It took a moment for Ben to process the implications of what Max was suggesting. When he did, he realized the responsibility that his grandpa was trusting him with; And there was no trepidation, no tone of 'I really hope I'm not making a mistake' that even Gwen sometimes had when entrusting something important to him. Ben was filled with a sense of pride; and a determination not to let him down.

"You can count on me grandpa," he said, adding, "And I've already got my right hand picked out." He turned to Gwen. "There's nothing we can't take on together. What do you say partner?"

"I'm right there with you just like always Ben."

A short time later Ben and Gwen sat putting a list together.

"Well," Ben said, "I was thinking that Gatorboy and Porcupine would be good."

"Who are they?" Gwen asked.

"Oh, that's right, I never told you about them. They're mutant brothers I met when I was wrestling to get money to replace your laptop."

"Oh yes, the one that didn't need to be replaced," she said with a mischievous smile.

"Ha, yeah, that one. Porcupine actually has quills, and Gatorboy, well, he's a humanoid alligator. Real nightmare fuel if he wants to be."

"Okay," Gwen said. "Now who else." She thought for a moment. "Well there's Lucy, and Cooper."

"Yeah, I guess they would be good. A technopath and a shape shifter would make great additions."

"How about Eddie Grandsmith," Gwen suggested.

She was a little too enthusiastic about that for Ben's taste. "Why? I mean he doesn't have any powers. You want to bring him along just because he's a friend?"

"You know me better than that," she said to him. "He seemed pretty smart. He might be helpful."

Ben had spoken to Eddie a couple of times since they first met. She was right, he's as sharp as they come. Maybe even smarter than Gwen.

"Okay," He said, "We'll talk to him." Then he brought someone else up. "Maybe Kai Green."

"Why?" Gwen asked. "She doesn't..." Gwen paused. "Ben, you weren't jealous when I mentioned Eddie, were you?"

He had to be honest. "Well, maybe a little."

She put her hand on his and said, "It's true that he's almost as handsome as you are, and a good choice for any girl, but I've already made my choice. I like Eddie. I love you."

Ben smiled. "How silly of me. I should have known better." He leaned over and gave her a kiss. Then he added. "Besides, I still don't want to be a pet."

"She wouldn't' have any fun now anyway. I've already tamed you."

Ben saw the look in her eyes and took the invitation to play.

"Oh, you think you have? I'll show you how tame I am. I'm merciless when I catch my prey," he said as he turned to face her.

She saw the look in his eyes and ran. Ben chased her.

The two ran around with Gwen narrowly avoiding capture by her "predator" several times. Usually adding a taunt like "A predator like you is going to starve."

This continued for some time, but Ben began to pick up on her patterns as she ran. He eventually caught her and wrestled her to the ground.

"And now for the killing bite," he said and started to nibble her neck.

"EEEeeeeeeeee Ben that tickles," she squealed.

He sat up and kept his hold on her. "Now the main course, the soft underbelly."

Her eyes went wide. "Ben NO!" She protested as he lifted her shirt enough to expose her midriff.

Ben began nibbling at her belly with Gwen giggling and squealing the whole time. She tried to get away, but he had a good grip. His hand to hand training had paid off. There was no escape.

Then he raised up, took a deep breath...Gwen knew what was coming. "NO NOT THAT!" She said as he lowered down and blew a long raspberry into Gwen's belly.

"AAAhahahahahahahahahahahahaha! STOP! PLEHEHEHASE!"

Ben knew her well enough to know when she really had, had enough. He stopped and let her get up.

Out of breath, she kissed him to let him know there were no hard feelings then rose the rest of the way.

"Okay, wild man," she said, "Back to work. Now we have to see if our new members even want to join."

A couple of weeks later the team had gathered. They had set up temporary training just outside of Bellwood.

"Looks like all but one decided to join," Gwen said.

"Yes, wonder why Kai turned us down."

"Are you disappointed?" she asked.

"Nope, not really. I can guess why she didn't want to come though."

"Why's that?" Gwen asked.

"You really put her in her place the last time we spoke. Probably doesn't want to be anywhere near you."

"Good," Gwen said. "You're my dangerous predator. She can't have you."

"Ah, I see you remember your lesson from the last time we spoke about Kai."

"Oh yeah," she assured him. "I'm a quick learner."

"I know you are," Ben said. "But you know, I've noticed I'm not the only hunter around here."

"Really? How so?" Gwen asked.

"Come on, Gwen, you can't tell me you haven't noticed some of the guys here trying to be pretty friendly with you."

Gwen nodded. "Yes, I have. But I've also noticed some girls getting pretty friendly with you. Even Charmcaster, when we ran into her a few days ago."

Ben nodded. "Well she is the second prettiest girl I know," he said putting an arm around Gwen. "But I already have the first." He continued. "Besides, you think I'm going to just forget that she tried to kill us several times."

Gwen leaned her head on his chest. "Good point." Then in a playful tone said, "But don't you think she could change?"

Ben thought for a moment. "Maybe, someday. But not overnight. And I don't know if I could ever trust her completely."

Gwen looked up at him. "So, what do we do about all of our would-be girlfriends and boyfriends," She asked with an answer already in her mind.

"Maybe it's time to just tell them," Ben said.

That was just what Gwen had been thinking. Even with all the problems it could cause. She asked him. "We still have a ways to go before our eighteenth birthday. It could cause trouble. Our parents might make it hard for us to see each other."

"Gwen, you have your magic and I have this," he said holding the Omnitrix up. "How is anyone going to stop us from seeing each other."

She nodded. "No time like the present then," she said, knowing that the rest of the team was outside right about to take a break from their training.

They walked outside hand in hand.