Laughter could be heard inside the training hall of the Plumbers- HQ. "Magical Premenstrual Syndrome? I'm pretty sure he set you up.", Ben continued laughing.
Gwen had a very serious expression on her face. "Professor Hex would never do that.".
"Yeah sure. So- what's the first step to deal with my 'magical' PMS? Frog soup and some magical spells?" she retorted. The tone of her voice was sardonic and cutting.
"Um- sports should be a good way to deal with it." she held up a medical pamphlet, she was no doctor, "I wish someone else would be here to help with that. I thought of asking um- Azmuth or Driba.".
Once again the brunette started to laugh "Azmuth and Driba? Are you serious? You'd think that as a witch you've had the same trouble as me at some point in your life.".
"Well, unlike you I lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle. For example, I don't overeat and consume too many salty and fatty foods." she stated, taking note of the dirty look Ben sent her way but ignored it. "Okay, let's get this started. I'd guess you first do some warm-up and stretching exercises. Then you run a few rounds around the hall followed by yoga and from there we relax with meditation." she instructed, ignoring the way her cousin groaned.
"No wonder you wear those weird baggy pants. Yoga-".
"Those are called harem pants and they're quite comfortable. Now you warm up and I get you some water to drink. You'll need it.". The redhead noticed that as she stated her command Ben grimaced, "I'm not feeding you smoothies and chili fries either. It's veggies, fruits and lean meat from now on!"
...
As soon as she was out of the door Ben sat on the ground and looked around the spacious training grounds. Then she sat upright, legs stretched out and trying to grab her toes without leaning forward too much. She was busy stretching as she noticed a shadow looming over her. Ben looked up to greet Molly Gunther, the new leader of the Alpha Squad. The older leader, Brennigan, went into early retirement.
"Magister Molly Gunther, I am surprised to see the Alpha Squad leader in this part of the galaxy", she greeted the other brunette.
A smile played on Molly's lips; "I didn't think I'd see you here either.".
"What brings you here?" Ben asked, letting go of her toes and leaning back. She looked up at Molly from down below. Her eyes followed the light reflecting on the polished red Plumber-uniform.
"I was about to activate the training grounds for combat training. I'm surprised that the hall was already being used as I came in."
"Great, Gwen forgot to reserve the hall. I'll tell her.", Ben stood up and wanted to walk away but was held back. The new Alpha Squad leader made her the offer to train with her. "Hm-" Ben grinned, a gleam in her eyes, "Jumping over holo-rocks and shooting at dummies sounds more fun than running in circles and yoga. Count me in."
Gwen was so surprised, as she came back the water bottle escaped her hand and landed on the floor. Luckily for the water bottle, it was made out of plastic and didn't break. This shows the superiority of plastic bottles. They don't break when you throw them against something. Though some may prefer the therapeutic sound of glass shattering. However, Gwen hadn't planned on dropping the bottle, so she bent down and picked it back up. She called for Ben who jumped off one of the floating cubes as spider-monkey. With grace she landed in front of her cousin. As she turned back, Gwen noticed the gun in her hand. She pointed towards the gun, visibly displeased "What's this?".
Ben looked at the gun, a little confused and amused, "That's a gun. I had combat training with Molly Gunther from the Alpha Squad."
"No, I mean, I told you I wanted you to run laps.".
Ben responded, "I am running laps and jumping and rolling around and dodging. Sports, you said that was good for me.".
The red-head shook her head, and massaged the bridge of her nose. She clarified her order: "I meant you, as yourself, running laps. Not morphing into another alien and doing it like that.".
Ben looked annoyed;"How come that everyone thinks that they know what's good for me?".
Her cousin scowled, snapping at her "What? I'm just saying-"
"That you know what's good for me? What I should do?" she interrupted, sour.
Before Gwen could muster up an answer the brunette already walked off. "I- I hit the showers.", Ben grabbed the water-bottle from Gwen's hand. With wide steps she marched towards the male-locker room. Ben needed a fresh set of clothes and to wash off the sweat. It wasn't until she noticed Tack staring at her as she pulled up her shirt that Ben remembered that she wasn't a boy anymore. As if the weight had been lifted off her chest. She laughed it off and pulled down her shirt. Embarasadded she hurried into the other locker room. She had enjoyed herself so much she forgot all about that.
…
Her red-haired cousin looked at her from the sidelines, sighing and shaking her head. In that moment Molly jumped down behind her and picked up the weapons, storing them away in their gun-cases. "So, testing out the new weapons?", Gwen turned around to greet Magister Gunther. "I didn't think that the leader of the Alpha Squad had enough time on her hands to join the earth Plumbers again.".
Molly was checking if she had stowed away the guns before she replied; "Magister Tennson requested my assistance. I decided to test out the new training grounds. Impressive. Floating spheres, dummies and entire fake cities. The Alpha Squad HQ in my quadrant still runs the old equipment.".
Gwen frowned, deciding to ignore the remarks on the training grounds. "Why would my Grandfather request your help? Alpha Squad aren't usually called upon for consultation. Except-".
The Alpha Squad leader shouldered her weapons, interrupting Gwen "I can not disclose any information. But if you're curious enough, just ask Magister Tennyson- your Grandfather.". With that Molly turned around and went back outside the hall. There was a tone in Magister Gunther's voice she did not like. A hidden accusation. As if being related to the Magister granted her any special privileges! But she could brood over it later.
...
Ben glared at the plate of food Gwen had put in front of her. "Ugh, tofu filled with mushrooms and green-bean-salad? And what's that? Tea?".
"It's Raspberry-leaf-tea and it's good for you.". She watched as Ben took a sip from the cup before grasping the sugar on the table. Before Ben could even touch it Gwen removed it."No sugar!"
"Oh come on. That's torture! I'm pretty sure the Plumbers have rules against that." Ben exclaimed, before shoving her fork into the mushy tofu. Her nose scrunched up at the spongy texture.
Gwen rolled her eyes, "All this is a medical necessity. You don't want another one of those -you know what I mean-" she looked away. JHeat traveled up her face and turned her cheeks red.
The brunette finally gave in and shoved a full fork in her mouth, chewing and swallowing, while glaring at Gwen. "Just so you know" she said between bites, "I don't like the taste. At all. I only do that because it's supposed to get rid of that Power-incontinence thing.".
As Ben ate her food Gwen sunk into deep thought. What was important enough that Grandpa Max needed help from the Alpha Squad? There must be something big going on, as she had also taken note that the HQ had more visitors than usually. She'd seen some Magisters who were usually deployed in other parts of the galaxy. High ranking Magisters who had made a name for themselves and were celebrated as heroes around the Plumbers.
She looked back at Ben who was still shoving food into her mouth. Gwen's phone rang ripping her out of her thoughts and she jumped up to answer it, "Yes? Gwen Tennyson here.".
"Gwen-" it was the voice of her grandfather, "Is Ben with you? Lt. Steel requests to talk to her.".
"I tell her. And we need to talk to.", she added.
"All in due time Gwen. And tell Ben to turn on her phone. I've been trying to call her several times.", then he hung up. Gwen gestured Ben to come with her. The brunette was glad and dropped her fork, following Gwen.
...
While Ben was going to talk with Lt. Steel Gwen used the time and went to Grandpa Max's office.
"Gwen." Magister Tennyson greeted her as she stepped into the small room, "How's Ben?".
The red haired witch replied that she felt better but that wasn't why she wanted to talk to him. "What's going on Grandpa? Why's the leader of the Alpha Squad here? What's up with all those Magisters running around?".
The old man sat back in his chair and started massaging his brow, "I don't want to drag you into this Gwen.".
She shook her head. "I'm a member of the Plumbers, I am your granddaughter. I already am into this, you can tell me Grandpa.", she argued.
After a few moments of thinking about what she said he nodded. There was no need to hide anything from her. "Fine. Sit down." he motioned to the chair in front of the table and waited until she was seated before he started. "We have several threats in the galaxy right now. Unfortunately our numbers are stretched quite thin. We don't recruit enough new members to cover every quadrant of the universe. We lose territory and some planets don't want to join up with us in fear of threatening their own sovereignty.".
Gwen nodded, she understood that concern. "But that's not the main reason all those high ranking members are here, right?" she inquired further.
The Magister nodded, "You're right. It's Polema. She had been release from stasis jail." Gwen was confused. She had never heard that name anywhere.
"What- or who is Polema?" she inquired. To Gwen that name sounded like a sort of disease.
The Magister activated the screen behind him and opened a folder. It showed the picture of an Incursean, except no, that was not an Incursean. While she had the green skin and looked at first like one of them there were obvious differences. The most obvious being the tiny little horns on her head, arranged like a little crown. She also lacked the slimy, green skin, it was far scalier, more lizard than frog. "This" Grandpa Max continued, "is Polema. A biological weapon. There was a freak accident in the lab which created her and set her free. Afterwards she spent years as a pirate".
He pulled up a grainy recording of the lab, there was a lot of screaming and yelling in the background and explosions. "As you can see," the Magister pointed towards the video, "she's highly destructive and dangerous. But several years ago, 17, to be exact, she dropped from the face of the earth, or better, universe. There was nobody who knew where she was.". "Then" he pulled up another picture. it was Polema dressed up in regalia standing next to a younger looking Milleous, "she became queen of the Incurseans and mother to Attea.".
Gwen stared at the picture, her mouth opening and closing, like a fish on land, "Wait- but how? How can- she be Attea's mother? She looks nothing like her! Except for being green-"
"Attea had been implanted into her. Genetic implantation and fertilization. Attea basically has two mothers. One who gave 'birth' and one who gave her egg for artificial fertilization."
Gwen frowned, before she asked her final question, "And how do you know about all of that? This seems to be confidential intelligence. How do you know she's free?".
"For your first question. We already had some of those files and for the second question-". The door opened and a voice broke through interrupting the Magister.
"And for the second question" the door closed, as the other voice continued, a voice Gwen knew, "I took it upon myself to inform the Plumbers.".
Gwen spun around and her eyes widened at the new figure who had stepped in. Attea stood there in the middle of the room. Her hands held behind her back and covered in bandages. She looked older than two years ago. But then, Incurseans aged faster.
Her cousin wasn't going to like that at all. Attea was Ben's enemy. This was going to be trouble.
...
Rook arrived later that noon and was having an animated conversation with Ben. However, Gwen only listened with one ear. She was still thinking about what her Grandfather had told her. She wondered if Ben knew anything about the new threat or if she was even aware that Attea was on the base.
"Anyways, Lt. Steel just wanted to thank me. He says Nicole's fine and should be back in school in one or two weeks. Though- it seems Shishkin escaped but they're looking for her and Interpol is working on it too. I'll guess sooner or later they'll catch her." the brunette briefed Rook, as she realized that Gwen had been silent and withdrawn for a while now. "Hey Gwen.", she called out towards the redhead who perked up as her name was called. Gwen faced Ben raising an eyebrow. "What did you talk about with Grandpa Max?" her cousin asked.
She blinked, then her eyes focused on her cold drink in front of her "Nothing-". A scowl formed on Ben's brow but she did not inquire any further.
The cafeteria was unagitated today. Grandpa Max had some very important things to do regarding organization and planning. Besides he also had to instruct new cadets, that's what he had told Ben. After a few more minutes of talking with each other Molly Gunther walked in and got herself a tray with some food. She steered towards the small group with her tray, "Can I sit down here?".
"Sure!" Ben replied. She shuffled over to give her some space. Hungry eyes became fixated on the fries on the other Plumber's tray.
Molly noticed; her eyes wandering from her tray towards the brunette. "You want some?" she offered towards her before Gwen latched herself on the conversation.
"Ben can't eat that." Gwen stated throwing a glance at Ben who took another sip of her tea.
The Alpha Squad leader raised an eyebrow, inquiring further "Why's that?".
Gwen sighed, "Medical problems- I'm helping her through it.".
"You know I can talk for myself, right? You've done that before with Hex, too." Ben spat, banging her mug down on the table, the contents close to spilling over, a biting sound in her voice.
The ginger massaged her brow, she did not want to deal with Ben's mood swings right now."Fine. Then answer the question for yourself.".
"I have 'magical' PMS." Ben stated and rolled her eyes. This answer astonished Magister Gunther and caused Rook besides her to nearly choke on his drink.
After her initial shock the Magister raised a fascinated eyebrow at the other "Magical PMS? Magic?"
"Yeah. That's why she's here." Ben gestured towards Gwen, "Hex thinks that only another girl could solve my problem. Or he just doesn't want to deal with me. Eh- It's not like I want to deal with him either.".
"Why don't you just get the pill? Take it through. I do that. No periods, no problems." Molly suggested, ignoring Rook who felt a little misplaced right now, but just a little.
Ben looked thoughtful, "You can do that?".
"Sure. Just go to a good doctor. So, neither Driba and Blukic. I can give you the number of mine.".
Ben smiled, "That would be great!".
Molly smiled back,"I could give you my number too" she mentioned. Then she looked back at her tray, what did she just say? Great, now she came on too strong.
"Yes! That sounds great. How long are you going to stay on earth?" Ben beamed at her already pulling out her phone and giving it to Molly.
The Alpha Squad leader looked thoughtful, as she took Ben's phone into her hand. "I guess one or two weeks at most. I'm planning on visiting my family.". She registered her number. Molly also took note of all the missed calls Ben had on her cell. Then she handed it back to the brunette and stood up. She excused herself and got rid of her tray, shoving it in the auto-waste-washer.
"Hm-" Gwen looked after her, mumbling "she didn't eat any of her fries-". Why would she have gotten any if she didn't even touch them?
Ben stood up and Gwen raised her eyebrow, "And where are you going now?".
"What does it look like? I'll go and get myself those pills and then I'll never have to deal with periods!" she replied. Be seemed quite cheerful at that prospect.
Gwen and Rook frowned as they saw Ben leaving with a noticeable skip in her step. The Revonnahgander turned towards Gwen, looking quite concerned, "You think that Ben is going to be okay?".
"I'm more concerned" she replied, shaking her head "that Ben takes this far too easy.". They stood up and followed Ben, they couldn't leave her alone.
...
"You know neither of you have to be here, right?" she told her companions as they sat in the waiting room of the gynecologist. Rook looked quite uncomfortable as he was stared at by several woman. Aliens didn't come here too often, he assumed. Never mind, male aliens.
"As your friend Ben I feel obligated to escort you to such an event." Rook replied as he tried to hide behind a women's magazine. Jennifer Nocturne was having an affair with her director. Who knew?
Gwen shrugged her shoulders, glancing up from her phone "Hey I'm your cousin. I feel like you need- I mean it's your first time here. You might need someone to hold your hand?"
The brunette frowned, "I can just go in and say that I want the pill, right? I don't think I'll need much hand-holding.".
A woman looked up from the magazine she was reading and started to look at Ben's face. Then her gaze dropped to her watch and then back at her face and started to whisper to her neighbor behind her hand. Over time more and more eyes started to fixate on Ben as word made the round and the brunette started to feel a little more uncomfortable than before.
As she realized the attention they were getting Gwen signaled Ben to tone it down. Finally Ben's name was called by the receptionist and she walked briskly into the doctors office. Gwen followed her, leaving Rook behind, who still used the magazine as a shield. The Revonnahgander tried to disappear into the pages of the yellow press. Somewhere between Prince Gyula's love life and Mayor Coleman's sex scandal.
"So Mr- Tennyson? Wait- that can't be right-" the doctor scowled at the paper which laid in front of him. He analyzed the name and then looked up and adjusted his glasses. "You're Benjamin Kirby Tennyson?" he asked raising an eyebrow, just to be on the safe side.
The brunette nodded, "Yes, that's me. Ben Tennyson, the great hero who saved the galaxy countless times!".
"Three times-" Gwen corrected her dryly while checking a message on her phone from Kevin, missing the mean look Ben threw her way.
"Well, Mr.- Ms. Tennyson, you're here because-"
"I want the pill. To get rid of my 'magical' PMS and the periods.".
The doctor chuckled before he went through the report he had in front of him again. He stopped chuckling and just stared with an open mouth at the report submitted by the Plumbers. "You have an intact female reproductive system?", his eyes widened in disbelieve. He held up the x-ray. Blinking at it in bewilderment. His eyes did not deceive him.
"Um yes, I sort of had an unexpected sex-change. But we're currently trying to find the person who did this to me so- um- just for the time being I need some of those birth-control pills?" she looked at Gwen, wondering if she'd done that right.
The doctor stood up, "Well, before I do that I'd rather have a look myself. I'm not sure- who your doctor was at the Plumbers. If you'd please" he opened the door to an adjoined room "sit down so I can have a look? Of course you need to-".
He turned around but only saw Gwen. Ben went out as soon as she saw the 'chair' she was supposed to sit down in. She grabbed Rook, who had been consumed by a report on crabs -such fascinating earth creatures!- and went out the door in such a hurry she nearly ran over a patient who just walked in. Gwen took a deep breath and excused herself and her cousin's behavior before she started running after Ben.
"Ben!" Gwen grasped her shoulder, "What was that! I thought you wanted to go through that."
"There's no way I let that guy or anyone get down there to check. Once, I had that done once to me and I never want to go through it ever again.", she turned around and walked off again. Rook and Gwen trying to keep up with her,
"So, and now? You think you can just walk into a pharmacy and ask for it? You know they need a prescription or they won't give you any.", Gwen yelled after her.
Ben sighed, "Then we just find another doctor.".
"And you know that they will want to give you another examination. It won't hurt, you know." Gwen argued, but Ben shook her head and crossed her arms in front of her chest. The red-haired cousin put a hand on Ben's shoulder, "I know you don't want any of this. I bet you'd just want to go home and be a boy again and pretend all this never happened. But- you're a girl now, Ben, and that means you have all the good and the bad that comes with it.".
Ben looked down thinking and then an idea formed in her head. "Let's go to Friedkin University!" she declared.
Gwen looked bewildered and a little lost. How did Ben jump to this topic? "Why?".
"Bezel! Bezel is at the University! He's a master Wizard! He can do something against this! All this!" Gwen thought of arguing with Ben, but she knew that was useless and she just decided to give in to her.
…
One hour later they were back at the Friedkin University.
Ben got quite a lot of attention as they arrived back at the University. The news of her recent sex-change spread faster than she had anticipated and it was just seven PM. The joy of living in the digital age, Gwen thought. She couldn't stop herself from rolling her eyes at the antics of those frat-boys. Ben was swamped by them as soon as they set foot upon the ground. Well, more like as soon as Ben set her feet on campus terrain. As if she was the last girl on this planet. Not that Gwen was jealous, or anything like that. Even with the short haircut, Ben was still quite attractive. Besdies, she was still loving all the attention. But she was oblivious to the underlying intentions the boys had. Though Ben quickly dismissed them after remembering why they were here and for whom. She caught up with Gwen who made her way towards the janitor's quarters. "So, you think Bezel is even at home?" Ben asked her, ignoring the stares she was getting as best as she could. For some reasons it sent shivers down her spine.
Rook had decided to stay behind this time for a change. Nobody had even asked him why he was at the HQ on his free day.
"I think so. I haven't tried tracking his life-force but I'm sure he's here. It's a Tuesday and he still has a job to do. You know he's the janitor of this University.". They knocked on his door and waited for a while before it opened with a creaking sound.
"Anybody at home?" Ben asked into the darkness, then shielding her eyes as the light turned on and the old man stepped out.
Hmph, I had to replace the light bulb. Have I forgotten to lock the door?" he took out a pack of cards. "Anyways, draw a card!" he demanded as he shoved the deck towards Ben and Gwen who declined shaking their heads.
"I'm not here for that. I have another request for you." Ben stated, "I'm sure you have heard about my transformation by now?".
Bezel looked down and then up again, shrugging his shoulders. "Aren't you the boy who always goes through transformations?".
The brunette's left eyelid started to twitch "That's not funny. I need to be changed back into a guy as fast as possible.".
For a moment the old wizard blinked at her, confused, and then shook his head, "Impossible.".
A laughter escaped Ben, "Impossible? You said yourself there are no rules in magic, right? That's why you waste your time with card-tricks instead of real magic.".
The wizard took offense in her last comment, "I'm wasting my time? Real magic? You don't even know what real magic is. You have no idea of the power I hold.". Even though it seemed like a warning the male witch still kept the same lazy smile on his face.
"Oh? Really? Then I bet you could change me back, right?" Ben challenged him.
He was too smart to fall for that cheap trick. The wizard once again shook his head "It would go against nature. I went against nature once- didn't turn out so well.".
"What? Hera went against nature as she did this to me! You'd just restore the natural order! You know, do right where others did wrong?" Ben argued. She didn't realize she started yelling at him.
The wizard perked up as he heard the name Hera. He asked Ben to clear up the circumstances under which the change happened. He stepped aside and invited them inside to sit down and drink a cup of coffee. Well, coffee for him and Gwen and water for Ben, after Gwen once again protested against Ben's lifestyle choices. The brunette didn't like coffee anyways.
...
"-and that's why I am a girl." Ben summarized, leaning back in her chair, taking a sip from her glass of water.
Bezel nodded before taking a deep breath "I can not do it.".
The brunette shot up again and decided to leave. "Wait," Bezel called after her, putting a hand on her shoulder "I want to explain to you why I can't do it. At least let me explain. Please.". With a gesture of his hand he motioned towards Ben to sit back down again.
A few moments passed by then she decided to give him this chance and sat down again next to Gwen. "Okay, Bezel, explain, and it better be good.".
"Hera- I can not break a spell which runs so deep. If we are talking about the same Hera I am talking about and not some impostor. But- from all I've heard and all I know magic is unable to help you here. You need something which sets itself completely apart from magic and nature. Only science can help you here.", the magician sunk his head, "I am sorry. I really am. I can only imagine the pain you must go through at this moment, to be divided inside-"
Ben's voice was barely audible, "It's horrible-I hate it. I just want to be myself again. It feels like- I am killing off Ben. The other Ben. You know the real Ben.". She shook her head, "It sounds so crazy! I mean, I talk about myself as if- as if I am not me. So weird.".
Gwen laid a hand on her shoulder, "It's fine. I'm still here and the others are too and we'll find Hera sooner and later and you can get back your old body.".
Ben looked up, saking her head. "You think this is about my body? This is more than just the flesh I'm walking in. This is so much more Gwen. Why do you- why does everyone believe that this is just about teh way I look? It's about the way I feel. I feel wrong, Gwen! Whatever Hera did, it wasn't just my body, it has also affected my mind!". Ben started to shake and took deep breaths. "I am going crazy." she sobbed, unable to keep the tears in, "I'm scared I am losing my- myself.".
Gwen was startled as Ben hugged her and she could feel her shoulder getting wet from her cousins tears. Blinking in disbelieve she shook herself free from the shock and patted Ben's back as more and more tears streamed down her face. Her eyes caught Bezels who shrugged his shoulders. He was unable to help with that.
After Ben had collected herself she averted her swollen eyes. Instead she locked her gaze upon the glass of water. She was embarrassed by that sudden outbreak of emotion. The old wizard coughed to get some attention, "I guess I can help you a little with your current problems. Not all of them but I can at least make the time a bit more pleasant for you.".
"What do you mean problems? I don't have problems!" she denied, feeling her face heating up. As if she tried to forget her outbreak.
Bezel laughed; he was old, he knew when somebody was lying "I know exactly what your problems are. You're a woman now, aren't you? In body at least. Even though it seems that your psyche and mind are catching up and if you stay like this, sooner or later your male-self will be completely killed off. That's a scary thought. The hormones are all mixed up and your mind is in shambles.". He stood up and turned back towards a small cabinet. The wizard rummaged through it, taking out tinctures and elixirs. Finally he came across what he was looking for, setting a small bottle in front of her.
"This should help you through the pain and lessen your other problems. The power incontinence should be more manageable as soon as you start learning magic. Which you should," he added, "it's not common for people to have a talent for magic. My own daughter- may she rest in peace- never inherited my gift in the magic arts.". Ben took the bottle and looked at it. She did not fully trust the old man.
"A few drops" he continued "are all you need. I'd say; one drop in your drink and when that doesn't make it better take two. Only take it when you really need it though. Like now.".
The brunette stood up, before bowing her head a little "I guess I have to thank you, Bezel.". Her gratefulness was genuine. "I'll have to think about learning magic stuff, though. Gwen's the magician, not me.".
Bezel smiled, "Then you'll have a great teacher.".
"I'm- I'd need ages to be as good as Bezel, though." Gwen replied, not sure how to deal with that compliment. Though she subconsciously puffed out her chest in pride. They stood at the door and said their goodbyes. Though before the old man could close his door Ben started to talk again,"I am sorry, by the way. For you, losing your daughter. It must have been difficult."
Bezel looked to the ground, being awfully quiet for a few seconds, then he shook his head: "Don't be sorry for me. Good night.". For a moment Ben thought that Bezel lost the smile on his face. But it must have been her imagination. The lazy smile was still there. As they turned around the door closed, and locked behind them.
...
It was close to midnight as they reached the HQ again. Both Rook and Ben were very tired and Gwen yawned. Even though Ben asked her if she wouldn't prefer staying back at the University. But she had planned on seeing her parents tomorrow again. She hadn't seen them for a while and they'd catch up on the latest news.
"Ben." a voice called out to the brunette from the darkness, a voice she was familiar with. In a flash of green light Kickin Hawk- more like Kickin Chicken- had pinned Attea down, under her foot. The princess grinned up at the Chicken-like alien, laughing "Jeez, to greet an old enemy like that. Here I thought we'd shake hands. Isn't that tradition on earth?".
"It's fine. She's currently under Plumber protection." came the voice of Gwen behind her and Ben ,transforming, reluctantly set Attea free again. Glaring at Attea she took a step back.
"Protection?" she faced the green alien, "Protection against what?"
"My mother." Attea answered.