Chapter 7: Signals in the Dark

Previously:

After surviving another drone attack, Alex's watch reacted strangely, releasing a shockwave that fried enemy circuits. While the battle ended in victory, one thing was clear—someone was targeting Alex specifically.

But why?

A Troubling Discovery

Inside the Rustbucket, Ben, Alex, and Gwen sat around the table while Grandpa Max examined his portable scanner. The screen displayed flickering red signals, forming an erratic pattern.

Max frowned. "This doesn't make sense… These signals are coded, but they're too complex for standard tracking devices."

Gwen leaned closer. "So, what? They're encrypted?"

Max nodded. "Exactly. Whoever is behind this isn't just tracking us… they're hiding something."

Ben kicked back, arms behind his head. "Well, that's not ominous at all."

Alex stayed silent, staring at his watch. His mind kept replaying the voice he heard during the last fight.

"You… are not complete."

What did that mean?

An Unexpected Message

Suddenly—

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Max's scanner flashed wildly, displaying a new signal—one that wasn't there before.

A transmission.

Gwen's eyes widened. "Someone's trying to contact us?"

Max's expression darkened. "Or lure us in."

Alex clenched his fist. "Either way… we need to check it out."

Ben smirked. "I like the way you think."

Gwen sighed. "Of course you do."

With their next destination set, the Rustbucket rumbled to life, heading toward the unknown.

The Abandoned Facility

By sunset, they arrived at the signal's location—a crumbling industrial complex, long abandoned.

The air was eerily still. The place looked deserted, yet something felt off.

Max adjusted his scanner. "Signal's strongest inside."

Ben cracked his knuckles. "Let's see what's hiding in there."

Alex and Gwen exchanged glances before following him inside.

A Glimpse Into the Past

The interior was dark and cold, the air thick with dust. Rusted machinery lined the walls, and old terminals flickered weakly.

As they ventured deeper, Alex's watch hummed again—but this time, it wasn't just reacting.

It was leading him.

A doorway at the end of the hall stood partially open, revealing a dimly lit chamber beyond.

Alex's heart pounded. This place… felt familiar.

Ben stepped beside him. "You good?"

Alex hesitated. "…Yeah."

With a deep breath, they entered.

The Truth in the Data

The chamber was lined with holographic monitors, displaying alien symbols and genetic sequences.

Gwen's eyes widened. "This is… a research lab."

Ben raised an eyebrow. "Researching what?"

Alex approached one of the monitors. As soon as he got close—

BEEP!

His watch reacted, automatically linking to the system.

Suddenly, a voice played through the speakers.

"Project Predator—entry log #47."

A holographic image flickered to life, showing a tall, masked figure in a dark lab coat.

The voice continued:

"Prototype X-002's capabilities are progressing well. Unlike the Omnitrix, the device integrates predatory instincts into the host's genetic structure. However… there is a risk."

Alex's breath hitched.

X-002. That was the same number the drones used.

Ben furrowed his brows. "Wait… they're talking about your watch."

The log continued:

"The subject must never reach full synchronization. If the Predator Mode is fully activated… the host may lose control."

Silence filled the room.

Gwen looked at Alex. "What does that mean?"

Alex clenched his fist.

His watch… was never meant to be stable.

The Unfinished Experiment

Before they could process the information, another screen activated, revealing a figure in shadows.

Their voice was distorted.

"So… you finally found it."

Max instantly raised his weapon. "Who are you?"

The figure ignored the question. "The watch you wield… is incomplete. And if you continue using it recklessly, you will become the very thing it was designed to counter."

Ben scowled. "Yeah? And what's that?"

The figure's eyes glowed.

"A hunter."

Alex's blood turned to ice.

The figure leaned forward. "If you want answers… survive what comes next."

The transmission cut out.

Then—

ALERT: INCOMING HOSTILES.

The entire facility shook violently.

Gwen paled. "Oh, come on! Already?!"

Ben slammed his Omnitrix. "No rest for the awesome."

Alex exhaled, preparing for battle.

Whoever was behind this…

They were just getting started.

TO BE CONTINUED…