Gwen was exhausted from the past few weeks' events, she spent her freetime hunting bad guys; at least the ones that the Plumbers didn't care about and surprisingly that was a-lot of criminals running around. Usually a 19 year old was applying to colleges or working, but that wasn't the case for their friendly neighborhood Lucky Girl. Grandpa Max tried his best to help the girl with her viglinate crusade, but he was too busy communicating to Tetrax about something seemingly important. The man could be found next to his old Plumber radio no matter the time. Gwen hoped he wasn't planning to break his retirement promise.

She was grateful for the costume and weapon Cooper fashioned for her, even though he was acting a bit strange, so she could run around without worry of someone figuring out her identity. She felt a bit awkward fighting crime in the skin-tight dark purple jump-suit, Cooper assured her that it was a part of the light-weight feature. Well he wasn't lying because it did make her incredibly light along with not restricting her movement. The suit was made out of a tungsten coated diamond armor, he said the diamonds were so small that it gave the suit a stretchy appearance, but when combined together the hard diamond surface did its job of keeping foreign materials out. She learned that lesson when she failed to dodge a bullet in time. A black utility belt was strapped around her waist, filled with magical and human tools. She had told the blonde that the hood made her look like an assassin, but he argued that her little party mask wasn't going to hide her identity. She did appreciate the hard surface gloves she received, it gave her punches that extra potency to send even the toughest opponents flying. A staff was also added to her arsenal as a gift from the blonde. She didn't get to ask him about the details, but all she knew was it hit hard and it was able to deflect bullets. She recently found out that her weapon had a conductivity towards magic and she would sometimes use it like an oversized wand.

Gwen was happy that she took Judo classes because she had an advantage against any normal human and even some meta-humans. She was noticing that more and more super-powered criminals were showing their faces now. Some of them are dangerous and others just petty assholes. For example, a high-tech smuggler who called himself Johnny Kick-Ass. Gwen thought she was simply breaking up an illegal gun-running operation until she encountered the head huncho. He was pretty adamant about not giving up and when the fight started she got laid on her ass. After kicking so much lackey butt, she became prideful in her skills and underestimated the man. If it wasn't for her last second block with her staff, she would probably be in the hospital. The sudden super-strength scared her into using her powers and seriously injuring the criminal. She was supposed to be a hero after all, so killing suspects wouldn't look good on her resume. After that day, every fight was taken seriously, no matter who it was; she couldn't let someone get the drop on her again or it could get ugly.

As of late, two "heroes" emerged from the pit; a very tall woman with a big hammer and shiny armor and someone dressed like the phantom of the opera wielding knives. They didn't seem to be working together but her goal is to make contact with them and hopefully establish a team of sorts. That would be after Gwen gave the phantom a stern talking to, several criminals ended up dead because of the stunt he pulled and it gave the heroes a bad press. Something that Gwen wanted to avoid at all costs. They were too early in the game to be making mistakes. The whole point was to gain the people's trust, if they had the public on their side then a rebellion would be 100 times easier. The Plumbers would have to fight them in a psychological and physical battle. She would make sure they answered for their crimes against all species, and once they backed them into a corner then that was the time to pounce. If she couldn't change the public's view on Ben most importantly then they'd never allow him to help them. So many variables and factors it made the girl's head spin, everything had to be perfect for this plan to work.

As night crept over Bellwood and surrounding areas, Gwen made her way overtop the neighborhood, balancing herself on her floating staff; the magic imbued weapon had gained the ability of flight through the constant mana absorption. She rode the clouds like a surfer riding the waves, keeping her eyes peeled for any criminal activity. Everything seemed peaceful in the summery Bellwood residences. Something that she wished she could enjoy with the normal citizens. The red-head was gliding near the city bank and her eagle eyes caught a glimpse of a dark shadow with a white mask. Phantom! She studied the rushing person and it looked like they were chasing someone, but she didn't see anyone else on the street. She was about to call out to the vigilante when an explosion startled the woman. Gwen scanned the area for the sudden eruption and saw flames leaking out of an alley adjacent to the bank. The red-head descended to the street and jumped off her staff into a sprint. She narrowly dodged an incoming silver projectile, the resulting cut she got on her cheek informed her that the object was bladed. She stopped in her tracks and spun her staff in her hands to deflect another knife. She faced the attacking phantom with a scowl on her face.

"What are you doing?!" she yelled at the person.

"Stay out of my way," they replied in a deep voice.

"I'm trying to help you!"

"I don't need it."

This mystery man was starting to piss Gwen off. Where did they get off talking to a potential ally like that?! She tried to step closer and they got into a defensive stance, unsheathing another knife. She wanted to talk to them, but she couldn't do anything when they were in this hostile state. Gwen considered backing off and waiting for another chance to communicate. But she still didn't know the extent of the looming threat, almost forgetting why she came down in the first place. The fire had already spread to the deli next door and was slowly making its way to the road. Gwen had to do something about this fire, it was quickly becoming out of control.

"Do what you want," Gwen voiced as she backed away from the vigilante.

The sorceress pointed her staff end at the roaring fire and whispered a spell underneath her breath. An eruption of water splashed over the flames, dousing the fire within seconds. Steam rose off the burning debris of the deli and alleyway. Gwen sighed in relief that she was able to limit the damage.

"Nice trick," a figure called from behind the smoke.

Gwen immediately narrowed her eyes at the approaching orange, mechanical battle suit. Captain Nemesis. He was the last person the red-head wanted to see at the moment. Nemesis, aka Carl Nesmith, was an arrogant hero-turned-villain that was envious of her cousin's spotlight. So he hatched a plan to become infamous for killing Ben Tennyson. The guy was the walking definition of narcissism and Gwen wanted nothing more than to crush him for the bullshit he put Ben through.

Nemesis stepped into the light and studied his opponents, he quickly widened his eyes at the woman glaring at him.

"If it isn't the one and only Gwen Tennyson! I was hoping for the boy, but I suppose his loved ones will do," he taunted as he unleashed a blast from his arm cannon.

Gwen easily dodged the explosive orb and got into her defensive pose.

"As nimble as ever. Tell me, why are you wearing that ridiculous outfit?" he asked. "And plus one?" the man continued, finally acknowledging the phantom's presence. "Don't tell me Ben is hiding under that ugly mask."

"You talk too much, dick-head," Phantom spat as he pointed his blade at Nemesis.

"Hm, well he's just as obnoxious."

The masked man charged at Nemesis with his knife and began swinging it in precise movements. Carl Nesmith avoided each attack with ease using the assistance of his jet-powered suit to increase his speed.

"What do you hope to do with those stupid knives of yours?" Nemesis boasted, as he delivered a swift jab to the phantom's mask.

He backed up a couple feet as the stunned vigilante adjusted his mask. Phantom said nothing as he glanced up at the smirking Nemesis and held up his bloodied blade. Carl gasped before touching his cheek and feeling the familiar wetness. The man narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists. Captain Nemesis used his jetpack to launch into the air and show off his flight abilities.

"What now? How are your knives going to reach me all the way up here?"

When silence was his answer, Carl became enraged and shot off several energy beams at his masked opponent. Phantom rolled over the first few and the resulting explosions knocked him off balance long enough for him to catch a beam to the chest, sending him crashing into the brick wall of the bank.

"Phantom!" Gwen yelled out in concern.

Nemesis may be cocky as all hell, but he certainly was not a pushover. She again considered handling the situation herself, the redhead couldn't afford losing an ally. Gwen tightened her hand on the staff, silently preparing a spell to use against the unsuspecting man.

"I'm fine! And stop calling me Phantom!" said the rising man. "They call me many names but the one that I stand true to is Null." he growled as he fought through the pain, by this time he was standing up. "Because I am nothing without my cause."

Null removed several blades from underneath his long cloak, each knife slowly began to glow in a pure, white light before levitating upwards into a circle shape.

"Nice trick but you seem to have forgotten that I can fly!" Nemesis taunted.

Null traced symbols in the air and snapped his fingers. The blades shrouded in light spun in the circle formation before rotating on its side, and each knife launched outwards like a cannonball. The weapons were moving faster than a bullet in complete silence through the night sky. Nemesis found it extremely difficult to dodge, even if they were lit up for him. One blew past his arm slicing through the metal armor like butter. He felt the deep cut seeping blood as he flew through the air to dodge the others. Carl prided himself in his intelligence, he scanned the area for any returning "boomerang" knives and was satisfied when he saw no approaching lights. He clutched his bleeding arm and was annoyed at the fact that this nobody was able to touch him.

"HA! All that build-up for them to miss? I sure hope that wasn't your final attack!"

"I wasn't aiming for you…"

As soon as Null finished that statement, Nesmith's jetpack began sputtering and blowing out black smoke. What the-! Nemesis glanced back and saw a blade lodged in the exposed vents of his jetpack. Cut wires were sparking and small amounts of fuel were leaking out, it didn't take long before the dying jetpack couldn't handle Nemesis' weight and gave out. The man was able to stick his emergency landing and pressed a series of buttons on his arm-pad, the jetpack disconnecting from his suit and dropping to the ground.

"You must be proud of yourself. I would applaud you, but I think I'd rather kill you now."

A small rocket appeared on the left shoulder of Nemesis before blasting off towards Null. Gwen finally made her decision and hit the tiny explosive with her staff like a baseball ball. An explosion engulfing the woman instantly in flames. Null extended his hand but was too late as a plume of smoke dispersed. Is she crazy? Why would she pull a stunt like that? The person asked themselves as they searched the smoke for an injured body. When the air cleared everyone's vision, Null was shocked to see the girl in the same position, like a batter who slammed a home run.

Nemesis sucked his teeth as he readied his arm cannon at the girl when a small canister landed at his feet. The armored villain was surrounded by a white smoke screen and his opponents had disappeared within the instant. He had his head on a swivel, scanning the area for any movement.

"STOP HIDING!" he shouted into the smoke.

Carl caught a glimpse of a cloak but it was already too late as Gwen and Null had sprung from the smoke like ninjas. Nesmith shot off his beam in hopes of hitting one of them, but no such luck as Null kicked his arm upwards; sending the attack into the night sky. An absolute beat-down commenced shortly after, with kicks and punches being launched by the duo. Nemesis couldn't shake off the daze as he was pummeled between the two fighters. Null punched the man in the face, cracking his visor, and landed an uppercut to his chin. Gwen focused powerful swings on the hard armor of the villain, each hit sending shockwaves through the entire suit. Using the magic staff as a spear to pierce his defense and crack it open like a lobster shell. Nemesis tried to regain the upper hand by shooting off more explosive orbs with his hand cannon. His attacks were futile as Gwen tossed the staff to Null and used her brute strength to rip the suit, almost in half, and yank the man out. By this time, Carl had tears in his eyes as he begged for his life. Null was already thoroughly annoyed with the man and delivered a swift bonk to the man's nose with the staff. Nesmith fell onto the ground, clutching his nose as he rolled around like a baby. The duo stood over him in victory as they glanced down at the broken man.

Null tossed the staff back to Gwen and turned around, they were about to make their exit when a voice stopped them.

"We need to talk about your cause and your actions," Gwen spoke firmly.

"I have nothing to say to a coward who uses magic but chooses to hide it away."

"You've killed people. That needs to stop."

"And you could be next if you don't stay out of my way."

"You won't be warned next time," Gwen reprimanded.

"Until next time then," Null countered as they disappeared into the alleyway.

Gwen didn't bother to chase them, she figured they'd be gone as soon as she rounded the corner anyway. She heard sirens approaching and decided it was time for her escape as well. The red-head jumped on her staff and sped off into the night sky just as police arrived on the scene. One thing bothered the woman and it was the magic aura she was sensing from Null. She couldn't fathom the idea of another person knowing magic in town. I guess it's a possibility. But how come she hasn't sensed them before. She assumed that meant they were new to town, but that didn't explain why she didn't even notice till they were casting right in front of her.

The heroine continued to roam the small city in search of any criminal activity. Gwen didn't hear a peep from any of the usual hotspots, maybe everyone was getting scared of the recent crime-fighting season. People without powers definitely went into hiding once the metas and aliens stepped foot into their terrority. Gwen's appearance as Lucky girl along with Null and the new girl only sealed the deal to change their ways. The Plumbers barely intervened in crime, alien or not, unless it strictly benefitted them. They always gave the excuse of intergalactic crime being their top priority and keeping planets safe as a whole was their mission. Bunch of bullshit. It wasn't hard to see what the Plumbers were doing, but nobody dared open their mouth against the superpower. That'll all change soon.

Gwen was nearing a small fishing dock when she took notice of several dark figures standing on the wooden path and surrounding the tiny storage room. About time, I was starting to get bored. She swooped down and landed behind some trees, creeping closer with her staff at the ready. Confused was an understatement when she approached the dock and saw that the armed men were no longer standing. In fact, all of them were sprawled out unconscious and their weapons were stacked in a neat pile nearby. She ruled out Null's doing because the criminals were still alive and not laying in a puddle of their own blood. Plus, she was quick to doubt that the masked vigilante could cover such a distance before her. The red-head was deep in thought when the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She was careful not to make any sudden movements, whoever it was was staring directly at her.

"I thought witches were supposed to be ugly," a loud voice called out.

Gwen slowly turned around to see a large shadow jumping from the roof of the storage room. When the person landed she realized that it was hammer-lady but didn't lower her guard. The amazonian woman could still be a threat to her.

"But up close you're rather beautiful."

Gwen would be blushing if she wasn't in a serious situation at the moment. This woman had to be at least six and a half feet tall, she'd be lying if she said she wasn't a little intimidated by the stature.

"My name is Hera," she introduced properly.

As in the goddess?! Gwen didn't know what to think, she was completely baffled by this stranger. Aliens and monsters exist, and now you're telling me gods do too? She remembered that Ben mentioned fighting a sun goddess on a faraway planet. But Hera is from Greek mythology, she told herself.

"Fear not, for I am not actually a god. But I do possess the strength of one through my hammer."

Gwen could believe that from simply looking at her bulging biceps and diamond-cut abs. Did she even need that armor? The gold armor covered the women's chest and shoulders, along with a golden skirt protecting her nether regions and thighs. She had laced up sandals that made her look like a Greek warrior. The red-head looked for any insignias that might hint where Hera was from, but her gold armor was plain and symbol-less.

"You're rather quiet, witch." Hera mentioned as she bent down to be face-level with Gwen. "Or are you hiding some suspiciously juicy apples that I should know about?" she asked with a smirk.

This woman is drop-dead gorgeous. Her parents were right to name her after a goddess! Gwen laughed nervously before stepping half a step back.

"I'm Lucky Girl and no I'm not hiding any apples."

"Oh please, we are allies, there is no need for aliases."

"Gwendolyn, but Gwen is fine."

"You have such a pretty name, why would you shorten it?"

Gwen stayed quiet, unsure of how to answer the woman.

"Gwendolyn?" Hera whispered, taking a step closer.

Good god. Gwen knew her face was red as a tomato, she felt so flushed around this woman that she's never met. Their faces were inches apart, any closer and their lips would be touching. I wouldn't mind that… Wait what am I talking about?! I just met her!

"No need to be nervous."

But her voice was so alluring and calming, like nothing bad could happen to the red-head with the Amazon around. It wasn't magic, Gwen would be highly resistant to any spells casted on her. Something about Hera just calmed her down. The armored woman reached up and pushed a strand of Gwen's hair behind her ear. The sorceress shuddered under the quick contact and silently cursed her hormones. It didn't help that she hadn't been touched in months and those moments were becoming more and more frequent. It got so bad once that the girl was seconds from fucking some random dude from her college tour a couple months back. She was able to quell these feelings with the occasional masturbation, but lately she's been feeling some type of way. And the way this goddess has been speaking to her… And the way her crystal blue eyes looked at her sensually… And the feeling she got from being touched by her… Fuck it… Gwen made the first move and closed the distance between their lips. Hera didn't resist the girl's lust and deepened the kiss. Tongues explored the other's mouth as the kiss quickly became heated. Gwen was slightly embarrassed from all the moaning she was emitting from just locking-lips but she didn't care anymore. Hera kissed her with just the right amount of ferocity and passion that made the red-head melt under her. They were pawing at each other's clothing like wild animals and it only turned Gwen on more. She smells like a strawberry field but her lips tasted like cherries. Her brain went numb as she let Hera grab the curve of her ass. Something about making out with a stranger in the middle of a bunch of unconscious criminals made the girl dripping wet. Hera slowly pulled away and smiled at the smaller woman.

"We can't stay here," she whispered sweetly into Gwen's ear.

"Take me wherever you want."

Gwen's eyes fluttered open to an unfamiliar place. It didn't take her long to remember where she was, rolling over to see the messy blonde hair of a sleeping Hera. She gently pulled the woman's arm off her waist and threw her legs over the side. Gwen stepped onto the white marble floor and snuck off in search of a bathroom. Her head was slightly throbbing and hoped the girl carried aspirin. Was I drinking? Gwen's eyes lit up when she saw the architecture of Hera's home. Everywhere she looked she saw white with gold trim, there were stands that held precious artifacts and exquisite paintings on the wall. A plethora of doors leading to new rooms and hallways, she peeped in a couple for any sign of a bathroom. This place looked like a Greek temple with how luxurious it was. Finally she found the bathroom and stepped in the pristine white room, closing the door behind her. Gwen glanced in the mirror and was taken back from her reflection. She had eye-shadow, blush, and lipstick on and her hair was braided neatly in the back. Also, realizing she had a silk, white robe wrapped around her body. Did she put makeup on me? The red-head noticed several hickies lining her neck and red marks on her wrists like she was hand-cuffed. What the hell did we do last night? She blushed as she began to recount all the events of the prior evening. Her experience with the goddess was otherworldly and all stress and worry went right out the window. She felt like she could take on the world right now. All this from sex…

"Did you have a good time?" a familiar voice spoke from the doorway.

"You know knocking would be appreciated," Gwen singsonged.

"Mmm you'll have to forgive me, my kitten," Hera purred as she swooped in for a swift kiss.

Gwen put her finger between their lips and smiled, "before you place me back under your spell, do you mind telling me where I am?"

"My home of course."

"And where is your home?"

"Do you not trust me?"

"What a silly thing to think from a simple question," the red-head laughed sweetly.

The silence was thick, the first awkward moment the two of them shared.

"Hera…"

"Fine! If we must then follow me."

The duo exited the bathroom and made their way through the endless hallways. Gwen heard water running as they came closer to their destination, entering a large foyer with several maids and butlers lining the wall.

"Good morning my lady and mistress!" they greeted in unison.

Mistress? That title definitely irked the girl a bit, but she decided to ignore it for now.

"Leave us!" Hera commanded with authority.

Within seconds, the couple was alone in the room and Gwen raised an eyebrow at her servants compliance. What did this lady do for a living? Gwen thought as she stepped closed to the large white doors, pushing them open to be hit with direct sunlight. She winced at the sudden brightness but slowly opened her eyes and scanned the outside. What the fuck?! They were on a mountain, to be exact, on the side of a mountain. A small waterfall ran along an adjacent cliff and sprinkled water droplets over her garden. Gwen noticed a cobblestone driveway with zero cars in it. She couldn't even see past the mountain because of the heavy mist that surrounded the property. This was not Bellwood or anywhere close.

"Satisfied?" Hera asked as she wrapped her arm around the girl's waist.

Gwen was too awe-struck to even respond to her question.

"Why are we on a mountain?!"

"You did say I could take you anywhere, so I took you to my home."

"Are we still on Earth?"

"Yes."

"And are we still in my dimension?"

"I wouldn't call this another dimension because we're still in your plane of existence, but this place is hidden from prying eyes," Hera explained easily. "You must be special to enter this place," she said as she stared longingly into Gwen's eyes.

"Why me?" a question that's been on Gwen's mind since this morning. "Why did you choose me?"

Hera walked away from the girl and peered into the blue sky. Gwen thought she had overstepped her boundaries for a moment.

"I don't know. But I'm willing to let fate answer that question if you want to see where this takes us."

"Listen Hera, everything from last night to right now was amazing and you're one of the most sincere people I've ever met. But I can't go out with you right now. I have a-lot going on and I just got out of a relationship. I can't afford to focus on anything else-"

"Say no more. I understand your war with the Plumbers more than anyone. I once fought against tyranny and suffered great loss at every turn. I am willing to lend a hand in your cause if you allow me."

Gwen totally forgot the reason she was looking for Hera in the first place was to ask for help and she ended up fucking the chick. She was glad it came back full circle, at least Hera was willing to lend a hand unlike Null. They would take some convincing to do, but for now she had the power of a god on her side. The red-head felt her eyes getting watery, this was the first success of a complex plan.

"Let me help you," Hera asked again firmly.

Gwen nodded rapidly with a smile on her face and tears of joy in her eyes.

Then until we meet again, Lucky Girl," she said as she tapped Gwen's forehead.

Gwen gasped as she sat up in bed and looked around. Sunlight was creeping through the green curtains and she realized that she was in her room. Was it a dream? But her question was answered when she saw the silk robe on her, Gwen jumped out of bed in search of the tall woman. No one was in her room besides her and there were no signs of anyone leaving either. A knock on the door startled the girl.

"Happy 20th birthday, pumpkin! I love you! I have to go to work but your mother made you breakfast downstairs. I'll be back later to celebrate!" her dad called out through the door.

That's right she was twenty years old now, she was so caught up with everything that she forgot her own birthday. She opened the curtains to see her dad's car reversing out of the driveway, she waved down to him with a smile. Gwen looked through her closet for today's clothing and settled on a yellow sundress, she didn't normally wear dresses but today she was feeling pretty.

"Maybe I'll enjoy one day off," she told herself as she headed for the bathroom.