Chapter Text
PDF: https://files.catbox.moe/z33iv8.pdf
BEN 10
CHAQUETRIX: SCRIPTANON EDITION
EPISODE 1:
AND THEN HE HAD 10
( revision 3 )
@ OUTER SPACE
( a massive brown ship is attacking a much smaller teal ship, somewhere near Jupiter )
= BIOID LIEUTENANT
( reading gauges on the bridge of Vilgax’s ship )
Hull damage: 20 percent, weapons system's still operational.
= VILGAX
I have come too far to be denied.
( Vilgax’s ship fires another round of lasers. Vilgax continues ranting, his hands shaking in depraved obsession )
That womanizer wasted his genius on a miniature brothel… But I will realize the Chaquetrix’s true potential, and it will be MY weapon, and there is not a being in the galaxy that DARES stand in my way!
@ INT. BELLWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, DAY
( Ben Tennyson is seen sitting in school, crafting a paper air-plane, proceeding to throw it at the back of his teacher’s head. The teacher gasps when it hits. She looks back at Ben, who is poorly pretending to read his book, smooshing his face in between the pages )
( intro )
( clock ticking as Ben is waiting for the bell to ring )
= BEN
( looking at the clock )
Come on... Come on...
= TEACHER
And I just want to remind you all that I will be teaching summer school this year, and it's not too late to sign up!
= BEN
Yeah, right.
( the bell rings )
Yes! Outta here!
( Ben eagerly leaves his seat and joins the students filing out of the classroom)
= TEACHER
Everyone, have a good vacation, and I hope to see you all again in the fall.
( Ben walks towards the classroom door )
= TEACHER
Benjamin, could I have a word with you before you go?
( holds up Ben's paper airplane. Ben huffs and walks over to the teacher's desk )
@ EXT. BELLWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
( Cash Murray backs Delilah to a tree )
= CASH
A funny thing happened, Jamie’s all out of cash. So I thought to myself, “Darn I’m gonna have to find myself a new piggy bank.” And wouldn’t you know it, the first thing I see is a pretty—
( Ben steps in between Cash and Delilah )
= BEN
Leave her alone!
= CASH
Get lost, shrimp.
= BEN
I said, back off, Cash!
= DELILAH
( spontaneously grinning like cheshire cat, mocking Ben )
Oh, looks like we got us a hero.
( Ben looks confused for barely a split second before Delilah moves her foot in front of Ben’s and pulls back hard, tripping him )
@ …LATER…
( Ben is now shirtless, with his shirt tied to his hands around a bike rack )
= BEN
( annoyed at himself )
Note to self: always remember that Delilhah is Cash’s - c o u s i n.
= MAX
( pulling up in the RV )
Come on, Ben, let's go! We're burning daylight. I wanna to make it to the campsite by—
( realizes Ben’s tied up )
… I’m…guessing there’s been more girl trouble…
= BEN
Grandpa, do you have to call it “girl trouble”? It’s bad enough they took the 10 dollars I had on me… Anyway, a little help?
@ INT. THE TENNYSON RV, AFFECTIONATELY NAMED “THE RUST BUCKET”
( Ben steps inside, having been helped by his Grandpa Max )
= BEN
I have SO been looking forward to this!
( notices Gwen sitting down at the table and sulking )
What are…YOU doing here?
( to his Grandpa )
What is SHE doing here?
= GWEN
Take it easy, dweeb. This wasn't my idea. Somebody convinced my mom that “going camping for the summer would be a good experience for me”.
= BEN
Grandpa, please. Tell me you didn't...
= MAX
I thought it would be fun if your cousin came along with us this summer. Is... that a problem?
( Ben and Gwen say nothing but look at one another as the RV pulls away from the stop, revealing its license plate )
= BEN
Aw, I can't believe it. I wait all school year to go on this trip, and now the queen of cooties is along for the ride.
= GWEN
Hey! I had my own vacation already all planned out too, you know?
( pulls out her schedule )
Each activity is color-coded, so I never do the same thing two days in a row. Now I'm stuck with my geekazoid cousin going camping for three months.
= BEN
Geek.
= GWEN
Jerk.
= MAX
( at the wheel )
Something tells me it's gonna be a long summer...
( the RV drives out of Bellwood onto Route 66 )
@ CAMPSITE 1, EVENING
( RV parked close by, the trio of Tennysons are gathered near the woods, around a table-bench )
= MAX
( bringing out a bowl of food to the kids )
Chow time!
( plops down a bowl of still-wriggling worms, to Ben and Gwen's disgust )
= BEN
( looking at the bowl )
Okay, I give up. What is that?
= MAX
"Marinated mealworms". Hard to find them fresh in the States. You know, they're considered a delicacy in some countries?
= GWEN
...And totally gross in others?
( one of the worms falls out the bowl and crawls on the table )
= MAX
If these don't sound good, I've got some smoked sheep's tongue in the fridge?
= BEN
Urgh. Couldn't we just have a burger or something?
( Ben and Gwen smile at Max )
= MAX
Nonsense. This summer's gonna be an adventure for your taste buds. I'll grab the tongue.
( goes back in the RV )
= BEN
( to Gwen )
Okay, I got a half-eaten bag of corn chips and a candy bar in my backpack. What'd you got?
= GWEN
Some rice cakes and hard candy.
= BEN
Think we can make them last the whole summer?
( the two look at the mealworms in comedic dread )
@ OUTER SPACE
( Vilgax's ship continues attacking the other, blasting lasers into the hull of it )
= BIOID LIEUTENANT
Their propulsion systems have been destroyed.
= VILGAX
Prepare to board! I want the Chaquetrix, now!
( the teal ship getting chased primes a laser blast and fires, directly hitting the control room of Vilgax’s ship, blasting Vilgax across. The warship retaliates immediately afterwards, blasting the teal ship to pieces. Out of those pieces, a small capsule ejects down into Earth's atmosphere. The components of the capsule, an arrowhead-shaped craft, detach from each other and reveal a spherical shell-like pod. )
@ CAMPSITE 1, NIGHT, EARTH
( Ben and Gwen are sitting, facing away from each other. Ben is playing his handheld videogame while Gwen is typing away at her laptop )
= MAX
Who wants to roast marshmallows?
( Ben & Gwen ignore him )
Okay, um… How 'bout we tell scary stories?
= BEN
Scarier than having to spend a summer with your freak of a cousin?
( laughs to himself )
= GWEN
I'd like to, Grandpa, but I'm busy doing a web search on cures for 'extreme doofus-ness'. Nothing yet, Ben, but let's not give up hope!
= MAX
Aww, come on you two. We're all in this together. You can mope around like this all summer, or we can have some fun. Now whadd'ya say?
= GWEN
I vote for moping.
= BEN
( stands up, leaves videogame, walks off )
I'm gonna take a walk. Smell ya around, Gwen.
= MAX
Maybe… they’ll EVENTUALLY grow on each other?
@ WOODS
= BEN
( walking, hands in his pockets )
Aw, man. This is gonna be the worst vacation ever. I might as well have gone to summer school.
( a meteor shoots across the sky and catches Ben's eye )
Whoa! A shooting star!
( the "shooting star" instantly changes course, aiming straight for Ben. Ben gasps and tries running away, but the meteor crashes behind him, the shockwave launching Ben and sending smoke and debris in the air. As it clears, Ben looks on at it, getting to his feet for a closer look )
= BEN
Looks like a — satellite or something.
( the meteor's white-hot light fades. Ben leans in at the edge of the crater, but the ground he's standing on crumbles beneath him, sending him sliding down. Ben gets up; he now has a full view of the pod. It opens itself before him and a pink light, in the shape of two hearts merged by their pointed ends, shines from it )
= BEN
A watch?
( light extends from the merged-heart symbol, revealing it is attached to a cylindrical watch-like device )
What's a watch doing in outer space?
( Ben smiles to himself, stepping closer to the pod, outstretching his arm to grab it. As he does the Chaquetrix leaps from the pod and onto his wrist, latching itself to Ben, making yell in alarm )
= BEN
WHOA, Get off me! Get off, GET OFF!
( Ben frantically tries ripping the Chaquetrix off his wrist, to the point of losing balance and falling over. He quickly climbs out of the crater and starts running )
GRANDPAAA!!
@ CAMPSITE 1
( Max looks to where Ben had gone into the woods )
= MAX
Hm. Ben's been gone a while… Well, I guess he can't get into too much trouble out here.
= GWEN
Unless he wound up bear food.
( Max turns to Gwen )
I can dream, right?
@ WOODS
(Ben tries to pry the watch apart from his wrist with a stick, but the stick breaks, angering him. He falls to his knees in defeat, and starts fumbling with the device )
= BEN
Like this summer isn’t already rotten; first I’m stuck with that headache of a cousin, and now I can’t get this sissy watch off. Gwen will never let me hear the end of it if she sees—
( accidentally hits a button on it and the Chaquetrix’s faceplate springs up )
Whoa.
( Ben glances around the woods. the faceplate's hearts morph into a circle encasing a black silhouette )
Weird!
( Ben looks down at the faceplate, and his eyebrows raise before pressing it back down. Right in front of Ben, crimson rocks suddenly materialize seemingly out of thin air, assembling into a humanoid shape. Around the “neck” is a collar-like object showing the same merged-heart symbol from the watch. Ben realizes, from the chest and the hips, and the tiny singular eyelashes, that it looks…obviously female. A fire lights up from within the construction )
( Ben doesn’t start screaming until the head, the appendage most engulfed by the flames, “blinks.” HEATBLAST, though she has not yet received that name, recoils at Ben’s alarm before going after him as he runs off )
= BEN
Forest fire!
= HEATBLAST
Wait, I’m not a forest fire, promise!
= BEN
Stop, drop, roll!
( Ben almost runs off a cliff, and barely gets his balance back. Above him is a large, rotten tree branch. The branch’s integrity looks visibly weakened. He turns around and sees Heatblast 15-20 feet away )
= BEN
( hands in front, expecting an assault of some kind )
Hey, whatever it was, this time it wasn’t my fault, I swear!
= HEATBLAST
Uhh, Fault for what?
= BEN
For, uh, you, I guess. Wait…
( looks at the watch )
Did you…come out of —
= HEATBLAST
You thought I was gonna hurt you?
= BEN
Yeah…and still do, kinda…
= HEATBLAST
( arching an “eyebrow” )
What reason do I even have to hurt you?
( the weak tree branch above Ben’s head is starting to crack )
= BEN
( scoffs )
I dunno, go get a mirror? If you’re not gonna hurt me you’re gonna have to prove it somehow.
( the tree branch finally breaks, falling right towards Ben. Heatblast sees it coming )
= HEATBLAST
( panicking )
GET DOWN!
( Heatblast runs a few steps and whips an arm out, sending a fireball from her hands before tripping into a bush. Ben bends down, curling himself into a standing fetal position as he thinks the fireball is meant for him. The fireball hits square on the branch, blowing it to pieces. After not feeling himself incinerated, Ben looks up and sees a rattled Heatblast still kneeling in the bush )
= HEATBLAST
D-Don’t scare me like that, okay?
= BEN
( looks around the smoldering remains of the tree branch, before making an exhilarated grin )
There’s…no WAY you just did that!
( Heatblast stops shaking and blinks at the compliment )
That was cool, or should I say hot. You’re like a walking volcano! You’ve GOT to do it again!
= HEATBLAST
( looks to the side, smiling awkwardly )
U-uh, well… It wasn’t much trouble.
= BEN
What are you talking about? I’ve gotta tell Gwen this, she’ll never believe in a million years I found a super—
= HEATBLAST
( shakes her head )
Look, I don’t think I take compliments well. You’re gonna make me blush.
= BEN
Oh… Actually never mind, ‘cuz that’s a little gross…
( goes wide-eyed in panic )
and, REALLY BAD!!
= HEATBLAST
( vaguely offended )
Excuse me?
= BEN
LOOK!
( Heatblast’s flaming body has set alight the bush that she had tripped into. The fire has started spreading up one of the trees. Heatblast gasps, begins looking panicked as well )
= HEATBLAST
Umm…are we in trouble?
= BEN
More like…dead meat!
( the sounds of fire viciously spreading brings the two back to the crisis. Heatblast runs to the part of the fire that has spread to the grass now, and tries stomping out a flame with her fiery feet, only for it to erupt into a larger one )
= BEN
Stop that, you moron! You’re only making it worse!
@ CAMPSITE 1
( Gwen walks out of the RV, and sees the smoke from Ben's escapades in the distance )
= GWEN
What's that?
= MAX
( gets up, looks at the smoke )
Looks like the start of a forest fire. We better let the Rangers' Station know. Probably some darn fool camper out there, messing around with something he shouldn't.
( Max pauses, before he and Gwen come to a realization )
Ben!
( Max quickly opens a camping-kit and grabs two fire-extinguishers, passing one to Gwen )
Better take this!
( the two run into the Forest towards the smoke overhead )
@ WOODS
( the fire has already reached catastrophic levels of spread, with flaming branches and entire logs falling all around. Heatblast is continuing trying to put out the fire, unsuccessfully. Ben starts running but looks back at Heatblast )
= BEN
Hey, firestarter! open air is this way!
= HEATBLAST
( helpless look on her face )
But…it’s my mess!
= BEN
( considers calling for her again; changes his mind )
Ugh, fine! Whatever. Not like you’re gonna get hurt anyway.
( starts running again, doing his best to weave through far-reaching flames. The fire is now in full swing; glowing specks of ash are now rising up from every square inch, and the night air has been turned into a bright, menacing orange. Gwen is putting out fires by spraying the extinguisher. Up until she shoots it at Heatblast's back, causing the alien to turn around to look at her. Gwen looks blank for a second before screaming. Ben hears Gwen’s screaming from a distance and, obviously annoyed, decides to come back for either Gwen or Heatblast )
= HEATBLAST
( trying to calm Gwen down )
Look, I know this looks bad, but I swear I wasn’t trying to—
( Gwen clobbers Heatblast round the head with the extinguisher, knocking her down. When she tries to get up, Gwen sprays her, knocking out the flames surrounding her rock-like head for a brief moment. She turns her head back to where Gwen is while coughing, looking confused and somewhat nervous. Gwen shoves the nozzle in Heatblast’s face )
= GWEN
I don't know what you are — but I bet my laptop you’re the…thing that started this!
( Gwen presses the trigger again, but gets shoved to the ground by Ben, making the spray miss Heatblast. Gwen stands up )
What’s the big idea, jerk?! It’s bad enough we have to go “Smokey The Bear” for your sorry butt, now you’re trying to —
= BEN
Save it, genius, you don’t have to hurt her.
= GWEN
Excuse me, “her”? Where did you find her?
= BEN
Well, when I was walking, this meteor fell from the sky and almost smudged me, except that wasn't a meteor or a satellite, but this weird watch thing that jumped up onto my wrist, and when I tried to get it off, this fire person popped out of nowhere. And she—
( sees Heatblast looking very apologetic )
…Uh, WE, kinda both started this.
= MAX
( running up )
Gwen, are you alri-
( sees Heatblast )
What in blazes?
= GWEN
Grandpa, meet Ben’s friend. I think.
= MAX
What is, uh…
( notices Heatblast’s anatomy )
she…?
= HEATBLAST
( repeating Ben )
Well, what Ben just said, he was walking, and this meteor…
= GWEN
( cuts Heatblast off )
Erm, excuse me? Major forest fire burning out of control, remember?
= HEATBLAST
I don’t know what to do…
= MAX
( thinks for a second before speaking )
Backfire. Start a new fire and let it burn into the old fire. They'll snuff each other out. Think you can do it, miss?
= HEATBLAST
Make another mess to clean up my first?
( Ben realizes what this entails and grins at Heatblast expectantly. Heatblast finds an unexpected trace of confidence looking at her new friend and looks back at Max )
I’m on it!
( Heatblast sets out running to fix her disaster )
= BEN
( pumps fist, and starts to follow Heatblast )
Aw yeah, show time!
= MAX
( collars Ben and begins dragging him to the RV )
Not you, young man. You have some explaining to do.
( the Tennysons run out. Heatblast finds trees some distance away, then shoots them with a blast of fire, causing a new blaze. Heatblast smiles at what she knows will be a job well done )
( a Yosemite Park Ranger comes across the burnt out forest )
@ INT. VILGAX’S SHIP
( the bridge of Vilgax's ship is terribly damaged, and a Bioid stands in front of a tank filled with wires and a clear-orange liquid )
= VILGAX
What do you mean it's not there? This battle nearly costs me my life!
( the tank rises up from the floor to reveal a completely mutilated Vilgax on life support )
And you say the Chaquetrix is no longer on board the transport?!
= BIOID LIEUTENANT
Sensors indicate a probe was jettisoned from the ship, just before boarding. It landed on the planet below.
= VILGAX
( turns to a nearby Mechadroid behind him )
Go. Bring it to me.
( the Mechadroid, enshrouded in darkness, walks off )
@ CAMPSITE 1, EARTH
( Heatblast, Ben, Gwen & Max are back by the RV, with the humans roasting marshmallows by the fire )
= GWEN
So, uh…you have a name?
= HEATBLAST
A name?
( looking downhearted )
Oh…shoot. Now that I think about it, I don’t know if I do.
( Ben starts to look a little sorry for her )
= MAX
What about species?
= HEATBLAST
( screws her eyes shut. She scratches the top of her head, trying to think but getting frustrated )
Nngh. I feel like I should KNOW this, but…that’s also a blank.
= GWEN
So what do we do with this…fire monster?
= MAX
( unscrewing the cap of a thermos )
She’s not a monster. She’s an alien.
( pauses unscrewing as the others, including Heatblast, stare at him inquisitively )
I-I mean, if the watch came from space, then obviously that’s what she is.
( begins drinking out of thermos )
= BEN
Can we keep her?
( Heatblast stiffens at the proposal, eyes a little wide. Max chokes on the drink, manages to spit it out away from the others )
= MAX
Excuse me?
= GWEN
You’re basically asking to keep a grown woman, doofus.
= BEN
A grown woman that’s on fire! I mean, sure, this is a girl we’re talking about, but still she’s cool.
= MAX
Listen, Ben, we’re not keeping her in the way you’re probably thinking.
( looks at Heatblast, thinking. Eventually he sighs, giving in )
On the other hand, what I WILL say is…leaving her on her own could be a bad idea; not everyone would give her a chance like we did.
= HEATBLAST
Yeah, I wouldn’t even know where to go! My memory before this is…again, fuzzy! How does an alien, any alien, even end up here?
= BEN
( holding up the watch )
Like Grandpa said, it’s obviously got to do with this.
= HEATBLAST
The watch?
( Heatblast looks down at the merged-heart symbol on her neck )
Oh, right.
( Heatblast looks back at Ben, smiling )
Doesn’t look, uh, bad on you… Maybe pink is your color.
= BEN
( looks surprised at first, but quickly hides the watch under his armpit, sulking )
Not on your life, you weird Heatblast… Not like I can get it off.
= MAX
( stands up, turns on a flashlight )
Better not fool with it anymore until we know exactly what we're dealing with. I'll go check out that crash site. You guys stay here until I get back.
( starts walking )
@ CRASH SITE
( a pod shoots from Vilgax's ship above orbit, and lands deep in the woods, next to the Omnitrix's pod. Revealing itself as a gigantic, insectoid-looking Mechadroid, it scans and promptly shatters the pod in the crash site with its laser, and ejects smaller flying Mechadroids — Mechadrones — from its shoulders to go find the Chaquetrix )
@ CAMPSITE 1
( Ben is again fiddling with the watch. Heatblast is sitting next to him looking at her hand, with a roasting marshmallow held between each finger. Heatblast looks at Ben, worried )
= HEATBLAST
Didn’t your grandpa said to leave it alone?
= BEN
Yeah, but…look, what if I’m just trying to help you?
= GWEN
( walks around the corner of the RV )
Excuse me!
( Ben & Heatblast yell in surprise )
Maybe you didn’t know, but when you abruptly go behind the Rust Bucket, it’s criminally obvious what you’re doing.
= HEATBLAST
( puts her hands in front of Gwen, defensively )
W-wait, you’d think I’d do something o-out in the open like this??
= GWEN
Not you, lava lamp. I’m talking to the midget here.
= BEN
( biting at the faceplate of the watch )
Come on. You can't tell me you aren't a little bit curious what else this thing can do?
= GWEN
( turns her head away )
Not in the least.
= BEN
… You sure you're related to me?
@ CRASH SITE
= MAX
( observing the crash site, Max picks up a piece of metal debris )
Of all the wrists to land on…
( shrugs )
it goes for the 10-year-old grandson… Why not?
@ CAMPSITE 1
( Heatblast is off to the side, looking at a busy anthill. She puts her finger down on the ground, prompting an ant to start climbing on it. Obviously, it only lasts a second before going up in a puff of smoke, much to Heatblast’s remorse, visible on her face. Ben is Still talking with Gwen )
= BEN
( still fiddling with the watch )
Look. If I can figure this thing out, maybe I can help people. I mean, really help them. Not just, you know, make things worse.
= GWEN
It’s not going to help US if you decide to let out every alien in that thing. The seats in the Rust Bucket aren’t going to play nice with Heatblast here, now you want to let ANOTHER one out?
= BEN
… What did you say?
= GWEN
Uh, Heatblast, c’mon. You came up with that name yourself, remember?
= BEN
No I didn’t, that was a —
( Ben sees Heatblast out of the corner of his eye as she becomes interested in the conversation again, looking innocently at Ben. Ben looks back at the watch, saving face as he goes back to fiddling with it )
= BEN
Okay, I…guess I named her Heatblast.
( the faceplate springs up like before )
Hey, I think I figured out how I did it. Should I try it again? Just once?
( he turns the dial and new silhouettes appear )
= GWEN
( begins to smirk )
What if it’s another girl?
= BEN
Yeah right, every one of them is a girl. Fat chance.
( brings his hand up to push the faceplate down )
= GWEN
( talking about the pink color of the watch )
With that color?
( Ben stalls, looking at Gwen with a bothered expression. Stubbornly, Ben slams down the dial. This time an amorphous mass of scaly, blue skin appears before a tail takes shape, then arms, legs, spheres on the feet, clothes; and a black, tapering, helmeted head with a pink visor. The summoned alien is a noticeably slimmer figure than Heatblast…but still visibly female, even with the smaller breasts and digitigrade legs. The pink, merged-heart symbol lights up on her chest. XLR8, though she has not yet received that name, looks to the side at Ben )
= BEN
( seeing XLR8’s lithe body in profile )
Aw, man. Again?
= GWEN
( pleased with Ben’s disappointment )
Yup. Again.
= XLR8
( visor slides up, revealing a blue, noseless face with pink eyes )
Sorry, did you say something?
= BEN
( visibly worried, trying to play dumb )
Uh…I-I don’t think so. Well, actually, I was expecting someone a little more —
= GWEN
( answering for Ben )
Masculine?
( Ben makes a stink eye at Gwen before seeing XLR8’s motionless death stare )
= XLR8
Masculine, huh?
( bends down to meet Ben at eye level, inches from his face )
Well then, runt; you wanna tell me what’s so wrong with some female company?
= BEN
( wide-eyed, gesturing either to the watch or to Gwen )
I-It’s not my fault, it’s this stupid—
= HEATBLAST
( taps XLR8’s forearm with a finger )
Wait a minute,
( XLR8 stands up )
do you have to be so in-your-face with him? He’s a kid, y’know
= XLR8
( looks Heatblast over with a blank look, then turns to Ben )
Who’s the bonfire?
= HEATBLAST
Well, I’m right here. My friends, uh, three friends, call me Heatblast. This is Ben Tennyson. He’s my…friend? Anyway, can you stop bugging him?
= XLR8
( looks at ben, thinks for a second before sighing and closing her eyes as her hands go akimbo )
Fine. I guess I’m sorry.
( looks at Heatblast )
Friend, huh?
= HEATBLAST
It’s not…weird, is it?
= XLR8
Depends on the kind of friend.
= HEATBLAST
Uhh…
= XLR8
Because at first glance, you COULD be mistaken for an escort. The sleazy kind.
= HEATBLAST
( Heatblast stammers, flinching at the remark )
What- hey! That’s uncalled for! What on, uh, earth I think…makes you say that?!
= XLR8
Okay, I’ll explain: You’re naked.
( Ben arches an eyebrow, confused and unable to keep up with the conversation. Gwen looks between the two aliens, unimpressed at the instant bickering. Heatblast stills, her eyes going back and forth between Ben and herself, eventually placing a forearm over her featureless breasts and narrows her eyes )
= HEATBLAST
That’s unfair… Fine thing to say to a girl who’s TRYING to be nice!
= XLR8
Oh, is the princess picking a fight now?
= HEATBLAST
YOU picked a fight when you started bullying Ben!
= XLR8
( makes a “bring it” gesture )
‘Kay, if I picked a fight, then whatever! Try not to blink!
( XLR8 puts down her visor and sprints in a circle, getting back around to Heatblast in an instant with a blur of blue and pink, shoulders her and sends her flying. Heatblast hits a tree, lands on the ground, looks up at XLR8 from a distance. Heatblast stands up, putting her hands together before a fireball starts growing from between them. Heatblast looks at the fireball, the anxiety from the forest fire returning to her face. She screws her eyes shut )
= HEATBLAST
Don’tstartafirethistimedon’tstartafirethisti—
( Heatblast is cut off by the sound of XLR8 speeding up. Heatblast looks and sees her rival coming at top speed. Panicking, Heatblast shuts her eyes and gets ready to spew the premature fireball in blind direction. As the flames leave her hand, time seems to slow down as a descending-pitch beep starts sounding from the watch symbol on her neck. At the fifth beep, she is covered in a flash of yellow light )
= XLR8
( runs into something )
GAUK!
( Ben and Gwen have their eyes shut against the light. When they look again they see XLR8 having shoved her head into a tree’s knothole. Heatblast is nowhere to be seen. XLR8 gets her feet in position and scrabbles them against the tree before freeing her head. She stands up, looking around, visor sliding off her face )
= XLR8
Hey! No funny business! Where do you think you’re going?!
( Ben notices the color on the watch has changed. Heatblast’s silhouette is now backed by a yellow light instead of pink )
= BEN
Wait a minute! I…think she’s actually—
( cut off by XLR8 dashing to the roof of the RV )
= XLR8
Oh, I get it. Now you’re playing hide and seek with me. Tch, like THAT’s gonna last long. Give you 5 minutes at the most!
(( visor slides down )
Just look out for the campfire wearing a dog collar!
( XLR8 runs off. Ben runs some steps after her, waving his arms as he tries to stop her )
= BEN
Wait, don’t go! You’re wrong, Heatblast is —
( realizes XLR8 is out of earshot )
… in the watch…
( his face changes to determined and he promptly resumes walking after XLR8, before Gwen grabs his sleeve )
= GWEN
And just where do you think you’re going?
= BEN
I gotta find her.
= GWEN
Over my dead body you will!
= BEN
Look.
( Ben shows Gwen the still-yellow watch )
Heatblast didn’t go anywhere, she’s in the watch. I gotta explain that to her. And uh…maybe keep her from running into Grandpa because I’ll just get in trouble again?
= GWEN
What if she attacks you?
= BEN
What if she—?… Y’know what, I don’t think she will. I gotta go.
( runs off to find XLR8 )
= GWEN
Tennyson! get back her right now!
@ WOODS, AREA 1
( XLR8 is zigzagging between tree and brush at blinding speed before zooming up to a higher branch for a vantage point )
@ WOODS, AREA 2
( a Mechadrone is scanning a trail of circular footprints. Satisfied, a turret emerges from its underside and launches a spherical object, extending spikes, into the dirt. Fastened, a long strip of futuristic technology unfolds from the sphere, crackling with electricity. The Mechadrone fires several more of these traps before moving on )
@ WOODS, AREA 1
( XLR8 still on the branch as the second Mechadrone rises up behind her. She hears it and turns around. The Mechadrone scans her, a segment of the UI reads: “Chaquetrix hybrid identified” )
= XLR8
Look, whatever it is, I don’t have time. I just need to know if you’ve seen a bipedal smokestack acting like an idiot.
(( the Mechadrone aims a laser at her )
Oh, c’mon, we both know how this plays out, so just tell me where she went.
( the Mechadrone fires, missing as XLR8 dashes out of the way. She stops, this time on the ground )
Couldn’t we at least agree to do this without lasers? It’s a little unfair.
( the Mechadrone fires, missing again. XLR8 zooms up to another tree branch )
= XLR8
Well never-mind, I can run figure-eights around you after all.
( Mechadrone fires, missing again but wrecking the spot where it hit )
= BEN
( running, Spots XLR8 on a tree branch but not the Mechadrone )
Hey, stop! You’re not getting it! You’re not gonna find Heatblast!
= XLR8
What…? The kid again…?
( reacting to Ben’s calling, the Mechadrone turns its optics around to scan him. XLR8 grins smugly, before taking the chance to leap past it, severing its head with her claws all in one motion. The Mechadrone begins to plummet towards Ben, who jumps out of the way before it crashes and explodes. Still on the ground, Ben looks up to see XLR8 looking down at him )
= BEN
Look, there’s been a mistake. I can explain.
( the sound of levitation interrupts them as the second Mechadrone flies up and takes aim. XLR8 yanks Ben out of the way nanoseconds before he can get hit )
= XLR8
( going top speed, throwing Ben around to sit him on her shoulders )
No time for explaining either, hop on!
= BEN
( barely dealing with the speed )
And what about HOOOLDING ONNNN?!
@ WOODS, AREA 2
( XLR8 hits one of the electric tripwires set by the drones and starts seizing, getting launched by her own inertia. Ben gets thrown off and rolls a dozen times over on the grass. After Ben recovers, he sees XLR8 trying to get up, limping, falling on her knees, breathing heavily. Ben runs to her side )
= BEN
Are you okay? Get up!
= XLR8
( through her labored breathing )
Go. Accelerate. Get out of here. Don’t worry about me.
= BEN
( begins dragging her as best he can )
No way, I’m not going anywhere. I started this whole thing so I’m gonna —
( the second drone arrives, looking down at Ben )
Oh, not good...
( as the Mechadroid has Ben in its sights, the last thing its optics record is a shovel head slamming into it. Gwen marches up to the incapacitated machine )
= GWEN
Ugh! Back off Sparky! No flying tree-trimmer is going to hurt my cousin!
( angrily hits the Mechadroid some more. Ben starts supporting the now unconscious XLR8 by the shoulder, visibly struggling with the weight )
= BEN
Never thought I'd say this, but am I glad to see you.
( gestures to XLR8 )
Oh, and…an extra hand, maybe?
(( Gwen starts sharing the weight of XLR8 with Ben as they start getting XLR8 back to the RV, while the remains of the mechadroid begin sparking )
@ TENNYSON RV
( XLR8 and the trio of Tennysons are in the RV as Max scolds Ben. Gwen and XLR8 are in the bathroom for privacy’s sake while Gwen is treating the alien’s electrocution burns. XLR8 has her shirt over her shoulders exposing her back, trying to be tough but can’t help the occasional wince )
= MAX
( to Ben )
I was worried that you might get popular with that thing on your wrist. That's why I asked you not to fool around with it until we know what the heck it is.
= GWEN
( from the bathroom )
Not to mention you ended up getting someone hurt.
= MAX
Speaking of which…
( looks to the bathroom )
…you’re not off the hook either, young lady.
= XLR8
( head snaps up in disbelief )
W-wait, ME?? What did I do??
= MAX
You almost started another forest fire. AND you didn’t give Ben time to explain things; if you did you wouldn’t have had to run off and almost get yourself killed.
= XLR8
Wha—but, I…
( under her breath, sulking )
Alright…sir.
= BEN
Sorry, Grandpa… But at least I figured out how to make it work. All you do is press this button. Then, when the ring pops up, just twist it until you see the guy you wanna let out. Slam it down, and bammo! You're hangin’ with one of ten super-cool alien dudes!
( out of the corner of his eye he sees XLR8 poking her head out from behind the bathroom door, giving the same death glare from before. Ben smiles crookedly )
Or…dudettes.
( XLR8 pulls her head back into the bathroom )
= GWEN
ANYway, what about getting the aliens back IN the watch so the Rust Bucket doesn’t get crowded and look like a science fiction movie set?
( annoyed look from XLR8 )
= BEN
I… kinda haven't figured that part out yet.
= MAX
Tell you what, Ben? Maybe I’ll consider letting you become acquainted with any other alien that may be in that watch.
( Ben smiles broadly )
But there’s gonna be some rules.
( Ben’s excitement deflates )
One: You’re going to be partly, if not entirely responsible for any accidents they cause. Two: No more than three aliens at a time. And three…
( Max breathes in and sighs )
I want you to be very careful about physical contact.
( XLR8’s eyes perk up at the suggestion, as her face turns some shades purple )
= BEN
( disgusted )
Huh, what? You mean, like, hugging a girl? No worries, Grandpa! That’s a rule I can keep!
( the blush disappears from XLR8’s face, replaced by the same annoyed look )
= PARK RANGER
( over radio )
Mayday! Mayday! Somebody help us! We're under attack by some sort of - I know you're not going to believe me, but… robot!
= MAX
I better get the chairs in if we have to get out of here!
( exits the RV )
= BEN
Sounds just like those things that attacked me. Must be looking for the watch. Those people are in trouble because of me! They need someone to help them!
= GWEN
Like you? What are you gonna do about it, Tennyson?
= BEN
Not me, US. The perfect reason to meet another—
( Ben hears a commotion from the bathroom, as medical supplies scatter on the floor )
= XLR8
Oh no, you don’t! I’m staying in first place for as long as I can, thank you VERY much!
( Ben looks inside the bathroom. XLR8 is standing up, having put her shirt back on with Gwen trying to force her back to sitting )
= GWEN
Sit down, you stick figure, I’m not finished with you!
= BEN
You’re…feeling up to this after getting hurt like that?
= XLR8
( turns around to face Ben )
Hmph. Why shouldn’t I be?
= GWEN
Hello, electrocution burns? Those take time to heal.
= XLR8
Oh yeah, Says who?
( XLR8 Lifts her shirt up to the bottom of her breasts, and rips off a big chunk of the gauze to reveal perfectly healed skin on her stomach. Ben looks in awe at the high speed recovery )
= GWEN
Accelerated healing? … That’s an hour I won’t be getting back.
= BEN
Aaawesooome…
( both girls realize they’re having this exchange right in full view of Ben. Gwen yanks XLR8’s shirt back down while the alien is almost snarling, blushing again )
= GWEN
Hey, Jerk! “Girls Only”, remember?
= BEN
Yeah yeah whatever, let’s get going!
( exits the RV )
= GWEN
( looks at XLR8 )
You’re not joking, are you?
= XLR8
Of course I’m not joking! I’m doing this so…
( slides her visor down to hide her face )
W-Well…you tell ME what there is to do a-around here! … Oh, and one more thing; next time that candlewick shows up, you tell her how much I stomped this robot, got it?
( sprints out of the RV, leaving Gwen alone in the vehicle )
= GWEN
( unamused )
Got it.
@ CAMPSITE 2
( the Mechadroid, well over 30 feet tall, is terrorizing the campsite full of camping vehicles, blowing cars and trailers away with its laser. Several fires have gotten out of control with people panicking, running and trying to run. On a ridge, Ben and the others arrive to see the chaos )
= XLR8
Now that’s… big game! Bigger than I was expecting.
= BEN
You’re not scared, are you?
= XLR8
Me? … Don’t worry about me.
= MAX
Whoever’s behind this is playing for keeps.
( to XLR8 )
Can you distract it long enough for us to help the campers?
= XLR8
Play “annoying insect” with the big ugly thing?
( slides visor down )
Just watch me.
( XLR8 sprints towards the giant robot while the others run towards the campers. The robot grabs Park Ranger, as he's helping one of the campers left behind, with the others running off screaming. As the robot holds the Ranger up to its face, XLR8 appears lands on its hand, right next to the Ranger )
= XLR8
Hey, big boy! That guy you grabbed looks like someone you’d be bored to death with.
( the robot scans XLR8 and identifies the Chaquetrix symbol on her body )
Thing is, I get the feeling you’re lookin’ for a friend of mine, so try playing with me! We’ll do tag.
( cuts through just enough of the robot’s thumb to give the ranger enough space to fall through )
You’re it!
( the robot whips its arm, and XLR8 goes flying, bouncing off the roof of a car and grinding to a stop on the dirt lying prone. Max, Ben and Gwen help the ranger up. There are screaming civilians and fire all around them )
= PARK RANGER
What is going on here?
= GWEN
You probably wouldn't believe me if I told you. Now come on!
(( the Ranger hesitates as the trio runs off, but once XLR8 sprints past and the giant robot misses her with the laser and hits the Ranger’s truck, the ranger starts running. XLR8 is still zigzagging with the robot missing its shots but is slowly getting more accurate. A shot impacts right in front of a startled LXR8, forcing her to grind and trip to a stop. She looks at the robot )
= XLR8
That smart-aleck is leading its shots now. Better try something!
( sprints up the robot’s body, stops at the large cables that leads up into the base of the head )
This better be what I’m hoping it is.
( XLR8 Uses her claws to cut a gash in one of the cables’ protective shell, grabs a chunk of exposed wire and pulls. She is able to sever part of the assembly but not without more electrocution, making her gasp in agony and almost lose her grip on the robot’s neck. Recovering, she notices the robot has tilted its head back then suddenly lowers it at top speed. It is trying to crush XLR8 between its neck and chin. XLR8 catches on in time to dash out of the way as the chin grinds on the neck. She is at ground level again, looks at her freshly burnt claw, hissing in discomfort as she tries shaking off the pain. She looks back at the robot, which has lost function in the eye corresponding to the wire assembly that had been damaged )
= XLR8
It’d be nice to have an idea where I DON’T kill myself.
( sprints into one of the recesses of the robot’s body meant to accommodate its legs. XLR8 looks around the servos, pistons, and cables )
Don’t mind me, I’m just looking for something teeny tiny that you can’t go without.
( she spies a shuttered circuit panel. She blurs to it, and mistakenly grabs the handle with her injured claw, reflexively pulling it back. She is about to try opening the panel for a second time when she suddenly has to hang on for dear life as the robot has leapt into the air and is now rotating its lower at high speeds fast enough to helicopter in place. XLR8 tries to brace her feet on a surface but nothing is in reach. She tries to pull her body forward, but without thinking plants her injured claw on a surface. The renewed pain makes her lose her grip, and her body begins richoeting around the robot’s lower body like a pinball machine. Finally she’s launched out of the inside of the robot, and sent bouncing off a tree hard enough to chunk of wood with her. Missing half its trunk, the tree starts falling. Ben and Max are retreating, but Ben sees Gwen standing directly under the falling tree. Gwen stands, wide eyed, as the tree before her falls faster and faster, until Ben tackles her out of the way, both of them escaping certain death )
= BEN
( shaking his head, recovering )
So, we even?
= GWEN
( also recovering )
Even.
= BEN
( stands up, looks over the log at where XLR8 has landed. He can see she’s still breathing but not making any effort to get up )
Is she okay?
= GWEN
( sees the robot slowly walking to XLR8 )
She won’t be if that big toy gets to her.
= BEN
( remembers the watch, looks at it again before pressing the button making the faceplate rise up. Heatblast’s silhouette is the first that comes up )
Lucky I know someone who can help out!
( Ben Slams down the faceplate, and a pink light flashes around him. The robot is still stalking towards the weakened XLR8 when a spray of fireballs comes out of nowhere and starts hammering the robot around its head. One of them knocks loose the other cable assembly, now making the second eye completely blind. The robot begins stumbling with its tripedal feet until it trips over a pair of large trailers and begins falling, its head coming down right on top of XLR8. In the nick of time, white hot feet land right next to XLR8, and Heatblast blows high-reaching fire upward, slowing the descent of the falling head, as the metal starts to melt and break down. The head eventually touches down on Heatblast’s hands, and she shoves it aside so it misses her and XLR8. Heatblast looks down at XLR8, who at this point has at least been able to get to her knees )
= HEATBLAST
( not sure what else to say )
Well, uhh…what have we learned today?
= XLR8
( through heavy breathing )
I don’t know… That you’re a show off?
= HEATBLAST
( pauses, then sighs in resignation )
You’re welcome.
= BEN
Heatblast!
( Ben runs up to Heatblast, Gwen trailing behind)
You and XLR8 looked just too awesome back there!
= HEATBLAST
( smiles awkwardly, putting a hand around her other arm )
Well…thanks!
( shrugs )
Anytime, I guess…
= BEN
Anyway…friends?
= HEATBLAST
… Sure! friends!
( Heatblast puts up an open palm to invite a high five. Ben nearly takes it but stops himself )
= BEN
Wait, that might not be a good—
= GWEN
( shoves an oven mitt in Ben’s face )
If we’re having unusual company over, you might wanna be prepared.
( Heatblast has her high-five with an oven-mitted Ben Tennyson, while XLR8 starts to get to her feet )
@ VILGAX’S SHIP
= VILGAX
( still in his stasis tank, having found out what happened to his Mechadroid )
Failure?! Unbelievable! So the harlots of the Chaquetrix have already been released. Very well, not only the Earthling, but now all 10 hybrids will hang on my trophy wall!
@ WOODS, DAYTIME, EARTH
( Ben is in the woods again, throwing sticks at a tree. At hearing a sonic boom, he looks up to see XLR8 arriving in a cloud of dust. Her visor slides up )
= BEN
How far did you get?
= XLR8
( smiles in self-confidence, brushes dust off her arm )
How far? All the way, obviously.
= BEN
Get out! all the way to Bellwood? I’m gonna love this summer!
= XLR8
Aren’t your grandpa and cousin going to be hittin’ the road soon?
= BEN
Yeah, they’re probably striking camp without me. I guess we can get back before Gwen gets an ulcer.
( hops onto XLR8’s tail, expecting to ride on it. XLR8 makes a muffled yelp at the touch, her posture straightens like a spring )
Oh, sorry… Bet you’re still sore from last night.
( climbs up XLR8 and sits on her shoulders the same way he did escaping the Mechadrone )
= XLR8
Uh…s-sore, yeah…from last night.
( XLR8 sprints away, Ben riding on her shoulders only this time he looks used to it and can hold on better )
= XLR8
( changing the subject )
Bellwood looks like an okay city. Some of the people, not so much.
= BEN
What do you mean?
= XLR8
Eh, I ran into this big-eared, pinhead jerk with too much eyebrow goin’ on.
= BEN
( grimaces )
Cash Murray… I was hoping I wouldn’t have to hear that name all summer.
= XLR8
He and this girl were gangin’ up on some short kid.
= BEN
( concerned)
They didn’t see you, did they?
= XLR8
See me…?
( smiles mischievously )
Wouldn’t YOU like to know?
@ BELLWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
( Cash and Delilah are tied to a tree with a “Last Day of School” banner )
= CASH
Uhh… You have any idea how we got here?
= DELILAH
( indignant )
How am I supposed to know? It all happened too fast.
= CASH
( to passing cars )
Hey, somebody? Anybody? Little help here, please!
( credits )