Episode 14: Kindergarten

June 13th 7:00 a.m.

The sun began to rise over the horizon. It's light shined over Beach City, illuminating it from the shadows. The weather stated it was going to be clear skies all day today, though that alone wasn't going to change the situation at hand.

It has been three days since Lapis' departure from Earth. Once she left the planet Azurite managed to keep the tower stable before returning the oceans back to their original states. It wasn't too difficult, but even after it was over the Rainbows checked around the globe to make sure the Aqua Eco System was okay. Luckily for them they had some help from the Marines and from each section of the world the habitats were safe and unharmed.

Outside of the Big Doughnut Green, Christie, Greg, and the Crystals all sat together at a table. The store was open and both Christie and Greg ordered some coffee just before they were about to begin their discussion.

"Thank you for coming." Green said.

"Of course. Though I don't understand why Greg needs to be here." Pearl replied.

"Because we asked him to." Christie said, sipping her coffee. "He needs to be apart of this." She added.

"We told him to-" Pearl said before getting cut off.

"Pearl. He's Steven's father. He has every right to be here." Christie stated strongly.

Pearl was taken back by Christie's comment, but chose not to push it any further. She looked over at Greg who was quiet while drinking his coffee. It was already enough for him to help them get to Lapis' tower, but for why he needed to be apart of this was to be explained shortly.

"As you all know...both Kameron and Steven are now fully aware of what the Corrupted are. And because of this revelation I believe it is time for them to know more." Green stated.

"I don't think that's a good idea." Garnet replied, straightening her visor.

"They need to know, Garnet. The longer we delay this the more damage we make. Would it be better for them to learn more behind our backs? That alone will strain their trust in us until they'll resent us and we will lose them." Green said, intertwining his hands together.

Pearl soon placed her hands on the table, pointing her attention onto Green, "There are many things about us that Steven shouldn't know. He isn't ready for that."

"So you value your own privacy more than family?" Christie said, gaining Pearl's attention. "Listen. I can sympathize what you have been through and the desire to move on, but the past will always come back to you. No matter how much you run from it, how much you distance yourselves from it, or deny it completely it will always come back. The boys freeing Lapis was the breaking point of it and their curiosity will get stronger. They need to know the truth, because sooner or later Home World will return to finish what they started."

Pearl turned her head away from her. Christie's words were truthfully and Green made a valid point, but that didn't mean it would be easy. For thousands of years she's been dreading this ever since the War was over. They won the War, but the War alone wasn't over even when it seem like it was. And now with Rose gone and taking care of her child...this only raises the stakes even further than they were before.

"Guys." Greg said, gaining everyone's attention. "I think it would be best for them to know the truth. I didn't read the Rebellion Book and I didn't ask about Home World and what kind of society it was back then, but from what I'm hearing I think it would be the best choice."

The Crystals soon looked at one another and then looked back at Greg. "We will tell Steven when he is ready. You don't need to concern yourself with this." Garnet said.

"He has every right to be concerned with it!" Christie said as she stood up. "Ever since Rose died you three won't even let him live with his own son. You told him to not get involved with Gem related issues, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't have to stay in his van for the rest of his life."

Christie then turned her eyes onto Greg, "You know that none of us have anything against you living in your van, but you are Steven's father and have the right to live with him. And I am just so tired of this little feud Pearl and Amethyst have against you." She stated strongly and firm.

Greg's eyes widened. He then looked over to see Pearl and Amethyst look away from him. Greg then looked down at his coffee. He wasn't so sure how to answer to Christie. He knew she was only trying to help and her intentions were always for the good of others. He's known her long enough to understand that. And while he never held anything against Pearl or Amethyst, he couldn't help but frown. No-one knew what was gonna happen to Rose when she got pregnant, not even Garnet, and it was right then and there that began the hatred Pearl and Amethyst had on him. Garnet didn't have any since she needed to become the new leader and needed to accept it, no matter how much it would hurt.

"Maybe it's best if I leave." Greg said as he stood up.

"No." Garnet spoke up. "Don't leave."

Greg sat back down as Garnet then looked at Green. "Green... Do you believe Kameron would resent you and the others if he learned the truth?"

"I cannot say for certain, but I've been through many circumstances that fell under that conclusion. Even if he does, he needs to know the truth. And think of this as an apology for keeping Lapis within the mirror." Green replied.

Garnet was then silent. But soon gave him a nod, shocking Pearl and Amethyst. It wasn't like she liked this either, but...this needed to be done and it was for the best to do this now then later.

June 13th 7:30 a.m.

At the Universe residence both Kameron and Steven sat on the couch together with their families around them. Kameron laid back with his arms crossed while Steven simply intertwined his hands together.

"Kameron. Steven. Today... Today...we think it's best for the both of you to know the truth." Pearl said.

"We're all ears." Kameron replied nonchalantly. He then uncrossed his arms and moved up while putting his arms on his knees, "Why don't we start with the Corrupted."

Pearl then looked over at Green who stood in front of the boys. Closing his eyes he sucked in some air and the exhaled it out of his nose, "The Corrupted as you know are indeed normal Gems. Long, long ago the Diamonds held with them an incredible spell that we use to punish those that stood against us and to those who would go against our rules. The five of us came together and transformed a Gem into a mindless beast. Depending on the crimes or actions the Gem or Gems have made would determine the fate of those said individuals. Mostly we've placed them in cages until their punishment is over and sometimes we've even allowed our greatest warriors fight them for entertainment. But when their actions have been paid we revert them back to their original selves." He explained.

Kameron's and Steven's eyes shot open. Hearing this gave them a lot more clarity. And honestly...this was sick. Kameron turned his eyes to the floor as he placed a hand onto his head. He gripped onto it while his other hand gripped onto his pants. Steven himself was speechless. There wasn't anything he could say at the moment or even what Green had told them. His eyes started to shake as he then looked at the floor.

"So... All this time when we've been fighting those monsters you could've just turned them back to normal?" Kameron said through his teeth. He then lifted his head as he glared at his father, "Was all of this just a game to you?! Do you enjoy the destruction they cause?! The people they've killed?! The lives they've destroyed?!"

"NO!" Green yelled. "I didn't. Returning them to normal isn't as simply as it seems. Only all five of us together can heal the Corrupted. One can cast the Corruption spell, but only all five can release the Healing spell. Without all five the spell is useless." He added, placing a hand on his chest.

Kameron's glare softened slightly. He's seen the capabilities of his father and with a Healing spell that needed all five Diamonds together that alone told him how powerful it was.

"I am so, so sorry. I wanted to tell you both when the time was right. And I also wanted to show you something else." Green said, tightly gripping his suit.

"Show us what?" Steven asked cautiously.

"The Kindergartens." Amethyst said.

"The Kindergartens?" Steven replied in confusion.

"Yes." Charoite said. "They're only mentioned by name in the Rebellion Book, but now it's time you boys witness them for yourselves." She added.

Onyx soon raised his arm out to open a black portal. Kameron and Steven soon stood up from the couch and followed their families into it.

June 13th 7:35 a.m.

Exiting out of the portal both families had arrived at their first destination. Up above the skies were filled with dark gray clouds, almost as if it was going to rain at any given moment. The atmosphere felt melancholic from the sight of it. From left to right it looked like they were in a canyon due to the large walls, and strangely enough there were holes in them. But the big kicker of all were the unknown machines. Some of them were on the ground normally while the rest were on the canyon walls themselves.

Amethyst stepped in front of everyone and soon stopped in front of Kameron and Steven, "Boys. Welcome to the Alpha Kindergarten. The place I was born."

"Wait. What?" Steven replied in surprise. "I thought you were born in space like Garnet and Pearl." He added.

"No way, dude. I was born right here after the Rebellion." Amethyst explained. "Oh, follow me. I wanna show you guys something." She added as she took off.

Following her Kameron and Steven continued observing their surroundings.

'So Amethyst was born after the War was over... Guess the corruption spell doesn't work on Gems in the ground.' Kameron thought to himself.

Stopping in their tracks the boys walked up to Amethyst who was next to a hole in the wall. "This here my dudes is the hole I came out of." She said.

"How do you know this is your hole?" Kameron asked.

"Easy, man. When a Gem is born from the ground they always remember the designated hole they come from." Amethyst explained.

"Really?" Steven asked.

"Totally. I was just non-existence and then *pop* right out of this hole. Been livin' in this place until I met Rose." Amethyst replied with a grin.

Taking a few steps back Kameron looked up to see the machines right above them. He then turned around and locked his eyes onto his family, "I'm gonna take a guess and say that those machines are how Gems are born?" He asked.

"Bingo." Amber answered. "They're called Injectors. I'm not even so sure mah self, but there be a substance that when placed in the ground absorbs the energy around itself and afta a few seconds a Gem is brought about." She added.

Absorbs the energy around itself? Taking that in Kameron's eyes slowly expanded as he looked back at the machine and then the wall it was placed on. It all started to click.

"Those machines... They're harming the planet." Steven said, looking back at the others.

"Yes. We never wanted you or Kameron to see this horrible place." Pearl replied.

"I think we should move on to the next one." Citrine said.

June 13th 7:40 a.m.

At their next destination the sun was out and the area was scorching hot. The walls were solid rock and the ground itself showed several cracks in it. Just like in Alpha, there were multiple holes in the walls and various Injectors, though interestingly, some of the machines were brutally damaged beyond repair.

"Welcome to the Beta Kindergarten." Citrine announced.

"You spent some time here, Citrine?" Kameron asked.

"Yes. During the War there were countless battles placed in this very land." Citrine replied as everyone walked. "Strong warriors who sacrificed their lives for the protection of their homes." He added, balling his fists.

The further the families walked the more holes they witnessed. The environment wasn't as bad as Alpha's since it didn't change dramatically. Despite that there was still the chilling sensation just by looking at them.

Near the end of the canyon the families stopped in their tracks as Kameron and Steven stepped forward. Their eyes slowly expanded at the very thing right in front of them. A massive hole.

"What kind of Gem popped out of this?" Kameron asked, nearly speechless.

"A warrior." Citrine answered.

"What kind of warrior?" Steven asked.

"The kind that doesn't show any mercy to the enemy." Pyrope answered. "Hopefully we won't have to fight her again. She killed thirty people in a single day." He added.

The boys quickly turned around, "Really? In a single day?" Kameron asked, receiving a nod from Pyrope.

Turning back at the hole both boys slowly approached it. It's size was enormous. Whoever this Gem Warrior was it was definitely someone dangerous.

June 13th 7:50 a.m.

Echoes of water entered everyone's hearing as they appeared at their next location. Gasps left Kameron's mouth as he jogged forward and stopped at the edge of the cliff. A gasp left Steven's mouth as he appeared right beside him. There were large waterfalls right at the center of the area, however the most shocking aspect was the massive opening of the pond. From side to side the remains of the pond was still there, yet somehow there was a large water-less opening with large gaping holes at the bottom and several destroyed Injectors.

"Welcome to the Gamma Kindergarten." Azurite announced, approaching the boys.

"Gamma? Wait, exactly how many Kindergartens are on earth?" Kameron asked without turning around.

"Four." Green answered.

A silent sigh left Kameron's mouth. 'Only four. That's not so bad, though it does mean Pink Diamond had her hands full and a large portion of life from Earth was taken.' He thought to himself.

"Can we go in a little closer?" Kameron asked.

"I don't think that's a good idea, honey." Christie replied.

Steven then turned around, "Please? We'll be careful." He asked.

The Gems and parents looked at each other with uncertainty, but soon gave Steven a nod. Going in a little closer wouldn't be too bad.

With their permission Steven jumped up and attached himself onto Kameron's back. Kameron stumbled a little from this, but through the annoyance he grappled onto Steven's legs and looked back at the others. "Try to keep up." He added as he leaped off of the cliff.

Pearl gasped as quickly ran up to the cliff. Looking down there were a multitude of trees below that eased her worry, but only to a degree. "These boys are killing me." She groaned.

"Have a little faith." Amethyst replied. "They're kinda taking this well. Besides, we've gotta catch up, so..." She replied, picking up Pearl and jumping off the cliff.

"AMETHYST!" Pearl screamed as they fell.

"Umm... How are we gonna do this? I'm not really that agile." Greg said with concern.

"I've got Amber and Pyrope. Citrine has Lepidolite and Charoite. You can be with Garnet. And Onyx is with mother and father." Azurite addressed as she summoned her wings.

Greg soon looked at Garnet. His heart began to pound with some sweat drops coming up. A nervous giggle left his mouth as he walked up to Garnet, "Please don't go too fast."

Garnet nodded as she picked up Greg and jumped off the cliff. A loud wail exited his mouth as they were dropping.

"Father. Mother. Would you both prefer a portal or manual?" Onyx asked his parents.

"Well..." Christie began, tapping her chin. "I wouldn't mind manual." She added.

With that confirmation Azurite took off with Amber and Pyrope under her arms. Citrine, Charoite, and Lepidolite soon followed after. Going behind his father both Onyx and his other held onto him tightly as they soon jumped off.

"Woo-hoo! This is so cool!" Steven screamed with joy.

Tree to tree Kameron summoned out crystal tendrils to traverse through the forest. Luckily for him the branches and bark were strong enough for him and Steven to swing from. However every grip he released with his tendrils needed to be light so he wouldn't damage the trees too much. It reminded him too much of his Usual Spot and both the trees there and here needed to be treated with care, otherwise Mother Nature will get pissed.

So... By far this is the third Kindergarten we're seeing. What do you think we're gonna see when we get to the last one? - The voice said.

'Not sure. Alpha was lifeless. Beta felt anonymous. We'll see what's up with Gamma and then just go with the flow.' Kameron replied in thought.

Huh... Never thought you of all people would even say that. Giving your brain a break? - The voice said.

'For the time being. And after we're done I think day will be the day.' Kameron thought, keeping his focus.

The voice gasped. A small giggle soon came afterwards. After all this time you're finally gonna give me the driver's seat? What's the occasion?

'I just feel like today is the day. Plus The Crystals and our family are telling us the truth about the past. I'm still pissed at them for what the Corrupted really are. And even though dad told the truth it isn't gonna change anything. Besides... if they're telling the truth then it's time we did the same.' Kameron thought firmly.

I am more than willing to agree with that! And don't worry either, I ain't gonna do anything stupid. - The voice said joyfully.

Kameron groaned as he and Steven kept moving. Good thing Steven was having too much fun to ever notice what was happening.

At the end of the forest Kameron fired one last tendril and flipped himself and Steven into the air. With one last flip they soon landed down at the opened pond. Steven then detached himself from Kameron and began looking around.

"Kameron, look! There are so many holes here. And look at the bashed up Injectors." Steven said as he jogged forward.

Walking up to him screams soon entered their ears. Looking up the rest of their families were coming. Dropping down Amethyst released Pearl from her grip as she soon fell on her butt. Laughter left Amethyst's mouth alongside the Rainbow's from Pearl dizzy expression.

Shaking her head she glared at Amethyst, "Don't ever do that again without telling me. I'm getting flashbacks from the Sea Spire."

"Yo, guys! Everything alright?" Amethyst said, ignoring Pearl.

"Yeah." Kameron replied, putting his hand at the rapid water flow. "I would say this type of structure is completely impossible, but with everything I've witnessed I'm not that surprised anymore." He added. "Lapis Lazulis were born here since there's water, right?"

"Correct. Not only them but Aquamarines." Azurite said, approaching Kameron.

Steven turned around and walked up to her, "Who are Aquamarines?" He asked.

"Little twerps." Pyrope answered. Soon a soft but hard slap was aimed right at his shoulder. "Ow."

"Don't say things like that in front of Steven." Garnet said.

Pyrope groaned as he rubbed his shoulder, "You know how annoying Aquamarines are. I was being honest to the little guy."

"What did Aquamarines do?" Kameron asked curiously.

"They were scouts, just like me." Charoite answered. "But they go around and collect things for the Diamonds."

"What kind of things?" Steven asked.

"Objects, equipment, and items they couldn't obtain themselves. And some of them are a little stuck-up, but not all of them. There was one that actually fought alongside us." Charoite answered.

Steven hummed at that. It also peaked Kameron too. Pyrope said they were "little twerps" but not all of them, so this Aquamarine must've been very unique compared to the rest.

June 13th 8:05 a.m.

The final destination. The final Kindergarten.

"Welcome to the Delta Kindergarten." Green announced.

Unlike Alpha, Beta, and Gamma, Delta was entirely different. From above there were large holes with sunlight piercing through them. Straight forward was an endless amount of holes. The injectors were both damaged, destroyed, and completely wrecked. The ground itself was solid and firm. From a distance it looked like pieces of metal were visible within the rock and stone. There's no imagination on what kin of Gem would be born if the Injector ever pierced through metal.

"Pink Diamond wanted her final Kindergarten to be secluded so we wouldn't be able to find it, but unfortunately we've managed to locate it after interrogating an Amethyst." Green said explained.

Taking a few steps forward both Kameron and Steven gazed at the Delta Kindergarten. Pink must've been very clever to make a Kindergarten underground.

"Are you two okay?" Pearl asked cautiously.

Neither Kameron or Steven replied. Turning around they looked at their families. They both looked at each other and soon back at their families, "My mom defeated Pink Diamond, right?" Steven asked.

"Yes." Garnet answered.

Sucking in some air Steven slowly narrowed his eyes. Next was a question he himself wasn't prepared to ask, "How did she defeat Pink Diamond?"

Pearl slowly covered her mouth as her body began to shiver. Amethyst was unsure how to say it as she looked at Garnet, who was unsure herself on how to explain it. Greg looked at the Crystals' expressions. From them it was clear that he had a assumption about what happened. Looking over at the Rainbows they themselves weren't too afraid or worried. They already knew the answer, but it wasn't their place to say it.

"Please tell us. We need to know." Steven asked.

Pearl slowly uncovered her mouth. "Y...Your mother...she...she..." She tried to say as tears started swelling in her eyes. "SHE SHATTERED HER!" She screamed.

Her answer echoed all over the place. Steven's eyes shot open as he covered her mouth. Loud sobs left Pearl's mouth as she fell to her knees. She continued to cry as Garnet comforted her.

Tears started swelling in Steven's eyes as he slowly approached her. Without even saying a word he threw his arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug. A light gasp left Pearl's mouth before she wrapped her arms around him. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I wanted to tell you, but I wasn't sure how to say it." She sobbed.

Everyone watched this a uneasiness was then filled in the air. The kind of feeling you get when you're backed into a corner and don't have a choice but to tell the truth. It's not easy to do. The Crystal Gems and Rainbow Gems weren't demanded the truth, but instead they needed to tell the truth.

Pearl began to calm down as her and Steven broke their hug, "Do you hate us?" She asked.

"What?" Steven asked, shocked by her words.

"Please don't hate us. I know we should be telling you important information, especially about what happened, but...we just...we didn't want you or Kameron to see us differently." Pearl admitted as she stood up.

Kameron then walked up to her. "Pearl. Neither me or Steven can hate you." He said as he turned to his family, "We can't hate any of you." He added.

"Really?" Lepidolite asked, her lip quivering.

Kameron nodded to her as he walked up to them. Without preparation Lepidolite threw her arms around him. Soon after it was Charoite then Azurite and Citrine who then picked them up. Loud sobs left his mouth as he held his sisters and brother while shaking them back and forth. He was crushing them, but not too hard as he quickly released them from his death hug. As his sisters release him he looked at his other siblings who showed small grins, even Onyx who rarely shows any emotion.

"Like I said, we can't hate you guys." Kameron said.

"*sniffle* Yeah. You're our family." Steven added, wiping away any remaining tears.

"You all aren't the only ones with deep secrets either." Kameron said.

"What are you talking about?" Christie asked.

Walking away from the others Kameron soon stood in front of everyone, including Steven. "I've been wanting to show you all this for a while. I wanted to wait until their was an opportunity to do so, so I think now above everything else is the right time."

Closing his eyes Kameron slowly raised his right arm up. As everyone watched him his Gem began to glow. A light green aura soon enveloped around his body with blustering winds following after. The winds began to get violent and slowly Kameron's skin started to change, becoming light green. Soon after the winds slowly began to decrease until they completely vanish. Kameron soon opened his eyes and as he did his left eye was now the identical color as his right. His lips slowly began to stretch until his teeth were show and his mouth was completely open, forming a large wicked smile.

"HA! HA! HA! HA! Finally! For once he's actually giving me the driver's seat. And I am more than willing to give it a test drive." Kameron said, but his voice now had an echoing atmosphere to it.

Next Time:

Zirconia