I didn't risk my life standing against the towering prick that is Vilgax! Second, according to most records, Ben only ever mentioned fighting a Detrovite criminal named Vulkanus, who's been causing trouble on Earth! How is it that you know about Ben Tennyson, when you have never come up in Plumber Records before?! Why and how are you even here!? Who are you!?" The Lenopan exclaimed out of frustration.

The room was quiet, and as Technorg let the Lenopan's words sink in, the sound of several gasps echoed through the room. Luna and Applejack turned to see the royal chefs, cautiously entering the dining room, as did a few guards, who were just as concerned about the situation as anyone else would be. "Princess Luna, we received word from your sister that we had a meat-eater to feed in this feast, is this true? Also, forgive me if I'm overstepping, but what's happening here?" One of the chefs inquired.

Luna sighed. "My loyal subjects, please do not be scared. I assure you, this situation is under control... it is under control, isn't it, mister Baristo?" Luna asked, shifting her gaze towards the crowd of ponies, then back to the Lenopan, uncertain of her own claim.

The Lenopan remained motionless for a moment, then slowly moved towards Technorg. Once the Lenopan was close enough, the Altnetrix began to beep, flashing in rapid succession as the Lenopan was enveloped in a flash of white light, transforming Scott back into his normal self. Scott knew very well he wasn't Ben, as much as he wanted to be, but he couldn't, in good conscience, fight someone without knowing the facts. With how Technorg spoke about Ben, he made it seem like he owed him his life, something that didn't seem to bode well, or make sense to the displaced plumber. He remembered wanting all the facts pertaining to his first run-in with the changelings at age nine, but got nothing remotely close, until he ran into Exos and his brothers, and how different they were from the changelings he first encountered. How long would it be until he's provided with the answers he's been searching for?

Scott thought for a moment, then sighed and tapped Technorg's shoulder, causing Technorg to look up at him. Before Scott could say anything, however, the distant sounds of screaming began to echo out. Scott was getting frustrated again and looked back at Technorg. "Was there any other alien lifeform with you?" Scott asked.

Technorg nodded. "Automate, a Galvanic Mechamorph that can be upgraded when he absorbs technology. It's why I was hoping to escape, he recently acquired my mace, and is now on a killing spree. He freed me, but that does not mean I follow his cruel methods of retribution. Technorg's a warrior, a noble, and honorable gladiatorial champion, not a blood-spilling tyrant machine." Technorg explained.

Scott's blood ran cold, and a memory came back to him. The black and red creature, the one that attacked and stole something, and almost conquered Galvan Prime, it had a similar ability. It could upgrade itself with the tech it acquired, but there was another mechamorph with such a condition? How is that possible? Scott tried to steady his breathing, feeling his body shudder. "A mechamorph that doesn't upgrade tech, but the tech upgrades him? It's that rogue mechamorph, Malware, all over again! Ben had trouble with Malware before, and I only caught glimpses of the damn thing, that's a dangerous individual!" Scott tried to activate the Altnetrix again, but it seemed to be recharging. "Oh, that's just great. Mental note, don't immediately rely on the Altnetrix, solve a problem the old-fashioned way first, then rely on the super powers." Scott grumbled.

Applejack stepped forward. "Can you explain what in tarnation is goin' on?" Applejack asked, seeming thoroughly thrown out of the loop. "Ya make it sound like Equestria's in danger, or something." Applejack remarked.

Scott looked Applejack in the eye, a sense of dread and panic surged through him. "That's because it is in danger! As long as this 'Automate' individual is running around, no one's safe! I can only hope one single piece of alien tech is all he can find, lest everything goes further into chaos!" Scott stated gravely. "Why is he even trying to destroy Equestria anyway?" Scott wondered.

Technorg stood up, clearing his throat. "The mechamorph isn't going to destroy this land, not immediately. He's going to try and conquer it. He already has several dead ponies on his body count, there's nothing we can do to stop him. What's worse, is that if he gets his hand on the Omnitrix, all is lost." Technorg explained.

Scott gritted his teeth and felt angry, nearly as angry when he got called in for that job a month ago, the same one that lead to him being stuck here. "Well, good thing I don't have the Omnitrix, I got the Altnetrix instead. Let's see how bad I can piss off a walking sack of nanites, knowing he got his ass kicked by someone with a bootleg version of the most powerful peace-keeping alien device in the universe." Scott stated walking towards the door.

"Now hold on an apple pluckin' second!" Applejack yelled out. Scott looked back, seeing the orange mare look irate. "Yer not goin' out there, not on yer own! I don't know a lick of anything about these mechanic-morph things, or aliens, and what have you, but ah know I'm not gonna let ya go out there, just so you can get beat again! Ah am goin' with ya, whether ya like it, 'er not!" Applejack firmly stated, now standing in Scott's way.

Technorg walked over and kneeled down to Scott. "Scott Baristo, you spared Technorg from being imprisoned, and you're willing to face impossible odds, just to save a world that you don't originate from. You may not be Ben Tennyson, but you have his spirit, his drive to do good wherever he can. Technorg will fight with you, not just to earn freedom, but to prove that we are not each other's enemies." Technorg stated.

Scott was about to say something, until he felt princess Luna's hoof on his arm. She looked concerned, but her eyes were burning with a passion for fighting and combat, all in the name of justice. "Do not count me out either, Scott Baristo. I know you've only just met me, as well as Applejack, and this giant creature who has volunteered for a chance at redemption, but I see it as a sign. One should never fight a battle such as this, especially at this scale, all on their own. They'll do more harm than the good they intended to create." Luna stated.

Scott looked around, a sense of warmth could be felt in chest. Either it was a fuzzy feeling, knowing he had allies to help him fight, or it was heart burn. Scott assumed it the latter, due to a lack of proper nutrients in his body, and faced the three individuals. Scott took a deep breath and exhaled, trying to keep his composure. A stoic and determined expression formed on his face, a glint of light flickered in his eyes. "Well, I don't have any power to decree this as a Cadet, but for this moment in time, you are deputized agents of the Plumbers. Now, here are the facts as I understand them, so listen up," Scott started.

"One, this world is in danger, more danger than you could ever fathom existing in decades, and I won't stand by to let that thing have its way, not like how Malware almost conquered Galvan Prime a few years back! Two, this may not be my home, my world, my dimension, my universe, I basically don't belong here... but, I'll fight like I always have, to protect and serve, to put my life on the line for those who need it! Three, and this is crucial, I've been desperate for a break, I've stocked up on vacation days like I'm stocking up food for the end of the world, for crying out loud! But, sometimes you have to make sacrifices, and I'm far from done making all of mine! Is that understood!?" Scott declared.

Scott could feel the blood pumping through his body, the adrenaline coursing through him at record-breaking speeds, he felt like he was back in his element, and a small smile formed across his face. For a moment, he felt like he was back on top of things, and this was just another job. Sure, Ben Tennyson, and the rest of the plumbers weren't here to provide support, but at least he was there, the only plumber on the planet. For as long as he was here, any problems in this world, extraterrestrial, or supernatural, that was in his job description.

Technorg nodded, forming his right hand into a fist. Applejack and Luna nodded, and that was all the confirmation Scott needed. "Good, I don't need to repeat myself. Technorg, you'll go ahead of us and try to stall for time, you've been in his presence for much longer than I have, so you've got an advantage. Princess, I think it'll be in our best interest if you rally whatever guards you've got on-duty, and prepare for a fight, we'll need all ha- hooves, on deck for this." Scott ordered.

Technorg nodded, running out of the room and through a wall. Luna simply nodded and ran back the way they initially came from. "What about me?" Applejack piped up. "What's my part in this?" she questioned.

Scott's smile never faded. "We're gonna get you a weapon, just to be cautious. Once you've got a weapon, we're going straight to Automate, and cutting him down to size." Scott explained.

Applejack reached into her satchel, pulling out a woodcutter's axe, and began brandishing it like a staff. Scott was rather surprised, but since he knew this couldn't go wrong, in the metaphorical sense, it did seem like they were ready. "Alright then, let's go destroy an automated system of mass destruction!" Scott declared, hearing a sound come from the Altnetrix, signifying that it returned to full charge.

[Canterlot Market]

It was mass hysteria. Where some ponies were dead in the streets, bludgeoned into red paste, others were too injured to flee, and the rare few made it out alive, but not without the mental scars. Automate swayed slowly down the path, allowing several thin tendrils to spawn from their back and lurch outward to the stands. Much to Automate's displeasure, there wasn't any significant tech that they could acquire, not even from some stand that was dressed to the nines with technological marvels made of gears and crystals. Automate was getting furious, raising their mace to the sky again, until they heard a loud set of lumbering footsteps. The mechamorph turned around, seeing Technorg coming towards them.

"Ahh, finally come to your senses, Detrovite? Are you here to join me, or to stop me?" Automate questioned.

Technorg kept calm. "We don't have to do this, Ben Tennyson can take us home. He has gained access to power beyond both of us, and has promised us to take us back with him. He fetched me to retrieve you, so that we may leave this world behind." Technorg lied.

Automate was not listening, at first, but the prospect of finally going home did hit close to the mechamorph. "Even with the many dead men and women that lay before me, the blood that is now caking within my circuits, I can't imagine Azmuth would be pleased." Automate remarked.

Technorg slowly approached. "Ben Tennyson knows of your condition. A mechamorph back home, named Malware, had the same imperfections as you, but he lost himself to the carnage he wrought. You can come back from this, everything will be fine, we just need to leave." Technorg stated, putting a hand on the mechamorph's shoulder.

Automate, without a moment's hesitation, quickly swung their mace at Technorg, sending him back a fair distance. Technorg got up, rubbing his jaw as the mechamorph ran forward to strike another blow. Technorg blocked the attack and tried to counter, but was soon struck in the gut and was delivered a powerful uppercut by Automate, staggering Technorg as he tried to keep himself in the fight.

"You always were a persistent and powerful fighter, Technorg. A shame you'll die protecting these equestrian vermin!" Automate remarked.

Technorg ran forward, punching and kicking the mechamorph as hard as he could, but Automate would constantly create wristguards to lessen the damage done. Technorg was fighting as hard as he did back when he was a champion on Slix Vigma's ship, but it didn't seem to be enough. Unlike Automate, Technorg was getting exhausted. Automate took a moment and slammed the mace into Technorg's stomach, knocking the wind out of the Detrovite. With a few more well-placed hits, Automate had essentially put Technorg on the defensive, but Technorg couldn't keep up with Automate's sudden burst of speed, and the power behind the mechamorph's attacks, it was becoming too much for Technorg to handle.

Technorg fell backwards to the ground, battered and bruised, trying to move but can't. Automate raised their mace, ready to finish the fight. "It's a shame, really, I needed a right-hand man to do the dirtier work, but you just sauntered off as I took care of business. I guess neither of us are going home, and you know what? I like that, quite a lot… this world will be mine to rule, and once I get the Omnitrix, I'll conquer this world, find my way back to our old world, then conquer it too! Ben Tennyson is stuck here with us, so he won't be able to stop me if he tried," Technorg tried to move, but it was clear to him, he was about to die. "Any last words before I send you off to the ethereal void of nothingness?" Automate asked.

"I got three, you artificial freak!" A voice called out. Automate looked forward, seeing Scott in the distant, with Applejack by his side. "It's Hero Time!" Scott exclaimed, running towards Automate. Scott quickly activated the Altnetrix and pushed the core down, transforming into his Vreedle form.

Automate wasn't ready for that, but was soon hit with a barrage of punches. Automate tried to anticipate the Vreedle's movements, but found himself getting beat, battered, and knocked around. The Vreedle pushed his fist through the mechamorph, and though it did nothing, it left Automate distracted as the Vreedle jumped and slammed the flat side of his feet into Automate, sending it back a fair distance.

The Vreedle walked over to Technorg, pulling the Detrovite back onto his feet. "I reckon we might wanna figure out how to keep this sucker in one place, and ensure he stays there. Anyone know how to make an Electromagnetic Field?" The Vreedle asked.

"There is very limited technology in this world, but you're welcome to try," Technorg got up and moved past the Vreedle. Applejack ran towards the mechamorph, readying the axe she held in her mouth. "We'll distract for as long as we can. Good luck, Scott Baristo." Technorg stated, running back into the fight.

The Vreedle cautiously moved about, looking at several pieces of dismantled gadgets, shattered crystals, and what-have-you that littered the ground. Something did come to the Vreedle's mind, the thought of an explosion that could shut down Automate, and keep the whole kingdom in one piece, it sounded like a promising venture, but it was easier said and thought of, rather than done.

The Vreedle scoffed, seeming incredibly bothered by the impossible odds. "I'm in trouble. How in tarnation am I gonna craft an EMP out of shiny rocks, busted scrap, and a bunch... of junk... Wait a god damn minute," The Vreedle quickly scooped up some of the scrap, shattered crystals, as well as a few gears that weren't too busted up, and ducked down behind one of the stands. The Vreedle carefully looked at the stuff he collected, and he felt it all coming to him, like a sudden burst of inspiration just shot through his head. The Vreedle smirked and nodded slowly, seeming satisfied with whatever idea just popped into his head. "Alright, I see what I'm workin' with now! This'll help a ton for findin' out a name for this feller, too!" The Vreedle remarked.

Back with Technorg and Applejack, they were giving Automate a fair bit of trouble, but it clearly wasn't doing much. Automate was truly at a disadvantage, noting that the axe Applejack had, he couldn't absorb it or upgrade himself with it. He tried to take the rest of Technorg's arm, but Technorg was being extra careful, making sure to keep his distance as the mechamorph tried to find a way to make himself stronger. Soon enough, though, things were getting exhausting, but Automate was clearly still capable.

Applejack gritted her teeth and stamped the ground. "This varmint's slippery, like a wet bar of soap soaked in grease! I can't hit them!" Applejack remarked, frustrated by the mechamorph's continued evasion. The sweat drenching her face was making things hard to see, and it was becoming more and more difficult to keep her axe up. "That human better have some kind of plan, we're runnin' out of stamina 'ere!" Applejack stated, her breathing was becoming exasperated.

Automate swung wildly, knocking the Detrovite and the pony back, causing them to crash and skid against the wall. They collapsed, and as Automate moved forward, he saw the Vreedle marching forward, clutching two strange contraptions in his hands. Applejack and Technorg looked at the Vreedle, seeing him smile was reassuring, but also confusing. "I'll take it from here, you lot go back to the castle." The Vreedle stated.

Applejack wanted to say something and object, but The Vreedle just looked at her, almost in a knowing way. "Don't worry, if anything happens, I'll bounce back. It always happened during most missions I've had on the job, and off the books. If aliens haven't killed me yet, I doubt they will now, especially not some carbon copycat takin' Malware's schtick." The Vreedle reassured, or tried to.

Automate stood still, watching the Vreedle approach him, clutching a couple items in each of his hands. "And I see you made a horrible mistake, assuming I'm anything like that broken pile of wasted life code. Where others called him a subspecies, I am the true picture of what a mechamorph subspecies is capable of! Now, kindly die by my hands!" Automate blustered.

Applejack slowly got to her hooves, but she was too weak to move. All she could do was duck behind a nearby stand, abandoned in the midst of the chaos. "Ah hope this odd little plan of yours works partner, otherwise all of Equestria's gettin' sent up the creek." Applejack muttered to herself.

[Ben 10 Dimension]

[Galvan Prime]

Jetray flies down onto the planet, landing onto the ground carefully as he transforms back into Ben. Before any of the Galvan residents could properly see the alien hero, he was carefully, but immediately sprinting towards the huge tower, the one sporting the same hourglass emblem as his watch. He tried to be careful, as to not hurt anyone, or break anything, and was dead-set on getting some help, help that only the creator of the Omnitrix could give him.

Ben entered the building, immediately activating the Omnitrix again, transforming into a ghostly form, one that was a pale off-white color with a single green eye, dressed in gray cuffs and green chains, with the Omnitrix being fixated onto the ghostly creature's chest, holding those chains together. Ben called this form, Ghostfreak. Ghostfreak made no time for pleasantries as he phased through the floors, moving upwards as he made his way to the top.

Ghostfreak stopped moving upwards and moved forward, coming across a huge metal door, once again brandishing the same emblem that the Omnitrix had. Ghostfreak tapped the Omnitrix and transformed himself back into Ben, and walked inside as the doors opened up for him. The lab was filled with numerous Galvan, each one working overtime on various machines and running calculations on various smaller machines. Ben was more fixated on one Galvan, one that looked older than the rest, the Galvan he needed to see.

The Galvan had various whisker-like tendrils growing from their face, and the armored robes he wore, colored in black and green, held together by pieces of silver metal, he was called the first thinker for a reason, and that reason has given him more than his fair share of grief and mayhem. The various Galvan watched as Ben walked up to the esteemed Galvan, who seemed unaware of his presence. Ben crouched down and opened his mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by the esteemed Galvan.

The Galvan turned around and looked at Ben, unimpressed. "Benjamin Tennyson, I assume your friends, as well as your grandfather's here with you?" The Galvan inquired.

Ben frowned. "I'm here on my own accord, and I come alone, Azmuth. Let's cut our usual back and forth for the moment and get to why I'm here. I need your help, I need to find someone who's gone missing." Ben stated.

Azmuth looked at Ben, mildly puzzled. "You need my help, not with anything pertaining to the Omnitrix, but for a missing person's case? I'd much rather work on the Omnitrix than waste my resources on someone not worth my time. Go and ask Chadzmuth, that's more in-line with his profession than it is mine." Azmuth stated.

Ben gritted his teeth, his expression became more like that of agitation. "Azmuth, this is more in-line with your work than you think. After all, Vilgax wouldn't've been involved in all of this if someone didn't make another copy of your Omnitrix, something he wanted for himself, most likely for his latest scheme! That bootleg Omnitrix got strapped to a kid, and that kid was a plumber cadet, they, along with that bootleg, are gone without a trace!" Silence soon filled the room, with Azmuth seeming surprised, but also seemed to be filled with an emotion that he couldn't quite name. "Everyone thinks they're dead, but I don't buy it, they're out there in the universe, somewhere, and they don't have the means to get back here! That bootleg is still an Omnitrix, and that watch is your responsibility, so kindly take me serious about this, and help me find them!" Ben argued, his voice rising in volume.

Azmuth stared at Ben, seeing the grit, the determination, the will to do what's right, something he saw back when he first met him as a boy. However, he did also see a burning sense of shame, something he saw when Ben Tennyson relinquished the Omnitrix to be in Vilgax's hands a few years back.

Azmuth mulled over on everything Ben had said, and couldn't help but wonder. "It's not the Nemetrix, is it? Albedo didn't somehow lose the Ultimatrix either?" Azmuth asked, wanting to confirm.

Ben shook his head, his agitation slowly dissipating. "It wasn't either of them. It was some kind of mock-version of the prototype you made all that time ago. It had one white tube, two buttons, and a black dial. It looked like someone gave up mid-way on completing a replica of the prototype, but it seemed too intentional." Ben explained, trying to describe the bootleg Omnitrix device the best he could.

Azmuth closed his eyes and tried to think hard about such a device, and while he could easily imagine something like that, something with shoddy craftsmanship, but excellent detail specifically, it was a rather odd combination of details. "And you said that they disappeared without a trace?" Azmuth asked.

Ben nodded. "There was a lot going on at the time. That cadet saved me from being turned into paste, but I think it cost him his life. When that bootleg ended up on him, in some way or another, that watch must've had a fail-safe, like how the Definitive Omnitrix does. It must've saved him, but then they vanished before anything could be done. I tried countless times to try and find that watch's energy signature, but everything I tried came up as a failure. Gwen even got a hold of his badge, as well as his phone, but even with two items to track, she couldn't find anything." Ben explained, a sense of shame washing over him again.

Azmuth walked over to Ben and began to examine the Omnitrix. "Seems like you've been busy, very busy," Azmuth cycled through the Omnitrix's various transformations, only to soon come across Wallflyer's icon. "Well, this is quite the discovery. I wasn't expecting to see such a magic-rich species today, especially within the Omnitrix. That would explain the complications you've been having with locating this missing cadet, as well as that Omnitrix knock-off that he ended up stuck with, the natural flux of magic this creature has is causing minor hiccups in the Omnitrix's system, no wonder your efforts have been fruitless. Where did you get the sample for this transformation, if I may ask?" Azmuth inquired.

Ben raised an eyebrow and noticed Wallflyer's icon. "Oh, you mean the Changeling? There were these bipedal horse-fly alien dudes that the cadet knew, in one bad way, and in another surprising turn of events. I'll have to send you a copy of his personal files, you can judge for yourself when you read it. I hadn't seen anything like them, and apparently neither did the Omnitrix. Wallflyer can shapeshift with the use of magic, fly, and eat emotions. I'm not even gonna lie, that last power sounds so interesting, even if it sounds very ridiculous." Ben remarked, a small smile forming on his face.

Azmuth looked to the six green square patterns on the side of the Omnitrix, and began to press on them in a sequential order. The Omnitrix brought up a hologram of Wallflyer, and Azmuth moved the icon over to a separate terminal. The terminal whirred and came to life as Azmuth typed away, numerous holographic screens spawned around him and Ben, all the while several images of a dark, decrepit and near-lifeless world were shown. "Okay, that's terrifying, what is that place?" Ben asked, a little surprised by the wasteland he saw in the images.

Azmuth scratched his chin and looked towards Ben. "This is apparently their home planet. Equus-IVG. I'm not sure where this could be, as the data indicates that it's within your Milky Way Galaxy. I also find that to be impossible, as I've never seen or heard of a planet such as this," Azmuth looked back at the terminal, typing something in as it shuts down. "One theory I do have, however, is that the Omnitrix bootleg the cadet is stuck with, it unintentionally brought these Changelings to our world, and vice-versa, it brought your cadet to their home world by mistake. I'm uncertain if he's still alive, but perhaps this is a chance to learn something, something I've been meaning to learn for a while. I'll give the Omnitrix an update I've been meaning to give for a while now, and this is the perfect time for it." Azmuth remarked in a cryptic fashion.

Ben looked puzzled, raising an eyebrow as Azmuth walked over to a small holographic keypad, typing away as he pressed one final button, causing the Omnitrix to flash green, then glow with a pink-ish light. "A new update has been installed. Arcane Protocol has been properly integrated within Omnitrix system. Changeling DNA Sample has been categorized in the Sorcerer Playlist." The Omnitrix indicated.

Ben was surprised, but still confused. "I've been wanting to give the Omnitrix that update a long time ago, especially after the incident that made me into a To'Kustar. This will allow the Omnitrix to properly gain the samples of magical creatures, and treat their magic-based abilities as biological traits, rather than foreign or malicious data that can cause unforeseen glitches in the Omnitrix's programming. Now, go find that boy and give me some data to work with!" Azmuth stated.

Ben snapped out of his surprised state and nodded. In a flash of light, Ben transformed into Ghostfreak and phased out of the nearby window, only to transform into Jetray, and fly back into space.

Azmuth looked to the other Galvan that had watched everything transpire, and merely smiled. "It's alright everyone, this is just another normal day for Galvan Prime. Everyone take a break and think about what you saw, we have a lot of work to do." Azmuth remarked.

[Canterlot Streets]

The Vreedle charged forward, roaring out an aggressive guttural yell as he and Automate fought. They brawled hard, the severity of the situation made them feel like they were fighting for eternity. The Vreedle knew his punches were connecting and causing the mechamorph to stagger, but physical strength was obviously not the play here, and he knew that, he was trying to stall, or keep the mechamorph's attention on him.

The two soon ended up in the quiet and empty streets of Canterlot, and the Vreedle soon stopped punching and immediately started running to the grassy plains. "C'mon, you freaky piece of scrap! Ya want the Omnitrix, don't cha? Then come try and take it!" The Vreedle called out, taunting the Mechamorph as it gave chase.

Automate roared out in frustration, giving chase to the transformed plumber. The Vreedle reached into his pocket and pulled out the thing he made, smirking as he came to a stop, standing amidst a lush grassy green field. Automate didn't stop running, but the Vreedle was hoping for exactly that. In a quick move, he thrust his hand forward, pushing and burying the thing he created inside of Automate, then rolled to the side, hearing the Altnetrix's timer begin to reach its end. "You fool, you tried to blow me to smithereens!? You only doomed this world further! Once I get ahold of the Omnitrix, you and this backwater world will finally know what it's like to be imprisoned!" Automate blustered.

The Vreedle smirked, and soon burst out in a fit of laughter. Automate was taken aback by the sudden reaction. "You're laughing? I'm on the verge of victory, victory that will mean the enslavement, the entrapment, and the complete terraforming of this planet and its moon to make into my own empire, and you're laughing!? Have you gone mad, Ben Tennyson?!" Automate remarked.

The Vreedle got up, just as he was enveloped in a flash of white light, and revealed Scott Baristo. "Sorry to burst your mechanical bubble, paly, but I'm not Ben Tennyson, and this isn't the Omnitrix. You've been had, you got played like a fiddle, and without you even knowing, I cut your strings and threw them in an incinerator! Feel free to try and absorb that bomb I lodged into your body, I doubt it'll help you, though." Scott remarked.

Automate did try to absorb the bomb, but nothing happened. It was still stuck to them, practically stuck within them. They tried to remove it and absorb it again, but couldn't. "What... what is this!? It's a bomb, consisting of technology! Why can't I absorb it, what did you do!? Answer me, you pitiful human!" Automate demanded.

Scott smiled. "Simple. I wasn't exactly sure what my Vreedle form could do, but explosives seem to be quite the familiar topic. If I had to guess, I used Bombadier to cobble together some of the stuff you couldn't add to your nanite-body. It was too primitive, and judging by the crystals, you most likely don't react well to magic, so this ought to be fun, in a strange circumstantial way," Scott pulled out the trigger for the bomb, resting his thumb gently on the button.

Automate stared at the human, seeing the trigger in his hands brought him to a stop. "Ya know, I should be scared for what I'm about to do, but I have so much on my plate that I need to figure out already, and dealing with a rogue mechamorph is not on the list of things I need to deal with. So, forgive me when I say, that I don't need some rogue, psychotic mechamorph causing trouble for good people that did nothing to warrant your rage, or sudden mass-murder spree! Prepare to be at the epicenter for the first magical EMP, and don't worry, if I ever find a way back home, I'll make sure there's a nice electro-magnetic cell waiting for you when you wake up again." Scott remarked.

Automate lunged at Scott, and Scott, without a moment's hesitation, rolled out of the way and clicked the button, causing the bomb lodged in Automate's chest area to begin glowing. Scott looked at Automate, smirking. "Hasta la vista!" Scott said with a smug grin, running away from Automate at full sprint, right towards the kingdom of Canterlot.

Automate tried to give chase, but soon felt the bomb sparking. The mechamorph tried to remove the bomb, but it was practically stuck to him. Automate roared out, crying out in a rage, but also out of terror. They tried to tear their self open to remove the bomb, but their nanites continued to close up the wounds they inflicted on themselves. "Curse you, Scott Baristo! One day, I will return, and your Omnitrix device will be mine! You will rue the day you got one over on me!!" Automate exclaimed out in a rage.

A bright flash soon encompassed Automate, their final scream of horror dying out amidst the sparkling and crackling explosion of light. Electrical sparks crackled throughout the sky, attracting the attention of nearby pegasi as the light soon died down. Automate was still in the same place he stood, trying to rip himself open, only for it to fail. His body was now comprised of a red stone-like material, and it covered his body entirely, as if he was turned into a statue.

Scott looked back at Automate's stone body, then looked towards the castle. "Well, that's one problem solved. I better talk to the princesses and let them know the issue's been resolved." Scott told himself.

Scott ran through the streets, all while Automate's statue rested in the field, motionless and devoid of any signs of life.

[Throne Room]

Several guards had been gathered, tons of them lined up as Scott burst through the door. Scott was about to speak, until his words were caught in his throat, bearing witness to a truly saddening sight. A few caskets were now present in the room, each with a picture of a fallen guard, or a fallen citizen on each cover. Celestia and Luna looked towards Scott, and he stepped forward, the air was thick with tension, and though he hated the very thought, he felt as if this could've been prevented, maybe if he knew sooner, he could've stopped things before they escalated.

Scott stepped in-between the princesses, closing his eyes as he attempted to hold himself back. "I'm sincerely sorry for your loss, your Highnesses. I know the Plumbers have suffered great losses in the past, there was a certain time where death was like a plague, and nothing could stop it. It was a purge, a purge created by a nasty group of people known as the Forever Knights," Celestia and Luna looked down at Scott, a sense of sadness and dread coursed through him. "Innocent humans and aliens lost their lives in that incident, but with Ben Tennyson's help, it's through knowing that we're still here, we'll keep going for them, even when they're long gone, and someday, we'll avenge them. That's how I looked at it, and not many liked or shared my perspective, mainly for how grim it was, but justice comes for those who think themselves above it, and Automate thought themselves above everything." Scott iterated.

Celestia reached a hoof out, placing it on his shoulder, as did Luna. "Hardships are a part of life, Scott Baristo. I fear that with the sudden attack and escape of this 'Automate' monster, his defeat will be a calling card to more dangerous individuals in the future. I have no right to ask you this, as you are not one of my subjects, but I fear that Equestria might be in more danger than previously prophesized," Celestia looked to Luna, and they both knelt down to Scott. "Scott Baristo, wielder of the device you call the Altnetrix, will you stay in Equestria, just for a little while longer, and keep the realm safe from these Extraterrestrial threats?" Celestia asked.

Scott was hesitant to answer that question, but knew it was gonna be quite the regret to hold on his shoulders if he left, especially since they were counting on him. The human sighed and looked to the Altnetrix. "I'd like to discuss this with a couple other parties before I make my final decision, is that alright?" Scott asked.

Celestia and Luna nodded. "Do you have any possible candidates for discussion?" Luna inquired.

Scott thought about it, and did have a couple individuals in mind.

[Ben 10 Dimension]

[Baumann's Market]

By the time Ben had gone back to Earth, nightfall had draped over Bellwood, and he was about to finally get his answer on Scott's disappearance. Ben walked into the back, and moved over to where Scott had vanished. He fiddled around with the Omnitrix and soon waved it around, finally picking up something. "Unknown Omni-Energy signature detected." The Omnitrix chirped.

"Can you track it?" Ben inquired.

"Scanning..." The Omnitrix began to whir, letting a bright green scanner move across the room. The scanner moved back and forth, constantly collecting samples of the residual energy in the area. The scanner soon dissipated and the Omnitrix blinked. "Scan complete. Unknown Omni-Energy signature has traversed this dimension, and into a parallel dimension tied to another universe." The Omnitrix chirped.

Ben was shocked and surprised, but was at least relieved that he was alive. "Can you give me the numeral designation for the dimension?" Ben inquired.

"ERROR. Dimensional location cannot be accurately pin-pointed. Unknown energy influx seems to be conflicting with recent update to Omnitrix systems." The Omnitrix chirped.

Ben was confused, but at least he has a proper idea for what has transpired now. 'So, the cadet's in another dimension, tied to another universe. That certainly narrows down the search in my home dimension, but that casts an even wider net, a bit too wide than I'd like to admit. Don't worry, Scott, we'll find you.' Ben thought.

Author's Note

A fair bit of development has occurred, even if it isn't much in retrospect. But, at least I got this chapter done. Next one will be an Epilogue, and this story'll properly kick off from there.

Here's a basic explanation for the stuff Ben had added to the Omnitrix.

Arcane Protocol - It's a new feature that allows the Omnitrix to now recognize Magic as a biological trait, rather than foreign/malicious data.

The Sorcerer Playlist - Something that was added alongside the Arcane Protocol. It's a playlist entirely dedicated to the more magic-based transformations (i.e. Anodites, Dragons, Changelings, etc.)

NOTE: The Altnetrix won't get these upgrades/updates for a sole reason that I won't elaborate on at this time.

Also, finally, this three-parter is done. All I need to do is the epilogue, and I can take a break for the next couple minutes.