Episode 15: Zirconia

August 7th 12:00 p.m. - One Year Ago

'Why...? Why...? I told you to stay with your family... I told you to... I...' Kameron thought.

Sitting in the corner his head was placed against his knees while his hands were on his head. With every second passing his grip tightened on his head. His fingernails pierced into his scalp. More and more pressure was placed in, but he didn't care. It didn't matter. Not after what happened last night.

Small whimpers left his mouth. 'You are such an idiot! You're not suppose to let your guard down until it's all over! You should've taken her back home as soon as you saw her there! You should've...'

How long are you going to wallow in despair?

A light gasp left Kameron's mouth. He raised up his head from his knees, but from each side of the cell there was no-one there.

Hey! I asked you a question. Do I need to repeat myself? - The voice said.

That time Kameron heard him loud and clear. There wasn't anyone around, so there was only one reasonable answer to this, "Are you inside my head?"

Don't answer a question with a question. - The voice said in annoyance.

'I'll consider that as a yes. And to answer your question, why do you care?' Kameron replied in thought.

Because you loved her, dumbass! I loved her as much as you did, so I care very much about this. - The voice answered. You know why she didn't listen, don't you?

Releasing his hands from his head Kameron slowly raised himself up from the floor. He knew why she showed up. It was a simple basic human emotion. The most basic, complicated, and overwhelming emotion within the heart and mind. Love.

'What's your name, voice?' Kameron asked.

June 13th 8:05 a.m. Present Time

"Mmm... About time he gave me the driver's seat." The voice said through Kameron's body. Turning his body he lifted his right leg before striking the air. Placing it down he lifted his left leg, striking the air multiple times. Putting it down he bent both legs and crouched down until he rocketed himself into the air. Shifting his weight he flipped himself several times until he descended back onto the ground. Turning his head he gazed at everyone staring at him, "Don't you all know it's impolite to stare?"

"K-Kameron?" Steven asked cautiously.

The voice raise up his right arm and lifted his index finger, "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Wrong answer, Steven. But don't be afraid. Your big brother is okay, he's just allowing me control for a little while. He'll be back when I'm done with my turn."

"Who are you? What are you?" Green asked.

The voice placed his right arm down and soon his wicked smiled vanished as his eyes slowly narrowed, "That is such a stupid question, old man. I am what I am, and that's all that I am."

"Do you have a name?" Green asked.

Soon the Voice's wicked smile returned. He lifted his head to ceiling and started laughing again. "What did I just say?!" As his laughed ended he looked back at Green, "Alright, fine. How about we make this a lot easier. From this day onward until the end of time or when Kameron and I die, you all may call me Z. Does that sound fair?"

"It's a start..." Christie replied with uncertainty. "Are you Kameron's Gem side?"

Z soon cupped his chin, "Hmm... Maybe?" He shrugged.

"What is it that you want?" Green asked.

"I want what Kameron wants." Z answered. His then lifted his right arm and Venganza was summoned right out of it. Raising his left arm he grabbed the hilt and placed her right onto his shoulder, "This blade's name is the answer you're looking for, and I'm sure you're smart enough to understand why."

It didn't take long for anyone to understand what he was taking about. What he wants, what Kameron desires, it was clear as day and obvious to figure out.

"So...were you always with Kameron?" Pearl asked.

Z shook his head, "Uh-uh. I was born when the one we both loved died." He answered, earning a small gasp from Pearl. "Once he was done wallowing we made a little deal."

"What kind of deal?" Azurite asked.

"Now why would I give you that answer so easily? Life is an eyesore, and I don't have to tell you all anything unless you earn it. So if you want to know more then how about we play a game?" Z replied, placing Venganza on his back.

Pyrope scoffed at him as he marched forward and grabbed his shirt, pulling him close to his face, "Who do you think you are talking to us like that?" He asked firmly.

"That's just like you, Pyrope. So temperamental and aggressive. I just want to have a little fun. Is that so wrong? Shouldn't it be fine to play with your little brother, especially after you all lied about what the Corrupted really are?" Z replied with a grin.

He knew the truth too...

"Pyrope. Please let go of him." Christie said.

Without a response Pyrope released Z from his grip.

"What kind of game are you recommending?" Green asked.

"Tag. We'll play at my usual spot. The only rule is that no-one is allowed to use their powers. Other methods are applied, but no powers" Z answered.

"Tag? Aren'tcha a little old fer that?" Amber asked.

"Should that really matter? Or is my big sister afraid to lose?" Z replied with a smirk.

"*Gasp* You've got some mouth on ya, hun." Amber said with narrowed eyes.

"Where do you think me and Kameron get it from? Now you all wait here for fifteen minutes, then show up. Otherwise there might be an "accident" that can't be fixed." Z replied, pulling out a Warp Whistle. "See ya." He added, warping away.

June 13th 8:20 a.m.

Once fifteen minutes passed the Rainbows and the Crystals arrived at Kameron's usual spot.

"So... Any ideas where he might be?" Amethyst asked around.

"Your guess is as good as ours. We don't come here too often." Lepidolite answered, observing the surrounding area.

"I suggest we all split into groups." Green announced. "Pyrope, Citrine, and Onyx will go north. Amber, Azurite, Charoite, and Lepidolite will go south. The Crystals, Greg, and Steven will go east. And both me and Christie will go west. Whoever finds him immediately alert us. And let us follow his rule to ensure we are playing fair." He added.

"Seriously? What's gonna happen if we don't follow the rule?" Amethyst said.

Her answer didn't come as the Rainbows fell silent. Z said there would an "accident" that can't be fixed, and nobody really wanted to know what that meant. With the plan in motion each group went their designated direction. Z and Kameron may have the advantage here, but the others weren't gonna stop looking until he was found.

Walking west Green and Christie kept their eyes open for their son. As they walked Christie placed her hand into Green's which he accepted before they were slowly intertwined. Whatever was happening to their son needed their full attention. One of the many responsibilities of being a parent.

"Are you okay?" Christie asked as they walked.

"I'm not so sure at the moment." Green admitted. "I am...okay on the fact that Kameron took the truth so well, especially when we showed him the Kindergartens. But now...him showing us this persona, it has me worried."

Christie turned her head as her grip on her husband's hand increased, "Me too. Honestly, I'm not so sure on what to do about this, but what matters right now is that we find him." She added.

Green's lips slowly stretched into a small grin, "How is it you always know what to say?"

A small giggle left Christie's mouth, "I don't always know what to say. I just say what's on my mind or what's in my heart. I'm still new to this since you've probably been a parent many times over before meeting me."

Just as Green opened his mouth to speak he stopped in his tracks while making his wife do the same. She turned her head and right in front of them near a tree was Z, placing his back against it with his arms crossed and a grin shown across his face.

"Z." Green and Christie said in unison.

Uncrossing his arms he lifted himself from the tree and approached them before stopping right in front of them. "You know, Kameron meant it after you told us the truth."

"Meant what?" Christie asked.

"He doesn't hate you. And neither do I. You both are the most amazing parents we could ever ask for." Z answered. "Now, try to touch me."

As Green and Christie released their hands they both stepped forward, stretching one arm out toward him. As their hands were coming in Z bent his legs and jumped, flipping himself over them. Turning around Green jogged up to him as he raised his arms out. Leaping forward Z quickly turned to the side, making Green shoot right passed him. Turning his head he witnessed his mother reaching her hand out to him. Just as she came in close he flipped over her, making her tumble toward Green.

"C'mon. Can't you both do better than that?" Z groaned.

"Honey. We're too old to be doing this." Christie clarified.

"No, you're not." Z said, placing a hand on his hip. "Mom, you're still as active as you were in your twenties. And dad isn't putting in any effort."

"Excuse me?" Green said, raising an eyebrow. "It has been a while since I have played this type of game. I am a little rusty."

Z shrugged and pulled out his Warp Whistle, "Then you might as well stretch that body of yours. Later." He added as he warped away.

Going north Pyrope, Citrine, and Onyx walked side by side as they traversed forward.

"Ugh. Our brother is so gonna get it the next time I get my hands on him." Pyrope fumed.

"I'm sure he has his reasons." Citrine assured.

"No doubt he's just testing us." Onyx concluded.

"Wow. Already being a downer like always, huh Onyx?"

Hearing Z's voice the three brothers turned their heads to see him walking up to them. Bailing his fists Pyrope glared at him and soon dashed forward. As he came in close Z jumped up, causing Pyrope to run passed him until he crashed into a nearby tree.

"Ooooh. That's gonna leave a mark." Z flinched at Pyrope's state.

Coming down from the tree above Z looked ahead to see Citrine coming right at him. Smirking, he dashed forward as Citrine's large arms were coming to him. Jumping right at him his arms missed their target right as Z planted himself around his brother's head. "Ya never stop impressing me with this awesome mohawk of yours." He complimented.

"Get off of me!" Citrine yelled raising his arms.

Pushing himself off of him Z's eyes were soon placed Onyx. Without a word Onyx stretched an arm out and dashed forward. Hopping backwards Z missed his hand and repeated the process as his brother was coming in. Closer and closer Onyx's arm was drawing near his body. But then Z's lips stretched into a smile as he jumped into the air, landing onto a large tree branch.

"Nice try, brother. I'll give you an A for effort, and a B- for the performance." Z said before warping away.

Turning around Pyrope and Citrine walked up to their brother. Wasn't sure where he was now, but now they didn't want this "game" to drag out for the rest of the day.

In the south the Evans' sisters walked along a small trail leading toward a large waterfall and pond.

"That boy is gonna get two-hundred volts up his ass the moment we find him." Amber said as sparks flickered around her.

"That should be the least of our worries." Charoite replied. "From what Z said earlier, I'm more concerned about his mindset."

"Me too. I've seen various patients with those kind of symptoms. If this is what Kameron has been suppressing since Elizabeth's death, then there is no telling how fragile his mind has gotten." Azurite said worriedly.

"And what about the deal him and Z made?" Lepidolite pointed out.

Just as any of the sisters opened their mouths to speak Z jumped out from above, startling them. "Ah, ah, ah. We're not even at the climax yet. You'll get your answers soon, my dear sisters."

"Z. Let us just talk. What will all of this accomplish?" Azurite asked.

Tilting his head Z's smile weakened. "It's not that simple." He said, his tone changed. It sounded more serious than earlier. "And for what this'll accomplish is the opportunity to spend some time with my beautiful sisters. So let's not ruin the mood or the atmosphere, 'kay?"

The four sisters and Z locked eyes. The number advantage was visibly clear, although numbers don't always assume the victor. Without wasting a second the quartet charged at him. Coming in fast and surrounding him Z had to do the one and only possible counter in the arsenal. With each sister reaching their arms out Z began to move his upper body back further and further until he fell onto the soft grass below him while watching each of his sisters' arms collide with each other. A small gasp exited their mouths, but before any of them reacted to his further Z grabbed the grass in firm grips before spinning his lower body, tripping each of his sisters before putting himself back onto his feet.

"Good try, but you girls should've already known that only works in the movies, and even the characters in them can't do it unless they're extremely lucky. But still, good try." Z said before he warped away.

"Ugh! That boy is gettin' seven-hundred volts now!" Amber yelled.

Within the east the Crystal Gems, Steven, and Greg walked through a plethora of trees and went across a long crystal bridge since there was a large opening between each side.

"So... After...Elizabeth died, Z was born. I hope Kameron is okay when Z takes his turn." Steven said out loud.

"I'm not even so sure what's happening to him. But...what happened with Elizabeth..." Greg said while gripping his tank-top. "I can't imagine what Double-Eyes has been going through. And I know what it's like to lose someone you care about but-"

"Don't go blaming yourself, uncle Greg." Z said, cutting him off.

Appearing from behind a tree Z showed himself to the others as a glare formed on his eyes.

"Here I come!" Steven yelled, running toward him.

Z closed his eyes and jumped over Steven. Turning his attention on the others Garnet came running toward him. Without a word he repeated her action, but as they came in close Kameron slid under her legs and flipped himself over Amethyst before circling around Pearl in mere seconds with incredible speed. Stopping in his tracks he turned around as his hands slowly bailed into fists.

"Why?" He asked angerly.

The Crystals were taken back by his tone. "Why did you all keep Lapis imprisoned for a thousand damn years!?" He angerly.

"We had to." Pearl replied, placing a hand onto her chest. "Rose gave the order for it."

Z's eyes expanded at the mention of that name. Soon he clenched his teeth, "You couldn't have just talked to her?"

"If we had released her she would've given our location to Home World." Pearl explained. "Rose didn't wish to put her in such a situation, but we didn't have a choice. I'm sorry. You have to understand."

"I do. In war both sides are in the wrong and you make decisions nobody is gonna like, regardless if it'll benefit you and your group or not. But that doesn't excuse what you've done to her and I can never forgive you for that." Z stated. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out Kameron's phone before texting the others. "The game is over. And now it's time you all deserve to know another secret of mind."

Just as someone was going to ask him what he was talking about the Rainbows, Green, and Christie arrived through the use of their own Warp Whistles.

"Good. I'm glad you guy are-" Z said as he got cut off.

Amber and Pyrope stomped on the ground before they both delivered a hot serving of whoop-ass. Raising their arms from below they both connected them toward Z's chin and with added pressure launched him high into the sky. The attack itself made his body spiral as he ascended into the air before bringing up down to the ground. With a loud thud Z gawked from the harsh landing and groaned as he slowly raised himself up.

"Ugh... Got that out of your systems?" Z asked, rubbing his chin.

"More or less. Is the game over?" Pyrope replied.

Z nodded, earning a sigh of relief from the others. "Now that you've gotten all of that out of your systems... I'm ready to confess."

"Confess?" Christie asked.

With another nod Z raised his right arm out. His Gem began to glow and from the glow a small brown pouch came out of it. Placed in his hand he then tossed it toward his father. Green caught the bag as confusion was then expressed on his face.

"What is this?" Green asked.

"The truth. No more hiding. No more running away. And no more lying. From that pouch is what we've kept hidden for a whole year. And now, after you told us and Steven the truth, it's only fair we do the same. Because we can't hide from this forever. And for that, my turn is over. Until we meet again." Z replied as his Gem began to glow. The skin had reverted to normal and the left eye was back to being crystal blue. Kameron was back. "Open it." He said, his voice returning to normal.

Looking down at the pouch Green pulled open the rope and turned it upside down while lifting his other hand. The contents within the pouch were soon placed into Green's hand and the moment he saw it a gasp left his lips. His eyes started to quiver as they gazed at the contents. They were no more than four pieces. Dark green with shades of blue into them and tiny cracks appeared near each corner. Christie, Lepidolite, Azurite, Charoite, and Pearl covered their mouths at the sight of it. A change was placed in the wind as everyone locked their eyes onto it.

Slowly raising his head Green turned his eyes onto Kameron who stood up and balled his hands into fists. "Kameron... How...did you find this?" He carefully asked.

"I didn't find it." Kameron replied. He tightened his grip on each hand as he felt his throat getting numb. "Because I'm responsible for it." He answered.

More gasps entered the air. All eyes were now on him now. His grip tightened even more as he felt a wetness within his palms. They soon dripped through his hands while his eyes were filled with tears.

(Song Begins)

Kameron:

I never meant to make such a mess.

I never thought things would go this far.

So I stand right here, sorry. Searching for something to say...

Something to say...

Words fail.

Words fail.

There's nothing I can say.

The tears in his eyes begin to drop as everyone watches.

I wanted to be apart of this.

I never felt like this before.

I have these amazing girls, who can always see the good part of me.

I have these guys who stuck it out. Taught me what's right and what's wrong.

Mom and Dad who tried to be there and that's what they tried to do.

That's not a worthy explination, I know there is none.

Nothing can make sense of what I've done.

Words fail!

Words fail!

There's nothing I can say!

Except sometimes you see everything you always wanted!

Sometimes, you see everything you don't deserve!

And it's right there!

Right there!

RIGHT THERE IN FRONT OF YOU!

And you believe it's true.

So you believe it's true.

And I think, maybe, I don't want it.

Need it.

Or deserve it, too.

Opening his hands he sees it dripping and looks up to see everyone silent and speechless. More tears began to fall from his eyes.

What we had was a sad invention.

It was so real, it was.

We were happy...

I just can't let her go.

I just can't give this up.

I won't even believe.

'Cause if I believe I won't always see what's really there.

I won't even pretend I'm something bigger than these broken parts.

Don't pretend I'm something other than this mess that I am.

And everyone can look at it. Everyone gets to look at it.

So you all can really see!

I have learned to slam on the brakes even after I turned the key.

And with this mistake.

You all now see the worst of me.

And now you see THE WOOOORRRSST OOOOF MEEEEE!

Feeling his knees weaken he fell onto them with sobs leaving his mouth.

And what if you all saw?

What if you all knew?

Do you like what you saw?

Or do you hate it too?

I can't just run away from what's true.

What am I suppose to do?

And I'll always face...

Always face the sun.

Always face the sun.

(Song End)

More sobs left Kameron's mouth as his tears fell endlessly. Right there in front of everyone was a broken teenager with blood-covered hands. It was so painful to watch him fall into this state. Was this really the main reason why it was so hard for him to talk to his family?

With tears falling down her face Christie went up to him and fell onto her knees before wrapping her arms around him. Lepidolite followed shortly after, then Azurite, then Charoite, and Citrine. Putting the contents back into the pouch Green placed it into his pocket as he walked up to everyone and joined the embrace. Pyrope, Amber, and Onyx slowly joined in.

The Crystals, Steven, and even Greg came in too, creating the most powerful hug any group of people could ever make.

June 13th 8:30 a.m.

Feeling the water pouring down on him Kameron let out a sigh of relief. For one whole year him and Z kept this secret from them and after so long it felt good to let it all out, but it also hurt so much.

Turning the water off he opened up the curtains and stepped out of the tub. Grabbing a towel he started drying himself off. Fully dried he walked up to the mirror and wiped away the clouded mist from it. His eyes were locked onto his scars. They didn't matter to him, but they each reminded him of the Corrupted. Though that didn't matter at the moment. Sucking in some air from his nose he slowly exhaled it out of his mouth.

You ready? - Z asked.

'Not really. I don't know what they'll say or do, but...we have to do this.' Kameron replied in thought.

Adverting his eyes from the mirror he looked down at his clothes and started getting dressed.

Coming out of the bathroom Kameron walked down stairs to see everyone in the living room. Without a word he walked over to the couch and sat down next to his parents.

"How was your shower?" Christie asked.

"It was...nice." Kameron replied, without much emotion in his tone. "I'm sorry for not telling you all this."

Green slowly placed a hand on his shoulder, making his son turn to him. "This is not your fault."

"Dad. Yes it is." Kameron clarified.

"No. The fault is mine. I've been meaning to tell you what the Corrupted were when your training was completed, but I never had the chance. And after...what happened...I decided against it, to prevent even more damage inflicted on you. That decision alone was my fault as well. I apologize for that and for not acting you when I should've." Green explained.

"You didn't know, because I never told you. Any of you. And now...I should just be locked up for my crime." Kameron said as he turned his eyes on Amber. "So when are you going to put me behind bars?"

"Never." Amber answered without a second thought. "The last thing me or Charoite would ever do is put family behind bars unless it's fer a reason. You were locked up once and you ain't gonna go through that again. Understand?"

"I deserve to rot." Kameron replied.

"No you don't." Charoite said, gaining his attention. She then walked over to him and placed herself onto her knees before taking both of his hands, "You've suffered enough. And it always hurts me to see you in this state."

"Karma always gets her way. I don't deserve the things I have. And it should've been me that died, not her." Kameron replied as Charoite firmly gripped his hands. "But if that happened you all wouldn't have known about it and I would've hurt you more than the experiences you've already been through. So the only thing I can do is just honor Elizabeth's memory with vengeance. She wouldn't want me to do this, but for what I've put her family through it's the only path I have to take, even if it's not the logical one."

"Kameron." Lepidolite said, gaining his attention. "There is nothing you can do that'll ever stop us from loving you. No matter what, we will always be there for you just as you do for us."

"Trust me. I know what vengeance can do to a person." Pyrope said, making Kameron look at him. "You won't find any peace if you keep going down that road."

"I don't care if I don't. As long as everyone else is safe." Kameron replied.

"I don't want you to die." Steven said. Getting up from the chair he walked over to Kameron as tears swelled in his eyes. "Please don't die. You're my big brother. I need you."

As Charoite released her brother's hands Kameron looked at Steven as he placed a hand on his head. 'Great... Dying is so easy, but living is so hard. And seeing Steven like this... It just makes things more complicated.' He thought to himself. "*sigh* I can't make any promises, Steven, but at least for the time being I'll try to keep myself alive. Deal?"

Without words Steven threw his arms around him. Kameron patted his back a few times before Steven released him.

"Kameron. I apologize, but may you please tell us the deal you made with Z?" Onyx asked.

Kameron nodded, "The deal was that he would have control of my body whenever I couldn't handle myself. And if I die he can have it entirely."

"So...exactly what is Z?" Amethyst asked.

Kameron shrugged. "I don't really know. He even wonders about that sometimes. For now, I need to go take care of some business." He added as he stood up.

"What kind of business?" Pearl asked.

A growl echoed in everyone's ears. Kameron's cheeks started to burn as he walked over to the kitchen. Some giggles were released as he opened up the fridge. After spilling his heart out food was definitely needed for the aftermath.

End of Episode 15.

Hope you all enjoyed this and the identity of The Voice and now officially Z.

The song I've placed here is called Words Fail from Dear Evan Hansen, one of my top six favorite musicals I've ever heard of. I've changed the lyrics to match how Kameron was feeling in case anyone was wondering. I do not own this song. It belongs to it's respectfully owners.

Next Time:

Resolve