Spiraling Out of Control

Spiraling Out of Control is the fourth episode of Ben 10: Missing Pieces.

Plot
''The episode begins with a close-up of a dark brown wooden door from the inside of Hazel's house. The doorbell rings and Hazel opens it. Kevin stands on the other side, a slight smile on his face.''

[Kevin]: I'm all moved out.

[Hazel]: (exhales) This is really it.

She struggles to maintain her composure, tears brimming in her eyes as the reality of the situation hits her.

[Kevin]: I'm not goin' away forever, Mom. Gwen and I'll come back every once in a while.

[Hazel]: I know that, sweetie. Doesn't mean I'll miss you any less.

[Kevin]: I'll call you every week, I promise. I'll send you pictures of my new place.

Hazel briefly puts her hand on Kevin's face.

[Hazel]: I'm so proud of the man you've become.

[Kevin]: I wouldn't have come this far if it wasn't for you.

He draws her into a tight hug.

[Kevin]: Thank you, Mom. For everything.

Seconds pass before he reluctantly separates from the hug and stares at his car parked a few feet behind him.

[Kevin]: (sighs) I guess I should get goin'. Don't wanna keep Gwen waiting too long.

[Hazel]: She's a special one, Kevin.

Kevin grins from ear to ear.

[Kevin]: I know.

[Hazel]: If you two need anything, anything at all-

[Kevin]: You'll be the first to know.

''Kevin walks to his car and opens the driver's door. He gets in and closes the door, but lowers the window all the way as Hazel stands outside the front passenger door.''

[Hazel]: Drive safe.

[Kevin, buckling his seatbelt]: I will. I'll call you when I'm all settled in, 'kay?

[Hazel]: I'll be waiting.

Kevin gives his mother a warm smile.

[Kevin]: Goodbye, Mom.

''He pulls the window back up with the flick of a switch and drives away. Hazel watches as the car drives further and out of her view.''

''Ben, Gwen, Max, Frank, Natalie, Julie and Ship loiter outside Gwen's house, some distance away from the front door, which is ajar. Kevin's car and the Rust Bucket 2 are parked in front of the house, with the trunk of Kevin's car being open.''

[Frank]: I can't believe our little girl's going off to college. Early, no less.

[Max]: With a brilliant mind like hers, it was only a matter of time.

[Natalie]: It seems like just yesterday we were teaching you how to walk.

Ben stifles a titter by covering his mouth with his hand.

[Gwen]: Mom!

[Natalie]: (laughs) Well, it's true! You're growing up too fast.

''Frank chuckles, shaking his head. Kevin exits the house, toting a duffle bag in each hand. He saunters to the back of his car and lays the bags in the trunk.''

[Frank]: The house is going to be quiet. First Ken, now you.

Max plants a hand on Ben's shoulder.

[Max]: In a couple years, it'll be your turn.

[Ben]: (shrugs) I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Kevin shuts the trunk and joins the group.

[Kevin]: We're ready to go.

An uneasy silence hangs in the air for a few moments.

[Max]: (smiles) Pumpkin, your folks and I want you to know that we're very, very proud of you.

[Natalie]: You're going to fly high, Gwen.

[Gwen]: I'm really gonna miss you guys.

She squeezes her parents and Max into a hug.

[Ben]: Ouch. No love for your favorite cousin?

Rolling her eyes, Gwen turns to Ben and Julie, embracing them.

[Gwen]: Don't get into too much trouble, alright, doofus?

[Ben]: No promises. You know how it is. Trouble seems to follow me around.

Gwen pulls away from the hug.

[Julie]: If you need anything, Ship and I will be there in a flash.

Ship happily nuzzles his head against Gwen's leg.

[Ship]: Ship ship!

[Gwen]: Thanks for having my back.

[Julie]: That's what best friends do.

[Kevin]: Speakin' of which...

He yanks Ben close, ruffling his hair.

[Kevin]: You better not have too much fun without me.

[Ben]: How can I? You won't be around for me to kick your butt.

[Kevin]: Funny, since I was the one doin' all the butt-kicking.

[Frank]: (clears his throat) Kevin.

Kevin tenses up, putting his hands at his side.

[Kevin]: Uh, y-yeah, Mr. Tennyson?

[Frank]: I admit, I still have my doubts about you, but... you make my daughter happy. At the end of the day, that's what's important to me. For that, I- (looks at Natalie) we- have to thank you.

''He extends his right hand, and Kevin respectfully shakes it. Frank tightens his grip.''

[Frank, narrowing his eyes]: Take care of her.

[Kevin, nervous]: I will.

''Frank waits a few seconds before letting go of Kevin's hand. Julie taps Kevin on the shoulder to get his attention.''

[Julie]: If you hurt her, I'll hurt you.

[Gwen]: He'll never hurt me. He acts tough, but he's a big sweetheart deep down.

[Kevin, blushing]: Gwen!

[Ben]: (giggles) You're really losing your street cred, Kev.

[Kevin]: (smirks) Yeah, well, at least I have some.

''Ben sighs in defeat. Kevin approaches his car and walks to the opposite side, opening the driver's door.''

[Kevin]: Oh, and Tennyson, don't crash your car. I ain't makin' you another one.

[Ben]: Don't crash yours. One more accident and you'll probably have to get a third car.

''Kevin cackles to himself and gets into the driver's seat, closing the door. Dreading what's to come, Gwen lingers.''

[Natalie]: You sure you packed everything?

[Gwen]: I triple-checked. I got that from you, you know.

[Natalie]: (nods) Good. It's better to be safe than sorry.

[Max]: Do you want some smoked sheep's tongue for the road?

Gwen holds her hand up, declining his offer.

[Gwen]: No thanks, Grandpa.

[Natalie]: If you want normal food-

[Gwen]: Thanks Mom, but I'll eat when I get there.

''Gwen goes to the car, opens the front passenger door and enters, buckling her seatbelt as the car's engine starts. She wistfully waves at the group and they wave in response, smiling at her. The car drives away, leaving a cloud of exhaust gas in its wake.''

''Gwen studies the side mirror outside the passenger door, watching as her house gets smaller, eventually vanishing altogether. Kevin casts a sideways glance, trying to divide his focus between her and the road ahead.''

[Kevin]: Somethin' the matter?

[Gwen]: I guess it's really starting to hit me. It's just... it's gonna take time for me to adjust to everything. No parents, no Grandpa, not to mention college is a whole step up from high school.

[Kevin]: You're not doin' it alone. You got me.

He clutches her left hand with his right hand to reassure her.

[Kevin]: Whatever happens, we'll go through it together.

A wide smile spreads across Gwen's face.

[Gwen]: Thanks, babe.

Kevin turns his head to look at her, raising an eyebrow.

[Kevin]: "Babe"?

[Gwen]: It's a pet name. You don't like it?

[Kevin]: No, no, I like it. It's... cute.

[Gwen]: Like you.

Kevin focuses on the road once more, red rushing to his cheeks.

''We get an establishing shot of a recently-built auto shop on the outskirts of town, with light grey brick walls and a white sign with black letters that says "Bellwood Motors: Expert Service and Repair". No other buildings seem to be in its immediate vicinity. Several vehicles are parked nearby, including the Rust Bucket 2. The camera zooms in to show Ben, Max and Julie (carrying Ship in her arms) walking into the shop through a glass door. The interior of the shop has green walls, with posters taped all over it. There is a small counter near the entrance and a narrow walkway leading from the door to the back of the shop. A bulky, bald Caucasian man with a red jacket, brown T-shirt and blue jeans named Big Ed manages the counter.''

[Max]: Slow day, Ed?

[Big Ed]: That's to be expected. This place isn't exactly in the most crowded part of town.

[Ben]: All the excitement's downstairs. Why don't you join us?

[Big Ed]: Wish I could, but someone's gotta man the counter.

''Ben, Max and Julie walk to an elevator at the end of the shop. Max presses the only button on the wall next to it, and the doors split. The three enter and the doors close. A green beam of light shines through a camera above the doors inside the elevator, moving from top to bottom.''

[Computer Voice]: Recognized: Magister Max Tennyson, Agent Ben Tennyson, Julie Yamamoto.

''The light dissipates and the elevator descends. Seconds later, it stops and dings, opening its doors. Ben, Max and Julie step out and into the main hub of Plumber Headquarters. It is a large room with pathways leading in different directions, and its décor is primarily colored green and blue. Plumbers, both human and alien, walk around the area. Max guides Ben and Julie to a large computer to meet a bald human male Plumber and a teenage girl with long black hair wearing a red jacket and black pants.''

[Max]: (chuckles) You've come a long way since your days in the field.

The man and the girl both turn around, and the man shakes Max's hand.

[Man]: Max, I'm so glad you could make it.

[Max]: Wouldn't have missed it for the world. (breaks the handshake) Ben, Julie, meet the new Magister of Earth, my old protégé, Victor Validus.

Ben shakes Victor's hand.

[Victor]: Your reputation precedes you.

[Ben]: (smiles sheepishly) Yeah, I get that a lot.

[Victor, gesturing at the girl]: This is my daughter, Elena.

[Ben and Elena, in unison]: Cool jacket.

Max loops an arm around Victor's shoulders, creating some distance between them and Ben, Julie and Elena.

[Max]: How's Bellwood been treating you?

[Victor]: Oh, it's great! It's much more peaceful than I expected.

[Max]: (laughs) Just you wait.

We shift to Ben, Julie and Elena.

[Ben]: So, are you training to be a Plumber?

[Elena]: Nah, they're not really my style. Dad really wants me to follow in his footsteps, but my heart just isn't in it.

[Julie]: So, what are you into?

[Elena]: Soccer. You play?

[Ben]: I do.

Elena's face lights up.

[Elena]: You have to put in a good word for me at Bellwood High. I really wanna make the team.

[Julie]: You're going to Bellwood High?

[Elena]: Well, yeah. No way would I be caught dead in those uniforms in that other school.

''On the surface, the camera follows a black male Galilean as he walks across the street towards Bellwood Motors. Big Ed notices him from the interior of the store and picks up a large blaster from under the counter. The Galilean busts through the door, crushing it and some of the walls.''

[Big Ed, aiming his blaster at the Galilean]: Stop right there!

''Unfazed, the Galilean raises his finger as it is covered in a white aura, lifting Big Ed off the ground and slamming him hard against the wall. Grumbling in pain, he falls to the ground, unconscious.''

''In Plumber Headquarters, everyone hears a rumbling sound coming from above. They look up in confusion.''

[Julie]: What's that?

''A few small chunks of the roof begin falling down. Ben brings his left wrist up and withdraws his sleeve, twisting the dial of the Omnitrix. A green 3D hologram of XLR8 appears on the core. Ben slams his hand down and is engulfed in a green light. Ben hovers in a dark green background with light green bubbles pulsating rapidly behind him. Ben's eyes turn fully green, becoming oval-shaped, and his lips turn black. His hair disappears and a black helmet forms around his head. His skin turns blue and his fingers fuse together in sets of two, forming two sets of fingers. His thumb and fingers stretch out while turning black, forming three claws. Ben's back curves as a black tail with five blue stripes emerges from his rear. His clothes change, becoming a black suit with a white middle. As the suit envelopes his legs, his feet change as his toes merge into two and become sharper. Two black balls form under his feet. Finally, the Omnitrix symbol pops out of his chest as his visor comes down and he runs at the screen, completing the transformation.''

[XLR8]: XLR8!

In just a few seconds, he runs around the room and picks everyone near him up one by one, setting them down on the other side of the room.

''The scene cuts to the interior of a ship, where a Zaroffian sits at the captain's chair, viewing real-time footage of XLR8 saving everyone. The camera moves in front of him, revealing the Zaroffian to be Khyber. He watches the events unfold intently.''

''XLR8 returns to his original position, only for the floor of the shop above, as well as the Galilean and Big Ed, to plummet. XLR8 spots Big Ed and spins around, creating a vortex to slow his descent. He catches him as he reaches the ground and hands him over to Max, who inspects him. XLR8 runs back to face the Galilean.''

[Victor]: What is that thing?

[Max]: A Galilean, by the looks of it. They're mostly a peaceful species, but this one probably didn't come here for a friendly chat.

''Some Plumbers engage the Galilean, pointing their blasters at him. Without turning, he throws his hand back, causing them to get scattered around the room.''

[XLR8]: (squints) Who are y-

''The Galilean raises his finger, lifting XLR8 in the air. The Galilean morphs into a spheroid form and XLR8 uncontrollably rotates around him.''

[XLR8]: Whoa! Put me down!

''Victor almost heads towards the Galilean, but Max stops him by putting a hand on his shoulder. The Galilean sees this and reforms into his original shape, walking in Victor's direction. XLR8 falls to the ground with a thud. Max sets Big Ed down and protectively steps in front of Victor.''

[Max]: You want someone to pick on? Take me.

''As the Galilean gets close, he lifts Max, Victor, Elena and Julie some inches in the air with his powers. XLR8 makes a dash for the Galilean and jumps in the air above him, bathed in green light.''

[Goop]: Goop!

''He clings to the Galilean's face in the form of a puddle, causing him to stagger. Goop's face pops up, looking at Max.''

[Goop]: Go! Get Ed to the medic!

[Max]: Be careful, Ben.

[Goop]: You got it.

''The four of them, as well as Ship, make a break for the elevator and enter it, with Max and Victor gently carrying Big Ed. Goop detaches himself from the Galilean's face and reforms into his normal shape.''

[Goop]: We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Who are you and what are you d-

[Galilean]: Name's Aizak. I'd rather keep everything else close to the chest for now. Have to keep you on your toes somehow.

''With a confident smirk on his face, Aizak grabs Goop's Omnitrix symbol and tries to force it off him, to no avail. Goop places his hands on his hips, disappointed.''

[Goop]: Hard way it is.

''The Omnitrix symbol glows and beeps. Aizak wrests his hand back in shock.''

[Omnitrix]: Galilean DNA sample unlocked and available.

''A flash of green light covers Goop. When it fades away, Gravattack has taken his place. He brings his hands up to his face.''

[Gravattack]: Not bad.

''Aizak goes in for a punch, but Gravattack blocks it and kicks him. He stumbles back, disoriented. Gravattack raises his hands, causing Aizak to levitate off the ground.''

[Gravattack]: (snickers) Not so fun when someone does it to you, is it?

''Aizak closes his eyes and concentrates, a white aura encasing his body. Gravattack grunts, trying to keep Aizak suspended. However, the aura around his body grows stronger. Aizak breaks free of Gravattack's control and lands on the ground, panting. He aims his hand at five unconscious Plumbers and lifts them off the ground with his powers, dispersing them in Gravattack's direction. Gravattack stops four of them and sets them down next to him in succession, but the fifth one flies past him. He turns around and catches him, delicately lowering him onto the ground. Gravattack faces Aizak, now angry. In the background, more Plumbers hurry towards the elevator, leaving the scene.''

[Gravattack]: Attack me all you want. Leave everyone else out of it.

[Aizak]: Not likely. You're all as guilty as each other.

[Gravattack]: Guilty? Last time I checked, we're not the ones who broke into a restricted area.

''Aizak's mouth widens as he prepares to speak, but he suddenly pants, falling forward. He places a hand on the ground to steady himself.''

[Gravattack]: Hey, you don't look so good. Look, if you need help or something, just surrender and I'm sure we can figure something out.

''Aizak grunts, red energy emanating from his body. He begins to groan in pain.''

[Gravattack]: Okay, that's not good.

In a burst of green light, Gravattack transforms into Chromastone and walks towards Aizak.

[Chromastone]: Chromastone! Just stay where you are. I'm gonna try to-

Without warning, Aizak's whole body glows red as the energy spreads across the main hub of the headquarters, creating an explosion that rocks the entire base and sends Chromastone flying across the room.

''On Khyber's ship, the video feed cuts off unexpectedly. Khyber narrows his eyes.''

''Max, Julie, Ship, Victor and Elena all wait opposite a room with a sign that says "Operating Room". The explosion abruptly catches their attention.''

[Julie]: What happened?!

''The roof cracks in some places, and some chunks fall down around the group. Ship wraps himself around Julie, forming battle armor around her. She pushes Max, Victor and Elena under her as pieces of the roof fall on her back. Thanks to the armor, she is unharmed. Max sticks his hand into his pocket and takes out his Plumber badge.''

''The main hub of the headquarters is in complete disrepair. Some areas of the floor are littered with debris from what used to be the roof, walls and elevator, and the other areas are missing, exposing the sub-levels underneath. The entire hub is obscured by a thick layer of smoke from the explosion. A pile of rubble is thrown into the air by a multi-colored blast of energy and Chromastone emerges from within. His Omnitrix symbol beeps.''

[Omnitrix]: Incoming call from Magister Maxwell Tennyson.

Chromastone taps it, and Max's voice comes through from the other side.

[Max]: Ben, what happened?! Are you alright?

''Chromastone surveys the room, trying to make sense of the situation.

[Chromastone]: The bad guy blew up. I'm fine, but I...

[Max]: What do you mean?

[Chromastone]: He started giving off a lot of heat and then exploded before I could do anything about it. I- I don't know where he is. Grandpa, some Plumbers were still up here. There's no way they could've...

He trails off, unable to finish his sentence.

[Max]: (pauses) None of this is your fault. You have to know that.

[Chromastone]: I should've... I could've...

He bows his head.

[Max]: We need to regroup and find everyone else who may have been hurt by the explosion. Can you meet us on sub-level 3?

[Chromastone]: Y-Yeah. I'll get there as soon as I can.

''The Omnitrix beeps, signaling the end of the call. Chromastone takes everything in one last time before transforming into Big Chill, who turns intangible and phases through the ground.''

''Max, Victor and Elena walk down the hallway of sub-level 3, with Julie leading them, blasting debris out of the way using her armor. Remnants of the rubble lay behind them. There are holes in the walls and floor around them, but the roof has suffered the most damage. The group soon reaches a large gaping area created by the explosion. The walls, floor and roof have been fully obliterated, giving way to some light from the main hub. The hole stretches all the way to a several levels below.''

[Victor]: The explosion seems to be concentrated around this area.

[Elena, pointing below]: If there's a body, it must be somewhere down there.

[Victor]: Julie, can you take us?

[Julie]: I might need two trips.

''Big Chill, still intangible, descends from above. He hovers above the large hole, a few feet away from the group.''

[Julie]: Did you find anything? Anyone?

[Big Chill]: Nothing. No one. Maybe I wasn't looking hard enough.

[Victor]: I trust that you were. Most of the other Plumbers are actually hiding in the bunker down below.

[Elena]: Shouldn't they be helping us track down the bad guy?

[Victor]: They're not trained to face a Galilean. They're better off hiding safe and sound until this is over.

[Elena]: Aren't Plumbers supposed to adapt to different situations?

[Victor]: Yes, but-

[Elena]: It just seems cowardly of them to-

[Victor]: I lost a lot of agents up there. I'd rather not lose the others, especially not on my first official day as Magister of Earth.

[Elena]: You're not gonna lose anyone else. The bad guy's already dead, isn't he? He blew up.

[Big Chill]: I wouldn't be so sure. Whatever he came here to do, I don't think he's done.

[Julie]: Are you alright?

[Big Chill]: Yeah.

[Julie]: I'm talking about-

[Big Chill]: I know.

[Julie]: You didn't do anything wrong.

Big Chill grows a little agitated, his neutral expression turning into anger.

[Big Chill]: I didn't do anything, period. Innocent people died because of me! It's my fault!

[Victor]: Then let's find him before he hurts anyone else. (points at the hole) Take us down there.

''Julie hangs Max and Victor over each shoulder, and Big Chill carries Elena bridal-style. They both descend, looking at the destruction around them. Out of nowhere, a white aura covers Julie, and she is pulled down, with Max and Victor hanging onto her.''

[Big Chill]: Julie!

''He tries to catch up, flying as fast as possible. The Omnitrix beeps, signaling an imminent time-out.''

[Big Chill]: Not now!

''Big Chill gives up pursuit, landing a few sub-levels above the bottom of the base as he reverts back to Ben in a flash of green light. He sets Elena on the ground.''

[Ben]: Follow me. I think I know a safe way down there.

''He turns around and begins walking away from the giant hole, avoiding debris. Elena catches up to him, noticing that he has his head hung low, deep in thought.''

[Elena]: Don't blame yourself.

[Ben]: Way easier said than done. It's my fault the base is as wrecked as it is.

[Elena]: Did you know the bad guy was gonna blow up?

[Ben]: Not until it was too late.

[Elena]: Then it's not your fault.

[Ben]: I should've done something.

[Elena]: What could you have done?

Ben fails to answer her question and changes the topic slightly.

[Ben]: It's still my fault the bad guy split us up.

[Elena]: Listen, you can't blame yourself for everything. Sometimes, things just happen. You'll live better knowing that there are some things you can't control.

Major Events

 * Gwen and Kevin leave Bellwood.
 * The Plumber Headquarters under Bellwood Motors has its official opening.
 * Ben unlocks Gravattack.

Character Debuts

 * Frank Tennyson
 * Natalie Tennyson
 * Julie Yamamoto
 * Ship
 * Big Ed
 * Victor Validus
 * Elena Validus
 * Aizak
 * Khyber

Omnitrix Alien Debuts

 * XLR8
 * Goop
 * Gravattack
 * Chromastone
 * Big Chill

Minor Events

 * It is revealed that Khyber has been spying on Ben through the cameras in Bellwood's Plumber Headquarters.

Characters

 * Ben Tennyson
 * Gwen Tennyson
 * Kevin Levin
 * Hazel Levin
 * Max Tennyson
 * Frank Tennyson (first appearance)
 * Natalie Tennyson (first appearance)
 * Julie Yamamoto (first appearance)
 * Ship (first appearance)
 * Big Ed (first appearance)
 * Victor Validus (first appearance)
 * Elena Validus (first appearance)

Villains

 * Aizak (first appearance)
 * Khyber (first appearance; cameo)

Aliens Used

 * XLR8 (first appearance)
 * Goop (first appearance)
 * Gravattack (first appearance)
 * Chromastone (first appearance)
 * Big Chill (first appearance)

Allusions

 * Aizak's attempt to remove the Omnitrix from Goop is similar to how Ben removed the Omnitrix from Vilgax as Goop in the Alien Force episode Primus. However, in this case, Aizak was unsuccessful as the Omnitrix's bond with Goop's slime was incredibly strong.

Trivia

 * Credit to Ultra3000 for the episode title.