Chapter Fourteen: Spiking The Drinks
It was Monday, June 19th, and the morning sky was dark. Mostly void, partially stars.
The doorbell giggled as Stevonnie walked into the Starchild-bucks, their eyes squinting against the sudden brightness. The bell giggled again when Steven and Connie skipped past them, making their way to the register to order. It was something they had to do.
Stevonnie had something they had to do, too. Something important...
What was it again?
They scanned the room for something to jog their memory. Maybe someone would be able to tell them?
Their eyes fell on Mr. Dad Universe, and chills ran down their arms, their spine.
No.
They saw Pearl, still working away at her essay. Maybe they had homework too?
No, that's not it.
They saw Lapis and Peridot, at their usual table, muttering to each other.
Yes!
But then they caught sight of the counter- all the cakes, pastries, and other delicious treats on display, the warm smell of chocolate wafting towards them...
Go and have a nice drink!
Stevonnie smiled. That sounded nice.
They stepped forward, but their way was blocked. Connie was standing in front of them and she was holding out her duffle bag. Stevonnie was momentarily flummoxed, but soon the haziness in their mind lifted, even just a little. They took the duffel bag. It was heavy. Without a word, Connie went back to join Steven.
Stevonnie unzipped the bag and reached their hand inside. They could feel crinkled granola packets, and water bottles, and a change of clothes. Then their hand touched something hard, cool, and smooth. A scabbard. Their grip tightened around it.
Across the room, Steven gave them the smallest of nods.
Stevonnie looked away quickly, their gaze refocusing on Lapis and Peridot's table.
Specifically, on Peridot.
They strode forward.
"Stevonnie," Lapis said.
"We need to talk to you," started Peridot, getting up from her seat. "We think something really weird is going on here!"
I really hope this isn't a mistake, thought Stevonnie.
They drew out the sword and thrust it through Peridot's chest in one fluid motion.
Peridot's mouth fell open, her eyes wide with shock and pain and betrayal.
Lapis had leapt to her feet, fists balled at her sides. The entire cafe had noticed now; everyone was gasping, or pointing, or yelling. Stevonnie backed away, sword in hand, mouth dry.
"I," they said, "I'm sorry, I thought—"
Understanding dawned on Peridot's face. She closed and opened her mouth to try to say something, anything to reassure—
Her body exploded in a puff of green smoke, her gem landing on the floor.