Beach House: Morning…
Things eventually calmed down from Pearl's temporary passing. Jason was back to eating and sleeping regularly. The only wound he sustained from his fight with the androids was rather quick to heal. If there's one thing this all taught him, it was that he needed to step up his training.
"180…181…182." Jason was down by the ocean, on a flat rock, doing squats, and since he didn't have any weights, the next best thing was doubling his reps. "198…199…200."
With that set done, Jason moved onto tai chi. The soldier knew he couldn't expect his body to automatically adjust to longer work outs. Fortunately, he had the perfect relaxation methods with tai chi and mediation. Not only did it give him a breather, but they had their own benefits.
He didn't get far into his slow movements before his phone went off nearby prompting him to scope it up. While he didn't save any contact information, for obvious reasons, the number was a familiar one. The message he received was simple.
We need to talk
It was followed by coordinates which when punched into the map function showed it wasn't that far outside of town. As much as Jason wanted to put this off, at least the person on the other end was the one who contacted him.
"If I really don't want to heart him out, I can walk." Jason thought as he jogged to his SUV.
"Hey Jason!" Steven called out.
The soldier stopped and turned to see Steven, Connie, and Lion approaching him. "Oh, hey." He nodded. "What do you need?"
"We noticed you down the beach before you picked up your phone." Connie replied. "What were you doing?"
"I was exercising." Jason decided the person could wait.
"Why?" Steven asked.
"Because I want to get stronger."
"But you're already strong."
"I'm flattered you think that, but I'm honestly not strong enough." Jason stated. "There was a time I was certain of my strength but being here has made me realize I'm only tapping on my true potential. I want to bring it all out, so I can be the best Crystal Gem I can be."
"Whoa, that's actually a great way of looking at things, and a good goal to keep you on your fitness plan." Connie commended with a smile.
"Thanks Connie." Jason nodded. "Anyways, what did you two want?"
"Oh, right." Steven remembered. "Connie and I were going to see the new Dogcopter movie, and we were wondering if you wanted to see it?"
"Dog…copter?" Jason asked.
"Whaaaaaaat!?" Steven loudly exclaimed. "You haven't heard of the Dogcopter movies?"
"I haven't seen that many movies." Jason voiced. "Pretty sure I can count the number I have just using my hands."
"Did you at least read the books?" Connie asked hopefully.
"My education didn't really focus on many works of fiction." Jason recalled. "Though, I think my dad used to read me stories." He looked off in the direction of his SUV. "Speaking of that, he's in town and needs to speak with me in private."
"Whoa, your dad is actually in Beach City!?" Steven exclaimed with Jason nodding. "Well, after you're done talking with him, you should bring him on over to meet us."
"I'll…think about it." Jason stated reluctantly. "Anyways, I got to go." He got into his SUV. "If this doesn't take too long, maybe I'll be able to meet you two at the theater."
Outside of Beach City
Jason pulled his vehicle off the road and onto the dirt behind a green jeep. The soldier then got out and looked at the direct path leading into the woods with a sigh. He made sure the SUV was locked down before making his way down the path.
He eventually ended up finding a small clearing with a nice-sized, green tent. Jason took one more look back down the road, contemplating just leaving. He then took a deep breath, approached the tent, and entered. The inside was sparsely decorated with a bed and desk.
One chair was empty whole the other contained a mountain of man with buzz cut black hair and hazel eyes. His attire consisted of a long-sleeved white shirt underneath a black vest, matching pants with white accents at the bottom, and black combat boots with trim.
The man looked up from his work before smiling at him. "Jason." He stood up. "It's good to see you, my boy."
"Da…Tye." Jason greeted uncertainly.
"I see." Tye nodded solemnly. "I assumed this would be the outcome but didn't want to get my hopes up, even with you not reporting in."
"What are you talking about?" Jason asked confused.
"I believe I'm talking about the truth you learned." Tye replied sadly. "The fact that the monster's you've fought all this time are just as much a gem as your mother and aunt were. That means you've been killing half of what you are."
"So, you knew." Jason clenched his fist angrily as he walked forward and took a seat. "In that case, I'm going to make this clear. If you love me, like I hope you still do, then tell me why you never told me the truth. If I don't like the answer, I'd never want to see you again."
"That's fair." Tye nodded. "Even with the explanation I can give, I wouldn't blame you for being done with me. First, why don't you hear from your mother and aunt?"
"What?" Jason questioned. "You said they're no longer with us. Even if you never told me who mom was, I'm certain having their gems means I can't hear a thing from them."
"No son, you can because they left you something." Tye took out a metal cube and put it on the table. "If you touch this, you'll receive their last gifts to you, an explanation, and much more."
Jason looked from his father to the metal box before sighing as he decided to trust him. The soldier put his right hand on the box causing it to suddenly glow yellow and blue. That light ended up blinding him.
"GAH!" Jason yelped.
?
When he could see again, the soldier found himself standing in the middle of a blue and yellow expanse.
"Hello!?" He called out. "Mom!? Aunt!?"
"Jason." Two feminine voices spoke up.
The soldier turned to see two gem women standing there. One blue and the other yellow. Right off the bat, they were both beautiful; however, the blue one had a kinder looking face while the yellow was fiercer. Additionally, the blue woman was noticeably pregnant.
Blue Emerald had blue eyes and long dark blue hair in a pony tail. She wore blue military fatigues with a camo pattern. Yellow Emerald had short, dark yellow hair and matching eyes. She wore yellow military fatigues with a camo pattern.
Blue Emerald spoke up. "Jason."
Having confirmation of who his mother was suddenly seemed small compared to seeing these two.
"M-mom? Auntie?" Jason ended up asking in shock.
"Your aunt and I wish we could see you now." Blue Emerald voiced sadly.
"Blue, you're probably confusing the poor boy." Yellow Emerald spoke up. "Listen kid, as much as we'd like to be there, it's not possible because this is a recording. Either you forgot that part upon seeing us, or Tye forgot to mention it. Either is a possibility."
Jason had forgotten that fact, and relearning it made his spirits dampen.
"In any case, there are things you must know about us to better understand yourself." Blue Emerald continued. "Here, we can even show you."
Suddenly, the area transitioned to the interior of a gem ship, which looked much like the ones the World Government had managed to collect over the years.
"We were created on earth shortly before the gem war ended through a new procedure." Blue Emerald stated. "We came out perfectly cut but did not develop a physical form at the time. Thing is, we were conscious of everything going on in that ship, even as mere gems.
"We were designated failures and intended to be shattered; however, they ended up vanishing on us, and we'd later learn it was because they'd been corrupted." Yellow Emerald continued as the interior of the ship suddenly aged. "We sat there for thousands of years until we were found."
A doorway opened with a bit of earth falling, which led Jason to the conclusion that the space ship must have been underground. A squad of men bearing the emblem of the world government entered along with a younger looking version of his dad.
"We were found by your father who seemed fascinated by us." Blue Emerald stated. "That fascination quickly turned into some form of worry. We would later learn we were uncorrupted gems. That was a rarity which would have been experimented on.
Your father knew it would be the case, so he managed to hide us from the others before eventually taking us to his home. He spent time wondering why our gems didn't look like the corrupted around earth before eventually setting up a big tent in his back yard.
Once he was sure he'd go unobserved, he placed us on the ground with cages meant to hold us at the ready if we proved to be monsters like the rest. Our gems sunk into the ground before emerging about as you see us now, just without the army apparel."
"If Homeworld weren't pressed for time, they'd have realized we'd take double the resources to come to fruition." Yellow Emerald commented. "We wouldn't have learned the darker side of our people, and who knows where we'd be now.
Your father seemed hesitant while we didn't know what to do. We spent ages thinking about the fact our own people would have shattered us. We understood it was war, but to shatter us just for being failures. That dissuaded any ideas we had of trying to rejoin them."
Tye cautiously approached the pair. "Hello?"
"You were the one who took us from the ship." Blue Emerald stated.
"You know about that even though you were just gems?" Tye questioned, amazed at the opportunity to talk with a gem that could talk back and didn't seem to want to kill him.
"We were conscious and aware of everything that ever happened." Yellow Emerald retorted.
"When I heard you were conscious, I was hoping you'd be aware of everything." Tye smiled. "Without that, this might take a while."
"We have a lot of preprogrammed information, but we're not sure if it's the type of things you're talking about." Blue Emerald replied.
"This is a different experiance than I could have imagined." Tye stated. "Look, I can't just set you free considering I don't know how the government would react. They've been split on others like you for a long time now, and it might send them over the edge.
All I'm asking for is that you stay here with me for a while as we exchange information. Once everything is in order, you have my word I will help you two figure something out. No matter what you want, I will attempt to grant it to the best of my ability."
"Considering Tye seemed like he wanted to help us, and we had no one else to turn to, the pair of us ended up agreeing." Yellow Emerald informed. "We shared information with each other about our respective sides, giving him a new perspective that he said changed everything."
"It took months for both of us to get out everything we knew." Blue Emerald blushed. "Over that time, I found myself becoming fascinated with your father. He was a smart man. Not as smart as a Peridot, but he made up for that with his passion for technology.
That was something I came to really admire within him. He never treated us as experiments. We were guests, despite the situation. Despite learning some big truths about things, he was always eager to learn more from us. My fascination quickly became love."
"Blue." Yellow Emerald sighed. "You're getting off topic."
Blue Emerald blushed in embarrassment. "Sorry."
Jason found himself smiling at this small interaction and was glad they kept it in.
"Anyways, once everything that we could share was shared, the three of us came up with a plan." Yellow Emerald continued. "Considering we were left on Earth; Blue Emerald and I decided we'd stay. Your old man had a plan to give us as comfortable a life as possible."
Tye entered the science center with a cart covered by a tarp before he was approached by a woman with long blond hair and green eyes, which were underneath spectacles. She wore the same science attire as Tye.
"Tye, what are you doing?" The woman questioned, genuinely confused. "You're supposed to be finishing up with that ship we excavated."
"I'm sorry Dawn." Tye stated genuinely. "I don't want to do this to you, but I have people I need to think about over our friendship. Quite frankly, I know how you are when it comes to this species."
"What are you…" Dawn began.
A woman with shoulder length, red hair and piercing blue eyes entered the room getting every scientist in there to look at her. She wore a black, army-style suit with a grey cape over her shoulders. She strolled into the room with a commanding presence.
"Commander Kellan, what are you doing here ma'am?" Dawn asked.
"Head Scientist Dawn, I do not think I needed a reason for showing up." Kellan stated plainly.
"N-no ma'am you don't, but you usually call ahead of time." Dawn replied.
"That is a fair point; however, I am not here to see you." Kellan looked at Tye. "Hopefully what you have to show me will be worth this visit."
"It will ma'am; however, I need to remind you to remain calm." Tye stated. "What I have here are two beings that can act as super soldiers of our army. A game changer in how we've handled the corrupted up to this point." He removed the tarp. "Blue and Yellow Emerald."
The two gems stood up and stepped out of the cart to the reservations of everyone there. Even the commander, who was not known to show fear in even the face of a corrupted gem, tensed and placed her hand on the gun by her side.
"Tye West, explain yourself." Kellan demanded.
"We are not like the corrupted gems you've met before." Blue Emerald stated.
Yellow Emerald added, "We don't know where they came from."
"Commander Kellan, I must confess I took these two from the ship we are nearly done with." Tye stated truthfully. "I knew what would ultimately happen to them, so I took them home where they have been staying all this time. Their knowledge of gems beats anything we have.
Beyond that, they are stronger, faster, and more durable than any soldier here. They want to be our super soldiers to protect this planet. Not just from the corrupted gems. The gem tech we've found, the war we theorized, happened. For all we know, they could return."
"I see." Kellan relaxed a bit before studying the two gems. "Do you two agree with what my scientist has said?"
"Our home wanted to shatter us when they thought us failures." Blue Emerald responded.
"They couldn't by the end of a war that was fought, but Blue and I have had thousands of years to stew on what could have been." Yellow Emerald added.
"Our first exposure to a human in your scientist here has given us a positive impression of humanity." Blue Emerald nodded. "We would like to help you stop these corrupted gems from hurting anyone. Plus, we can do this."
She summoned a blue sword before Yellow Emerald controlled it to impact with the ceiling.
"All things considered; I will grant your request." Kellan declared. "Tye West, you are effectively the new Head Scientist on the grounds that these gems trust you."
"Commander Kellan, you can't be serious?" Dawn pointed at the gems. "They may look normal, but for all you know, they could be corrupted. Even if they aren't, they've confirmed the war we've theorized to have happen. They should be shattered."
"Dawn Vellian, I understand your apprehension; however, these two have shown a clear cognitive function the corrupted don't." Kellan retorted. "If you wish to prove what I'm seeing is a lie, then submit a report."
"That reminds me." Tye took out a report he had written. "With the gem's permission, I put them through multiple tests, and these are the results for you to peruse at your leisure."
"Thank you." Kellan took it. "Before I go, despite how I've ruled, you still broke protocol. Consider yourself lucky it worked out, or I'd have terminated your position. As things stand, you will be cleaning every bathroom on base, with a toothbrush, for the next six months."
"Yes ma'am." Tye nodded. "It's a fair punishment."
Compared to what he could have gotten, Tye would take this in a heartbeat.
"You will also continue to take care of our new super soldiers as you have been." Kellan informed. "That means, you are responsible for their training."
Tye rubbed the back of his head. "Of course."
"Very good." Kellan turned and walked out of the room.
"Tye, what have you done!?" Dawn shouted angrily. "After all our years as friends, you throw me under the bus!?"
"I had no choice." Tye sighed. "I knew how you'd react because we've always differed on our understanding of the situation. If I'd told you, you'd insist on their shattering without a second thought." He clenched his fist. "I wouldn't let that happen to them."
"I hope it was worth it because I'm through with you." Dawn stormed away. "I'm through with this government that seems to be forgetting why we formed in the first place. Enjoy your new friends."
Tye sighed as she left the building.
Blue Emerald put a hand on his back. "Are you okay?"
"I will be." Tye nodded. "Despite what just happened, I don't regret my decision. Come on, we need to get you two settled and immediately get on making you soldiers."
"We spent a good couple of years doing that until the day everything changed." Yellow Emerald informed.
"I became pregnant with you." Blue Emerald smiled. "It was unprecedented as the test we allowed on us didn't give any indication this was possible. Once it happened, your father showed me what it would mean to be a mother. I was happy and couldn't wait to meet you."
"Then, your father found out it wouldn't be possible for your mother to exist at the same time as you." Yellow Emerald stated. "All the information he could gather showed it would be impossible. You would need her gem to even have a chance at surviving."
"Even then, you wouldn't have made it given Yellow Emerald and I's unique circumstance." Blue Emerald stated. "In the end, my form would merge with your father's DNA, however, you and Yellow would both shatter. Our gems wouldn't be able to handle the change."
"Unless I gave up my gem as well." Yellow Emerald continued. "Together, the three of us decided to let you live."
"Your father theorized that as his DNA and my gem took form, there'd be a window of time to put Yellow's gem in there." Blue Emerald stated. "I assume you, or hope at this point, know about fusion. Essentially, that's what you would become. A human-gem fusion."
Jason just stared at the two gems who gave up their forms to ensure he could be here.
"Jason, we don't know how life will treat you considering who you are; however, we're certain you'll do great." Blue Emerald stated. "We can only hope your father was successful in bringing you into the world."
"Yeah, you're your father and mother's son." Yellow Emerald looked away. "I guess you're also my son now that I think about it." She shook her head, "Well, whatever we are to each other, you have all three of us within you. To me, that's a great combination for a human."
"I still wish I could meet you, but knowing I'll bring a life into the world I call home feels good." Blue Emerald continued. "Even if you're not here to see this, I don't regret trying to bring you into the world. Hopefully, you are here to hear this because I love you."
Emotions started to well up within the soldier. "They both gave up everything to bring me into the world."
"Now, we aren't going to keep you for much longer kid." Yellow Emerald stated. "Before you leave, we wanted to impart unto you everything we know about Homeworld, technology, how to adapt, and how to properly fight. Though, you won't get everything right off the bat."
"It just means you'll be able to learn things a lot quicker." Blue Emerald informed. "Some things may click when you find them, and you may understand how they work a bit better. Your powers may also manifest better so get ready to practice."
"Good luck out there Jason." Both Emeralds stated. "Say hi to your dad/Tye for me."
A white doorway appeared, and he assumed he needed to take it to get out of here; however, tears began to well up in Jason's eyes. "Mom…both of you…I know you can't hear me. I know you aren't listening because this is just a recording, but you've given me so much.
I think I understand now why dad never told me too much. He wanted me to hear it from you two. I'll have to ask him if you knew the truth like I do, but if you didn't, I hope you could still be proud of the man I am. I don't know what the future will hold for me.
No matter what, I won't let my past determine my future. I've met gems like you two, and they've been great. There's even a kid, another gem hybrid, named Steven. He's a good kid, and I'm going to make sure he ends up right…I swear it."
Jason whipped his eyes before turning to the doorway and running through it.
Tent
Jason awoke within the tent before collapsing to his knees as equations, images, numbers. biology, symbols, and schematics rushed into his mind. Equations to some of the most complex math problems. Images of fights, scenarios, and situations.
Coding and algorithms easily flowed through his mind to the point he felt confident in cracking some of the most hardened security firewalls. How the body works: the nerves, veins, arteries, when a body expires, and how long it takes.
Symbols of something he never saw before. Schematics of weapons, vehicles, terminals, buildings, and power. Jason's face didn't look good, and Tye was immediately by his son's side to steady him.
"Jason!" Tye exclaimed in worry, which caused the soldier's mind to calm. "Are you alright?"
Jason took a deep breath. "My moms say hi." He then looked at his father. "I now understand everything, though have two questions. Did they not know the truth as I didn't, and why was I sent to the Crystal Gems? It can't be for the reason you originally told me."
"The World Government isn't the first government humanity has seen." Tye replied. "Others existed; however, for one reason or another, they fell. Information on them is sparse, let alone anything on corrupted gems. For a long time, we didn't know.
Eventually, things began to fall into place. Sightings of colored woman and corrupted gems fighting. It warranted investigation. These corrupt gems quickly became something we worked to protect the innocent from.
The Crystal Gems also became a subject of discussion, with the decision to leave them alone in the meantime as they seemed to be the ones doing what the government was only starting to do. Opinions on this were divided. It was only when we got our own gems that we got the truth.
It was something that came about after they were gone, roughly around when you were two. This started to give the side for working with the Crystal Gems, or at least letting them work as they have, more traction. It'd take years to fully have this idea take root.
In the meantime, to protect you, you had to be made into the army's new super soldier fast. We needed you to get results, so you were never told the truth; however, I raised you in a way that you'd question things when meeting the Crystal Gems.
The fact is, as much as I understood Blue and Yellow Emerald, the Crystal Gems are the beings that could help you in ways I couldn't. Essentially, you were sent to them to keep growing stronger. I just couldn't send you until things were in order."
"I-I…" Jason stood up before walking back from his father. "This is all a lot to take in." He turned to the tent flaps. "I need some time."
"That's fine." Tye stood. "Look, take as much time as you need absorbing everything, and whatever you decide will be fine by me. Before you go, everything I did was for your mother, Yellow Emerald, and you. To create a better world, and I do love you son."
While his initial conflict was gone, a whole new one had cropped up. It didn't help that Jason was mentally fatigued from everything he just learned. He couldn't bring himself to retort, so he simply left without a word. The soldier hopped into his SUV and drove off.
"I need time to process things before returning to the Crystal Gems." Jason thought.
dindagangleader14: In the end, not every early episode really needs Jason beyond the fact he learns that these events transpired. I think it's important it happens this way because the gems and Steven still need their own adventures to develop their bonds. Not to mention the cast is obviously going to expand more come the later seasons, by proxy of the new characters introduced. As for the funny comment bit, it might have worked.