Pure Gwevin romance, with some OC characters, villains and changes to the story. It is technically an AU, and it takes part a little bit before the start of Alien Force Season 1. Ben will eventually appear to the story, but no spoilers :D

Let me know what you think 3

Blurb:

Gwen Tennyson has a lot on her mind: studies, lessons, exams…and strange visions that have tormented her for weeks. As if that wasn't enough, a new student arrives at school, threatening to turn her ordinary life upside down.

Kevin Levin has spent most of his life on the streets and in the Null Void. Deemed a high risk for recidivism, he is assigned to a rehabilitation program if he wants to be free. He thought it would be easy until he discovered the catch: he has to attend Bellwood's prestigious high school.

Forced to work together after a terrible incident, they soon realize they aren't so different after all. And the enemy pursuing them will stop at nothing to get them...

"Gwen!" Denise yelled out the moment I stepped through the enormous school gate. "I can't believe you're late today of all days—let's go, you'll miss it."

"Miss what?" I ask, but it falls on deaf ears.

Denise holds my wrist tightly and starts dragging me further inside the hallways, where a group of students has gathered. I pass by the lockers, since Denise gives me no time to put my items inside, and we abruptly stop behind the crowd.

"Oh, can you see?" Denise stretches out her body and tiptoes in order to see, but it doesn't do much.

For whatever reason, the students have gone insane. My first assumption is that we have some celebrity week I was unaware of, but they would definitely announce that to avoid a mess like this. My second thought is… new student. Although Bellwood is a relatively big school, we rarely get new students. Among the 300 of us, and with everyone knowing each other's faces and business (gossip spreads around fast), a new face would definitely be exciting. I am curious.

I'm about to step forward, but I stop in my tracks as another headache hits me in the head. I groan and tighten my fist from the pain, and I try to concentrate on my energy to push the cloudy feeling away.

"Are you okay?" Denise asks, her voice louder than usual due to the crowd surrounding us. "Is it the headache again?"

I hesitate to answer, not wanting to worry her. "It's better today. It'll probably go away completely by the end of the week."

Denise presses her mouth into a tight line, seemingly not convinced by my words, but she doesn't push it further. I am lying, of course. It isn't better today—if anything, it has been growing more severe day by day and I can barely control the visions that spur in my head. They're confusing and terrifying all the same. I shake my head, not wanting to remind myself of those again. Not if I don't have to at least.

Denise and I finally push forward to the front line of the crowd and we both pause. A student, his back turned towards us so it's impossible to see, is speaking to Mr. Nelson. He isn't in uniform is the first thing I mentally note. His hair is unkempt and falls over his shoulders (not an appropriate hairstyle for the school) and he is holding his seemingly empty backpack over one shoulder. Whoever he is either received no letters or packages from Bellwood High, or simply decided to test the rules on his first day.

"All right, give us some space, please!" Mr. Nelson says, waving his hands to encourage the students to walk away. "It's time for lessons anyways, didn't you hear the bell ring?"

Only a few students moved, me being one of them.

Mr. Nelson pinches the bridge of his nose and adjusts his glasses. "I guess I'll have to call Johnson."

At that, the majority of the students walked away. Ms. Johnson was not someone you wanted to mess with. If she didn't offer detention to every student in her path, then she would make sure that any school trips before (and possibly after) spring break were cancelled. She has done it once before and no one dares to question her anymore.

"They are definitely the life of the party," Denise says sarcastically.

Before we had the chance to walk away, I turn my head back one last time. This time I manage to catch a proper glimpse—from the front—of the new student. I stop in my tracks, my eyes widening and my mouth literally open ajar. Not only do I recognize him, but I also realize how dangerous it is that he is here. It is Kevin. Kevin Levin. He has a smug look on his face as he finishes talking to the teacher. He has changed a lot, that much is obvious. He has a wild look to him, and his dark brown, almost black eyes, along with his black hair and black clothes, show that he at least hasn't changed his look that much since he was little. I press my eyebrows together as I continue to glare at him. His head turns towards me and we make brief eye contact. The smug look leaves his face, only replaced by confusion though not recognition. Does he not remember me? I suppose it is for the best.

His features soften and he continues to stare as if he is analyzing my hostility. I don't allow him any more, however. I quickly look away and follow behind Denise to our lesson. I try to ignore my lingering thoughts, but I can't help but wonder why someone like Kevin would be at Bellwood High. Is it part of a plan of his? Is he looking to create trouble? Does he know I go here? No, that can't be it. I try to analyze all angles, but it makes no sense.

We enter English class, and I try to pay as much attention as possible, but my mind keeps wandering off. I make notes of everything the teacher writes on the board and I shake my head whenever I think back to Kevin. I get momentarily distracted by both things when a horrible headache rushes through me again and I bite my tongue until I draw blood, trying to control myself. Luckily, no one pays attention, apart from Denise of course who stares at me with concern.

After class, we head to the cafeteria for lunch. There is a commotion on the nearby table, and I roll my eyes when I realize why. The new student, Kevin, is sitting there, surrounded by a group of students who are eager to learn who this new shiny student is.

"You really don't like him, huh?" Denise asks teasingly, taking a bite off her cheese toast. "You've been sending him death glares for the past…five minutes? Do you know him or something?"

I look back at her, shaking my head. Lying. "No, I just have a bad feeling about him."

"You were never into rule breakers anyway. And he definitely is one—I'm surprised they allowed him to attend today looking like that," she continues. "Probably because it's his first day?"

"Who knows?" I say. "And besides, I—"

I wince and shut my eyes tightly. The painful headache again. I take a deep breath and try to concentrate on the beating of my heart, the energy around me, the aura of Denise, but it doesn't stop, it only minimizes. A vivid image of a grassy field painted with blood appears in my mind, and it takes all of my concentration to push it away.

"Gwen?" Denise asks, her arm holding my wrist. "Are you okay?"

"…Yes," I continue, albeit unconvincingly, "Yes, I'm fine. Just the headache again."

I open my eyes, feeling slightly better. Denise frowns. "You're starting to worry me. Can't you go to the nurse's at least?"

"And miss French? I'm already behind. The last thing I need is to—"

"I'll give you my notes," she interrupts me. "And come on, don't be ridiculous. I wouldn't call getting a B+ 'staying behind.' Maybe for your standards, but even then."

I sigh. "I guess you have a point. I'll think about it."

"That's good enough for me."

We stay in silence for a moment and I turn to the side, towards Kevin's table again. As if on cue, he turns to stare back with the same perplexed expression on his face. It almost makes me feel bad for him, until I remember who he is. I wonder if I look even remotely familiar to him.

"We should meet after school." I turn to look at Denise who is playing with her half-eaten cheese toast. "I need to tell you something. It's important."

I raise an eyebrow at Denise's cryptic words. She usually is straightforward and doesn't stall or hesitate.

"Sure," I say. "At Haley and Julian's hideout?"

Despite her less than cheery expression, she smirks at that. "Haley and Julian's hideout" is an abandoned building just at the edge of our town where we occasionally meet. We prefer it since it's quiet and isolated, and no one goes there, not even the homeless.

"If it wasn't for their chemistry, I would have stopped reading the book right there," Denise says.

The bell rings marking the end of lunch and we both stand up.

"I happen to think it's their most romantic scene," I confess.

"That's exactly why my mom says you're weird."

Denise's features contour into a frown at the mention of her mom. But before I can question her, she waves at me and walks off to French class, assuming I'm off to the nurse's.

I decide to walk to the locker room to grab my French homework—if the headache happens again, then maybe I'll go to the nurse. But for now, I'd rather forget about it all and focus on school and studies without any distraction—Kevin included.

I check the watch on my wrist. Five minutes before class. Definitely enough time to double-check it a second time. I need a good grade, it's literally the only lesson that has kept me behind and it's frustrating. I walk to my locker, open it and drag the piece of paper out. It took me hours to revise it over and over again and memorize all the verbs and phrases, but I think I should be okay and ready for the test next week.

I'm about to walk back to class, until the sharpest pain I have felt pulses through me. My homework and my backpack fall to the ground and I grip my head tightly, as if I could grab the headache and physically pull it out of my head. But headache is an understatement in this scenario.

"Ugh." The pain is so intense I fall to the floor and let out moans of pain. It feels like something is crawling inside my brain, and I feel my pulse through my scalp. Before I can try anything, any sort of meditation technique to recover, visions flood my mind.

The red field again, creatures rushing forward and attacking innocents, tearing them apart, thousands of beings flying in the sky. And the sky. The sky is a dark gray color, nearly black, littered with holes of light almost like a gate. I don't know where this is. I don't know why I'm seeing it. All I know is that I want this to stop.

Please, please make it stop.

"Help," I say, though my voice is inaudible and there's no one around to help me.

I focus on my breathing again, and I crawl closer to the wall to support myself. To stand up and try and do something to stop this. But before I can even move or react, the visions and the pain stop at once. I open my eyes to stare at my surroundings and reassure myself that I'm okay, I'm still at Bellwood High.

"Uh, are you ok?" a deep and unfamiliar voice says. I stare at the source, realizing who it is. Kevin.

"Yes," I say, rather unconvincingly. But I can't be bothered saying anything else, especially to him.

"You don't look it," he counters.

I hold my hand against the wall to stand up as slowly as I can. But Kevin is already on my side, and I push my hold away from him. I don't trust him. I don't know what he's up to.

"I'm fine," I say stubbornly.

He takes a step back, but continues to look at me with caution and confusion at the same time.

"Do we know each other?"

"Huh?" I ask, placing my homework inside my backpack.

"You're acting like you know me," he continues, folding his hands on his chest. "And you've been staring at me all day. So, do you know me?"

He steps closer to me, as if trying to appear intimidating. It doesn't work, of course. I stabilize myself and straighten my back, looking at him right in the eyes. He tilts his head to the side and studies me, trying to either recognize me or understand what's going through my mind. I resist the urge to hit him or back down.

"I don't," I lie. "And I'd rather not know you."

"Listen, I…" He runs a hand through his hair. "Sorry if I did anything to you in the past or anything like that."

This surprises me and I widen my eyes before quickly recovering. One part of me is convinced that he knows who I am and this is simply a play of his to bring down my guard, but another part of me can sense his vulnerability at this moment. It leaves me confused.

"As I mentioned, I don't know you."

I don't wait for a reply. Instead, I put the straps of my backpack around my back and walk away. I decide that it would be a better idea to go to the nurse's office and cool off instead of dealing more with this. Not only am I further perplexed by Kevin's attitude and appearance, but I have my visions and loss of control to think about.

"Gwen," Miss Fletcher says, her chubby face smiling. "Is everything okay? I didn't expect to see you here—you're one of the healthy ones."

I step inside her office, the smell of medicine and sterilized alcohol filling my nostrils. I smile at her.

"I just have a headache and I was wondering if I can rest for a bit."

"Oh. Of course. Here—" she pulls out a painkiller, handing it over to me. "That should act within 10 minutes. Just call me if you need anything, okay?"

"I will. Thank you."

I watch her step out of her office and I sit down on the white couch at the center of the room. It isn't the most comfortable, but it should do. I rest my head back and I sigh. It definitely has been a long day. It is the first time the visions had gotten this bad and the first time they had been so vivid. Vague images of the field have appeared before, but they were nothing more than flashes I couldn't make out. This time it was clear.

I focus on it, trying to understand if it's a place I recognize. The image of the fresh blood makes me shiver and assume the worst. Whose blood could it be? I don't see any corpses on the ground, and nothing that could explain all this.

I close my eyes tighter and I try to hyperfocus on the aura and feeling of it. I sense a dark energy of some kind, and I hear an unrecognizable raspy voice, whispering and calling out to something, though I can't make out what. I slowly turn around, my hands shivering and—

"Gwen," Denise calls out and I open my eyes. "Feeling better?"

I shake my head, focusing on my surroundings. I'm still in the nurse's office.

"Oh yes, I am." I stand up, clearing my throat. "Is the class over already?"

"The day is over, Gwen. Are you sure you're okay? Maybe we should meet tomorrow or something, and you go home and rest."

The day? As in three more lessons passed while I was in the office? How could that be possible? Denise is still looking at me with concern, and I smile at her. The last thing I want is to worry her—I will figure out what's going on later.

"You know I'm going to make you study for the history lesson so you're trying to avoid me?" I place a hand on my waist playfully. "We're still going, I really am fine."

Although not convinced, Denise doesn't voice it. "Ugh, why did you have to remind me? I'd rather skip it and fail than study for it."

We both exit the office and walk down the hallway and towards the exit. Out of curiosity, I look around as the students swarm the halls, but I see no sign of Kevin. What was he doing out of the lesson anyway? My first assumption is that he skipped the lesson. My second is that he is planning something.

Both me and Denise walk down the street, talking about various things on the way. The upcoming Haley and Julian movie that's coming out in a few months, the test that she doesn't want to study for, the Spring Break, and her crush, Aaron. Basically everything and nothing at the same time.

We finally reach the building. It isn't anything special. Half of it is collapsed and we have to head to the back where the bricks have conveniently opened in a square. We duck and enter inside and head to a set of stairs where we sit down. There isn't a top floor, but we both like how isolated and quiet it is. It's where we go when we absolutely need privacy. No one else knows about it as well, which makes it easier.

"So…" Denise starts, tapping her sneakers on the stone ground. "Do you think it's time we change our hideout? I'm starting to get the creeps from this place. And ew, the spiders."

"Spiders? Where?" My eyes widen and I look at the half-fallen ceiling, cringing at the cobwebs. They weren't here last time.

"I guess you agree."

"We can find something, though it'll be hard," I say. We both remain silent for a moment until I decide to break the silence. "What did you want to tell me?"

Denise looks away from me and averts her gaze to the dirty floor, and specifically a rock that is between her legs. She slowly plays with it, and I wait patiently until she gathers enough courage to speak out. It isn't like her to remain silent, so I gather it must be important.

"Remember how I told you we had to go to the hospital urgently two days ago?"

I nod in response.

"Well, it was right before school. I ran to the kitchen since I was running late, and I saw my mom passed out in front of the oven. She looked tired and weak—but I always assumed it was because of her work and late-night shifts," she pauses, intertwining her hands together. "We rushed to the E.R. and they did some tests on her and long story short, she was diagnosed with…third stage cancer. Apparently, it's a mass on her breast, but because it's so advanced, it'll be harder to treat."

There are tears in her eyes now and I reach closer, dragging her into an embrace. I can feel her shoulders shake and I rub soft circles on her back to comfort her. Denise's mother is the kindest woman I have met, there is no doubt how hard this must be for both of them.

"Where is she now? Is she at home?"

"They kept her at the hospital for a day, but my mom insisted she go home because of the bill. Our insurance covers it, but not the whole treatment—she says she'll only go for the treatments and nothing else," she continues. "Oh, Gwen, she's so stubborn and I don't know how to help her."

I frown at her. "I'll help you." She looks up to me and I continue. "I have some money saved to the side, they're for college, but I'm aiming for a scholarship anyways. I know your mom needs it more than I do. When my mom finds out, she'll agree."

Denise shakes her head, pulling away from my embrace. "I can't ask that from you. My mom won't agree either."

"It doesn't matter, I'll speak to her."

There is a small pause and Denise's eyes glimmer once again. "Thank you. Really."

Denise pulls out her phone as a notification beeps and smiles at something. I don't ask on purpose since I know she'll tell me either way. After a few seconds, she breathes and scrolls aggressively through a set of texts, though I can't see between who it is.

"I have something else to tell you—this one you'll like." She points the phone right at my face and I have to squint to see anything. The first thing I see is the contact name, Aaron, her crush since she was 11 years old.

I hold the phone in my hands and start reading through them, not missing Aaron's flirtatious tone as he asks her if she has a crush on someone or not. It keeps going for a while, until Aaron asks her if they can go to the cinema together this Friday.

"Did you read it?" Denise asks, her voice slightly high-pitched.

"And you were planning on telling me when exactly?" I tease. "This is big! You're officially going to be dating your crush."

"Technically we're not dating yet, but I know!" She offers a playful squeal and bumps me with her shoulder. "You're next now."

My love life is the last thing on my mind. It's not that I haven't had crushes, guy friends, or dates, but it's not something I even think of most of the time. My studies have been far more important and take up most of my time. Of course, it also has to do with my powers—it's hard to explain to a "normal" person that you have magic powers. It's not really an ideal icebreaker and it wouldn't go down well. I haven't even told Denise about it, knowing that it would introduce her to a part of this world that it would be better she didn't know.

"Maybe," is all I say.

The energy around us shifts and I feel an unfamiliar aura surrounding us. Faint voices can be heard outside the building and footsteps echo inside, reaching closer. My whole body visibly shivers at the sudden appearance of strangers and I know it's because of my powers and what they sense about them. Something is wrong.

"Hide," I whisper to Denise and although she hesitates at first, she listens to me. We quickly crouch behind the stairs and patiently wait.

"What was that noise?" one of the people says, as they step inside the rubble. I instantly sense the energy shift. It isn't subtle like before; it's intense and dark. My blood runs cold, I feel a chill rush down my spine and I can't help the dark and paranoid thoughts that cross my mind, including the visions.

I don't want to stay here any longer. We need to get out. Now. I can feel that something can go wrong, I can sense that they are not friendly. But the only way out is where they came from, and we are forced to remain hidden.

"Nothing," a second voice says. "The place is abandoned. Are you scared of the dark or something?"

My eyes widen. I recognize that voice from today. I peek over and I confirm my suspicion. Kevin is here. I knew he was up to something.

"Does it look like I'm scared of the dark?" the other…person responds, not appreciating Kevin's teasing remark.

"I guess not." Kevin's face instantly turns serious and he clears his throat.

As he moves to the side to support his back against a pillar, I'm able to get a better look at the second person he is speaking to. I place a hand over my mouth to muffle my surprise. His skin is pure black in parts, and ashy in others and there is an ambience and low glow surrounding him. His eyes are a bright orange color and if he wasn't studying his surroundings, one could easily assume he was blind as he had no pupils. Simply looking at him is unsettling.

It is obvious to anyone that he isn't human. Ever since that summer with Ben, I've been aware that aliens exist around us, some of them disguised, but this has been my first encounter in years.

"So, do you have the money?" Kevin asks and I tighten my fists in anger.

The strange creature snaps his sandy fingers and a case with money appears. It must be thousands in there, enough to sustain someone for months, and definitely more than enough money for someone like Kevin.

"And the artifact I requested?" The creature snaps his fingers again and the money disappears out of sight.

"It's right outside in my car. Give me a moment." Kevin steps out of the building, and the room is silent once again.

I crouch behind the stairs again, afraid of being seen. I make brief eye contact with Denise and she points at a small opening in front of us, a tight fit we could escape from. I shake my head since I know that if we even so much as moved, they would know we are here. Denise doesn't know what is going on, but judging from her pale face, she knows we aren't safe. And she is right.

I touch my head against the brick wall and I listen and try to sense the energy patiently. Before I can react, however, a headache rips through me. I tighten my fists so hard cramps start to flow through my arms and I bite my lip until blood is drawn.

"Gwen?" Denise whispers, but I can barely hear her.

My muscles contort and I gasp for breath as I try to regain control of my body. This is so much worse than before. The pain isn't just flashes, it's constant and it takes everything in me not to scream in desperation. But I try my best and I try to focus on my mana and aura, trying to focus on the current reality, the ground against my feet and hands and the moist air of the building.

"No!" I yell out, as a ripple of pain hits me once again. I try to stand up and move, but nothing works.

And then it stops. Without warning. I'm left struggling to breathe and Denise holds me for support, looking between me and the exposed spot behind the stairs. I know that the creature knows we are here now.

"Interesting," I hear the raspy voice say.

Before I can react or even think, I feel sharp claws digging into my skin as Denise and I are pulled out of our hiding spot and in front of the stranger. We collapse on the ground and I avert my gaze towards him, glaring. I quickly look towards Denise to make sure she is okay and it breaks my heart to see the fear in her eyes.

"Who are you?" he asks me.

I don't respond. I instead stand up and summon my powers, my hands glowing pink.

"Gwen?" Denise looks between me and the creature. She hasn't bothered to stand up.

"Let us go and I won't hurt you," I say, my voice lowering so I can sound more threatening.

The creature's eyes glow and he smirks in response. The color fades from my face and I remain alert in case he tries to attack–I need to keep Denise safe.

"An Anodite?" He speaks to himself more than anyone else. "Don't worry, it isn't your time yet. Though I do wonder what you're capable of…"

As his voice echoes, I see a white blade heading in our direction. My hands move up instinctively and I create a shield around Denise and myself. The blade hits against it, creating a sharp hole yet not penetrating my shield despite its thinness. I hate to admit that I'm rusty. The last time I practiced my powers was weeks ago and even then, I didn't make much progress.

After what feels like minutes, I bring down my shield and our gazes meet with the creature. He tilts his head and smiles at me. He lifts his right hand in the air and a dark ball of energy points in our direction. My eyes widen and my nostrils flare. I quickly summon my powers again and lift my arm in the air as I allow my mana to disintegrate all of them. I stay still after that, waiting for his next move.

"Still untrained, but with good skill," he notes more to himself than anyone else. "Let's see."

I take a step back and I turn to Denise, motioning for her to hide behind the stairs once again. It is obvious that he is only interested in me and I don't want to put her in danger for no reason. She shakes her head, unsure, but I practically beg her with my gaze. She needs to hide.

Wind pushes against my cheek and moves my hair out of the way. I turn back to the creature, only to see what seems like a black mass heading our way. I waste no time as I lift my hand to disrupt it, but it's too late. It heads straight to us and takes a swift turn, hitting Denise right in the chest.

"No!" I yell out. Denise falls to the ground with a loud "thud" and her body remains there, unresponsive. I fall to the ground next to her and hold her close, trying to wake her up. "What did you do to her?" I turn to the creature, my eyebrows furrowed together.

"Apologies," the creature smirks, his tone filled with sarcasm. "It was collateral damage, I hope you understand. Quite deadly for a human, sadly."

I stand up and tighten my fists, my mana flowing through them. "Help her." I practically demand, not thinking clearly.

"It doesn't work like that, I'm afraid. I would say death is the biggest mercy I can offer her, but I cannot do that just for anyone."

My feet press harder against the ground and I prepare for an attack. The creature simply smirks at me, as if he expects my reaction. As if he hopes for me to attack.

"What are you doing?" Kevin's voice echoes from the entrance. He is carrying something heavy and he stops right in his steps, staring between me, Denise, and the strange man in front of me.

"Is that the artifact you promised?"

"I didn't come here to watch you kill innocents," Kevin says. His eyes linger on Denise, and then he looks at me with an unrecognizable look—whether it's sympathy, guilt, or both, I'm not sure.

"I was a bit preoccupied, but it should be okay now. Isn't that right?" The creature looks at me when he says that, and I'm about to respond.

"You n—"

"Anyways," he quickly interrupts, "Thank you for this. It is exactly what I needed."

"What about the money?" Kevin asks.

I shake my head in disbelief—the creature has already raised his hands in the air. He snatches the artifact from Kevin's arm and with one snap of his fingers, his body disintegrates. Pieces of ash and sand are left behind him, flowing in the air.

While Kevin is standing there, staring in surprise and anger, I quickly turn to Denise and crouch down once again. I put my hand against her neck, checking for a pulse and I sigh in relief when I feel one. Her breathing seems to be steady and normal, but her skin is cold to the touch. I check her clothes for any visible injuries, but I don't see any. I feel almost helpless. I could take her to the hospital, but I know that alien attacks aren't exactly their expertise.

My head snaps to the side, where Kevin is still standing. He isn't reacting, nor is he saying anything.

"Help me," I tell him, my voice a mere whisper. I'm surprised he hears me, turning his head towards me. "He hit her with something, and I don't know how to help her. I know you do…Please."

I don't care if I sound desperate. I am desperate. I prepare myself, thinking I might need to use my mana. Until Kevin seems to address me.

"My car is outside. I'll help you carry her."