Chapter 1
The Rustbucket's brakes squealed as it came to a stop in front of a rickety shop on the side of the highway. Its peeling sign swayed precariously in the wind, the faded words barely legible: "Antique Treasures and Oddities." The building itself looked out of place, a squat, weathered structure with grime-streaked windows that hinted at mysteries within.
Ben scowled, crossing his arms as he stared up at the sign. "Why are we even here? This place looks like it hasn't seen a vacuum since the dinosaurs."
Gwen rolled her eyes and pushed past him, her usual air of superiority heightened by the Omnitrix glowing faintly on her wrist. "It's called exploration, doofus. You might learn something." She tilted her chin up, her expression smug as she added, "Not that you'd know much about learning."
"Alright, that's enough," Grandpa Max cut in before Ben could fire back. He adjusted his baseball cap and gave them both a stern look. "This place caught my eye. You never know what you'll find in shops like these. Maybe something useful."
Ben kicked at a loose pebble and muttered under his breath, "Yeah, like a dust allergy."
Inside, the air was thick and musty, with the faint scent of old leather and something earthy—almost like wet moss. Shelves lined every inch of the walls, crammed with a chaotic array of objects: cracked porcelain dolls, tarnished silverware, faded books, and jars filled with unidentifiable contents. The dim lighting gave everything a ghostly glow, making the shop feel like a cross between a treasure trove and a haunted house.
"Wow," Gwen murmured, walking toward a display case filled with bizarre trinkets. "This place is amazing. Look at this!" She held up a small, carved statuette of a creature with too many eyes.
Ben barely glanced at it, already bored. "Looks like something you'd buy at a garage sale for fifty cents."
"It's probably worth more than your entire allowance," Gwen shot back, smirking.
Ben clenched his fists, his face turning red. Ever since the Omnitrix had chosen Gwen, she'd been insufferable. It wasn't just that she had powers now; it was the way she acted like she was suddenly better than him. She'd always been a know-it-all, but now it was ten times worse.
"Alright, enough bickering, you two," Max said, his voice firm but patient. He wandered deeper into the shop, leaving them to their squabbling.
Ben muttered something under his breath and walked away, weaving through the narrow aisles. He wasn't sure what he was looking for—maybe something cool, something that could prove he wasn't just Gwen's annoying sidekick.
That's when he saw it.
In a shadowy corner, tucked away on a dusty shelf, was a battered book with a cracked leather cover. Next to it lay a necklace shaped like a star, its metallic surface gleaming faintly even in the dim light. The book looked ancient, its edges frayed and its spine covered in strange, arcane symbols that seemed to shift when he stared at them too long.
"Huh," Ben said, reaching out to pick it up.
"Careful!" a voice croaked, making him jump. He spun around to see the shopkeeper—a wiry old man with hunched shoulders and eyes that glinted like a crow's. The man adjusted his glasses and shuffled closer, his steps slow but deliberate.
"That's no ordinary book," the shopkeeper said, his voice low and gravelly. "It belonged to someone very dangerous."
Ben's interest piqued. "Dangerous how?"
The shopkeeper's lips curled into a faint, unsettling smile. "It once belonged to a sorcerer. The book contains his spells, his secrets. And that necklace? It's more than an accessory—it's the key to unlocking its power."
"Woah, so, how much?"
The shopkeeper's smile faded into something more severe as he leaned over the counter, his fingers drumming softly on the worn wood. "The book isn't for sale," he said, his tone final. "Neither is the necklace. It's cursed, boy. Dangerous. It's not meant for the likes of you."
Ben blinked, confused. "What do you mean it's not for sale? Isn't this a store?"
The old man chuckled, though it lacked humor. "This isn't just a store. Some items aren't meant to leave their resting place. That book and necklace—they're among them. Now put them back."
Frustration bubbled inside Ben as he set the book down a little too hard. "Fine, whatever. I was just looking anyway." He spun on his heel, muttering to himself.
Sighing heavily, Ben rejoined the others in the middle of the shop, where Gwen was inspecting a row of strange, dusty ornaments. She glanced up as he approached, raising an eyebrow.
"What were you trying to buy back there?" she asked, her tone skeptical.
"None of your business, hero," Ben shot back, sarcasm dripping from his voice as he pointedly avoided her gaze.
Gwen crossed her arms, the Omnitrix on her wrist faintly glowing as if amplifying her authority. "Seriously? It looked disgusting. What, are you planning to add more junk to your collection of gross comics and broken action figures?"
"It's not disgusting," Ben snapped, his fists clenching. "It's—" He faltered, realizing he couldn't even explain what the book or necklace was. "—cool. You wouldn't get it."
"Yeah, because I'm too busy saving the world to waste time on junk," Gwen quipped, gesturing to the Omnitrix with a smug grin.
Ben's jaw tightened as his frustration boiled over. "Whatever," he muttered, brushing past her. He made his way to Grandpa Max, who was examining an old nautical compass near the counter.
"Grandpa," Ben said, tugging at his sleeve. "Can you ask the shopkeeper about that book and necklace? He won't let me buy it."
Max turned to face him, one eyebrow raised. "What book and necklace?"
"Over there," Ben said, pointing to the corner where he'd found the items. "The shopkeeper says they're dangerous or whatever, but come on. He's just being weird."
Max glanced toward the corner, then back at Ben with a skeptical look. "Are you sure this is a good idea, Ben? If the shopkeeper says it's dangerous—"
"It's probably just some old story he made up to raise the price," Ben interrupted, a little too eagerly. "Please, Grandpa? Just ask him."
With a sigh, Max approached the counter. The shopkeeper eyed him warily as Max gestured toward the book and necklace. "My grandson's interested in those items over there. Any chance you're willing to sell them?"
The shopkeeper's expression hardened instantly. "I told the boy already. They're not for sale. Not to anyone."
Max frowned. "Why not?"
"They're cursed," the shopkeeper said flatly. "That necklace unlocks the power of the book, and together they create nothing but destruction. If you're not careful, you'll bring ruin upon yourself—and anyone around you."
Max studied the shopkeeper's face, his instincts telling him the man wasn't bluffing. He let out a reluctant sigh and stepped back. "Alright, I understand."
Ben overheard the conversation and groaned loudly. "What about just the necklace?"
The shopkeeper glared at him. "Can you pay $20,000?"
"Twenty thousand dollars?!" Ben exclaimed, his voice cracking. "Who even has that kind of money for some old necklace?"
The shopkeeper didn't respond, but his silence made it clear he had no intention of budging.
Just then, the entire shop shuddered. A loud, deafening BOOM echoed through the air, and the walls buckled violently. Glass shattered, shelves toppled, and the air filled with dust and debris as the ceiling groaned under the force of the explosion. Ben stumbled back, coughing and shielding his face as splinters of wood rained down around him.
"What the heck?!" he yelled, his voice barely audible over the chaos.
From the jagged hole where the wall used to be, a tall, imposing figure stepped through. He was dressed in long, tattered robes that fluttered in the smoky air, his face pale and ghostly white with strange markings painted across it. His arms were adorned with heavy, ancient-looking jewelry, each piece clinking ominously as he moved.
The man's eyes glowed faintly as he scanned the shop, his gaze falling on the terrified shopkeeper. He strode forward, his voice low and menacing. "Where is it?"
The shopkeeper hesitated, clutching the edge of the counter for support. "I—I don't know what you're talking about."
The man's expression darkened as he raised a hand, and an unseen force yanked the shopkeeper forward, dragging him across the counter. "Don't lie to me," the man hissed, his voice sharp as a blade. "The book and the necklace. Where are they?"
The shopkeeper's eyes darted toward the corner where the items lay. Seeing his glance, the man released him, striding over to the shelf. He snatched up the book and necklace, holding them aloft as a wicked smile spread across his face.
"These are mine," he said softly, almost to himself.
Before he could take another step, a bright, blinding green light filled the room. The man shielded his eyes, stumbling back as the light coalesced into a sharp, crystalline form. When the light faded, a towering alien made entirely of diamond stood in its place.
"It's hero time, villain!" Gwen's voice rang out confidently from the alien form. She stood tall, her diamond body refracting the light into dazzling patterns as she raised her arms, ready for battle.
Ben rolled his eyes, coughing out a cloud of dust. "Oh great. She's got this."
The scene froze in an uneasy standoff, the shop now little more than a chaotic battlefield of debris, glowing gems, and smoldering rubble.
The man straightened, the book clutched tightly in his left hand as he fixed Gwen with a cold, calculating stare. His pale lips curved into a chilling smile.
"I am Hex," he declared, his voice resonating with an unnatural authority that seemed to make the air vibrate. "The greatest sorcerer this world will ever know. And with the power of this book…" He raised the ancient tome, the symbols on its cover flickering faintly. "I will dominate all who dare oppose me."
Gwen, still in her Diamondhead form, didn't flinch. Her crystalline fists glinted dangerously as she took a defensive stance. "Yeah, yeah," she said, her tone laced with determination. "You're just another bad guy with a big ego. I've taken down bigger threats than you."
Hex chuckled softly, the sound low and menacing. "Foolish child. You have no idea what you're dealing with."
"Let's see how your magic handles this!" Gwen yelled, charging forward with the speed and strength of her alien form. Her diamond fists gleamed as she swung them at Hex with all her might.
Hex reacted quickly, raising his free hand. A shimmering, translucent barrier materialized between them, absorbing the brunt of Gwen's punch. The force of her attack sent a shockwave rippling through the air, knocking over shelves and scattering debris across the shop.
Hex staggered slightly but regained his footing, his eyes glowing with irritation. "Impressive strength," he admitted. "But brute force is no match for true power!"
With a flick of his wrist, Hex conjured glowing chains of energy that shot toward Gwen, snaking through the air like living serpents. The chains wrapped around her arms and legs, binding her in place as they pulsed with crackling green energy.
"Gwen!" Ben shouted, his voice breaking through the chaos. He scrambled for cover behind a fallen display case, watching helplessly as his cousin struggled against Hex's magic.
Gwen gritted her teeth, her crystalline body straining against the enchanted chains. "You're not… gonna win… this fight!" she growled. Summoning all her strength, she flexed her arms, shattering the glowing restraints into a spray of green sparks.
Hex's eyes widened, just for a moment, before narrowing in anger. "Persistent little pest."
Before he could summon another spell, Gwen lunged at him, her diamond arm transforming into a massive blade. She swung it with precision, aiming to disarm him. Hex barely managed to dodge, the blade slicing clean through the air where he'd been standing moments before.
The fight turned into a blur of movement and energy as Hex unleashed a flurry of spells, each one more dangerous than the last. Bolts of fire, spears of ice, and bursts of dark energy rained down on Gwen, but she dodged and deflected them with impressive agility, using her crystalline body to absorb the impact.
"Is that all you've got?" Gwen taunted, leaping into the air and firing a barrage of diamond projectiles from her hands. The shimmering shards cut through the haze of smoke and debris, forcing Hex to conjure another barrier to protect himself.
Hex gritted his teeth as the projectiles struck his shield, each impact sending vibrations through his body. "You're more resilient than I expected," he admitted. "But you're still just a child playing at hero."
Gwen landed in front of him, her diamond fists glowing with green energy as she charged for another attack. "And you're just another bad guy who doesn't know when to quit!"
Their clash reached a fever pitch as Gwen swung her glowing fists at Hex with relentless force. He dodged and parried with magical barriers, his movements growing more desperate as her attacks pushed him further and further back. The shop was in ruins, its walls cracked and its floor littered with shattered glass and broken wood.
"You won't win!" Gwen shouted, her voice echoing through the wreckage. She delivered a powerful uppercut, shattering Hex's barrier and sending him stumbling back.
Hex glared at her, his composure slipping. He glanced at the book in his hand, the arcane symbols glowing brighter as if responding to his anger. "This isn't over," he said, his voice a low growl.
Gwen prepared to charge again, but Hex raised the book and muttered a string of incantations under his breath. A swirling portal of dark energy appeared behind him, its edges crackling with power.
"You've delayed the inevitable," Hex said, stepping backward into the portal. "But the power of this book will be mine to wield. And when I return, nothing will stand in my way—not you, not anyone."
"No you don't!" Gwen yelled, firing another barrage of diamond projectiles at him.
But it was too late. The shards passed harmlessly through the closing portal as Hex disappeared, taking the book with him. The room fell silent except for the faint crackle of residual magic in the air.
Gwen surveyed the destruction around her, her fists clenching as frustration bubbled to the surface.
Ben stepped out from behind the display case, coughing on the lingering dust. "Well, that could've gone better," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Gwen turned to glare at him, her eyes blazing. "He got away with the book, Ben! That's not 'better'!"
Ben shrugged, though the tension in his shoulders betrayed his unease. "At least he didn't get the necklace."
Gwen didn't respond, her gaze falling on the shattered remains of the shop. In the back of her mind, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning.
The shopkeeper stood frozen for a moment, his trembling hands clutching the counter. His eyes darted toward the now-empty corner where the book had been. Though the man had retreated for now, the old man knew better than to think the sorcerer was gone for good. The book alone wouldn't satisfy someone like him—he'd be back for the necklace, and next time, there might not be anyone to stop him.
The shopkeeper cleared his throat, his voice wavering. "I-I need you to take it," he said suddenly, breaking the heavy silence.
Gwen, still towering in her Diamondhead form, turned her sharp, crystalline gaze toward him. "Take what?"
"The necklace," the shopkeeper stammered. "If Hex comes back—and he 'will' come back—I can't have it here. It's too dangerous. Consider it… a reward. For saving my life."
Ben's ears perked up at the word "reward." His eyes gleamed as the shopkeeper reached under the counter, pulling out the gleaming star-shaped necklace. Its surface shimmered faintly, almost as though it were alive, and Ben couldn't take his eyes off it.
"Whoa," Ben breathed, stepping forward eagerly. "That thing looks awesome. Maybe I could—"
Before he could finish, Gwen snatched the necklace from the shopkeeper's hands, her crystalline fingers handling it with ease. The green glow of the Omnitrix cast a faint halo around her alien form as she held the necklace up, inspecting it like a prized trophy.
"Hey!" Ben protested, his excitement turning to indignation. "I thought you said it was a reward. You're already loaded with powers! Maybe it's my turn for once."
Gwen smirked, her diamond face glinting in the dim light. She tossed the necklace lightly in her hand before securing it firmly in her grasp. "Tell you what, Ben. If you call me 'Boss' and 'ask nicely', I might be generous enough to give it to you."
Ben's jaw dropped, and he stared at her in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me! I just helped take down that Hex guy!"
Gwen crossed her arms, the necklace dangling tauntingly from one of her sharp fingers. "Did you? Because from where I'm standing, it looked like 'I' was the one fighting him while you were cowering behind a shelf."
"I wasn't cowering!" Ben snapped, his face flushing.
Max, who had been surveying the wreckage of the shop, turned toward them and frowned. "Alright, that's enough, Gwen," he said, his voice firm but calm. "You don't need to tease your cousin like that. Just give him the necklace if he wants it."
But Gwen ignored him, her smirk widening. "Come on, Ben," she said, her tone singsong. "Just say the magic words. 'You're the boss, Gwen. Please can I have the necklace?' Is that so hard?"
Ben's fists clenched, his teeth grinding as frustration built inside him. She was doing it again—rubbing her powers, her victories, and now this "reward" in his face. His mind raced with retorts, but he caught Max's disapproving stare out of the corner of his eye.
"Gwen," Max said, his voice dropping into a warning tone. "This isn't the time."
But Gwen was too caught up in the moment to listen. "Well, Ben?" she asked, raising the necklace higher as if daring him. "What's it gonna be? I mean, if you don't want it…"
Ben groaned, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He knew she wasn't going to stop unless he played along. With a deep breath and a glare that could melt steel, he muttered through clenched teeth, "You're the boss, Gwen. Please can I have the necklace?"
Gwen tapped her chin, pretending to think it over. "Hmm… I guess that'll do." She handed the necklace to him with a triumphant smirk, her diamond form glinting smugly in the dim light.
Ben snatched the necklace out of her hand, his face burning with embarrassment and fury. He glared at her, his fingers tightening around the cool metal as he muttered under his breath, "You're so full of yourself."
"Yeah, but you just called me boss," Gwen shot back, reverting to her human form in a flash of green light. She leaned casually against a toppled shelf, the Omnitrix glinting on her wrist as she added, "Looks like I'm not the only one who knows it."
Max sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Alright, kids. Let's get out of here before Hex decides to come back."
As they headed out of the ruined shop, the shopkeeper watched them go with a mix of relief and dread. He hoped they could keep the necklace safe, but deep down, he feared that their troubles were only just beginning.
—(~/\~)—
Back in the Rustbucket, the atmosphere was tense but quieter than it had been in the shop. Max had driven them far from the scene, his eyes flickering occasionally to the rearview mirror as if expecting Hex to appear on the horizon. Inside, Ben sat at the small folding table, the violet necklace dangling from his hands.
It was larger than he'd realized, the star in the middle glinting faintly even in the dim light of the camper. The color—a deep, almost glowing violet—was undeniably striking. He stared at it for a long moment before standing up and moving to the mirror above the tiny sink.
"Well," he muttered to himself, sliding the chain over his head. The necklace settled against his chest, feeling oddly warm to the touch. "Let's see how this looks."
As soon as he saw his reflection, his expression faltered. The necklace hung awkwardly against his t-shirt, the star-shaped pendant bold and prominent. It didn't help that the violet color stood out in stark contrast to his usual greens and blacks.
"Wow," came Gwen's voice from behind him, dripping with mockery. "Nice accessory, Ben. Didn't know you were into jewelry."
Ben spun around, scowling. "What's your problem now?"
Gwen leaned casually against the counter, her arms crossed and an infuriating smirk on her face. "Nothing. It's just… that necklace? Kinda looks like something Grandma Verdona would wear. You sure you're not borrowing from her closet?"
"Ha-ha, very funny," Ben shot back, tugging at the chain as if adjusting it would make it look less conspicuous. "This necklace is powerful. It's magical. Not that you'd understand."
"Oh, I understand just fine," Gwen replied, her smirk growing. "It's magical and it's girly. That's some combo you've got there."
Ben's face turned red. "It's not girly!"
"Really?" Gwen teased, pointing at the mirror. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like something a fairy princess would wear to a ball."
"Alright, that's enough," Max said, cutting through their bickering as he set a mug of coffee down on the counter. He turned to face them, his expression serious. "This isn't a game, you two. That necklace might be magical, but it's also dangerous. If Hex went to all that trouble to get it, you can bet he's going to come after us again."
"I'm not scared of that weirdo," Gwen said, waving her hand dismissively. "If he shows up, I'll take him down again. Easy."
Max gave her a pointed look. "Gwen, you did great back there, but don't underestimate him. Hex isn't just some thug—he's a powerful sorcerer, and now he has that book. If he comes back, we'll need to be ready."
Gwen huffed but didn't argue further. Ben, meanwhile, turned back to the mirror, staring at his reflection. Gwen's words still echoed in his mind, and he couldn't deny it—the necklace did look a little… well, large. And flashy.
"If only it were smaller," Ben muttered under his breath, his fingers brushing the edges of the star pendant. "Or, like, thinner or something…"
The moment the words left his mouth, the necklace began to change. A faint, violet glow emanated from the pendant, and the chain shimmered as though it were melting into liquid silver. Ben froze, his eyes wide as the large star pendant shrank, the chain growing thinner and sleeker until it transformed into a delicate silver locket with a small violet stone in the center.
"What the—?" Ben stammered, holding the now-transformed necklace in his hands.
Gwen's jaw dropped as she stepped closer, staring at the locket. "Did… did that just change?"
Ben nodded, equally astonished. "I think so. I just thought it should look less… uh, noticeable, and then—" He gestured to the necklace.
"It listened to you?" Gwen asked, her tone a mix of disbelief and intrigue.
"Looks like it," Ben said, slipping the new, subtler locket back over his head. He turned to the mirror again and grinned. The smaller, sleeker design looked almost cool now—not as flashy, and definitely not girly. "Ha! Now nobody can recognize it. This thing really is magical!"
Max stepped closer, his brow furrowed as he examined the locket. "This changes things," he said slowly. "If the necklace is magical, there's no telling what kind of power it holds—or how dangerous it could be."
"Dangerous or not," Ben said, smirking at Gwen, "it's mine now. And it's way cooler than that watch of yours."
Gwen narrowed her eyes, folding her arms. "Don't get too comfortable, Ben. Magic always comes with a price."
Ben shrugged, turning back to the mirror with a smug look. "Yeah? Well, I think I'll take my chances."
—(~/\~)—
Author Note: Hello!
So this is my new attempt at trying to cook without burning the kitchen, so I need all the help I can get to do this!
I plan on using some elements from Alien Force and Ultimate Alien in the future but nothing from Reboot or Omniverse.
Thanks for reading this. The next chapter will be released depending on your responses.
Drop your thoughts in the review section. Your words motivate me to write better, larger and with more depth.
Till next time!