Episode 42: Reunion

October 1st 12:45 p.m.

Step after step... A cool breeze blew right onto him, but he paid no mind to it as he continued on. Reaching his destination he tilted his head slightly upward, witnessing various construction workers repairing several buildings and hailing multiple pieces of the destroyed ship onto pickup trucks. Lowering his head he placed his hands into his jacket pockets and crossed the street.

With each step he took more weight increased onto his mind, heart, and soul. Sure, he didn't know all of this was going to happen, but...it didn't excuse the destruction he couldn't prevent. He had already seen a portion of Destiny City destroyed, which began the increase of weight, but...coming here to Beach City...the weight had immediately increase by the mere sight of it.

Passing by several wrecked buildings that haven't been repaired yet he soon stopped in his tracks and turned his body. He raised his head up to a particular building. Looking at it... No words were needed from the current state it was placed in.

"Kameron?"

That voice... Turning his head Kameron watched as the Pizza family approached him.

"Hey, are you okay?" Jenny asked.

No response left Kameron's mouth as he turned his head away from them.

"Kameron?" Kiki said worriedly. "Something happened during the invasion, didn't it?" She added.

Raising his hands up Kameron placed them onto his hood and removed it. Turning his head he gazed at the Pizza family and received gasps from them at the sight of his scar.

"My goodness..." Nanefua said softly. "What happened?"

"A casualty." Kameron answered nonchalantly. "I'm sorry about what happened to Fish Stew Pizza."

Raising his right arm out Kameron's Gemstone glowed and a small sphere of green light erupted out of it. Turning his arm and raising his other up the sphere of light slowly began to dim and out of it was a uniform neatly folded with an envelope on top of it. Approaching the family he raised up his items to Kofi. Kofi's eyes widened as he took them items from him.

"What is this?" Kofi asked, nearly speechless.

"Working for your family has been a great experience. Thank you so much for allowing me to help you with your business, and I apologize again for the damages I've caused to it directly or indirectly. As of this day I am officially quitting. And the envelope contains five grand I earned from the two years I worked here. It should be enough to have your building repaired soon. I'm sorry if this is sudden, but there are things I need to take care of and it needs my attention." Kameron replied before he walked away.

The Pizza family turned and watched him leave. Kofi lowered his eyes onto the uniform and envelope. It was true, there was damage placed on his business that was caused by his family and the Crystals, but...Kameron helped repair it. He was and is the best employee he's ever had. The pizzas they made were unlike anything he'd ever come up with. And he is a great influence on the family.

"Kameron!" Kofi yelled, making his ex-employee stop. "I do not truly know of the struggles you are going through right now, but please reconsider your resignation."

"We are not mad at you or your family." Nanefua said. "Please stay with us."

"Yeah. I really appreciate it when you cover my shifts. Plus your drawings of our pizzas saves us time making menus." Jenny added.

"It's not your fault. Please don't leave us. You're family too." Kiki added.

Standing at a distance from them Kameron raised his arms and placed his hands on his folded hood before raising it onto his head. "Mentumi." He replied in Akan. "Akyrie."

October 1st 1:00 p.m.

Using his Warp Whistle Kameron exited out of Beach City and made his way to another location. Once he got there he walked up to the edge of the cliff, giving him a view of the entirety of Beach City and a glimpse of Destiny City in the distance. Down below his ears picked up waves crashing into the cliff. It was a long way down from where he was standing. Just by taking one step forward...it would be over. No more thinking... No more worrying... He could finally put all of this to rest. Raising his leg up he pushed it forward as his body followed after...only...he slowly retracted it back, placing it on the grass.

Not time yet? - Z asked.

"No... We can't be with her yet." Kameron replied without much emotion. "Peridot and Jasper are out in the world somewhere and we need to find them before they have a chance at contacting Home-World."

What about Lapis? - Z questioned.

"She can take care of herself, but...let's try to make Earth a decent home for her." Kameron answered.

Alright. Let me at them again when we see them. - Z said.

"Fine." Kameron replied. Suddenly... his ringtone entered his ears. Reaching into his pocket and pulling his phone out he saw each of his friends calling him through Group-Call. Without a second thought he immediately declined it. As of now...he really didn't want to talk to anyone (excluding Z) at the moment. His friends were worried. It is jerkish to just ignore them. He wasn't afraid to see them or contact them. He...needed some space. It sounded like an excuse, but he didn't care.

Putting his phone back into his pocket Kameron narrowed his eyes as he looked out at the distant ocean ahead. His hands slowly balled into fists as a gentle breeze blew passed him. Now...more than ever...Kameron is ready to do what needs to be done. He doesn't have to like it. He's not suppose to. It didn't matter what he wanted so long as everyone else is safe. From the moment he became a Rainbow Gem...he could no longer have any form of normalcy, no matter how much he tries to indulge in it.

October 1st 2:00 p.m.

At the Universe Residence Steven sat at the counter in the kitchen while enjoying a freshly made ham and cheese sandwich with some potato chips and a can of Awesome-Kit Fruit Punch.

As he was inside eating food Greg and Pearl sat outside at the porch table. Both were quiet while holding onto small cups of tea. Greg lifted his cup and took a sip before putting the cup down. Pearl slowly sipped her tea and placed her cup down as she glanced at Greg before turning her head away.

"It's...been a while since we've sat together, huh?" Greg calmly.

"It has." Pearl replied without looking at him.

"I'm really worried for Shoe-ball and Double-eyes." Greg said softly. "We talk to them if there's something on there minds, and they've got a therapist for their personal issues, but...after the invasion and you all coming back...It's making me worry for all of you even more. I understand that you all are trying to make amends for the past but...there are times when I feel like Steven and Kameron are getting sent off to war."

Pearl then turned her head to Greg as he finished speaking. "I'm worried about them too. We all are." She began as she intertwined her fingers together. "They are not warriors. They are not soldiers. They are not only Gems, they are human. More than that, they are teenagers. To this day, I can't help but worry when Home-World will return to colonize the planet."

"You'll stop them. I know you will, right?" Greg instantly replied.

"We'll try. We will do everything we can to make sure this planet won't suffer the same way as the others." Pearl said strongly. "I promised Rose I would protect her child no matter the cost."

Hearing this, Greg's eyes downcast onto the wood under the table. "I'm sorry for taking her away from you."

A small gasp left Pearl's mouth as she heard this. "Greg... I don't hate you." She assured.

"You should." Greg retorted. "I knew how you felt about Rose. You loved her longer than I have and I stayed anyway. We'd always fight for her attention until...she got pregnant."

"That wasn't the problem." Pearl replied.

Greg blinked at her. "Then...what was?"

Pearl closed her eyes as she took a breath through her nose and exhaled it out the same way before slowly reopening her eyes. "The problem was...Rose fell in love with you." She admitted. "She had fallen for many humans over the generations, but those were mere phases that were never gonna last. For a time, I thought the same thing was going to happen with you, but I was wrong. I was always envious whenever you were with her. But then...she gave me the love I deserved." Pearl's cheeks then began to burn blue as she said it, "It was truly blissful. And I will admit, I was angry that she got pregnant and it hurt me when after Steven was born, but...I need to accept it at this point."

Releasing her hands she then grabbed onto Greg's, making his cheeks burn red. "On paper, I am your sister. I truly love Steven with all my soul. I no longer hold the same anger I had with you before. As of this moment...let us move pass this and help keep this family stable. Okay?"

Fresh tears began to swell in Greg's eyes until they fell onto his cheeks. Without giving her a warning Greg broke his hands away from Pearl before wrapping his arms around her body. A small gasp exited Pearl's mouth at his actions, but as he started sobbing she returned his affection. Their little feud has come to an end...and it's conclusion give promise to a decent future.

"Thank you, Pearl. I've never had a sister before." Greg said as he tried calming himself.

"Technically, you have four sisters as of now, but I understand." Pearl replied as they separated.

Just as Greg opened his open to speak again him and Pearl heard someone adjusting their throat. Turning their heads they both saw Connie standing near the staircase.

"Umm...I'm sorry if I'm interrupting your moment, but is Steven here? He hasn't been answering his phone." Connie said.

Greg and Pearl separated as Pearl informed her that Steven was inside before watching her go in the house.

Hearing the front door open Steven turned his head to see Connie coming in before closing the door back. Putting his sandwich down he got down from his seat and turned to face her while swallowing a portion of his sandwich in his mouth. The moment Connie laid her eyes on him a gasp exited her lips at the sight of his scar, making her run up to him.

"Steven, your face." Connie said worriedly.

Steven adverted his eyes from her as she touched his face. "Don't worry about it." He said depressingly.

Connie's eyes instantly expanded at his words before they quickly narrowed, "Steven. I've been worried sick about you all day. Why do you think you asked me to come over?"

"I'm sorry. It's been...really hard on everyone. The aftermath of the invasion, in case you haven't seen the news."

Connie removed her hand from his face. "Please talk to me." She asked softly. "What happened?"

Steven nodded as they walked over to the couch. As they sat down he began to explained what had happened and after Lapis had been saved. With each detail leaving his lips Connie stared at him while blinking.

"...And then I asked Dad and Pearl to take me home." Steven concluded. "It's not that I didn't mind staying at Kameron's house, but...I wanted to give them space."

"Steven..." Connie replied speechlessly. "That's a lot to take in."

"Yeah." Steven said as he lowered his head. "I'm worried about everyone going through this, especially my big brother. I don't blame Lapis for how she spoke to me, it's been really hard on her."

"What about you? Are you okay?" Connie asked.

Steven shook his head. "I'm not. But...I need to accept this."

"That sounds like something Kameron would say." Connie pointed out.

"Well...I'm saying it too." Steven replied firmly. "It's so heavy on me, but...I can't just runaway from it. Things are gonna get worse sooner or later and I can't just expect things to work out for the better without a care in the world. Sometimes...I don't know what to do, so I have to fight back."

Without saying a word...Connie wrapped her arms around him, holding him close to her. Steven didn't stop her as he closed his eyes. His friends at school... His family... Connie... Kameron... The Rainbows... He was so worried for everyone, but couldn't be everywhere at once. Even now him and Kameron should be out there searching for Peridot and Jasper, but...the weight on him was keeping him from acting on it.

"Right now, just rest." Connie said. "Everyone, including you, needs to rest every once in a while. And don't act like you don't need it." Connie told him softly.

Without giving her a fight, Steven slowly turned his body to her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Thank you, Connie."

"You're welcome, Steven." Connie replied.

October 1st 5:00 p.m.

Inwangsan. One of the most famous mountains in all of Korea. Natives know it well for it's outstanding views, especially if one reaches the top. Many painters traverse it's paths for inspiration or to capture a moment and create it in their own solitude.

Step after step Green made his way up the mountain while carrying the contraption Lapis had given him. The device began to blink a blue light with every step he took. And with every step both his curiosity and mind began to grow heavier with anticipation. He knew well what might transpire had he looked into the contraption, and now he must see it through and believe that it will turn out well.

Reaching the top of the mountain his eyes expanded immediately as the contraption started glowing rapidly. To his left was the very sight of Pink's Palanquin, damaged and covered with brambles. However...right beside it was another palanquin, only this one was in good condition and fully active. Narrowing his eyes Green began walking toward the blue palanquin.

'I always feared a day such as this would come. And to meet...her again. It was bound to happen, so I must not waste any time and engage it.' Green thought to himself.

As he approached the functional palanquin the drapes opened themselves and a familiar figure walked out of it. Her figure was tall, but slightly petite with light blue skin and long blue hair overshadowing her eyes and a pointed nose. She wore a blue sleeveless top with a transparent skirt and blue slip-ons. At the center of her chest was a bright blue Gemstone.

"Green Diamond. It has been ages since we have last met." The Gem said softly as she bowed to him.

"Indeed it has, Blue Pearl." Green replied.

Blue Pearl then went back into the palanquin and within mere moments all of the drapes opened themselves, revealing Blue Diamond inside of it.

Her eyes lowered at the very sight of Green Diamond standing near her. Tears began to swell in her eyes before they slowly fell onto her cheeks and dripped off of her chin. He was here... He was right there before her very eyes. Raising herself from her seat she exited out of her palanquin as her Gemstone began to glow. Little by little her size began to rapidly decrease from that of a titan to same as Green's. As soon as her Gemstone stopped glowing she ran toward him with more tears exiting her eyes.

Green stood still and watched as she approached him. Various scenarios entered his mind at the mere sight of her. So much to say, so much to ask. What was the first he wished to ask? What was one he wanted to ask? Which one did he need to ask? It was nearly too difficult to put into action. However...as of now, it would be best to help her be calm and enjoy this moment as he could.

Once Blue got close to him she grabbed his face, pressing her lips against his. Green's eyes widened as a muffled gasp left his mouth. Though this was an act he did not dare indulge in, it was necessary for him to engage in it. He closed his eyes as his arms wrapped around her waist. The sensation was all too familiar as it was before they had last seen each other in. Soft. Moist. And passionate.

They soon separated their lips as she placed her head onto his shoulder. "I've missed you... For several millenniums...grief, anguish, and despair had engulfed my mind and soul. But now...here you are. You're still alive." She said softly as she tightened their embrace.

Green did not reply as he returned her affection.

A small sigh of relief exited from Blue's mouth as she then released herself from him, wiping away the tears from her eyes.

"Blue." Green said cautiously. "I am very grateful to have the ability to meet with you again after all this time. But...please understand that times have changed, and I am not the same as you once saw me as."

"I am aware." Blue replied as she sniffled. "I've looked into the memories of the ancient Lapis Lazuli. It gave me so much relief to see and understand that you were still alive. Although...I have so many questions that needs to be addressed."

"Your questions will be answered if I chose to respond. However, you must answer a question of my own." Green said firmly.

Blue nodded, "Very well."

"Does Yellow and White know of my existence?" Green asked.

Blue shook her head, "No, they do not. Yellow is preoccupied with a war composed of mechanical lifeforms whom have the abilities to morph into ships and vehicles. White herself is unaware as well. I was informed of my Holly Blue Agate of a prison break alone by the Lapis Lazuli and the Off Colors alone."

Green's eyes slowly glared at her, "And yet the Off Colors fell under control and we were left with no choice but to kill them."

"I had no choice, Green." Blue said as she placed a hand on her chest. "It would've been too suspicious if I had released them, giving Yellow and White the opportunity to discover your survival. For that, I truly am sorry."

"What's done is done." Green said firmly. "Even though Yellow and White are still unaware of my existence, they will find out. And another war is rising upon the horizon. And though it is pointless of me to ask as of now, you must stop The Cause."

Blue slowly adverted her eyes from him as she turned her head away. "I can't." She then turned to face Green as her eyes slowly narrowed, "Please believe me, with all my being I would find a better way to settle this and convince both Yellow and White to stop it, but...at this point it is all we can do. It must be carried out even though we do not like it."

Green then closed his eyes as he exhaled of air out of his nose. Once again...more and more planets will be reduced to husks as they are colonized. More and more genocide will be ushered out until Earth becomes the only planet left in time. The Cause was the main reason Green launched the Rebellion on Home-World in the first placed and assembled his sons and daughters to defect from it.

"There is some personal information that I wish to tell you Green." Blue said as Green's eyes reopened.

"And what is it?" Green asked.

"It's about your Pearl." Blue replied.

Green's eyes expanded at the mention of that before they quickly narrowed at her. Of all the things to enter his mind it needed to be this. "What have you done to her?"

Blue gasped as she shook her head, "No, no, no, no. She's still alive. She's still alive, but...she's being hunted down."

"Do you have a way of stopping it?" Green asked seriously.

Blue shook her head. "I do not. The order was made by Yellow." She then walked up to him, placing a hand on his chest. "Now, please answer my questions."

"Very well." Green replied as they locked eyes.

"Who were those boys named Kameron and Steven? Kameron apparently can mimic your abilities while Steven appears to mimic the abilities of Rose Quartz." Blue asked.

"That is information I cannot give to you." Green said as Blue frowned. "However...I'm sure that it will help you know that Rose Quartz is dead."

Blue's eyes widened at his words just before they blinked. "I see... That...does bring me some comfort for what she had done to Pink. I am still in mourning...but thank you for telling me this."

"In exchange for that information...you must not go anywhere near them." Green said firmly.

"That will not be by choice for what is to come, Green." Blue replied. "I do truly wish to join you and get away from all of this, but I cannot."

"You are too afraid to stand up to Yellow and White." Green said bluntly, making her gasp. "Do not lie and say you are not. I am as well, but you know that I will have to once again, only this time it will not end the same way as it did before."

Blue's lips frowned as she wrapped her arms around his body once again, placing her head on his shoulder. Green did not stop her as he returned her affection, softly tightening his grip around her waist.

"I wish for that to not happen. Yet we both know it will no matter what we do to avoid it." Blue said softly. "I understand that so much has passed beloved, but...please tell me how things ended up this way."

"The Universe." Green answered. "She was kind to us from the beginning, but then she delivered cruelty toward Home-World. As the eons passed I couldn't bare the endless slaughter we've unleashed among the planets. Enough is enough."

Removing her head from his shoulder Blue looked up at Green as she closed her eyes and pressed her lips against his. She then removed her lips and separated from. "Even though I really shouldn't be here, I am happy to have the chance to see you again, beloved."

"As do I, but I must inform you that this will be the only times I allow you to kiss me." Green replied, making Blue give him a confused expression. "I am in love with another. I apologize for not saying it earlier, but it hurts me for what I have done. I still truly care for you, Blue. That alone will never change, but...what we had before was from another life. One I have moved on from."

"I see." Blue said with a sadden tone. "You have fallen for a native on this planet. Then...be assured that I will do what I can to keep your existence a secret beloved."

Green nodded as Blue's Gemstone glowed before she started to grow back to her previous size. Turning around she re-entered her palanquin as Blue Pearl followed her before the drapes closed and the entire palanquin disappeared in a burst of blue light.

Green slowly lifted his head to the skies. He then summoned his Warp Whistle before blowing into it.

End Of Episode 42.

Hope you all enjoyed. I apologize for any who feel as those I've delayed this.

Next Time:

Legacy