Episode 63: Family
November 26th 5:00 a.m.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
A plethora of moans and groans echoed throughout the area as the alarm was blaring. The ear-piercing sounds of the alarm continued on and on right before Kameron reached for his phone and immediately shut it off.
Raising himself up he let out a long yawn while stretching his arms out. Putting his arms down he groaned and picked himself up from the floor. Rubbing his eyes his vision began clearing up, giving him the view of seeing his family and the Universes getting up. His lips stretched into a small smile at the sight of them, but...only for a short while when his smile slowly faded from how yesterday went. The expressions on his parents' faces... The expressions on his siblings' faces... The Crystals... Lapis... Uncle Greg... Even Peridot... That was a really, really long day for everyone.
Cracking her neck Amber made her way to the double-doors and opened them up. On the other side she was greeted with a darkened sky filled with stars and a full-moon. Putting a hand on her head she squinted her eyes and caught a glimpse of a small portion of light rising from the horizon. Putting her hand down she nodded her head and turned around to the others while putting her hands on her hips.
"Alright ya! It's that time of the year again!" Amber yelled.
Lining up side by side the Evans, Universes, Lapis, and Peridot let out small moans as Amber stood in front of them with her legs standing straight and connected.
"Lapis. Bismuth. Peridot. Since ya'll are new to this, I'll give ya an explination." Amber said as she began marching back and forth. "Every year 'round this time the weather starts gettin' colder. When that happens mah family and the Universes pitch in and take care of the farm and crops. This year is different since ya'll are here, so there's gonna be changes."
"Ugh! That's why we all had to wake up early?" Peridot groaned.
Amber then marched up to Peridot, pushing her head dangerously close to Peridot's face. "That's right. This'll be a great opportunity fer ya ta learn a bit about Earth culture. So no whinin' or cryin'."
Peridot scoffed at her. "Ya know, even though I helped you all save this planet, I still find it baffling that an Amber is giving a Peridot orders. And I have to ask, Amber. Why are you talking like that?"
Amber pulled away from Peridot and cocked an eyebrow, "What are ya talkin' about?"
"Your voice. I didn't bring it up before with everything going on, but now I think it's time to talk about it. I've never heard an Amber talk like that. So, could you revert back to your original voice?" Peridot replied.
Amber blinked at her while giving her a solemn expression. This wasn't the first time someone had a problem with her voice or how she pronounces words, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. "Ah'm gonna assume that was a joke. Fer now, ya gonna focus on ya task, understand?"
Peridot rolled her eyes, "Fine."
"Good. Now, Let's get this done." Amber replied.
November 26th 6:00 a.m.
The sun began creeping up over the horizon, shining it's warm light onto the planet. Though despite it's warmth a small cool breeze flew through the air. It was that time of the year again...right before winter was coming up.
Walking side by side Kameron and Steven reached out their hands, grabbing some corn from their crops and putting them into baskets. Little by little their baskets started getting full as they walked from one crop to the next.
Steven himself smiled at being by his brother's side. It wasn't too often they did things together. Normal things. Sure, they train together, figure out exactly what their capabilities are, and prepare themselves for any upcoming threats against the planet and humanity, but...sometimes...they'd tried to normal things when they had the time. Though he was happy to have his brother back, the thoughts of what happened before still lingered.
"Kameron." Steven said.
Putting another piece of corn into his basket Kameron turned around to Steven, "What's up?"
Sucking in some air Steven exhaled it out of his nose and blinked. "Can we talk?"
Kameron stared at the concerned expression on his little brother's face. Without a response he placed his basket down and nodded.
Steven did the same and rubbed his left arm. His eyes looked away from his brother before he turned them back. He then opened his mouth, "Are you sure you're okay?"
Kameron placed his hands on his hips and softly nodded, "Yeah... I'm okay."
"Umm...I...I was...really, really scared. In my head I fully believed you'd wake up, but...in my heart...I wasn't completely sure. That was really, really reckless of you to just throw your whole life away like that." Steven said softly.
"Yeah, I know." Kameron replied softly. He then scratched the back of his head while adverting his eyes before putting them back onto Steven. "Listen, little brother. I'm sorry for making all of you worry so much. It's not really saying much at this point since we've still got a lot going on, but...I am sorry."
Steven removed his hand from his arm and walked up to his brother. Raising both of his arms out he wrapped them around Kameron, placing his head onto his shoulder and increasing the strength of his embrace.
Kameron brought up his arms and returned his brother's affection. He too increased his embrace on him, but made sure not to overextend it.
Right here, right now, were two brothers giving each other their love for one another. One born from a Diamond and the other born from a Quartz. Though different in appearance, mindsets, and personalities, they had a lot in common. One of their mutual similarities was their desire for peace. Neither wished to fight, but only when necessary. Fighting and war only brings chaos and discord. If the world was different and the concepts of conflict didn't exist, then that would definitely be a world to live in. But...that kind of thinking only exists in delusional fantasies. They both knew that the Universe works in mysterious ways, and at times they have to let it do it's thing. But...that didn't mean they couldn't try to bring peace to their home as much as they could.
Soon both brothers released themselves from their embrace and picked up their baskets.
"Please... Don't leave me behind." Steven said softly.
"Never again." Kameron replied. "Let's get going before we're left behind." He added with a grin.
Steven smiled back as they resumed their collecting of corn.
On the other side of the corn field were Lapis and Peridot, collecting their portion of corn and putting them into baskets.
Neither spoke a word to each other as they picked out their corn-cobs. The quiet...was calming and soothing, making them keep their focus on their task.
Peridot did mumble a bit since she wasn't allowed to use her Limb-enhancers. "No powers or equipment usage" said Amber. It was so annoying since it could make gathering corn a lot faster, but that wouldn't really "teach" her the ways of Earth culture.
"Lazuli." Peridot said as she picked out a cob.
Lapis slightly groaned from her quiet time being over. "What?"
"You still hate me, don't you?" Peridot asked, turning her head to her.
Lapis turned around to her with a cocked eyebrow, "Oh wow. After all this time and everything we've been through, now is when you're finally realizing it." She added sarcastically.
Peridot groaned from Lapis' response, but kept talking, "Look. I can perfectly see that. I haven't forgotten about all the things I've done on this planet or the actions that have transpired from it. But...you should already understand why."
Lapis scoffed at her. "Yeah, I'm fully aware of it since the day I was born. But you should already know that the Rainbow Gems and Crystals Gems have found a different way for Gems to live. That's never gonna change."
"Yeah, that alone was perfectly clear to me when Kameron absorbed all of the energy from the Cluster and shot it into space." Peridot said. She then adverted her eyes from Lapis, "Plus...I am starting to see how important this planet really is to the others. For that I understand, yet...Home-World still remains in my memories."
Lapis narrowed her eyes at Peridot. It really wasn't too much of a surprise for her to see that after everything that happened she still thought about Home-World. Though...it wouldn't be fair to say that Lapis hadn't had those thoughts either at times. Her imprisonment was long gone by now, but the remnants of it are still within her. She once desired to go back home more than anything, but returning to it wasn't anything how she thought it would be. And now...that desire is gone; dreaming of going back was no longer believable.
"Listen, Peridot." Lapis began, gaining Peridot's attention. "The possibility of saving our Home-World is no longer possible to me. The same should go to you too. Because no matter what we do or how many worlds we continue to colonize, we will never achieve that goal. It's better to move on and have a better life than the ones we originally had."
Peridot took in as much as Lapis' words as she could understand. Word for word she went over the myriad of possible counter-points, but...any and all objections were quickly declined. The thought of just moving on from Home-World...? That was never an option before. Making that option now...was...uncertain to put into action.
"It's not that simple, Lazuli." Peridot replied with uncertainty.
"Never said it was." Lapis said as she picked out another cob. "I'll tolerate you, but I'll never forgive you. If you want to go back, that's your choice. I'm staying here. This is my home now. Even if I'll never fully understand it myself, it's worth fighting for."
Lapis soon turned around and walked away, reaching out for another cob on a further crop.
Peridot felt a vibe of uncertainty flow around her. Lifting her hand her eyes gazed at the Energy Ring Kameron gave her. To her...he was still a clod. So was Ronaldo. And so was her captors. Though...can she really turn her back on her objective? The Earth isn't so bad, but...her memories...Her Diamond...
Letting out a puff of air Peridot shook her head and resumed her task of collecting corn.
November 26th 7:00 a.m.
Out in the fields Pearl and Christie raised out their hands and gently plucked out some strawberries from their stems.
Up above they both spotted a small bird landing in a tree, bringing food to her kin in their nest. The actions of the animals brought smiles to their faces. One of the most heartwarming and beautiful moments of nature.
"This is such a lovely day today." Pearl said as she picked a strawberry.
"It sure is." Christie replied, picking a strawberry. "I'm actually surprised at how much we have. So much to do, and so much time to get it done."
Pearl couldn't help but giggle at Christie's response. "Just don't push yourself so much. I'm here to help you as much as possible."
Christie let out a hum as she picked out another strawberry. "I know. Thank you for helping us."
Pearl gave her nod, "Of course. It's good to help each other out when we need it. And I'm very happy that everyone is here for it."
Christie couldn't agree more. As she picked out another strawberry her joyful vibe was slowly going away. Closing her eyes she really couldn't help but call back on what happened yesterday.
"Pearl..." Christie said.
"Yes?" Pearl replied.
"Am I...a good mother?" Christie asked cautiously.
Pearl was taken back at the question. That kind of question...wasn't really something Christie would ask.
"If you want my opinion...you are." Pearl said sincerely.
Christie turned around to look at her, giving Pearl an uneasy expression. "I'm...not so sure sometimes. Ever since I married Green, met my kids, and gave birth to Kameron, there are times when I wish I could do things differently or if I am doing enough. Whenever they went out and fight the Corrupted, in the back of my mind I can't help but think that it would be the last time I see them. Sometimes I think it's stupid considering what they can do, but...sometimes I wish for all of this to end."
Looking at Christie Pearl took in her words as she placed her basket down. Putting her hands together she intertwined her fingers and closed her eyes. She slowly reopened them and opened her mouth, "Christie. Would it be strange if I told you that I feel the same way too?"
Christie shook her head.
"Since the beginning my only concern in life was the well-being of my Diamond: White Diamond. Nothing else mattered to me but her and how she looked at the world. However, everything changed when Pink Diamond was assigned to colonize a planet. Both me and Pink Pearl switched positions so that I would make sure that Pink would focus on her duties. However...everything wasn't going as planned." Pearl said calmly.
"What happened?" Christie asked, putting her basket down.
"I tried my best to make Pink happy whenever she was upset or troubled, but...my efforts were all in vain." Pearl replied. She then turned her head away, adverting her eyes. "Her mental state was...decreasing. She was...becoming very...frightening. I didn't know what to do or what to say to her, so...I only had one option remaining. I ran away."
"Is that how you met Rose?" Christie asked.
Pearl turned her head back and slowly nodded. "Yes. That was the very first time I completely defected. When my defection became known I was hunted down and I almost met my end at the hands of a Jasper until...a Rose Quartz saved me. From that day I devoted my life to her, but...that devotion was slowly turning into something else. Protecting her was all that mattered to me now. When the Great War was over I fully believed things would be different...but I was wrong."
Pearl soon released her hands and approached Christie, placing her own hands into Christie's. "I want this to end so, so badly. I truly want peace for this planet and to continue living this new life I have. You are an amazing mother, Christie Evans. Without your guidance neither me, Garnet, Amethyst, and Greg would have been able to raise Steven. You're amazing as you are. And someday...we will have our true peace."
Letting go of Christie's hands Pearl wrapped her arms around Christie's body, placing her head onto Christie's shoulder. Christie returned Pearl's affection without a second thought. Moments like this come every now and then and usually last briefly, but...soon there will be more moments like this.
Both women released themselves from each other and picked up their baskets.
"Our families are gonna have a great harvest this year." Christie said with a smile.
"We sure will." Pearl replied with a smile.
Just as they attempted to return to their task a loud noise entered their ears. Raising their heads both women saw a large plane coming right at them, making them duck to the ground before the plane went right behind them and landed near the barn.
"Que diablos!?" Christie yelled in Spanish.
"Let's go!" Pearl yelled as they got up and ran toward the plane.
Making their way to the barn Christie and Pearl found the plane parked right in front of it. Next to the plane there were two pilots standing near it.
"What the hell happened here!?" Pilot#1 said angerly.
"Excuse me! Are you both okay?" Christie asked as she and Pearl jogged up to them.
Pilot#2 gasped at the sound of her voice and turned around before taking of their helmet. Pilot#2 was female with short brown hair and brown eyes with a small amount of lip-bomb. Pilot#1 turned around as well and took off their helmet, revealing himself to be an elder man with a few wrinkles and gray hair. The female pilot dropped her helmet at the sight of Christie before covering her mouth with her hands.
Christie gasped at the sight of the female pilot. The moment they made eye-contact her eyes began to water.
"C-Christie?" The female pilot asked with a quivering voice.
"Anna?" Christie asked.
Anna nodded. Removing her hands from her mouth she rushed up to Christie, wrapping her arms around her body. Christie instantly returned her affection and both of them started sobbing.
Pearl looked on, but was very confused about what was going on here. She then turned her head to the male pilot was just as confused.
Soon both Christie and Anna separated from each other and smiled at one another.
"Ha sido un tiempo!" Anna said tearfully.
"Tiene." Christie replied.
"Uh...Christie. Who is this?" Pearl asked.
Christie soon turned her eyes onto Pearl. Just as she was about to explain she immediately gasped and pulled out her phone.
[Mother Bird]: Everyone! Come back to the barn right now!
Getting Christie's text everyone stopped with their assigned tasks and made their way back to the front of the barn. Once they got their they all placed their attention on Anna and the male pilot.
"Is everything alright?" Green asked, approaching his wife.
"Yes." Christie replied as she wiped her eyes.
"Hold on!" The male pilot said, walking up and stopping next to Anna. "Aren't you-" His words soon fell flat as he placed his attention on Greg. "Greg?"
Greg squinted his eyes right as they quickly expanded, "Andy? Is that you?"
Both Andy and Anna looked at one another and then placed their attention back on everyone else. It was as if the situation couldn't get even more complicated.
"What is going on here!?" Anna called out in frustration.
Both Christie and Greg turned their attention onto each other before them back onto Andy and Anna. Looking back their families were just as confused as they were. There was a lot of clearing up that needed to be done, but...the first thing to do was to get introductions out of the way.
"Everyone." Christie called out, making everyone look at her. "This is Anna. She's my sister."
"Guys." Greg called, gaining everyone's attention. "This is Andy. He's my cousin."
"Anna. Andy. These are our families." Both Christie and Greg said in unison.
Both pilots calmly stared at the large group several feet from them. The area soon fell into silence with a small gust of wind passing by. Neither side knew what to say or what to do in this predicament, so...taking a chance Steven and Kameron approached them first.
"Umm...hi, it's nice to meet the both of you. My name is Steven. I'm Greg's son." Steven said nervously.
"My name is Kameron. I'm Christie's kid." Kameron added, rubbing the back of his head while adverting his eyes.
Just when either of the boys attempted to speak again both Andy and Anna stepped forward. Anna soon wrapped her around Kameron while Andy wrapped his arms around Steven. Each of their embraces lasted for only a few moments until they pulled away from them.
"You both call us Tio Andy and Tia Anna." Andy said warmly. He then looked over to Anna. "Can you believe it, Anna? Husband and wife and now officially an aunt and uncle."
"Si." Anna replied as she pecked Kameron's cheek. She then walked over to Steven and repeated her action. "You both are so grown up."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Time out. What do you mean both of you are husband and wife?" Greg asked.
To answer Greg's question both Anna and Andy removed their gloves and raised up one hand, showcasing the rings on their fingers.
Gasps went all around at the mere sight of them.
"That's right. Me and my spicy pepper are a couple." Andy said, placing a hand around Anna's waist. "Although, I am more concerned about what happened to my parents' barn." He added.
Greg opened his mouth, but the words could leave him. He adverted his eyes away for a moment, trying to come up with a perfectly good answer on the circumstances to the barn.
Seeing his struggle Amber walked out of the group, coming up beside Greg. "Greg gave the barn ta me."
Andy blinked at her while removing his hand from his wife. He then quickly turned his head to Greg, "Are you serious!? You actually gave my parents' barn away just like that without my consent!? I never thought that you would just go around selling family property like it's Halloween and act like it's now big deal!" He yelled. Andy then placed his eyes on Amber, "I'm sorry that my cousin is an idiot. The barn belongs to the Demayo Family."
Amber tilted her head as she looked at Greg and then back at Andy. "Who are the Demayos?"
Andy dropped his jaw the moment Amber finished speaking. He then looked at Greg, then his wife, and lastly at Steven.
"Andy Demayo. Anna Demayo. Greg Demayo. Steven Demayo. We're the Demayos." Andy explained, pointing at himself, his wife, his cousin, and his nephew.
Steven gave off a confused expression. He looked over at his dad who was stuttering and slowly started to realize what Tio Andy was talking about.
"Are you saying...My real name is Steven Quartz Demayo?" Steven said while holding his head.
"No, Steven. Both of our last names are Universe." Greg corrected. He then looked at Andy, "Look, Andy. Amber was feeling homesick and I wasn't using the barn all that much, so I gave it to her. She's putting more use to it than I ever did."
"That doesn't make this okay, Greg." Anna pointed out.
"Especially considering the fact that you gave my parents' barn to an alien!" Andy added angerly. "You turned your back on your family just so you could have a perfect life with the freaks responsible for why the planet is filled with monsters and endless death!?"
Hearing this made Christie immediately glare at Andy just before she stomped toward him.
"Excuse me?" Christie said angerly. "I am not going to stand here and let you say that to my daughter and my family!"
Andy was taken back by Christie's outburst and quickly took a step back, but that was all in vain as she stood right in front of him, staring daggers at him.
"Christie-" Anna attempted to say.
"Tranquila!" Christie shouted at her sister, silencing her. She then returned her attention back to Andy, "Apologize to my daughter right now!"
Andy started to stutter with sweat building up onto his forehead. He gulped and raised up his hands up.
"I...um...I was just speaking the truth." Andy stuttered. "Y-You know what their capable of-"
"That is NOT an apology..." Christie replied with venom in her voice.
Just as the situation was about to turn ugly, a hand was then placed onto Christie's shoulder. Turning her head she saw that it was Amber giving her a solemn look, slightly quelling her anger.
"Uncle Andy? Auntie Anna?" Amber said, turning her eyes on them.
"Y-Yeah?" Andy replied nervous as Christie continued glaring at him.
"Ah'm really sorry that we took the barn. Ah never knew we had more family to share it wit." Amber said honestly.
Andy slowly placed his hands down and turned his eyes onto Greg, "You didn't, huh?"
"But this barn is important to us too. We've made a lot of memories here. And sometimes we like spending time here to get away from the busy city and town." Amber said honestly.
Andy then turned his attention onto Amber, "Well the Demayos spent a lot of time here too. Once a year we would all gather here to catch up, see what everyone is doing, and eat a huge meal. It's been a tradition for years and years."
Hearing this made Amber smirk, "We can do that too. Right now we're in the middle of our harvest. With yers and Auntie's Anna's help we'll get it done so fast that we'll have time to get ta know each other and spend some time together. Then we'll talk about the barn. How's that sound?"
Andy's nervousness started to cooldown as Christie stopped glaring at him. He then looked over at Anna. She was unsure as much as he was. They both then looked at the rest of the Rainbows and Crystals. Both knew fully well what they were and what happened from their actions. They've heard all the rumors about them. Some saying they were the "saviors" of humanity. Some say they were the "demons" that'll bring the Earth to it's destruction. Others were more grey than black and white, but...at the end of it all both of them didn't truly known them personally. Maybe...getting to know them would make things play out smoothly.
Andy let out a sigh and crossed his arms. "For me and my wife, we'll give all of you a chance. But mostly because we lost our lunch to a group of sharks in the Atlantic."
"I knew I should've double-checked our cargo." Anna added.
Andy walked over to his wife and placed his hand into hers, "That wasn't your fault. It was mother-nature and her stupid wind-currents."
Anna lightly smiled at him. She then turned her gaze at her sister, "We have a lot of catching up to do after me and Andy unpack our things."
Christie nodded as she watched her sister and Andy walk over to their plane. As they did the Rainbows and Crystals gathered around into a circle.
"So what's the plan?" Amethyst asked. "Honestly, I don't like how those two just show up and demand to have the barn back."
"Same." Garnet added. She then turned her attention onto Greg. "Greg, what is Andy like?"
Greg hummed as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Well... Andy isn't the kind of guy that changes his mind so easily. He's got his long-john's in twist and his temper can get the better of him. Though I never thought he'd get married, but then again I haven't seen him in years."
"Then I suggest we engage in some activities that'll ease him and Anna." Green said.
"That won't be too hard." Christie replied to her husband. "Anna has always been easy to get along with."
Soon a gasp exited Steven's mouth. "I got an idea!" He said, gaining everyone's attention. "How about we play baseball?"
Everyone around him blinked and gave him confused expressions.
"What's baseball?" Peridot asked.
"It's an Earth sport." Amber answered. She then placed her hand underneath her chin and hum, "Well...it's been a while... Ah don't see any problems wit it."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea." Azurite pitched in.
"Wait!" Lepidolite called out, grabbing everyone's attention. "If we're gonna do this, we gotta do in style."
"Oh boy..." Pyrope groaned.
November 26th 10:00 a.m.
After finishing up the harvest it was now time for the first annual Crystal-Rainbow Family event: Baseball.
There were two teams of eleven players, which meant Azurite and Garnet had to be divided into Zuli, Cobalt, Ruby, and Sapphire to make things even. Azurite wasn't too worried about the ordeal as it was very fair, but Garnet...was another story due to how much Ruby and Sapphire loved each other and couldn't stand being separated for long amount of time. Today was an exception.
To make the field Green planted his hands into the ground, summoning four crystals: One in front of him, two near him and standing side by side, and the last one stand across the first one. After that Amber clapped her hands, summoning a surge of electricity before firing it at the crystal in front of her. The electricity traverse through the crystal and bounced toward another one. From one crystal to the next the electricity began lowering itself, frying the grass around them. The voltage soon increased, widening the pathways just enough until Amber released her hands, bringing her electricity to a halt.
Green's crystals soon lowered themselves further into the ground. Once they got down to a certain height the tips began to spread out and form into four large square. Bringing up his hand again Green placed it onto the ground, summoning a large crystal at the center of the area before lowering it and forming it into a square.
With the field complete the teams faced each other in the middle of it. Team#1 was composed of Kameron, Cobalt, Pyrope, Citrine, Onyx, Green, Steven, Greg, Andy, Lapis, and Ruby. Team#2 held Amber, Zuli, Charoite, Lepidolite, Sapphire, Amethyst, Pearl, Bismuth, Peridot, Christie, and Anna.
Both teams wore uniforms with Team#1 wearing black and white while Team#2 wore white and blue.
"Alright! We're all here. Everybody ready?" Amber said while tilting her cap.
"Indeed." Cobalt replied. "Although...I will need to be honest. I feel...rather silly wearing these garments." He added, looking down at his uniform.
"Don't be silly." Andy pitched in, straightening his hat. "You look fine. Back in my day I wore a uniform just like this when I first started playing ball."
"How long have you played?" Steven asked.
"I've been playing since high-school. After graduation I took more of an interest in flying, but...sometimes it doesn't hurt to go back to your roots. Though one time my team and I were up again an all women's team and they kicked our tails so hard it made our coach burst into tears." Andy replied as he grumbled at the end. Though after he said that he looked at Team#2 whom gave him unamused expressions. "Uh...no offense?"
"That's actually very offense, Uncle Andy." Charoite said.
Andy then adverted his eyes from her.
"Okay, okay. Here's how we're all gonna play." Amber announced. She turned her attention onto Peridot, "Here's how baseball works. Each team takes turns hitting the ball wit a bat. After that the player runs 'round the bases, then once they get ta the first base the team earns a point. However, if ya miss hittin' the ball three times, yer out. The other team will try an stop by taggin' ya with the ball or by catchin' the ball after ya hit it. The team with the most points wins." She explained.
Peridot blinked at her before looking down at her glove-covered hand. This...was very, very, weird. Yet...a simple concept to conduct. "I think I've analyzed and understood the rules."
"Good." Lepidolite said as she chewed some gum. She then blew a large bubble before it popped and she gathered the remains back into her mouth. "Let's play!"
Going up to pitch first was Kameron. Putting his goggles over his eyes he picked up the ball in his glove and turned to his side. The first one up to bat was Christie with Citrine being the umpire. Getting a good grip on the bat Christie swung it a few times right as she turned to her side and held it up.
"Ready, mom?" Kameron asked.
"Ready, honey." Christie replied.
Sucking in some air Kameron slowly exhaled it out and lifted his right arm. Pulling his arm back he gave his mother an underhand throw. Watching it coming at her Christie swung her bat, hitting the bat. Once she hit the ball she immediately dropped her bat and ran for first base. Seeing the ball rolling through the ground Onyx jogged up to it and quickly picked it up before throwing it over to Pyrope. Lifting his arm Pyrope quickly caught the ball, but it was already too late to stop Christie making it to first base.
"Mom's safe!" Amber called.
Up next was Charoite. Getting a firm grip on the bat she got into position.
"Ready to dance, Char?" Kameron asked.
Charoite's lips soon stretched into a soft smile, "Oh, I'm more than ready. Show your big sister everything you've got."
That soft tone of hers made Kameron's cheek burn, but he quickly shook it off. No way was he gonna fall for her teasing this time. Lifting his arm Kameron lifted his leg before hitting it on the ground hard and throwing the ball hard.
Sharping her eye Charoite swung the bat, hitting the ball right on the tip and sending it high into the air. She then dropped the bat and sprinted toward first base while her mother ran up to second base.
Watching the ball drop from the sky Steven and Lapis ran right through the field, keeping the eyes locked onto it. Steven then jumped into the air, catching the ball and throwing it right to Lapis. She caught it without hesitation and threw it right at Green. Green caught the ball and tagged his wife right before she came up to third base.
Charoite managed to get to second base, but once she saw her mother getting tagged she stopped dead in her track on second base.
Seeing the ball tagged on her shoulder by her husband Christie puffed her cheeks at him.
"Sorry, honey. That's how the game is played." Green said, chuckling at his wife's expression.
"No fair..." Christie said childishly.
Christie then walked away from third base and made her to a set of chairs next to the field where the rest of Team#2 were.
Coming up to bat next was Peridot. She got into position the moment she sent foot on base. "Mmph. Our team is going to win." She said smugly.
"Don't be so sure about that brainiac." Citrine replied.
Peridot soon turned to him with a cocked eyebrow, "What makes you so sure I can't-"
Peridot's sentence wasn't able to get finished as Kameron threw the ball right where Citrine caught it in his glove. Her jaw dropped at the sight of the ball in the glove ust as she turned and glared at Kameron.
"Hey! I wasn't ready!" Peridot yelled.
"That's why you gotta pay attention, Peri." Kameron replied.
Peridot groaned and got back into position. Kameron smirked at her posture. Getting into his own position he pulled his arm back at threw it at her. Watching the ball coming Peridot quickly swung the bat, but the ball missed it's mark and made it's way into Citrine's glove.
"Strike two!" Andy yelled.
Peridot groaned and tightened her grip on her bat. Gritting her teeth she glared at Kameron's smirked lips. Pulling his arm back Kameron threw it right at Peridot. Keeping her eyes locked onto the ball she pulled her arms back and swung the ball as hard as she could, but the ball just...made it's way pass her bat and aiming itself right into Citrine's glove.
"Strike three! You're out!" Andy yelled.
Peridot gawked at the rapid actions right as she gritted her teeth and threw the ball to the ground, "This game is so stupid!" She added as she walked over to her team.
"Okay everyone! Switching time!" Greg called out.
Switching positions Amber came up to pitch while Pyrope walked up to bat and Bismuth became the umpire.
"Ready to get your ass whooped?" Bismuth snickered.
Pyrope smirked without looking at her. "I'm not the one who's get their ass beat. Just you watch."
"Ya ready, brother?" Amber asked.
Getting into position Pyrope gripped onto the bat, but made sure not to over do it. Amber moved to her side as she raised her hands close to her chest. Lifting up her leg she soon slammed it right onto the ground and threw the ball at her brother. Watching it come up to him Pyrope swung the bat. His swing brought him connect with the ball, sending it flying high into the sky.
"It's a Home Run!" Everyone in Team#1 (Except for Onyx) cheered while Pyrope ran through the bases with the biggest smirk on his face.
Up next was Lapis. Straightening her cap she turned to her side and raised up her bat.
"Ya ready, Water Angel?" Amber asked.
"I'm not afraid of you, Southern-Belle." Lapis replied.
Narrowing her eyes Amber pulled her arm back, "Ya should be!"
Watching the ball come for her Lapis swung the bat, but it quickly passed her, aiming itself into Bismuth's glove.
"Strike one!" Anna called out.
Lapis groaned a little, but re-positioned herself. Amber soon threw the ball again. Lapis swung, but missed once more.
"Strike two!" Anna called out.
"Lapis, what are you doing?!" Andy yelled.
"What does it look like? Hitting the ball with a bat." Lapis replied.
"You gotta straighten out your legs and tight up your shoulders. Loosen your grip, but not too much." Andy instructed.
Lapis blinked at him while giving off an unsure expression. Should she follow those instructions? She's only known him for a couple of hours and didn't really enjoy his outburst he brought out when she first saw him. But...since this whole thing was about easing him and his wife...I guess she could give it a shot.
Straightening out her legs she tightened up her shoulders and lightened her grip on the bat. With her set to go Amber pulled her arm back and threw it forward, launching the ball out of her hand. Watching it come to her Lapis swung the bat right in front of the ball, hitting it as hard as she could. Hitting it off she dropped the bat and jogged up to first base.
"Thanks, Andy." Lapis called.
"You're welcome!" Andy called out, smiling at her. He lightly gasped from his sudden actions, but...his smile returned.
November 26th 12:00 p.m.
After two hours of Team#1 and Team#2 duking it out...Team#2 won in a landslide.
"Aw...I thought we'd win for sure." Andy groaned.
"Ah well...that was very energetic." Anna replied, kissing his cheek. "Maybe next time."
Andy giggled a bit. "Yeah, okay. Especially if it mean I get to see you in that uniform again."
Anna giggled at her husband while covering her mouth.
he others watched and smiled, happy to see those two being happy.
"Oh boy...I'll admit that was fun." Andy said, putting his eyes on everyone else. A small grumble then echoed in the area, making him cover his stomach while his cheeks burned, "Sorry. Guess all that exercise can make a person hungry."
"Well...how about we all get ready for lunch?" Pearl suggested. "Oh, we don't have any plates or silverware." She added.
"I will take care of that." Onyx replied as he opened up a black portal.
"I'll come." Kameron added, getting up from the ground.
"Me too." Steven added.
"Same here." Lapis added.
Watching them leave Charoite and Lepidolite brought out their Warp Whistles.
"We're gonna go get some drinks for everyone." Charoite said.
"BRB." Lepidolite added as they warped away.
"Pyrope. Can you and Citrine get some wood fer a fire while me, Peri, and Bismuth make a stove?" Amber asked.
"Alright." Pyrope replied, rolling his arm.
"Back in a sec." Citrine added as he and his brother walked away.
Watching everyone else get things together Green planted his hand into the grass and summoned a large thick crystal. The crystals then spread out several strains from different directions until that reached a certain length. Once they did they repeated the process until the opposite strains met and started making a solid flat-surface. Repeating his actions he made several tables and several chairs around a large table, one for everyone to sit in.
Getting out the vegetables and fruits from the harvest this morning Christie, Pearl, Greg, Andy, and Anna started putting them on a table. When they did Pyrope and Citrine came back with a huge pile of wood. Not long after Amber, Bismuth, and Peridot return with a large engine in hand.
"Whoa! Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! What do you girls think you're doing with that engine?" Andy said, angerly walking up to them.
"We're gonna use it fer a stove." Amber answered.
"You can't do that!" Andy yelled. "That engine you have is the heart of the Daring Demayos. I learned to fly on that plane!"
"Well what good is an engine if we're not gonna use it?" Pyrope pointed out.
Andy let out a small growl, but he then squeezed the bridge between his nose and let out a small sigh. "Fine. You have a point there."
As Bismuth and Peridot were making the stove the others began getting their hands onto the fruits and vegetables.
Taking out a small pocket-knife Andy started peeling a potato. Little by little he started from the top and descended to the bottom.
"Wow, Andy. You're a pretty good potato-peeler." Pearl commented as she was sorting various berries.
"Thank you. My Aunt Deb and I were always on kitchen duty whenever the family got together. I've peeled a lot of potatoes back in my day." Andy replied proudly.
"So...how is Aunt Deb? If it's...not too much to ask." Greg asked.
Andy turned his attention to his cousin with a cocked eyebrow. Even though things were still..."on edge" at the moment, it wasn't a bad question to ask. Greg should at least know that much.
"Well...as hard as it is to cram twenty-years into a sentence, she's doing fine. I''ve...actually tried staying in touch with her, but...lately we've only been doing that on occasion." Andy replied.
Greg blinked at him. Then his lips frowned, "Oh... Is she happy?"
Andy nodded. "She is. But...it's not fair."
"What's not fair, Andy?" Pearl asked.
Ignoring Pearl, Andy looked at her briefly before turning his eyes onto Christie. "Christie. Look, I'm...I'm sorry for how I acted when we first met. I didn't know the Rainbow Gems and Crystal Gems were your family."
Christie closed her eyes for a brief moment before opening them again. "You apologized. For that, I will forgive you. Just don't do it again, okay." She said softly, but firmly.
"Okay." Andy nodded. "It's just that Anna told me a lot about you in your letters and how much you were mentioning your family, but...I didn't know they were...you know."
Anna soon came up and placed her hand into Andy's, making him look at her and smile.
Just when she was about to speak a black portal opened with Onyx, Kameron, Steven, and Lapis coming out of it. Around the same type Charoite and Lepidolite returned with a variety of drinks with them.
November 26th 1:30 p.m.
At the main table mostly everyone was enjoying the delicious food they've conjured up. Citrine, Bismuth, Kameron, Steven, and Amethyst devoured a good portion of it to the surprise of Andy and Anna. Though...at least there wouldn't be too many leftovers.
"Everyone. I have something to say." Anna announced. "I just want to say that it really warms my heart for all of us to be here today. We've had a really, really exciting baseball game and the food was really good."
"Thanks, Tia Anna." Steven replied.
"You're welcome, sobrino." Anna said sweetly. She then turned her attention onto her sister, "And I am mucho happy to reunite with my sister. I'm sure mama and papa are very, very proud of you."
Soon...the atmosphere went quiet. Christie went silence at her sister's words, making Anna give her a look of confusion.
"What's wrong, Hermana?" Anna asked.
"It's...nothing, hermana." Christie replied softly.
Anna blinked at her sister. "Are mama and papa okay?"
Knowing and fearing how this was going to go, Christie stood up and cleared her throat. "Mama...and...Papa...are...no longer here..."
Anna's eyes expanded in a fraction of a second. Her pupils began to shake with tears rising in them. Her lips started quivering. Placing both of her hands on her chest she slowly sat back in her chair as the waterfalls stared pouring down.
Getting up from her chair Christie walked over to her sister and brought her into an embrace. Anna didn't do anything and accepted her sister's actions right as she started sobbing. Slowly rubbing her hair Christie held her sister as Anna cried louder and louder. Everyone around her, including her husband could only watch quietly as the two sisters held each other.
After a large amount of time passed the Evans Sisters released each other from their embrace. Christie wiped away the tears of her older sister while Anna tried pulling herself together.
"I... *sob* It's... *sob* It's...my...m-m-y fault..." Anna said, struggling to speak.
"No, it's not. Shh... It's not your fault, hermana." Christie replied softly and quietly.
Anna shook her head. "It... It is. I...I left after graduation. I was... I wanted to live my life, but...but...I didn't give a second thought about checking in on them."
"You didn't know." Christie replied quietly. "You couldn't have known because I didn't tell you."
Anna wiped away some of her tears as she looked at Christie, "W-What are you talking about?"
Taking a deep breath Christie opened her mouth, "It was...an accident. When it happened I...I didn't know what to do. I thought I knew what to do next if something like that would ever happen, but...never in a million years did I think it would happen like this. For the first time...I didn't what to do. And I just...kept going until...I went down the wrong path."
Christie then looked at her family. "Green helped me realize what I was doing. And...my kids helped me get through this. I needed help so much, and they helped me. But...I never gave a thought about reaching out to you, telling you what happened until now. I am very...very sorry hermana."
Anna opened her mouth...but no words came out. She instead took her sisters hands into her own, feeling their warmth. There wasn't much to say at this point. She then looked at Andy. He did not speak a word to her, but look into her eyes. Her eyes...were saying what they needed to say to him.
"Amber." Andy said softly. "You can have the barn. It's yours."
Amber gave him a solemn look, "Are ya sure?"
Andy nodded. "Yeah. I... I need a moment." He added as he got up and walked away.
Seeing him go Greg hesitated to get up, but he did and looked to where Andy was going.
"Everyone. I'm gonna go talk to him. I'll be right back." Greg said as he walked off.
Walking through the fields of grass Greg slowly approached the barn's silo. Spotting a large ladder he walked up to it and began climbing. Step by step Greg climbed the silo, keeping his attention up above while carefully traversing it.
Making it to the top he found Andy sitting down looking out at a beautiful view of the sky and ocean. Walking over to him Greg sat next to him without a word coming out.
"Great... You're ruining my solitude." Andy mumbled.
"I wanted to check on my cousin." Greg replied softly.
Andy adverted his eyes away from Greg, but...he then turned his head to his cousin. "This really isn't fair."
"What isn't fair?" Greg asked.
"This!" Andy said, raising his arms to the skies. "Life. Everything is changing day by day. I want everyone to stay the same, but they...they didn't. No matter what I do, I can never stop the change."
Scooting over to Andy, Greg placed his hand onto his shoulder.
Andy lowered his arms and looked up at the sky. "This all happened because of you. You left us without warning or even a goodbye. You just got in your van and drove away to have a perfect life. Then it was Aunt Deb. Her and her partner drove away not long after. Grandpa Max moved to the Keys and now he's too old to go on trips anymore." Andy said, speaking from the heart. "I tried to keep things how they use to be after my parents left this life. I know what it really meant to be a family, but...no matter how hard I tried...I kept failing."
Andy then turned his head to Greg as tears swelled in his eyes. "Mom and Dad died. Aunt Deb left. Grandpa Max isn't going anywhere. You bailed. I couldn't keep everyone together. So...what's the point of keeping the barn."
With his other arm Greg brought Andy into a hug. Andy didn't resist and hugged him back. The hug lasted for a brief moment until the two men separated.
"Andy... I'm sorry. I really am." Greg said honestly. "But...you have to understand. I had to bail out of my old life."
Andy sniffled as he wiped his tears. "What do you mean?"
"I couldn't do anything growing up. Everything I liked. I wore. I wanted. To my parents, it was always wrong. It was horrible and I was so miserable that going to school was way better than being at home. Christie helped me during my tough times and I've always seen her as a sister. Now it's...kinda official, but my point is that I was trapped and I wanted to be free. So...once I heard a song called "Mr. Universe" my entire life changed. I wanted to see what the world was really like, so I just... I just..."
"Left." Andy finished.
"Yeah... I left. But...the life I thought I want never happened. Things got really, really complicated Andy. To this day I'm worried to death about my family and the future. Even though I know things will be okay, I can acknowledge that that won't always happen. But...with you and Anna, I'm not going anywhere. We're here for the both of you, if you want us."
Andy sighed and looked out at the beautiful view. All over the world him and Anna were. Flying high in the skies and enjoying each other's company. Despite the dangers they witnessed and escaped from, they were still alive and living life how they wanted. But to come back and see how much has changed...really threw them over. But...even so, they both still had family here and some new members in it too.
"Greg." Andy said.
"Yeah?" Greg replied.
"If you're gonna keep changing, change into a person you want to be." Andy said strongly.
Greg smirked as he looked out to the view with his cousin.
"I wouldn't want anything else in the world." Greg replied.
End Of Episode 63.
So...yeah. That happened. Andy isn't really one of my favorite characters, but I did feel some sympathy for him when I got to know him better. Plus I wanted to give him a wife in this Universe so he wouldn't be so lonely.
Hope you all enjoyed.
Next Time:
I've Got Your Back