Chapter 16: Fortune's Charm
—
The Rust Bucket hummed along the last sun-drenched highway, its tires eating up mile after mile of Louisiana asphalt.
I was sprawled across the bench seat, one leg propped against the wall, pretending to read a Sumo Slammers comic. Why was I pretending to do that?
Because my eyes were secretly observing Gwen instead.
Something had changed since the Jessica situation, and after Grandpa dropped that bombshell about us being part alien. Well, several things had changed, but Gwen's reaction worried me most. The constant bickering that defined our relationship had… faded into an uneasy quiet.
That wasn't the only thing. She'd become withdrawn and introspective—qualities I'd never associated with my normally loud and outspoken cousin.
I'd tried mentioning the bet we made before entering the Limax cavern, and Gwen didn't even bother to play along.
She really wasn't like herself lately.
Sunlight filtered through the half-open blinds, catching in her hair as she lounged on her bunk. The copper strands glowed like embers where the light touched them. She'd been reading the same page of her book for almost twenty minutes now, her teeth biting her bottom lip in that way they always did when something troubled her.
One other thing she didn't bother focusing on lately was her appearance.
Her short hair was pulled back in a small, messy ponytail instead of the carefully styled look she usually maintained. Especially when compared to the work she got done when we visited grandma Vera.
The oversized purple sweatshirt she wore slipped off one shoulder, revealing a pale strip of skin and the strap of a black tank top beneath. It was strange seeing her so... undone. Not that it looked bad.
Actually, the casual look suited her just fine. She somehow managed to look attractive even now. A bit too much…
What the hell am I thinking? I mentally slapped myself, uncomfortable with the direction my thoughts had taken. It's Gwen, for fuck's sake.
My phone vibrated against my stomach, providing a welcome distraction. Jewel's name flashed on the screen alongside a message that made me smile.
[Jewel: This is crazy.]
I didn't even get to reply as a paragraph filled my screen.
[Jewel: I took down a supervillain solo just now, Benny! Well, "supervillain" might be an exaggeration. More like a dude with electric gloves robbing an electronics store. Still counts though, right?]
[Jewel: Although I did miss my alien backup…]
A laugh escaped my lips, thumbs already tapping out a response.
[Electric Glove Guy definitely counts. Is he called 'Shocker,' by any chance? He's kind of dangerous. Congrats on the win! Though if I'd been there, I would've wrapped it up in 30 seconds flat. Just saying.]
Her reply came instantly.
[Jewel: 30 seconds? I guess that explains a lot about your performance in other areas too, mister…]
"Excuse me?" I couldn't help but say out loud, quickly typing back. [Hey, lil missy! Did someone wipe your memories? I recall things a little differently.]
"Hey, dweeb, could you stop texting your girlfriend and pay attention? We're almost at our destination." Gwen's voice cut through my thoughts, sharper than it had been in days.
I didn't bother looking up from my phone, continuing the light-hearted argument. She was cute, even though she was older than me. "She's not my girlfriend."
Gwen made a noise somewhere between a scoff and a snort. "Right. That's why you're giggling like a middle schooler with his first crush."
"I don't giggle," I protested, and finally glanced up to find her watching me with a strange expression – something between irritation and something else I couldn't quite place.
Was that... jealousy? No way, that'd be crazy.
Yep, that'd be impossible. I dismissed the thought as the Rust Bucket slowed to a stop. It's probably just envy. That I have a girl to talk to like this, while she doesn't have a man.
That made more sense, honestly. Even if she looked at Four Arms a particular way, that was just because of the muscles.
"Whatever," Gwen hopped off her bunk in one fluid motion, slinging her backpack over her shoulder. The movement made her sweatshirt slip further, exposing her collarbone and cleavage, before she absently tugged it back into place.
"We're here!" Grandpa Max announced cheerfully from the driver's seat. "And trust me, kids, this place is special."
We filed out of the RV, squinting against the bright New Orleans sunshine.
Before us stood an imposing structure of dark stone and wrought iron, its gothic architecture a stark contrast to the colorful buildings nearby.
An ornate sign proclaimed: "New Orleans Museum of Witchcraft and Occult Arts."
"A witch museum?" I raised an eyebrow. "Really, Grandpa?"
Grandpa Max chuckled, placing a hand on each of our shoulders. "Excited? Aliens aren't the only thing that's real in this world, you know. Magic is too. Some of these artifacts might actually be authentic."
His words made Gwen visibly shiver beside me, grinning. "No way, magic is real?!" Her voice held a strange mix of apprehension and fascination as she stared at the building.
I was about to make fun of her but I froze, realization hitting me like a bucket of ice water. Wait a damn minute.
The museum, real magic, New Orleans...
This was where Gwen became Lucky Girl in the original timeline! But that wasn't supposed to happen until much later. I didn't even encounter Vilgax's three mercenaries yet!
The timeline was shifting.
Whether because of my actions or the fact that this was an amalgamation world, things were accelerating differently.
****
The inside of the museum was just as gothic as the outside, dim and shadowy with old lanterns throwing long, flickering shapes across the dark wood walls.
The air was cool and still, carrying that faint smell of old paper and incense that made the whole place feel really creepy. Glass cases ran along the halls, lit from below.
There were also lots of weird charms with worn-out symbols, hollow-eyed masks that seemed to track your movement, and creepy artifacts that looked like they belonged in some forgotten ritual.
I followed behind Gwen and Grandpa, our steps quiet on the thick burgundy carpets with their weird magic designs. The old guide's excited voice bounced a little in the quiet, going on about curses and hauntings.
I found it boring, the fake goblets, rings, and amulets the guide showed us. Gwen was eating it up though, eyes bright with interest despite how tired she looked.
Seeing her actually engaged in something again hit me in a weird way, and before I knew it, I was walking closer to her.
"Didn't expect you to be so into this spooky stuff, nerd," I said under my breath, bumping her elbow lightly. "Thought this stuff would freak you out."
Gwen looked at me, surprised for half a second before she scowled. "I've always liked museums, Ben. Even the creepy ones. There's history here. Besides," she teased, "I think you're just scared right now?"
I faked offense, just glad we were slipping back into our usual rhythm. "Me? Scared? I hang out with aliens on the regular. You think some haunted doll's gonna bother me?"
She rolled her eyes, but a small smile formed on her lips. "Fair. But there's something about magic, isn't there? If aliens are real, why not magic too? I don't think Grandpa was joking earlier."
I answered honestly. "Yeah, you're right. After everything, nothing would shock me. Who knows? Maybe you'll find some magical wand here."
She shot me a look, eyes glinting with amusement. "Right. Maybe I'll turn you into a frog if you annoy me."
I laughed for real, just happy things between us didn't feel stiff for once.
At this rate, maybe things will return to normal soon. Because she liked these kinds of places, this was an easy and comfortable opportunity as we walked down the shadowy hall.
However, not everything was good. We hadn't encountered the thing I expected yet. The guide was talking about so many things, but it hasn't come up yet.
Maybe the book isn't even here in this world, I thought absently as my eyes wandered back to the displays.
But a few steps later, that doubt disappeared completely.
"And here we have the crown jewel of our collection," the guide announced, gesturing to a massive book displayed in the center of the main hall. "The Archamada Book of Spells, dating back to the 16th century. Legend says it contains some of the most powerful incantations ever recorded."
"To be specific," Gwen interjected, "the Archamada is believed to date back to 1562."
"Hm?"
Gwen shrugged, "I read about it before, and I'm fairly confident about the source. It was supposedly written by Archamada, one of the few documented male witches of the Renaissance period. Historical records suggest it changed hands twelve times before disappearing during the Salem witch trials. I don't think this is the real deal."
The guide blinked in surprise before breaking into a delighted smile. "That's exactly right, young lady! I'm impressed. Most visitors your age are just here for the creepy dolls."
"I'm not a 10-year-old, miss…" Gwen said even as she blushed slightly at the praise, a small smile tugging at her lips – the first genuine smile I'd seen from her in days.
"Hahaha, that's my granddaughter," Grandpa Max said with a proud smile.
"Nerd," I whispered, nudging her with my elbow. But I couldn't help but smile too. It was good to see glimpses of the old Gwen returning.
As she engaged in an animated discussion with the guide about the preservation techniques used in the book, I caught myself studying her profile.
The dim lighting softened her features, highlighting the curve of her cheek and the intensity in her eyes when she talked about something that interested her. She'd been so subdued lately that I'd almost forgotten how alive she became when her intellect was engaged. She did a little jump when the guide joked, and her curves jiggled.
There you go again,Ben, I chided myself, forcing my attention back to the displays. What's wrong with me lately?
"A-aahh!" A scream ripped through the museum—sharp, sudden, way too loud for a place that's supposed to be all quiet and boring.
I spun around just as a nasty red mist started oozing in through the windows, slithering through the air like some kinda living thing. The temperature dropped so fast my breath turned into fog, and I got chills that had nothing to do with the AC.
People freaked. Some backed up, others just froze, but then the mist got worse—thicker, darker.
It shot upward and wrapped around a few unlucky idiots, yanking them toward the ceiling like some messed-up magic trick. The rest bolted for the doors, but-
– BOOM.
They slammed shut on their own, trapping us all inside.
"Ben?!" Gwen's voice was way higher than usual as she ran to stand behind me. Her fingers dug into my sleeve like she was trying to rip it off.
Usually, she'd stand strong, but lately perhaps because her mood was down, Gwen didn't feel the courage.
Grandpa Max stepped in front of us, face set like he was ready for a fight.
Then he showed up.
Out of the thickest part of the smoke, this dude just appeared. Tall, creepy robes, face painted like a damn skeleton. The lantern light made his skull-face look even weirder, and the way he walked—every step sounded way too loud, like the room itself was scared of him.
Around his neck, five weird charms glowed, pulsing along with the bird-headed staff in his hand.
It was Hex, the magician.
"Mortals." Hex's voice was deep, the kind that makes your bones vibrate. The whole room went dead silent. His eyes—hollow, hungry—scanned the crowd before locking onto the big fancy book in the center of the exhibit. The Archamada Book of Spells. His fingers twitched around the staff. "I apologise for interrupting your visit. But I've searched centuries for this power. Today, it finally becomes mine."
He thrust his staff forward, and a wave of force exploded outward, shattering the thick glass case surrounding the book.
Shards flew everywhere, glittering like deadly rain, forcing Grandpa to shield the elderly guide with his body while I instinctively tackled Gwen, pulling her down beneath me as fragments slashed harmlessly above us.
My heart thundered in my chest as I felt Gwen trembling beneath me. She gulped her saliva, staring up at me.
"Stay down," I whispered urgently before rolling off her and rising swiftly, already twisting the Omnitrix dial on my wrist.
"Ben, careful!" Grandpa shouted, fear and urgency thickening his voice.
"I've got it," I replied with determination. "It's hero time."
I pushed my palm down on the watch face, feeling the familiar rush of transformation. My muscles stretched and reconfigured, my skin hardening into blue and black scales as my vision sharpened dramatically.
"XLR8!" I shouted, grabbing Gwen and blurring away to safety. I dropped her to her feet, and looked at the fearful crowd. "Everyone stay calm!" I called out, my voice altered by my alien form. "I've got this!"
I didn't waste a second. With XLR8's incredible speed, I became a blur once again, racing around the room to catch visitors as Hex's concentration wavered and they began falling from the ceiling.
One by one, I deposited them safely outside the museum before zooming back for more.
"An interesting creature," Hex observed, his hollow eyes tracking my movements. "But no match for my magic!"
We'll see about that.
"Metacarpos Expedite!" Hex shouted, his palm glowing with energy as he fired a barrage of flaming projectiles in my direction.
I dodged them effortlessly, weaving between the blasts with milliseconds to spare. "Too slow, skull-face! Maybe try bowling instead? You got the right head for it."
Somehow, my childish taunt hit its mark. Hex's eyes narrowed in rage as he raised his staff again. "Berdi Mordo Nata!" A wave of telekinetic force ripped through the room, shattering display cases and sending artifacts flying like shrapnel.
I tucked into a roll, avoiding the worst of it, then sprinted straight toward him. He barely had time to raise a forcefield before I changed tactics, running circles around him so fast I created a vortex.
The air pressure dropped dramatically as I spun faster, cutting off his oxygen and disrupting his concentration.
"Saphirius Expectorium Perpet—!" he gasped, trying to break free, but the spell fizzled without enough air to carry his words.
I seized the opportunity, darting in close enough to deliver a series of lightning-fast blows to his midsection and face. It was as if I was playing a drum. Each hit landed with precision, the combined force sending him crashing into the far wall.
His staff clattered to the ground and he slumped, falling to the floor. Hex was unconscious.
Just like that, I'd won the battle. It helped that I knew about his power set from the cartoon, otherwise it'd have been a lot more difficult of a battle.
"Ben!" Grandpa called, but I didn't turn to look at him.
The main part begins only now.
Time for what I'd been looking forward to since the moment I realized we were at this particular museum.
This was an extremely important event. In the original timeline, one of Hex's charms had broken off during battle, which led to Gwen finding it and becoming Lucky Girl. This time, maybe I could show her path to sorcery. She better be grateful.
With Hex momentarily out of commission, I seized my chance.
In the blink of an eye, I dashed, my XLR8 form nothing more than a blue-black blur to any onlookers. Skidding to a halt beside the unconscious sorcerer, I reached down and snatched the necklace of charms from around his neck.
It crackled with energy, zapping my hands, but I endured the pain.
It came off easily.
"Now you're nothing but a skinny dude," I said to his unconscious form, hefting the five glowing charms. They pulsed with mystical energy, warm against my scaled palm.
In the original timeline, just one of these charms had given Gwen incredible powers as Lucky Girl. With all five, she could potentially become even more powerful. I'm not giving all of them to her, though.
"Hey, are you alright?" My eyes drifted to Grandpa who was checking on the elderly guide who'd been caught in the crossfire.
I didn't look at him for long. My eyes fell on Gwen who stood beside him, her face a mix of relief and fascination as she watched me.
I zipped over to them quickly. "Grandpa," I whispered, "hold onto these."
Before he could protest, I'd already tucked the charms deep into his expedition bag, hidden from view. He looked up, startled.
"What are you doing, Ben?" he asked, eyeing me suspiciously. Before I could reply, he first saw the lady off. Then he turned to me.
"Just collecting trophies from the bad guys I defeat, I guess," I replied with a casual shrug. "Like Iron Man keeps pieces of his enemies' tech!" I didn't even know if he did that. "Besides, it'd be incredibly stupid to leave magical artifacts with an evil sorcerer, don't you think?"
Grandpa frowned but seemed to consider my point. "Fair."
My eyes fell on the Archamada Book of Spells next, still exposed on its pedestal where Hex had blasted away the protective case.
That book contained powerful magic that Gwen could eventually learn to tap into.
"Grandpa, that sorcerer was specifically after this book," I said, gesturing toward it. "We should probably secure it too."
Grandpa Max's expression hardened immediately. "Absolutely not, Ben," he said, his voice firm and disappointed. "We just saved the museum—we're not stealing from it. I'll just warn the guards about it."
"...." I wasn't quite pleased with that. Sometimes Grandpa's moral compass is too rigid. That book is dangerous in the wrong hands, and useful in the right ones.
I sighed but nodded, though internally I was already grumbling over the problems this would cause in the future.
"Fine, Grandpa," I conceded, raising my clawed hands in surrender. "Just saying, magic books and evil sorcerers seem like a bad combo."
"He'll be jailed, don't worry," he said as he crossed his arms.
We couldn't chat any longer. Security guards and what looked like local police were finally pouring into the room.
Grandpa Max straightened up, adjusting his Hawaiian shirt. "Time to go, guys," he murmured. "Ben, change back somewhere private if you can."
"Too late, Grandpa," I replied, noticing too many eyes on us. "Let's just give an interview instead."
As a crowd gathered around us, cheering for me, treating me like a hero, I caught a glimpse of Gwen. She stared thoughtfully at Grandpa's bag.
If only she had any idea how excessively those things would change her life.
**
**
**
Author Note: Easy ahh goal Top 10, which we already met last week. If we're Top 10 by tomorrow, I'll post 2 chapters at once. Start voting!