Chapter 21: For The Truth

For a while, I've kinda gotten the hang of having a job. Sure I have to get up early and be here until dusk, but at least I'm helping out. Ms. Smiley is pretty nice and we've been getting along well, but whenever we get slow days she always wants me or Sadie to double clean the bathrooms and double stock so that the customers feel great about coming in and may want to come back. That I could handle, but so far it's been a bit slow. Some customers drop in here and there for drinks and ice cream. The ice cream selection has a lot of variety, but the main three were Cookie Cats, Lion Lickers and my favorite, Mega Mints. So far there hasn't been anything crazy going on and Lars is on the road to get better. By tomorrow he'll be back and I'll be out, and I'm not that bothered about it. When I get an application for a job I pick then I can use this place as a reference.

My train of thought was cut when I heard the door open. Coming in was none other than Mr. Smiley. No matter how many times I see him or talk to him I always grin. Guess that's the effect the Smiley has on people. "Hey, Kameron." He greeted.

"Hey, Mr. Smiley. How's it going?" I replied.

"Not too bad. Taking a bit of a break while my workers are taking care of Funland. I am so lucky they asked me for work instead of me going to them. I can't even imagine myself handling the park all by myself."

"I can't imagine that. I'm sure your sister would help out too. I've seen you get stressed out from time to time and it isn't good for your health."

He chuckled a bit from that, "Possibly. Even when she's got her own thing going she always gives me a helping hand. I couldn't ask her for anything in return even if I tried. By the way, is she around?"

"Yeah. She's in the back checking our stocks. You want me to get her?"

'Nah, that's alright. On the other hand, can you hook me up with your new blueberry doughnuts?"

I nodded before I pulled out the silver clippers and got down onto my knees before opening the lower case to get out the doughnuts. Grabbing a paper bag I put the doughnuts into it while adding in some napkins along since these doughnuts aren't just good, they're a bit sticky too.

"Here ya go."

"Thanks. See ya around Kameron." He replied after paying me.

Mr. Smiley soon left and I turned my attention to the next customer behind him. As soon as he looked at me his eyes immediately widened. "Whoa! Kameron what happened to your eye?"

"It's complicated."

"And since when did you start working at the Big Doughnut?"

"Lars got sick so I'm taking his place for a while. Once he comes back I'll be done and gone."

"Stay still. I gotta take a picture of you." He said as he pulled out his phone. "You are definitely gonna be my new highlight for Keep Beach City Weird." He added as I got hit with a flash.

"How's that going, Ronaldo?"

"It's been a rough experience since that jerk Zac deleted all of my work. He had no idea how much passion I put into it and still destroyed it right in front of me. Still, despite that I managed to put down almost everything back. Plus I've been wanting to ask you about something."

"What's up?"

"Lately I've fallen into a new subject that has caught my attention: Gems. For a while I've created my own theories about the ones I've been seeing and I believe I've discovered what their existence really is." He said as he showed me his phone with images of Citrine and Lepidolite.

"Really? And what might that be?" I asked as I placed an elbow on the counter with my hand against my left cheek.

"They are beings from another world. They are those that cannot be understood by those that don't understand what it's really like being one of them. They are caught between an eternal struggle of doing what is right and doing what is best for everyone, and it is this and this alone that made me come to realize the very secrets they are hiding. They. Are. Aliens!"

I could help but raise an eyebrow at that. Seriously? That's the conclusion he came to? As much as I didn't want to crush his hopes I think now is the time he starts to see things a bit more clearly. "Ronaldo. Everyone already knows that."

"W-What?" He replied as his eyes slowly widened.

"It's common knowledge now. Nearly everyone around the world knows about it. My dad made a book about the Great War that saved this very planet. And if it wasn't for him, the Rainbow Gems and Crystal Gems then none of us would be here right now."

"But...but...there has to be more to it than that, right? You can't always trust facts or books, Kameron. The best thing to do is trust your gut, believing that the truth you discover is always true regardless of what anyone else says."

I groaned and asked him to stay as I went to go see Ms. Smiley. "Ms. Smiley. Can I go on a break? It's getting kinda slow out here." I asked as I entered the back room. She turned around to look at me. "Okay. But be back soon, okay?" I nodded as I went back to the front with Ronaldo at the counter. "Come with me." I asked as I walked passed him.

"Where are we going?"

"A place where you'll get your answers."

Buddwick Public Library. Founded my Buddy Buddwick himself. It's a pretty cool place to go for books, doing homework or research purposes. The founder himself had a lot of imagination as it was stated in history that he wanted to be an author and was inspired by a woman with long pink hair who had several lions with her. Glad to know that she helped some people find what they were looking for, but despite that, how I think about her now is different. Rose...Pink Diamond...whatever she calls herself, hiding who you are just so you could fool almost everyone for a noble cause sends a lot of mixed messages. If you were here right now I would chew you out for lying and ask you why you did it. But for now I need to focus on Ronaldo.

As we entered inside we walked up to the librarian. She had light white hair wrapped in a bun with hazel eyes and glasses. She had some wrinkles but didn't look that old. She wore a white collared shirt with a black skirt and had on a watch on her right wrist. "Hi, Mrs. Leo." I called out.

She turned around to look at me and a small grin began to stretch across her lips. "Oh my. Hello there Kameron. Is there anything I can do for you?" She asked.

"Is there a copy of The Great War? I want to show it to my friend, Ronaldo."

She looked at him for a few seconds before turning back to me. "Sure. We've got plenty of copies for that. Strange that a lot of younglings don't read it that much." She then turned around and I heard a drawer open up before she pulled out the book and handed it to me. "Here ya go sweetie. And remember to be quiet while your here."

"We will, right Ronaldo?" I asked him in a quieter tone.

"Promise."

We then walked over to a reading area to the right where there were a few desks and chairs along with some beanbags in the corner. On any other day I would've gone to the beanbags, but instead it would have to be the desks. Once we sat down I opened up the book and handed it to Ronaldo. His eyes widened as he turned the page. He kept turning and turning until he gasped, "NO WAY!" He yelled, making me jump a little.

"SHHH!" Called out Mrs. Leo and the others.

"Sorry." He said as his cheeks warmed up a little. He then turned the book to me, "Look at this. Is that your family? And is that Steven's family?"

I took a look at the illustrations. That was definitely them, only decades younger than how they are now. It does make me wonder who made these illustrations since artists didn't exist yet, but beyond that it looks pretty good. Even to this day they look very good for their ages. "Yeah, that's them."

"Are they immortal?"

"No. Gems don't age."

"Wow. That is amazing. There are so many things I want to do with this."

"If you want the book Ronaldo you can check it out if you want?"

He shook his head, "Despite the very images I am seeing with my very own eyes, I still cannot trust this book. I know the truth and to prove it I need to ask the source."

I raised an eyebrow at him, "Where are you going with this?"

"Ya want us ta do what?" Amber asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"Interviews. I would like to speak with all of you. I must know that what I've learned from this very day is what I know from my very soul. Please. With your permission, please let me talk with each of you." Ronaldo replied before he fell onto his knees and intertwined his hands together while raising them up.

My family looked at each other and back at me. Personally I really find this a bit awkward, but then again he's trying to find answers to things he doesn't fully understand. The complexity of questions and answers. The more you look for answers the more questions you find and sometimes the answers we look for isn't always what we expect them to be. Strange, but it adds character and curiosity.

"Ronaldo honey, please stand up." Mom asked as Ronaldo got up. "It's very...interesting for you to do this, but I'm not so sure I feel comfortable with it. Are you going to put us on TuberTube?"

"No. Just my blog, but I can put in a written format afterwards."

"I find this very unnecessary." Onyx said as he crossed his arms.

"Guys. I know Ronaldo can be a bit...much. But he just wants to learn about each of you. I mean you guys are basically living history and he doesn't wanna read a book about your experiences. I'm not saying you have to do it, but doesn't anybody at your jobs ask you guys about the past?"

"You guys have jobs?" Ronaldo asked.

"Protecting a planet doesn't pay the bills. And fine. I'll pitch in just to get it over with." Pyrope said as he got up.

"Okay. But I want food if I'm doing this." Citrine added as he stood up too.

"That'll be taken care of." Ronaldo replied before turning to me. "Thanks Kameron." He added as he wrapped his arms around me.

Not that this wasn't weird and I could say something about it, but it'll be better to just let him have this. Wonder how this is gonna turn out.

Green

"Okay. Interview#1: The parents. Please state your names." Ronaldo asked as he held up his camera.

"My name is Green Diamond Evans. With me is my wife, Christie Evans." I replied as I held Christie's hand.

"Mr. Evans. How does it feel being a father to eight children? And how can they be your children if their Gems are all different?"

"Aside from Kameron the others are adopted. They have been with me since the beginnings of the earth and I gave them the choice of helping me or not. They alone decided to help from their own free wills. Once the War was concluded we went our separate ways to explore and live our own lives. After some time they returned to me from either hardships or from completing life goals. I have been a father for centuries and having them back felt heart-warming. I no longer guided them on their paths and instead became someone they needed. I alone could not handle it by myself, but everything started to change the day I met my wife. As for your second question, they are all different Gem Types."

"I see." Ronaldo then turned to Christie. "Mrs. Evans. How does it feel being a mother to eight children?"

"It isn't easy. But being a parent itself is the greatest blessing anyone could ever have. I love each and everyone of my kids no matter what. And though time may pass as I age and they don't, I enjoy every moment with them whenever I get the chance. Whatever happens in the future, we'll face it as one. There maybe things we need to face alone, but no-one can do everyone alone and it shouldn't matter who you are, where you came from or what kind of person you'll become, what matters is that you are you and you should try to be the best you can be."

As Christie was done speaking Ronaldo slowly lowered the camera and I noticed water developing in his eyes while his lips were trembling. I believe he wasn't expecting our responses to be as we told him.

"I..I'm sorry. I...I need a moment." He said as he exited out of the room.

I then turned my eyes to my wife, "He was not expecting that was he?"

She giggled a little, "I guess not.

Interview#2

Amber

"So...what kind of job do you have?" Ronaldo asked.

"I'm a cop, hun." I replied as I crossed my left leg over my right.

"How does it feel being an extraterrestrial law enforcer?"

"Excuse me?"

"I...uh didn't mean it like that. I mean is it cool being a alien cop?"

Alien cop? Looks like he needs a little lesson. I slowly raised my right hand up and only pulled out mah index finger. Small jolts an sparks started poppin' out of it as I narrowed mah eyes on him. I see him startin' ta sweat a bit as I started expanding it bit by bit.

"How...are you able to do that?" He asked.

"Been doin' it since I was born. Not really sure myself, but I never have givin' it a thought. The electricity. The sparks. The discharge. It's all familiar ta me even when I started chargin' it up. And as time when on I've been doin' this little trick to make sure people are put in their place."

"I...I'm sorry if I'm offending you. Please don't arrest me! I need to keep my blog updated!"

"I won't arrest ya, hun. I can tell ya won't survive behind bars." I replied as my sparks were gettin' smaller. "'Sides, I'm willin' ta forgive ya if ya never do it again."

"I won't."

"Then let's finish this up already."

Interview#3

Azurite

"By any chance, do Gems like to fluctuate their heights?" He asked.

"No, Ronaldo. A Gem's height is how it becomes when they create their physical forms."

"So you like being an Amazon?"

Ugh. Not this again. At times I tolerate subject such as this, but brought up countless times they can be infuriating. "My own height doesn't concern me."

"If Amber can generate electricity, what can you do?"

I stood up from my chair and spread my arms out as my wings began to emerge. The area itself wasn't too cramped as I took myself into the air. Looking down at him he dropped his camera as his jaw fell open while eyes shot open. Those who see me like this for the first time always gain that expression.

"You're an angel!"

I slowly descended to him while picking up his device. "Please do not call me that. It is not that I do not mind, but I rather not be identified as one."

"Why not? All that you're missing is a halo."

I released a sigh as I slowly placed a hand onto his shoulder. "Child. While I will admit it is rather sweet to be called that every now and again, there was a time people assumed I was and when I revealed the truth there were those that felt betrayed. I have seen the heavens with my own eyes, but not once was I ever apart of it and I have memories that I rather keep to myself. I apologize."

"What were the heavens like? Did you see other angels?"

I couldn't help but giggle from that response. "Not quite. And the heavens that I witnessed were unlike anything I have seen. One day you may see them too, but for now I believe my turn is over." I said as I handed him his camera.

Interview#4

Pyrope

"What was it like being here for thousands of years? Was it a struggle?" He asked

"Yes."

"What is it that you enjoy doing now?"

"Working out, keeping my skills sharp and putting down any monster scumbags that are still lingering around." I replied as I pounded my fist into my hand.

"Is is dangerous? Are the monster vicious?"

"Of course they are. They attack on instinct like any creature would and they've killed people if disturbed or provoked."

His eyes widened as he heard me say this, "They've killed people?"

"Yeah. Just another thing that grinds my gears."

"Have you always been angry?"

"Since the day I was born."

"Hey. It'll be okay. Do you need a hug?"

"No. I'm fine."

"It's okay to talk about it if you want to."

I then got up and raise my right fist while it was engulfed in flames.

"Or...we don't have to?" He said as he slowly stepped back before hightailing out. Oldest trick in the book and I still got it.

Interview#5

Citrine

"So. How does it feel being a guardian of the planet? The protect of the living? The guardian for those that can't protect themselves?" Ronaldo asked.

Mmm... This was sooo good. Crunchy and gooey. I loved it as I munched on it.

"Citrine. I gave you three orders of stacked chili fries and you said you'd do an interview."

I looked at him, "Huh?"

"Is it hard protecting the earth?"

"No."

"Are you the strongest?"

I nodded.

"What can you do?"

"I smash buildings that are old. I build new ones for those that need a home. And I like naps." Naps. They feel good. I'll take another one when we're done.

"Does it feel good being big?"

"Yes. But being big and strong doesn't work all the time. Sometimes I have to think, but thinking is boring. Math and numbers are boring." I then munched on my last stack of fries and burped. "I want more fries."

"Can you answer one more question?"

"I. Want. More. Fries."

"Ugh. Okay. I'll get you more."

Interview#6

Charoite

"Um...before we begin...I want...you to know that...I...have a girlfriend." He said as he gulped while shaking.

"Really? That's very sweet, baby. I hope you're treating her right." I asked as I crossed my left leg over my right.

"I am. I love my Ohime-sama. I would never do anything to hurt her. Not that you're not attractive. I mean...you are...but...you know what I mean, right?"

"It's okay. I understand. Why don't we go ahead and get this started."

"Right. Right. So...uh...what is it that you enjoying doing?"

"Well...I enjoy putting on make up every now and then, but not too much. I also enjoy tea and yoga."

"Yoga?"

I then stood and began to stretch a bit. It feels so good for the body. It makes you feel more relaxed and helps the muscles get pulled. As I stretched out my arms I soon bend over to touch my toes before taking a look at Ronaldo who's cheeks were turning red. "Are you okay? You can still talk to me."

"I...I'm sorry. I need a another moment." He said as he placed his camera down before leaving the room.

I straightened up my body as he left. I hope I didn't make him feel uncomfortable. Sometimes people like to watch me stretch and sometimes they can't handle it. Looks aren't everything, but I'm pretty sure I was too hot for him to handle.

Interview#7

Lepidolite

"I was told that Gems don't age. So have you always been a little girl?" He asked.

"Pretty much. However when I go to work I need to be the adult to my students."

"Students? They allow children to become teachers?" He responded in shock.

I sighed and spoke again, "No, Ronaldo. I may look like a little girl, but sometimes I show my other side to gain some authority." I said, using my other voice.

He gasped, "How are you able to sound like that?"

"This is my real voice. I've learn to alternate my vocal cords so that I can sound how I want to. And technically I don't have vocal cords, so with a lot of practice I was able to develop this little trick."

"Is it difficult being a teacher with your appearance?"

I cocked an eyebrow when he said that. "Excuse me? There are many people out there in the world that may look like kids but are adults too. At times it is a bit difficult, but I never let my appearance be the entirety of my faults. I used to have an issue with that, but after I learned that appearances shouldn't matter that much I learned to love who I am."

"Are you an elementary school teacher?"

"I've been a teacher for nearly every grade in the school system. I've even been a university."

"Interesting. Do you need a stool for your desks?"

At that moment I sucked in some air and flt my cheeks puff up. Whenever I ask anyone from the school system if I could my desks be smaller they always tell me no. It's so embarrassing using a stool when I need to be serious. "I think we're done, Ronaldo." I added as I got out of my chair and left.

"Wait! I've got more questions! I didn't mean to offend you."

Interview#8

Onyx

"Um...what is that you like to do?" He asked.

"I like to sleep in my grave. On occasion I've write poems related to darkness and listen to soft music fitting for the very words I place with my pencil."

"What kind of job do you have?"

"I work at a mortuary and set up several funerals. It is not to only this country, but to the several others."

"I bet that must be hard to go through."

"Not necessarily. It depends on the church or cathedral itself, or even the funeral home. The services themselves aren't too difficult for me to process, but what keeps me going with it is seeing the many people they arrive. Death itself is inescapable and sooner or later we will all succumb to it whether we are ready for it not. The only thing that I dare say that irritates me are the widows."

"Why? They've just lost someone that they loved."

"I can understand that. Male widows that I help would ask me to join them for drinks or each other's company to which I have nothing against. However, certain female widows would want me all to themselves. I no longer have a wife and though I feel certain levels of empathy for their loses I will not do this to their deceased husbands or disgrace the very memory of wife. I am positive that she would want me to move on, however that road I cannot take at the moment."

The expression on his face was all too familiar. When someone is not informed of one's death it takes their brains either moments to understand or shut down completely.

"I'm...so sorry to here that. I lost my mom too. She was sick and there was nothing the doctors could do for her. That's why I only have my dad and my little brother left."

"I have noticed. Condolences for her departure. Do you miss her?"

"Of course I do. She always encouraged me to follow whatever I feel passionate for and didn't care that I was weird. And...and..."

He lowered his camera and I could see the tears in his eyes. Getting up from my chair I walked over to him as he dropped the camera and wrapped his arms around me before sobbing. I rubbed his back as he weeped. The death of a parent isn't something a child can ever get over easily. Death has power to make you change, whether to someone who can mature or to someone who despises the universe for what they did to them. It's a common trait.

Interview#9

Kameron

"Thank you Kameron for letting me do this." He said as he sniffled a bit.

"Whatever helps you expand your knowledge."

"Now, you are my final guest. Tell me what is it like having a gem?"

"Do you really want to know Ronaldo? You really want my opinion about it?"

He nodded.

I sighed and gave him my answer. "I'm actually a hybrid. Half-Human. Half-Gem. It's been...a wild ride and it's still going. I've started this since I was thirteen and the day I began all of this was the day everything changed. Not just for me, but for everyone else. I never expected it to be like this at all and at first it was fun. Going on adventures, slaying monsters and keeping everyone safe like a guardian. But then when something happens to you. When you experience a traumatic event right in front of you, that's when you had to get serious and treat everyday like your last. When Lapis Lazuli, the girl that took the oceans and returned them, left the planet I had a little feeling this was only gonna get worse before it gets better. I'm learning new things about Gems I never thought would be true. I've snapped before and you better run if I ever do it again. As of now, I don't really know what to do about this."

Once I was finished I looked at Ronaldo. He pressed a button on his camera and placed it down before walking up to me. "Kameron. I had no idea that's what it's like. That's not weird, that's a heavy burden. And as your friend I want to tell you that I won't let you beat yourself up. If this is what your family does then I want to support the cause, while also keeping up with my blog and adding your situations into it."

"Ronaldo... You don't have to do-" I replied before he stopped me by putting his hands onto my shoulders.

"I want to. I may not fully understand any of this, but I can think of several things that could happen like meeting someone your familiar with or facing a force unlike anything you've ever witnessed, but the truth that I know will happen is us protecting the planet."

That alone made my lips stretch. I didn't really see an issue with him doing this as along as he's at a safe distance and doesn't get caught in the crossfire. "Alright. It's your life. Just don't mention our names, okay?"

"I swear."

Final Analysis

Ronaldo

This was by far the best day of my life. Not only was I able to speak and learn about the Rainbow Gems, but uncover hidden secrets. Both Kameron and his dad share a Diamond on their wrists and I know exactly what they actually are...polymorphic sentient rocks. I didn't even need to ask them that. It's gonna feel so good t put this down, and I know there are those out there that'll discover it and have their eyes open. I know they will.

Plus I never realized Kameron was so hard on himself for what he is. He shouldn't be. I should definitely have him over for the next horror club event. Wonder which movie I should pick. And I should've asked him if he watches Koala Princess.

End of Chapter 21.

Hope you all enjoyed. I added Ronaldo into this because I wanted to give him some importance since in canon he's as a joke and someone no-one believes until it actually came true. I thinks he's pretty cool, including his weirdness.

See you all next time. Peace out.