Debbie's knuckles were bone white as she pulled to a stop in the parking lot, mere inches from the gritty dunes of sand. Even after putting the truck in park and cutting the hum of the engine, Debbie continued to grip the steering wheel, nervous and rightfully so.

"What are you even afraid of?" Debbie lectured herself, "Just because you housed one of their enemies and fraternized with one of humanity's would-be destroyers, doesn't mean these Crystal Gens will pound you to a pulp on sight...yeah!" Debbie smacked the steering wheel, jumping lightly when the truck accidentally honked.

"Besides," she continued as she climbed out of the pickup with the belt in hand, locking the doors as she walked away, "There's that kid, Steven...? They wouldn't brutally murder someone in front of a child."

Yet the woman didn't even dare hum as she walked along the beach, already having a good idea of the Crystal Temple's location thanks to her own alien friend.

Though it didn't make her any more prepared for the temple's broken but undeniable majesty. As the woman stared up at the warrior-gem statue carved into the face of the cliff, some small part of her mind pondered whether the carving served a purpose or was merely a superfluous decoration.

"DEBBIE!"

The woman flinched, startled as a shrill voice beckoned her from the porch. Given the color and the tone, the person on the porch was undeniable.

"Peridot!" Debbie answered enthusiastically.

Debbie was quick to jog closer to the stairwell of the porch, but something was off. Peridot. She seemed, smaller.

A wide smile began to grow on the redhead's face as she neared the base of the porch.

"No, no fucking way..." Debbie beamed and took the stairs two at a time.

And their eyes met. Debbie stared at her. She stared back...well glared, Debbie's grin was easily driving her into high zones of annoyance.

"Well?" Peridot barked, "What?! Stop grinning at me!"

Debbie, still beaming like an idiot knelt down in front of her fuming green friend.

"If I promise to only use the name when no one else is around, will you please let me call you Peritot?" She whisper-begged.

Peridot screeched in outrage and flung herself at Debbie who easily blocked her blows. "Calm down! Calm down! Joke! Joke!" Debbie guffawed.

Peridot huffed, "Why do I even bother with you?!"

Debbie smiled softly and produced the belt in her hand, offering it to Peridot, "Because we're friends and I want to be there for you, like a friend would."

Peridot was silent for a moment, "Did...did you bring your truck."

The redhead nodded, "Your travel tools are inside."

Peridot managed a small smile. "Well, ahem, this is very acceptable."

Debbie rolled her eyes before casting a wary glance toward the door, "Are they as bad as you make them to be? Should I be worried?"

"Hmm, well the short purple, Amethyst, one is a little weird but otherwise fine, tall skinny with the pearl on her head is really annoying and strict but can be a pushover, and then tall strong magenta is Garnet." Peridot paused, "She's a fusion but doesn't say much. She's also the leader."

"But not bad?"

"I...suppose they're tolerable."

"That's enough for me," Debbie said and offered a quirked grin, "Let's not keep them waiting, yes?"

"Fine."

~*~ TBC ~*~

ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING UPDATES!

Okay, so let me explain...I quit my old job in "favor" of working somewhere where I could get more hours. The way they schedule is: If I'm not working it's because I have after school clubs or activities like piano lessons.

I work basically from 4 to 9 every day except Monday and Wednesday.

I barely have time to do much of anything anymore outside of work and schoolwork that has gotten much harder.

Like having to rewrite the entirety of the U.S. Constitution, as a children's book, and read it to 4th graders, and are 25% of our grade is based off their enjoyment

That's not even including Biology 2 packets, mixed media art projects, the children's book due for Creative Writing, Spanish 2 or Trigonometry.

I'm very busy, and I'm fairly sure I'm about to lose my best friend of 12 years over it no less TT~TT.

So, my apologies for the lack of updates, but life is very stressful right now...please forgive me.

Till next time~