Missing Peace: Chapter 14

Maheswaran residence:

Connie picked up the phone, and listened intently as Steven explained the plan to her.

She always got more than a little excited whenever Steven called, because it was almost sure to lead to some sort of adventure. She felt a little guilty about this, since it usually also meant that the Earth was in danger, but even when that was the case, she couldn't fully suppress the buzz of anticipation that came with it. It was no different this time. She and the others were going to be heading back to Homeworld; and in search of the leader of a dangerous rebel group no less!

Connie tried to push the excitement to the back of her mind; this was serious. She hadn't seen the transmission by Rose Quartz a couple of days previously, but it had been all over the news since then, and Steven had brought her up to speed on anything that wasn't public knowledge. She knew that a man had died, and it was possible that more people would if she and Steven didn't do something.

"Alright" she said down the phone, "I'll be there as soon as I can Steven." Putting the phone down, she turned to leave the room, only to find her mother standing in the doorway, looking forlorn.

"You're going to do something insane again, aren't you?" Priyanka said, an unmistakable tone of sadness creeping into her voice. Over the past few months, she had become accustomed to Connie disappearing off on mad adventures with her friend Steven.

She knew she couldn't stop her, and she had every reason to trust that Steven's guardians would keep her safe; they always had in the past. And yet, it still felt like someone was ripping out her heart every time she watched her daughter run headlong into danger.

After what had happened a few weeks ago, Connie had been so happy, talking non-stop about the reformation of the Diamonds and the healing of the corrupted Gems. Priyanka had thought that the danger might finally be over; that her little girl wouldn't have to fight any more. Clearly that wasn't the case.

"I'm going to help Steven if that's what you mean" replied Connie with the tiniest hint of irritation. She knew that her mother was only looking out for her, but her lack of support for this part of her life was wearing her patience thin.

Priyanka sighed. "Look, Connie, I know how much you want to help him, but how long is this going to go on? You've done this multiple times now, and every time you've almost been killed. Sooner or later the Gems aren't going to manage to protect you."

Connie was getting frustrated. "I can protect myself mom. That was the whole point of training with Pearl and Steven. Besides, you can't just expect me to sit around here while I know Steven's going to be in danger!"

Priyanka let out a second, longer sigh; one that communicated resignation rather than frustration. "I know I can't stop you either way, but I hope you realise how terrifying it is for your father and I when you're off doing something dangerous."

Connie's face softened. "I know mom." She walked over and hugged her mother. "I promise I'll come back safe." They smiled and nodded at each other briefly, before Connie released her grip and went to get ready. "I wish you could promise that" Priyanka thought silently to herself.

Ever since the events on the jungle moon, Connie had learnt to pack well for these trips. After a few minutes in her room she emerged carrying her sword and wearing a backpack full of supplies, and opened the front door.

Lion was sat there expectantly. Steven must have sent him to pick her up. As she clambered onto his back, she took a last look at her house, and at her mother, who was waving from the front window. Connie waved back, and then turned to look ahead with a determined smile. Lion roared a portal into life in front of them, and dashed forwards into it.

Beach City:

Steven, White, Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl were stood around White's head ship when Connie and Lion emerged from the portal beside them. Dalton and Azarov were stood a few metres behind them, and by this point had seen so much over the past few days that not even a magical teleporting lion was enough to surprise them.

"You ready to go?" said Steven, turning to face Connie as she climbed down from Lion's back.

"Yeah, all set" she replied. "Hopefully we won't need this much food this time though" she said, gesturing to her stuffed backpack. She and Steven let out a brief chuckle, though they both knew she hadn't been joking.

Dalton walked up to Steven. "Good luck out there kid. I hope you're right in thinking Rose Quartz'll listen to reason."

"I've never met a Gem who didn't" replied Steven, smiling up at him. Steven knew this wasn't strictly true, remembering a particularly psychotic Ruby he'd once met; but he decided it was best to leave that unmentioned for now.

"We're ready to head off whenever you are" said White, who had been preparing her ship. "Ok then" Steven replied. "Let's go."

A large white bubble formed around everyone except Dalton and Azarov, and lifted the team into the forehead of White's ship. Seconds later, the ship lifted off, ascended high above the temple, and jumped to gravity drive.

Watching it go, Dalton and Azarov gave each other a grim look. Whether Steven's team succeeded or not, the next few days were not going to be pleasant for either of them. The international community was jumping down their throats for meeting with the Crystal Gems in secret, and they were both going to have a hell of a time justifying this mission to their allies.

Looking wistfully to the sky one last time, Dalton thought to himself: "I hope this kid's all he's cracked up to be…"