Chapter 19: Prime

Rose Quartz... Leader of the Crystal Gems, wife of uncle Greg and mother to Steven was actually Pink Diamond. Just when I thought there wasn't anything else that could surprise me today. Already I've been hit with meeting Lapis Lazuli, learning that the Corrupted use to be normal Gems until the climax of the Great War, achieving in healing a Corrupted for a limited amount of time and the mother of all bombs...this. I slowly placed my hand on top of my head and moved my goggles onto my eyes before taking a breath.

"Are you mad, brother?" Citrine asked.

I lifted my head to look at him, "I have no idea how to respond to that, Citrine. And it doesn't take a genius to figure out how she was able to deceive everyone, but my biggest question to all of it is why. Why hide who she really is instead of putting on a facade?"

"Because she was afraid." Dad said, making me turn my attention to him. "That alone was because of me and the other Diamonds. We loved her and her unique personality, but when the goal of saving our home and those that were innocent arrived we no longer had much time with her. She herself wanted to be apart of it and was denied several times until I convinced the others to give her a chance. When that occurred she had to prove that she could follow what we started, but when she learned the truth everything changed. She became Rose Quartz to leave behind her identity as a Diamond and start a new life."

"Did you already know who she was when you came to earth?"

He nodded, "Yes. I was disappointed that she created this facade, but it was her life now. I no longer helped her with decisions and she herself had to fully learn the responsibilities and consequences she committed just as I did."

I looked away from him as my eyes turned to the carpet. "Was there a chance you guys were going to tell me this?"

"Not really." Pyrope replied. "We'd figured you'd figure it out eventually and as much as I wanted to hit that pretty face of hers, it wouldn't change anything."

"Do the Crystals know?"

"Amethyst and Garnet don't, but Pearl does." Charoite said.

I immediately raised my head and looked at her. "What?! Why not? They're family."

"Because she was scared of how they would react."

"So she'd rather put them in the dark than telling the truth?"

She nodded and walked up to me before sitting down next to me on the couch. "Listen, brother. When we found out when she told us in person she begged for forgiveness. After everything that happened and everything we did the only thing we could give her was acceptance. Not trusting her or forgiving her, but accepting the woman she was and the path she chose to follow just as we did." She then placed her hand onto mind. "For now, keep this to yourself. Don't confront them about it. And don't tell Steven either. He isn't ready to handle this right now."

"But he has the right to know the truth. The truth is more important than keeping it in the dark."

"I know, but let us handle this, okay?"

I looked at her face and from the slow grip she was placing onto my hand this needed to be kept quiet. It wasn't my place or my business to tell him his mother fought herself. And since Pearl was the only one who knew she must've had a hand in it too.

I pulled myself up from the couch as she released my hand before walking over to the stairs. As I made it to my room I pulled my goggles off and placed them down on my drawer before pulling out some headphones and laying on my bed. The best way to end a crazy day is with music.

My eyes shot open. Raising myself from my bed I stretched out my arms while letting out some groans. I turned my eyes to my phone on the charger and picked it up to see the time. Six forty-five. I pulled up my message hub and sent a few messages to Angela and Chelsea, but when I came up to Scarlet, was it okay to bring her along too? Maybe two was enough, but she said she accepted me for who I am and it didn't feel right to put her in the dark or the Parks sisters. Questions would come up and it'll be better for the three of them to see it with their owns eyes when we get there.

Getting up I pulled out my selection of clothes to wear and made my way to the shower. I opened the door to the bathroom and thankfully no-one was there. Putting my clothes on the toilet I glanced at the mirror. Heterochromatic eyes. The first with them. Time to see where this goes. Once I stripped myself and felt the warmth of the water passing through my body I sucked up some air into my nose and exhaled through my mouth. Don't overthink. One step at a time and we'll see where this goes.

As I got dressed and headed downstairs I noticed Citrine eating cereal while Amber was making coffee. "Morning."

"Good morning, brother." Citrine said as he was munching before swallowing.

"You're up early. Everything alright?" Amber said.

"Yeah. Just wanted to get a head start today. Meeting girls for a little adventure." I replied as I took out some orange juice.

"Really now. Where are y'all goin'?"

"It's a surprise. And don't worry, we'll be fine."

"As long as ya don't do anything crazy or dangerous."

"Are you asking me as a cop or my sister?" I asked as I poured the juice into a cup and drank it.

"Both." She replied as she poured herself some coffee. "I know ya got a lot on ya mind little brother, but try not ta take it out on on the town or any other public properties."

Once I swallowed my juice I placed the cup down before speaking again, "I'm not bringing any paint with me, Amber. Besides, my creations gave Beach City something the locals can talk about."

"And made me put you in cell. Do ya have any idea how embarrassing it is arrestin' my little brother and then bail him over and over again?" She said as she turned around to look at me.

I sighed a bit before walking up to her. "It was only twice. I only tag walls now whenever I feel up to it."

She placed her coffee down and approached me, getting a bit too close to my face. "Just be safe. And try to remember the rules."

"Deal."

We backed off as I went to finish up the rest of my juice. I washed the cup afterwards before putting it in the dishwasher. As I was about to leave the kitchen I patted Citrine's arm and wished luck when he goes to work before heading out the door.

I leaned back against the metal pole as I turned my attention to the sun rising from the horizon. It always looks so...majestic and mystical whenever I look at it. The colors, how the clouds surround it if they show up and how the stars and moon soon disappear into the light, only to come back when dusk hits. Moments like this make you feel like it's nice to live on a planet, not just on earth but on any that'll give you a view like this. Quiet. Peaceful. Away from the crazy things going on in your life. Does make me wonder how many planets are still alive out there, not to mention Green Pearl. Centuries gone by and the burning question to her is something I don't feel like I'm ready to ask: Was she still alive? I hope she is and maybe someday, if the universe is kind enough to show some generosity, I'll get to meet her. I hope that'll happen.

"Hey! Kameron!"

My eyes shot open from the sound of the voice as I turned my head to see the girls jogging up to me. I pushed myself away from the pole and walked up to them as they soon approached me.

"Kameron. What happened to your eye?" Angela asked.

"It's...kinda complicated."

"Is it a like a contact lens?" Chelsea asked as walked up to me.

"No, my family helped my inner halves find balance within me and when we came to an agreement I became whole."

"Inner halves?" Scarlet questioned as she titled her head.

"Like I said, long story. I'll explain it a bit more when we get to our destination." I replied as I soon turned around and began walking.

"Exactly where are you taking us?" Chelsea asked as she approached my right side.

"You'll see it when we get there. I'm not gonna spoil the surprise."

"C'mon. Not even a little hint?"

"You said Gem related. That'll be your only hint. So we better hurry before we miss our ride."

Confusion appeared on her face as I soon began to jog ahead of them. "C'mon, girls! Move those legs!"

"Oh, it is on!" Chelsea yelled as I see her running next to me.

"Wait up you two!" Angela yelled from behind me.

I didn't hear Scarlet, but I could already hear her feet running.

Wasn't sure how long we were running as the sun was ascending into the sky, but it felt good getting the body moving and feeling the wind on my face. Soon enough we all had to catch our breath and slowed down, but still kept going. At times like this it felt good getting out of a town or a city to explore the world, or at least a small apart of it.

As we walked I saw some train tracks ahead and noticed the bells ringing. Turning my head to the left a train was coming and that was our ticket ride. "Girls. Let's go!" Running up to the side of the train I saw an open boxcar and grabbed onto a support pole before pulling myself onto it. Soon after I turned around and reached out to grab Angela's and Scarlet's hands. Last was Chelsea as I grabbed her hand and pulled her inside.

"Train hopping, huh?" She asked.

"Better than walking until your feet bleed." I replied as I took a seat on the edge.

The girls joined up with me as we gazed upon a land of green. "Wow. This looks amazing." Angela said with awe. "Have you been train hopping before?"

"Once. My brother Onyx took me out like this when I was younger. I was a bit scared, but when we saw the train and hopped on I slowly felt calmer once a looked at this view." I answered.

"It's beautiful, Kameron." Scarlet commented. "Will it be as amazing as our destination?"

"No. Where we're going isn't as beautiful as this."

We have arrived. The four of us jumped off of the train and up ahead was a place I never thought I'd see again. This is where it all started.

The girls were quiet as we walked up to a massive crystalline wall. "Stand back." I asked.

They each took a few steps back from me as I walked up to the wall. Placing both of my bare hands on it I closed my eyes. Getting a good grip onto it I felt it slowly coming down while feeling the light of Gem. More and more did I hear it descending into the ground as I slowly opened my eyes. Removing my hands the gate was open, now time to go inside, "Alright. Come on in."

"Are you sure we're allowed to go in? Does your family know we're here?" Angela asked cautiously.

"I've been here before and I'll protect you. And no, they don't know I'm here. If they ask then I'll tell them it was for a good reason." I answered as I turned around and walked inside.

"Lighten up, sis. This is just the start." Chelsea said as she walked inside. "Are you two gonna stand there or are we gonna check this place out?"

Angela sighed as she walked in, "Might as well."

"Relax, brunette. We've got a guardian protecting us." Scarlet said as she walked with her.

As we all made it inside I stopped and turned around to the girls, making them stop in front of me. "I really didn't want you three to see any of this, but I had a feeling more questions were going to asked, so I went ahead and took the initiative. Angela. Chelsea. Scarlet. Welcome to the Kindergarten."

The girls took their attention off of me and toward our surroundings. The atmosphere itself was very bleak, not to mention lifeless on every angle. The machinery and several holes all over the landscape really raises a lot of questions for newcomers. Even though they became desperate out of fear of losing what they held dear, Dad and the rest of the Diamonds should've thought of a better solution.

"So...this is the place where baby Gems learn stuff?" Chelsea asked.

"Actually this is where Gems were born. Gems don't age or change appearances as time progresses. Technically term is made but "born" to me sounds more comfortable."

"Is this where your family comes from?" Angela asked as we started walking.

"My dad and my brothers and sisters came from Home World."

"Home World? That name sounds kinda lame." Chelsea pointed out.

"Yeah. I said the same thing when I first heard it, and though it sounds generic it's the birthplace where Era 1 Gems were born."

"Era 1?" Scarlet questioned.

"When all of the Diamonds were together and had peace before things turned sour. After the Great War I believe the other Diamonds started a new era for themselves. I can only imagine what it's like on Home World now." I answered as I placed my back against a wall.

"What are those machines?" Angela asked, pointing at one.

I looked at her direction before answering, "Those are called Injectors. What they do is drill themselves into the ground, put some strange liquid into it and after a while a new Gem pops out. *snap*"

I looked at her face and her expression got me worried a little as she slowly backed away, "Is...this how the nutrition of the soil is drained."

I nodded. She backed up a little before her back it a wall. Pushing myself from the wall I walked up to her. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah...yeah, just...a lot to take in right now."

I then turned my attention to the others, "Are you two okay?"

"Aside from the creep factor, this place just gave me a new song to write." Chelsea said.

"Though I'm shocked at how this happened, what happened is the past. If it didn't happen then none of us would be here right now." Scarlet added.

"Yeah..." I replied.

"So is this all you wanted to show us?" Chelsea asked.

"Yes. And...I wanted to get out of the house after yesterday. It was crazy."

"Normal crazy or hella crazy?"

"Hella crazy." I replied as I sat on the ground. "Things are getting more complicated the more I discover hidden secrets my family kept from me. And I get it, they wanted me to wait until I was older, but I had no idea it would be that messed up. It's insane and I'm sure what's gonna happen next and after. What the future holds for all of us. I can think of several possibilities, but neither work and I hate to think too much about it or over think it. I just want to make sure we're prepared for the unexpected."

I slowly placed both hands on my head as I closed my eyes. My brain totally hurts right now.

"Kameron."

I opened my eyes to see the girls standing in front of me.

"Don't beat yourself over this. Whatever happens we'll face it together, prepared or not. Try to focus on the here and now. The future will be whatever we want it to be, not from what we think it'll be. We're still young. And we've got all the time in the world." Angela said as she kneel in front of me while placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Plus if there's a chance, let us be Gems too. And yeah you're gonna say "it's too dangerous. You shouldn't get involved. Think about your families," crap. I want in to lay a smackdown on those monsters and this Gem stuff really sounds awesome." Chelsea said.

"And more importantly, let us be by your side. It's none of our business, but we live on this planet too. Shouldn't we have a say in protecting it?" Scarlet concluded.

I... didn't know what to say to that. I opened my mouth, but the words couldn't be made. These girls won't take no for an answer. So I sucked in some air and exhaled out of my mouth. "Okay. And I'm sorry for complaining about this to you."

"It's alright. Sometimes when you're troubled you just gotta let it all out to the ones you trust." Angela said, raising her hand to me.

I took it as she helped me up.

"Now that all of that mushy crap is out of the way, would ya mind telling us about your eye?" Chelsea said.

"Alright. I'll give you the details after I show you around more. Deal?"

"Fine. You did promise and I'm sure it'll be cool seeing how many holes are in this place."

"This isn't the only one though."

Her eyes shot open, "There are more?"

I nodded, "But you three will have to earn the privilege of seeing them and I'm not a easy nut to crack."

"That can be arranged. Don't forget about the one who crushed your family jewels back in Kyoto." She said as she cracked her knuckles.

My eyes shot open from that as I soon walked away from her.

End of Chapter 19.

Hope you all enjoyed.