Episode 8: Respect The Fallen

May 31st 1:30 a.m.

Empire City. The metropolis of Empire State where the possibilities are endless and only limited by your imagination. A place where you can begin making your mark on the world since what ever happens in the city never sleeps. The flashing lights, music in the streets from every corner, the attractions, and overall the very people themselves. Truly a wonder to witness at least once, especially during nightfall.

Unfortunately though, tonight isn't going to be very peaceful and quiet.

A large quantity of Corrupted began marching through the streets, heading straight toward Time Square. These Corrupted were massive in size with spikes protruding from their backs, razor-sharp teeth and claws, spiked tails swaying in the air, and having acid saliva dripping from their mouths, melting the concrete with each step they took. Each of them had dark orange Gemstones placed on various locations on their bodies as they continued marching while screeching in the wind.

Yells and screams were thrown high and low as many civilians ran from them. In no time flat the police arrived, blocking the path toward Time Square. Getting out of their cars each police officer rapidly pulled out their guns, pointing them directly at the Corrupted. One such officer, the Captain, took a few steps in front of the others, summon two guns from his sides. "Stop right there! Take one step and you Dino-slobs are going straight to hell!" The Captain yelled.

The Corrupted stopped in front of the police. Each of their heads started twitching from left to right before one of them charged directly forward. The Captain wasted no time firing at it, but unfortunately for him the creature quickly dodged each shot fired and tackled him into the ground. His squad pulled out their guns and began firing, though just like their captain the Corrupted dodged each and every bullet before shooting acid at their guns.

Groans exited the Captain's mouth as he looked up, glaring at the creature on top of him. Small portions of acid dropped from the creature's mouth, landing near the Captain's head right before it's mouth opened up to show him it's teeth. Coming in close the Corrupted was just about close to enjoying it's meal right before a large object traveled through the air and made it's way through it's mouth. A large hole was formed in it's mouth shocking the Captain until it suddenly poofed.

Gaining their attention the remaining Corrupted and the cops looked to see the Captain raise himself up while picking up the Corrupted's Gemstone. He turned his head to see what kind of object was able to destroy it's form. The Captain's slowly expanded as they made their way to the object responsible for poofing the creature and now pierced into a mailbox.

"I apologize for startling all of you!"

Hearing this voice the Captain and the cops turned upwards and soon took notice of a person standing right on top of a nearby building. The person was a tall well-built green-skinned man with light green eyes, long dark green waist-length hair, and green sideburns. He wore a white button-collared shirt with black dress pants, a black suit jacket, a black and green striped tie, and black dress shoes. On his left wrist was a sliver watch while on his right hand was a sliver ring with a light green crystal dove at it's center and a large green diamond on his wrist. Lastly what showcased his arrival the most was the massive broadsword attached to his back. A very thick blade with a large dove engraved onto it along with it having no kind of guard and a long silver handle.

Without a need to speak another word the man from above stepped off of the building, descending to the ground below. With a loud THUD the man landed onto the concrete and raised himself up, narrowing his eyes at the Corrupted. "You horrid creatures. If you wish to devour anyone tonight then address your appetites to me. I shall give you the meals you long for." He added, drawing his sword from his back.

The creatures hissed at him as they started rushing up toward him. Five against one was hardly a fair fight with anybody, but with the opponent they were running into numbers hardly mattered. Raising his left arm and adding some extra grip he raised his blade onto his shoulder. 'Guardian. Let us slay these beasts that harm humanity.' He spoke in thought. In a fraction of a second as the Corrupted leaped toward him the man swung his sword, completely slicing each and every creature in half.

Poofing one after the other the Corrupted Gemstones soon fell onto the ground. Placing his sword onto his back the man raised his left arm out, releasing long crystallized tendrils that rapidly grabbed each of the Gemstones, including the one held by the Captain. "From dark to light. Beyond the stars and the universe. Sleep within the core of your existence." The man chanted, placing doves onto the Gemstones and placing them within his own.

"My apologizes once more, officers. Are any of you harmed?" The man said.

"No, we're not. Though it's kinda surprising to see Green Diamond like this." The Captain replied as he walked up to him.

"I go where the Corrupted appear. I am glad none of you are harmed. Now I must take my leave." Green said as he turned around.

"Wait." The Captain replied, making Green stop in place. "No offense, but I personally think it's very shady that these monsters just pop out of nowhere and you all just so happen to arrive and put them back into their Gems. My guess is...your responsible for it, or am I mistaken?" He added.

Green merely stood still as silence grasped the atmosphere. Slowly he turned his head to the Captain, "You are not mistaken." He began softly, "I am responsible for this. But be sure that the Rainbow Gems and the Crystal Gems are doing everything we can to ensure that no more harm will be brought upon this planet. It is very difficult to make such a vow and promise, but no matter how you view us we will set this right." He concluded.

Green turned his head forward and began walking. Reaching into his pocket he brought out his own Warp Whistle before placing it onto his lips, disappearing from the area.

'You all might be a little strange, but I'll take your word for it, Green Diamond.' The Captain said in thought as he walked back to his car.

June 1st 8:00 a.m.

"Ninety-five! Ninety-six! Ninety-seven! Ninety-eight! Ninety-nine! One-hundred!" Kameron yelled, finishing his squats.

Straightening his back he pointed his head upwards, targeting his eyes at the sky. His lips slowly stretched into a grin as he watched the clouds passing by.

"Kameron." A voice called out.

Hearing his name he turned his head to see his parents walking up to him. "I'm glad to see you're already awake." Green said.

"I needed an early start." Kameron replied as he stretched his arms. "So...is today the day, dad?"

"Yes. As I promised, you are now old enough to come with us for our Annual Visit. I have been wanting all of us to partake in this for some time and now is our chance." Green said.

"But before we go you need a shower first." Christie added.

"Alright. I'll try to be quick. And by any chance can Steven and the Crystals come too? Maybe it's time for him to see it as much as I do." Kameron replied.

"I've already spoken with them. They've agreed to join us." Green said.

A small grin stretched across Kameron's lips from this. Today was the day.

June 1st 8:15 a.m.

Both the Rainbow Gems and the Crystal Gems arrived within a large and calming forest. A small breeze flew through the air and the many pine trees all around while the sun shined it's warmth on them. Straight ahead everyone began walking through the soft gentle grass as the sounds of birds and squirrels echoed into their ears.

"Um, Mr. Evans?" Steven said, gaining Green's attention. "Why do you call this an Annual Visit?"

"No need to be so formal with me, Steven. You may call me Green." Green began. "And to answer your question, we have been doing this once every year during the first of June, the month that begins summer. I thought it would be respectful to do so around this time."

"Oh." Steven said. He then turned his eyes to Kameron, "Do you know where we're going?"

Kameron gave him a simple shrug, "I've always asked, but they never gave me a clear answer. But I think it's best if we see it for ourselves first."

This alone piqued Steven's curiosity as well as Kameron's. With every step they took their anticipation grew more and more. Just where exactly were they going in a forest such as this?

The sounds of heavy water entered everyone's ears as they continued traversing through the forest. Just up ahead everyone stopped as they gazed up to witness with their own eyes a massive pool of water with three large waterfalls at it's end.

"Everyone stand back." Azurite announced.

Giving her some room Azurite clapped her hands together as her eyes closed. Rapidly opening them she stepped forward while pushing her arms out, summoning small platforms of water and opening up the center waterfall. Reopening her eyes she turned around and nodded to her family and the Crystal Gems as they began walking across the platforms.

Reaching it's end a large stone door showing a large star and dove underneath it was shown. "I've got this." Citrine said, cracking his knuckles. Approaching the door he placed his hands onto the cracks and began opening it. Short groans left his mouth as he opened up the door.

"Steven, you remember how to make your Gem into a flashlight?" Kameron asked.

Steven rapidly nodded. Soon he sucked in some air an exhaled it out, showing off a large smile as his Gem began to glow. Kameron and the others' Gems began to glow as they walked inside.

The flow of the waterfalls remained as everyone continued walking. Soon enough they reached the end of the hall where Green walked up to an opened piece of stone in the wall and slowly pushed it in. One by one torches started igniting themselves as they traveled further and further down the hall. When the final torch was lit the hall itself started to illuminate itself and it's glow showed the Crystal Gems and the Rainbow Gems it's secret from the shadows.

From left to right there were large stone statues, but not just your average everyday ordinary statues. These statues displayed Gems of the past. The very Gems who fought in the Rebellion War five-thousand years ago.

"Are these guys...who I think they are?" Kameron said in awe, slowly walking forward.

"What are you mean, Kameron?" Steven asked.

Turning his head Kameron locked his eyes on him and Greg, "Steven. Uncle Greg. These Gems are the Crystal Gems and the Rainbow Gems from ancient times. They were with our families from the very beginning. I've read about them in the Rebellion Book, but I never thought we'd be able to see statues of them like this. There are a few of them all over, but not like this." He explained.

A gasped left Steven's mouth as stars formed in his eyes. His lips stretched into the biggest smile he could ever form as he walked up to Kameron. They both soon turned their eyes to their families, "How long has this been here since the War ended? There isn't anything about this in the book." Kameron asked.

"I've built this when the planet was maturing. In honor of those that have fallen. To this day I can never forget the actions they've committed." Green said, placing a hand onto his chest.

Amethyst slowly walked away from everyone as she locked her eyes onto a statue. It looked male who was in good physical shape with short hair ending at his ears and wielded two hook-shaped swords. His Gem was shown at the center of his chest. "Yo! Who's this guy?" She called out.

"That is Chevron." Azurite answered, walking up to her. "He was a good soul. Fast and good-willed he was quick with his decisions and very deadly in combat." She added.

"How deadly?" Amethyst asked.

"A tale better told without Steven's ears hearing it." Azurite addressed.

Amethyst smiled as she looked at the statue. She raised her index and middle finger up before planting her lips onto them and putting her hand near Chevron's leg. 'Would've been cool to me ya, man.' She thought to herself.

"Hey Steven! You need to see this one." Kameron called out.

Following him Steven and Kameron stopped in front of another statue. This one was female with a serious expression on her face while wielding a short sword and being posed into a stance. Her Gem took the place of her left eye. "Wow. Who is she?" Steven asked.

"This is Tiger's Eye. It was said she was very skilled with a sword and once took down an entire group of Quartz soldiers while protecting a small village." Kameron explained.

"That's not the only thing about her though." Pyrope said, coming up to the boys. "She was fierce. Whenever she was dead-set on a choice there was nothing that couldn't change her mind. Plus we've sparred nearly a hundred and forty times." He added.

"And how many times did she kick your butt?" Kameron asked smugly.

"As many times as I kicked hers." Pyrope replied with a grin.

The sounds of Pearl groaning caught everyone's attention, "How could anyone forget about that. It was almost impossible not seeing you two fight each other." She added.

"True. We had some arguments here and there and Snowflake would always break us up." Pyrope said.

"Who's Snowflake?" Steven asked.

"Follow me." Lepidolite replied, cartwheeling herself forward.

Following her the boys stopped next to Lepidolite as they turned to next statue. This one was a large female with a large snowflake around her head and having similar patterns all over her body. Her Gem was shown on her right wrist like Kameron. "Snowflake. In the book it said she was strong but gentle. She once froze three Jaspers at once. But more so, she was very brave when the time came for it." Kameron said.

"Wow." Steven said in awe.

"She definitely was, Kameron. One time we even made an ice storm to take down a battalion. Craziest idea we ever came up with." Lepidolite added.

"Bismuth even said it was crazy too." Charoite said.

"Bismuth?" Steven questioned.

"Follow me." Citrine said, walking ahead.

Without another word they follow him further down the hall. Passing several more statues Citrine soon stopped as Kameron and Steven stood beside him. In front of them was a very interesting statue. It was a strong female Gem with dreadlocks and her Gem was at the center of her chest, though unlike the others hers looked more squared and opened.

"Bismuth..." Citrine said softly.

"What was she like?" Kameron asked.

"She was... she was...unlike any Gem I've ever met. We worked together before the War and during it she had the courage and motivation to keep going until the end." Citrine explained.

Looking up at him Kameron noticed tears forming in his eyes. An old wound opening up.

"She was definitely a one of a kind Gem." Pearl said.

"The greatest Gem we could ever have on our side." Garnet added.

"Really?" Amethyst asked, receiving a nod from both of them.

"Kameron. Steven. We did not just bring the both of you here to show you both those that fought alongside us, but I've added some new ones that I wish to show you." Green announced.

"What new ones?" Steven asked.

Without a word Green walked away. Following him they went even deeper into the halls. Just how big was this place anyway?

Soon enough they made it toward the end. Kameron and Steven slowly walked ahead of everyone else as their eyes were now locked onto the newest statues Green made. On the right was a woman with big curly pink hair and a white dress with a star symbol around her navel, showing her Gem. In her right hand was a shield and in her left hand was a sword. Her expression was soft, though serious as she raised her sword high into the air.

On the left was a teenage girl with small curls in her hair. She wore a white dress with small ring earrings and white heels. Her hands were placed in front of her stomach as she displayed a soft smile. A smile that could take your breath away. A smile that puts you at ease no matter the circumstances. A smile that...touched your heart in a way even you don't fully understand.

The area fell into silence. Everyone kept their eyes on the boys as they stared at these specific statues.

"Boys? Are you okay?" Christie asked concernedly.

No answer.

"Shoe-ball? Double-eyes?" Greg said worriedly.

Kameron slowly gripped his right hand. As he did this he raised up his left hand, placing them onto his goggles and lowering them onto his face. He then placed his left arm down, slowly gripping his hand.

Steven's eyes started to shake as he gazed at the statue. Rose Quartz. His mother. The one who started the War in the first place. "Everyone. Can we go home?" He asked nonchalantly.

"Boys, we understand how uncomfortable you both are right now. Understand that I made these out of respect and love." Green said.

As soon as he was done speaking Kameron turned around. He then began walking ahead without even giving his family a glance. Just as he continued on he felt some take his hand, stopping him in place.

"Kameron. You know dad did this with good intentions." Charoite said.

"Father would never disrespect her in any shape or form, brother. Please do not leave yet." Onyx added.

Charoite slowly released Kameron's hand from her own. No words were said as he continued walking off.

"Kameron. Don't leave-" Green said before getting cut off.

A crystal shard was then fired. It's speed was too fast for Green to notice as it passed by him, merely scratching his face before it landing at the wall beside the girl statue. That was enough for the message to get pointed out.

"Perhaps it is best if we all leave now." Pearl suggested.

"Wow. Didn't think he'd do something like that." Amethyst added.

"Amethyst. Let's not talk for awhile." Garnet replied.

Steven suddenly turned around and walked in front of everyone as they followed after.

End of Episode 8.

Hope you all enjoyed. Something I really wanted to do for a while and now was the right time.

Any questions, fill free to ask.

Next Time:

The Park Sisters