A/N: Hehe. Lemme just say that this was the chapter that had to be retyped when I finally got a new laptop, ending the hiatus on Google Plus. Of course, people there seem to have lost interest. Or whatever. But at least I've got you guys!
Anyway, I'll let the chapter do the talking now! enjoy!

A Triangle in the Stars
Chapter Sixty-One: The Warning

Back at the Beach House, Steven sat in his bed. He was in a conflicted mood. He knew he should have been thrilled the Gems were back, but he wasn't. It wasn't that he didn't miss them - it was something else entirely, something he couldn't put his finger on. Garnet, sitting on the couch now, had noticed, but she wasn't going to press. She'd give the boy some time. Food had long since been made and eaten, and Pearl had joined Amethyst in showing Keyhole around.

The boy then began thinking about the twins and Connie and Bill, wondering whether they were okay. He felt bad for not going along with them, but he was convinced he needed a break. The fusion soon got up, walking towards the loft, "Steven. Something's bothering you..."

He sighed. "While you guys were gone... a lot happened. I can't even wrap my head around it all." He shook his head, holding it. "I met new friends... and new enemies... and I just don't know what to think about it all." He was shaking, he found. He didn't know. He had barely gotten any restful sleep.

Garnet nodded, "Understood.." She didn't press him anymore, and climbed the stairs, sitting next to his bed. "I'm sorry we weren't here for you."

"It's okay," he sighed. "I just... want to rest."

"What's stopping you?" the fusion frowned softly. She felt like she had an idea, however. He shrugged, uncertain. Garnet then sighed, "Get yourself some warm milk. That might help."

It was probably stress. Usually, that caused adverse effects, especially on sleep. Steven nodded, and went down to the fridge. He poured himself a short glass, and stuck it in the microwave. "So, uh... how was the mission?" he asked, trying to change the subject.

"It was pretty good," the fusion nodded and smiled just a little, getting up and joining him downstairs, sitting on the couch yet again. "We met someone new and managed to restore the Zodiac Temple."

She left out a lot of things, however. It was similar to how Steven left a lot of things out of his story. She didn't think he was ready. Wait, that wasn't it. She didn't know how he might take it. There were many different possibilities, and there was a solid line between a good and a bad one. And she was afraid it would ruin things with him and Bill.

"That's great," he smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. He felt bad his time here hadn't gone quite as well. There were good times, and bad times, and unfortunately the bad times seemed worse right now.

"It wasn't completely smooth-sailing," Garnet informed him, having seemed to read what he was thinking.

"Oh?" Steven asked, glancing at her. The microwave beeped a couple of times, and he removed the milk carefully, and headed over to the couch to sit with her.

"We ran into some trouble.. but we're fine now," she smiled again, reassuring him.

"Oh, okay..." he frowned a bit.

She sighed, and nodded, and passed off this little warning, "But I'd keep an eye on Pearl, if I were you... she could get a little riled up when she sees your new friend."

He raised an eyebrow. "Why?" he cautiously took a sip, before blowing on the hot milk. Garnet hesitated just a little bit, but before she could answer, the door slammed open, revealing Lion. Upon his back were Stan, Connie, and Ford, all soaking wet and the lattermost with blood staining his shoulder pad and looking no worse for wear. But Bill was missing.

Steven stood up. "Guys! you're back!" he smiled, before frowning as he took a closer look. "Wait... where's Bill?"

Connie bit her lip, trying to word this, but all she could say was, "Steven..." for she was uncertain.

Stan, however, had no problems with words. "Jasper took Bill and your mom's sword," he explained, simply, getting off Lion. "They were heading to this giant thing in the water..." he tried to recall the name they called it, if they had.

Ford nodded in response, pale in the face and holding the wound. He'd tried to treat it himself, but it just caused more pain. Garnet glanced their way, grimacing almost, and the old man looked at her too. Was she a Gem? should he be wary? and why was she with Steven? Lion stepped in closer after having closed the door, looking a little forlorn himself, which was saying something since the expression he always wore was indifference. The fusion whispered, "The Galaxy Warp..."

Steven took all this in, and looked over to the Warp Pad. "We can get there quick, can't we?" he pointed to it.

"Jasper's really strong. The four of us couldn't beat her, Steven!" Connie stressed, staring at him as she got off Lion too. It was obvious - she thought he didn't stand a chance against Jasper. And she was right, he didn't.

"I'll come with you," the fusion stood up. She didn't even think to get Pearl or Amethyst or Keyhole. She felt like she could take Jasper on her own. That and she didn't feel like opening a can of worms this soon with Pearl meeting Bill, knowing it would throw a wrench into her team spirit.

Ford coughed, catching sight of the fact that she had not one, but two gems. What was this? he thought they all hated humans. Why? what was going on? he wanted to ask, but didn't currently have the energy.

Connie smiled. "Maybe Stevonnie should face Jasper too?" she asked, grinning now at Steven and extending her hand.

Steven grew wary and uncertain then, and looked at her sadly before he shook his head, "I'm sorry... I don't think I can handle that right now."

"They've got your best friend, Steven," the old man finally had the strength to say something. There was a pleading look in his eyes, aside from the obvious pain. If these "Diamonds" got a hold of Bill...

Garnet nodded, looking down at the boy and waiting for his decision. Lion stared at him too. He eventually sighed, "I'll come with, but I won't fuse."

The brunette then looked disappointed. She sighed too, putting down her hand and walking to the Warp Pad without a word. Garnet made sure to hide how forlorn she felt. She wondered how Bill would feel about this. But she pushed that aside and glanced at Lion, "Take Ford to Pearl. She'll know what to do."

Lion nodded and ran off deeper into the Temple, being careful not to drop the man. Ford shouted his good luck before he disappeared behind the strange door. The fusion then headed back to the Warp Pad and stood on it, crossing her arms. Steven, after finishing off the milk, somberly made his way over, but Stan felt anxious about leaving his brother here alone, and was hesitant to step onto the Pad.

Garnet picked up on this. "You can stay with your brother," she smiled at him. "I see that you'd like that better."

Stan, though flabbergasted, nodded with no hesitation, following Lion and Ford through the Temple Gate. The fusion then looked over at Steven and Connie, silently asking them if they were ready. Connie smiled, "Let's do this."

Steven shrugged, looking down. He was still depressed, even with the warm milk; it had felt cold. The fusion nodded, sighing silently. She wondered what had happened that Steven wasn't as raring to get his best friend back like she was previously expecting. But she wasn't about to sit and ponder. They had a demon to rescue. And so she activated the Warp Pad, and off they went, disintegrating into the stream.

A/N: And there we go! interesting, isn't it? Ace had Steven, Connie and Stan, and I had Ford, Lion and Garnet. I hope you all enjoyed, and please leave a preferably lengthy review telling what you think. :3