In DC/Young Justice with the Omnitrix/Ultimatrix and a Chat Group

The sirens fade into the distance as I step away from the window. My reflection in the glass catches me off guard again - white hair, red eyes, a stranger's face that is now mine.

I take a deep breath and focus. Panicking won't help. I need to be methodical about this situation.

I explore the apartment systematically. The kitchen is stocked with basic supplies - enough food for a few days.

The bedroom contains clothes that fit me perfectly, as if someone knew exactly what I would need. In the bathroom cabinet, I find toiletries and a first aid kit.

Whoever set this up was thorough.

The living room holds a small bookshelf with titles ranging from Gotham history to advanced physics - knowledge that might prove useful.

There's also a television, which I turn on immediately to get a better sense of this world.

The news plays footage of the aftermath of Joker's latest escape from Arkham. The reporter mentions that Batman was spotted pursuing him through the Narrows, but both disappeared before police arrived.

"So Batman exists," I confirm quietly. "And the Joker's on the loose. Perfect."

I switch channels, absorbing information about this version of Gotham. It seems to align with the comic book universe I'm familiar with, though I can't yet determine which specific timeline or continuity.

A breaking news alert interrupts the program: "Armed robbery in progress at Gotham National Bank. Police are advising citizens to avoid the area."

The bank is only a few blocks from my apartment. I move to the window again and can see flashing police lights in the distance.

My first instinct is to help, to use the Ultimatrix, but I hesitate. I don't know this world's rules yet. Batman might not appreciate another powered individual in his city.

The police certainly wouldn't welcome a stranger with alien abilities.

"Not tonight," I decide reluctantly. "I need to learn more before I expose myself."

Instead, I return to exploring the apartment, searching for any clues about why I'm here or what my "unique objective" might be.

In the desk drawer, I find a leather-bound journal with blank pages and a pen. Perhaps I should document my experiences, keep track of what I learn.

I sit at the desk and begin writing, recording everything that's happened since I woke up in the forest. The bear attack. The transformation. Finding Gotham.

Though I leave out my otherworldly status and the existence of the Omniversal Observation System specifically.

I still write about the three other participants in it - it helps me think.

As I write about Azula, Light, and Aizen, I'm also careful not to include anything that would reveal my knowledge of their futures.

If this journal ever fell into the wrong hands, or if the System somehow shared its contents, that information could be dangerous.

I pause, tapping the pen against the paper. What's my objective here? Why Gotham specifically? Why these three connections?

The Ultimatrix pulses softly on my wrist, but offers no answers.

A knock at the door startles me. I freeze, instantly alert. Who would be visiting at this hour? Who even knows I'm here?

Cautiously, I approach the door and look through the peephole. An elderly man stands in the hallway, holding what appears to be a covered dish.

I open the door slightly, chain still in place. "Yes?"

"Good evening," the man says with a warm smile. "I'm Harold Finch, your neighbor from 3A. I saw the light on and thought I'd welcome you to the building." He holds up the dish.

"Lasagna. Moving day is always exhausting, and I thought you might appreciate a home-cooked meal."

I study him carefully. He seems genuinely friendly, but in Gotham, appearances can be deceiving. Still, I need to establish some normalcy, build a cover.

"That's very kind of you, Mr. Finch," I say, removing the chain and opening the door wider. "I'm Samael. Samael Morningstar."

"Unusual name," he comments, handing me the dish. "Unusual appearance too, if you don't mind my saying so. Very striking."

I touch my white hair self-consciously. "Genetic condition," I answer smoothly - it's technically not a lie. "Been this way since I came into this world."

"Well, it suits you," he says kindly. "Where are you from, Mr. Morningstar?"

I hesitate, then decide on a vague truth. "I've moved around a lot. Most recently from... upstate."

"Ah, seeking the excitement of the big city, then?" He chuckles. "Though Gotham offers perhaps more excitement than most people want. Especially these days."

"I've heard," I say carefully. "The Joker's escape was on the news."

Finch nods gravely. "Third time this year. The Batman always catches him eventually, but not before..." He trails off, then shakes his head.

"Well, you didn't come to Gotham for doom and gloom. What brings you here? Work?"

"I'm... looking for a job at the moment," I say, realizing I need to figure out a cover story quickly. "To be exact - looking for opportunities."

"What field, if you don't mind my asking?"

I think fast. What skills do I have that would be useful in Gotham? "Science," I say, drawing on my knowledge of what I can do with the Ultimatrix. "Specifically advanced technology research."

"Interesting," Finch says. "You might want to check out Wayne Enterprises or S.T.A.R. Labs. They're always looking for bright minds." He steps back.

"Well, I won't keep you any longer. Enjoy the lasagna, and welcome to the building, Mr. Morningstar."

"Thank you, Mr. Finch. I appreciate the welcome."

After he leaves, I examine the lasagna carefully before deciding it's safe to eat. It's delicious, and I realize how hungry I am. As I eat, I contemplate my next steps.

I need income. I need to learn more about this specific version of Gotham. I need to understand what the Omniversal Observation System wants from me.

And I need to be extremely careful with the Ultimatrix - in a city with Batman, any alien activity will quickly draw attention.

After finishing the meal, I return to the journal, adding notes about potential employment at Wayne Enterprises or S.T.A.R. Labs. Both would give me access to resources and information, though both would also put me under scrutiny.

I set down the pen and look at the Ultimatrix on my wrist. I've been making too many assumptions about how it works based on what I think I know. It's time to get concrete answers.

"Ultimatrix," I say, keeping my voice low. "I need to understand your capabilities more thoroughly. What functions do you currently have available?"

The device pulses with soft red light as the cool female voice responds:

"Primary function: Alien transformation capability. Secondary functions include: communication interface, basic biological analysis, self-defense protocols, and limited environmental adaptation."

"What about scanning new alien DNA?" I ask.

"Scan function is currently locked," the Ultimatrix responds. "This limitation is part of the soul-binding protocol that differentiates this unit from standard models."

That's interesting. "So you can't acquire new transformations from aliens in this universe?"

"Negative. Current configuration is fixed based on pre-existing template."

"How many alien transformations do I have access to right now?"

"Ten alien forms are currently unlocked and available for use."

I nod, recalling the options I'd seen earlier. "XLR8, Graymatter, Ghostfreak, Humungousaur, Chromastone, Spidermonkey, Rath, Heatblast, Wildvine, and Terraspin, correct?"

"Affirmative. Those are the ten currently accessible transformations."

I hesitate before asking my next question. "About Ghostfreak... is that transformation safe to use? In the stories I know, Ghostfreak was actually a sentient being called Zs'skayr who could take control of the user."

The Ultimatrix pulses twice, then three times in rapid succession. I notice a slight change in the tone of its voice when it responds - more formal, almost cautious.

"Warning: The Ghostfreak transformation contains the consciousness of Zs'skayr, which is currently suppressed by security protocols.

The physical form is available for use, but the consciousness remains dormant within."

My blood runs cold. "So Zs'skayr is actually in there? His consciousness is inside the Ultimatrix?"

"Affirmative. The consciousness of Zs'skayr is contained within the Ghostfreak transformation matrix but is currently locked behind multiple security barriers."

"What would happen if those barriers failed?" I ask, already dreading the answer.

"If security protocols were compromised, Zs'skayr would attempt to seize control of the host body.

Current analysis indicates he would be capable of completely devouring your consciousness and soul if your spiritual defenses were insufficient."

I swallow hard. "And what would make my 'spiritual defenses' insufficient?"

"Extended use of the Ghostfreak form would gradually weaken the barriers between your consciousness and Zs'skayr's.

Additionally, moments of extreme emotional distress, physical weakness, or spiritual vulnerability would create opportunities for Zs'skayr to challenge the containment protocols."

"So basically, I should never use this transformation."

"Usage is not recommended without significant strengthening of your soul's integrity.

However, if your soul were to reach sufficient strength and stability, you could potentially access the Ghostfreak form without risk of possession."

"And how exactly would I strengthen my soul?" I ask skeptically.

"Soul strengthening occurs through various means: overcoming significant personal challenges, forging powerful emotional connections, achieving spiritual enlightenment, or mastering other aspects of the Ultimatrix."

The Ultimatrix pauses, then continues: "Additionally, analysis of your genetic structure reveals partial Anodite heritage."

"Anodite?" I repeat, surprised. "I have Anodite DNA?"

"Affirmative.

Approximately 25% of your genetic structure contains Anodite markers. Anodites are beings of pure energy capable of manipulating mana - the fundamental energy of life and magic.

Tapping into and developing these latent abilities would significantly strengthen your soul's integrity."

This is unexpected news. I had no idea I had alien heritage, let alone from a species of energy beings. "How would I even begin to access these... Anodite powers?"

"Anodite abilities typically manifest through intense emotional states or in response to danger.

Meditation, focused energy manipulation exercises, and gradual practice can help develop conscious control.

As your mastery grows, so will your soul's strength and resilience."

I shake my head, trying to process this revelation. "What would happen if Zs'skayr did take control? Just how powerful is he?"

"Zs'skayr, particularly as King of the Ectonurites, possesses an immense connection to the Ledger Domain, the source of all magic.

This connection grants him reality-altering capabilities on a universal scale when fully manifested.

With access to your body and the Ultimatrix, he would gain the means to fully manifest his powers in this dimension."

"Universal scale?" I repeat, genuinely alarmed. "He could alter reality across an entire universe?"

"Affirmative. Zs'skayr's full capabilities are rarely witnessed or documented, as few beings survive such encounters.

His connection to the Ledger Domain gives him access to fundamental magical forces that can rewrite the basic laws of existence."

I sit back, stunned by this revelation. "So I have a potential universe-ending threat locked inside this watch, and all that's keeping it contained is some security protocols and my own soul?"

"That is an accurate assessment of the situation."

"Fantastic," I mutter sarcastically. "Are there other significant differences between the aliens I have access to and what I might expect based on... common knowledge?"

The Ultimatrix pulses again. "All transformations represent baseline capabilities of their species.

However, notable variations exist.

Chromastone possesses energy manipulation abilities beyond standard documentation.

Wildvine has deeper connections to planetary biospheres than typically understood.

Humungousaur's growth potential exceeds commonly recorded limits."

I run a hand through my white hair, processing this information. "So I shouldn't rely on what I think I know about these forms. They could be more powerful - or have different limitations - than I expect."

"That is a reasonable assessment."

"What about time limits? How long can I maintain a transformation?"

"Under standard conditions, transformations can be maintained for approximately 20 minutes before automatic reversion.

This limitation exists because transformations draw directly on your soul energy."

"My soul energy?" I ask, surprised by this explanation.

"Affirmative. The soul-binding nature of this unit means transformations utilize your soul's energy as a power source.

Mental fatigue is a common side effect of prolonged transformation.

As you strengthen your soul and become more familiar with each form, energy consumption will decrease, allowing for extended transformation periods."

"And recharge time between transformations?"

"Standard recharge time is 5 minutes. This period allows your soul energy to replenish. This can be reduced through practice, familiarity with specific forms, and overall strengthening of your soul's capacity."

I nod, taking mental notes. "Is there anything else I should know? Weaknesses, limitations, special features?"

"This unit cannot be removed from your person by conventional means due to the soul-binding.

Transformations retain your base consciousness and memories, but instinctual behaviors of each species may influence decision-making.

Transformation DNA data is in the device itself and not connected to Primus. Mastery requires both physical adaptation and mental discipline."

"Good to know I don't need to worry about that planet," I mutter to myself.

"What about the Master Control? Is that available?" I continue to ask

"Master Control is currently locked. Unlocking requires specific evolutionary triggers and mastery demonstrations."

I lean back in my chair, contemplating all this new information. The Ultimatrix is both more limited and potentially more dangerous than I initially assumed.

I can't scan new aliens until the function is unlocked, but the ones I have access to might have capabilities beyond what I expected.

And I'm apparently carrying around a consciousness that could potentially destroy an entire universe if it broke free.

On top of that, I apparently also have alien heritage myself - Anodite DNA that could potentially help me strengthen my soul and gain better control of the Ultimatrix.

"Thank you for the information," I say finally. "One last question - can you detect other Ultimatrix or Omnitrix devices?"

"Negative. This unit exists in isolation and cannot detect similar devices. However, if such devices existed in proximity, mutual interference would be likely."

That's useful to know. At least I don't have to worry about Ben Tennyson or Albedo showing up - or if they did exist in this universe, I at least know not to rely on the Ultimatrix for it wouldn't alert me to their presence.

I close the journal and secure it in the desk drawer, making a mental note to never use the Ghostfreak transformation.

The risk is simply too great, especially while I'm still finding my footing in this new reality.

The Ultimatrix suddenly beeps softly. I look down to see a message scrolling across its display:

"WARNING: UNKNOWN ENERGY SIGNATURE DETECTED. PROXIMITY ALERT."

I tense, moving to the window. "What kind of energy signature?"

"ANALYSIS INCOMPLETE. ENERGY PATTERN CONTAINS SOLAR RADIATION ABSORPTION MARKERS AND BIOLOGICAL ENHANCEMENT SIGNATURES. ENTITY APPROACHING RAPIDLY."

I dim the lights and watch the sky. A streak of red and blue passes overhead, moving too fast for normal human eyes to track clearly, but my enhanced senses catch it.

"He's not stopping," I observe with relief. Just passing through, then.

"Can you identify what that was?" I ask the Ultimatrix.

"Negative. This unit has no reference database for lifeforms native to this universe. However, energy readings suggest a highly evolved biological entity with solar energy manipulation capabilities."

Superman, I think to myself. The Ultimatrix doesn't recognize him, but that description fits the Man of Steel perfectly. 

As the night grows later, exhaustion finally catches up with me.

The day's events - waking in the forest, the bear attack, discovering Gotham, the Observation System - have taken their toll.

I need rest if I'm going to face whatever tomorrow brings.

I check that the apartment door is securely locked, then prepare for bed. As I lay down, I keep the Ultimatrix within easy reach, just in case.

"System," I say to the empty room, "if you're listening, if this is all some elaborate test... I'd appreciate some clearer instructions."

No response comes, of course. Whatever force brought me here, whatever the Observation System wants, I'm on my own to figure it out.

As I drift toward sleep, my thoughts turn to Azula, Light, and Aizen. Are they also lying awake, contemplating their strange new connection? Are they planning, scheming, trying to gain advantage? 

I have knowledge they don't know I possess.

I know Azula's eventual breakdown, Light's fatal miscalculation, Aizen's imprisonment. But knowledge of fictional narratives may not translate perfectly to these now-real individuals.

I can't rely solely on what I think I know.

My last thought before sleep claims me is a simple resolution: Observe. Learn. Adapt. Survive.

Tomorrow, I begin my life in Gotham City.

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(Author note: Hope you all enjoyed!

I also hope I showed what a calmer Samael would have been more capable of.

Do please tell me how you found it and I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)