The Straw Hat pirates gasped as they witnessed the sight of the Ancient Sky Arena. It was unlike anything they had ever seen before and, presumably, unlike anything they would ever encounter again.

"Are...are we floating in the air now?!" Nami peered over the edge after stepping off of the Warp Pad. "How is this even possible?!"

"Is it magic?" Chopper asked.

"Yep," Garnet nodded.

"That is amazing! I love magic!" Chopper clapped excitedly.

"As impressive a sight as this is, I can't say that it is practical," Smoker noted, looking around. "Why was this built? Why is it flying in the first place?"

"Dude, did they stamp out all of your creativity in the Marines?" Amethyst laughed. "Lighten up!"

"Yeah, Smokey! Can't you imagine something like this in the Grand Line?" Luffy laughed. "A flying island would be fun!"

"...you DO remember I'm going to arrest you when we get back to the Grand Line, don't you?" Smoker grumbled.

"Haven't we become friends while you have been here?" Luffy innocently asked.

The Marine opened his mouth as if to respond but then closed it and shook his head, muttering words that no doubt were insults at Luffy's intelligence.

"I grabbed a picture of this for you, Genevieve! We can print them out when we get back...wait. Steven's computer is broken...well, we will do it later!" Connie called to the painter, putting her cell phone away and taking a set of clothing that Pearl materialized. She started to walk to a nearby pillar. "Um...nobody come over here, okay?"

"Why?" Luffy asked absentmindedly, resulting in a hit in the head from Nami.

"She's clearly getting changed into a leotard of some kind! She's not going to fight in a dress!"

"Actually," Pearl corrected. "That the proper name for her clothing is called a Kalaripayattu uniform. It is the traditional garments of an ancient Kerala fighting style the natives developed after watching and (in some cases) assisting us Gems fight other Corrupted Gems."

"Oh," Nami nodded. "I did not know that."

"Well, knowing is half the battle!" Greg chimed in, raising his eyebrows up and down. "Eh? Eh? Nothing?"

"Greg," Pearl sighed. "There is a lot more to battle than just knowledge. There is preparation and skill and..."

"It was a joke, Pearl! A joke!" Greg hung his head in shame, prompting a depressing musical sound to appear unprompted out of nowhere. "Ugh, my humor is never appreciated."

The sound caused Pearl to jump back, slightly alarmed. "Did...did you mean for that to happen, Greg?"

The balding musician raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Did I mean for what to happen?"

"Fascinating...your ability reacts to your emotions as well as your commands..." Robin deduced.

"My thoughts exactly, Robin! I...what is so funny, Steven?" the Gem acknowledged the boy, who was now laughing.

"Nothing! Don't mind me!" Steven laughed. He regained his composure and took a seat. "So, what is going to happen exactly? How is Connie going to fight two people at once?"

"That's a good question," Tashigi nodded, looking down at her own sword and standing in the center of the arena. "There needs to be ground rules for something like this. We don't want SOME PEOPLE to get overzealous..."

"Oy!" Zoro growled.

"There will be none of that!" Pearl wagged her finger at them. "However, I am in agreement with you that there needs to be boundaries, especially for Connie's sake."

"I can handle myself just fine!" Connie called from the other side of the pillar. "This won't work unless I know that I am giving it my best against two opponents who aren't holding back!"

"...I really do not follow this at all," Usopp scratched his head. "All of these rules seem super complicated and convoluted. Are you sure you guys know what you are talking about?"

"Nope!" Amethyst admitted. "Not at all!"

"...that's a relief..." Usopp said sarcastically.

"You know what? Who cares?" Sanji stretched himself out and relaxed in the seats. "I'm about to see moss-head get his ass kicked by a little girl. That's entertainment you can't buy!"

"You really think Connie can beat Zoro?" Chopper asked curiously.

"Without a doubt."

"I'm ready!" the voice of Connie called out as the girl stepped into the arena. She had put her hair into a quick braid and was dressed in a black outfit with slightly baggy pants and a sleeveless top held together by a red sash. Steven's eyes widened as he saw her confidently strut out to meet Zoro, Tashigi, and Pearl.

"Nice outfit," Zoro remarked.

"Nice bandana," Connie said in response to Zoro's traditional attire during battle.

"Now, now, you two," Pearl chuckled nervously. "Focus on the matter at hand. Are you sure this is what you wish to do, Connie?"

"I need to do this...for all of them and for Steven," Connie nodded. "If this can get them home, then it will all be worth it."

The Gem smiled and summoned a vertical, double-edged sword with a guarded hilt. "Then I present you with your khanda. Do you accept this blade?"

"I do."

"And do you two accept the challenge set before you by this warrior: to work together in a duel such as this?" Pearl asked the two swordsmen from the Grand Line.

"We do," Zoro and Tashigi said at the same time, giving each other a dirty look.

"Then allow me to state the terms and boundaries of this match: no opponent shall attempt a killing strike during combat unless..."

"Woah! Hold it!" Greg interjected. "What does that mean?! 'Killing strike?!' You can't say stuff like that! She's twelve! Her mother would kill me if..."

"Mr. Universe, it is only a formality," Tashigi assured him sternly. "I would never think of actually hurting Connie."

"...okay...just checking..." Greg sat back down and fiddled with his thumbs.

"Ahem," Pearl regained control of the conversation. "As I was saying, the combatants should not attempt a killing strike in combat unless you are prepared to stop your blade a requisite seven inches from your opponent. Physical engagement is allowed; however, it should be kept to a minimum. If at any point an opponent yields, the match ceases and a victor shall be named. Finally, all combatants must attempt to give their best efforts in the arena as per the predetermined conditions of the duel. Are there any objections to these terms?"

"None at all, ma'am," Connie bowed.

"None whatsoever," Tashigi did the same.

"Nope," Zoro put his sword in his mouth and cracked his neck. "I think we are ready here."

"This is really intense," Petrea commented. "I...are you okay, Steven?"

The boy in question was staring intently at the ring. His eyes were wide and sweat adorned his brow. Finally, he was slightly rocking back and forth. After a moment he stopped and looked back to the former Miss Valentine. "Hmm? What was that?"

"You look...well, freaked out. Is this bothering you?" Petrea asked gently.

"A little," he admitted. "I just don't want Connie to be hurt. If she's out fighting, I want to be with her and not on the sidelines."

"I think Pearl will have this under control. She'll watch over them like a hawk," Petrea smiled reassuringly. "Heck, she even looks a bit like a bird."

"Ha," Genevieve laughed in a flat tone. "Bird-Gem. That's funny. I'm going to sketch that..."

The girl pulled out a small pad of paper and a pencil and began to draw incredibly fast. "Hey, where did you get that?" Steven asked.

"Vidalia gave it to me. It's no canvas, but it's good to jot down ideas...and other things," the painter explained as she showed her notepad to Steven. He saw that the entire page was filled with cute, cartoonish drawings. The sight made Steven chuckle.

"Ladies, gentlemen, Gems, and reindeer; may I please have your attention?" Pearl announced theatrically. "I would like to extend a warm welcome to you on this nice, summer day. You are about to witness the ultimate display of skills between our own Connie Maheswaran and the unlikely, but formidable, pair of Roronoa Zoro and Master Chief Petty Officer Tashigi!"

Greg, figuring that it would be interesting to take Amethyst's suggestion literally, decided to use his new gifts to add some ambiance. As the three took their places around Pearl, Greg pantomimed playing a bass drum dramatically, playing up the tension of the moment.

"Dad!" Steven admonished him.

"What? This is the only thing keeping me calm now!"

The three combatants locked eyes with each other as they waited for Pearl's signal. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Pearl raised her hand in the air. "Combatants all set? Ready? Go!"

Connie was the first to move; running right at Tashigi, who slashed her sword down toward her. The young girl deflected the blade as she crouched and rolled away from her, swiping at the Marine's feet. Tashigi, not expecting this, jumped in the air to evade the maneuver.

What she was not counting on was for Connie to expect this and to change the trajectory of the blade mid-swipe, using the flat edge to hit the shins of her knees. This sudden strike knocked the bespectacled Marine to the floor.

"Gotcha," Connie smirked as she jumped up herself to land the finishing blow to Tashigi, but her strike was blocked by Zoro, whose power forced Connie back several inches.

Zoro placed his three swords in his mouth and rushed at her. "Oni…" he began before stopping himself. 'Wait…damn it! It is hard not to yell my attacks out!'

His swords slashed at Connie, but with only a fraction of the strength that he would typically use in the attack. If he used his full power, the girl was bound to lose a lot of blood. It didn't matter to him, however, as he expected the technique to force the girl to yield.

Imagine his surprise when Connie deflected the strike with a spinning attack, exposing his side.

"What?!"

The girl hit him with her blade, actually drawing a small amount of blood in the process. The move shocked the swordsman as it was not what he was expecting at all. The girl was completely lost in the fight, ignoring everything else around her. Gone was the cheerful playmate of Steven; present was a duelist of the highest level.

At least, that is what she was telling herself.

Zoro had seen this kind of energy in himself as a youth. She was putting everything into the fight and was letting it consume her. She had become one with her sword, but this was not the best thing at the moment. Connie had requested for her opponents to give it their all in order to gauge her own strength, though it was very clear that Tashigi and Zoro were not. Still, they ATTEMPTED to make it look like they were in order to keep with Pearl's terms. Despite that, they attempted to put on a show in order to make the girl believe that they were. Connie was not ready to face two swordsmen of their caliber, but Zoro knew that this was something that could be used as a teachable moment. If she failed, it would give her something to work towards…if she viewed it like that.

She had gone into this fight linking losing as a problem for that Uncle Grandpa person to solve. Problems aren't something to work toward in one's eye; problems are something to eliminate.

"Shit! She's not going to stop!"

As the fight continued for nearly fifteen minutes, Steven watched in horror as Connie continued to press her vicious attacks at Tashigi and Zoro, allowing herself to be cut every now and then in order to get a small strike in. "What is Connie doing?!"

"She is holding her own against two master swordsmen. That is awesome!" Luffy cheered. "Go Connie!"

"But she's getting hurt!"

"Gah!" Greg looked away, burying his face in his hands. "I can't watch this!"

Amethyst laughed at him. "Don't be a baby, Greg! Connie is doing great out there. Why are you pouting?"

"I'm worried for her! She's just a girl!"

"She seems fine to me…"

"I'm worried too…" Smoker frowned, examining the match. "Even the Gem is noticing that this is not right…that girl is pushing herself too hard."

"You're just saying that because Tashigi is getting her butt whooped!" Usopp pointed out.

The Marine growled angrily and pointed to Connie. "Tashigi was not fighting to the best of her ability, but she looks like she might be forced to..."

"You can tell that just from watching?" Chopper asked, fear in his eyes. "What does that say about Connie?"

"Look at her! She is deliberately allowing herself to get wounded! If she keeps this up, she is going to suffer a serious injury. Tashigi and your damn swordsman can only hold back so much before being forced in a corner! This needs to end! Now!"

"He's right," Garnet got up, alarmed. "I'll stop this…"

"No!" Luffy got in her way. "It can't end like that! It would mean that this was for nothing! You will hurt her honor!"

"Pirate Captain Luffy, step out of my way. Now."

The Straw Hat pirate looked directly at her and would not budge. "I trust Zoro to do the right thing. Trust me. If it continues, you do what you have to."

The Gem stared at the pirate and then back to the continuing duel. "Fine. But when I give the word, this ends. Period." Then she looked down to Pearl. The Gem was looking uneasily at the sight, but was clearly in awe of their abilities. Regardless, it seemed like she was about to step in as well. "Pearl! Do not end the fight! Give it a little longer!"

Pearl opened her mouth to argue, but was distracted by Connie getting a small cut in the arm while attempting to break Zoro's center line.

"Connie! What are you doing?! Forfeit!" Pearl yelled to her. "There is no shame in admitting defeat!"

In the heat of battle, Connie was an untamed lion, ignoring Pearl's pleas. She continued to assault her opponents with such ferocity and speed that Tashigi and Zoro were forced to do exactly what they had been asked of. Neither of them wanted to match the strength of her blade, but were given no other choice. They had managed to restrain themselves to only inflict minor cuts on the girl, but they were not enough to deter her.

Connie was now focusing all of her abilities on attacking Tashigi, letting Zoro be as he collected himself. The swordsman looked at his opponent and realized exactly what needed to be done. He gripped his sword and rushed at her as she was in the middle of an elaborate ducking move. He could see exactly what she was about to do: roll under Tashigi and strike from behind.

The second she picked herself up from the ground, Zoro knocked her out with a soft tap to the back of her head.

"Zoro!" Tashigi yelled. "What did you just do?!"

"I won."

*AGITR*

The Warp Pad in the beach house glowed once more as the group returned from the match. Pearl was holding the bandaged Connie in her arms, cradling her tightly. Steven, for his part, was right by her side.

"I don't know why you didn't forfeit earlier!" Pearl was saying, clearly a snippet of a much longer lecture. "Regardless of your own proficiency, you pushed yourself too far and..."

"Is this necessary?" Connie irritatingly asked, rubbing the back of her head. "I only got a few cuts. This is exactly what we wanted!"

"No, it wasn't!" Steven exclaimed. "I never want to see you hurt where I can't protect you!"

"This is serious, Connie! A few cuts on a human can lead to other issues!" Pearl warned her. "I might not know everything there is to know about human physiology, but I know how to handle wounds like this. We have a medical kit just for situations like this...but I'm afraid..."

"Afraid of what?" a female voice called from the living room.

The group walked into the greater part of the living quarters and was greeted to the surprising sight of Damian sharing tea with Priyanka, who had now rushed up to check on her daughter. The pirates were so surprised that they failed to see several wrapped boxes and bags along the wall. "Connie! What happened?! You are bleeding...are those SWORD wounds?!"

The doctor stretched out Connie's arm and looked over the several minor cuts on her arms and legs. "They are not too deep...but that is like saying that someone wasn't too poisoned! How did this happen?!"

"Mom, calm down! I am okay!" Connie begged. "My pride is hurt more than anything."

"Your 'pride?' What about my heart?! Is this how your fencing lessons with Pearl typically end?! How many times do you get wounded in a typical lesson?!"

"I can assure you, Dr. Maheswaran, that this was an isolated incident...and one that shall not happen again!" Pearl looked down at her pupil with regret.

"It most certainly will not!" Priyanka agreed. "Pearl, you always seemed like the sensible one! When Connie explained just what it is that she does here, I took a small comfort in knowing that you were the one supervising it. How could you let this happen to my daughter on your watch?! When I heard that you were training Connie, I thought that you would have taken every conceivable measure to ensure her safety!"

"You can't blame Pearl, mom," Connie argued. "She tried to stop the fight, but I kept pushing it. If I didn't, it wouldn't be genuine!"

"So, now it was a fight?!"

"Connie, it wouldn't matter if it was a genuine fight or not! You put yourself at risk to be truly injured, which would have accomplished a hollow victory at best! What you did out there was reckless and, honestly, I expected more from you!" Pearl shook her head in disappointment.

"What do you mean by that?'" Priyanka wearily asked. "What were you hoping would happen?"

"We are trying to summon a reality warping mustachioed man wearing a propeller cap and a talking fanny pack," Garnet explained.

"...WHAT ARE YOU EVEN TALKING ABOUT?!" Priyanka freaked out. "I don't think you are taking this seriously!"

"I'm always serious."

"Priyanka, it's true," Greg elaborated. "Getting in contact with this guy is the only way to get the Little Rascals here back to their home. However, the only way he comes to town is if a kid needs his help..."

"And that kid just HAPPENED to be my daughter?!" Priyanka shouted. "Are you even listening to what you all are saying?! This is insanity, Greg!"

"If it's any consolation, we are just as lost as you are," Usopp chimed in weakly before noticing the death glare he was receiving from Nami.

"Hey! I'm on your side, Priyanka! Somehow, it went from trying to figure out what powers I have to Connie's sword match of the century!" Greg shook his head and sighed. He stared at Connie and bit his lip. It was clear that he hated being the lowest authority figure on the totem pole. "It got out of control way too fast and, frankly, it should have been more thought-out."

"You know what is insane? The fact that nobody is yelling at green-hair over there for being the one to knock her out," Amethyst pointed to Zoro, who was scowling and gripping his sheathed swords tightly. "I would have bet anything that..."

"Amethyst, you know nothing of the art of swordplay," Pearl shook her head, trying to keep calm in a tense room. "What Zoro did was the best possible solution. By stopping her when he did, it stopped her from making further reckless mistakes. Connie, you pushed yourself too far and lost sight of your opponents. No matter what you are fighting for, you can't lose sight of your own limitations as a human."

"'Limitations?!'" Connie blurted out, shocking even her mother. The doctor was unaccustomed to such behavior coming from her daughter. "What would happen if I was fighting Homeworld Gems with Steven? How can I know my own limitations when my life is on the line?"

Steven looked mortified. "Don't talk like that, Connie!"

"Why is that even on your mind?!" Priyanka asked, horrified. "You are only twelve!"

"And I am now a part of something bigger, mom! I have a responsibility to better myself to the peak of my abilities! I knew I would probably lose to such experienced swordsmen like Zoro and Tashigi, but all this showed me was that I am not as prepared to stand by Steven's side as I thought," Connie started to cry. "This was all supposed to give me a problem to let Uncle Grandpa fix, but it just highlighted my own shortcomings!"

"Connie..." Steven started to say before a rough hand was put on his shoulder.

"That's enough," Zoro spoke up. He walked over to the crying girl and knelt down to her level. "Connie, what you did was foolish, but admirable. You never gave up and you fought with a purpose. Most kids your age would not be able to do what you just did. How long have you been training with Pearl?"

"What?" Connie sniffled. "I...only a few months..."

"I can't speak for Miss Marine over there, but I have been training for years. You kept up with two experienced swordsmen for an extended duel. I've taken down adults in faster time than it took to stop you. That is impressive," Zoro explained, keeping eye contact with her. "There is a fire in you, Connie, but you have to keep it in check before it burns you down. Be proud and keep training. One day, I want a rematch with you, one-on-one, and I promise you that I will not hold back."

"You...you mean it?" Connie asked.

"Only if you are as serious about training as you are about everything else," Zoro cracked a faint smile.

Getting up, Zoro bowed to Priyanka, who stepped back. "Doctor Ma...Me...Connie's mom," Zoro started out, sighing as he couldn't pronounce their last name. "I apologize for the level of intensity that we brought to your daughter's training, but you need to know that she is good. She needs to keep honing in her skills so she could truly become a powerhouse with a sword. You should be proud."

Priyanka was silent for a moment before raising an eyebrow. "You...don't strike me as the kind of person who likes to apologize."

"I'm not," Zoro admitted. "But your kid has earned my respect. If that's what I need to do, then so be it."

"So be it, indeed," Priyanka extended her hand out to shake his, which he accepted. The doctor took a deep breath and reviewed the situation internally. "So, my daughter is a natural despite being bruised every which way?"

"Something like that."

"Dr. Maheswaran, I..." Pearl started to stammer before getting silenced by the doctor herself.

"Pearl," Priyanka began. She closed her eyes and paused, finding the exact words she wanted to use. "It sounds like Connie is advancing rather well in your sessions?"

The Gem was lost for words. "I...that is to say...yes...but..."

"Then I believe I would like to view one of your lessons together," Connie's mother stated in a strict tone. "If I am to truly accept what my daughter is doing, then I should see for myself the life she is leading."

Connie just stood there wide-eyed, playing back her mother's comment in her head. "You want to see me train?"

"Why wouldn't a parent want to get involved with their child's interests and activities?" Priyanka smiled briefly before it disappeared. "But I expect you to keep your focus on the here and now and not on hypothetical fights. This...whatever this was...will never happen again. Are we understood?"

"Yes, ma'am!" Connie grinned and hugged her with all of her might.

"Well, I think it could be arranged..." Pearl tapped a finger to the side of her face. "Would you like to invite your husband as well?"

Priyanka and Connie began to laugh. "And see him have a heart attack watching his daughter hold a sword? I think not."

"Priyanka, I'm kind of surprised at how easily you are taking this," Greg commented as she let Connie run over to Steven, who engulfed her in a large hug. "I mean, I'm used to this kind of stuff and that was hard to watch even for me."

"Greg, allow me to put it in perspective: I've almost lost my daughter once by being too overprotective, causing her to continuously lie to me for almost a year. Internally? I'm utterly mortified and furious at the situation. However, I need to think about my daughter's happiness. Quite frankly, she is the happiest I have ever seen her when she is with all of you. If it means being on hand for these kind of situations to get a better understanding of what Connie does, so be it. It can't hurt to have self-defense classes at her age," Priyanka watched her daughter laugh as Steven lectured her about being safe. "Besides, it seems like your son is doing my job for me."

"He does that," Greg smiled before raising his eyebrow. "Wait; what were you doing here anyway? I mean, not that I don't mind your company, but we were expecting Vidalia and..."

"Trying to kick me out of here, Mr. Universe? I'm offended!"

"That's not what I meant and you know it!"

The elder Maheswaran gave a small smile and acknowledged the children. "I was actually dropping off some things your son asked me to pick up for him over at the bookstore. When I came to leave them, the only person here was Damian, who had just finished a rather interesting talk with Mayor Dewey that he was explaining to me over tea..."

Noticing the bags and boxes that were overlooked, Greg stroked his beard in wonder. "Did he now? Wait; one thing at a time. What did Steven want?"

"Ask him yourself."

"Don't mind if I do. Schtu-ball, stop being Mr. Mom to Connie and tell your old man just what these things are."

"Hmm? What things?" Steven asked, trying to break away from his friend. Finally his eyes landed on the assorted items and he began to smile. "Oh! I didn't even see them! You had them wrapped for me, Dr. Maheswaran?"

"Presentation is everything, Steven," she explained. "I figured you would appreciate that."

The boy had stars in his eyes. "They are perfect!"

"...but what are they?" Greg asked again.

"Well...I was going to do this later, but there's no better time like the present!" Steven laughed. "Get it?"

"Get what?" Pearl asked, trying to follow along after figuring out the logistics of having Priyanka on hand for training sessions. "I don't get your humor sometimes, Steven."

"I got you guys souvenirs from our dimension!" the half-Gem said as he pointed to the assorted gifts. "Well...not for you, Pearl. They are for the Straw Hats and Marines! This is a good way to get the positive funky flow going after..." Steven looked to Connie, who made a face reassuring him that she would not do anything that drastic again.

"What?" Nami asked. "Steven, you shouldn't have done that!"

"No, really. You shouldn't have," Smoker grumbled, trying not to roll his eyes at yet another example of positivity from this dimension.

"What did you get us?!" Luffy asked eagerly. "Food?!"

"Don't be rude!" Petrea scolded. Then she looked to Damian, who was sipping his tea and watching the events unfold around him. "Did you know about this?"

"Not even a little. I don't make it my business to pry," Damian shrugged. "I've had other things on my mind."

Petrea opened her mouth to make a comment, but was stopped by Steven shoving a box in her face. "This one is for you, Petrea! And this one is yours, Damian!"

"I...thank you, Steven! Um...do we open the boxes now?"

"Sure! Connie, would you help me pass out the rest of these? I think you know what everybody got...right?"

"I don't think Connie should be doing too much moving yet, Steven," Priyanka shook her head. "These cuts could easily reopen, which would not be the best thing right now."

"I'll help you, dude!" Amethyst said, shapeshifting into a Connie-doppelgänger.

"Gah!" Priyanka jumped. "May I please ask that you NEVER do that again in my presence...or ever for that matter?!"

"...why?"

As Priyanka freaked out on Amethyst, Petrea took the opportunity to look at the thoughtful gift Steven bought for her. She was touched. This might have been the first gift she had received in years. It never ceased to amaze her just how kind and thoughtful that boy was.

"Oh...it's two books!" Petrea smiled, examining the two items in the box. One was a recipe book for chocolate treats and the other was a children's book with an odd-looking man on the cover. She was confused until she saw the name. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?"

"Connie showed it to me when I was grounded from television, but then I found out it was a movie too...well, two of them!" Steven said as he handed a larger box to Smoker. "I figured that you guys don't have television so you would like a lot of books...and, in some cases, comic books!"

"Captain Marvel?" Usopp asked, holding up one of the many comic books he was given. "Dog Copter? These are weird names for books..."

"Don't knock Dog Copter and Billy Batson! They are my favorites! I mean, I know Batman is my dad's favorite and all, but you can't go wrong with the power of SHAZAM!" Steven yelled the last word.

"I...I suppose...but is Captain Marvel related to the girl in this Ms. Marvel comic?" Usopp asked, grabbing another book.

"Not that Captain Marvel, but there is another Captain Marvel who is...comics are complicated," Steven laughed.

"Steven, you put a lot of thought into these!" Nami commented, examining two new cartography books. "These contain fairly comprehensive maps! It's amazing to think of the differences between our two worlds!"

"Some of Steven's instructions were rather...vague," Priyanka admitted. "I took it upon myself to find the best things to work with. I will say that I'm surprised at how much money you saved up, Steven."

"You never know when a rainy day fund might come in handy!"

He looked around and smiled as he saw Zoro looking over a sword manual, Genevieve reading a compilation of fine Renaissance art, Chopper fawning over an advanced medical journal, and Luffy getting excited over a few Star Wars comic books and a historical book on pirates. Robin had just opened up her giant package (containing the complete works of William Shakespeare) and came over to thank him.

"This was very thoughtful of you, Steven. Thank you." With that, she gave him a small hug. The boy returned it, feeling good about this nice change in attitude from before.

"What the hell is a 'Newton's Cradle?'" Smoker asked, pulling out a box and a small book. "And what the hell is this?"

"A Newton's Cradle is this thing that I've seen people use to relieve stress. You hit one metal ball and then it causes another metal ball to get hit on the other side!" Steven tried to explain. "It's not as complicated as it sounds. As for the book...I don't know!"

"That is my own special addition to this," Priyanka frowned. "I bought both you and the chef a self-help book on how to quit smoking before it kills you."

"...thanks a lot," Sanji grumbled, setting aside the book to look at his recipes in his new cookbook.

"Oh! That reminds me! I never gave you the book I bought you either!" Connie said. "Steven, I think I left it in your loft last night before the movie."

"I'll go grab it! I have to get Tashigi's gift too anyway!" Steven ran up to his bed.

"You...you bought me a book too?" Smoker asked, clearly surprised that so many people were thinking of him.

"Well, I couldn't stand seeing you mope for two days straight. If you are stuck here (which it looks like you still are), you should at least be doing something besides balancing rocks," Connie commented with a smile.

Smoker stood there and looked from the novelty desk toy to the young girl in front of him. 'These people never stop surprising me. If only 'Straw Hat' didn't corrupt their view on pirates...'

"Here it is! For you, sir!" Steven passed him an incredibly thick book. "And you, madam!"

"Les Misérables...that's the book from the dinner conversation..." Smoker recalled the information. He put the gifts down and put his hand out gently. "...thank you, Maheswaran. Universe."

"Any time!"

"...what is this thing?" a bruised Tashigi asked, looking at a square device. "A 'Game Child?'"

"You stick these little doohickeys inside of it and press this switch. It's not like Smash Pals Scuffle, but these three games mean a lot to me. Play them well when you are not hunting Zoro!"

"Oy!"

The Marine looked at the three games and frowned. "These names are weird. Soviet Block Revolution? Pokettomon: Red Version? Super Mueo Land 2?"

"Classics all the same! I also have a bunch of batteries too! They go in the back and allow you to keep playing...I don't know if you have batteries on the Grand Line," Steven shrugged.

"Am I going to be lost if I don't have the first Mueo Land?" Tashigi asked, clearly bewildered.

"Nah. That game is kind of...weird, yet charming. Oh! Damian, do you like your shirt?"

The bomb-man was examining a Beach City shirt and a tie, causing him to chuckle. "You know it, kid. I guess we are even now, aren't we?"

"Well, I don't want you going back to the Grand Line with the scales unbalanced!" Steven laughed.

"Steven...all of you..." Damian sighed, putting down the shirt. "Damn it, it's now or never. I...I need to tell you guys something."

"Um...okay?" Steven responded, clearly concerned. "Are you alright?"

"I...I talked to Mayor Dewey and he's going to hire me for a job."

"Oh! That's pretty cool," Steven smiled. "That will give you something to do while you are here!"

"That's the thing...I've decided I'm not going back to the Grand Line."

"WHAT?!" everybody (save Priyanka) exclaimed at once.

"What the hell does that mean?!" Petrea asked angrily.

"I don't think that is a good idea," Garnet told him with a frown.

"I don't understand. What does William Dewey and his job offer have to do with you wanting to stay here? It seems rather...much!" Pearl asked.

"Wait...can you even stay here? You don't have a Social Security Card or money or...well, anything!" Connie pointed out.

"Don't worry about it," Damian handwaved it. "Mayor Dewey told me he would help me become a citizen abusing some kind of legal loophole or something."

"That raises more questions!"

"Look, the truth is...I felt something in the past twenty-four hours that I haven't felt since I was a kid. You all constantly talk about your dreams and hopes for the future. But for me? Well, my dream always seemed unobtainable," Damian took off his sunglasses and wiped away at his eyes.

"'Your dream?!'" Luffy, Steven, and Usopp asked at the same time.

"You numbskulls have been asking about it since I joined up with you and I've been very hesitant to tell you what it is...but here it goes," Damian took a deep breath. "I want...I want to be a fireman."

There was a moment of silence in the room as everyone processed what he said. Slowly, it dawned on them why Damian's recent behavior was so different than usual. "I don't understand...why is that a bad thing?" Steven asked. "Aren't firemen good people?"

"They are, Steven...but think about it: I ate the Bomb-Bomb Fruit! I cause more destruction than I help to prevent it! That's not even counting..." Damian stopped before grabbing a tissue. "Damn it! I told myself I wouldn't cry..."

Petrea got up and put her hand on his shoulder to comfort him. "Let it out, Damian. There is nothing wrong with crying."

"It's...just so hard. When I was eight, I accidentally burned down my house by playing with matches. My dad was in a burn ward for years before they finally pulled the plug...and my mom walked out on me when I was five, so I basically became a self-made orphan. I made it my life's goal to make sure that what I did would never be repeated by anyone else...until I ended up with the Bomb-Bomb Fruit. Literally the only Devil Fruit that could have been worse was the one your brother ate, Luffy," Damian explained through the tears. "After I realized that I'd be causing more fires through explosions, I withdrew into myself. I became jaded and cynical, which is where Crocodile found me."

He gripped Petrea's hand hard and gave her a weak smile. "Despite doing literally the exact opposite of what I told myself to do, the allure of my own utopia just sounded so good. Petrea here helped make the days go by easier; I forged an actual friendship through something as evil as Baroque Works. By the time I met you all, I believed everything Crocodile told us about the world...and how I would never accomplish my dream otherwise...until I got knocked off of my boat on my way to Little Garden."

Steven (emotionally prone as ever) wiped away a tear of his own as he realized that who he was talking about. "...me?"

"Yeah, kid. You. Your damn optimism combined with Petrea's newfound outlook on life made me feel things again. You believed in me even though I gave you no reason to. If it wasn't for you, who knows what I'd be doing. You are an inspiration, Steven Universe," Damian told him, prompting the boy to rush and hug him tightly.

"You ARE a good person, Damian! You've helped so many people on this journey so far..." Steven started before Damian put a finger to his lips.

"It's true. It really is. But the other day with the fire...it reignited that old passion...no pun intended," Damian cracked a smile. "I want to see the Frymans' repairs through. I want to help them and all of your city. When Mayor Dewey told me you had no actual firemen in the city, I knew I had an opportunity to do some good."

"...do you realize just how stupid you are?" Sanji asked.

Petrea moved faster than anyone and grabbed the chef by the collar, changing his weight to be light enough to lift off of the ground. "How dare you, Sanji?! Do you realize how rude and insensitive you are?!"

"My Petrea-chan, I could have worded that better," Sanji said with a gulp. "But all I wanted to say was that he has been wrong for years about his power!"

"What the hell are you talking about?!" Damian asked, getting angry.

"You have the ability to cause explosions! There are times where a fireman would need to make a hole in a wall to get to a person faster! You literally have the perfect power to be a fireman, you shitty idiot!" Sanji got out. He then turned to Petrea and sighed. "Your eyes turn the loveliest shade of green when you are angry."

"PIG!" she yelled as she threw him toward the wall, only to be caught by Garnet before he caused any damage.

"Smooth," Garnet told him.

"I..." Damian stood there, lost in a sea of emotions. "I...holy...how did I not realize that at all these past ten years?!"

"Self-loathing?" Usopp suggested.

"Stupidity?" Luffy wagered a guess.

"Not helping!" Nami hit them on the head. She rubbed her knuckles and patted Damian, who had started to laugh madly to himself. "I for one think that you will make a great fireman, Damian. You will really help a lot of people here."

"Excuse me, but we aren't done here!" Petrea stamped her foot down. "Why would you make such a rash decision like that without talking to any of us?"

The former Mr. 5 gulped. "I don't expect you to understand, Petrea...I just have this chance to do some good. Sailing around with you and the Straw Hats has been some of the greatest experiences in my life...and I will cherish them until I die. But I need to do this...for me."

"But we will miss you!" Luffy started to cry. "I don't care if 'Operation: Discover Damian's Dream' is completed! I can't stand to see one of my nakama go! It will be bad enough to lose Steven and the Gems...but to lose you too..."

"Actually," Petrea sighed. "You might want to add another name to that list."

"What?!"

"Damian, you've been my partner for years now. We've gone through hell and back. If you think I'm going to let you do this alone, you are dead wrong," Petrea began to chuckle lightly. "Kyahahaha! I've lost my mind, but what the hell?"

"But...but...at least he has the prospects of a job!" Pearl freaked out. "What will you do to survive here?!"

"Sell chocolate of course! Every beach town needs a good chocolate shop! It might be a rough couple of years, but I already have all of my tools on the Merry. That's half of the battle right there!" Petrea smacked her head. "God, I sound crazy right now!"

"You...you would really leave our world behind...just for me?" Damian asked. "Why?"

"Because you can't break up the 'Mr. 5 Pair!' You're my best and oldest friend, Damian. Of course I would," Petrea blushed. "Besides, I could make a killing here with the shore crowd."

"I've got a great idea: why don't you all just stay?" Smoker asked. "My life would be much happier and then I wouldn't have to arrest you."

"Fat chance, Smokey! How would I become the Pirate King if I stayed here?" Luffy asked, pulling down his eyelid.

"...I tried," the Marine sighed. "I should have known it wouldn't be that easy."

"Oh my gosh! When everybody gets home, you two can stay here with me until you guys can get started!" Steven smiled. "We can be roommates!"

"Steven...I don't think you sharing the house with a grown couple is such a good idea..." Priyanka frowned. "As I was telling Damian before, Doug and I can look into some low-income housing."

"We aren't a couple!" Petrea and Damian said at the same time.

"But...do they have no-income housing?" Steven asked.

"Hey, I've got an idea: why don't you two just stay in the van with me? We can pow-wow for a while and make it work," Greg suggested.

"...I think not..." Petrea shook her head.

"Fine. You can stay with Steven and the big guy can stay with me! Problem solved!" Greg smiled.

"I still think that this is a terrible idea...no offense," Pearl objected. "You two have a minimal means of human income, no long-term plan, and no source of 'insurance!' How..."

"We will make it work for Tweedledee and Tweedledum here," Greg patted Damian's back. "Not every situation is perfect, but hey: if every pork chop were perfect..."

"We wouldn't have hot dogs!" Steven yelled excitedly. "Dad, you're the best!"

"Well...I try..." Greg blushed. "But there is still a heck of a lot we have to talk to Mayor Dewey about...but it is best not to think about that now. We will deal with that whenever the rest of you end up home..."

"Wait...what about you, Genevieve?" Nami asked. "Are you staying here too?"

The painter had been silent the entire time, engaged in her book and ignoring everything around her. "I'm sorry...what have you guys been talking about?"

"...are you joking?"

"Nope. I...say, you forgot one," Genevieve pointed to the door.

"What are you talking about? Everybody received a..." Priyanka shook her head until she followed Genevieve's line of sight. "Where did that come from?"

Sure enough, there was a single package left. Amethyst, not thinking at all, walked over to it and picked it up. "Hey! It's for Connie!"

The young girl jumped. "What? Me?"

"Yeah!"

"Don't open it!" Priyanka ordered. "I most certainly did not bring that!"

"I don't see what the big deal is," Amethyst shrugged. "It's just a box."

The Gem opened it up, causing everyone to adopt a battle stance, with Steven forming a bubble around Connie, Priyanka, and Greg. However, nothing happened. Amethyst reached inside and pulled out a small piece of paper.

"What does it say, Amethyst?" Luffy asked.

"It's hard to make out...um...I think it is in some kind of code..." the purple Gem shrugged.

"Allow me," Robin offered. She moved past Tashigi, who avoided eye contact with her, and looked over the sheet. "Hmm...it is a cipher…give me a moment...if I replace this letter with its opposite...ah. I think I have it..."

"...well?"

"It says 'Good Morning,'" Robin noted while staring at the paper.

"'Good Morning?!'" the Gems said at the same time.

"Why are you so nervous?! What does 'Good Morning' mean?" Priyanka asked in a concerned voice.

"That's a good morning!" a voice called from behind her. It belonged to a strange-looking man with a propeller cap and a fanny pack pointing to the window, where the sun shone brightly in the sky. "Or is it afternoon? I always get these things mixed up!"

"I...who are you?!" she asked, clearly flustered by the stranger's sudden appearance.

"Me? I'm your Uncle Grandpa!"