Chapter 3

Inside of Clockwerk Tavern, it was early before noon and the snowstorm has finally subsided from last night, but the snow has yet to be cleared out from the road. Every one of the taverneers, including Labra, was watching the news right before an urgent report came up. Interested, Labra leaned in close, sitting on the floor so she could listen. "And in late news, a new pandemic has begun spreading around the US." The TV Reporter started. "Over in five cities around the nation, there has been a mass outbreak of what some are calling, the "Maddening Disease"."
"Huh?" Labra's attention was on full alert now once she heard that.
Over at the side, Zircon was playing chess with the owner of the tavern, feeling like he could use the distraction while waiting for the roads to clear. After making a move of his own, one of Zircon's pieces was immediately taken on the owner's turn. "Checkmate." The owner smirked, making Zircon growl slightly.
"Easy there, partner. You know, Chess is a really good way to sharpen one's mind. It teaches how to think and plan ahead. From what you told me your line of work is, I think you might benefit from taking up the lessons that a game like this gives." The owner explained.

"It honestly just seems like a waste of time…" Zircon scowled. Scoffing, still having a smirk, the owner placed the game board and pieces back in the wooden box he kept them in, "So, where are you and the little lady off too next?"
"Maybe we'll head to Empire City next." Zircon leaned back in his chair, resting his head on his hand. "Me and Labra need to find a new form of transportation though. We can't keep walking like this or else we'll end up in more situations like last night." Listening to Zircon's words, the owner started to think to himself before speaking, "Wait here. Let me go and check up on something." He then headed on out through the back just as Labra ran over to Zircon, "Zircon! Trouble!"
"Huh?" Zircon looked up at Labra before she pulled him over to the TV. Zircon kneeled down as the TV Reporter continued talking, "We don't know the cause of this disease, nor do we know how to cure it. Anyone who has been affected by this has been placed in either hospitals or asylums depending on their threat level. But, one thing is known for certain. Anyone induced with this disease will act out of violence just out of the blue. Even worse, no one will know who is safe from this new epidemic." At that point, the news turned off as Zircon fell back on his rump. "…She's there. She's in the US." Zircon stated.
"Well what are we waiting for, Zircon?" Labra and Zircon nodded at each other and were about to burst out the door before the owner called out, "Hey, Gem boy." Zircon turned to face the owner, "S-Sorry sir, we're kind of in a hurry."
"Well then you might want to check out what I have to show you." The owner proceeded to head right back out through the back door, encouraging Zircon and Labra to follow him. Looking at each other in confusion, Labra and Zircon followed after. Heading through a hallway, they soon came into what seemed to be a garage as Zircon was blown away by the sight. In front of them was none other than an H1 Hummer. "I-Is that a…" Zircon hesitantly pointed at the vehicle, trying to keep his enthusiasm in check. "Well, looks like I hit a sweet spot for ya, Gem boy. You like cars?"
"W-Well, my favorite vehicle is a motorcycle, but dang…this one right here is a close-shave second." Zircon admitted.
"…Take it." The owner offered.
"What?!" Both Zircon and Labra lunged forward in shock. "S-Sir, you can't be serious." Zircon was completely baffled.
"Well I'm not about to let you kids hike through the coldness of Canada all the way to the United States. Besides, this car only brings back sore memories. It used to belong to my older brother, but ever since he passed away, this car has just been collecting dust in here. You'd be doing me a favor by taking it." The owner looked over at Zircon who immediately came over and shook hands with him. "Sir, you are…you are one of the most considerate human beings I have ever met. Thank you very much for your hospitality, sir." Zircon felt really touched. This was the first, full-blooded human who actually considered in helping him throughout his entire life. "Haha, please boy, call me Chuck." The owner introduced.
"Ch-Chuck, thank you. I promise, I'll-"
"Ah…" Chuck held his hand up to Zircon, "Don't make a promise you can't keep." Zircon stayed quiet before taking a deep breath, "I promise…I'll do something to pay you back in the future." Chuck smiled at Zircon's sincerity before tossing him the keys, "She's all yours."
"Come on Zircon, let's go~!" Labra was already in the car, making Zircon's eyes narrow, but he quickly went over to hop into the driver's seat, finally turning on the ignition. As the engine came on, Zircon closed his eyes and reminisced when he used to ride on Reaper, all over the country sides. "You ok, Zircon?" Labra leaned forward to look at him.
"Yeah." Zircon rubbed his eyes to keep any possible tears from coming out before wearing a devilish smirk, "Alright then…to Empire City!" He hit the gas just as Chuck brought the garage door up, racing the Hummer down the cold streets of Canada.
"…Be careful kids." Chuck nodded before closing the garage back up.

Crystal Temple
"Washington, California, Boston, and then Dallas." Pearl was listing out as the Crystal Gems were overlooking a map of the United States. "These are all of the places that this "Maddening Disease" has hit."
"Carnelia's been quiet these past few months." Garnet spoke in an angered tone, "So it seems like she's finally deciding to come out of hiding again to spread more chaos."
"So, so far she's only been hitting major cities. There's only one more left that she hasn't hit yet." Pearl was deducting having a victorious smirk on her face afterwards, "Empire City."
"Guys! Are we ready to go?!" The Gems looked over at the stairs that led to Steven's room as Steven came down all packed up with gear.
"St-Steven, what are you doing?" Pearl asked, a little panicky.
"What does it look like? I'm coming with you guys." Steven blurted out.
"Absolutely not." Garnet shot down.
"What!? Why not!?" Steven whined out. "I've been helping out with tons of Corrupted Gem missions lately!"
"But Steven, this is a Rogue Gem we're dealing with. Carnelia is going to be somewhere in that city." Garnet argued.
"That's exactly the reason why I'm going! Because if Carnelia is gonna be there, then that means Zircon's going to be there!" Steven's words silenced Garnet as Steven had a determined look on his face. "He left…because Carnelia did something to him that I feel like I could've prevented. And now, I have a chance to right what happened. I have a chance to help my friend turn back to normal so he can come home…" The Gems just stared at Steven, none of them wanting to go against his conviction. "Garnet." Amethyst looked up at Garnet, obviously wanting Steven to come along. Garnet finally sighed out, "Ok."
"Yes!" Steven cried out.
"But you must stay close to us at all times." Garnet ordered.
"I will Garnet! Don't worry! Hehe, next up, Empire City!"