Steven was in his living room packing the last of his supplies when he heard the screen door swing open. He turned and saw Lion padding through the doorway.

"Hey buddy! Think you can fit one more bag in there?" Steven smiled, hoisting a duffel bag to his shoulder. He had already packed a tent, sleeping bag, cot, and a box full of various nonperishable foods into Lion's forehead pocket dimension, but he still needed to fit his duffel bag of clothes in too. He knew that the strange, pink place inside Lion's head was not entirely connected to the strange, pink animal's reality, but Steven was always careful not to unduly overburden his companion.

Lion snorted with disinterest and bowed his head slightly, which Steven took as permission to continue. As he lifted the bag to Lion's head, a bright circle materialized on the creature's forehead, and the bag disappeared in a pink glow.

"Good boy," Steven cooed, scratching behind Lion's ear. He then led his steed out the screen door, where the Gems were waiting outside with Greg and Connie.

"Here he is, my wayward son!" Greg called out as Steven descended the stairs. "Are you ready to forge your own path and find your destiny, against all odds and in the face of certain peril?" Greg waved his hands dramatically, and he and Steven shared a laugh.

"I wouldn't exactly say 'peril,'" Pearl chimed in. "If the Cathedral is as venerable a fortress as it was five thousand years ago, I'm sure there isn't a threat on Earth that could breach its walls. As for you Steven, since you have the Rose Quartz Gem, you should be able to pass through any of its doors without incident."

"But be very careful of your surroundings," warned Garnet. "The Quartz Cathedral is littered with booby-traps. Some of them may not recognize your Gem, so you'll have to diffuse them." Garnet's gaze softened, and she put a hand on Steven's face. "I have faith in your abilities, Steven, and I am so proud of you." Steven blushed, then smiled and put his hand on Garnet's.

He turned to Amethyst next, who didn't hesitate to wrap him in a bear hug. "Watch your back out there, knucklehead," she grinned, stretching her arm upward to give him a noogie.

"Quit messing up my hair!" Steven laughed, and he playfully punched at Amethyst's arm.

"Oh, you two knock it out," Pearl grumbled, but she couldn't help but smile. Steven straightened up, and Pearl smoothed down his tousled hair. "Be careful, and come back soon," she said as Steven wrapped her in a hug.

"Alright, alright, my turn next," grinned Greg. He put his hands on Steven's shoulders, and heaved a great sigh. "Your mother would be so proud of you," he beamed, "and I am too. You've grown into a strong, kind, and brave young man. Good luck out there, kiddo. I love you."

"Thanks dad, I love you too," Steven replied, hugging his father tightly. They stood together like that for a long moment, before Greg pulled away, wiping his eyes.

"Alright Connie, he's all yours," Greg smiled, and winked at his son.

"You better text me every day!" Connie blurted out. "And don't forget to study your workbook every night, and I'll try to video chat with you on Sundays so you don't fall behind, and call me if you can, and, and… and…" Her face was red, and tears were forming at the corners of her eyes. Steven moved forward and wrapped her in his arms. She clung to his shoulders breathing heavily for a moment before calming down. "Just be careful," she said softly. "Are you sure you don't want your mother's sword?"

"Of course not," Steven smiled, leaning back to look his dear friend in the eyes. "I want you to have it in case you need it. Besides," he laughed, "you're way more skilled than I am with it."

Connie smiled. "You're right about that!" she teased. She and Steven locked eyes for a moment, then looked away. She hugged him once more, then they let go.

"Don't worry, guys," Steven said to them all with a smile, "I won't be gone that long. I'll be back before you know it!" He climbed onto Lion's back and waved at everyone. Lion leapt forward, and in a few long bounds they were both out of sight.

As they set off, Steven couldn't help but smile. He knew he would miss his loved ones, but with the wind in his hair and the landscape blurring past, he felt a surge of excitement for the adventures that lay ahead.