Episode 4: Sword And Shield

May 17th 5:00 p.m.

Beach City. A small seaside town located in Delmarva and one of the most visited places around the world. Coming here is a life changing experience whether it be good or bad, because the moment you come here and see it for yourselves your entire viewpoints will alter. The blue sea, the skies, the businesses, and best of all are the town's people themselves.

One of it's most well known businesses is Fish Stew Pizza, founded and owned by Kofi Pizza. This place is your go-to if you're ever craving a slice of their homemade creations such as their All-Veggie Pizza, Salmon and Pineapple Pizza, Shrimp Pizza, Cinnamon Roll Pizza, and their Fruit Salad Pizza.

The weekends were always the busiest times for the Pizza Family, though recently they've gained an ace up their sleeves. In the kitchen with Kofi and Nanefua one of their employees was pushing dough onto a pizza pan until it was completely covered. Shortly after he grabbed a small bowl of marinara sauce and started spreading it out onto the dough. Putting the ladle back into the bowl the employee soon grabbed a handful of shredded cheese, spreading it over the dough.

"Kameron! Salmon and pineapple!" Kofi called out.

"Coming up, Mr. Pizza." Kameron replied. Soon after the cheese was placed he walked over to another set of bowls and brought them over to the station. "This is by far our top pizza by how many people enjoy it." He added.

"I cannot agree more, Kameron. After all, you were the one who suggested it to us." Nanefua said kindly.

Kameron's lips stretched into a grin as h continued working, "I can't take all the credit. Your son wanted to spice things up to begin with."

"Nonsense! You are a genius for the various creations you have given me when you started working here, Kameron." Kofi said. "Though be sure that this does not negate about what happened to my sign."

Kameron grimaced at that. The very incident hadn't left his mind when he noticed the Crystals and Steven dealing with the Corrupted. He was lucky to be around and offer to help Kofi fix it up. Some of his pay was cut from the repairs, but that mattered little to him since it was more important for one of his favorite places to get fixed.

"I'm aware, Mr. Pizza. The Crystals are doing their best at being more careful around their environments." Kameron replied.

Kofi hummed as the pizzas they've been working on have been completed. Bringing them over to the ovens Kameron, Kofi, and Nanefua carefully placed them in one at a time before closing the door. They soon walked back to the station and began working on more sets.

May 17th 10:00 p.m.

Closing time. The only time at Fish Stew Pizza where everyone gets to breathe and blink. It was now quiet. The atmosphere felt peacefully without all the noise cluttering in the air. A chance to hear yourself think.

"Mmm... Man. We were definitely busy tonight." Jenny said as she stretched her arms out.

"It's always like this, Jenny." Kiki replied, wiping down the counter. "When school's over it's gonna be a nightmare." She added.

"Not unless we work together." Kofi stated. His eyes soon turned over to Kameron, who was wiping off tables. "Kameron! By now, are you prepared to give it everything you've got when we need you the most?" He added.

Turning his body around Kameron locked eyes with him, "You got it. Trust me, I'll make sure the heat doesn't get too hot for you guys. Plus I might have some new pizza ideas if they ever come to mind."

Kofi smiled at his response. "That is what I like to here. You are like the son I've always dreamed about having one day."

Hearing this cause Kameron's lips to stretch into a smile. He hadn't been working that long at the restaurant, and he didn't always expect gratitude whenever he did his part. This alone from his boss made him feel an unknown warmth in his heart.

Kofi soon turned his eyes over to Jenny and Kiki, "And girls, I want you both to do the same. I cannot do everything by myself."

"I'll do my best, dad. Promise." Kiki replied.

"Same here. Though I might be a little busy over the summer." Jenny added.

Just as Kofi spoke up Nanefua came in from the kitchen, "I do not mind that."

"Mom." Kofi said.

"Kofi. I will help you as much as I am able and so will your daughters and this amazing boy, but you must not be so strict with them so often. It has not been easy for all of us, my son, but no matter the future we will get through it." Nanefua replied.

Kofi frowned a little, but he nodded to her as he walked into the kitchen.

"Kiki. Jenny." Kameron called out, gaining there attention. "It's none of my business and you don't have to tell me, but have you two heard from 'her' recently?"

The girls had their eyes expand at the mention of 'her'. Both sisters looked at one another and soon looked back at Kameron who gained a worried expression.

"No. We haven't. It's okay though." Kiki replied.

"Yeah. And I don't really care anyways. 'She' moved on and so have we. I won't even be surprised if she ever comes back." Jenny replied. "Why bring this up?"

"I'm just a little worried about your dad. I didn't want to pry or anything, but I just thought that was why he's so strict on you both and not just because of school or work." Kameron answered.

"He's always been like that ever since we were little. 'Her' leaving doesn't have to do with it, it just pushes him more for us to do better. He doesn't like bringing it up either so be sure to not mention it too, okay?" Kiki said.

Kameron nodded as they went back to work. It's been hard for the Pizzas these past few years. Luckily the community have done their best at helping them too, but even though they're okay now the wounds were still there deep down. He could sense it, but it wasn't his place or right to pry any further. They're good people and he shouldn't be putting them in the shadows of despair.

May 18th 1:00 p.m.

The Ancient Sky Arena. The very place where the first Gem battles began. According to history, the Gem battles in this arena were said to be brutal and chaotic. Considering the amount of damage it has and what's left of it, one can only imagine how they played out.

Today Kameron stood at the center of the arena with Steven standing in front of him. At the stands were the Crystal Gems, Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl alongside Connie and Lion. Connie was still a neophyte at all of this. Despite her learning about it in school there was a clear difference from acknowledging it and actually seeing it with her own eyes. Today is the day she can witness it herself.

"Okay, Steven. Let's have a recap. What have we been going over?" Kameron asked.

Steven smiled widely and answered, "Control and focus."

Kameron nodded. "Good. Any progress?"

"Well..." Steven answered as he raise his hands up. "I haven't been able to summon my shield too often. I'm still trying on that and summoning my bubbles, but I have unlocked a new power recently."

"What might that be?" Kameron asked.

"Healing spit." Steven answered.

Healing spit? Huh. Not really something you would gain, but I guess it's useful. His mother Rose Quartz was said to have healing tears, so this was clearly a variation of it. Not really one of the best variations, but it's something.

"Okay... When did that happen?" Kameron asked.

"Connie drank some of my backwash and it healed her eyes." Steven answered simply.

Turning his head Kameron looked over at Connie as she pulled her glasses off. The glasses themselves didn't have lenses anymore. His eyebrow was raised at this before he turned his head back to Steven. Closing his eyes he sucked in some air and exhaled it out while pulling his sword from his back. Reopening his eyes he slowly narrowed them as he looked at Steven who's eyes immediately widened.

"Kameron. Be careful with him." Pearl called out.

"Don't worry. This'll be quick." Kameron replied. "Steven. How about we see just how strong your shield is." He added.

Sweat started appearing on Steven's face. "Uh...I don't know, Kameron. Can't we try something else?"

Kameron shook his head. Gulping, Steven's eyes started to shake. It was pretty clear on what was about to transpire. The expression Kameron was showing to him gave him chills flowing around his body. It was nerve wracking. Still... This is what they both wanted to do. This is what they both got involved in.

Shaking his head Steven slowly narrowed his eyes, raising his left arm out. A small pink glow started to emit from his body with small sparkles emerging around his arm. In a flash a large pink shield emerged. Pulling it toward his body Steven gazed at Kameron and gave him a nod.

Gripping his sword Kameron ran toward him. Coming up near him Kameron stopped in place, raising his sword up and bringing it down in the blink of an eye. A loud Clack erupted. Steven opened his eyes to see his shield holding against Kameron's sword. Stepping away from him Kameron moved around him in circles. From left to right Steven carefully watched him, holding his shield close. Picking up the pace Kameron soon jumped high in the air and descended toward his target. Steven gritted his teeth as he looked up at him. With his other arm he held up his shield above his head, closing his eyes tightly.

CLANK!

From the stands the Crystal Gems and Connie watched. Pearl intertwined her hands together as her eyes shook. Amethyst simply smiled while Garnet looked bland, though there could've been something under it and Connie's eye expanded with her mouth dropping. The diamonds in her eyes sparkled from the sheer epicness. Like watching an action movie in real life.

Flipping back Kameron landed back on the ground as his locked onto Steven and his shield. It was still there, so pretty durable, but there were a few cracks on it from it's center. It's endurance was good and it's durability was very good. The cracks were just showing it's limitations. Gotta remember that.

"Okay, Steven. That'll be enough for today." Kameron said.

Steven's shield disappeared as he fell to his knees. A few pants left his mouth as he looked up to see Kameron walking up to him, "How *pant* did I do *pant*?"

"You and I still got a long way to go, but for today...you did great. Just keep up that focus and control. Soon your shield and bubbles might hold up a lot more than what they can handle now." Kameron replied.

Steven's mouth grew into a smile as he got up and wrapped his arms around Kameron. His head pressed against Kameron's stomach and near his chest as he squeezed his tightly. Small chuckles left Kameron's mouth as he raise his left arm and placed it on Steven's head, rubbing it softly. A grin appeared on his face as he looked own at him.

"Steven!" Connie called.

Releasing Kameron Steven and him turned to the others approaching them. "Wow! That was incredible! Your shield, Kameron's sword, just...just all of it!" Connie said in excitement.

Pearl then walked up to them as she fell onto one knee, placing a hand on Steven's shoulder, "Are you okay? Kameron didn't hurt did he?"

"Pearl, I'm okay. Promise." Steven assured.

She then stood up as pointed her eyes at Kameron, "You need to be careful with him, Kameron. He's younger than you."

Placing a hand on his hip Kameron pulled his sword up and placed it onto his shoulder, "Pearl, you know that I would never do anything to Steven on purpose. Besides, I'd never allow Venganza to hurt him."

"Venganza?" Amethyst questioned.

Taking his sword off of his shoulder Kameron presented his blade horizontally. "My blade. My father, Green Diamond, gave this to me a year ago. When I was ready to join him and my siblings he told me this belonged to one of his most loyal and courageous knights. When she held this blade in her hands she defended his kingdom with her very being. And was furious at those who would harm it and it's people. But then time caught up to her over the years and in her final battle she barely won. He kept it as a memento in honor of her memory and then passed it on to me." Kameron explained.

"Whoa... Really?" Steven asked.

Kameron nodded. "Honestly, I didn't want her because it meant that much to my dad, but he insisted and after using her for a while I've grown accustom to her touch. She and I have been together for a while now, and she's been the best companion I could ever ask for."

"You call your sword a she?" Connie asked.

"I do." Kameron replied. "Every weapon has a name fitting for what they are capable of and how you see it is from your own perspective. To me, Venganza is a she and she's always ready to slay a Corrupted when the situation calls for it."

The sound of buzzing entered everyone's ears. Putting his sword on his back Kameron pulled out his phone, showing a Gem symbol glowing red and black. "I gotta go." He added as he walked away.

Suddenly he stopped in place. Turning around he noticed a hand within his and looked to see who it was. "I want to go with you." He asked.

"Steven, it might be too dangerous." Pearl said.

"I want to go with him." Steven replied. "Please, Kameron. I don't want you going all by yourself." He added.

Looking at him Kameron watched the stars in his eyes sparkle. His lips quivered. One of his trademark techniques he uses to get his way. It always works on his family, but Kameron just looked at him as the stars vanished.

"Steven. That trick only works on me with Lepidolite. And I understand that you're worried, but we just got done training. It would be best for you to rest. And you've school tomorrow too." Kameron replied.

"PLEEEEEEEEAAAAASSSSEEE!?" Steven begged

A huff of air exited Kameron's mouth. "Okay. But you stay close to me no matter what happens, and listen when I tell you something, okay?" He added.

Steven firmly nodded.

Taking out his Warp Whistle Kameron looked back at the Crystals and Connie, "Don't worry. We'll be okay." He assured.

Steven grabbed onto his hand as they were engulfed in light.

"It'll be best if we go with them." Pearl said out loud.

"No." Garnet said. "Kameron and Steven can handle it. We've got our own mission to handle instead." She added.

Pearl groaned slightly as she turned her eyes to Connie, "Would it be okay if I took you home?"

"Sure." Connie replied.

May 18th 1:15 p.m.

Arriving at their location Kameron and Steven turned their eyes to the environment. All around them were large trees with coconuts in them and various bushes showcasing multicolored berries. Animal sounds scattered in the air with numerous birds flying from one direction to the next. Rays of sunlight pierced itself through the trees. And lastly the grounds was mixed with dirt and grass.

"Okay. Let's find what we're looking for." Kameron said out loud.

"Yeah. Let's go!" Steven yelled as he ran off.

He just told him to stand by his side...

Catching up Kameron and Steven walked side by side as they traversed forward. Up above some macaws flew by, cawing. Monkeys in the trees noticed them, but carried on with their business. Down below various insects scurried passed them ranging from ants, beetles, and centipedes.

"Do you think we could come back here over the summer?" Steven asked.

"We'll see if there's no danger around. But right now keep your guard up." Kameron replied.

Steven nodded as they kept going. Soon enough they exited out of the trees as the sun's rays hit their faces. Readjusting their eyes the boys soon came across an unbelievable sight. Right in front of them laid a massive waterfall. From where they were standing it looked to be a cliff with a pathway on their right. The waterfall showed a small rainbow from up high as Steven gazed at it. Kameron himself couldn't help but admire it. The beauty of nature at it's finest.

Walking away the boys soon heard bushes shake. Putting his hand on the grip of Venganza and Steven summoning his shield Kameron watched closely as to what was to come. Steven stayed close to him as he watched the bushes. They slowly stopped shaking. For a moment it looked like it was just a normal animal getting to it's prey. Still...the air around them felt uneasy. Something was coming.

Quick and fast a large figure jumped out of the bushes coming straight for them. Pulling out Venganza Kameron held her up as the figure chomped on her before he tossed it to the side. The creature was big and was orange-skinned with long orange hair and having it's Gem on it's front face. It had no eyes and a large jaw with large arms with mallets for hands. Interestingly, it also had a tail waving in the air with a large ball at it's end.

Growls left it's mouth as it slowly moved around. "Steven. When it gets close you defend and I'll strike. 'kay?" Kameron whispered.

Looking down Kameron witnessed Steven's body shaking. His eyes were doing the same thing. He didn't blame him for being afraid.

The creature roared at them, charging straight forward and raising it's arms up. Using his other arm Kameron grabbed Steven by his shirt as they both moved out of the way. 'Looks like I might have to use my own shield then.' Kameron thought to himself.

Raising his left arm green crystals started emerging from his skin. Within seconds his entire arm was covered, turning it into a claw. "Steven. In case you can't handle this go hide. You shouldn't stand here and watch what's about to happen."

"But...but I can do this. I-" Steven tried to reply.

His sentence was cut off as the creature came at them again. Raising one of it's up it slammed it straight at Kameron. Luckily he grabbed it with his crystal claw, though he wasn't so lucky with the other arm. The very impact pushed him back, making him crash into the ground as he rolled over toward the cliff.

Groan left his mouth as the Corrupted came up to him. He attempted to get up, but another groan left his mouth, stunning his body. The Corrupted placed it's foot onto his chest as it's tail wagged in the air and drool left it's mouth.

Steven merely stood in place as he watched all of this. His legs felt completely numb. This isn't his first time fighting a Corrupted. He's fought them before so why is this one so different? Why couldn't he move his body? 'I have to help him. I have to do something. He strikes and I defend. And if I can't do that then he'll-' That very thought made Steven's eyes shot open. They soon glared at the Corrupted as he sped up to it.

"Hey!" He called. The Corrupted stopped moving and turned it's head to him. "Let him alone! Leave my big brother alone!" He yelled.

Growling at him the Corrupted pulled it's leg off of Kameron as it then walked over to Steven, raising it's arms out. Slamming them down Steven quickly pulled his shield over his head. CLANK! The very sound sent a shockwave through the area, but Steven was still standing. CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! More and more pressure was placed on his shield, an as he opened one eye up several cracks began appearing on it.

Watching this Kameron raised himself up despite the pain. Gripping onto Venganza hard he glared at the Corrupted. 'C'mon, girl. It's your turn now.' He thought as he ran at them. With the Corrupted raising it's arms one more time Steven shut his eyes tightly for it to come. Just as it did Kameron leaped into the air, slicing the arms of the beast.

It wailed from the attack as Kameron spun around, impaling Venganza into it's body. Choked noise left it's mouth as Kameron glared at it hard. Pulling his blade out the Corrupted soon poofed, with it's Gem falling into the grass.

With the crystal re-entering his arm and putting Venganza back Kameron walked toward the Gem and picked it up. "From dark to light. Beyond the stars and the universe. Sleep within the core of your existence." He said out loud. A dove symbol appeared on the Gem as he then put it into his own.

Turning around he looked at Steven who released his shield and fell on the ground. Coming up to him Kameron raised his hand to him, "You okay?"

Water started swelling in Steven's eyes as he looked at him. Without even wasting a second he quickly got up, throwing his arms onto his body. Small sobs were heard in his shirt as Kameron looked down at him.

Pulling his head out He saw Steven crying with some snot leaving his nose, which was disgust to witness.

"I should be asking you that! Are you okay!? I'm sorry I couldn't do much! I should've but...but-" Steven sobbed through his words.

He was then cut off as Kameron got onto one knee, wrapping his arms around him instead. "Shh... You did the best you could. I never expect you to always put on a brave face in situations like this. You'll find a way pass this in time. So let it all out, little brother."

More tears filled Steven's eyes as he cried in Kameron's shoulder.

Honestly...this is something they shouldn't even be apart of. Both of them are too young to be dealing with any of this, but this is what they chose. And it was unclear when all of this would ever stop. One day it will. When will that day come? That's a very good question.

End of Episode 4.

A bit longer than the rest, but definitely something I wanted to bring out.

Hope you all enjoyed it.

Next Time

Brawn And Brains