DISCLAIMER: I do not own Ben 10 or Ben 10: Alien Force or its affiliating characters. They belong to Man of Action. If I owned them, the show would have been a part of Adult Swim instead.

SUMMARY: Although her intentions were honourable, Gwen should have heeded Paradox's warning... "Time travel is for immortals and fools."

Prologue: Shattered Time

Gwen could not believe her luck.

She was able to sneak into Hex's mansion and steal his spell book...a spell book that could finally help her cure Kevin. Yes, she knew that stealing was wrong – and Kevin's actions for the last few months had annoyed her to no end – but she promised...she promised that she would find a way to return him to normal and she finally did. All that she had to do now was return home and cast the necessary spell that would erase that horrible day from everyone's memory.

Kevin was getting impatient. He continued to knock at the door of Gwen's house. Ben was standing behind him, giving an exasperated sigh for his best friend's actions. Thank God they visited the neighbourhood frequent enough for the neighbours not call the police. An extra bonus was that Kevin was wearing an I.D. mask. If he didn't he was sure the neighbours would call the police.

Kevin's patience of not receiving an answer to his knocking was wearing thin. "We're goin' to miss kick-off!"

"The car's gone. I don't think anybody's home." Ben stated, looking around the front of the house, not seeing any sign of his uncle's car. Turning his focus back on Kevin, he saw the restlessness in his body language as he began to continuously press the doorbell. "You're going to break it."

"No I'm not."Kevin huffed. As he pressed the bell again, it broke. He turned to Ben, who had an 'I told you so' look on his face, and defensively said, "It was already loose...Let's go in. She'd want us to."

"What are you guys doing here?" Gwen questioned as she reached the walkway to her home.

If Kevin could jump out of his skin at that particular moment, he would. "Nothin'...we weren't trying to sneak in... so we could watch the game on your dad's 60-inch HD TV. Also your door bell was already busted when we got here."

"No, it wasn't. He broke it." Figures that Ben would tell his cousin the truth.

Gwen unlocked the door and started to walk up the stairs. She wasn't too worried about leaving the door ajar especially since the guys were there. Plus, she knew that Ben would be responsible enough to lock the door for her. "You know what? I don't really care. Go watch your game...I'll be right back."

As Gwen disappeared upstairs, Kevin turned to Ben as he walked towards the direction of the kitchen. "You heard what she just said?"

Ben turned to face Kevin. "That she doesn't care about the door bell?"

"It was code...it means she really doesn't care about me..."

Ben knew that his next words had to be tactful. Kevin was already insecure about his looks caused by the accident that he still felt guilty about. Kevin mutated because he was trying to protect him. He figured using a light sense of humour based on the old 1950's sitcoms that Kevin liked watching might lessen the tension in the room. "Aw, golly Kev... That's just crazy talk. She thinks you're just swell." Ben continued to walk towards the kitchen. The next best distraction for Kevin is food...and lots of it.

While Ben busied himself in the kitchen, Kevin turned towards the small mirror in the living room. "She doesn't even pretend to care anymore..." he whispered. "I guess I can't really blame her." He removed his I.D. masked and looked at his reflection solemnly. "I mean, look at me."

The self-pity melodrama was getting to Ben. "Kevin, what do you really see each time you look in a mirror?"

"That's a stupid question. I'm a monster, Tennyson." Kevin looked at Ben, irritated by the remark.

"Do you know what I see?" Ben slowly moved towards Kevin, tactfully planning his next words. "I see a guy who puts his friends' safety first, despite the dangers. Are you even aware of the amount of times Gwen and I have done some stupid reckless things, and you tried to protect us? Kevin, I'm fully aware that you think your past might tarnish whatever chance you could have to a serious relationship with Gwen...but no one cares about that; there's more to you than looks...you have shown us that you can be caring, smart, funny – " Ben looked up at Kevin and saw the embarrassed look on his face, "and I'm going to stop talking before this gets any more awkward. But I'll add this: everything I've said is true – you need to be less harsh with yourself." Ben turned away and turned on the large TV. "How about we make the game interesting? Loser treats the winner to Mr. Smoothy?"

The bet intrigued Kevin. "I'm in."

Gwen had finished reviewing the necessary spell that could help her cure Kevin. The Archamada Book of Spells was a difficult book to come across; the discovery of the book came about one day as she was researching potential spells with Ben's help...

Flashback

"Are you sure that you want to do this?" Gwen asked Ben, who was by his computer.

"I told you from before, Gwen--"Ben replied, "You shouldn't put the burden of finding a cure for Kevin on yourself...let me try helping you. Between the two of us, we should be able to find something that could work."

It had been three weeks since the group's fight with Charmcaster, and Gwen's argument with Kevin. Ben had been helping Gwen to deal with the emotional turmoil from the argument, as well as spending most of his spare time helping her search online and in specialty stores for spell books that could cure Kevin. Granted, she was still pissed with Kevin, but what type of person would she be if she didn't try helping him?

They had spent the previous night and most of the morning checking independent book stores that specialised in occult materials, all for naught. They had just returned from Mr. Smoothy's for a break. Gwen lay down on Ben's bed exhausted, while Ben was busy searching occult web sites on his computer.

"How do you find the energy to continue searching? I'm exhausted!" Gwen exclaimed.

"What can I say? Smoothies work just as well as energy drinks, minus the additives that those things have." Ben answered, slurping the remainder of the liquid from his cup. "Besides, considering the number of months you've spent searching, this is the least I could do."

"Thanks, Ben. Your help means a lot." Gwen said sincerely. For the few times that Ben could act like a clueless cocky jerk, his compassionate heart towards others made it difficult to stay mad at him for long.

"Jack pot!"

"Huh?" Gwen moved closer to see the computer screen. "You actually found something? I was at this for months and you found something so quickly?!?" Gwen couldn't believe it. Talk about a lucky bastard – it was like Ben was a reincarnated rabbit foot or born under a lucky star – which was ironic since they shared the same birth date.

"Yeah, this site describes rare spell books. There's a book that contains ancient witchcraft and rituals from the late 1600s. Oh wait – damn!" Ben paused

"What is it? This book sounds perfect." Gwen said.

"It's the Archamada Book of Spells." Ben responded.

"So? Wait...wasn't that the spell book from the Witchcraft Museum we visited in New Orleans five years ago that Hex tried to steal?" Gwen asked.

"Yeah – and according to this, it has been rumoured that the remains from the book was discovered in the rubble from a fire a year ago." Ben said solemnly. He then turned to his cousin. "Besides, the spells are most potent with the Charms of Bazell, which you destroyed."

"Yeah, I remember." Gwen murmured.

"I'm sorry, Gwen. I thought we finally found something."

"Its okay, Ben. I guess this means we just have to try harder." Gwen started to gather her books.

"Gwen, wait. Maybe we should try again some other day."

"Ben, we need to find something."

"I know, but you need to rest. Working non-stop like this – you're going to make yourself sick and what good would that do to help Kevin?" Ben escorted Gwen out of his room and headed towards the living room. "You should chill out for awhile, clear your head."

Gwen let out a sigh. "Alright, Ben. I'll go home and relax."

"You're not too disappointed, are you?"

"I'll be fine." Gwen headed towards the main door. "You're right. What good would I be to helping Kevin if I don't unwind sometimes?"

"Okay, Gwen. I'll call and check with you later."

Gwen left her cousin's house, thinking to herself: 'The Archamada Book of Spell...why didn't I think of that before? Yeah, sure, Ben claimed that the book was rumoured to be destroyed, but a book like that, especially with someone like Hex interested in it, it wouldn't have been ruined so easily. Plus, with my Anodite heritage, my powers should make up for the Charms of Bazell.' As Gwen reached home, she began a new search – to locate Hex, and the Archamada Book of Spells. 'Seriously, a book that valuable wouldn't get destroyed so easily – for all I know Hex, or even Charmcaster, placed that fake fire story online to discourage other magical beings from searching for the book.' If the book wasn't with Hex, maybe she would be lucky enough to locate another useful book.

End of Flashback

Her research paid off. Gwen was able to locate Hex's mansion, just outside of Bellwood. She broke into the place last night and – lo and behold – the Archamada Book of Spells was conveniently located in Hex's book collection. It could have been a trap, but who cares? She was able to sneak in and out undiscovered.

Right now, she was setting up the ritual to start the spell. According to the book, candles had to be lit and connected by a chalk outline in a triquetra pattern, an anchor for time-dimensional shifting. Clearing her mind of all distractions, she levitated herself and the book to begin the incantation:

Audite illa lacuna

Audite poema poematis...

"There's an old saying: Time travel is only for immortals and fools."

"Gah!!!" Gwen fell unceremoniously to the ground. "Professor Paradox?!? What are you doing here?"

"Why, stopping you from doing something you will regret, of course." Paradox answered, as if the answer should be obvious. He pulled out a small paper bag out of his coat, "Gumball?" He offered.

"No thanks." Gwen responded. What was his fascination with the crappy candy anyway.

"Gwendolyn, this plan of yours, it will bring nothing but trouble."

"This is the only way to fix Kevin." Gwen argued.

In a calm, authoritative voice, Paradox said, "Sometimes, the best way to fix something is to do nothing."

"What the hell? That doesn't make any sense." The confused expression on Gwen face also mirrored her frustration with the time-traveller's intrusion.

"Trust me, my dear child – time travel is a confusing matter that shouldn't be trifled with." Paradox gave Gwen a stern glare. Then in a cheerful tone, he saluted "Tootles!" Then, just as quickly as he entered Gwen's room, Paradox disappeared.

"Crazy old man." Gwen mumbled. She retraced the chalk that had dusted away from Paradox's intrusion, and re-levitated herself and the Archamada Book of Spell. Persistent to complete the spell, Gwen began to chant, then closed her eyes:

Audite illa lacuna

Audite poema poematis

Temerarius spes intus meus mens

Transporto mihi tergum quo I'll reperio

Quis Volo in locus quod vicis

She began to get dizzy. Gwen opened her eyes to see that she was at the garage. 'Please say I'm not too late.' Gwen thought as she peaked into the garage's door.

"Never mind – I'm pretty sure I can figure this out myself." She heard Ben say.

'Oh, thank God I made it.' She thought. Without time to lose, Gwen chanted: " Panton congelo salvifico mihi!"

Everyone and everything in the room froze except for the Gwens. Past Gwen felt like she just woke from a strange dream. "Huh?" She began to rub her eyes, "What happened?"

"I did." Gwen approached her past self.

"Who are you?!?" Past Gwen formed energy balls in her hands, ready to attack.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm you...well a future you." Gwen answered. "You have to stop Ben and Kevin from hacking into the Omnitrix."

"Prove it."

"Prove what?" Gwen asked; how sceptical could a person be?

"Prove that you're me." Past Gwen responded. "You could be an imposter or an evil clone."

"We don't have time for this..." Gwen was getting impatient; every moment she wasted arguing with herself, the less time she had with the freeze spell to prevent the accident from happening.

"Hey, you're the time-traveller – you should have all the time..."

"Alright, fine." Gwen huffed, cutting off her past self mid-sentenced. "How can I prove that I'm you?"

Past Gwen allowed the energy balls to dissipate. "Tell me something that only I know."

Gwen walked towards her past self, passing a frozen Kevin. She gave him a sympathetic glance, remembering how the upcoming accident will mutate him and make him miserable. As Gwen reached to her past self, she whispered into her ear: "You almost had your first kiss last year with Jordan Kingston, but the moment was ruined because you had to run to the bathroom due to a diarrheic attack."

The past Gwen pulled back. "Okay, you're me...by the way, yuck!"

"You gotta admit – nobody knows that but us." Gwen responded.

"Yeah, okay...overkill." Past Gwen was grossed out by hearing the truth; just because she knew about the infection, doesn't mean she wanted to be reminded of it. "You could just said something about our locker at school or something."

"Yeah, whatever." Gwen had to make this quick. "Whatever you do, just stop the Omnitrix from being hacked into."

"Why?" questioned the past Gwen.

"Because you'll never forgive yourself for the pain and suffering that follows." Gwen answered solemnly.

"Alright. I'll do it." Past Gwen conceded.

Gwen ran out of the garage to hide. As she reached outside the door, she felt time re-animate itself.

"Guys, this doesn't feel right." She heard her past self say. "Just knock it off. This is a bad idea."

"Don't worry – I know what I'm doing." Kevin asserted.

"I said – KNOCK IT OFF!!!" Past Gwen energised whips to knock Kevin and Ben away from the machine and threw an energy bolt to dismantle it.

Kevin was pissed to see the machine destroyed. "Aw! My Stuff!"

Past Gwen walked towards the pinned boys, "Promise you'll abandon this idiotic idea!"

"Okay! Okay! I promise!" Ben screeched.

"Whatever...not like we could do anything since you destroyed the machine." Kevin uttered.

Past Gwen released the energy whips, leaving the boys to fall on the ground unceremoniously.

Ben looked up at his cousin. "So, you're gonna explain that?"

Past Gwen placed her hands on her hips, giving her cousin a pointed look. "No."

Gwen sighed from her hiding place, "Good girl" she whispered before feeling her body being pulled into the time-dimensional shift.

Gwen opened her eyes, to find herself back in her room. 'Thank god that worked – wait, something feels wrong.' Her bedroom looked ransacked. She left her room to check the rest of her house. The place looked like it was wrecked by an explosion. 'Oh, shit. What did I do.?' She reached outside the house to see the other houses looking worst for wear – actually, that is too mild a way to put it – the houses looked as though the Apocalypse struck.

'Shit, shit, shit!!! This wasn't supposed to happen – ' Gwen thought as she walked into the streets. The neighbourhood looked abandoned for some time. 'How could my time-travel lead to this?' Just as Gwen turned the corner, she saw a horde of grunts, the rock creatures that Charmcaster controlled. 'Grunts? What are they doing here?!?' The grunts turned to see Gwen, sharp spears projecting from their hands, ready to attack. 'Oh, God...what have I done?' Before she could do anything, a grunt leaped in the air, its spear hand ready to strike Gwen.

To Be Continued...

Author's Notes: The Archamada Book of Spells was the book illustrated from the episode "Time Heals" and was first introduced during the original series' first season episode "Lucky Girl". Granted, the spell that I wrote for time travel wasn't the same as what was used for the episode (mainly because I didn't catch all the words of the spell), so I located an old spell for time-travelling from Charmed and translated it into Latin – gotta love translation websites, talk about a life-saver!

BTW, if you're all wondering about the grunts, that's the name used to describe the large rock creatures from the Ben 10: Alien Force – Vilgax Attacks game.

Until the next chapter...Reviews and constructive criticisms would be much appreciated!