Episode 61: Are You Okay?

November 16th 5:00 a.m.

'Mental Log Date: 12-9-6-5. To be thoroughly straightforward, there is not a simple way I can describe the recent events that have transpired.' Peridot thought to herself. 'We've...achieved our objective. The goal of the Rainbow Gems and Crystal Gems have been to locate the Cluster and prevent it from imploding. To that end...we've journeyed within the planet, fought countless Corrupted, and...somehow in someway managed to stop the Cluster.

In all my life of being a technician for Home-World I have never witnessed a Cluster being stopped. The rebels are clearly more capable than I anticipated; Likely there is more to them than I intentionally thought. Furthermore, the Gem-Hybrid known as Kameron had been the ultimate key to our success. The abilities he inherited from Green Diamond were truly unbelievable to see with my Optic Spheres.

Now that the Cluster has been dealt with...I am not so sure what is going to occur next. As of now my perspective of Earth has begun to...shift. Not very much, but with the previous events it is fair for me to say that this planet...is worth protecting. What will become of me? What are my options of returning to my station? To that end, I am at a loss. For now I shall see what will transpire. End of Mental Log Date.'

Up above the lights flickered. They've begun to dim at every passing second with each flicker, yet that hardly mattered to anyone at the moment. Even if they went completely dead the room wouldn't change too much.

In the room were the Rainbow Gems and Crystal Gems. They won. They fought their way toward the Cluster and beat it. The Earth was saved. Only...their victory wasn't all that they thought it would be.

Amber sat in her seat with her hat lowered down. She clasped her hands and tightened them, making small sparks erupt. To her left were he sisters Charoite and Lepidolite. They both intertwined their hands and held them close to their chests. Tears continuously fell from their eyes and went down their cheeks. Small sobs left Lepidolite's mouth, but that mattered little to the Pink Hurricane.

To Amber's right were her brothers and father. Pyrope popped open his soda can and took a few sips of it before putting it down on a table. Once he did his eyes directed themselves onto the floor. Citrine brought a large apple up to his mouth and chomped on it. Chewing it he then swallowed the bits of it and repeated the process. Onyx crossed his arms and sat back in his seat. He slowly closed his eyes and exhaled some air out of his mouth. Green was standing near a window, having his back turned and pointing his gaze at the dark clouds in the sky.

Across the room were Lapis and Peridot. Lapis had her head down, placing her attention onto the blue crystal ring on her finger. Raising her other hand she brought out her index finger and began rubbing the ring. Back and forth she rubbed it. She then removed her finger and brought her hand up to her face, getting a closer look at the ring. Peridot dismissed her screen and laid back in her seat. Her eyes pointed from one direction to the next, scanning her environment and those within it. She open her mouth to speak, but immediately closed it instead. Even if there was something to say, this isn't really the time for it.

Next to Lepidolite were the Crystal Gems. Pearl bent her body forward, placing her hands on her face. Sobs exited out of her mouth with tears falling through her hands and travelling onto her lap. Garnet placed a hand on Pearl's back, slowly rubbing it and silently watching her letting everything out. Amethyst simply pulled out her phone and scrolled through the web, looking through her previous matches as the Purple Puma. Bismuth picked up some magazines and looked into them one at a time.

The door of the room began to open up, catching everyone's attention. Entering the room were Azurite, Steven, Connie, and Dr. Maheswaran. Several bandages covered different areas of Steven and Connie's faces, but as they placed their eyes on everyone else the kids felt the vibe that was going around.

"Steven! Connie!" Pearl yelled. Standing up she went over to the kids and embraced them.

Both Steven and Connie returned their affection onto Pearl as she tightened her arms around them. Pearl soon removed herself from them and wiped away her tears, though more started creeping out after the next.

"Mr. Evans." Dr. Maheswaran called. "May I have a word with you in private?"

Green gave her a nod and followed her out of the room.

Lapis stood up from her seat and walked up to Azurite. "How is he?"

Azurite closed her eyes for a moment and slowly reopened them. "Everyone. I will like to inform you all that Kameron is going to be fine."

A wave of relief flowed passed everyone, but it's presence was merely short-lived.

Charoite stood up from her seat and walked up to Azurite, "Where is he now?"

"He is resting. However...I need you all to remain calm when I tell you his condition." Azurite replied.

Steven turned his head at Azurite and blinked. "Condition? Kameron's gonna be okay, right?"

Azurite didn't answer him right away while she placed her hands together.

"Azurite." Lapis said, gaining her friend's attention, "Kameron is gonna be okay, right?"

Azurite opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Adverting her eyes from Lapis she returned back with her lips beginning to quiver. Tears began to form in her eyes, but with what she had found it was her responsibility as a doctor to report the conditions of her patients, even if they were related to her. With tears falling onto her cheeks she opened her mouth once more.

Outside in the halls Green and Dr. Maheswaran stood on opposite ends. Dr. Maheswaran crossed her arms while narrowing her eyes onto the man in front of her.

"My daughter told me about her..."involvement" with you and the Crystals." Dr. Maheswaran said firmly.

Green soon crossed his arms. "I see."

"She almost died saving the planet at thirteen-years old." Dr. Maheswaran said firmly. Her grip on her arms slowly tightened, "I don't appreciate her lying to me and her father for this. And I absolutely DON'T appreciate you all allowing her into your situation!"

Green groaned slightly. He knew an outcome such as this would happen once either of Connie's parents learned about her participation in defending the planet. Keeping it a secret was a bad idea, resulting in what's happening now. Though Green couldn't be too upset on Connie's part. That alone wasn't enough to excuse her actions though.

"I understand your anger, Dr. Maheswaran. At first I was not going to allow her into this either because of the dangers that came with it. However, I have seen her fight and despite her age she is old enough to make her own choices now." Green replied.

Dr. Maheswaran took a step back at his response. Seen her fight? Hearing this only made her glare at him. Uncrossing her arms she stepped up to Green and grabbed the blazer of his suit.

"I know what my daughter is doing everyday. You have no say in her being with you and risking her life!" Dr. Maheswaran said angerly.

"I do not." Green replied calmly. "Understand that she came to us, not the other way around. You are her mother while she is your child. But she is going to follow her own path soon. It is not a crime for a parent to worry about their children. And while I may step out of line, she will do what she wants to be by Steven's side. Would you rather have her remain alone and worried for her friend's safety?"

Dr. Maheswaran's eyes shot open. Her ears absorbed every word Green spoke of, making her loosen her grip on him before she released him completely. Taking a few steps back her backside made contact with the wall behind her. Allowing his words to roam her mind her thoughts began to scramble. Her daughter wasn't alone. She had friends at school, but...she always kept going on about Steven and never mentioned anyone else. Her daughter excels well in her academics, yet when watching her studies Connie looked...miserable. She tried not to be too controlling and allowed her daughter freedom to decide what she wants to do, but...defending the planet is not one of them.

"I...I'm gonna have a talk with Connie when we get home." Dr. Maheswaran said. "And once I've heard her side then we can talk about all of this."

"Understood." Green replied and nodded.

Taking a breath Dr. Maheswaran's eyes softened. "Now that I've wanted to address that, I'll tell you about Kameron's condition."

With Connie's safety put on hold Green uncrossed his arms and listened to the doctor.

November 16th 7:40 a.m.

Arriving at the front entrance of Dewey High School Greg slowly parked his van at the center of the sidewalk. Turning his head his eyes were directed onto Steven in the passenger seat and Lapis sitting right behind him. The echoing sounds of rain entered Greg's ears while his wipers were doing their best to clear up his front mirror. Small hums exited Greg's mouth as he gathered up his thoughts.

"Thanks, dad." Steven said sadly while unbuckling his seat belt.

Lapis did the same and placed her hand onto the side-door handle.

"Wait." Greg replied, stopping the teens actions. "Listen you two. I'm really sorry that this happened. I'm upset too, but it'll all work out. Try to have a good day, okay?"

Neither Lapis or Steven gave him a reply and got out of the van. Closing the doors behind them they both pulled up their hoods and began walking toward the entrance. Though the ground was wet with each step they took, not a single droplet fell onto them.

Greg released a sigh as he watched them go. Seeing them make it to the shelter he got out of his parked space and left.

Stepping into the school Lapis and Steven removed their hoods and started walking. Without a word Steven walked away from Lapis, heading into another hallway to his right. Lapis paid no mind and made her way to her locker. Once there she put in her lock combination and opened it up, putting away things she didn't need right now and putting in her bag the required things for First Period.

Once she was finished she closed her locker door and reattached the lock onto it. She slightly turned her head to her left, placing her hand onto the locker next to her. She slowly dug her fingers into the metal of the door the more she looked at it. Closing her eyes she quickly removed her hand lowered it down. Tightening her strap of her bag she turned away and started walking.

"Lapis!"

Hearing that familiar voice Lapis stopped in her tracks. Lifting her head she saw her friends coming to her.

"Lapis, you've gotta see this!" Ronaldo said excitedly while pulling out his phone.

Looking at the screen Lapis saw a video showing a large column of light getting displayed from various areas around the world.

"Wait a minute. Where's Kameron?" Lars asked.

"And are you wearing Kameron's jacket?" Sadie added.

Lapis turned to them and walked away. 'I really don't want to do this right now.' She thought to herself.

Taking some steps away from the others she then stopped at the sudden additional weight on her. Lapis moved her head to see a hand on her wrist. Looking up she saw that the hand belonged to Chelsea, giving her a firm expression.

"Blueberry. What. Happened?" Chelsea asked firmly.

"Let go of me." Lapis replied.

"Not until you answer me." Chelsea said, increasing her grip.

"Chelsea, let her go." Angela said, ripping her sister's hand away from Lapis.

"Something happened to Badass, am I wrong?" Chelsea replied, not looking at her sister.

Lapis turned her back at her friend, showing them the white dove on the back of the jacket.

"Lapis." Scarlet said softly. "Please. We need to know what happened to him. He's our friend too."

"Lapis. Are you okay?" Brittney asked worriedly.

Closing her eyes Lapis gathered up her thoughts. Sucking in some air into her nose she slowly exhaled it out the same way. She then opened her mouth, "I don't want...your crap this morning."

The halls soon fell into silence. Other students soon stopped with what they were doing and placed their attention onto Lapis. Her friends were at a loss from her words.

"Lapis. We're your friends. We're worried about you, but we're also worried about Kameron too since he's not here." Angela said. She then took a step forward, "Whatever happened yesterday, you need to talk to someone about it."

"I need to get to class." Lapis replied immediately after Angela finished speaking. "I don't want to talk right now."

Walking away from them Lapis turned to the nearest upcoming hallway. While she was tears started creeping from her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away and composed herself. 'I shouldn't have done that.'

November 16th 11:00 a.m.

Entering his Third Period class Steven took his seat and placed his bag under his desk. First Period and Second Period were okay for him, even though everyone kept asking him if he was okay.

Taking out his notebooks and pencils Steven let out a small sigh and placed his eyes onto the teacher at the front. Opening his notebook and picking up his pencil he opened his ears for today's lesson.

"Okay, class. Today we are going over the legend of a woman known as Tia Hollybell, one of the most bravest and inspiring women during the age of pirates." The teacher said. "Now I'm sure you all have read about her actions during that your books. Can anyone here come up and explain what Tia Hollybell is known for?"

Steven quickly raised his hand.

"Ah, Steven. Come." The teacher replied.

Getting up from his desk Steven walked up to the front of the class and stood next to his teacher's desk.

"Tia Hollybell was very famous for her acts of sacrifice." Steven said. As soon as he said those words his eyes instantly shot open. His whole body soon began to stiff, sending shivers through every corner of his skin.

The teacher stood up, seeing the nervous expression on Steven, "Is something troubling you, Mr. Universe?"

Steven shook his head. "No! No, no, no, no. Everything's fine." Adjusting his throat Steven opened his mouth again. "Uh...Ms. Hollybell protected those who couldn't protect themselves. She dove into her prey and didn't care what happened to herself. Her crew were fiercely loyal, following her in search of adventure and justice. Even if she was injured...she...always thought of others than herself. And...in her final moments of life she...she...she..."

The rest of the class began to gasp. The teacher stood up and walked around her desk to look at Steven. Once she did she saw tears falling onto his cheeks and his lips quivering.

"Steven, what's wrong?" The teacher asked placing a hand onto his shoulder.

Turning his head to look at her Steven felt his lips quivering and nose sniffling. "M-May...I use...the bathroom, please?"

Unsure of what was wrong the teacher nodded her head and handed him a hall-pass. Taking it from her Steven quickly walked out of the classroom and entered the hallways. Jogging his way down the halls he made a quick turn and spotted the restrooms coming up.

Going into the Boys' Room he saw no-one in there while putting himself into a stall. Locking it he took a seat on the toilet and planted his hands onto his face. As he did the dam officially broke apart. Loud animal-like sobs left his mouth. Huge rivers of tears came out of his eyes, dripping down onto his cheeks and falling right onto the tile floors.

Removing his hands from his face Steven continued to cry and continuous sobs exited his mouth. Raising his hands he placed them onto his head gripping his fingers into his hair.

"IT'S NOT FAIR!" Steven yelled. "IT'S NOT FAIR! IT'S NOT FAIR! IT'S NOT FAIR!"

His voice, completely broken, wailed as loud as he could. Letting everything in heart out, no matter how much he had within himself.

November 16th 4:30 p.m.

The final bell soon went off.

"Okay, everyone. The assignment is due tomorrow, so make sure you all go over what we learned in class today." The teacher announced.

Many students groaned while others nodded or understood without vocally agreeing.

Lapis gathered up her belongings and placed them into her bag. With everything in order she placed her bag around her body and made her way out of the classroom.

The day was finally over. Lapis gazed at the windows in the hall to see that the rain from this morning wasn't gone. Seeing the endless droplets fall made her frown, though it did give her a though on how the earth was feeling.

"Hey, freak!"

A long groan left Lapis' mouth while she stopped in her tracks. Coming up behind her was none other than Zac Armstrong, school-bully supreme.

"Where's Evans?" Zac asked smugly.

No reply was granted from Lapis.

"Hey, freak. I asked you a question." Zac said as he placed a hand on Lapis' shoulder. "I see you're wearing that loser's hoodie, but I haven't seen that punk all day. Where is he?"

"Let go of my shoulder, Armstrong." Lapis seethed through her teeth.

Zac's smug expression remained as he forcefully turned Lapis around, making her crash into the lockers near them. With her back against the lockers he slammed both of his hands next to her head and lowered his face close to hers.

"Hey, why is it so hard for you to talk to me?" Zac whispered. "Did Evans get hit by a truck? Did he get his ass whooped by those monsters? Or did he finally die like the pathetic loser he truly is?"

Lapis lower her head, shadowing her eyes with her hair. Not a single word left her mouth. Zac's words entered her mind, making her grit her teeth and pierce her hands into the lockers behind her. This was the human she fully hated the moment she heard him talk.

Her lips started to quiver. Raising her head she gave Zac a harsh glare with fresh tears coming out of her eyes. "You're the pathetic loser."

Zac was taken back by her response, making him remove his hands from the lockers. "What did you just say?"

"I said...YOU'RE THE PATHETIC LOSER!" Lapis shouted. "It's pretty clear to me that you show a lot of animosity toward Kameron. More than that, you also hate Gems in general or anything that's "different" from your own perspective. Kameron fights you because you provoke him. Not only that, but you don't know anything about him. What he likes? How he thinks? What he is willing to give up so that humans like you can live for another day."

Zac was applaud by Lapis' words. His eyes quickly glared at her while his hands began to ball themselves up. "Oh yeah? What makes you so special to him? Why would a heterochromia freak be interested in you?"

"Because he saved my life!" Lapis yelled. "Kameron and Steven freed me from my prison. At that time I hated the Crystal Gems for not releasing me when they should've done so from the beginning. To this day I will never forgive them for that, but I've learned to tolerate them. More than that, Kameron reunited me with my friend. Him and his family gave me a choice to stay here or leave this planet on my own accord. I chose to stay to repay their kindness. I was given the choice to have a better life than the one I use to have."

Lapis lifted her hand, showing Zac the blue crystal ring on her finger. "Kameron gave this to me so I would be strong enough to save this planet. He cares about me. Even if I don't want his help, he'll help me anyway. Even if the whole world will go against him I will be by his side. He promised me a date and I am really looking forward to it, even though I don't know what it is. But...as of now...I have to wait."

Zac blinked at her, "Why wait?"

Lapis gritted her teeth harder than before and allowed her tears to travel down her cheeks. She then opened her mouth, "BECAUSE HE'S IN A COMA!"

Her words echoed among the halls, grabbing the attention of everyone in it. Soon several students began to gather around Zac and Lapis. All eyes were placed on them with various mumbles scattering through the crowd.

"Is that the answer you wanted, Armstrong?" Lapis asked.

Zac once again blinked at her. Kameron, a freak he greatly despises...was in a coma. His lips began to stretch and he raised his head to the ceiling, unleashing a barrage of laughter. The crowds turned to him, watching him laugh like a maniac who just committed their first crime. Lapis merely wiped her tears and continued glaring at Armstrong. Of course this was the reaction he would have to something like this. Why would there be anything else?

Zac soon started taking heavy breaths. His laughter began to die down with his smile remaining. "Wow. That is the best news I've heard all day. I hope that freak doesn't wake up. Why should he have a happy life while everyone else suffers?" He added while walking up to Lapis.

"He deserves it more than you do." Lapis replied firmly.

*SLAP*

In the flash of a second Zac's hand went across Lapis' face, causing gasps to roar from the crowds around them.

Lapis covered her marked cheek, keeping her glare on Armstrong.

"The only thing that freak deserves is to be a corpse." Zac said angerly.

He raised up his hand again and threw it at Lapis, but just when it was about to connect Lapis raised her hand, grabbing his wrist and greatly tightening it. Her pupils soon began to illuminate a blue light. This guy was so gonna get what's coming to him, regardless of the consequences afterwards and to those who are watching them.

"ENOUGH!"

Hearing that voice Lapis removed her hand from Zac's wrist. Turning their head they both saw Angela coming in from the crowd along with Principal Owens. Getting into the opened space the Student Council President and Principal witnessed the two and took quick notice of the bruise on Lapis' face.

"Armstrong! You are suspended for a week!" Principal Owens yelled, quieting the crowd.

Zac's eyes shot open. His jaw soon dropped after. "What!? Principal Owens she started it-"

"No, you did!" The principal yelled. "I have had enough of this behavior, Armstrong! I have given you several chances, but it is clear to me right now that no matter how many times I do you continue to act with violence. I will inform the coach of your absence and when you return you better have cleaned up your act or your next punishment will be getting expelled! Do I make myself clear!"

Zac's face went pail. All eyes were soon planted on him. Some looked at him with anger. Some looked at him with disappointment. Some looked at him with disgust. His eyes quickly glared at Lapis. He gritted his teeth and balled his fists. He then dashed up to the principal and pulled his arm back before throwing it at his face.

CLANK!

Zac's fist was thrown into the principal's face, but it didn't make contact. Between Principal Owen's face and Zac's fist was a large pink shield. Zac quickly retracted his hand, grunting at how hard the weapon was.

From the crowd Steven stepped up with glowing pink eyes. Lowering his hand his eyes stopped glowing and the shield disappeared. "Don't hit the principal. That's against the rules of the school." Steven said firmly.

Zac growled at him, but he quickly stormed away, charging himself through the crowd of people and heading straight for the front door.

"Thank you, Mr Universe." Principal Owens said.

Steven turned his head to the principal and nodded. "I'm sorry for using my powers on school grounds."

"I'll let it slide this time." Principal Owens assured. He then turned to Lapis. "Ms. Lazuli. Are you okay?"

Lapis tilted her head and shook it.

"Everyone! Stop crowding the halls. Students are trying to leave or get to their clubs. Anyone who doesn't listen at this moment gets detention for a month." Principal Owens called out.

The crowd of students immediately started moving through the halls, getting to where they needed to go. Detention for a month was basically a ultimate bordem sentence that nobody truly wanted to endure.

"Lapis." Angela said, getting her attention. "What do you mean when you said Kameron's in a coma?"

Lapis wiped her eyes of any remaining tears. Guess the cat was now out of the bag.

"Bring the others. Me and Steven will show you what we're talking about." Lapis replied.

End Of Episode 61.

Hope you all enjoyed. Didn't want to leave this on a cliffhanger, but you'll see what's going on soon.

I also want to address a recent review I got. No, I haven't forgotten that Jasper is addressed as the PERFECT GEM SOLDIER. I am fully aware of that and under normal circumstance Amethyst wouldn't have been able to beat her by herself. However, remember that she wasn't by herself and the reason why I wanted her to beat Jasper is because I wanted to show her resolve. She may be defective, but thanks to Bismuth and Citrine wearing her down Amethyst was able to catch her off guard and defeat her.

That's how it goes down in my Canon. I hope this clears things up for those you are wondering about it.

And for those who don't like this outcome, then I'm sorry. I'm writing this story how I want to.

Next Time:

To Protect What Matters