Episode 16: Resolve
June 20th 1:00 p.m.
Ostrheinsburg University. One of the best colleges around the world. Though not well known by many, this place has left several marks on it to inspire various generations to change the world for the better. Open to all who are interested, and those that are receive multiple opportunities that'll increase their drives.
Within the halls of the university in Room 2814, Green Diamond Evans stood in front of his desk as he glanced at his students. A small grin began to stretch across his lips. Seeing them here, wanting to learn, interested in his subject, he couldn't help but smile. One of the many joys that make him happy.
Just as he opened his mouth to speak his head quickly jerked to the right at the sound of his door opening. Coming in were his last two students who closed the door behind them before they approached him.
"Mr. Evans. We're so, so sorry for coming in late." Student #1 said.
"We overslept. We were up all night studying and we didn't keep track of the time and-" Student #2 added.
"Mr. Parker. Miss Caulfield." Green interrupted. "You both have actually arrived on time. No need for apologies. Though, be assured that you both were lucky this time. I can understand being prepared for your classes is important and while personal issues are none of my business unless they are brought into the conversation, be fully aware of your schedules. As much as I care for each and all of my students I cannot always let them off easy. Understand?"
Both of his students nodded before being told to go toward their seats. With everyone seat it was now time for class to begin. Green raised out his right arm and as it began to glow three skulls appeared out of it before slowly placing themselves onto his desk. Turning around he walked up to his chalkboard and took a fresh piece of chalk from the side while summoning three crystal tendrils to pick up three more pieces of chalk.
"Today as many of you already know, we are going to journeying back and experience the very nature of humanity. The three skulls you all are witnessing are from three different time periods as well as from different cultures. On your left is the only remains of a legendary Spartan warrior. In the middle is the remains of a strong and courageous Viking. And on your right is the remains of a strong-willed Amazon." Green said as he wrote on the board. "Now. Last night you all have had as much time as possible to read the very books I've given you from beginning to end, so hopefully you all are prepared for today's lesson."
Turning around as he finished the board Green placed his chalk down and retracted his tendrils. In front of him several of his students were paying attention while many were either bored or waiting for the more interesting aspects of his subject. Raising his arm out he pointed at a female student near his desk. "Diana. Please explain to me and the class about the Amazons."
"The Amazons are an ancient tribe that lived in a secluded location which was cut off from the rest of the world. They were discovered in the Seventeenth Century by a group of explorers who were out at sea. Not much of their history has been recorded, though it has been made clear that the tribe itself was massive and only consisted of women. There were no men, except for the explores who founded them and from the Queen they were spared. Though they were friendly, the explorers couldn't return home due to their ship's keel being damaged and so were given the responsibility to cook while the women hunted." Diana explained.
"Correct." Green applaud. "And what was their society like?"
"The tribe's location which remains unknown to this day was said to be a paradise. They lived in huts made from the strongest tree branches they could find and not all of the women hunted. Those who's wills were strong and brave were chosen by the Queen to hunt. Others were trained to protect their home from invaders and used swords and a variety of weapons to do so. As time passed the men had taught the women to read and write, even the Queen herself. The men were also responsible for making clothing for the women and caring for the children they brought into the world." Diana began.
"Very good. Continue." Green replied.
"If the children brought into the world from fornication were male they the Queen either made them cook or were given the opportunity to spar with her warriors for entertainment. Violent and aggressive, the Amazons showed no mercy to those who harm their home and fought in countless wars, which they came out as the victors." Diana concluded.
A round of applause was given to her by the other students, as well as her teacher.
"Very good. Now who would like to explain the culture and society of Vikings?" Green announced.
June 20th 3:30 p.m.
The bell soon rang. Each and everyone of Green's students began packing up their belongings and sitting up from their seats to leave.
"Remember everyone. There will be a test on Thursday about what we've discussed today, so make sure you study and be well prepared. This will be going into your finals grades by the end of the semester. If any of you have any questions fill free to come to me, but don't expect me to give you the answers, you have to earn them. Other than that, you are all dismissed." Green announced.
With his students leaving Green placed each of the skulls back into his Gem and summoned out multiple tendrils to erase his board. Today's lesson was indeed longer than he expected it to be, but then again a lot had happened during those time periods.
"I see you've had a good day today?" A voice nearby said.
Turning his head Green noticed a woman coming into the room as he finished wiping down the board. "Oh. Hello, Mrs. Ferris." He added.
"Class went well?" Mrs. Ferris asked, approaching him.
"Indeed. Although Miss Chandler and Mr. Murphy were sleeping right through the session about Spartans." Green groaned. "Miss Chandler is starting to become a problem ever since she came here no thanks to her wealthy background. And for Mr. Murphy, I worry very deeply about him. Sometimes he comes to class and other times he doesn't, and when he does he is sleeping in his seat. I've tried talking to him about it, but it always ends with an explosive rage before he storms out." He added.
"Ouch." Mrs. Ferris winced. "I bet dealing with your own kids is a lot easier than dealing with your own students."
Green lightly chuckled at her comment, "There are times that being a father can be more simple than being an Anthropologist teacher. And sometimes the reverse can be beneficial."
Just as Mrs. Ferris attempted to speak again a loud ring echoed in the classroom. Pulling out his phone Green brought the screen near his face to see a Corrupted was on the loose.
"My apologizes, Mrs. Ferris. But I must take care of this." Green said, putting his phone away.
"Understood. Sometimes I forget your a father, a teacher, and leader of the Rainbow Gems." Mrs. Ferris replied. She raised an arm out and patted his shoulder, "I'm not your wife, but please be careful, okay? I know how strong and powerful you and your family are, but you're not invincible."
"Thank you. I'll let you handle things from here. My papers for the next class are on the table." Green replied.
Walking out of his classroom Green pulled out his Warp Whistle and teleported away.
June 20th 3:45 p.m.
Arriving at the destination Green placed his whistle back into his pocket. Right in front of him lied one of the largest mountains in the world: Mt. Jormungandr. Just up ahead was a long stone pathway, but beyond that was the mountain itself, covered in snow.
"Dad?"
Hearing that voice Green turned around to see one of his sons, Kameron.
"Kameron? I didn't expect to see you here." Green said.
"Likewise." Kameron replied, approaching his father. "Guess it's just the two of us at this, huh?"
"Yes. Let us go now."
Without a response Kameron followed his father. It's been a week since Green met Z and understood his son's reasons for low communication with him and the others. Things have been...awkward in the family. Though they still talk to each other, there's this uneasy vibe in the air; a sensation filled with dread and regret. The day Green had dreaded had finally come to pass, and it isn't in the way he imagined it would be. It's way more complicated than that.
Father and son walked onto the stone pathway as their eyes were locked onto the mountain. Gusts of cold wind was passing right through them as they continued. Shivers were sent down Kameron's whole body while his father didn't feel any of the cold temperature coming at him. One of the benefits of Gem Biology, no body temperature to give them the shivers.
The closer they walked the colder it became until they reached the lowest point of the mountain. The Corrupted wasn't anywhere in sight. The tracker was never wrong or defective, so the Corrupted ha to be hiding somewhere. Standing side by side both Green and Kameron crystallized their arms and legs before they started climbing. Normal climbing gear would've worked too, but there was no need for them. Besides, with the cold wind and snow the landscape of the mountain had ice on it, so their abilities was the best choice rather than bare-handed.
Ascending forward both father and son carefully climbed up. The winds lessened the more they climbed, though the temperature continued to drop, but for Kameron that mattered little to him. Green took a few glances at his son. The look in his eyes... It was the same as the ones in his. His worries for him increased, and though he wished to speak to him about it now wasn't the time.
Soon enough they reached to a high point. Pulling themselves up Kameron looked back as his eyes expanded from the view. They were so high up they could now see a large city in the distance. it was so beautiful, but after taking a glance Kameron turned around and walked forward with his father.
Ahead of them looked like a cave. Their Gems began to glow as they walked and headed inside. Staying close both father and son summoned out their blades and placed them onto their backs just in case the Corrupted was around. The sounds of water dripping entered their ears as they walked. It was strange considering the weather, so either there was something warm within the cave or possibly something else.
"Kameron." Green said, gaining his attention. "Are you okay?"
"I'm okay, despite being a little cold, but I'll live. What about you, dad?" Kameron replied.
"I am well. Though I am concerned about you." Green admitted.
"Dad, I'm okay. For real. It's been a tough week, but we'll be okay. Right now let's just find this bastard and leave." Kameron replied firmly.
Green spoke no more as they traversed forward. They both came to a stop as their path required them to descend below, so they both jumped down onto another solid rock surface and kept moving. Up ahead they soon stopped and slowed their movement. The cave they were walking through had expanded itself. Portions of light from the sun shined itself from above while below there were multiple steel tracks and big mine carts. Pick-axes were spotted to the side...right next to several skeletons wearing miner hats. Aside from the light there were various cranes hanging from the ceiling and large torches that were lit.
"A mine? Inside of a mountain? Huh... I thought mines were normally underground." Kameron said as him and his father walked forward.
"That is very true. Although there are only a few mines that exist in mountains. Back then there were monarchs who forced their slaves to work in mines in search of the Sacred Metals. Gold. Silver. And Bronze." Green replied.
"Hello?"
A feminine voice soon caught their ears. Turning to where it was coming from Kameron and his father walked toward one of the passageways. Going into it the entire passageway was completely blocked by rubble, but that was the least concerning problem. Thanks to a nearby lit torch Kameron and Green and discovered a big man with a large stomach and broken arm, a woman with tears on her jacket, and a little boy with tears in his jacket and pants. Rushing up to them Kameron and Green approached the family as the family gasped at their presence.
"You." The man said weakly, sitting up and putting himself against the stone wall. "You are those aliens protecting our planet, right?"
"We are. What happened to you all?" Green asked concernedly.
"We were taking a family trip to the mountain. We managed to get to the top, but when we tried to get back down there was this loud roar. And then this...monster just came out of nowhere and tried to eat us." The boy explained.
"We took refugee in this mine, and that monster blocked the exit where we came." The woman added as she slowly rubbed her stomach. "We are aware there is another way out, but...I cannot take that chance. And I am sure it's still out there, waiting to devour us."
Walking up to the man Kameron got down onto one knee, "May I please see your arm?" He asked.
The man winced as he slowly raised it to him. Carefully grasping onto it Kameron slowly began to crystallize it before a long crystal stream shot out and wrapped itself around the man's body before attaching itself onto his arm. "There. That'll hold your arm until we get you to a doctor. How long have you been trapped here?" Kameron said.
"Several hours." The man replied as Kameron helped him up. "Thank you." He added, receiving a nod from Kameron.
Green soon raised out his arm and summoned out three wrapped ham and cheese sandwiches while Kameron brought out three bottles of water and gave them to the family. Rapidly unwrapping the sandwiches the family started wolfing them down. The little boy started to choke on his sandwich before beating on his chest and swallowing before drinking his water. Once the woman was done eating her sandwich Green handed the family another set, to which made them smile before they chowed down again.
"Thank you so much. We will never forget your kindness." The woman said as she finished her sandwich.
"You are all very welcome." Green replied. "Have you tried contacting the city far from here? The Rescue Team?"
"We don't have any signal here." The man responded.
"Okay. Me and my son are going to help you all get out of here. After that we'll escort the three of you to the hospital for any cuts or bruises." Green announced.
"But...but what about the monster?" The boy said fearfully, being cradled by his mother.
"We'll take care of that too." Kameron encouraged. "Dad. You take the family back to the city while I handle the Corrupted." He added, turning to his father.
"No. I will stay while you take these people to the hospital." Green replied strongly.
"What? Dad you know that if we escort them out first the Corrupted is gonna pop out of nowhere and get all of us. Let me stay. I can handle this." Kameron assured.
Green walked up to his son and soon placed both of his hands onto his shoulders. "Kameron. There is no time for arguments. I am fully aware of your capabilities and how you are able to handle yourself, but right now you are more than capable of helping these people. When we see the Corrupted allow me to handle it. Please?"
Kameron slowly narrowed his eyes at his father. He then turned to the family. Soon he released a small puff of air from his mouth. Humans in danger come first, of course he is fully aware of that, but taking out those stupid monsters was also his main priority during missions. But as much as he didn't want to leave his father alone the family was more important right now.
"Okay..." Kameron said, turning back to his father. "I'll take them to the hospital, but after that I'm coming right back."
With a nod from his father and having his shoulders being released Kameron walked up to the family while pulling out his Warp Whistle. Getting down on one knee he asked each person to hold onto his arm as they do this. Uncertainty was shown on each person's face, but since this kid and his father had helped them they complied and gripped onto his left arm. Placing his whistle onto his lips Kameron blew into it and warped away.
With his son and the family away Green turned his attention onto the blockade in front of him. Pulling Guardian from his back he gave it a strong swing, releasing a slash of wind that completely destroyed the blockade. Placing Guardian onto his shoulder Green slowly walked forward, revealing more tracks from the mine, but they soon ended at a large chasm down below. Right in front of him however on the opposite side was a massive hole with two glowing eyes within it.
"Come out beast! Do not hide from me and show yourself!" Green yelled, narrowing his eyes and pointing Guardian at the hole.
A small snarl echoed around the area as the Corrupted slowly peaked it's head out. Soon two arms came out and grappled onto the wall until a loud screech was let out from it's mouth before it leaped out of the hole. The Corrupted was massive. It had the head of a lizard with big razor sharp teeth. It stood on all fours with razor sharp claws and a long tail swaying back and forth. It's skin was gray with glowing red eyes and it's Gem was located on it's forehead.
With another loud screech the Corrupted opened it's mouth, unleashing a large blast of dark energy from it's mouth. Green quickly moved out of the way and swung his sword, firing multiple crystal shards. The Corrupted moved out of the way and soon fired off another blast of dark energy, only now it was aimed at the wall. Jumping from the wall it soon leaped into the newly created hole and escaped.
Taking no chances Green leaped high into the air and landed on the edge of the newly made hole before running forward. Straight ahead was outside as he made to the edge and looked up to see the Corrupted climb up to the top. Summoning his tendrils Green launched himself toward the Corrupted and pierced Guardian right onto it's left hand. A ferocious roar left the monster's mouth as Green pulled Guardian out and jumped toward it's head, but as he came it close the monster opened it's mouth again. Thanks to quick thinking Green brought his sword up just as the monster attempted to chomp on him.
'Will there ever be a day I don't try to get eaten by these things?!' Green thought to himself.
Using his tendrils he pierced them all right at the monster's mouth at once. The sheer force of his attack caused the Corrupted to screech before it Green jumped out and swung his sword once more, slicing off the monster's hands. Losing it's grip the Corrupted began to fall from the mountain with Green following it. Due to height they were currently at the fall was long and fast, so Green held Guardian with both hands while locking his legs together, increasing his speed. More and more he came closer to the beast as it's eyes noticed him before it opened it's mouth to fire another blast of dark energy.
Spreading his legs out Green reeled Guardian back and as he swung it a massive crescent shape blast was fired. Both his attack and the beast's collided, causing a small explosion to implode, pushing the Corrupted back and Green further up, but that mattered little since they were now getting very close to the ground.
The Corrupted crashed right into the stone rock ground, making several cracks upon impact while Green landed right next to it. Enough was enough. Raising Guardian up Green dashed straight toward the creature, but there was a small element he'd forgotten while fighting it. As he came close to it the Corrupted's tail came out and wrapped itself around him before lifting him into the air. The grip was tight, squeezing him as it soon brought him right at it's face. Once more it opened it's mouth to charge up it's attack while Green struggled to break free. But then in a flash the Corrupted's tail was cut, making it scream as Green freed himself before landing back on the ground.
"Glad I made it back in time."
Turning around Green's lips stretched into a grin at the sight of Kameron holding Venganza on his shoulder.
"How about a tag-team attack? I'm getting sick of looking at this thing." Kameron suggested, approaching his father.
"I couldn't agree more." Green replied.
Side by side both of them placed Venganza and Guardian on their shoulders...and with two hands they swung them hard at the Corrupted, slicing it's entire body in half.
With it's upper body falling to the ground the Corrupted soon poofed and it's Gem was all that there was. Putting their swords back onto their backs Green and Kameron approached the Gem with Green picking it up.
"From dark to light. Beyond the stars and the universe. Sleep within the core of your existence." Green chanted.
The symbol of the Rainbow Gems appeared onto the Corrupted's Gem before Green placed it into his own Gem. "Is the family okay?" He added, turning his head to Kameron.
"Got them to a hospital. They'll be okay. Let's go see them before heading home." Kameron replied, putting Venganza away.
"Wait." Green said, making Kameron stop in his tracks. "I know it's been a week already, and I understand that I've already apologized, but once again I am sorry for what happened." He added.
"Stop being an idiot, dad." Kameron replied, turning his head to his father. "I've already forgiven you and the others. My vengeance is on the Corrupted and the other Diamonds alone. You all have paid your dues, so hating you or despising you all won't make a difference. Plus it'll only add more salt to the wounds, so that alone is pointless. I still love you all, but trusting you is kinda complicated at the moment. Though I can't forgive the Crystals for locking Lapis up. Don't try to change my mind about this, because no matter what anyone says I will accomplish what I set out to do. Understand?"
Green's eyes expanded. The look in his son's eyes returned. An expression he was all too familiar with. He understood so well what he was going through. But that expression made it clear that it really was pointless to try and change his mind. He was still a good kid and wanted to help, but that mindset...
"I understand. Come. Let us go to the hospital." Green replied, putting Guardian away.
End of Episode 16.
Hope you all enjoyed it. Sorry for the delay in case I made any of you wait.
Next Time:
Gunslinger