Episode 31: The Message
August 25th 5:00 p.m.
Stepping into the ring Kameron and Lars stood on opposite sides, positioning themselves. Both guys equipped with gloves, headgear, and safeguards raised their arms up with firm expressions. Both of their eyes locked onto one another. A small gulp went down Lars' throat as his fists slightly clenched themselves a little tighter than usual. Goosebumps erupted on his skin as his arms lightly rocked up and down.
DING!
The sound of the bell echoed into their ears. Taking a step forward Lars raised his right arm out and launched it straight forward. Kameron raised both of his arms up as the punch connected to them, but he kept them up as Lars retracted his arm back before launching his left arm then right at an accelerated pace. Lowering his arms Kameron's eyes expanded as Lars threw another punch straight at him. As the punch was coming straight toward him Kameron lowered his upper body, moving it over the punch before he raised his left arm and curved it before sending it straight to Lars' side.
Lars' eyes widened at the sudden impact. His mouth opened, releasing small amounts of spit.
Just as he attempted to recover Kameron lowered his right arm, slowing raising it up and targeting Lars' stomach. Within inches of his target Kameron's fist connected into his best friend. His fist went in deep, making Lars' eyes expand further before he tumbled a few steps back.
"Good shots." Lars commented as he groaned.
"Thanks." Kameron replied. "Boxing really ain't my style, but I'm more than happy to do it for you. You okay?" He added.
"Yeah... Yeah, just give me a second." Las said as he held his stomach. "I think I now see why you only use kicks." He added.
Kameron cocked an eyebrow at him while shaking his head. He wasn't hitting him that hard.
Sucking in some air into his mouth and exhaling it out Lars shook his arms and raised them up once more. "Let's go again. Don't go easy on me. I can handle it."
"You sure? I'm holding back for a good reason." Kameron replied.
"Yeah. I won't improve unless I test my limits." Lars said strongly.
With a shrug Kameron raised his arms up. Dashing forward he raised his right arm and sent it straight forward. Lars quickly lowered his upper body, turning it to the side as Kameron's punch missed it's target. Lowering his left arm Lars raised it up in a fast pace, having it make contact to Kameron's stomach before raising his left arm and curving it so he could send it straight to another target. The amount of pain sent into Kameron wasn't much, thought the amount power within the punch were enough for him to release a pained noise from his mouth.
Taking a step back Kameron's eyes looked the other way for a mere second before they were locked back onto Lars, who dashed forward and rapidly launch one punch after another. Several punches went into Kameron's face right until Lars clenched his right hand tightly, sending it straight into his best friend's stomach. Kameron's mouth fell open, releasing a pained voice from it as he tumbled back before feeling the ropes of the ring.
Another pained noise came out of Kameron's mouth as he looked at Lars who had his lips stretched into a grin. "How was that?" Lars asked.
"Not bad. Definitely an improvement. But I'm totally convinced. One more time, for good measure." Kameron replied, bringing his arms up.
Lars' smirk slowly stretched further into a grin as he raised his arms up again. Kameron's lips began to mimic Lars' as both best friends soon dashed at each other again.
While the boys were duking it out Pyrope stood outside the ring with crossed arms. His lips stretched into a smirk as his eyes continued watching them. 'Good. You're definitely getting better than last time. But even if my brother is giving you a hand you still have a long way to go, Lars. I'll make sure you're ready to handle yourself without any help.' Pyrope thought to himself.
August 25th 7:00 p.m.
"Alright, alright. Let's do this, Badass." Chelsea said. "And thanks for the sports wear." She added.
As Kameron stretched out his arms his eyes were placed on another of his best friends. She wore a black sports bra with purple sweat shorts and black tennis-shoes. "No problem. No offense, but I wanted to make sure you had extra room to stretch out your arms and legs without any restrains." Kameron replied.
"Thoughtful. And you, mister, get to have a little eye-candy." Chelsea said as she raised her right leg and soften her eyes.
Kameron rolled his eyes as he placed his hands on his hips, "That's not why I picked out those clothes for you." He said with annoyance.
Chelsea slowly placed her leg back on the ground as her lips stretched into a smirk, "Aw, you don't find me attractive? Especially since I'm wearing this?"
With a sigh leaving his mouth Kameron placed his index finger and thumb on the bridge of his nose. Removing his index finger and thumb he looked Chelsea as she batted her eye at him. Well...might as well be honest about it than lie. "Chelsea. You are a very attractive young woman. And...yes, what you're wearing looks great on you."
"Awww, thanks. I love you, Badass." She said playfully.
"I Love you too. Can we please focus now? I am doing this for you because you asked." Kameron replied.
With a single nod Chelsea walked up to Kameron and stood beside him. Both of them turned their heads to one another and then looked away. Kameron soon moved his body to the side while lifting his arms. Chelsea followed as she too turned her body to the side and brought her arms up. Moving his upper body Kameron balled his right hand and pushed it forward while retracting his left arm. Moving her upper body Chelsea balled her right hand and pressed it forward while pulling her left arm back.
Both of them slowly brought their right arms back toward their chests and raised up their left arms again. Tilting his upper body Kameron lifted his left leg, pushing it into the air and placing it back down. Chelsea slowly tilted her upper body, lifting her left leg into the air and thrusting it forward before placing it back down.
"That was good." Kameron said.
"I try. Though it might be because of the shorts. Can I keep them?" Chelsea replied with a smirk.
"I don't mind. Now let's continue." Kameron said. He then turned his body straight and lifted his right leg, thrusting it into the air before placing it back down and quickly pushing his left leg forward.
Chelsea turned her body forward, raising up her right leg and pushing it forward before turning to the side and lifting her left leg high into the air. As she placing it down, without even watching what her friend was going to do next she spun her body clockwise, pushing her right leg into the air again.
Kameron stood still as his eyes expanded. His eyes blinked as Chelsea looked back at him, her lips stretching into a smirk. "I kinda cheated. I watched you beating up Zac and his punks a few times to see if I could get it right. And I guess I did." She added
"It's fine. But keep in mind that what I did and used were advanced skills. It took me months to get them down." Kameron replied.
"Then let's keep going. I wanna learn how to do that from my_" Chelsea said before a familiar tune entered her ears. Turning her head she went over to her bag on the bench and unzipped it. Reaching into it she pulled out her phone. Her eyes narrowed as they locked themselves onto the Caller ID. The phone continued to shake in her hand as she stared at it. Closing her eyes she sighed and answered.
"Hello?" Chelsea answered.
...
"I'm over at Kameron's. He's teaching me how to fight." Chelsea said.
...
"Because I asked him if he could teach me. It's for self-defense in case something happens and he's not around." Chelsea said.
...
"Ugh! When would I have time to tell you, mom! You're barely at home." Chelsea yelled.
...
"Hey, Kameron is with me. He'd never let anything happen to me or Angela." Chelsea said.
...
"I'm doing this because I want to! You and Angela are always on my case! You know I'm not the perfect daughter you always wanted, especially now that the bastard is dead!" Chelsea said angerly.
...
"No, mom! I don't want to hear it! I'll be home when I get home!" Chelsea yelled.
She soon took her thumb and hung up. Closing her eye she sucked in some air into her mouth and exhaled it out. Opening her eye she turned her head to Kameron who looked at her with concern. "I...I'm sorry you had to hear that. *chuckle* It was just my stupid mom wondering where I was again." She added.
Without a word Kameron walked up to her. Her expression was all too familiar to him. Her attitude...just like his a year ago and kinda now. Her personal problems and his were kinda similar, though despite that there were some critical differences. Even though, a strained vibe was developing in his chest. "Are you okay?" He asked softly and carefully.
"Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine." Chelsea replied.
"Chelsea..." Kameron said as he approaching her up close. "It's none of my business and you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, but your mom and sister need you. Their worried and making them more worried will make things worst than they already are."
Taking a step forward Chelsea raised her arm and placed it on Kameron's shoulder. "Listen, Badass. I appreciate you wanting to help and I respect that, but what I'm going through is none of your business. You can give me the classic tropes and all, but they're not gonna help. So let me handle it, and I'll ask for help when I need it, okay?" Chelsea said softly, but seriously.
The look in her eye... There was fire in it, but it was also shaking. He wanted to open his mouth and say something, but as his mouth opened it instantly shut itself. This really wasn't any of his business nor did it have anything to do with him. So...it's best if he didn't make things worse.
"Okay. I'm worried about you too. And...I don't like seeing you in pain. Just know that I'll try to be there when you need me." Kameron replied softly yet seriously.
Her lips stretched as she then punched Kameron's shoulder. No sounds exited out of his mouth from the impact, but it did make him smirk.
Soon after another tune entered their ears. Reaching into his pocket Kameron pulled out his phone and saw the Caller ID. He then answered it immediately. "Hello?"
"Kameron. Please come home! It's an emergency!" Said the other line.
"On my way." Kameron replied before hanging up. His eyes soon placed themselves on Chelsea, "We have to go back. I'll give you more lessons later."
"Gem-related?" Chelsea asked, receiving a nod. "Mind if I get involved?"
"No." Kameron replied without a second thought.
"Aw, please? I don't wanna go home yet. Plus I wanna see what kinda stuff you and your family does. Just this once?" Chelsea said, intertwining her hands together.
Great. There was an emergency he needed to go to, but at the same time he couldn't leave Chelsea alone in the Arena. Plus she doesn't want to see her family at the moment, and even if Kameron forced her to go back he'll have to witness some family drama that probably won't end well. "*sigh* Fine. Just this once. If it involves a Corrupted you stay back. And if it's something dangerous you stay put. I mean it, okay?"
"I will. No problem." Chelsea replied with a shrug.
"Promise me." Kameron said firmly.
Her eyes blinked at him. She'd seen Kameron get angry, but making her promise to stay back was another step to something she wasn't sure if she should ask. A tempting button to press, but when your best friend is half-alien with strong capabilities it's best to just listen and accept what their saying.
"Okay, I promise, Mr. Overprotective." Chelsea replied as she offered him he hand.
Raising his hand he intertwined it with his own and pulled out his Warp Whistle. Placing it into his mouth as Chelsea grabbed her bag they soon left the Arena.
August 25th 7:10 p.m.
Arriving back at the Evans Residence Kameron and Chelsea appeared in the living room where the rest of his family were. Small chuckles exited out of Chelsea's mouth as her body shivered, "Whoo! I am never gonna get tired of that." She said excitedly.
A little snicker left Kameron's mouth at his friend's reaction to warping. Though as he turned to his family there was a strange object placed on the table. It was about the size of a speaker and looked bronze with golden markings around it. There was also a large hole at the center and...and...a large jar of pickles on it's top.
"Okay, I'm gonna ignore the jar of pickles. What's going on? What's the emergency?" Kameron said.
"Kameron. After five-thousand years one of the Wailing Stones has been activated." Green replied. "It just went off moments ago so I needed to close it's top and...this was the first thing I found when I came into the living room." He added as he placed a hand on top of the jar's lid.
Kameron's eyes blinked as he slowly approached the table. "So...does that mean what I think it means?" He asked.
"Yes." Lepidolite replied.
Cocking an eyebrow Chelsea placed her eyes on her friend before walking up beside him and raising a hand up, "Uh...sorry for budding in, but would somebody fill me in on what's going on? What's a Wailing Stone?" She asked.
"A Wailing Stone is a device Gems use to communicate with each other through long distances. We've used them during the Rebellion, but once it was over they've become obsolete. However, our father kept them just in case our comrades back on Home World would contact us. Now that one has been activated there is a chance we can speak with them again." Azurite explained. She then raised up her arm and gently placed it on her chest, "If there is a chance, I hope that they found Lapis and kept her safe."
"Lapis?" Chelsea said, tilting her head.
"She's my sister's longtime friend. The Crystals kept her in a mirror for a thousand years until me and Steven freed her. She tried to use the Earth's oceans to reach Home World since her Gemstone was cracked, but we've managed to stop her and heal her Gemstone. After that she went back home." Kameron explained.
Chelsea turned her head to him as her eye expanded, "Oh, so that's what happened to the oceans." She then blinked and turned her head to Azurite, "Wait, so you and your friend are capable of controlling water to that degree?"
"Yes. Lapis Lazulis are born with the unique ability to manipulate water. And we have the ability of flight as well." Azurite replied.
"Whoa..." Chelsea said with awe. "Definitely gonna ask about that later. If a Wailing Stone has been "obsolete" since the Great War, then why is one activating now after so long?" She added.
"We're not really sure." Amber replied.
"Best guess is Lapis made it back home and is trying to contact us, or it could be some surviving Rainbow Gems. Or... it could be a trap." Citrine added.
"That is a possibility, brother. It may in fact be risky to uncover what kind of message is being sent to us now after so long. However, this may be our only chance to see what it is." Onyx said.
"That is true, Onyx. However when it activated it damaged the circuits in the base. Not only that, but the audio wasn't releasing words, only distorted noise." Green replied. "It has been a while since this has been last used, so I am assuming the signal must be too advanced for all of us to listen to." He added.
A small gasp left Kameron's lips as he turned his head to Chelsea, who turned her head to him with a cocked eyebrow. "What? You got an idea?" She asked.
Kameron's lips stretched into a smirk as he turned his head back to his family. "Guys, I've got an idea. If the audio is distorted then let's try rearranging it."
"How are we gonna do that?" Lepidolite asked.
"Well...I just so happen to know an amazing girl who has her own rock band. Plus an awesome uncle on the other side of the cosmos, if you know what I mean?" Kameron replied as he wrapped his arm around Chelsea.
Chelsea turned her head to him and back to the others as her lips stretched into a smile.
"Chelsea. How knowledgeable are you in audio?" Green asked.
"Well...technically a friend of mine handles the audio equipment, but she did teach me how to work it in so the band can sound better. Does that count?" Chelsea replied.
"It will have to." Green said as he stood up. "I will call Greg and inform the Crystals about this. Thank you, Chelsea. Your help is exactly what we acquire as of now."
Chelsea shrugged, "Eh. And my mom told me being a musician wouldn't be helpful in my future."
August 25th 7:30 p.m.
Outside near the Universe Residence The Crystal Gems and Rainbow Gems gathered around near Greg's van. As Greg and Chelsea were setting up the equipment Pearl rapidly walked back and forth from the front of the van to the back, showcasing a worried expression. Steven had his eyes on her for a while as she spoke in a low tone where no-one could hear her. Getting up from the sand he walked up to her, making her stop in place as she placed her eyes on him.
"Pearl. It's gonna be okay." Steven assured.
"Steven, this is serious. For all we know it could be anyone using that Wailing Stone. And to have one re-activated...I...I'm not one-hundred percent sure we should do this." Pearl replied as she held her arms as they twitched.
"We have to. What if Lapis is trying to contact us? Or better yet, it's other members of the Rainbow Gems? We can't just ignore this anymore. We have to know what's going on, and no matter what kind of message we get we'll face it together." Steven said with narrowed eyes and a smile.
Pearl turned her head away from Steven as she walked away from him. Steven watched her walk back toward the front of the van as he himself turned around and made his way to the back. Approaching the back his eyes took a glance at the Wailing stone for a brief moment before they turned to his dad and Chelsea.
"How's everything going?" Steven asked.
Greg turned his head and locked eyes with his son. "We're good to go, Shoo-ball. I still can't believe my skills are actually being used to help you guys out."
"I'm with you on that." Chelsea said as she plugged in a few cords in. "You know, Mr. Universe. Dewey High School is looking for a new music teacher. Why not drop by and give it a shot. That'll give me another reason to go to school other than to see my friends."
Greg placed his eyes on Chelsea as he blinked. "Oh, I don't know. I mean, I wanna give my little man a chance to experience high school without his dad always being around."
"Aw, c'mon, dad. I mean, there's nothing wrong with you working at the car wash, but this'll give you a chance to show the new generation a fresh taste from the other side of the cosmos. Besides, I'd think it'd be pretty cool if you were my teacher." Steven replied.
Greg hummed as his eyes looked at the roof of his van. Being a music teacher would be interesting... It would also be one of the biggest changes in his life, and he'd get the opportunity to see his son and nephew more often than usual. As he hummed again he closed his eyes and shook his head. He can think about that later, for now there was something else that needed his attention at the moment.
"Okay! I believe we are good to go. Every good, Chelsea?" Greg said, turning his head to look at her.
"All set." Chelsea replied as she got out of the van.
Getting out of the van himself Greg pulled out his small TV toward the edge of the van and plugged the aux cord in. "Okay everyone! Me and Chelsea are done! Gather around!"
Hearing his call the others gathered at the back of the van as Greg placed his Lubitz Cardioid Condenser 680 into the hole of the Wailing Stone before removing the large jar of pickles. Thankfully removing the pickle jar didn't cause the Wailing Stone to screech again, so they were in the clear for the time being.
"Now. Let's see what kind of message we're getting." Greg said as he and Chelsea got to work.
Side by side both the cool uncle and the goth girl started twisting dials and slowly adjusting the volume. From the TV static started appearing while the screeching sound of the Wailing Stone began to change, becoming more soft and vibrant. Placing the volume down created more static, so they left it up high while moving each dial in various directions. From the far left the dials were shifted more downward with small remnants of strange sounds coming up. And from the right the dials were twisted upwards and the strange sound were transforming into voices. Chelsea reached over to the last dial and turning it upwards the screen on the TV changed from static to...to...Lapis...and several other Gems around her.
"Hello? Azurite? Steven? Kameron?" Lapis said from the TV.
"It worked!" Steven cheered.
"Everyone! Hush and listen." Garnet said as they carefully locked their eyes on the screen.
"If you're listening to this then that means I've finally managed to reach you. And...there's so much I want to say, but I'll keep it brief. I've managed to find my way back to Home World but...but...it's changed. Everything has changed so much. Everything here is so technological and advanced that I can barely understand it. However...I'm not alone." Lapis said.
"Green Diamond. If you're listening to this then know that we are alive. We've been keeping it up ever since you and the others descended to Earth. We'll be coming there soon too, but for now we need to rescue the others that got captured. We can't wait to see you again and...I hope you haven't forgotten about us. My name is Flint, Leader of the Off Colors." Flint said.
"The Off Colors are keeping me safe for the time being, but I'm not sure how long we have until the inevitable comes. Soon we'll be coming back to Earth and it's only a matter of time until Home World finds out that Earth is still alive. I won't stop you from fighting back, but be careful. If Home World has developed this quickly then there's no telling what their capable of now. Including the other Diamonds. We have to find a way to stop them or all of our futures will be filled with nothing but despair and devastation." Lapis said as the screen turned to static.
The atmosphere went quiet. Nobody spoke a word as they each took in what Lapis and Flint just told them. The Off Colors... Home World being so advanced...
"Crystals." Green said, gaining their attention. "Come with me. The rest of you, return home." He added.
"Honey..." Christie said as she looked at him.
"I will speak to you all soon. For now, please return home." Green replied.
August 25th 7:50 p.m.
Taking the Warp Pad from inside the Beach House Green Diamond, Pearl, Garnet, Bismuth, and Amethyst made their way straight to the Galaxy Warp. Once their the Crystals gasped at the sight in front of them. The Home World Warp Pad... It's been repaired. Not only that but there were strange cyan objects near it.
"Holy rocks. What the hell happened? Who fixed the Home World Warp Pad?" Amethyst said as she slowly approached it.
"That's impossible. When Warp Pads are damaged they can't be repaired. No Gem in the universe can do this, right?" Bismuth said before she turned her body to look at Green.
Green himself stepped forward and stopped in his tracks near the pad. He opened his mouth, but no words could form. What could he say to such a display in front of him?
"No..." Pearl mumbled.
Green turned his body to look at her as she held her arms while her body started to shake. Walking up to her he placed his hands on her shoulders and placed her close to his chest, making her body stop shaking.
"No... No. Not again... Not again! I can't do this again!" She yelled as sobs left her mouth while she wrapped her arms around Green.
Green held her close as she continued to sob. No-one could blame her for her reaction. Too much has happened and with their current lives now...the only thing Green could give her was someone to cry on.
As Garnet watched this her right hand slowly balled into a fist as she approached the Home World Warp Pad. Summoning her gauntlets they were soon engulfed in a purple glow and their size began to increase to gargantuan levels. Clasping her hands together she raised them up high and rapidly brought them down, shattering the entirety of the pad. "There. Now nobody will be able to use this ever again."
End of Episode 31.
Hope you all enjoyed it. Wanted to expand my OC a little bit while adding in more to come for our Guardians.
We'll just have to see, won't we.
Next Time:
Confrontation