Chapter 5 - Showdown
When they turned, they saw a glowing portal in midair. Someone stepped out.
"I am from the Magic Research and Containment Department, formerly know as the Bookkeepers."
Gwen's eyes lit up. "I knew it! I knew you wouldn't have just let someone like Hex run loose."
"Yes, we have been watching you ever since your first encounter with Hex."
"And what about..." The Omnitrix began to beep. "... me," Ben finished, as himself.
"We have known about you for a while, but you do not fall under our jurisdiction. I heard that the Plumbers, well, the group that used to be called the Plumbers, have been keeping an eye on you though.
"Lucky Girl, or should I say Gwen Tennyson, you have much potential. We would normally ask you to come with us for training, but it seems like your adventures with your cousin and grandfather are doing a good job of that already.
"We have decided to leave the Keystone of Bezel in your care. I will take Hex and Bezel's diary back with me. As long as you use your abilities wisely and discreetly, we are confident that you will make a valuable member of our team some day.
"Just remember, our organization exists to keep magic away from the general public, for their own safety. Keep your powers hidden from those that know nothing about magic. Normally, this would apply to your family as well, but a former Plumber and the owner of the Omnitrix are not considered the general public."
The man began rummaging in one of the boxes on a nearby shelf. Soon he pulled out a book and turned to Hex. He bent down and inspected the cord. "Nice work, by the way."
"Thanks," Gwen said, blushing slightly.
"I helped too," Ben said, somewhat sourly. The others ignored him.
Muttering a few words, the man levitated Hex into the open portal, and then walked over to Gwen. "Here, take this." He handed her what looked like a golden seashell. "It is a communication device. With it you can contact the Bookkeepers, but do not use it unless it is an emergency. I will take my leave now. My work here is done. We will almost certainly see each other again. Good luck until then, Lucky Girl."
With that, he turned and walked through the portal. It shimmered and then disappeared behind him.
"Well, let's get out of here before someone sees this mess," Ben said, after a few seconds.
"Right"
"Then we ran back here before the cops got here," Ben finished.
"It sounds like the Bookkeepers are interested in recruiting you when you grow up," Max said.
"I can't wait," Gwen said, with a big smile on her face.
"Well, while you kids were dealing with Hex, I got a call from my old friend Donovan. He just finished building his new resort and has invited us to take a tour before it's opened to the public. What do you say?"
"Donovan as in Donovan Grand Smith? He's an old friend of yours? I've read about his new resort. It's built underwater. You have to take a boat to get to the place."
"Cool. Let's go!"