---
Chapter Seven: Echo of Shadows
Late at night in the Watchtower, the main room was dimly lit. Ben sat alone in front of a massive window overlooking the distant Earth. His eyes were distant, but his mind was racing with questions.
Supergirl quietly entered the room, carrying two cups of hot chocolate.
Supergirl: "Thinking about what you saw again?"
Ben (taking a cup from her): "I can't forget it... Kairos isn't just some villain. He lost something big... like you said about your planet."
Supergirl (studying him closely): "The difference is, you're still trying to understand him… not destroy him."
Ben was silent for a moment, then asked:
Ben: "Why does the Omnitrix show me strange memories every time it reacts to the crystals?"
Supergirl: "Maybe those crystals aren't attacking you… maybe they're trying to connect."
Just then, the room was filled with red alerts from the control center.
Batman appeared on the screen:
Batman: "A spectral creature just appeared in the Sahara. Its movement is erratic… like it's searching for something."
Ben: "I'll check it out myself."
Supergirl: "Not alone. I'm coming with you."
---
In the Sahara Desert
The sands began to tremble unnaturally, as if something massive was swimming beneath. Suddenly, a creature emerged—its body shadowy and gelatinous, but filled with slowly shifting crystal shards.
Ben transformed into XLR8, darting around the creature at lightning speed, trying to confuse it.
Supergirl struck from above, but the creature absorbed the blow and shifted into a half-formed version of her face!
Ben: "It's… mimicking her?"
Supergirl: "No one copies me that easily!" (She launched a stronger punch)
But the creature absorbed the energy again and began morphing into a hybrid of XLR8 and Supergirl!
Ben: "We have to stop it before it learns how to use my powers!"
Ben transformed into Diamondhead, hurling crystalline spears into the creature's core. At the same time, Supergirl unleashed a high-frequency sonic pulse (coordinated by Batman remotely), causing the crystals inside the creature to resonate and fracture.
The creature shrieked and exploded into a cloud of black dust.
---
After the battle
Ben and Supergirl sat on a large rock under the starry desert sky.
Ben: "That's the first time I've seen a creature absorb abilities like that… and emotions too."
Supergirl: "I felt something weird… when it touched me, I saw an image that wasn't mine. A strange place… filled with the same crystals you see in your visions."
Ben: (gazing at the sky): "Kairos isn't sending these things to kill me… he's sending them to understand me."
---
Back at the Watchtower
Wonder Woman spoke with Batman:
Wonder Woman: "These crystals aren't just weapons. They react to consciousness. Maybe this isn't an invasion… maybe it's a message."
Batman: "Or maybe it's a warning… of what's coming next."