Hey, this episode is one of 31 classic episodes and 6 Shorts converted from a legacy style to a more clearly readable and consistent format/style using a Python script. The script is not absolutely perfect, and I'm continuing to try to squash any weird formatting bugs that occur. If you spot one, please let me know in the comments or on my page! -COLOR (Wall)
Part I[]
[The episode opens with two human Plumbers of different genders, both members of Alpha Squad as denoted by their red suits. The brown-haired male is seated in one of two pilots' seats, while his blonde-haired partner walks behind him the ship, pacing back and forth as she ponders something. There is a bright pink flash immediately in front of the female as she paces in the direction of the back of the ship. The female transforms into her Anodite form as her hands begin to glow through her suit. The female blasts the flash, only to find a moment later that another fully matured female Anodite had reflected it within the flash. The intruder speaks.]
Mature Female Anodite
Hello, Lindsay, Michael.
Lindsay/Female Plumber Anodite
Verdona.
She reverts to her human form.
Lindsay/Female Plumber Anodite
You know you shouldn't teleport in to the ship like that. You could've set off the alarms. As a matter of fact,
(she turns around to her partner, Michael, who is standing out of his seat, eying Verdona with his hands glowing with mana)
Verdona
That would have to be my fault. I may currently be altering the alarm lights to be their standard white and am reflecting the alarm's music back into it.
Michael
The Anodites' interpretation of "music" has always baffled me, Verdona.
Verdona
That's fine. Lindsay, I wish you would've taken the time to try and recognize me before attacking, but I guess you have always been more on the offensive than the defensive.
Lindsay
Well, it got me into Alpha Squad, didn't it?
Verdona
Yes...Michael, would you mind shutting off the alarms? In spite of my work to reflect the noise, this is getting unbearable.
Michael
On it.
He uses his powers to flip several levers on the dashboard while staying in place. He then walks over to Lindsay's side to ask Verdona something.
Verdona
It's about your daughter.
Michael
Which one?
Lindsay
Chelsey?
Verdona
Precisely. Sorry, I'd completely forgotten that you have five now.
Michael
Yeah, but you still only visit one of them.
Verdona
Yes, and that's because the rest of them are all particularly bratty—no offense. I've become rather bored of those types of Anodites. How are they, by the way?
Michael
Our 16 year old got into a university.
Verdona
Scholarship?
Michael
No.
Verdona
Pity. What was her name again? Sara? Kaitlyn?
Michael
Sara's our 9 year old, and Kaitlyn's the 12 year old. Jennifer is our 18 year old. You're a great grandmother, by the way.
Verdona
Well, at least make note of the fact that I didn't give a name that doesn't belong to one of your daughters. But, yes, this is about Chelsey.
Lindsay
Is something wrong? We told her to call us if she needed us.
Michael
Yeah...we told her we were going to work.
Verdona
Yes, and I'll ask you the usual question at the end of this. Now, Chelsey is going to ask you to do something that is potentially dangerous.
Michael
How dangerous?
Verdona
Life-threatening, possibly fatal.
Michael and Lindsay (in unison)
WHAT?!
Michael
We're not going to agree to whatever it is.
Lindsay
Aunt V, why? What is she going to do?
Verdona
I want to leave that to Chelsey. Just, please let her do it. She will prevail.
Lindsay
Are you sure?
Verdona
Absolutely, and if she does not--
Michael
You just said she'll make it out. Will she or won't she?
Verdona
Well, it's truly in the hands of fate now, but you've seen her magical expertise.
Michael
We're not taking that chance, Verdona.
Verdona
You either let her go, or she lets you two go. You should honor the fact that you have an Anodite daughter who is 21 years old, still lives with you and baby sits your other children, and asks your permission in matters like this.
Lindsay
Aunt V, what do you mean Chelsey has "magical expertise?" She hasn't used her powers a day in her life.
Verdona
Oh, my...you two need to get to know your daughter. I'll leave you two to sort that out with Chelsey, though. Now, why have you been holding back your wealth and occupation from your daughters?
Michael
We have our reasons and we've already told you them. Nothing you will say will make us change our minds.
Lindsay
Well...
Michael
Lin', please. Verdona, I do think it's time for you to leave.
Verdona
Hmm...yes, I guess so. Can I just ask what your current mission is? What are you transporting?
Michael
No, this is Plumber business.
Verdona
Alright.
Verdona disappears. We pan over to a cargo hold in the back of the ship where two Galvan Plumbers are holding guns in their hands as they protect a staff encased in glass.
[We find ourselves at the some point in time on planet Earth in the middle of Antarctica. We focus our attention on Ultimate Rath as well as Chelsey and Julie, both wearing large blue coats with white fur over their Anodite and Galvanic Mechamorph forms (respectively). Trumbipulor stands right in front of Ultimate Rath without any protection from the cold. Ultimate Rath chooses an immediate course of action: kicking Trumbipulor a few miles into the air. When Trumbipulor falls, Ultimate Rath, Chelsey, and Julie all rush after his motionless body sitting in the snow, reverting to their human forms as they run over to him. As Ben and co. stand over Trumbipulor at all angles, we are able to see Ben's own green coat with white fur.]
Ben (to the unconscious Trumbipulor)
I believe this keeps the whole "every team I get has to beat Trumbipulor" streak going.
Ben makes the Assault Omnitrix on his wrist visible through a hole in his coat just wide enough for the tower. He speaks into it.
Plumber Over Intercom
Any specific squad you wanna call for the job?
Ben
Gimme anything, as long as they're quick.
Plumber (intercom)
Your location appears to be somewhere in Antarctica on our radars, Mr. Tennyson. Is this correct?
Ben
Yes, now get a squad, fast!
Plumber (intercom)
Calling in Kilo Squad. They'll be at your position in under three minutes. If you have any complaints regarding Kilo, contact Magister November.
The call ends.
Ben
Hopefully we don't freeze to death in that time.
Chelsey
Three minutes definitely isn't enough time for that, Ben.
Ben
Hey, anything's possible. I mean, have you ever even been to Antarctica?
Chelsey
Yes. Charmcaster and I made some snow monsters that died a couple years ago. They turned out to be what the media calls "yetis," so we were kinda happy about it since we were pretty sure trying to come here and remove them from the area would be suspicious anyway.
Julie
So you made yetis?
Chelsey
Yep. And Charmcaster.
Ben
I can't stand this cold anymore. I'm heading back to the car.
Chelsey
Why do that when we can just teleport?
Ben
Because my best friend made that car, and I don't want to do anymore work. I just want to get home. By the time we get there, it'll be dark.
Julie
Sun's already setting.
Ben
Alright, so let's get a move on.
Chelsey
Shouldn't we wait for the Plumbers?
Ben sighs and begins to slouch. The Omnitrix tower pops up, followed by Ben transforming into Diamondhead.
Diamondhead
Hmm...it's not that cold as Diamondhead. Well, let's get this over with.
He slowly raises his hands with his palms facing upwards, simultaneously lifting large pieces of his crystals out of the ground, creating a structure that perfectly fits Trumbipulor. When the structure is a few miles in height, Diamondhead ceases heightening it.
Diamondhead
There. He can't escape, and the Plumbers will be able to know exactly where he is. Now,
(he turns around and faces the direction of his car)
Diamondhead
will you two come on?
We follow Diamondhead and co. overhead for a few minutes in their trek back to their transportation, which is merely Ben's car, the DX Mark 10. Ship can be seen seated in the backseat, his face stuck to the glass of the back window as he awaits his owners' arrivals. As they all arrive, they're immediately distracted by a loud helicopter that flies noisily overhead in the direction of Diamondhead's crystal beacon, with a large galactic peace symbol underneath and a "K" in the center of each symbol.
Diamondhead
That must be Kilo Squad.
He walks over to the car and unlocks it by having it verify the Omnitrix symbol.
Chelsey
As a matter of fact,
(Chelsey looks at her own regular-sized wristwatch which pops throw a hole on the left wrist of her coat)
Diamondhead
Pfft.
He reverts to human as he enters into the driver's seat.
Ben
Stroke of luck.
Chelsey
Well, they made it anyway, Ben.
Ben
Okay, okay, maybe they did. Everybody inside. The faster we get home, the faster I can go to bed.
Chelsey and Julie rush into the car, with Chelsey heading into the backseat with Ship and Julie seating herself to Ben's right in the front passenger seat. Ben starts up the car with keys from his pocket, manages to turn on the heat in the car shortly after turning it on, and engages a submarine mode for the car. Wings appear on the back and the wheels slide upwards into the car to create flatter sides. The car proceeds to roll into the water, while the car engages in a superspeed travel mode.
[We fast forward a bit later into the night with Chelsey standing in her front yard waving to the DX Mark 10 in front of her. With Ben and Julie waving from inside it, the two drive off into the distance. Chelsey turns around and walks up to her house. She steps inside, being careful not to wake her sisters upstairs. Without her touching the light switch, it is flipped up. Her parents Michael and Lindsay, both in their human forms, stand in front of her in the living room of the house.]
Chelsey
Mom and Dad. I thought you were working late tonight.
Michael
We got off early.
Lindsay
Yeah, Chelsey, we need to talk.
Chelsey (walking over to one of the two three-cushioned couches in the room and seating herself)
What about, Mom?
Michael and Lindsay slide Chelsey over to the center of her couch and the two sit around her, with Michael on Chelsey's right and Lindsay on Chelsey's left.
Michael
Chelsey, we know you have something important ahead.
Chelsey
What?
Lindsay
You don't have to lie to us anymore, Chelsey. Verdona came to visit us today. She told us about your "magical expertise."
Chelsey (astonished)
She did? What did she tell you?
Lindsay
Just that. We were hoping you would tell us everything else, including this big thing you have planned to ask us about.
Michael
We've talked it out all day, and we've decided that we'll say "yes." All you have to do is ask, Chelsey.
Chelsey
I don't know what you're--
The doorbell rings.
Lindsay
Sorry, Chelsey. To Michael. Could you get that, dear?
Michael nods in response and gets up to go to the door and opens it. He greets whoever is it at the door rather blithely.
Chelsey
But I really don't know what you're--
Chelsey is interrupted as she and Lindsay avert their attention to Michael speaking to the person at the door.
Michael (to person at the door)
Yes...Is it really something that you need to talk to her about now?...Are you sure?...Alright, come inside.
He turns to his side, allowing the guest inside, his hand pointing to Chelsey.
Michael
She's right over there.
From the darkness of the night outside comes Charmcaster. She steps up in front of Chelsey and Lindsay.
Chelsey
Hope, what are you doing here?
Charmcaster
It's Charmcaster, Chelsey.
Chelsey
Whatever. You don't normally come over.
Charmcaster
I need your help, Chelsey. I have to ask you to do something, something particularly...life-threatening.
Michael and Lindsay gasp at the sound of the familiar words escaping Charmcaster's lips. Michael shuts the front door.
[END OF PART]
Part II[]
[We open back in the Tennyson residence, where the living room is occupied by Michael, Lindsay, Chelsey, and Charmcaster.]
Lindsay
Chelsey, what are you talking about?
Charmcaster
Umm, can I just talk to Chelsey alone on this, Mrs. Tennyson?
Lindsay
You just said you wanted to take her on a life-threatening mission. As her parents, we want to know exactly what it is and why she should be involved in it.
Charmcaster
Well, I didn't say that it was going to be life-threatening. Chelsey couldn't do that.
Chelsey
Give it up, Charmcaster. They know.
Charmcaster
What? Did you tell them?
Michael
I'm going to assume you're talking about her powers. Her great aunt told us that she was a powerful Anodite, a chip off the old block in my opinion.
Lindsay
Well, my block, of course.
Michael (rolling his eyes)
Of course, honey.
Charmcaster
Well then you know that your daughter is very powerful. I mean, she's probably not as powerful as myself, but still, I need her.
Chelsey
Hope, please.
Charmcaster
Alright, but your parents will say "no."
Michael
It depends on what the mission it is.
He walks over to the couch and seats himself back at Chelsey's side.
Charmcaster
Well, I don't think there's any better way to start than with this.
Charmcaster points to her chest, on which there is a tear revealing her skin.
Chelsey
What happened to—Wait...the Alpha Rune...where is it?
Charmcaster drops her head.
Charmcaster
Yes.
Chelsey
How?
Michael
Umm, what's going on?
Chelsey
Don't you guys get it? Charmcaster is the leader of Ledgerdomain.
Charmcaster turns her head to the side as sounds of sniffling are heard. Chelsey gets up to her feet and hugs Charmcaster.
Michael
How was Charmcaster the leader? What happened to Adwaita?
Chelsey
He was defeated by an intruder to Ledgerdomain, an Osmosian named Aggregor.
Michael and Lindsay gasp, turning to each other as they do so.
Chelsey
What?
Michael and Lindsay turn back to Chelsey.
Michael
Nothing.
Chelsey
Do you know Aggregor?
Lindsay
No, we've never heard that name before. Go on.
Chelsey
I don't know anything else.
Pushing herself away from Charmcaster as Charmcaster wipes her eyes.
Charmcaster
He came into my tower, stole my heart, then broke my castle, my heart...
(Begins to weep again)
Chelsey
Who did? Who broke in?
Charmcaster
I don't know his name.
She wipes her eyes.
Charmcaster
I just know that I'd never felt like how I did with him. For those few minutes,
(Looks to everybody with a smile on her face with tears running down her face regardless)
Chelsey
So...you want me to help you get it back?
Charmcaster
Yes. I can't do this alone.
Chelsey
Is that thief a powerful Anodite or sorcerer?
Charmcaster
No. He doesn't have an ounce of mana he can control inside him.
Chelsey
So, why do you need me? He can't just leave Ledgerdomain with the Alpha Rune. I mean, get that I'm your best friend and everything, but...
Charmcaster
I understand, but he did leave Ledgerdomain.
Chelsey
What? How? Did he break the Alpha Rune?
Charmcaster
No.
She wipes her eyes again.
Chelsey
Where?
Michael
Vicinox. I haven't been there, but it's the darkest part of Ledgerdomain. Almost no mana flows through it, and they say if you go deep enough, you'll never find your way out. Not a bit of the mana goes that far in. They also say Milky Way is on the other side of Vicinox, but one person's ever been stupid enough to go far enough in to even try to find out. His dead body was found floating out of Vicinox a day later.
Lindsay
Hun'.
Michael
Sorry to hurt the mood like that, but it's true. Chelsey, I can't allow you to go into Vicinox.
Charmcaster
Mr. Tennyson, please.
Lindsay
Michael, please.
Chelsey
Mom, you're—you're on my side?
Lindsay
Yes, and your father should be, too.
Michael
I'm not allowing this. She could die.
Lindsay
You heard Verdona. Chelsey is very strong. She's 21 years old; I don't know how long she's been hiding it from us but she must be greater than we were—in our prime, of course—at her age.
Chelsey
Thanks, Mom. Dad.
Charmcaster
Please, Mr. Tennyson.
Michael
No means no.
Lindsay
How about this, honey? Chelsey, we'll give you these.
Two cubes filled with mana float in front of her face.
Michael
But what if they don't work?
Lindsay
They're not technology; so long as there's even a bit of mana nearby, it will be able to contact us.
Chelsey
Dad, c'mon.
Michael (sighing)
Okay. But if you don't come back...
He hugs his daughter and carrying her off the floor, then placing her down after a few seconds.
Charmcaster
I'm not really interested in a hug, Mr. Tennyson, but thanks.
Michael
I was just going to wish you good luck, too, but alright.
Charmcaster
Let's go, Chelsey. Take my hand, it'll make the teleport easier.
Chelsey and Charmcaster hold hands.
Charmcaster
We're going to appear just outside of Vicinox
Chelsey nods. A flash of pink takes their place almost immediately after contact. Afterwards, Michael and Lindsay stand up off the couch.
Michael
Lindsay.
Lindsay
Yeah?
Michael
I don't think it was a good choice to let her go. Who knows how powerful she really is.
Lindsay
Have faith in Verdona, Mikey. I think you handled that well, though. You were so stern, until I changed your mind.
Michael
I don't know...
Lindsay (becoming increasingly closer to Michael, their faces especially coming closer)
Don't worry, Michael. You're a great father. We make a good pair.
Michael
Once partners, always partners, Lin'.
The two slowly approach each other. No more than two inches away from each other, there is another powerful glow next to them. Verdona appears in its place again.
Verdona
Hello! Am I interrupting?
Michael
No, of course not, Verdona.
Verdona
Good.
Michael and Lindsay step a bit away from each other, but with Michael still holding his arm around the back of her body.
Michael
Verdona, what is it now?
Verdona
I just thought I'd interrupt you two.
Michael
Well, good job, you won.
Verdona loses her smile. She approaches Michael, with Lindsay stepping away from the two. Verdona puts her left shoulder on Michael's right shoulder.
Verdona
I really came here to applaud you, Michael. Your daughter is 21 years old. You may not have to let go of her completely right now, but you have to let her begin to live her own life, a less controlled life. If you don't--if you mess up even once—she'll defy you and leave you two like
(she snaps the fingers of the hand on Michael's shoulder)
Michael
Thanks, Verdona. But she's my little girl, and I know what she wants.
Verdona
She'll always be your little girl, but--
Michael
Let me finish.
Verdona distances herself from him.
Michael
And I know what she wants: to be free.
Verdona's smile reprises its position. She disappears.
[END OF PART]
Part III[]
[We open in a town built out of rock by stone creatures that lies in an area flowing with mana. AT the edge of town, a stone road cuts off into a pitch black area of the dimension. There is no transition between the bright pink Ledgerdomain and the pitch black zone; it just becomes dark. A stone creature attempts to place more of the road to enter the zone, but the new road immediately crumbles. The stone creature, head drooping and disappointed, retreats to the stone creature town. There is a bright flash, and the bodies of Charmcaster and Chelsey appear at the end of the road. Immediately, the several stone creatures swarm the border around the two.]
Stone Creature #1
Charmcaster.
Charmcaster
Z'netal.
Z'netal/Stone Creature #1
Why are you here? Have you grown tired of our agreement already?
Charmcaster
I am not here for you, or your village.
Z'netal
We are more advanced than a mere village, Charmcaster. Now, why are you here?
Charmcaser
We are going into Vicinox.
Z'netal
Why? Have you exiled yourself? Is there some new ruler now?
Charmcaster
Yes, there is. And he is in Vicinox holding the Alpha Rune right now.
Z'netal
Oh, so you think you're just going to get it back? Without the Rune, you're not as powerful as usual.
His hands begin to glow.
Charmcaster
You think you're going to defeat your leader?
Z"netal
Of course not.
The stone creatures in the area surround Chelsey and Charmcaster. Their hands all begin to glow pink.
Chelsey
Please, we mean you no harm.
Z'netal
You may not, but Charmcaster is responsible for our isolation here near Vicinox. We agreed that she wouldn't be allowed over here since she'd never need access to the dark world.
Charmcaster
Quit whining, Z'netal. I need to go in there now, so either let us go peacefully, or I'll destroy this entire place right now.
Chelsey
CC, please. To the stone creatures. Can you just please call off your friends? We will go into Vicinox and come back out and leave. We promise.
Z'netal
We don't care about new promises, sorceress; we care only for the one Charmcaster is breaking.
Charmcaster
I'm tired of this argument.
Charmcaster's arms are outstretched.
Z'netal
She's going to cast a spell.
Every stone creature proceeds to blast at Charmcaster. Before any of the blasts reach her, though, they freeze in place as Charmcaster's eyes shut and she speaks her enchantment.
Charmcaster
Hauriendam!
Chelsey
Charmcaster, what have you done to them?
Charmcaster
I siphoned their mana for myself.
Chelsey
So...you killed them? Are you really going to stop at nothing, not even murdering others, to get the Alpha Rune back?
Charmcaster (turning around and stepping into Vicinox)
Let's go, Chelsey.
Chelsey (still facing the broken rock creatures, arms folded, eyes closed, and back faced to Charmcaster)
No, Charmcaster. You're as evil as Gwen says. Tell me you're going to show some restraint, give mercy in the future.
Charmcaster
Firstly, don't bring up that lucky little brat Gwen Tennyson. Second, Chelsey, just--
Chelsey
No, tell me.
Charmcaster
Chelsey, look in front of you!
Chelsey opens her eyes and finds that the rock monsters are reassembling themselves as the mana in the area is channelled into them.
Chelsey
Charmcaster, you...you aren't evil!
Charmcaser
Yeah. All that spell does is take mana. Since it's the building block for rock monsters, they're forced to fall until they get more energy. Now, please, come on, Chelsey!
Chelsey
Alright, alright!
She enters her Anodite form and blasts off into Vicinox, stopping at Charmcaster's side. One of the rock creatures successfully rebuilds a substantial amount of his body, restoring consciousness to himself. He blasts at Chelsey, who creates a portal to defend herself, but just as the disc-like blast enters Vicinox, it stops and crumbles into tiny crystals. Chelsey puts down her shield.
Charmcaster
Their mana isn't strong enough to breach Vicinox, and ours is too vital to waste on them. Use your human form and preserve as much of your power as you can. There's not enough mana flowing in here to waste what we have.
Chelsey (reverting to her human form)
Wow. Where'd you even hear about Vicinox, Hope?
Charmcaster
From Daddy.
She turns around and quickly wipes her eyes.
Chelsey
You definitely are, Hope.
Charmcaster
I know it's easy for my best friend to say this, but I just have always wanted to hear it from Daddy.
Chelsey
Charmcaster, you're 22 and fate has brought you here. Sure, I may be saying it without much thought, but you are here, and not just because you want to test yourself.
Charmcaster
Yeah...I guess I am.
Chelsey
Now, let's get a move on. Can you track the guy who stole the Alpha Rune?
Charmcaster
No, there's too little mana in here to use on finding him.
Chelsey
Then just how are we going to find him?
Charmcaster
Have you ever heard of Vulpimancers?
Chelsey
Yeah. They are a species of alien dogs, right?
Charmcaster
Yes, and they can smell out anything fairly well and without the aid of magic either.
Chelsey
So? What do you expect to do? Leave and find one?
Charmcaster
No, but I want to turn one of those rock monsters into a Vulpimancer and use him as a pet.
Charmcaster
I'm kidding, Chels'. It takes almost no mana to conjure up one of those creatures in any shape.
She faces into the darkness of Vicinox with her hand proceeding to glow. With one hand held outside of Vicinox to restore her mana as she procures a rock monster, she creates a Vulpimancer before her. It has the patterns of a rock monster and is wildly sniffing the area without moving from its spot.
Charmcaster
I guess I'll get on first.
She steps onto the back of the Vulpimancer, seating herself as she would on the saddle of a horse.
Chelsey
Won't this thing be destroyed without mana?
Charmcaster
He doesn't need mana. It will live so long as it is intact, but as soon as it's broken, we're going to need a new one.
Chelsey
Okay.
She seats herself on the Vulpimancer's back as well.
Chelsey
Is he ready to track the thief?
Charmcaster
Yes, and all it needs is the start command.
She lowers her head over the Vulpimancer rock monster's face and speaks to it.
Charmcaster
Initium.
Charmcaster pulls her head back and seats herself properly upright as the rock monster begins to walk forward with his nose to the ground sniffing.
Chelsey
The start command, was it not a spell?
Charmcaster
It wasn't. I created him ready to respond to that and the stop command only, and only from my mouth with my voice.
Chelsey
And you're sure he doesn't need any mana to function?
Charmcaster
Only to regenerate when he's destroyed.
Chelsey
You mean, *if* he is destroyed.
Charmcaster
Sure.
We advance about a half hour, placing ourselves miles past the entrance to Vicinox. Chelsey and Charmcaster are both slouching on the rock monster, bored but unable to sleep at the risk of falling off of the Vulpimancer without the other knowing and becoming eternally lost in the world. Charmcaster shakes herself out of her bored state for a moment and looks around.
Charmcaster
It's getting darker in here.
Chelsey (yawning, head relaxing on her hand)
Which means...?
Charmcaster
Which means it's getting riskier and riskier to use magic. Soon enough, there'll be no circulation, and we'll be forced to live off of what we have, then die after we run out or try to leave.
Chelsey (yawning)
Deep, CC.
Charmcaster
Stop yawning. It's going to spread. Yawns are contagious.
Chelsey (yawning)
Nah...
Charmcaster
Yes, they (yawns) are. See?!
Chelsey
Well, I can't help it, CC. Yawns. I'm sorry.
Charmcaster
Ugh.
Chelsey (raising her head abruptly)
CC, watch out!
Charmcaster frantically looks around in front of her, finally realizing a Scrutin flying at her from her right. Charmcaster prepares to blast it, but she's beaten to it by a large blast coming from her left that destroys the Scrutin. She turns to Chelsey who is still distracted by the destruction of the Scrutin.
Charmcaster
Chelsey, was that you?
Chelsey (shaking her head and turning to Chelsey)
No, I thought it was you.
Both turn to their left where a bright source of light makes a waterless water fountain visible. Someone walks around the fountain from the back, making him- or herself visible. A man in a totally black suit, save for a dark gray visor that's only visible thanks to the source of light he's holding behind his back.
Man
Hello, Charmcaster.
He pulls out the Alpha Rune from behind his back, placing it in necklace form around his own neck. He holds the Alpha Rune up by its back.
Man
I believe you were looking for this.
Chelsey looks to Charmcaster, whose jaw is dropped at the sight of the man.
[END OF PART]
Part IV[]
[We open with the man in the black suit standing before Chelsey. Charmcaster, and the Vulpimancer stone creature they're riding.]
Chelsey
Would you mind handing the Alpha Rune back to us? Surely Charmcaster will meet your demands when it's returned.
Man
Charmcaster is an evil tyrant who upon retrieval of the Alpha Rune will do nothing for me or for anyone else. As soon as I'm done with this rock, I'm putting it in the hand of those stone creatures you think so little of.
Charmcaster
Why don't you stop testing your ruler and return to your domicile, rebel?
Man
I am no rebel, and you are not my leader. I am not from Ledgerdomain.
Charmcaster
Then how did you enter this place? From where did you enter and how?
Please, sir. At least give it to me. I will meet all your demands as soon as we leave, then give the rule back to somewhat competent.
Charmcaster
Hey!
Chelsey
Shh. So, sir?
Man
My name is E--err, Dawn.
Chelsey
Dawn? That's a girl's name, dude.
Dawn/Man
Shut up; it's my name.
Chelsey
No, it's not. Your name starts with an "E"; you almost said it.
Dawn
No, it's not! It's Dawn!
Chelsey
You're lying.
Dawn
No, I'm not!
Chelsey
Yes, you are. C'mon, tell us; we promise not to tell anyone. Plus, who will we tell?
Charmcaster
Oh, I'm tired of this.
Her hands begin to glow.
Dawn
You can't take it; you'll be wasting your mana.
Charmcaster
Wasting? I brought all my mana here ready to fight.
Dawn
Then you're dumber than you look. Behold the power of the Alpha Rune.
Dawn blasts mana at Charmcaster. She leaps over the beam as it's being fired, blasting him into the waterless fountain behind him as she touches back down on the ground.
Charmcaster (walking over to the fountain)
I'll take that.
Charmcaster reaches down for the Alpha Rune, but as she touches it, she begins to shoot pink sparks and become encompassed by a field of mana. Her hair raises and her teeth begin to grind. Chelsey, still in her human form, flies over to Charmcaster and pushes her away from the Alpha Rune. She creates a shield behind herself while she stands over Charmcaster.
Chelsey
CC, you alright?
Charmcaster moans in response, dropping her head on its side on the ground.
Chelsey
Don't worry, CC. Before I try to help you, I just have one thing to ask of you.
Charmcaster's interest peaks, connoted by her turning her head a bit.
Charmcaster drops her head.
Charmcaster (moaning, speech slurred)
No...Chelsey...
Chelsey
Shh. This'll be quick, I promise.
She places her hands over Charmcaster's heart.
Chelsey
Abosia!
While rubbing Chelsey's hands over Charmcaster's heart, proceeding to transfer some of her power to Charmcaster, Charmcaster observes through Chelsey's shield—which begins to have honeycomb holes in it because of Chelsey's energy transferral—Dawn, getting up. She moans.
Chelsey
It's alright, Hope. About thirty seconds till I'm done.
Dawn gets up and realizes that both Charmcaster and Chelsey are distracted. He reveals a diamond-shaped compartment on his chest where mana, stolen from Charmcaster, is stored. He taps into it and blasts a straight beam into the sky. Several rocks appear around the fountain, creating a winding staircase out of rocks to the top of Vicinox, where a bright white gem is visible. Dawn looks Charmcaster straight in the eye and winks at her. He proceeds to run up the rock pathway, but is nearly knocked off by a blast from the distance. He looks down and sees a small but indistinct figure. He blasts it, knocking it back into the darkness of Vicinox. He continues to rush back up to the top of the staircase, just as Chelsey completes the energy transfer. Charmcaster jumps up to her feet, leaving Chelsey on her knees with a shield before her and Charmcaster. Charmcaster points up to the roof of Vicinox where Dawn is.
Charmcaster (yelling)
You! What are you doing up there?
Dawn (yelling)
It's too late, sorceress!
Charmcaster creates stairs out of mana up to Dawn, blasting at him. Up on top of the rock, as the blast comes towards him, Dawn removes two crystals from his pockets: the Tetragen and the Rexahegen. He puts them on the sides of the glowing white crystal hovering over the rock, and a large burst of energy is created. Charmcaster is distracted by a random electric surge that appears in one spot in the sky, not realizing the large burst of energy in Vicinox. Finally, the large burst pushes Charmcaster off of her stairs and down onto the ground, being saved by Chelsey creating a trampoline out of mana underneath her. The burst takes over the skies and brings light to the entire dimension. The sky becomes dark blue and rocks just like those in Ledgerdomain become visible in the skies, including that of the rock that Chelsey, Charmcaster, and their artificial mana-powered Vulpimancer are standing on. After Chelsey relieves herself of the weight of Charmcaster on the trampoline, she keels over and reverts to her human form. Charmcaster runs over to her and creates a shield in front of her. Dawn descends slowly to the ground with the three crystals in his hand. He stops as he touches down.
Dawn
Thank you, Charmcaster. The end has begun.
He blasts a beam of mana out of ihs Alpha Rune at Charmcaster, but the beam immediately melts into a stream of water on the floor, swiftly evaporating afterwards.
Charmcaster
Dark mana overpowers regular mana.
Dawn
Then how is your shield up?
Charmcaster
Because it's a mix. I've had to work with this stuff before. Guess you could call me dark, too.
Dawn
Hmm...
Charmcaster
Not going to give you time to think about whatever. Shadoss!
A dome-shaped fully opaque shield appears over Charmcaster and Chelsey. Inside, Charmcaster, on her knees, teleports something into the dome. Gwen appears before her, also on her knees.
Gwen
Huh, what am I doing--
She looks down to Chelsey.
Gwen
Chelsey...
She immediately looks up and sees Charmcaster.
Charmcaster
Oh, pipe down, brat. Did you forget that we're friends?
Gwen
We're not friends, Charmcaster. Not totally an enemy at this point, what with what happened back with your dad...
Charmcaster
I'm not talking about us; I'm talking about Chelsey and me. We've been best friends for years.
Gwen
Where are we?
Charmcaster
Ledgerdomain, or to be more specific, Vicinox.
Gwen's eyes widen.
Gwen
Not much, except that there's rumors that some alien lives in here. Why are we here?
Charmcaster
Umm...best you see for yourself. Note that this place is made out of dark mana, so try not to take in too much of the air.
Charmcaster lowers the shield, making it transparent and tall enough for Gwen to stand up straight without being targetable.
Gwen (standing up, yelling to Dawn)
Hey! You there!
Dawn
Gwen Tennyson. A pleasure to meet you. You shall be the first to be defeated by the full power of the Armada.
Gwen
The Armada? Wait, you work for the Commander, don't you?
Dawn
Since the end is on the horizon now, I suppose it's fine to divulge this. Yes, I work for the Armada, for the Commander. And it's time for the plan to go into "the last stage."
Gwen
Charmcaster, open this, I'm taking him on.
Charmcaster
You haven't been listening, have you? This place is made only out of dark mana. You're not used to it; it'd overwhelm you.
Dawn
You've seen the power of the Alpha Rune, now I shall unleash the power of the Tetragen, the Rexahegen, and the Vindicogen!
He puts them together on his chest and blasts all of the power into Charmcaster's shields. Charmcaster falls.
Charmcaster (weakly)
Chelsey...Chelsey's feeling the weight of the dark mana.
Dawn
Don't worry, you two won't have to witness her death.
He unleashes his powers into Chelsey, keeping her down.
Charmcaster (weakly)
I'll die before I make a deal with you.
Dawn
No, you'll die as soon as you make this deal with me.
He blasts Gwen powerfully as well, knocking her down next to Chelsey's and Charmcaster's respective unconscious and weak bodies. If you wish for the Tennysons to live to fight the final battle, since I'm just a merc looking for work, getting paid for retrieving this stuff, give yourself to me.
Gwen (weakly)
No, please, let me.
Dawn
No, She is the most powerful of you here.
Extending his hand.
Charmcaster (weakly)
You're going to spare them? Just for me?
Dawn
Yes. With you being the most powerful, as soon as you're out of the way, Ledgerdomain will be in the right hands just before the Commander invades it. Everyone will fall with peaceful thoughts. Oh, who am I kidding? I just want to kill somebody while I'm here.
Charmcaster
So why not somebody else?
Dawn
Because I've already showed you so much. Come.
Dawn begins to levitate Charmcaster over to him.
Gwen (stretching her arm out as far as possible)
Wait!
Dawn drops Chelsey.
Dawn
What?
Gwen
Dawn, please. Let me do this.
Charmcaster
No, Gwen, I have to do this, but it's not to save you; it's to have my best friend, since all I am to you is evil.
Gwen (dipping his head then raising it back up to Charmcaster)
Charmcaster, you've changed.
Charmcaster
I know; I've heard.
Gwen
No, you don't.
She crawls over to Charmcaster and puts something in her hand.
Dawn
Alright, break it up.
Dawn continues to levitate Charmcaster over to him. He absorbs her energy, and her pulse stops absolutely. Gwen gets up to her feet.
Gwen (voice slightly different)
You shouldn't have done that.
She blasts Dawn, who refracts the energy back to Chelsey. Her Anodite form becomes visible, but it's dark blue like the mana in the area. Chelsey rises back up to her feet.
Chelsey
Gwen, what's wrong with your voice? Are you alright?
Gwen
It's not Gwen; it's Charmcaster.
Dawn
What are you talking about, Tennyson?!
Charmcaster Gwen
Gwendolyn switched bodies with me.
Head dropping.
Dawn (blasting at Gwen while Chelsey defends her)
How are you still alive, Tennyson?
Chelsey
I don't know to be honest.
Blasts at Dawn, but his energy yet again flies in another direction.
Dawn
No, I have ultimate power.
Chelsey
No, you don't. That crystal isn't even real.
Dawn
Oh, yeah? What makes you say that?
Chelsey
I know the legend of the three Unleashed crystals. One on a place that's hot; one on a place of the ancient and brawny; and, one somewhere where time is of the essence.
Dawn
Lies! I have the Vindicogen in my possession!
He blasts Chelsey with what remains of power in the Vindicogen.
Dawn
What? Why have you not perished? And why has this thing's power been drained already?
Something attacks Dawn from the back. He falls flat on the ground. An old man stands there, just behind him, with a wooden staff in his hand and a blue robe all over him. He is a white human.
Charmcaster Gwen
Who are you?
Old Man
My name is Enchient, and I suppose you're Spellbinder's daughter, Charmcaster. I can't compliment your similarities to your mother or father in your current state, though.
Charmcaster Gwen
Yes, I am Charmcaster.
Enchient/Old Man
If you don't mind,
(rips the Alpha Rune off of Dawn's neck and puts it on)
Charmcaster
Wait...you were the ruler before?
Enchient
Yes, just before that unruly Adwaita took over.
Charmcaster
Well, you'll be pleased to know that I'm taking over again.
Enchient
You're the ruler now?
Charmcaster
Yes, and I came here to reclaim my throne from this guy.
Enchient
And I've been waiting for my throne for decades. Blasphemy, anyhow, as you're only 16 years old.
Charmcaster
I'm 22 years old.
Enchient
What? My calendar is off now. 6 years off...Regardless, I'm more experienced.
Charmcaster Gwen
You're old news, Enchient.
Chelsey
Guys...
Charmcaster Gwen and Enchient (in unison)
What?
Chelsey
Where's Dawn?
Dawn appears behind Enchient and stabs him, deteriorating Enchient to dust, leaving only Enchient's clothes and the Alpha Rune down on the ground. He then blasts Charmcaster Gwen to create a distraction. Chelsey comes in the way and blasts Dawn onto his back. As soon as he falls, the Alpha Rune flies off of him. He teleports away almost immediately afterward.
Charmcaster Gwen
Thank you, Chelsey.
Chelsey stands still in her Anodite form in her fighting stance. Charmcaster Gwen gets up, weakly, and steps around Chelsey to see her from the front.
Charmcaster Gwen
Chelsey?
She looks down to Chelsey's stomach, where this is a large bloody wound.
Chelsey (standing in the same position, shaking fervently)
CC.
Charmcaster Gwen
Chelsey, I don't have enough power to share, but I'll bring you to a--
Chelsey
It's...it's too late. CC...Charmcaster...Hope...
Charmcaster Gwen (beginning to cry)
Chelsey, no!
Chelsey
You were the best best friend someone could ever have.
Tears begin to run down her face.
Chelsey
Love you, bestie.
Starting at her legs, she gradually deteriorates into sparkling blue particles that scatter as they fade.
Charmcaster Gwen
Chelsey, no!
The particles spread across in the area. Charmcaster Gwen, hurt, holding her upper right arm with her other arm by one of several rips and tears in the clothing. She drops on her knees and cries for just a second, but before even being able to wipe her eyes, she rapidly blinks then absorbs some dark mana from the air. She teleports away from the barren again area.
[END OF PART]
Part V[]
[We open with an overhead view of the DX Mark 10 being driven through the Bellwood night. We zoom into the car with a view from the backseat of Ben driving.]
Ben (driving, with one hand on the wheel)
Good thing it's Saturday, the day every villain in the world just randomly decides to come after me here or some other place in the world. At least tomorrow I'll be able to relax...hopefully.
Ben
Atomhammer?
From Ben's perspective, we see Future Ben's Atomhammer seated in the passenger seat.
Atomhammer (Future Ben)
Ben, Chelsey's been killed.
Present Ben's eyes widen and his jaw drops slightly,
Professor Paradox's Voice
He's right, Super Ben.
Present Ben closes his mouth and looks into the backseat, where Professor Paradox is comfortably seated.
Professor Paradox's Voice
Well, the younger one of you. I don't believe I've had the opportunity to see the two of you together yet. We must be off now, Bens.
Professor Paradox snaps his fingers and the DX Mark 10 alongside its occupants teleport.
[We find ourselves inside the Tertiary Wing. Within the Commander's throne room. Someone knocks at the door. Speeding through the ship's circuitry, the Commander takes control of the door unlock keypad. It slides open, revealing Albedo and Dawn. The two step in and bow at the Commander's altar as he takes control of his chair and its projector. He projects a hologram of his Thep Khufan form in the chair. He faces the chair to his bowing proponents.]
Thep Khufan Commander
Albedo, is the process ready?
Albedo (raising his head, facing Thep Khufan Commander)
Yes, Commander.
Thep Khufan Commander
How shall I setup?
Albedo
Are you wired into that seat?
Thep Khufan Commander
Yes.
Albedo
Then you shall have to do nothing but sit still. It should be a brief process.
Albedo
It's complete.
There is a static sound coming from the tower.
Albedo
Apologies, Commander. I will get you out shortly.
Tertiary Wing AI
AI restored. Creating new backup drives to replace dated version.
Albedo transforms into Negative Echo Echo and splits into two personalities, accidentally giving each his own tower.
Negative Echo Echo
Oops, minor miscalculation.
He returns to one body, places the tower on the floor and duplicates into two, this time keeping one tower.
Negative Echo Echo
Both Echo Echos. Much better.
One of the Echo Echos picks up the tower and places it on the other's chest where the Omnitrix would otherwise be for Ben. The tower adapts to the Echo Echo and creates a base like the Omnitrix's. It falls into the base, creating what appears to be a flat Omnitrix dial. The Echo Echo not wearing the tower signals "Are you ready?" with a thumbs up. The Echo Echo wearing the tower nods, and the other smacks his tower for him. Crying out in pain, the Echo Echo wearing the tower gradually gets taller while his arms becomes thinner and thinner. Soon enough, the Echo Echo appears as Negative Benmummy with the Commander's robes. The tower falls off of Negative Benmummy's chest. He catches it before it hits the ground and clearly listens in on its continued static sounds.
Negative Echo Echo
One second, Commander. One more step.
Negative Benmummy slowly lifts the tower into the innards of his body. He goes through excruciating pain, crying loudly once more. His voice becomes incrementally deeper, to the point of being identical to the Commander's own. He reaches inside of his body and tosses the tower away into a corner. He grabs a Cyogen crystal from his chair and places it inside of him.
Thep Khufan Commander (physical form)
I am...reborn.
He repeatedly clenches, then immediately unclenches, his hands into fists.
Negative Echo Echo
It is no problem, Commander.
Reverts to human.
Albedo
You can return the favor, possibly, after the Earth is destroyed?
Thep Khufan Commander
Yes, Albedo. I will have something set up for you. For now, however, you are dismissed.
Dawn (raising his head to the Commander)
Me, too, boss?
Thep Khufan Commander
No, we have to discuss something.
Albedo
So then I shall be on my way.
Thep Khufan Commander
Wait, Albedo.
Points to the tower in the corner.
Albedo
Preferably, in no way at all. What if you ever end up in a similar situation?
Thep Khufan Commander
Hmm...good thinking. Dawn, can you place it in the Emergency safety section of the inventions wing when we're done here?
Dawn
Yes, sir.
Albedo
May I do it, Commander?
Thep Khufan Commander
You've done your part to the fullest, Albedo. I command you to lounge. Feel free to roam the ship. However, as the Galvan you are, I trust you'll be spending your time experiment.
Albedo
Of course, Commander.
Albedo goes to the door, turns around and bows to the Commander once more. He leaves the room. The Commander subsequently seats himself on his chair.
Thep Khufan Commander
Rise, boy.
Dawn stands up.
Dawn
I suppose. Apologies, I forgot you had been monitoring me. I would have taken the precaution so as to not disable the signal.
Thep Khufan Commander
It's fine, but I want to know, where is the Vindicogen?
Dawn
It's gone. It was a fake.
Thep Khufan Commander
I thought as much.
Dawn
What? Then why did you send me on this mission?
Thep Khufan Commander
My Khufans picked up on it, while I had my heart and scanners set on where the true final gem must be. It was worth the investigation, Dawn, no?
Dawn (sighing)
I'm at least getting paid, right?
Thep Khufan Commander
Yes. The Tetragen and Rexahegen first.
Dawn
No, no, no, Commander. I'll give you one, then you give me half the pay. Then the other half with the rest. Betrayal's running rampant, Commander. You know that.
Thep Khufan Commander
You realize my rank in the Thep Khufan Army, mercenary?
Dawn
Yes, and do you realize that I have in my back pocket a remote that will respond to my command to send to the Thep Khufan General a message about your big mission, *Tersce*?
Thep Khufan Commander
Grr...alright. I admire your personality, Dawn. You've managed to pull off keeping your identity a secret and now this.
He removes two gold cubes from behind him.
Dawn
Thank you, Commander. My pay, now.
He removes the Tetragen and Rexahegen from his pocket and hands them to the Commander. He then relieves the Commander of the gold cube and protects them.
Dawn
Ahh, the pleasure of fair business.
Thep Khufan Commander
Yes...and is Mistress ready?
Dawn
I was beginning to think you'd never ask. Yelling. Come on in, Mistress!
The Commander presses a button on his chair, allowing someone banging at the door to enter. Mercedes. with a black mask similar to the Lucky Girl mask as well as short green and black clothing, steps in the room on her own.
Thep Khufan Commander
Why is she alone?
Dawn
I assure you, she's safe. We haven't done all the testing, but what we could do for how much you're paying us and the time you've given already was done. She is a clean slate, left now with the will to fight and be under your command.
Thep Khufan Commander
Hmmm...Mistress come hither.
Mistress flips through the air, landing perfectly at the base of the Commander's altar.
Dawn
Yes. Scarogus and Bandit are currently in the infirmary downstairs and should be ready to fight in a few days.
Thep Khufan Commander
How unfortunate. Alert them they will not be taking part in the conquest of Earth.
Dawn
Oh, so you have the real third gem then?
Thep Khufan Commander
No, but I know where it is exactly. Mistress, are you ready for the battle?
Mistress nods.
Thep Khufan Commander
Can you speak?
Mistress shakes her head.
Dawn
There is a slight issue.. In making her a clean slate, her communication skills are slightly marred. Her brain should iron out the issues on its own in a matter of days.
Thep Khufan Commander
You seem rather intelligent.
Dawn
"Seem" being the key word, boss. I'm just repeating what my scientists said to me. It's weird that you've asked the same questions so far.
Thep Khufan Commander
"So far?" What other questions did you ask?
Dawn
"Do her *other* powers still work?" was my only other question.
Thep Khufan Commander
And the answer, please?
Dawn
No, as some of those powers may reawaken her old slate.
Thep Khufan Commander
I guess I can still use her....
Dawn
For what exactly?
Thep Khufan Commander
Acquisition of the final gem, from Chronospect.
Dawn (gasping)
Good thing you didn't invite me; I'm never going into that dimension.
Thep Khufan Commander
That's fine. You are dismissed. Don't forget the-
Dawn
No need to remind me, thanks.
Dawn walks to the corner of the room with the tower, heads back to the door, and bows to the Commander.
Dawn
And by the way, I don't really have a remote.
Dawn walks out the door, with the Commander shutting the door after him.
Thep Khufan Commander
Mistress, you will be joining me on Chronospect. We will be ascertaining the final piece of the puzzle to bring about the Unleashed, the result of the combination of the Tetragen, the Rexahegen, and the legendary Chronogen, kept under heavy guard by the Vigilanuum. And Ben Tennyson's 22 year old self. He likely will have already called upon the present for assistance, but if we work to our obvious potential, not even that will be enough.
He removes a gauntlet-like device from a compartment in his chair and puts it on Mistress's left wrist for her.
Thep Khufan Commander
Your other abilities might be locked out, but this has some more powers for you. Experiment on your own.
Mistress nods in response.
Thep Khufan Commander
Good.
He steps out of his chair, opens the door and gestures Mistress out of the room. He walks behind her down the hall to another room and enters a password on a keypad outside the door to unlock it. He gestures Mistress in as soon as the door slides open. He follows her in, locking the door behind him and turning back to the rest of the room to see a large oval-shaped blue head atop a tall, slender body in a lab coat.
Professor Xonode/Oval-Headed Alien (in a lab coat)
Yes, Commander. I've actually been working on other projects since I finished a few days ago.
Thep Khufan Commander
A few days ago? Why was I not informed of the portal's completion?
Professor Xonode
I had assumed you had been. I called Scarogus and left him a message; he should've told you.
Thep Khufan Commander
Why did you not tell me directly?
Professor Xonode
Leaving him messages has always worked in the past, Commander. Worry, not, though; I will contact you using my new Xobots in the future.
Thep Khufan Commander
So long as it works, Xonode. Where is it?
Professor Xonode
Right over here.
He walks to a dark corner of the room where a large octagonal portal is hung on the wall.
Thep Khufan Commander
So it is not ready?
Professor Xonode
On the contrary, it is up and running. I've run several interdimensional transport tests in the last week—that is, including some bug testing transports. Let me just move it into the light.
Professor Xonode
There.
The triangles on his head fade to his blue skin color.
Professor Xonode
Setting up.
Thep Khufan Commander
What was that, Slaka?
Professor Xonode
Apologies. There you go, *Commander* Tersce.
Thep Khufan Commander: Close enough. Well, Professor Xonode, while this isn't the first time or the last time I'm saying this...[Our view turns entirely black as the Commander speaks.] the end has begun.
