Chapter 7: Gray meeting his Family
After telling his story, Gray was showering in Steven's bathroom. His armor and old clothes were put aside to be washed. As he was showering Steven was coming down from his room with some clothes for him. Once he came down he saw Connie sitting on the couch and went up to her.
Steven: Hey are you okay?
Connie: Yeah I'm fine. I'm just...just...
Steven: Just trying to take this is?
Connie: Yes.
Steven: Is it about me dying in the future or the fact we have a son.
Connie: Both. I can't imagine the thought of you dying.
Steven: It's okay. That's why Gray is here. To keep that from happening.
Connie: I know, that's another thing. We've just been dating for six months and we already know we're going to get married and have kids.
Steven frowned a bit.
Steven: Do...do you not want that? Don't you love me?
Connie: No, I didn't mean it like that. I'm just saying that...this is just coming too fast you know andalready we know what the future lies for us and I had plans for my career I've been working on. But I do love you. And the good thing is that, we'll always be together and maybe...I'd would want start a family with you.
Steven: You still can and I'll be there to support you always.
Steven kissed her cheek and got back up to give Gray some clothes. He knocks on the bathroom door before entering.
Steven: Uh, Gray?
Gray: You may enter.
Steven opens the door and see's Gray from his back, with a towel wrapped around his waist. He saw the large scar on his back that Steven healed when he was strucked by Spinel. Gray turned to him still drying his hair. There were also battle scars across his right chest and his left waist. He must have taken quite of abuse from where he's from. But he was right on one thing. He had no gem on him.
Steven: I brought you some clothes for you to wear. Well they're mine but you can use them for now.
Gray: Thanks just put them on the counter. I'll be out in a bit.
Five minute later.
Gray emerged out of the bathroom as the others saw him. He looked down at the shirt and pants Steven gave him.
Gray: Uh, do you always wear the same clothes?
Steven: No I have others too.
Connie: What do you mean? The only others you have are baby blue and pink.
Steven: It's sky blue and salmon. Baby blue and pink make me sound like I'm a sissie.
Gray: Look dad, since the ship is still being refurbished I want to take the time to...know what you're capable of.
Steven: Are you saying you want to train? Yeah, let me go get Pearl.
Later at the Sky Arena.
Steven and Connie were with Pearl, Amethyst, Garnet and Revenger to see Gray in the arena while the others were busy checking and refurbishing the ship.
Pearl: Now uh Gray, are you sure you want me to go that high?
Gray: I've taken armies of Gara Soldiers believe me.
Gray forms his nagitana.
Pearl: ( sigh) Alright.
Pearl forms a Holo Pearl.
Holo Pearl: Do you wish to engage in combat?
Pearl: Set level to 50.
Connie: Level 50? I'm only half way.
Steven: 30 for me.
Holo Pearl: Commencing Duel. Begin: Level 50.
Holo Pearl's eyes turn red and attacks Gray. He blocked her attack. He kept blocking her attacks until he pushed her back and tried to attack her as Holo Pearl kept blocking his attacks. Halo Pearl tried slashing him until he jumped up and he began spinning his nagitana and it began to glow.
Gray: Cyclone Burst!
The Cyclone Burst wave shot down at Holo Pearl. The impact was powerful as everyone covered themselves from the strong wind it caused. Holo Pearl was seen being thrown in the air until Gray flew down at high speed and pinned her to the ground with his nagitana.
Holo Pearl: Defeat accepted.
Holo Pearl disappears. The smoke clears up and turns to the others who sat their surprised and then cheered for him.
Amethyst: WHOOO! Yeah, that was awesome dude!
Garnet: Nice job.
Pearl: Excellent job Gray. You've just earned your first Pearl Point.
Gray: I don't know what that is...but thank you. But if you don't mind, I really want to see what dad's power. Dad?
Steven: Uh, okay.
Steven got onto the arena as Gray puts away his weapon.
Steven: So...how are we going to do this?
Gray: I want you to come at me. Give me all you got.
Steven: Are you sure? I mean if this means using my full power on you it might...
Gray: Don't hold back. I want you give it your all. I need to know.
Steven: ( sigh) Alright.
Steven forms his shield and throws at Gray coming at him. Gray stood their standing his ground.
Steven: ( in his mind) What's he doing? It's about to hit him.
Right before the shield was about to hit him, Gray caught it like frisbee.
Steven: He caught it?
Gray threw it back at Steven, but it was going faster than his throw. Steven acted fast and ducked down to avoid it.
Gray: Is that the best you can do?
Steven: No, it's not.
Steven got serious and formed two of his shields but this time with spikes. He threw them at Gray and formed more and kept throwing them. Gray just dodged each attack. After dodging the last attack, Gray formed his arms into a cross and used his cross beam. Steven blocked the attack with his shield. But then he saw Gray was gone.
Steven: Wait where did he...
Then he looked up and saw Gray in the air and saw he was charging one hand for an enerby ball. He threw it down at Steven, but managed to dodge.
Steven: Alright that's it.
Steven activated his pink powers. He was running fast which caused everything around him to slow down and jumped up high. He formed a hexagonal shield and pushed Gray down to the ground. Then he formed more and surrounded Gray and trapped in within them. And it looked like he couldn't get out.
Gray: Not bad, but don't stop, keep going.
Steven: No, the next attack his lethal. Besides you can't keep up with me in this state.
Gray took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Then he began to let out a yell. Electicity was forming around him. It looked like was charging up for something. Suddenly a green aura bursted out, breaking the shields and letting out a flash. Everyone shielded their eyes at first, but then looked and to their surprise, Gray had enhanced gem form like Steven did. But he was green rather than pink. Electricity spakred around his body and his hair was spiked up from the energy.
Garnet: He has hidden gem powers too?
Pearl: Just like Steven. Unbelievable.
Steven: Whoa, you have enhanced powers too?
Gray: Alright, lets try this again.
Gray charged at at high speed. Steven formed his shield as Gray began punching it down. His punches were powerful though and Steven was struggling to hold it. Steven pushed him back and formed orbs around his fists and punched Gray across the face. Gray jumped back and rubbed his face and continued to dodge Steven's attacks and kicked him. Steven formed more hexagonal shields threw him at Gray, but he kept punching them away. He kept running at Steven and his hands formed into green energy blades around them. Steven tried dodging his attacks, until he formed a bubble that pushed Gray back. Gray landed on his feet and began to spin around. He formed what appeared to be a mini tornado with blades sticking out and came at Steven. All he could do was dodge. This was becoming intense for him. He formed his bubble again, but then Gray jumped up in the air and formed his blade hands together and flew down at Steven's bubble, bursting it. Once he landed, Steven was caught off guard as Gray's hand glowed and pushed Steven down by releasing an energy wave. Steven fell back on the ground.
Connie: Steven!
Connie ran up to Steven as Gray turned back to normal, but he looked exhausted now.
Connie: Are you..
Steven: It's okay, I'm fine. Wow, Gray I have to say that was impressive.
Gray just stared him with a disappointed look.
Gray: Yeah... thanks.
Gray just walked passed them and went back to the warp on his own.
Steven: Is.. is he mad?
Amethyst: He just won, winnings a good thing.
Steven just had a confused look on him, not knowing what was wrong.
Later.
Everyone got back to the house. They saw Gray outside of the house just standing on the front porch. Also standing outside on the beach was Pink's ship, which was brought and currently Peridot, Bismuth and Lapis are fixing it up.
Garnet: Shall we talk to him?
Steven: Let us go first.
Steven and Connie went outside to talk to him as he stared at the ocean.
Steven: Uh Gray, are you okay?
Gray: No.
Steven: What's the matter? You beat me right there. I mean if anyone should be upset it should be me. I mean not that I'm upset, I'm a good sport normally but...
Gray: I'm upset because you lost!
Connie: Gray calm down.
Gray: No, when I was kid mom, Sapphire, Peridot and Bismuth told me how great you were how you were this amazing hero, friend and ally. But they never told me about how you didn't become stronger after you first defeated the Gara Droids. How you slacked off, got killed and this just confirmed it.
Steven: Wh-what?
Gray: You hesitated during the fight. If you were fighting King Salamandas right now, he would have killed you instantly!
Gray's voice echoed glaring angrily at Steven. Steven and Connie stepped back a bit due how intense he was. Gray's angry expression softened up to just a frown and turned away.
Gray: Sorry...
Steven: Gray...
Gray: It's just. I just don't get why you didn't get stronger. Didn't you want to be there for mom or for me?
Steven: Gray, I'm sorry. After the last fight with Gien, I took the time helping build Little Homeworld, help the new gems adapt to Earth and overall, I just wanted things to stop and live a normal life again. I guess I'm just not a soldier. But I know how you feel. I had to fix mistakes my mom did. She started a war with Homeworld thousands of years ago and later when I was born, her mistakes started to come to me. Like some of the gems still having trouble moving on, some of my friends tried to kill me back then, Gems from Homeworld came and attacked, the cluster, Gien and all the eiltes that kept terroizing us. Okay, you probably have worse because your living through a war and if my mistakes are the cause of it, all I can say is I'm sorry and I don't want to let that happen.
Gray looked back at Steven.
Steven: I really mean it. I'm amazed how strong you are. I don't know if I can top that.
Gray: Well, if you want I can show you how I train one these days before the ship is ready.
Steven: Yeah of course and since your here, things seem to be calm now, you can properly meet everyone.
Gray: Yeah, I am a bit anxious with that. Oh and sorry if I went hard on you back there.
Steven: Eh, don't worry. I once got my gem removed that was a lot worse.
Steven chuckled as Gray looked at him confused.
Gray: Right, anyway I'll be leaving now.
Steven: Whoa where are you going?
Gray: Gonna set camp, but I'll see you tomorrow.
Steven: You don't have to sleep outside. You can stay here.
Gray: I don't want to be a burden.
Steven: Come on, wait I mean...( clears throat) As your father, I want you to come inside now.
Connie laughed a little at Steven acting mature.
Gray: Well, if you're truly okay with it.
Connie suddenly got a text. She looked at her phone and saw it was from her mom, asking where she's at.
Connie: Ah shoot, I was supposed to be back half an hour ago. I don't want to leave you two alone but...
Gray: It's okay mom, dad and I are fine.
Steven: Yeah, go on ahead.
Connie: Alright.
Connie went up to Steven and kissed him.
Connie: Goodnight Steven.
Steven: Goodnight.
Connie went up to Gray and hugged him.
Connie: I'll check back on you tomorrow okay.
Gray: Okay mom.
Connie got onto Lion and took her back home.
Steven: Come on, let me set up you spot for the night.
Steven took Gray inside and helped him settle in. These next few days, Gray would get to know everyone he never met.
With Garnet
Gray was down on the beach. He was facing the ocean as he was charging his cross beam at full power. He fired at the ocean causing it to split it in half for a moment. Showing a walkway on the ground while the water was like walls. But it wasn't there forever and went back down. He went back up to the house, but on the front door patio was Garnet who was watching. He looked nervous seeing her.
Garnet: Hey there.
Gray: Oh, hey.
Garnet: Saw what you did ther. Pretty impressive.
Gray: Well, I mean it was alright, I mean the water walls weren't high enough.
Garnet: That's still amazing though. Come, stand with me.
Gray approached her and stood next to her.
Gray: So what are we looking at?
Garnet: Just the view of the ocean, it's very beautiful. And over there you can see Little Homeworld.
Gray wasn't paying too much attention to those. He mainly gazed at her. This is the first good look he got of Garnet. But he saw a lot of Sapphire in her. Garnet turned over to him as Gray quickly looked away.
Garnet: Is something wrong?
Gray: No not at all. It's just... I always heard a lot about you Garnet. Well Sapphire did, you look so much like her. You're so pretty just like her.
Garnet smiled at him and pinched both his cheeks.
Garnet: And you're such a cutie pie, just like your father.
Gray took her hands broke free blushing.
Gray: Please, I am not cute. I prefer to be called handsome.
Garnet laughed a bit at him. Gray still held her hands and took a look at her gems as he tried to guess which gem was which. He forgot which hand Sapphire's gem was at due to the color change. He took her left hand?
Gray: Sapphire?
Garnet:That's Ruby.
Garnet shows him his right hand.
Garnet: This is Sapphire. You know her well don't you?
Gray: Of course, she's so kind to me and she helps us with choosing the right or at least the best route we can on our missions. She always talked about Ruby and how they fused to become you and you never stay apart.
Garnet: I unfuse occasionally, sometimes when we're not in sync or now a days just do our own thing for a little while.
Gray: So are you still Sapphire when fused?
Garnet: Yes and no. I carry her abilities, thoughts and some of her appearence, but I don't act exactly like her. The same with Ruby. I can wise, but I can also be rash at times.
Gray: So then your a new person?
Garnet: In a way yes. When you fuse, you don't feel like two people. You feel like one being.
Gray: So then what happens when you unfuse? Do you just vanish? Simple as that? That's horrible isn't it?
Garnet: I embody Ruby and Sapphire's love. I'll always exist in them, even if they fall apart. Don't you know anything about fusion?
Gray: I've never done it.
Garnet: You haven't? But you can access your super gem form.
Gray: I know, but I can't fuse.
Garnet: Have you tried?
Gray: Sapphire did try to tell me how it's done, but I can never do it. I tried with her, Bismuth, Peridot and even Revenger. But I can never do it. I guess because I lack an actual gem on me.
Garnet: I doubt that. With all the abilities you have, you should be able to do it. Even your parents fused and Connie is human.
Gray: Then why can't I?
Garnet: It's not the easiest technique to achieve. If you keep trying, you'll do it.
Gray: I guess.
But then Garnet looked down at her hand where Ruby was and held onto it tight.
Garnet: Tell me, is Sapphire...suffering?
Gray: Well, she tries to stay strong and puts up a good attitude for me. But whenever she talks about Ruby, sometimes she cries a bit. I can tell she still misses her. Sometimes I catch her crying over her, holding onto the wedding rings you have on.
Gray saw Garnet shake a bit.
Gray: Are you okay?
Garnet: Sorry it's just, I can't imagine that. Being unfused is one thing, but Ruby dying and Sapphire having to go through dark times without her. I don't want that to happen. I can't stand her suffering like this.
Gray places his hand on her shoulder as she calms down. She takes his hand and smiles at him.
Gray: I won't let that happen Garnet.
Garnet: Neither will I. Thank you Gray. You're doing a good thing coming here and helping us.
Gray: It wasn't just that, I just wanted to meet dad and you guys. I'm glad I met you Garnet. You're really cool.
Garnet: The moment I heard you were Steven and Connie's child I instantly loved you. I can't wait for you, well this timeline of you to be a part of our life.
Garnet pulls him into a hug. Gray hugged her back enjoying.
Garnet: Would you like to meet Ruby?
Gray: Well... I mean yes, but I don't want to make you uncomfortable.
Garnet: Don't worry, It'll only be for a bit.
Garnet unfuses and Ruby and Sapphire stand in her place. Gray kneels down to them.
Sapphire: Hello Gray.
Gray: Hi Sapphire. So you're Ruby huh?
Ruby: Hi Gray. Yeah that's me.
Gray: Well, I can definitly see now that the two of you definlty make Garnet. I can't believe it.
Ruby: You better believe it, because I'm an eternal flame baby!
Ruby lunged at him, hugging him. Sapphire joined as they laughed and continued to talk more.
With Amethyst
Gray and Steven were warping back to the house. Steven looked tired as the two of them were sweating.
Steven: Jeez, I was barely able to catch up with you. You do this everyday?
Gray: Yeah, took me a while but adding weights on your body really helps enhace your speed and strength.
They Amethyst sitting on the couch waiting for them.
Amethyst: Yo Steven, I was relieved half hour ago, where were you?
Steven: Sorry Amethyst. Gray was showing me his way of training.
Amethyst: Well are we still gonna go?
Steven: Of course, let me just clean up a bit and..
Gray: Where are you going?
Steven: Oh, Amethyst and I made plans to go to Funland arcade tonight.
Gray: Arcade?
Amethyst: Yeah you want to come Boy Wonder? It'll be fun.
Gray: What do you do at an arcade exactly?
Amethyst: What?! You never been to an arcade?
Then she saw the look on his face which had sort of an uncomfortable look. She relaxed and a sorry look on her face.
Amethyst: Oh right. The future is really not fun is it?
Gray: It really isn't.
Amethyst: Well look, you're here with us. Come on, you're coming with us.
Gray: Is it okay?
Amethyst: Yeah, stop being akward and come on.
Amethyst grabbed his arm and took him out.
They were on the boardwalk on their way to the arcade.
Steven: Wait, before go any further...
Steven ran over to the Fryshop. He got to the counter kept hitting the counter bell to call for Peedee.
Pedeed: Steven I'm right here you don't have to keep ringing the bell.
Steven: Sorry, anyway I'll have...
Peedee: Let me guess, you want the bits right?
Steven: How did you know?
Peedee: It's all you ever come here for. You can have that or...
Steven: Or?
Peedee: Or you can have our newest item, which I convinced dad to add, tater tots.
Steven: Hmmm. Well, not bad. Looks good, but no thanks. Bits please.
Peedee: ( groans) Of course.
Peedee went to prepare the fry bits for Steven. Steven went back to Amethyst and Gray.
Amethyst: Alright the bits!
Steven and Amethyst munched on the bits as Gray watched.
Steven: Oh Gray you gotta try this.
Gray: What are these again?
Steven: Fry bits. They're usually the small bits of french fries and something I personally love. Here.
Steven offered him the bag. Gray took one out and ate it. His eyes widened as he snatched the bag from Steven and ate it like crazy.
Amethyst: Whoa, someone's got an appetite.
Steven: Easy Gray, you're going to choke.
Gray: Oh my god this is greatest thing I've ever eaten in my life.
Amethyst: What do you normally eat?
Gray: Mainly canned or soldier food. But whenever I camp I often hunt and even snack on bugs.
Steven: Hold on. You eat bugs?
Gray: Ever since I was six. I didn't like hunting back then, but I was so hungry so I ate bugs.
Amethyst: Okay I often eat anything, but that is just sick.
Gray: That's what everyone says, but the provide protien. They're slimy but satisfying.
Steven coverd his mouth as if he was about to puke.
Later
They made it to the arcade. Gray saw the variety of games in there.
Amethyst: Alright, so what do you want do first?
Steven: Oh I know. Here this is whack a mole. Take this hammer, and hit the moles when the come out.
Gray: Okay.
Steven puts in a token in the game as it began. Moles kept popping up, but Gray did nothing at first.
Steven: What are you waiting for? Do it now.
Amethyst: Yeah, hit it em hard!
Gray raised his hammer and yelled out and hit one of them, but he hits it too hard that he broke through the game. Steven and Amethyst had freaked out looks on them as did Gray.
Gray: Oh, oh crap I...I think I went too hard. What do we do?
Amethyst: Nothing, just act cool. If Mr. Smiley asks, we'll just say Onion did it.
She and Steven whistled to act like nothing happend as they took Gray to another game.
Amethyst: Okay, lets try something with a little less force like uh...oh how about this one?
They approached what appeared to be a horror themed light gun shooter.
Amethyst: Okay this a good one, The House of the Dead. Here take this gun and shoot the zombies.
Gray: Is this some kind of simulation?
Amethyst: I mean, you could say that, but it's more for fun and high score if you're into that. Alright start already.
Amethyst puts in the token as the game began. Zombies were towards Gray and he fired back at them. He was shown to be quite good at it. Though considering he's been at war in his timeline, it makes sense. Once he got to the later levels it got harder.
Gray: Give me the other gun.
Steven: It doesn't work like that. Player two has to enter.
Gray: Then set it for me as player 2, hurry!
They quickly added more tokens for second gun as Gray took it and fired away. They were amazed at how skilled he was at. After a tough final boss, he finally beated the game. He got the highest score and entered his initials as GRY. He turned over to Steven and Amethyst who had the jaws dropped down.
Amethyst: Dude, that was awesome.
Steven: Yeah, you got the highest score.
Gray: Well, I don't mean to brag but I am skilled with guns.
Next they went onto ski ball.
Steven: Okay this one is simple. Roll the ball in the holes. But you want to try and get it into the highest ones to earn the most tickets.
Gray tried it himself. Though he constantly got into the lowest hole, scoring only two tickets.
Gray: Am I doing it right?
Steven: Well, yeah but, it's not the best score points. Keep trying.
Gray tried again, but still got the lowest holes.
Amethyst: Okay that's it. Just get the balls, climb over there and put them in the highest scoring hole.
Gray: But isn't that cheating?
Amethyst: Not as long as you don't get caught. Besides I do it all the time.
Amethyst put a token and got her balls and went up the machine. Gray shrugged and did what she did as they both were scoring a pile of tickets.
Gray: Look I'm winning.
Amethyst: See? Everything's fine.
Mr. Smiley: HEY!
They all stopped as they are caught by Mr. Smiley.
Mr. Smiley: I told you, you can't do that. And did you break the Whack a Mole?
Steven: Uh...
Amethyst: Oh that was Onion.
Mr. Smiley: It can't be Onion, he's over there.
Next it shows Onion at the token machine trying to break it open with a crowbar.
Mr. Smiley: You three are in so much trouble.
Gray: What do we do?
Amethyst: Run for it!
The three of them ran out of the arcade as Mr. Smiley tried give chase until he stopped at the entrance
Mr. Smiley: Hey get back here! You three are banned until you pay for the game!
Then he heard Onion finally breaking open the token machine.
Mr. Smiley: ( groans) I'll get them later. ( to Onion) Hey you, put that down. Hey don't your run away too!
Steven, Amethyst and Gray got as far away from Mr. Smiley and sat down on a bench.
Amethyst: Phew, that was a close one.
Gray: Sorry I got you banned.
Steven: It's okay. It's not the first time I got banned. My dad will pay for it.
Amethyst: So, how do you feel Boy Wonder?
Gray: Well it was fun in there. But when we were caught about to get in trouble, there was some thrill to it. Almost as thrilling as my raids in King Salamandas's castle.
Amethyst: So, you don't really have fun times like this?
Gray: Do you count training fun?
Amethyst: Um, I guess not.
Gray: Then no, we're constantly planning our attacks to save our world.
Amethyst: Really sorry you have to go through that. But if you had me there, you know I'd got your back and help relieve your stress. I'm the fun gem after all.
Steven: She really is.
Gray: So now what?
Amethyst: You said you only ate canned food and bugs, lets have something else. Let's head over to Fish Stew Pizza.
Steven: Yeah, you haven't lived until you had pizza.
Gray: Sure I'd like to try. Well, thanks for taking me out.
Amethyst: Of course dude. From now on your my second number one fan.
Gray: Don't you mean number 2 fan?
Amethyst: No, second number one. Come here.
Amethyst head locks Gray and noogies him, much to his discomfort.
Gray: Ow what are you...
Amethyst: Noogie, ha, ha! It means I like ya.
Gray: Why does it have to hurt...ah!
Both Amethyst and Steven laugh as she continued nooging him.
With Pearl.
Gray was with Pearl at the Sky Arena. She wanted to see more of how his fighting skills were with his nagitana. First he had him take on another Holo Pearl at a higher level. He was able to take her down without too much trouble.
Pearl: Excellent Gray, you've just earned another Pearl Point.
Gray: Uh thanks. But I just do this to get stronger, not for points.
Pearl: Well I like to add some fun and achievements with my training sessions. Oh may I see you're weapon?
Gray: Sure.
Gray hands her his nagitana and inspects it.
Pearl: Amazing, it's almost like mine. And you summon this without a gem?
Gray: Yeah, the others were amazed too. Especially mom and Bismuth. They really talked so much about you.
Pearl: Really?
Gray: Yeah, mom told me how you trained her and dad to fight and Bismuth always told me about you and the all the times you guys went through during the rebellion. Are you really one of the first members of the Crystal Gems?
Pearl: I am. Just as how you're one of the first major members of the resistance. I'm amazed at your skills and how you managed to survive in your time.
Gray: As I said. I learned to survive in the wild first before I could learn to fight. Althoug when it came to my weapon, I was only taught basics, everything else I had to figure out.
Pearl: ( sighs) I wish I was there. I could have taught you so much. That and just watch you grow up. Do you really not remember me?
Gray: ( frowns) No. I really don't. But mom told me how attached and protective of me and you occasionally snuck into my room to watch me sleep?
Pearl: Oh ( chuckles), that. I just like to make sure both my boys are safe. I did it to your dad all the time.
Pearl noticed the akward look on Gray's face.
Pearl: ( blushes) Oh, I mean until recently of course.
Pearl takes his hand and holds it.
Pearl: But listen Gray, I know this isn't your timeline but we're all here now, especially me. If you ever need anything, you can always ask me.
Gray: ( smiles) Sure, thank you Pearl.
Pearl: ( Hugging him) Oh please, call me Aunt Pearl.
Gray: Okay Aunt Pearl.
Later.
The two warped back to the house and saw Bismuth waiting for them.
Bismuth: Hey you two. How did training go?
Gray: Good I guess. Pearl, I mean Aunt Pearl showed me her skills and techniques I didn't know myself.
Pearl: He did well Bismuth.
Bismuth: That's great to here.
Pearl: Is your part done Bismuth?
Bismuth: Yeah I've been relieved.
Pearl: I'll take over for you.
Bismuth: But you just finished training.
Pearl: Oh please I still have the energy. Gray if you need me I'll be outside refurbishing the ship.
Gray: Okay Aunt Pearl.
Pearl leaves the house leaving Bismuth and Gray behind.
Bismuth: Aunt Pearl?
Gray: She wanted me to call her that.
Bismuth: I see. Anyway so, you and I know each other in the future huh?
Gray: Of course. You've always motivated me and supplied us our weapons.
Bismuth: Ha, just like the old days. That reminds me, I got your armor cleaned up and fixed for ya.
Gray: Oh thanks. I'm gonna need it when we head off.
Bismuth: What's it made of?
Gray: It a metallic alloy mixed with some of Spinel's dna. One time I fought her, I cut off part of her hair. You used it and made my armor, making it stretchy to fit me. It could fit any size.
Bismuth: Now that is something else.
But then she frowned.
Bismuth: I can't believe we lost so our friends and family agian, permenantly. Especially Pearl. I haven't even asked her hand in marriage.
Gray: You haven't married her yet?
Bismuth: No, I mean we just started dating a couple years ago and...wait yet? She and I got married?!
Gray: AH! Shoot I wasn't supposed to say that. But you told me you did, you showed me your ring that you made.
Bismuth: Oh wow, Pearl and I married? A gem really can dream.
Bismuth looked through the window and watched her work on the ship.
Bismuth: I can't wait for that to happen.
Gray: Yeah, just don't tell I said that. Let it come naturally when the time comes.
Bismuth: Of course. It's just between you and me kiddo. The ship should be ready in a few more days.
Gray: That's good. It'll be done soon.
With Lapis.
At the house, Gray was sitting with Lion as he was petting him. Steven entered and saw him.
Steven: Hey, I see you're getting to know Lion.
Gray: I already know him. He's my best bud in my time. ( to Lion) Aren't ya you big fuzzball?
Lion licked him as Gray scratched under his chin.
Steven: Well, I was about to head to the barn. Peridot has been relieved on ship duty and is heading back there. I'm about to go visit her and Lapis.
Gray stopped petting Lion lifted his head up when Steven mentioned her name.
Gray: You're going to meet them right now?
Steven: Yeah, we're going to watch the new episode of the Camp Pining Hearts reboot. You wanna come?
Gray got up immediatly after he asked.
Gray: Yes! Uh... I mean yes I would.
Steven: You seem to be a bit excited. I know you told me you know Peridot, but is it also you want visit Lapis?
Gray: I mean yeah, I really need to talk to her.
Steven: Okay then lets go.
The two got onto the warp pad and headed to the barn.
At the barn.
The two of them made it. Gray saw the barn as well as the crops Peridot and Lapis were growing. Suddenly they heard barking sounds. It was Pumpkin followed by Charlie running over to them to greet them. Steven petted them while Gray looked a bit nervous.
Steven: Hey guys. How's it hanging?
Charlie: Can't complain really?
Gray: Did he just talk?!
Charlie: There a problem with that?
Steven: Oh yeah, Peridot made him this collar to allow him to talk. Charlie, Pumpkin this is Gray.
Charlie: Gray? Oh yeah, Peridot and Lapis made mention of you. You came out of the sky?
Gray: I'm from the future.
Charlie let out his paw as Gray held on shaking it.
Charlie: Nice to meet you kid.
Gray: ( petting him) Same here.
Then Peridot and Lapis arrived.
Peridot: Steven, it's about time you showed up. Oh Gray, how nice to see you here.
Gray: Hey Peridot, well dad invited me.
Peridot: And I see you met Charlie and Pumpkin.
Gray: Yeah, you made his collar?
Peridot: Pretty cool huh? It's probably my greatest achievement. Next to finding the cure to corruption of course.
Gray: Or building the time machine, atleast future you.
Peridot: I still can't believe that.
Gray felt something on his leg. He looked down and saw Pumpking reaching out to him wanting attention.
Lapis: I think she wants your attention. She's a little needy.
Pumpkin kept nudging him as he looked nervous.
Lapis: Don't worry she doesn't bite.
Gray listened to her and knelt down petting her. Pumpking was enjoying it.
Lapis: See she likes you.
Gray looked up at Lapis who was smiling at him. He gave her a small smile back.
Gray: Yeah she does.
Peridot: Well then shall we head inside. I'll get the popcorn ready.
Steven: Yeah, I mean I hope this weeks episode will pick up. Honestly the start of this season was kinda shakey.
Peridot: That's why I plan on creating a fan fiction of this show when it's over and post it on the internet.
They were heading inside the barn, with Gray behind Lapis.
Gray: Lapis wait.
Lapis turned to him.
Lapis: Yeah Gray?
Gray: I really need to talk to you.
Lapis: Oh ok. ( to Peridot and Steven) You guys get things ready, we'll be right in.
And so the two of them were outside alone and stared at each other.
Gray: So...uh...I
Lapis: First off I...oh sorry I didn't mean to...
Gray: It's okay you can go first.
Lapis: Well I never thanked you for saving me from Skekung. Back when we first met.
Gray: Oh..you're welcome. I wanted to make sure everyone would be alive and especially you.
Lapis: Really? What makes me so special?
Gray looked away for a moment as he tried to get the words out.
Gray: You know how I said before that I don't remember most of you.
Lapis: You said most, that means not all. So are you saying...
Gray: I have no memory of dad, Garnet, Amethyst or Pearl. But for some reason I remember you.
Lapis eye's widened. Out of everyone she's the one person he remembers.
Lapis: You remember me?
Gray: Well, my memories of you are pretty vague. But I remeber seeing you. You're smile. You making feel happy, loved and having fun. When I was young I had dreams of a blue girl. I asked Peridot in my time and she's amazed that I remembered you out of everyone. She told me so much about you. You're her best friend right?
Lapis: Yes and your dad. What did we do together?
Gray: Mom and Peridot told me you were my playmate. You formed water sculpters to amuse me. Gave me small flying rides, made sand castles and tried to show me something called meep morps. Actually they told me there were few times it was your turn to be with me, but Pearl was hogging me and refused to share and that you threatened to unleash a tsunami on the city if she wouldn't give me to you.
Lapis: ( laughs) You know what, I probably would.
Gray: Ha, right. I find it weird I remember you, but...
Then a frown and dark face formed on his face.
Gray: I remember something dark and scary that you were in it. It was like the sky was dark, there was an explosion, fire and smoke. I think I was in your arms until you fell...
Lapis saw how tensed he was getting. He must be recalling the day King Salamandas came and attacked.
Gray: I saw you. I was holding your hand and... and then you vanished!
Gray grabbed his head, tugging his hair as his body was shaking. Lapis started to look concerned for him.
Gray: After you were gone the next thing I saw was a monster. I big scary monster glaring at me.
Suddenly sparks was forming around him as his body flashed green.
Gray: Salamandas...he too everything from me. You're all so nice and yet I never got to grow up with any of you!
Lapis: Gray, Gray!
Lapis grabbed his shoulders. Gray calmed down and looked up at her who had a tear in his eye and wiped it away.
Gray: I'm sorry. I get tensed up at times.
Lapis: No don't be. I know what you're feeling. Being in pain and feeling traumatized. I've been there, being trapped in a mirror.
Gray: That's awful, I'm sorry.
Lapis: What's done is done, but what matters is that's over and I'm living here. But you...you're going through hell in yours and I'm not there to help you.
Gray: But I'm able to manage it and I'm here to keep all of that from happening.
Lapis: I'm glad.
Lapis pulled him into a hug. It was coming back to Gray, the feeling of her warmth and love and hugged her back.
Lapis: I can't wait to meet you. I mean I'm already meeting you now but I mean the present you. When this is all over, we'll do so much together. You can be my Water Prince in Sand Castle Wars, we'll make meep morps, go flying and even make a scrap book of you of all our times together. And you're officially my new Beach Summer Buddy.
Gray: I don't know really know what that is, but I'm just happy to finally meet you.
Lapis: I'm here for you okay? Come on, the others are waiting.
Lapis took his hand and lead him to the barn as they watched the new episode of Camp Pining Hearts. Gray felt really happy for the first time. After having memories and dreams of Lapis, he finally got to meet her and was not disappointed of what she was.
Later that night. Gray was walking to the house. He was about to enter until he saw Revenger standing near the door. He let out a small gasp as the two stared at each other.
Gray: Revenger.
Revenger: So, we know each other well huh?
Gray: Of course. I told you my story.
Revenger: There's only one thing I don't get. When we fought you said your father trained you to fight. But you said you were a toddler when he died. Was that a lie to cover up your identity?
Gray: Yes and no. I was being vague, but in a way my father did train me. You Revenger.
Revenger: Uh, me?
Gray: Yeah, I always looked up to you as a mentor and a father I never had growing up. I viewed you as the strongest warrior I know. You taught me to fight and even though your training was tough, I knew it was what's best for me.
Revenger: I see. No wonder I was so interested in you.
Revenger: I'm amazed accomplished in making a man out of you.
Gray: I never thought I'd see you again. The day you died, a part of me died. As if I failed.
Revenger: Why do you say that?
Gray: I felt like your death was my fault.
Revenger: Why do you say that. How did I die?
Gray: Well...
Suddenly the door opened and Steven came.
Steven: There you are Gray, I got your place to sleep set. Hey Revenger, you here to crash too?
Revenger: No, I'm just checking on your kid. ( to Gray) We'll talk later. Remember kid, keep your guard up at all times.
Gray: ( nods) I know.
Revenger flies away as Gray entered inside. He was going up Steven's room until he stopped halway throught he stairs and saw the painting of Rose/Pink.
Gray: Hey dad, who is this?
Steven: That, oh that's my mom and your grandma Pink Diamond, well this is her as Rose Quartz.
Gray: Oh that's her. Bismuth and Sapphire told me stories about her and the war she lead. Is it true you never met her?
Steven: Well yeah, she gave up her physical form to make me. I have her gem and some of her powers but that's it.
Gray: Did you ever wish to meet her?
Steven: Did at one point, but not anymore.
Gray: Why?
Steven: Well... I felt that I truly didn't need her. I had dad and the gems by my side and they always made me happy.
Gray: You know mom and the others always talked about you. How you were brave, strong, nobel and loving and the day you died devastated them. I only heard stories about you and when I was little I wanted to be just like you. I wanted to be those things and live up to your legacy.
Steven: Heh, I know what that's like. I tried to live up to my mom, but realized I couldn't but instead had to be myself. Be someone different, someone better. I can't believe they thought that highly of me. But the same goes for you, be better than me, be you.
Gray: Now you're sounding just like Bismuth.
Steven: How are you liking everyone?
Gray: They're great. They're really nice and supportive. I can't believe I didn't get to know them back in my time.
Steven: Hey if we do stop Salamandas here, what happens in your future? Does he just disappear? Do we all come back to life?
Gray: Well...the main idea is to prevent him from being born. He'll definitly vanish and we're hoping it'll reset the timeline where you still lived. But just in case it doesnt bring everyone back, I'm taking this as my chance to get to know everyone.
Steven: It has to work.
Gray: Hope so, but I'm glad I finally got to meet you dad.
Steven: Me too Gray. I promise I'll be here for you. All of us.
Gray smiled and hugged him. Steven hugged him back as they went to bed.
Later that night.
Gray slept in Steven's room but on the floor while Steven slept on his bed. As he slept, Steven started to dream. He woke up and realized he was in a white realm.
Steven: Huh? Where am I?
Steven walked around for a bit until he saw Gray, who was still sleeping.
Steven: Gray is that you, or is it just a dream?
Steven tried to wake him, but suddenly he was sucked into Gray's head. Steven found himself in a hallway of bubbles. Large bubbles with movies in them. He walked by them tryng to figure out what they were.
Steven: Are...Are these his memories?
Steven passed by many memories like Gray first discovering his powers, forming his weapon for the first time, all the battles he fought and him about to enter the time portal. He was amazed until a bright light was shining at him. It was at the very end of the hall.
Steven: What's that?
Steven walked towards the light, curious to know what it was. Was this another memory, is it his brain or subconcious? He didn't know. He kept walking and walking until he was engulfed by the light. Steven opened his as the light dimmed down.
Steven: Where..Where am I?
The first thing he saw was daylight and then the beach, then he turned around and saw the temple.
Steven: The..The house? How did I get outside and why is it daylight? Did I sleepwalk?
Suddenly he heard a car coming. It was his car. But the driver door opened up and out came was himself, but older.
Steven: Is that...me?!
To be continued...
Author's Note: That's it for this chapter. Sorry that this took so long or kinda rushed. Other than again I'm dealing with a lot right now, but also this chapter was a bit time consuming. But glad to make this one and I'm excited for the next one. I know it was long, but there was so much to cover. Also I forgot to write how or where Gray and Peridot got the plans for the time machine so if you got back to the last chapter I fixed that error. If you liked this chapter, be sure to follow, favorite and review. Thank you and until next time.