I do not own the Ben Ten franchise.

I love Ben and Azmuth, and exploring their relationship is a lot of fun to me. I think you can expect more stories about those two from me in the future, but for now I hope this chapter wraps up this one-shot collection nicely. Until my return, maaaaybe someone might want to try their hand at writing a Ben and Azmuth fic? *she says with a hopeful smile*

(On a side note: I'm cool with the Ben 10 reboot so far, but if they cut out Azmuth as a character I shall be a very upset cartoon maniac)

I want to thank you all for reading and reviewing. Your comments mean a lot and I really appreciate them.

Until next time, AnimationNut out. Peace!

An Unsurpassable Union

As Ben attempted to study through his notes for calculus, his efforts were hindered slightly by the small, balled-up pieces of candy wrappers tossed in his direction. Scowling, he looked up from his binder with a glare. "Kevin, knock it off!"

"I'm just trying to keep you awake," Kevin said innocently, reaching into the package for another piece of candy. "This stuff normally puts you to sleep."

Gwen looked up from her own textbook to look at her boyfriend with amusement. The two were visiting Bellwood for the weekend and the girl was assisting her cousin with any questions he had about the material. Kevin tagged along and wasn't providing much help for the brunette.

"Kev, let him study. You know this is a miracle. Don't spoil it."

Rolling his eyes, Ben got to his feet. "I'm going to make some brain-food."

"I think you need a brain for that," quipped Kevin.

"Don't be infantile."

Though Ben seemed oblivious to what he had just said, his two friends were not. They managed to keep their laughter contained until he left the bedroom. "Oh my gosh, he sounded exactly like Azmuth!" snickered Kevin. "He got the glare down-pat and everything!"

"Does that surprise you?" asked Gwen with a grin.

"Nope. But it's hilarious."

Glancing at the work sheets and study material laid out on Ben's mattress, Gwen remarked, "He never cared about school. He hated it. He'd pass just so his parents wouldn't be on him. He definitely wouldn't be studying a week before his exam, not like he is now."

Kevin sat up from his lax position on the floor and said knowingly, "He met Azmuth."

"Yeah. I think Azmuth is sometimes too hard on him, but…it works. And Ben cares about his opinion as much as he cares about Grandpa's. That's saying a lot."

"We're just chopped liver, as usual," drawled Kevin.

Gwen turned Ben's computer chair around so she could lightly kick the raven-haired teen in the side. "He cares about our opinion too. Just in a different way. We're his age, so of course he's not going to take us seriously when he talk to him about school. But Azmuth has high expectations and Ben hates it when he doesn't meet those expectations. He brings out the best in Ben's abilities."

Idly rolling a sugar-stained yellow wrapper between his fingers, Kevin remarked, "When the two had their massive fight, I honestly thought it would be the end of their relationship. I felt bad for a while. If I hadn't agreed to try and hack the Omnitrix, none of that junk would have gone down."

"You know Ben would have found a way," returned Gwen. "It's not your fault."

"I know that now. I just remember the look on Azmuth's face when he realized what Ben had done to save the Ultimate forms. It was pure awe. Like he couldn't believe Ben had willingly sacrificed himself to save aliens that shouldn't have existed in the first place. They never really outright said that they were past the whole hacking incident, but…"

"We just knew," finished Gwen with a soft smile. "The way they looked at each other. They have a knack for communicating without saying a word."

"Everything felt right again." Kevin made a face. "Is that weird?"

"No. I get what you mean. Ever since Ben met him six years ago, it was as if something intangible clicked between them. Like they were always meant to meet."

Pounding feet on the stairs signalled Ben's oncoming arrival and soon the brunette appeared back in his bedroom, a bowl of steaming macaroni and cheese in hand. "Okay, I got brain-food. Gwen, can you quiz me?"

"Sure," agreed his cousin. "I'll write up some problems."

Resting his cheek against his knuckles, Kevin asked casually, "What grade does Azmuth expect you to get?"

"Eighty," said Ben, spooning some of his lunch into his mouth. "He wasn't happy with the sixty-five I got on my midterm." He paused and furrowed his brow. "Wait, how did you know—?"

Gwen covered her mouth to stifle her laughter as Kevin smirked. "Just a guess."

…

To this day, Max still had some reservations over Ben wielding the Omnitrix. The dangers were numerous and the close-calls he tried not to think about. But worrying was natural when you loved someone, and he never once thought about removing the device from his grandson permanently. That decision would be Ben's and Ben's alone to make. The Omnitrix was such an intricate part of him and Max could not think of anyone else better fit to have it.

He had not known what the Omnitrix was when Ben first discovered it. He only learned the whole story a few years after the fateful day Ben sought out Azmuth to prevent the Omnitrix from self-destructing. The Galvan told him that when he sent his greatest invention to Earth, it was intended for him. But Ben found it instead and the DNA was close enough for the Omnitrix to latch on.

Max was surprised by this knowledge, but laughed it off. He was much too old and by that point Ben was already well-acquainted with the alien watch. He used it with an odd sense of grace and artistry. He adapted quickly to situations, a skill that had faded with Max's increasing age. Despite his concerns, he knew the Omnitrix was safe in Ben's hands.

Azmuth knew it too. He tried to argue the point, claim that Ben was much too young to shoulder the burden. Max listened and beneath the words he detected the fear, the guilt. Max did not know what had occurred for the Galvan to self-exile himself, but he would do what he could to coax him back to mainstream society. Ben had already made enough of an impression to cause him to return to Galvan Prime. What Azmuth needed was reassurance.

The Omnitrix was the most desired weapon in the galaxy. The amount of aliens who would kill Ben to get it were immeasurable. Not only was the Omnitrix setting Ben up for potential death, it turned the child into a weapon. It wasn't until much later that Max knew the story behind Ascalon and that Azmuth's one fear in the world was leading Ben down the same dark, destructive path.

At the time, Max convinced Azmuth that Ben was young, and though he had some missteps along the way he used the Omnitrix for the sake of bringing peace and order. He was the better option and Azmuth eventually agreed.

Max was exceptionally glad he did.

Ben slowly become more responsible, accepting his wrongdoings and trying to rectify his mistakes. His ability to problem-solve and think critically were advanced for someone so young. He did not see the world in black and white. People were never solely good or solely evil. He tried not to judge before knowing facts.

But this maturation was not due only because of the Omnitrix. When Azmuth stepped into Ben's life, he brought with him a slew of lessons and wisdom that Max could not give. Life-lessons that would stay with Ben for the rest of his life and benefit him with his interactions with society. While Max was stern, Azmuth was harsh and sometimes unforgiving of Ben's lax attitude and careless mistakes. He was the only person who could force Ben to listen when he was in a stubborn mood. When the teen had his more temperamental fits, Max was not afraid to summon the Galvan for help.

Max was grateful and he took every opportunity to tell the Galvan such. Azmuth was the key character in Ben's life no one knew he needed. Max had been anxious by the fallout between them and though he tried to talk to Ben, he knew the pair were stubborn and this was something that they needed to work out on their own. They eventually did and Max was relieved. Because while Ben needed Azmuth for guidance, Azmuth needed Ben for hope.

Max would always remember the day Azmuth came to him as serious as ever.

"Thank you," the Galvan said, voice slightly tremulous with emotion. "For refusing to take possession of the Omnitrix."

He did not say anything more—he was not as sentimental as Ben was. But Max knew. Because refusing to take the Omnitrix meant Ben was the only option, and his past guilt would not allow Ben to go without guidance. Ben had freed Azmuth from his darkness and shown him the light in the universe once again.

Max smiled warmly. "You're welcome. And thank you."

He was not ashamed to admit it—Azmuth could teach Ben lessons he never could. Max was happy they had each other and he would do everything he could to keep it that way.

…

The change in personality was almost astounding.

Myaxx was unsure of what to expect when she rejoined Azmuth as his assistant. Azmuth's return to Galvan Prime was well-received and the majority of the Galvans were relieved to have him back. Azmuth kept tight-lipped of his whereabouts and in turn Myaxx kept silent. She suspected she was the only one who interacted with him once he locked himself in his protective space suit, and could only imagine the rumours that circulated upon his sudden disappearance.

The transition to a daily working life was rocky at first, with Azmuth needing to catch up on the multiple advances in Galvan technology and Myaxx needing to learn pretty much everything about Galvan culture and lifestyle. No one disputed Azmuth's return as the leader of the Galvans and as the first few months wore on, Myaxx began to realize something.

Azmuth was still blunt and harsh with his words, but not for the sake of just insulting and demeaning someone. When a mistake was made he did not gloss over it and the culprit was suitable reamed out. Myaxx quickly learned that the rough exterior and sharp tongue was just a part of Azmuth's personality. He wasn't as curt as he used to be, and though he was still impatient he managed to have a better hold on it.

She would admit to being visibly surprised when Azmuth delegated a sizeable amount of work to her. It was uncharacteristic of the egotistical alien she knew. When they had been working on the Omnitrix, there was little he was willing to let her do and he controlled every aspect that went into his greatest invention. The fact that he was giving her a portion of one of his projects meant that he trusted her, at least to some small degree.

It was a slow process, but eventually Azmuth stopped the habit of shouldering all of the responsibility. He began interacting with others, stepping out of his bubble of isolation. His optimism grew, his view on the world no longer condemning. His tone was lighter, his insults more dry than scathing.

His transformation was all because of one ten-year-old Earthling. Ben's determination to keep fighting, his devotion to saving a universe and being a hero, regardless of his Omnitrix, had struck Azmuth deeply. After spending years watching aliens attempt to destroy each other with inventions that were meant to benefit the greater good, the Galvan had given up. Ben was the hope he needed, the spark to reignite his love for science and inventing. He had not allowed Azmuth to wallow in self-pity and was probably the first person in his life to truly cut him down.

As the years wore on, Myaxx could not help but be amused. Ben and Azmuth were as different as night and day, and they didn't bother to pretend otherwise. Ben was a laidback adolescent who had yet to entirely mature, and Azmuth was a strict, centuries-old alien with little tolerance for tomfoolery. They had more than their fair share of arguments, some more volatile than others, but they always moved past their disputes eventually.

Myaxx wasn't sure what would have happened to Azmuth if Ben had not come into the picture. She's glad she'd never have to find out.

…

Tetrax had initially been surprised when he discovered Azmuth, the great creator of the Omnitrix, was a Galvan. In retrospect, he knew he really shouldn't have been so caught off-guard. Galvans were the most intellectual species in the universe, after all.

When he, Ben and the others finally located Azmuth on Xenon, he quickly doubted their ability to get him to cooperate in deactivating the Omnitrix to cease the self-destruct mode. He made it clear he wanted no part in it.

"It's none of my concern," he had said callously.

Emerald eyes hardening with disgust and resolve, the grief from the apparent death of his cousin still fresh, Ben declared, "It is now."

If Tetrax had to pinpoint a moment where Ben had caught the Galvan's attention, this perhaps might have been it. Ben was not going to let Azmuth off the hook and made his point by bashing in the bunker door and dismantling the bio-suit Azmuth had confined himself to. The boy was not going to let Azmuth run away.

But the moment where the seeds of a relationship were planted, the seeds that would eventually grow into something sturdy and unbreakable over the years, happened when Ben lectured Azmuth on the importance of seeing the good in people rather than being self-serving and selfish. It was lesson Ben himself had learned and it showed in his solemn tone of voice.

Azmuth, whose back had been to them, turned his head, and for a brief moment, their gazes locked. Tetrax could have sworn that he felt their connection snap into place, as if there was a ripple of satisfaction coursing through the universe itself. Creator and wielder had finally met.

Vilgax arrived with his army, and though they were vastly outnumbered, they fought. As Azmuth lingered behind his diamond barrier, Tetrax caught fleeting glances of the Galvan's expressions. His onyx eyes were locked on Ben, who charged into the midst of battle with his malfunctioning Omnitrix. He was going to save the world one way or another, even if it ended in his death.

Ben removed the attachment Myaxx had installed to control the energy blasts in order to level the playing field, and the entire planet was engulfed with bright orange as the backlash was finally released, with the boy right in the middle. Tetrax turned his head to avoid looking directly into the energy wave, and he spotted Azmuth. The Galvan was staring at Ben with awe and disbelief, before being replaced with decisiveness.

It was Ben's dedication to his job as a hero, his genuine desire to make the world a better place that made Azmuth realize that there was still hope. There was always hope, and in that instant, Ben was his. Tetrax wasn't sure what had occurred in his life to make him so cynical and pessimistic, but Ben had just showed him that whatever terrible experience had occurred to him, he shouldn't allow it to darken his world views.

Azmuth fixed the Omnitrix and Ben did what he did best—he saved the world. As they recovered from the aftermath and said their goodbyes, Ben approached the Galvan with a sincere smile.

"Mr. Azmuth, I just wanted to thank you for fixing the Omnitrix. If you want it back, it is yours."

Azmuth looked at the boy, expression thoughtful. "I created the Omnitrix to help all the beings in the universe grow closer together. If an Earthling can make that happen, then I see no reason why he shouldn't have it."

He followed up his sentiment with a dismissive remark about how it was too much trouble anyways. As he and Myaxx stepped into his transporter, Ben hastily stepped forwards. "Wait! You have to tell me how to work this thing!"

"Don't you want to figure it out on your own? Like a true hero would?"

Ben stared back blankly. "Not really."

With a short chuckle, Azmuth turned his back and remarked, "I like that boy."

Ben's startled features at this unexpected comment quickly turned to pride. Tetrax knew in that instant that this was not the last time Ben would see Azmuth. Their destinies had been intertwined ever since the ten-year-old discovered the Omnitrix, and would remain deeply tangled forever.

…

There were two things in life that Vilgax would never understand.

The first was how a mere child Earthling could best him time and time again. Yes, he had the Omnitrix, the most powerful weapon in the galaxy. But that should have been irrelevant. Tennyson was not a warlord or a battle commander. He had no experience in fighting wars, no strategy. He fought based on impulse, reckless action and a hefty amount of luck. Vilgax controlled planets, he was the most feared being in the galaxy. It was mortifying and humiliating that years have gone by without him gaining a victory, years without him having the Omnitrix in his possession.

In the beginning, as furious as he was with the amount of defeats he faced at Tennyson's hands, he knew his day would come. The child was immature and one day he would make a mistake that would result in his total annihilation. His Omnitrix had a habit of malfunctioning, for he was not suited to wear it and therefore did not know how to control it.

Vilgax was certain he would have gotten the upper-hand against the Earthling. But then an event occurred that he had not calculated into his plans.

Tennyson met the creator of the Omnitrix—Azmuth, First Thinker and leader of the Galvans. Once their union was established, Tennyson was no longer a nuisance. He became insufferable.

The second thing that Vilgax did not understand was why Azmuth would allow such an insignificant and unworthy creature wield a weapon of such immeasurable power. Tennyson was wasting the potential of the Omnitrix, whereas he could fully utilize it to create a world order in which he was ruler. Azmuth had dismissed him, the conqueror of planets, in favour of a snot-nosed brat that was the lowest on the galaxy's food chain.

Any problems that occurred with the Omnitrix were almost immediately fixed by the Galvan. Any dilemma Tennyson was facing with an enemy he was not sure how to overcome was solved by Azmuth. Tennyson's union with the creator became more troublesome and vexing than Vilgax ever anticipated.

When word of the rift that formed between the two had reached him, he had been ecstatic. Tennyson was without one of his more prominent allies. He felt his time had finally come when he stumbled upon Primus and Azmuth had arrived to defend it. It was only a matter of time before fifteen-year-old Tennyson arrived.

Everything should have gone his way. Azmuth's skills with the Omnitrix were rusty and Tennyson was powerless and his companions no match for his power. It came as a frustration when he was unable to work the Omnitrix and Azmuth refused to give him any information. When Tennyson conceded to show him how to navigate the functions, it should have been it—everything Vilgax had fought for.

Yet Tennyson had outsmarted him again.

Tennyson transformed into a To'kustar to properly battle his temporarily enlarged form after falling into Primus' Codon Stream, and the ensuing battle ended exactly how it had that fateful day on Xenon. It was further humiliation and his agitation and rage only grew at the knowing, impressed glint in Azmuth's eyes as he watched the scene unfold.

For some reason, one that he could not fathom, the union between Tennyson and Azmuth would never disintegrate. Even when they were estranged, they always came to each other's aid. The only way he would be rid of them was if he destroyed them.

…

Having not known Ben before he met Azmuth, Rook did not have the full picture of the impact the two had on each other. He had difficulty imagining the time when they did not know one another.

He remembered the first time he encountered the Galvan, when the pair had been summoned to assist with the assault launched by Psychobos, Khyber and Malware on Galvan Prime. Azmuth had said he would tell Ben everything later. With no knowledge of what was going on, Ben had muttered in resignation, "You always say that, yet you never do."

It shouldn't have surprised Rook that Ben jumped into action, for the teen was reckless and often didn't bother to think before he acted. But it wasn't impulse that spurred Ben, it was an unspoken trust. Azmuth trusted Ben to handle the situation and keep him safe, and Ben trusted that Azmuth would not send him into a battle he couldn't win.

Rook began to observe Ben and Azmuth whenever they were together, intrigued by that display of trust. He quickly learned what complete opposites they were. Azmuth was much more reserved, handling most of Ben's emotional outbursts with a calm exterior. He was logical and grew frustrated with Ben's habit of rushing into situations without forethought. Azmuth was serious and old-fashioned, whereas Ben was laidback.

Though they had conflicting personalities, they worked well together, and had striking similarities neither of them wanted to acknowledge. Rook could not help but be amused whenever the two argued. They were both stubborn and hot-tempered, and each fight ended with Ben red-faced and furious, but grudgingly compliant with whatever it was Azmuth wanted or did not want him to do.

"He's impossible!"

Rook glanced away from the security monitor at the exclamation, watching as Ben threw himself into a spare swivel chair, cheeks flushed with anger. "I suppose Azmuth found out about the building you destroyed?"

"I don't know what his problem is," he huffed. "It's not like I haven't wrecked stuff before."

"Well, you seldom take down a whole structure right down to its foundation."

"It was a condo complex still under construction!"

Resting his chin against the palm of his hand, Rook regarded his partner with a smile. "What did Azmuth order you to do?"

Ben shot him a glare. "What makes you think he ordered me to do anything?"

"Whenever you have a confrontation, it is because you have done something to displease him or he has an order for you that you do not want to obey. You have displeased him by demolishing the condo project and you do not like facing consequences, so I can imagine this was a volatile argument."

Struck by how on the nose Rook was with his observation, Ben remarked, "Dude, that's kinda creepy how well you know this."

"I've watched your arguments, and they follow a similar pattern."

"You've watched us fight?" asked Ben incredulously. "If you weren't my best friend that would definitely fall into the 'creepy' category. Why?"

"Your relationship with Azmuth intrigues me, so I cannot help but observe your interactions."

Bewildered, Ben asked, "Intrigues you?"

"Yes. Despite your conflicts, you always overcome them. It is very clear how much you mean to each other through actions alone. Your relationship is built on trust, respect and love, and I sense something great occurred between you to forge such a bond. It inspires me."

The red in Ben's cheeks lessened as the anger reduced to embarrassment at how easily Rook read between the lines in such a short amount of time. "Thanks, I guess. But I wouldn't report your findings to Azmuth. I don't think he would agree."

Rook thought about the way Azmuth kept tabs on the sixteen-year-old, how he always appeared when Ben was in emotional crisis and Max was unable to get through to him. He thought about the affection hidden behind sarcastic remarks, the blank expressions that guised fond exasperation. Perhaps he would not admit such sentiments out loud, but he felt them—on that Rook was positive.

"So what did he want you to do?"

"Oh, he told me to go to the company responsible for the condo and apologize, as well as offer my services for the reconstruction." Ben made a face as he got to his feet. "Guess I better go to the office before they close. If I don't talk to them by tonight Azmuth is gonna rake me through the coals. He's so mean. Later, dude."

Another thing Rook noticed was that while Ben would often drop the word 'hate' whenever he was angry, he never once used it in reference to Azmuth. No matter how furious Ben would get with the Galvan, he never declared he hated him and would instead call Azmuth mean.

Rook didn't really know how much of an impact Ben and Azmuth had on each other when they met, but he did know how their solid relationship influenced those around them.

…

Sandra and Carl Tennyson were unsure of what to think of the mysterious being who allowed their son to wear the Omnitrix. On one hand, it gave Ben the opportunity to grow as a person in ways his peers would never be able to experience and he got to make a true, positive difference in the world. On the other hand, it put him into danger on a daily basis, and they feared the possible day of their son never coming back home.

Ever since they learned of Ben's heroics with the Omnitrix, one name that was constantly dropped was Azmuth, the great creator of the alien device strapped to Ben's wrist. Carl was initially apprehensive of this strange alien who apparently guided and imparted wisdom upon Ben. Sandra was also concerned, for though she knew Ben interacted with aliens on a frequent basis, none of them had quite the impact on him as this Azmuth character.

But whenever Ben would speak of Azmuth, his eyes would be a little brighter, his smile a little wider. Sandra soon understood that whoever Azmuth was, he was a positive influence on her son. Curious, Carl called his father to gather more information.

"Ah, Azmuth. You don't have to worry about him," Max assured. "He wants the best for Ben just as we do."

Carl exchanged a glance with his wife, the pair gathered around the phone, which was on speaker. "This Azmuth willingly gave such a powerful device to a ten-year-old?" he asked dubiously.

Max laughed. "No, not so willingly. If you want to blame anyone for Ben keeping the Omnitrix, blame me. It was meant for me, but Ben was the one who found it on our camping trip five years ago. Azmuth wanted to take it from him, but I convinced him Ben was the better choice."

"Of course this is partly your fault," Carl muttered with a sigh, flinching when Sandra elbowed him in the side in a scolding manner.

After their conversation with Max, the two felt the last of their worries ease. They began to grow more and more grateful with each story Ben told about his mentor, from the very first time they met to the latest life lesson Azmuth had taught him. Sandra and Carl knew now that there were some things they could not help their son with, for they were clueless as to the functioning of the Omnitrix and lacked experience in the horrors Ben sometimes had to face. There was someone in Ben's life who could help him navigate this unknown terrain.

When Ben had been determined to drop out of high school, Carl really had no decent argument. How could you compare sitting in a classroom learning algebra when you could be out saving people's lives? It came as a surprise when, only a day later, Ben returned to school, sheepishly admitting that Azmuth had convinced him to return. It was feat Sandra, Carl and Max had not been able to accomplish.

It was then Sandra decided that it was time they met the Omnitrix's creator.

Max was more than happy to connect them to the Galvan. Though he was initially reluctant by the invitation, Sandra coaxed him into coming for a visit. Azmuth arrived in a beam of green light, appearing on the kitchen table.

The small grey alien was not who they expected, but they welcomed him warmly nonetheless. The friendly reception seemed to relax Azmuth slightly.

"Thank for you for taking the time to join us," said Sandra gratefully, sitting across from him with a cup of coffee. "We've been wanting to meet you for a while."

"I must admit I'm surprised," said Azmuth, hands folded behind his back. "I didn't think you'd want to see the one responsible for Ben's dangerous hobby."

"We were upset, at first," replied Carl. "But we realized the importance of what Ben was doing. How could we stop him?"

"We wanted to thank you, actually," added Sandra.

Azmuth looked at her in puzzlement. "Thank me?"

"Yes. We know we've taught him well, but there are some values that he wouldn't have learned without you or the Omnitrix. He talks about you often and we see what a great influence you've been."

Onyx eyes glinting with slight amusement, Azmuth said, "That's very flattering of you, but if I were a great influence he would listen more than he does."

"Oh, he's always been a bit stubborn," said Carl with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Takes after his grandfather in that regard. You've definitely had an impact on our son. He never had much appreciation for school, but he's been more and more dedicated to his education over the years."

"If it weren't for you, he would still be a drop-out," continued Sandra. "We're very grateful to know there's someone like you looking out for him."

"Well, he is my student. I wouldn't want him to reflect negatively on my teachings."

His tone was indifferent, but his emerald irises flared with warm affection, in the same manner that Ben's did whenever he spoke about Azmuth. Sandra's and Carl's opinion of the Galvan increased tenfold when they realized that he cared about their son just as much as Ben cared about him.

They talked for a while, and when fifteen-year-old arrived home after school, it came as a surprise to see Azmuth perched atop his kitchen table, a glass of water with a straw in front of him as his parents sat across with cups of coffee.

"Did I walk into the Twilight Zone or something?" the brunette asked with wide eyes.

"Oh, honey, we're having a nice visit with Azmuth. Come join us," invited Sandra.

Shuffling into the kitchen, slightly dazed by this odd sight, he stared at Azmuth. "What are you doing here?"

"Benjamin, that's no way to talk to a guest," rebuked Carl.

"Your parents are very nice and well-spoken people," Azmuth told his wielder. "You should start to exhibit the manners they no doubt taught you."

"Mom, Dad, you see?" exclaimed Ben. "He's rude! He's always so mean to me!"

"He's only joking, dear," returned Sandra with a smile. "Sit, I'll make you a hot chocolate."

Huffing out a breath, Ben sat in the chair situated behind where Azmuth was standing on the table. The Galvan sent him a smirk and the brunette sneered back at him. This was the first time Carl and Sandra were seeing their son with Azmuth and the bond between them was unmistakable.

This would not be the only visit the Galvan would make to the Tennyson parents (which Ben would soon discover and be only slightly dismayed by).

"Now, I was just going to tell you about the time Ben was a toddler and got his head stuck in—"

"Mom!"

…

Sweat causing his clothes to stick to his skin, Albedo paused his work to wearily wipe the dirt and dust from his face. The oval glass planes in front of him were streaked with water and cleaning solution, leaving his reflection blurred, but he could not help but stare anyway.

How ironic it was that he was trapped in the form of his greatest enemy, serving his punishment on his despised home planet. His only consolation was that the ten-year-old human form had little hormones, and his cravings for greasy food were not as strong.

Gritting his teeth, Albedo reluctantly continued cleaning the windows, his rag swiping over the glass with mechanic movement. Cleaning the city for thirty Galvan solar cycles unfortunately gave him plenty of time to think. The rage-induced simmering phase had ended weeks ago, and he was now wallowing in envy.

He did not understand why Azmuth refused to give him ownership of the Omnitrix. Ben Tennyson was a mere human, not even above his species' average intelligence. What right did he have to wield the greatest weapon in the universe?

It was a hurtful blow to know that Azmuth never considered him a candidate for the Omnitrix. He sent it off to Max Tennyson, the greatest Plumber in the Milky Way galaxy, and it ended in the hands of his grandson. He spent years as his assistant, putting up with his harsh temperament, and asked no questions when he made his sudden reappearance on Galvan Prime, with another assistant in tow, no less.

When he learned what became of the Omnitrix, he was furious. He confronted Azmuth, but he would not be convinced. Ben Tennyson was his wielder and he would not change his mind. Unable to accept that, Albedo set off on a mission to create his own Omnitrix and prove Azmuth wrong, that he was the better choice.

Everything spiralled out of control from the moment he met the fifteen-year-old. Azmuth had chosen the human over his former assistant, the one who had been with him longer than some Earthling. For a long time, Albedo was blinded by fury. All the attention, all the effort, all the admiration of the greatest thinker in five galaxies was directed towards a child.

What bothered and agitated him the most, though he would never admit it out loud, was the deep connection between them. Tennyson had a knack for showing up whenever he tried to eliminate Azmuth, and the First Thinker in turn appeared whenever he attempted to destroy Tennyson. Not once in all the time Albedo had worked for Azmuth did he ever look at him the way he looked at Tennyson.

Now, with all of this time to dwell on his anger and resentment, Albedo could finally, grudgingly concede that there was indeed a reason why Azmuth held Tennyson in high regard. The boy wielded the Omnitrix rather majestically, and his lack of defeats was evidence that he was talented.

"At the rate you're going, you'll have washed all the windows by the time thirty-five Galvan solar cycles have passed."

Startled from his brooding thoughts, Albedo snapped his head to stare down at Azmuth himself. "What do you want?"

"You said you wanted sunblock," he answered dryly, extending the clear bottle. "Here it is."

Blinking, Albedo reached out to accept it. "Took you long enough."

"I was busy," quipped Azmuth.

Slathering the lotion onto his reddened arms, Albedo asked bitterly, "I don't suppose I can serve my punishment in my original form."

"No, not yet. The entire purpose of trapping you in a scrambled version of Ben's body in the first place was to humble you. I can see it's finally working. I haven't heard any vengeful rants in days."

"The human body is still disgusting," Albedo grumbled. He then frowned and added, "Tennyson is hardly humble."

Tilting his head to the side, Azmuth regarded him. "No, he isn't. But he knows when he's crossed the line and corrects his behaviour, with or without help. Ben is doing exactly what I intended the Omnitrix to be used for. Would you have done the same?"

"No," muttered Albedo. "I think the potential of the Omnitrix is greater than solving countless, pointless issues throughout the universe."

"Therein lies the difference. That is your ideal, and that's fine. But it's not mine, not for my invention. That is why I allowed Ben to keep it."

Lips pursing in annoyance, Albedo crossed his arms over his chest. "Why are you here?"

"I came to see your progress. The guards have reported that you've been quietly doing your duties, a stark difference from the death threats you were hollering at the start of your sentence."

"I'm shackled and you've rendered my Ultimatrix useless. I'm resigned to my fate. I don't know what 'progress' you're talking about."

"Someone once taught me that nothing should stop me from seeing the good in people. I once knew the good in you, Albedo, before you were consumed by desire for the Omnitrix. I believe it's still in you, somewhere. I hope by the end of your punishment, you'll have rediscovered it."

Albedo had no doubts that the 'someone' was referring to was Ben. Glancing at the First Thinker, he replied, "I guess you'll just have to wait and see."

"I suppose I will. You missed a spot."

Azmuth teleported off with that, leaving Albedo to mull over his words with mild confusion. He remembered vaguely how it felt, for that split second, to experience Azmuth's enlightened thinking. Power and control meant little to him, and Albedo didn't quite understand.

He still felt a sizeable amount of disdain and agitation towards the First Thinker. But thirty Galvan solar cycles was a long time.

He knew he would never be as important to Azmuth as Ben was, especially considering everything he had done. He would never be a great influence or gain such high-regard. The union between Azmuth and Ben was one that could never be broken, and one that would never be replicated.

…

After experiencing generations of a single, solitary mindset of racial purity, Reinrassic the Third did not expect his entire race to be happy with the drastic genetic change. There were revolts, there were protests and there were outcries. As he watched his species divide between those who were delighted to be saved and those who were disgusted, Reinrassic wondered the best method to handle the situation.

The Highbreed species was no longer in danger of going extinct, thanks to Ben Ben Tennyson and the Omnitrix. As Reinrassic escorted the group of heroes to the landing and disembarking port, a baby Galvanic Mechamorph nipping at their heels, he was witness to an interaction between the brown-haired human and the Galvan.

"See? Everything worked out," Ben Ben Tennyson said cheerfully, stretching his arms over his head. "And you were worried."

"Rightfully so," said Azmuth with a scoff, standing on the teen's shoulder. "I'm amazed you didn't kill us with your appalling driving skills."

"This building popped out of nowhere," he defended, "and I was distracted. How was I supposed to know I would get jump-gate sick? You're still miffed I threw up on you, aren't you?"

"It was hardly pleasant."

Lips curling into a pout, Ben Ben Tennyson crossed his arms moodily over his chest. Gwen and Kevin exchanged amused glances and Reinrassic watched with interest. Azmuth seemed to sense the boy's offense, for he rolled his eyes in a weary manner.

"I suppose I will admit that your idea for using genetic codes from the Omnitrix to repair the damage the Highbreed did to themselves was clever. Good work, Tennyson."

Ben Ben Tennyson's features brightened and he turned his head slightly to glance at Azmuth. "Wow, a compliment and it didn't even kill you."

"You could do with a being a little more humble," the Galvan chided.

"Oh, like you're one to talk," he scoffed. "Mr. Smartest-Being-In-Three-Galaxies."

As Azmuth opened his mouth to speak, Ben Ben Tennyson quickly joined in, and in perfect unison both said, "Smartest being in five galaxies, but who's counting?" The Galvan shot the brunette a withering glare, whereas he just smiled innocently, emerald eyes glinting.

It was the way Ben Ben Tennyson knew exactly how to press the Galvan's buttons, the way he could anticipate what he would say next word for word, that caused Reinrassic awe. Though he only knew the pair for a very short amount of time, it was clear that they had a long history together, one that Reinrassic suspected began when the Omnitrix had been acquired by Ben Ben Tennyson years ago.

So whenever a member of his species complained to him how unnatural, how revolting it was to bear the DNA of other species, Reinrassic always responded in the same manner. He told the story of the boy and the Galvan and how their differences mattered not to them. In fact, it only made their relationship that much stronger. The greatest mind in the universe and the greatest hero in the universe joined together in order to make the galaxy a better place. The genetic transformation had given them new life and if they did not follow the example set by Ben Ben Tennyson and Azmuth, their way of life would never improve.

More often than not, they listened.

…

Growing up, Azmuth had always been an extraordinarily talented Galvan. His passion for science and inventing was unrivalled, and it became clear that he was going to be successful in life. So when he suddenly vanished without a trace, without a word, Euclidon was devastated. For thousands of years, he had no idea what happened to his son, why he abandoned Galvan Prime. He tried searching, but after a while came to the conclusion that Azmuth would only be found if he wanted to be.

He started to lose hope that his son would ever return. When he did, Euclidon was ecstatic, and promptly refused to let him out of his sight again. As they reacquainted after so many centuries, Euclidon could not quite get the answers he desired. Azmuth admitted he had been on Xenon the whole time, and said that the Chimera Sui Generis he brought with him was his assistant Myaxx. He would not speak of what drove him away, nor what brought him back. He only said, with a fond smile on his features, that he met someone who reminded him of the importance of family.

When he discovered that Benjamin Tennyson was that someone, he was surprised, then curious. Azmuth had spent all his time on Xenon creating the Omnitrix, and his meeting with the child was enlightening enough to spur him back home. Euclidon was grateful, but he wondered what it was about this child that impressed Azmuth so.

Ben was talented with the Omnitrix, yes. He gathered that much after the misunderstanding following the Mana-Omnitrix backlash incident. It was only later that he observed Ben's heroic efforts, his innocent and natural desire to help anyone who needed him, no matter their species or background. As aliens like Vilgax fought to acquire the Omnitrix as a weapon, Ben was using it exactly as it was intended for (with a few hiccups in his path).

His interactions with the child occurred often as he made frequent calls and visits to Galvan Prime. The boy would always greet him with a smile and a joke, and Euclidon knew that even though he felt guilt over his treatment of Ben in their first encounter, he had forgotten and forgiven.

Walking into Azmuth's control center one day, Euclidon watched as his son entered the data into the main console to make necessary updates. Glancing around the room, where there a few Galvans doing their own work, he wondered curiously, "Where's Ben?"

Azmuth glanced up from his tablet with a puzzled expression. "In Bellwood, I suppose. His duties with the Omnitrix are lessened during the school year. Why?"

Blinking, Euclidon realized that his son was clueless to the human's presence on Galvan Prime. "Well—"

BOOM!

The top floor of Galvan Tower shook, bits of debris falling from the ceiling before the building settled once more. Azmuth was struck by realization and scowled. "Father…don't tell me he's here."

"He arrived about an hour ago," said Euclidon, not bothering to hide his amusement. "I thought he came to find you."

Hastily setting his tablet down, Azmuth rushed out for the exit. Once the automatic doors opened, they were greeted with a corridor filled with grey smoke and the overhead sprinklers were gushing water. Covering his mouth to avoid inhaling the fumes, Azmuth hissed, "Damn it!"

"Azmuth, language," chided Euclidon, though his smile ruined his rebuke.

"If you think it's funny," said Azmuth irritably as they followed the trail of chaos, "you can help that idiot clean up the mess."

They reached the end of the corridor, where the smoke was beginning to rapidly fade. A flash of green light gave away the boy's whereabouts and Azmuth barked, "Tennyson!"

Ben didn't have a great track record when it came to listening to his mentor. But he knew by the Galvan's tone of voice when to pick his battles and this was not an occasion for him to be stubborn. He stumbled out of the lab and said quickly, "It was an accident, I swear!"

With quick movement, Azmuth closed the distance between them and jumped up, landing a solid swat to Ben's left ear. The sixteen-year-old let out a yelp of pain and covered the aching area. "Az-muth!"

"What are you doing here?" he demanded.

"Grandpa Max dropped me off."

"Why?"

Shifting his eyes, Ben held up his arms in a protective manner. "I maybe sort of told him that you knew I was coming and were totally cool with it while he went off to some boring meet-up with old Plumbers."

Rubbing his temples, Azmuth took a moment to calm himself. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't teleport you back to Bellwood."

"…I love you?"

It was cheekily said with a wide, innocent smile and emerald orbs that glinted mischievously. Though he tried to make it casual and indifferent, the emotion behind it was sincere. Azmuth's scowl remained in place, but Euclidon watched as the angered tension in his shoulders eased.

"Go find Myaxx. She'll occupy you while I deal with your disaster. Father, would you mind escorting him so he doesn't get distracted on the way?"

"Of course."

As a sheepish Ben followed after Euclidon, the Galvan glanced at the teen. He was the person responsible for bringing his son back home to him. He was the reason for alleviating Azmuth's stress, for rescuing him from his consuming despair, pessimism and regret. Euclidon knew that if Ben did not meet Azmuth, he most likely would never have seen his son again.

"Thank you, Ben."

Ben peered down at him in surprise, head tilting slightly to the side. "For what?'

"For everything."

He shot a fleeting gaze at his son, who was currently settling down a group of frazzled workers. Ben followed his fond stare and immediately understood what the Galvan was referring to. Touched, warmth spread through the teen's chest and he couldn't stop the bright smile from developing across his features.

"You're welcome, but I need him a lot more than he needs me."

"He needs and loves you more than he lets on. He's always been a bit too reserved with his emotions."

"He's got no problem with anger," snorted Ben.

Grinning, Euclidon asked, "What happened?"

"I was just looking to see if any of the labs were working on something cool. I found some slime junk that can be molded into different shapes so I turned it into a ball. I…uh, I didn't know that the consistency hardened."

"What did you break?"

"…the chemistry data record console." Nervous, Ben added, "Is your son going to kill me?"

It was then a furious holler echoed powerfully down the corridor as Azmuth finally discovered exactly what Ben had done. "TENNYSON!"

"Very likely," said Euclidon with a laugh as Ben whimpered in fear of more physical discipline.

…

Towards the end of his existence, Malware loathed Ben Tennyson with every piece of his corrupted code. He hated Azmuth even more so.

Azmuth took great pride in his creations and was disgruntled and irritated with his failures. Despite what he said, Malware refused to believe that the Galvan regretted not being able to cure his pain and that he cared at all about a failed experiment. The other Galvanic Mechamorphs were a reminder of what he could have been and everything he wasn't. He wanted to obliterate them for mocking him. But not before he killed the infernal human hero.

Ben Tennyson and the Omnitrix—both of them were Azmuth's pride and joy. The Omnitrix was the single greatest invention ever created in the universe and Tennyson was the one chosen to wield it. To lose them both would be a blow the Galvan would never recover from. Malware wanted to desperately to land that blow, to make his father feel the agony he experienced since his birth.

Every time he tried, Tennyson managed to thwart him. Frustrated but not deterred, Malware focussed his rage on exacting his revenge on Azmuth for abandoning him. But whenever he tried, the boy appeared and the corrupted Galvanic Mechamorph could never get past him in order to get to Azmuth.

It enraged him to fight Tennyson when Azmuth was around to observe. To see the pride in the First Thinker's gaze directed not at him but a mere human. To see the concern furrow his brow when he struck Tennyson with a vicious attack, concern that would only alleviate when the battle was over and the brunette had nothing more than a few scratches. To see Tennyson lift Azmuth into his hands and the alien not protest the close contact, a hint of a smile on his lips.

The negative Galvanic Mechamorph tried to dismiss Tennyson at first, to ignore him no matter how many times he managed to defeat him. It was easier to focus his angry obsession of revenge on his father, the one who cast him aside and was never impressed with. To consider the Earthling inevitably meant he would dwell on Tennyson's spot in Azmuth's heart, the one he should have occupied since the very beginning. It was a thought, a truth, that was unbearable, and when he finally accepted it the rage and hatred were all-consuming.

Malware hated Tennyson for claiming Azmuth's attention, for being the sole recipient of those fleeting, affectionate glances. Because Tennyson occupied much of Azmuth's time, the Galvan did not spend near enough of it working on a cure for his corrupted code. He spent the time that should have been dedicated to him fixing Tennyson's problems with the Omnitrix, guiding him through his dilemmas, tending to his more severe injuries, soothing his fears and being harsh when the boy made reckless mistakes and decisions.

But what Malware hated about Tennyson the most was for being the son to Azmuth that he never was. And he positively despised Azmuth for loving the teen more than he did his failed creation.

…

Zennith never expected to ever see him again.

Especially here, on the trading and shipping port planet of Daskinbar, where the air hummed with vibrations from the hundreds of ships docking and departing in a constant convoy. Thick red dust coated the landscape, sticking to every available surface and swirling in clouds whenever a breeze kicked up. There were thousands of market stalls, warehouses, factories and maintenance shops scattered across the medium-sized planet.

In this small sector of the universe, it was the last place she should have seen Azmuth. Though the Galvan's form was obscured by a green cloak with silver accents, she knew it was him.

Her instincts and the old, throbbing ache in her heart told her to go back to her crew and their ship. If Azmuth happened to spot her, it would be a disastrous and awkward reunion. This was not the time nor place for them to rehash the past, to speak of what had driven her away and him into isolation. She shouldn't have been as conflicted as she was, especially with the knowledge that he had created the Omnitrix, even after the tragedy that was Ascalon.

Yet she moved forwards, moving stealthily past the looming aliens bargaining and arguing at the line of stalls that surrounded the first quadrant of docking stations. She paused and pressed against the side of one wagon loaded with food and provisions, a distance away from where her former boyfriend stood, hunched over a tablet.

"Azmuth!"

The youthful cry caused Zennith to startle. Azmuth lifted his chin at the summons, and her heart froze in her chest for a moment at the familiar, striking onyx gaze. She watched as a slender figure in an emerald cloak came to a halt beside Azmuth. He lifted his hands to pull back his hood, the sleeves dropping for a moment to reveal a white-and-green watch strapped securely to his left wrist.

Surprised, Zennith stared at the wielder Azmuth had chosen for his greatest invention. Bright green orbs glinted past his dust-streaked face, a mop of brunette hair sticking out at all angles. He seemed to be an average member of his species and she wasn't quite sure what made him stand out to Azmuth.

"Did you find it?"

Azmuth's voice was exactly as she remembered, though a little bit deeper. When he too lowered his hood, she could not help but smile. He had aged exactly as she thought he would—with grace and dignity.

"Yeah." Ben reached into the folds of his cloak and removed a small bag filled with metal components.

"For the price I told you?"

The boy's eyes shifted sheepishly. "Er…not quite. I paid a little more than what you wanted. But the guy seriously wasn't giving up on his price!"

Azmuth let out a huff of annoyed air. "I don't know why I bothered to bring you along in the first place."

"As a bodyguard," countered Ben. "I just have to practice, that's all. Gimme another one. I'll slash down the price so far they won't know what hit them."

Eyeing the sixteen-year-old, Azmuth finally said, "Adhesive made from the saliva of wild Grognorians."

Ben immediately charged in the direction Azmuth indicated. Zennith watched as his indifferent mask formed into fondness, a smile curling across his lips. With a slight shake of his head, he walked three stalls down from where Ben was beginning his negotiations.

Azmuth had always been stubborn and persistent. It was clear not much had changed, considering the agitation rapidly developing on the Tetramand's face as the Galvan shot down his prices. Zennith furrowed her brow, knowing it could be a dangerous endeavor antagonizing some of the vendors. She shifted her gaze slightly, where Ben had paused his own bargaining and was now staring at the Tetramand intently.

When the alien reached out in fury to manhandle the Galvan, he didn't get the chance to get close enough. Ben was there in an instant, taking Azmuth into his arms and a hard scowl on his face. "I suggest you hand over whatever it is he wanted and go on with your business," he growled.

He angled his wrist, so that the Omnitrix flashed in the hot, searing light. The Tetramand seemed to decide that angering the wielder was not worth it, and grudgingly handed over a packet of thickly-coiled wires.

As the pair walked towards the stall Ben had vacated, Azmuth jumped to perch on his shoulder, taking his ear in a reprimanding grip. "We do not use intimidation to get what we want."

Flinching, Ben tilted his head slightly to try and ease the burn of the Galvan's solid hold. "Owwww. I know, but he deserved it. He obviously doesn't know the point of customer service. Besides, I'm your bodyguard, remember?"

Azmuth relinquished his fingers to lift and lightly thread them in Ben's brunette strands. "I appreciate your intention, but there is a better way to go about it. We want to avoid starting a confrontation on Daskinbar."

"I'll try. But it'd be easier if you weren't so cheap. Ouch!" Rubbing the back of his head, where Azmuth had just swatted him, he whined, "I was kidding! Geez." His features then turning hopeful, he said, "Oh, the guy who's selling the glue has a really cool hoverboard."

"Then get it."

"…I don't have any money."

"I don't recall my list including a hoverboard."

But ten minutes later, when Azmuth had received his adhesive, he shot a brief glance at Ben's wistful expression before sighing quietly and putting in an offer for the slightly scuffed white hoverboard. The teen's face lit up and when they finally walked away, he clutched the transport device under his arm.

Zennith felt a flare of warmth at the way Ben lowered his chin so he could lightly rest his forehead against the top of Azmuth's head. The Galvan did not move away, merely rolling his eyes in exasperation, onyx eyes softening with tender affection. It was a simple gesture, but the love behind it was almost palpable.

"Zennith, where are you?" the voice of her captain suddenly crackled through her communicator, bringing her out of her stealthy observation. "We're getting ready to depart!"

"I'm on my way," she said quickly.

She spared one last look for Azmuth's departing frame, a smile stretching across her face. After so many years of absence, she wasn't sure what she would feel when she saw him again. She feared he would be as ignorant to the consequences of his actions as ever, that he cared only for his pursuit of knowledge and nothing else.

Now that the moment had finally happened, she felt wistful of the days as they used to be. But she no longer felt romantic love for him—too much time had passed and too much had occurred between them. But perhaps one day, when the time was right, they would have their amicable reunion. Right now, she was happy that he was content.

She could see that something had changed within him. Never before had he ever considered humans in high regard and he certainly wouldn't have ever willingly spent much time with them. Yet here he was, with a child Earthling as his wielder, as his friend, as his student, as his surrogate son.

She was wrong—Ben was most certainly special. Azmuth considered him special, and that was all that mattered. The Galvan had found love in a different form, and perhaps one that was more fulfilling.

…

Professor Paradox had lived through many a millennia. He stepped fluidly through the numerous timelines that flowed throughout time and space, witnessed many events that changed the course of each alternate universe in different ways. He had seen the heartwarming, the horrifying, the order and the chaos.

In every timeline, there was one relationship that dictated the course of events that would either bring the universe into days of peace or send it into the thralls of war. Paradox, despite his nearly omnipresent knowledge, was continuously amazed and surprised by the significant impact this single union held—the union of Ben Tennyson and Azmuth.

Paradox saw the alternate counterparts to Ben Prime, the good ones and the bad ones. It did not go past his notice that all of the good Tennysons had Azmuth in their lives, and all the bad Tennysons did not. The Omnitrix contained such power that Paradox would have been astonished if not one of them was tempted by the dark and dangerous path. When the evil Tennysons started to go mad with the power of the Omnitrix, no one could bring them back to sanity—not Max, not Gwen, no one.

But Azmuth had walked that path of power. He caved in to his temptations and constructed an almighty sword, a sword that was used to destroy races and planets. Consumed by disgust, self-hatred and grief, the Galvan swiftly vanished. Despite his good intentions, he had overstepped his boundaries, and despite the tragedy he was desperate to alleviate his guilt—and the Omnitrix, in ninety-nine percent of the timelines, was constructed.

Azmuth understood those natural temptations, in ways Tennyson's friends and family could never understand. The Galvan had been pulled directly to the edge of the void and understood the consequences of caving to darker impulses. It was why, in the timelines he was present in Tennyson's life he was so hard on the juvenile. He would not allow the Earthling to fall as he had. He was the key factor in keeping Tennyson from being overwhelmed by the Omnitrix.

Ben 23 used his Hero Watch for fame and fortune, a tool to distract himself from the pain of Max's death. Azmuth forced the twelve-year-old to calm his showboating, and Ben 23 slowly grew out of his arrogant and greedy attitude. With his parents absent and distant and cousin too far away to be of true comfort, Azmuth was his rock.

No Watch Ben, the only Tennyson without an Omnitrix, with his natural optimism and heroic personality brought a world-weary Azmuth back to his desire for inventing to benefit the beings of the universe. His earnest thirst for knowledge about the galaxies, about the trillions who lived within it, inevitably led Azmuth to be his teacher. Whenever the teen started to be affected by greed and cruelty of those he fought, Azmuth brought him out of his depressed state. There was no Omnitrix to link them together, but that did not matter. They were each other's anchor in a pursuit of spreading peace and order through the universe.

Gwen 10 existed in the only timeline in which she had discovered the Omnitrix before her cousin. Though she was intelligent and logical, she was often discouraged by the misogynistic views of some of the human populace, who scoffed at the idea of a female child defending the universe. When the frustration and despair set in, Azmuth would bring her back to reality, sharply scolding her for caring of what strangers thought of her. He kept her from being knocked down by ignorance of others, urging her to stand back up whenever she felt like just staying down.

Then there was, of course, Ben Prime, in the timeline in which all others branched off of. Paradox had fretted not when the two had been estranged for a brief period of time. He had seen the future, where Ben 10 had evolved into Ben 10,000, and the elder Tennyson's relationship with Azmuth was as strong as it had ever been.

Paradox could not help but be amused. Who would have thought that the state of the universe would hinge on the relationship between the boy and the Galvan?