It was now or never. He was tired of everyone protecting him. Now he has to protect them. It was a hard choice. Possibly the hardest in his life. He already suspected it. And unfortunately he was right. He overheard Garnet telling Pearl why were the monsters attracted to them. Specifically to Steven. His gem was like a magnet for monsters. The more he realised his powers and potential the more monsters he attracted. Now every time a monster came, it was stronger than ever. Nearly every mission at least one of the gems poofed. It was time to put an end to this. It was time to run away.
He already asked Connie to come with him and she answered yes. Her parents even agreed, but only if they visited once or twice a week. Even greg agreed to pretend to be heartbroken when he heard the news. As long as Steven called him every day or portaled everyday to greg then everything was cool.
It was the night before the battle and Steven made sure he gave everyone an extra big hug. It was probably the last time he'd see them after all. He double checked the next morning if the fake shards where in his pouch.
During battle he found 8XL and talked to her in private.
"Hey, you are that human that escaped the zoo!"
"Yeah, yeah but can you do me a favor?"
"Depends. What's the favour?"
"I need you to halfway carry me to the ship and when i say stop you drop me."
At first 8XL was doubtful until he explained that he was trying to protect Amethyst she instantly agreed.
Steven looked at the battle. The gems formed Alexandrite to fight the fusion part of the army. Peridot as using her metal powers and robots to defeat a bunch of topazes. Lapis and her ocean powers were fighting off some Rubies.
Then Lapis glanced in Steven's direction.
"GO!" he whispered and 8XL took off with him. Lapis reached out but was nearly hit with a spear which forced her to re-focus her attention on the Rubies.
"Now drop me."
As soon as 8XL dropped him he threw out the contents of the pouch onto the ground and ran off into the trees.
"Thanks 8XL, don't tell anyone." and he winked. She winked back and smiled.
"Steven, is that you?" asked connie who was hiding behind the trees with lion.
"Yes it's me!" he said quickly brightening up. At least he was not doing this alone.
"Are you ready to go and travel the world and fight against evil for your freedom?" she said with diamonds in her eyes.
"Uhhh….. I am free?"
"Okay, that might have been a little dramatic." they both laughed.
"Lion! Here boy!" said steven.
Lion lazily got up and walked up to them. They climbed up on lion and rode him to mask island to spend the night.