Chapter 7: A Secret Unlocked

What was the point of all this? Seriously, what was the point? So many things were going through his mind at once. His life was getting more complicated by the second. Never did he ever dream something like this would ever happen to him. He should have known his life could never be normal the day he put on that watch. Let's just look at the facts…

He loved Julie; he knew that from the moment he laid eyes on her. Gwen might be his cousin, unless someone else had powers that escaped the wrath of Hex. If Gwen was his cousin, then she is the princess of Omnitrix along Ben's side. Did Julie know Gwen has powers…she didn't seem like she did. Kevin and Charmcaster have been getting closer, which means Kevin just might make a move. His head was definitely spinning.

He looked outside his window and into the dark starry night. So many things were entering his mind; he couldn't make sense of it anymore.

Julie couldn't have known…she would have been acting stranger around Kevin or Ben if she knew something…but what if it wasn't Gwen? What if it was someone else that had been around for ages and no one knew about him? Please…it was hopeless…he had to get some sleep, but he just couldn't. He didn't know what tomorrow would bring him.

He knew his grandpa would come out and say 'I told you so.' That much he did know. But if he was wrong, he would let him down and completely destroy him. His heart would be ripped, knowing his granddaughter never did survive her supposed fate.

He felt himself dreaming, and that's when he knew that he was finally asleep…


Gwen walked into Kevin's room that morning. Filthy as usual…what a shocker.

She was dizzy and had a huge headache. She had never made that big of a shield before, but she had to…what else was she going to do? The people's lives and Julie's were in danger. She was just glad that no one saw it was her. But as soon as the smoke collided with her sinuses, her mind couldn't take it any longer. Her head was hurting so much, that she couldn't even think of putting another shield around the people for the flames to stop. Luckily that monster showed up…

The monster…it was the mystery she had been thinking about since yesterday. She had never seen one before, and once she did, she was awestruck. Though she would never admit it, she thought he was absolutely amazing. The way he looked with his blue cloak, his big green eyes, his skinny body, his mysterious face…he was intriguing. She knew he saved them the moment he phased through the floor and asked if the people were ok. In other words…he was awesome.

It was true then; the monsters were never evil nor did they ever hurt anyone. They were here to save people from injustice. They were here to help, just as Gwen hoped. Finally, some people in this world fighting for what they believed in. Finally there were people fighting for the greater good. She wished she could do that…but monsters are quicker and stealthier than she could ever be. She wondered how they did it…

"Kevin?" a voice spoke when she opened the door. Gwen already knew who it was…she could smell that dark perfume anywhere. Charmcaster. "Oh…it's you."

"Good morning your highness," Gwen bowed respectfully, turning to her. Charmcaster rolled her eyes.

"Save it, I know some of you servants don't have to call Kevin by his status name…the way it should be."

"So what exactly are you implying?"

"I'm saying talk to me as you talk to him. It's pathetic really, but it's not my kingdom after all."

"What's so pathetic about it?" heated Gwen, turning to face her and Charmcaster put on a smug smile.

"It means I would never have any of my servants call me by my actual name. If they did have the balls to, they would be punished severely, and exiled from the kingdom where they can starve and live on their own for the rest of their lives…to put it in simple terms."

"So you're saying I can talk to you like a normal person then?"

"I guess, what can I do about it?"

"Well if we are talking about the dark princess of the Null Void, then I guess you can do a lot about it, can you?"

"You're smart, I like it," she smiled darkly. "But I'll be honest with you, I like Kevin, and nothing is going to get in my way of ruining that…not even his favorite fan girl."

Her words stung Gwen like a bee. Kevin was actually making Charmcaster fall for him, something she hoped would never happen. But as she watched Charmcaster's evil smile turn into a smirk, Gwen couldn't help but want to throw her out the window right here right now. But what did she mean by fan girl? Gwen's face must have asked Charmcaster the question.

"Oh please, you're not fooling anyone honey. Don't you think I can't notice for a second the way you look at him and drool over him."

"Excuse me?" Gwen glared once more.

"I know you're head over heels for the guy, anyone can see it. I noticed it the first time I saw you looking at him. A poor lonely maid is in love with a noble king whom she'll never have. And I thought the servants here were pathetic, but you put it to an all new level. Anyone can see it, and the only reason Kevin or Ben can't is because they're men and don't notice anything."

"You think I'm in love with the king?"

"No, I know you're in love with the king. What did he do Gwen? Take you away from the terrible industry, the horrible life you once had, the awful and painful memories you try to forget at night but just won't go away? Oh he did Gwen, but he only did to serve me when I came along into his life, and trust me, he might have done all that stuff for you, but he never meant anything by it. He did it because he was bored and needed something new to occupy him until I got here."

If Gwen hated her before, she hated her even more now…but if Gwen knew everything she was saying was a lie, then how come it was hurting so much? She didn't know what her face was showing, but it was enough for Charmcaster to keep going.

"Your life, your very existence means nothing to him, and no matter how hard you try nothing will ever happen between you two. Trust me when I say, I'm more of a woman Kevin needs than you'll ever be. I have seen more things and done more things in my life than you can ever imagine," she was clutching her bag by this time. "I have sacrificed everything that I love to be in the position I am now in. My uncle and I have fought, led, and conquered the weak to be here today and triumph against anyone that gets in our way. And now look at us; everyone fears us and we hold the largest noble land there is.

So don't look at me that way thinking I'm wrong or I'm weak, because I'm not. You're the one who's weak and will never be anything more than a servant. You're born with greatness and nobility…you can't grow into it. You're born a leader, something you'll never know. And now that you've wasted my time being here, talking to you, explaining to you why there is a fine line between a simple servant and a valiant king, I don't want to see you're disgusting face the rest of the day. Because that's the way it should be…"

Charmcaster left the room, and Gwen thought she could see her eyes glow a soft violet color, but it didn't matter…Gwen couldn't help but fall to her knees and let the silent tears roll down her cheeks. She might have heard a soft chuckle from Charmcaster's lips on the other side of the door, but she didn't care. She let the drops fall from her face and onto his floor, just wanting to run and get out of here as fast as she could. She stopped when she heard footsteps out side the door, and then talking. She hid behind the bathroom door and looked through the crack.

"Kevin, why don't we ride your horses out of town this time, maybe by the coast…"

"Sounds great, let me just tell Gwen…"

"Gwen's not in there," she said quickly, but still he went into his room, seeing it was clean. She sighed in relief. "I mean I saw her already this morning when she was done. I gave her the day off since she had a rough time yesterday. I thought she deserved it."

"Wow, why the sudden change of heart?" he smirked.

"We had a girl talk and really connected," she lied. Charmcaster sensed Gwen's presence and looked into the bathroom, sure enough, seeing a green eye starring back at her. She smirked evilly and touched the back of his neck gently. "I really like her Kevin, I'm glad you picked her as your choice of a servant." He seemed uneasy for some reason, she didn't know why.

But still she flinched when Charmcaster pressed her lips against Kevin's and began kissing him. Gwen wanted to gag as she looked for a way out of his bathroom…but there was nothing but a small window in the corner. She could have used her powers, but Charmcaster would sense it right away. She had to endure their making out for fifteen minutes…and what was worse was watching Kevin contribute with as much ferocity as Charmcaster was doing. It was horrible to bear. When she wasn't watching, the sounds of their rough breathing were disgusting to listen to as well. Gwen was on the brink of sobbing, as she bit down on her apron so she wouldn't cry out loud. She thought they were going to do more, but Gwen heard Kevin speak.

"Ok, ok, I think we're good," Kevin breathed, trying to lift her off of him.

"But don't you like this?" she asked, somewhat in a daze.

"Yes, but what about that horseback ride you were telling me about earlier?"

"It was just an option, we could so this instead," she spoke seductively, reaching for his pants. Kevin jumped instinctively.

"You know what? I just remembered that I have a treaty to sign with a neighboring kingdom. You remember King Manny and Queen Helen right? Well got to go," Kevin quickly hurried out of there as fast as he could. Gwen looked up to see Charmcaster standing in front of her, her eyes glowing.

"That was for you…"


"I'll kill that bitch!" Julie said angrily.

"Julie, come on…"

"She did it on purpose Gwen!"

"I know but…"

"How can you be so forgiving?"

"I'm not but…"

"Then what's the problem?"

"Most of the things she said were true."

Julie was silent as the wind blew in both of their hair. Since Gwen had 'the day off' she was with Julie all day long, helping her out. They were on the highest tower of Kevin's palace, a place where rarely anybody visited. Julie was cleaning the windows, a dangerous job in Gwen's opinion because she could fall off at any second. Not to mention the wind was blowing fiercely today.

"I wouldn't trust her Gwen. She's a horrible person…and you're way stronger than her, you have to remember that," said Julie, taking the soapy rag and whipping down the glass window. This made Gwen smile; she was stronger than this and she knew it. Why did it hurt so much though? Did she want it to be true? Just to find an excuse for her life?

"You're right Julie, thanks," she said, as Julie nodded. "Are you absolutely positive that you don't want any help?"

"Gwen I'm telling you, I've done this a hundred times, and I know what I'm doing."

"I don't know, it's really dangerous."

"I do it every month, it's really not a big deal."

"You're going to fall off and then I'm going to panic and run around in circles," Gwen said, making Julie laugh.

"See that's the Gwen I know…love it when you make your jokes."

Gwen rolled her eyes, watching the brown fire clouds form and float away above her, then looking at the wreckage of the store in the distance. It had made the air around them nasty and gray, making the sun look even more orange than ever. Ashes were blowing in many directions, causing Gwen to look around more at her surroundings. Then she caught sight of a bird flying from the palace, carrying a note in its beak.

"Hey, what's that?" asked Gwen to Julie. Julie looked up and caught site of the hideous bird.

"Charmcaster's delivery bird, probably sending a note to her uncle. Ugly little thing, isn't it?" replied Julie, as both of them watched the black bird fly out of the kingdom. The wind was blowing harder now, sending ash in every direction.

"Julie, you should get down, the wind is going to blow you right off," suggested Gwen, helping out a hand.

"Ok, maybe your right," Julie stood from the ledge and took a step. As she did, the wind blew even harder, catching her dress and flinging her off the ledge. Her chin hit the ledge, and she fell, catching onto a gargoyle, that was right below, in the process. She was screaming, holding onto the gargoyles fingers with her soapy hands, and her chin bleeding from the impact.

"Gwen! Gwen!"

"I know! Hold on Julie! I'm going to get help!"

"No Gwen, I can't hold on for that long!" Julie screamed, the wind still blowing her body in different directions.

"I'll go find some rope then! Or something!" Gwen screamed, looking around.

"Gwen, I'm not going to make it!"

"Yes you are Julie! Don't say that!"

"I'm slipping!" she said louder. "You have to tell Ben something for me!"

"I'm not going to tell him anything Julie, you can tell him yourself….I'm…I'm coming down there to get you!" Gwen said, jumping on the ledge herself.

"Gwen don't-," she screamed louder as her hand slipped from the gargoyle and felt her body dropping through the air. As she screamed, waiting for her life to flash before her eyes, she felt a thud on her back and she stopped screaming. At first she thought she was dead, but she could still see the gargoyle above her. She looked to see what broke her fall and saw a pink cushion that was underneath her. The next thing she saw was Gwen standing on top of the gargoyle, her eyes and hands glowing the same pink color.

Finally Gwen raised her hands and Julie began rising as well. Gwen made steps for herself as she began to go back up to the tower, waiting for Julie to join her at the top. When Julie jumped off the cushion her eyes were big with shock. Gwen stopped glowing and waited for Julie to say something…only nothing was said except her eyes and mouth were huge.

"G-G-G-Gwen….G-Gwen," Julie stuttered, clearly not thinking of regular sentences.

"Julie, I can explain."

"Gwen…you…Gwen…powers…"

"Julie, I know this is a lot to take in, but-,"

The Julie squealed and shrieked and ran up to Gwen to give her a huge hug.

"Now way! Gwen this is incredible! Since when?"

"Uh…since as long as I can remember?"

"No way, I had no idea! I mean, I knew you were always different, but never did I think of this!"

Gwen felt strange. She broke Verdona's promise…but she didn't think she would mind. She saved her best friend…her only friend…she wasn't going to let her die. But it was amazing to see someone who finally knew her secret. She felt so happy that someone knew and didn't think of her as a freak.

"Gwen…I don't know what to say."

"I think we should check your chin first."

"Screw my chin!" yelped Julie, taking her apron and applying pressure to it. "Tell me everything1"

So I did. We sat down in the tower and just talked. I suggested some water for her because she nearly died, but she was more interested in what I had to say. I told her about Verdona, my life on the streets, in the industry, using my powers when I could practice, and surviving in general. She didn't speak until I was finished and it was great that finally someone knew about me. I told her about my life…and I smiled while saying it.

"Verdona? I remember there was something about in the paper ten years ago," said Julie, putting on her thinking cap. "She was the most powerful woman with powers until that time and the bravest…and to think you were training under her."

"She never told me anything of my past or where I came from. I never knew who my parents were or where I came from, only that she would tell me one day. But she was my master and I had to listen to her," Gwen smiled, thinking of the good old days. "She was like a mother to me…but never talked about herself."

"Was she going to tell you who you were?"

"She was…she was going to tell me when I had fully mastered my abilities as a witch…or whatever you call us, I really don't know."

"And then?"

"And then Hex's men came in and…well it's pretty obvious."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, nothing can ever be changed. It's the reason why I hate him so much."

"If it makes you feel better, my father died protecting me too. I always blame myself for it. I told you my mom saved the queen from choking, but this was before. We were never servants, my father owned a baking shop…he was the best cook around. Everyone went to his place for the best bread you could get. I was around three when my dad was watching me while cooking. I was in the front of the shop, playing with some dolls my mom got me from town. My mom was getting groceries at the time. Then a man came in, nothing out of the ordinary, wanting to buy some of his bread. That's when it got bad…

He grabbed me by the collar, took out his knife, and threatened me to give all the money my father had.

"Give me the money or she dies," he yelled, watching me squirm and cry.

"Please, just leave her out of this and then we can talk, just put her down."

"Give me your money!"

My father was cautious and stepped away from the oven to get the bag of money he'd been saving to buy my mom an anniversary gift. He tossed the bag of money on the floor and the old man picked it up.

"Thanks, since I have the girl though, I think I'll take her with me."

My father then leaped on top of him, punching him right in the face, making his nose bleed. He grabbed me, put me in the closet, and turned his attention back to the man. I didn't know what was happening…I was too young. But the next thing I saw was the man lunge and plunge the knife into his chest…and then my dad fell to the ground. The man took the money and ran away. The closet door was too big, I couldn't push it…all I could do was scream…

Julie was crying now…something Gwen rarely saw. She had no idea the kind of life Julie went through before. She always thought she lived in the palace with her mom and her dad left her when she was young…but it was much deeper than that.

"After that, my mom and I became poor. We had no place to go or anyone we knew in Bellwood. A couple of week's later, luck came around and we got jobs at the palace. But still, till this day, I think it was fate…everything happens for a reason."

"We're not so different then."

"You can say that," Julie smiled. "But enough about me…let's talk about you."

"What do you want to know now?" Gwen rolled her eyes.

"How good are you at your powers?"

"Pretty good, I haven't practiced in a while but after that explosion at the store-,"

"That was you? Of course! It had to be you! That shield…I didn't even notice it was coming from you."

"That's because everyone was occupied with something else…maybe it was the raging flames surrounding us," Gwen said sarcastically.

"You've done a lot of great things Gwen, you really have…and to think, after all these years…Hex did miss one person."

"I don't know why, but he did. I kept the secret well just as Verdona told me too…I never knew why until he'd been killing others with powers so that he could be the only one."

"Well this is good news then right? You can totally kick Charmcaster's ass now!"

"Julie no, this has to be kept a secret, you can't tell anyone about this."

"Not even Kevin? He'll protect you though…"

"Honestly…I don't think I can even trust Kevin now," Gwen sighed, looking at the gross sky once again. Julie grabbed her hand.

"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

"I knew I can count on you," Gwen smiled, each giving each other a hug once more.

"I still have way more questions though," Julie said, as Gwen rolled her eyes.


Ben walked around the palace, looking around for Kevin. He wasn't in his room, the kitchen, the gardens, or anywhere…he could only think of one place.

"The stables," Ben muttered to himself, thinking of him riding his horse. He made his way down to the stables, knowing exactly where he'd be. He smirked when he saw Kevin; right where he thought he was. "Hey."

"Hey," Kevin replied, as he finished brushing his horse.

"How's Eleven doing? I still remember when you got him."

"Yeah, those were the good days right?"

"The day we met…you ran away…"

"You did too, remember?"

"And we both ended up in the Null Void trying to run away from some guards," Ben laughed. "That was back when I didn't like you."

"I still don't like you," Kevin teased. "Good thing your old man found us just in time…"

"Riding in on a horse he found in the valley…he's so random."

"Please he likes the attention."

"Yeah? And you turning your whole body into metal wasn't showing off either huh?"

"Oh you should talk watch boy. 'My names Ben and I can turn into ten different aliens.' Yeah now that's showing off."

"Ok you got me there, but at least you called them aliens instead of monsters this time."

"It's not my fault people don't know what they are yet. I've been seeing ships flying by in space lately. Is Max taking care of that?"

"Yeah, he's been talking to the highbreed, but they won't leave us alone."

"They should get their own damn planet in my opinion."

"They have one…they just want more," Ben completed, watching Kevin fiddle with his horse. "Ok what's wrong?"

"What?"

"You only brush Eleven when something really deep is on your mind, now what's up?"

Kevin took something out of his pocket and threw it to Ben. Ben opened it and found a ring with a huge diamond inside.

"It's time."

"Now? But Kevin, it's only been a few weeks."

"I know, but she launched herself onto me today."

"What do you mean by 'launch'?"

"Well you know…"

"Oh…that's good news I guess," Ben said with a twisted face. "Did you have to…?"

"Yes Ben, I had to kiss back. She was going to start to do other things, but I had to make up a lame excuse to get out of there."

"Wow, so you're going to do it?"

"I have to, it's now or never. I have to do it before she gets tired of me like all the other men she's seduced. I just wanted to tell you first."

"Yeah, well then I agree. You should let her know then that you won't um…do anything until marriage."

"You got that right…sick bitch, who does she think she is?"

"Um the most powerful woman in the world?"

"Oh right, that would explain things. But seriously, I don't want to even touch her anymore."

"Hey, you nominated yourself to do this, and grandpa and I are right by your side every step of the way. You can do this, I know you can."

"I know it's not going to last long, but it feels like an eternity. And you know what the weird part is?"

"What?"

"Ever since yesterday, she's been attached to my hip like she owns me. She was never this close to me until now."

"What's changed? Did you do something?"

"No I did nothing…but she said she talked to Gwen…" Kevin said slowly, putting on his thinking face. Ben didn't know what to say; he was suddenly scared.

"Ok, what does that mean?"

"I don't know, but Charmcaster said that they're really great friends now."

"I highly doubt that Kevin."

"Exactly…since when has Charmcaster had any friends at all? And out of all the people, why Gwen?"

"I'll talk to her," suggested Ben.

"No I'm going to talk to her," Kevin said sternly.

"Kevin, you have Charmcaster attached to you, remember? You can't just go talk to her when ever you want."

"Oh yeah, and what are you going to say to her? You two have become good friends haven't you?" Ben didn't know why, but Kevin had a hint of jealousy in his tone.

"Well yeah, I can talk to her and find stuff out…if that's ok with you your highness," Ben said, looking at Kevin as if he were crazy. "Is there something you're not telling me?" Kevin shook his head frantically.

"No…it's nothing."

"Kevin! Are you in here?" Charmcaster yelled through the stables, causing both boys to flinch.

"Yeah, over here!" Kevin replied. "See you later?"

"You know it."


Max sat at his table, reading Ben's letter he got earlier. He had this feeling that he never truly lost his granddaughter. He watched his son and daughter in law vanish before his eyes, with a baby in her arms, but he never truly saw the baby's face as Hex wiped them out completely. The baby was wrapped in a blanket, not showing any skin or any part of her body. When he thought all hope was lost, he took out his old photo album and saw the picture of the green eyed child he loved so much.

He would hold her, feed her, and rock her in his favorite chair, waiting on his other daughter in law to have her baby as well. He loved that child so much…until that one day she showed signs of having powers…and then a prophecy being revealed how she will become the most powerful witch there was.

That same night, Verdona came to him, the woman he loved and always would. She said he had to protect the child, for Hex would be jealous and his wrath would show onto the child.

But being stubborn and young, and hating Verdona for leaving him, he sent her away. He sent her away from the child and away from him, telling her that she would never hurt anyone else. It was his fault, his mistake…why did he have to be so naïve? Why couldn't he just listen to her?

"Grandpa?" said a voice from behind. Max turned around and smiled.

"Ken my boy, it's good to see you again," Max replied, giving his other grandson a hug. "How long are you here to visit?"

"Not long, my team is downstairs helping themselves with some food…I didn't think you'd mind."

"Not at all, you guys are always welcomed here," Max smiled; it had been long since he saw his other grandson.

Ken Tennyson. A kid of survival and a lone wolf. After the prophecy, his parents hid him in hiding far away so Hex could never remember. Looking exactly like the baby girl and the girl from Kevin's, with red hair and green eyes, gave Max shivers down his spine. After the incident with his parents and sister, Ken grew up in the palace with his grandpa and took care of his other baby cousin, Ben. Ken didn't know much about his sister, only that once she made him float into the air and hung him upside down for an hour. After his parents' death, he had nothing and his grandpa was all he had.

He was the next for the thrown, considering he was older, smarter, and was ready. But that was the thing…he never wanted to be king or royalty for that matter. He never thought it was his job to take on such a responsibility. He didn't want it…and his grandpa agreed. Instead, Ken left his royalty life, abdicated the throne that was going to be his, and traveled the world.

Along the way, he gathered many friends; some he saved, some joined, and some threatened him for his money but later joined. He became the average day Robin Hood with his team, and later all of them became a group that helped others when they were in trouble from thieves. They became a team that everyone feared when in town, and were well known throughout the world. Max had never been so proud and was glad Ken was following his dream and what was best for him.

"When was the last time you stopped by?" Max crossed his arms and smirked. Ken shrugged, taking a bite of some bread.

"I don't know, a couple months?"

"Seems about right," Max stood up from his chair. That's when Ken saw the photo album.

"Oh grandpa, you're looking at that thing again?"

"Yes, but for good reason this time."

"Here we go…"

"Ken…how long did you say you'd be staying again?"

"Not long, maybe a couple of days…Omnitrix usually is the safest place we know since Ben is around. Where is he by the way? Want to say hi to my cousin."

"He's not here," Max replied, getting a confused look from Ken.

"Out in the city again? I should have known…"

"No, no, he's with Kevin."

"Why do I even ask? Of course he'd be there," Ken rolled his eyes. "Too bad I missed him then…"

"Well that's the thing Ken…that's why I asked you how long you'd be staying. We have a mission."

"Don't tell me you're actually going to go along with that plan of Kevin's, are you? It's suicide, grandpa."

"Well we are going through with it Ken. We are going to do something about this before any more harm can be done…and that's why I'm asking you to join us."

"How long?"

"I don't know, Kevin hasn't even asked the girl to marry him yet. I'd give it a couple of weeks…if you're up for it," Max couldn't help but smirk a bit. Ken was silent for a moment.

"We'll be there…not because it's right though. Because I don't want to see my grandpa and my cousin getting hurt."

"I'll take what I can get…"

"Now what does all this have to do with the album," said Ken, flinching a bit when he saw his family together without him. Max saw this.

"Ken, they immediately put you into hiding right after. Hex had no clue they had another child. If he did, you would have been killed too. They protected you."

"I know…and that's why I fight for them."

"I'm glad that will always be the way you see things," Max smiled, as Ken did as well.

"But you still haven't told me…why is the album out?"

"I believe another secret will be unlocked."

That was chapter 7! A lot of intense moments, I got to say! Ok so Julie knows everything now, Charmcaster is playing games, Kevin is up for the challenge, and Ben is going to see if his so called cousin is really the one.

I also introduced Ken; I wasn't going to, but he's there in real life and I think he should be there. Plus he has a cool background in my opinion.

So what is going to happen next? Find out next chapter!

R&R

Wtncgirl09