---
Chapter 15: The Forbidden Window
Inside a dark cave in a deserted region of Ben's original world, the howling wind echoed outside as Kevin carefully moved forward, holding a glowing energy dagger to light the way.
Gwen followed closely behind, clutching an old device she was trying to reboot.
Everything about this place felt strangely familiar… as if they had been here before.
Gwen (nervously):
"This cave… I think it was one of the original Omnitrix testing sites. Before Azmuth decided to hide the data."
Kevin (sarcastically):
"So we're searching for Ben in the same places he always tried to avoid?"
Suddenly—
The device let out a sharp beep and displayed a flickering image of Ben mid-transformation, surrounded by a surge of black energy.
Gwen (shocked):
"This image… it's recent! This isn't an old recording!"
Kevin:
"Then we've got a lead. There's a chance—however small—that we can still reach him."
They moved deeper into the cave until they reached a massive stone platform. At its center was a "Temporal Window"—a circular void pulsing with purple and green sparks of energy.
Gwen (whispering):
"This isn't just a gate… it's a prototype dimensional rift. I think it reacts directly to the Omnitrix's energy."
She placed her hand on the control panel and began adjusting the frequencies. After a few moments, the window flickered and displayed a brief glimpse:
Ben standing in a crumbling, alien city.
A massive shadow loomed behind him, formless and dark.
Then the image vanished.
Kevin:
"That's not our world. That place… it's far. Really far."
Gwen:
"What's strange is… the energy powering this portal—it's coming from there, not here."
They exchanged a tense glance before Gwen finally said with resolve:
"One week. We have one week to charge the equipment. If we don't reach him by then… we'll lose him forever."
The chapter ends with a silent scene of Azmuth observing through a monitor, his eyes filled with hesitation.
Beside him, a small black energy orb floated above a glass table, pulsing slowly—almost like it was alive.
---