Episode 7: The Show Must Go On!
Summary: Gwen enters the talent show in her school to earn her some reputation around schoo. So she decided to use her magic to impress the judges. But everything went wrong when Hex reappeared in his ten year old self and steal her powers for his own. Ben, Gwen, Max and Cooper must stop the old yet young warlock from causing havoc and return the girl's powers back to her.
Chapter 1: Abra Cadabra?
(Abandoned subway tunnel)
Everyone knows about the slums. Everyone knows what it means and what kind of people live there. But deep within the heart of that ill forgotten place was a location so familiar that only the mightiest of criminals dare to call it their home.
The abandoned subway…
Only very few ever made this location their home base. With the constant fights between gangs and other criminals, the subway was torn into pieces over and over again. But there was a pretty good reason why anyone would try to take this place for their own. With an easy access of water, easily defendable position and extra excess space, the place can be called paradise for the poor and the weak.
But today… this location now currently belongs to a darker being, a being with only one purpose in mind. But believe it or not, this being that I speak of is not a dark warlord or anything of that matter. But instead, it is a boy about twelve years old, with pale tattooed skin and a grimly looking staff on his side.
Hex, was his name. A warlock of immense power that threatened all of the world with his magic. He may look like a kid now, but believe it or not, this boy is actually a lot older than his appearance gives him credit. Back during Ben's summer vacation, he tried to drink the fountain of youth so that he can regain some of his age. But of course, his plan did not go so well when the wielder of the Omnitrix disintegrated the fountain and drenched him with a whole bucket full of it.
Now, the once old and powerful wizard was nothing more but a boy with limited powers. But like they say: As long as there is a way, the youth will find it.
"Hey, did you see that?" came a voice of a thug as he entered the subway along with another other of his pals. "Yeah… those guys rock. I can't believe he wiped them all out in just one minute. That's totally a new record ahehehehe" but just as the two of them were about to take a short cut home they noticed Hex, sitting on the old subway bench with his staff by his side.
"Hey look, it's another one of them hippies"
"Yeah, must've gotten lost from its pack hehehehehe" but his laugh soon came to an abrupt end when he began to float in the air like a giant was holding onto his shirt, "Huh? H… hey what's going!?"
"I'll be asking the questions around here…" Hex spoke up, removing the hood off his head. For some strange and bizarre reason, the young-old sorcerer looked sorta handsome in his youthful stages. His hair was as black as the night itself. It grew semi-long to the back of his neck and the no-wrinkles really helped his skin stretch out. "Now tell me……… where is the nearest school around here?"
(Opening theme)
(Rust Bucket) (02:50 PM)
Ahhh… the Rust Bucket. The ultimate fortress of goodness where our brave heroes gather to continue their fight against all no do gooders in the world. Though it may be relatively small and only has three livable rooms, excluding the restroom of course, it still symbolizes the fight against all who would break the boundaries of law.
However… the Rust Bucket also served as a second purpose…… to be a mode of transportation for three kids and an old war veteran who knew his way around the galaxy.
"I can't believe this" said Gwen excitingly, "The annual Bellwood high talent show is actually coming here. And the best thing about that is: I'm actually entering it as its first finalist!" apparently Gwen's school was holding some kind of talent show to raise funds for a new wing in their school so they're bringing out all the students from the campus to deliver their own unique talents.
"Well I'm happy for you sweetie" grandpa Max replied delighted to see one of his grandkids happy for a good reason.
But unfortunately not all could see the glory of her success, "Ugh…" especially Ben, "What's so special about a talent show? It's just a show where all the adults gather around and look at you like some kind of freak in a museum"
"Well excuse me Mr. Caveman" Gwen snorted, "Unlike you, we people have a life to live"
"I used to go to those shows before" Cooper added. "Back then I used to have my techno powers do all the talking with my science fair project. It didn't turn out well in the end ahehehehe" after his recent missions with the Tennysons, Cooper was gradually accepted into the small family of super heroes with their unique lives. The boy had proven himself over and over again during combat and wherever there was technology, he would always have a plan in mind.
"Well at least someone around here is more civilized that the monkey" Gwen added before turning back to her seat.
"So what are you gonna do there? Play some kind of flute music or something?" Ben humored, but was quickly answered when Gwen cast one of her spells on him, changing the boy's hair into a spiky rock guitar hero kind of style. "Hey!"
"Well, you asked for it" she laughed. "But I have to say that hairstyle really does fit you… NOT"
"Ahehehehe, gee that joke was so funny that I even forgot to laugh"
After a few minutes later, they soon arrived at Bellwood High, Gwen's school. "Well here's your stop Gwen" grandpa Max quickly pulled over so that he'd make sure that his granddaughter wouldn't be late for a day in school. "We'll come and see your talent show later in the afternoon"
"Thanks Grandpa" the magical girl immediately slung her bag onto her back and left the Rust Bucket. "See you in a few hours" and with their farewells give away, the RV quickly pulled away, leaving her behind.
As expected from Gwen, school hasn't even started yet and she had approximately 20 minutes before the bell rung, and that means that she still had time to do her locker and her hair.
Her school was probably one of the most acknowledged school in the entire city. It had about two floors, each connected by three sets of stairs. Three wings based on classes and schedules, a gym with its own emergency backup generator and a park to hold whatever parties and festivals that the school holds. And luckily the annual talent show was going to be held there as well.
"Hey there Gwen" came a student who noticed the girl at the entrance. "You still up for the talent show?"
"Definitely"
"Hey Gwen, nice practice, give it your best at the talent show" came another student from the locker hallway. Apparently Gwen was slightly popular here in school so everyone knew that she was going to participate in the talent show.
"You bet"
And of course the greeting went on and on for a whole five or so minutes. Being the smartest and one of the most popular students in school was difficult but it didn't come to you without some nice perks.
Seeing that class wasn't going to start in a couple of minutes, Gwen decided to recap on her studies in her favorite spot of all, the oak tree at the back of the gym. It was her special spot because no one else goes there and it was probably the last tree that connected to the small wood forest at the back of the city.
"Ahhh… finally… some peace and quiet" the girl said to herself before laying down lazily at the grass. "I wish everyday was like this" but unfortunately her wish was about to backfire when an oddly unfamiliar voice crept in from behind.
"Be careful what you wish for child. It just might come true one day" Gwen immediately jolted away from her sleeping position as she sensed a presence coming from behind the tree. "Who's there?!" she demanded. The shade from the trees and the early morning sun didn't really provided her with much vision, but as the figure came closer, she managed to depict most of the skin prints. Even though he was at a very different age, Gwen can still recognize the tattoos, dark skin and black robes of the old sorcerer.
As her eyes grew in horror, she was only able to mutter his name before seeing a ball of flame come at her, "Hex?" luckily her years in karate practice allowed her to be nimble and with some skill she dodged the flame attack before it struck her.
"I'm glad that you were able to recognize me, child" the young Hex began. His words maybe proper but it was his voice that took away most of the fear. It sounded like he was just another ten year old kid pretending to be a hero like Ben.
"But… how can that be? The last time we saw you was back at that fountain of youth!"
"True! And when you and your idiot alien cousin robbed me of my age, my powers dwindles back to when I was but a mere boy!" he then fired a lightning spell off which Gwen was able to dodge easily. "And now that you sent my niece Charmcaster into the great beyond I will just have to suck the magical energies from you!"
"You… have so got an attitude problems" seeing that she wasn't going to give up without a fight, Hex pumped up his offensive powers, casting more powerful and devastating attacks. And thanks to all the high tension happening around them, the fight seemed to cause an outbreak of fire which was powerful enough to start an inferno if not dealt with quickly.
After dodging a few more bolts of lightning and other mysterious and magical attacks from Hex, Gwen took cover behind some bushes, a few meters away from the fire. She knew that she wasn't strong enough to take on Hex alone, so she decided to radio in backup. "Ok, I know that grandpa said to use this thing for emergency purposes" she pulled out her communicon and dialed up Ben's number, "But I think this counts as an emergency!"
"Come out come out, wherever you are" Hex said slyly before firing off several bolts of lightning to random locations. He was hoping that the smoke and fire would be enough to draw the girl out.
(Madison Elementary)
Madison Elementary was at its most peaceful state today. Ben as usual didn't have a care in the world. While he was off sleeping his time on his desk and Cooper reading one of his favorite technical books, the class bell rang up, signaling the beginning of class.
"Alright class, take your seats and open your books to page 88" said the history teacher as she entered the room. "We'll begin on the subject of Abraham Lincoln" the students quickly followed her instructions except for Ben who not only forgot his books but his lunch as well at the Rust Bucket.
But just as the boy groaned silently to himself, he suddenly noticed a beeping coming from the side pocket of his bag. He knew that beeping well and with great haste, he answered the call on his communicon.
After the communicon rang for a few moments, Ben soon answered the call. "Hello?" it wasn't a surprise to see a strange expression on the boy's face since it was probably the first time for Gwen to call him. "Gwen?"
"Ben!" Gwen said in slight relief, "You got to help me! It's Hex, he's back and he's attacking right near my school!" an explosion could be heard from the background which put the screen on slight static mode. "Hurry!" and with that last word the screen shorted out, leaving nothing but a static sound.
"Gwen?!" Ben muttered silently as his eyes grew wide with horror. He couldn't tell why but his heart seemed to have skipped several beats as well when the communication got cut off. Knowing that his cousin was in some serious danger, Ben's eyes sharpened with determination as he stood from his seat. "Excuse me ma'am, I got to go use the bathroom"
"You should've done that before coming to class" the teacher remark before sending him off. Just as Ben was at the door, he began to send a signal to Cooper using his eye winking ability to transmit some kind of coded message.
"Uh… ma'am, I need to use the restroom too" and without even waiting for a reply, the boy dashed off the room, following Ben every step of the way.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"So Ben, what's going on?"
"Gwen called. I couldn't hear all of it because of the bell ringing, but I think she's in trouble" the boy replied as they dashed through the hallway.
"Maybe she's just calling to check up on you"
"She wouldn't call me unless it was a real emergency, that much I know!" and to their luck, they suddenly came upon principle White.
"B… Ben?" the principle stuttered slightly surprised, "Shouldn't you be in class?"
"Emergency! Cover up for us will ya?" the boy yelled back not stopping his dash, "I'll explain everything later! Thanks!" and before the principle even had the chance to say something, the boy was already long gone along with his partner towards the school entrance.
"E… explain? B… but… oh dear…" the principle sighed. This wasn't the first time that this kind of event happened. Usually Ben would sometimes dash during class time to get on his heroic business. "He treats me just like he treats his grandpa. Hehehe. Oh well I guess its back to the old out because of a cold excuse. Ah… h… hey! No running in the halls!"
When the two kids got out, Ben quickly turned the knob on his watch and turned it to XLR8's picture. "Time is money!" and with a slam on the main button, the boy changed into his fast speed demon alien form. "Hold on tight" he gestured to Cooper to hold around his neck. "We'll be there before you know it!"
(Bellwood Elementary)
After Gwen had finished relaying the distress call to Ben, she knew that she had to stop Hex from doing anymore damage or else the entire woods will go in flames. "You can run, but you can't hide forever, child!"
"Hey little man!" Gwen taunted, "Let's see how you like a taste of your own medicine!" she quickly fired out an energy beam at him, in hopes that it would be enough to stop the sorcerer from doing anything more stupid. But sadly Hex was far more experienced that Gwen could ever be in her days.
"Impressive" the old yet young magician smiled demonically, "You possess the skill as equal as my niece… hehehehehe… and you didn't have any master at all to show you the ropes. Very impressive. You must have more magical energies than I thought. "But you're going to have to do better than that if you ever want to stop me… girl!" he then fired a more powerful energy beam at Gwen which luckily only hit the ground in front of her. But the blast of the explosion flung her far from the ground and dangerously near the burning forest.
"Owww… I'm gonna feel that in the morning" she said to herself before turning to Hex's location. Even though she was completely outmatch by rank and skill, that didn't make Gwen quit her life now. She was like a fox that was cornered in a mountain cliff with nowhere else to go but attack head on with everything she had.
The two of them exchanged attacks one way over the other creating small explosions in the air. Whether it was tossing old chipped piece of wood or plainly firing a fireball at the opponents it didn't matter. Both of them were equally determined to win this fight and both of them alone turned the entire forest ground to a raging battlefield.
As time pressed on and on, Gwen soon began to feel her body getting weaker with each spell being cast. The energy used to conjure up these powers were difficult for her tiny body to control and after fighting for such a long time, it only made sense that her exhausted form would give up sooner or later.
When the last spell was cast with neither side showing defeat, Gwen felt the tug on her leg began to numb. She could no longer keep up the fight and was forced to go into a run and hide tactic. She just hoped Ben would appear in the nick of time, just like he used to. "Come on Ben…" she pleaded softly to the boy wherever he may be, "I could use some hero action right about now"
"Your cousin won't be here fast enough, little child" Hex hissed at her slyly, "By the time he gets here, I would've drained you of all of your magical powers already" but his words backfired when a lightning fast punch appeared out of the blue, sending him five feet away. "Ooooffff!"
"That's what you think kid" said Ben (XLR8) when Gwen saw notice his presence she was clearly relieved. "Ben!"
Cooper quickly let go of the boy's neck as he didn't feel well after that light speed travel. "Ohhh… I think I'm gonna be sick" his face looked a little pale for a moment there as if he wanted to throw up.
"You ok" Ben said slightly worried.
"Yeah" suddenly a fireball was cast from Hex's side, creating an explosion of mass proportion. "Ahh!"
"Fools!" the evil sorcerer yelled displeased of what was happening. "You have only hastened your demise! Now that both of you are here, I will have the pleasure of destroying together!"
Ben of course was not the sharpest mind with his eye so he couldn't tell who the kid was, "Who is that? A circus freak reject or something?"
"That's Hex!" Gwen explained, "He must've gotten younger after we fought him at the fountain of youth!"
"That explains why he doesn't look as ugly as before" Ben humored, "I was beginning to think that those aging cream must really work" the gang however was quickly split apart Hex threw out another blt of lightning at them.
"You will pay for your insolence, child!"
"Geeze, you may look like ten but your attitude is still the same as the old man!" seeing that the situation was getting worst by the minute, Ben quickly got to his feet to commence battle. "Let's see if you're fast enough to catch me!" thanks to his lightning fast reflexes, the boy began jabbing, kicking and even spinning the old sorcerer around like a fool. "Nope not there. Hey over here. Nah ah, too slow! Come on, you're not even past twenties!"
Angered by this enfeeble attempt to stop him, Hex raised his mighty staff into the air and chanted word intelligible even to Gwen. And after a glow of light emanated from the staff, he slammed it onto the ground, sending Ben and his partners off the area. "Oh… what was that?" Gwen said dumbfounded.
"Must've been some kind of shockwave attack" Cooper analyzed with his high definition brain. "And a pretty powerful one too" but as they all turned their attention back to Hex, they noticed that the old yet young sorcerer seemed to losing strength on his leg so he had to use the staff as support. That previous attack must've taken a lot more than he thought.
"Arghhh! Looks like we'll have to settle this fight another time child!" those were the sorcerer's last words before throwing out the old smoke bomb to block his escape route. By the time the dust settled, he was gone from sight.
"Looks like we're safe for now" Ben smirked though not in victory.
"Yeah, but my school won't be if this fire keeps up" Gwen quickly reminded them that the battle that had raged here caused a minor flare to spark up, creating a forest fire. "The fire department won't get here in time!"
"Cooper!" Ben turned to his friend to bring up some bright ideas. "Got any plans?"
"Yeah!" the blonde technopath grinned as he looked at the ground with his super eye vision. "There's a water pipe line that runs just beneath us. If you drill a hole around here, I think you can make this place blow up like old faithful!"
"Alright, stand back" Ben warned them before he began spinning around 50kph. After a few seconds he then hit the metal water pipe and just like Cooper said, a strong gush of water came through, dosing the entire area completely with water. The flames were doused out a few minutes later right before the fire department arrived on scene. And right on cue, the Omnitrix symbol on Ben flashed red, turning the boy back to his original form.
"That was close" Cooper said in slight relief. "A few more minutes and this whole forest would've been turned to ashes"
"Thanks to me of course" Ben said heroically. "But anyway, I think we should get out of here before someone sees us. I'll call grandpa and have him pick us up at the bus stop" and by a few minutes before the authorities could even get there, Ben, Gwen and Cooper were already long gone.