Episode 29: The Maheswarans
Grabbing her bag, Connie Maheswaran placed it onto her bed while walking over to her drawers and pulled out a selection of clothes. Picking out ones that were nice and simple, she began folding them and placing them into her bag. Once the last patch of clothes were put in she zipped up her bag and picked it up before putting it down on the floor. Turning her body around she laid down on her bed and directed her gaze onto her ceiling.
'Those boys... That pink lion...' She thought to herself.
Ever since the news brought up a large pink lion running around the city and two boys chasing after it, they've been the only thing that's constantly bugging Connie. Who were they? Where did that lion come from? Why were they chasing the lion? The more Connie thought about it, the more questions she conjured up.
One thing she knew for certain that they might be connected to Gems. That Connie was assured of. Gems weren't that unknown to her since both of her parents work with them and many kids at school liked talking about them. But to Connie, that subject held some gaps in her knowledge about them. They protect the world, but...she thinks there might be more to it.
Closing her eyes, Connie sucked in some air into her nose before exhaling it out of her mouth.
"Well... I don't think I should worry too hard about it." She said to herself.
Knock! Knock!
Connie's solitude was then interrupted by a collection of knocks. Raising herself from her bed, she turned her attention to her door.
"Come in." She called.
Soon after her bedroom door was opened and both of her parents walked in before closing the door behind them.
"Hey, Connie. We wanted to see how you were, and I see you've packed your bag." Doug said as he and Priyanka sat on their daughter's bed while Connie was sitting in the middle. "Are you excited about tomorrow?" He added.
Connie rapidly nodded at her father. "I am. But...can I ask you both about something?"
Hearing the uncertainty in her voice, both Priyanka and Doug nodded and held their daughter's hands.
"What is it, honey?" Priyanka asked softly.
"Gems protect us from monsters. That's what the news says. And Dr. Evans is really nice, but...do you both ever think that there's something else that they're doing?" Connie replied.
Priyanka and Doug turned their gazes onto each other. Doug hasn't known Amber for too long, but she's a good partner and a good cop. Though what she does in her privacy and her family life has made him curious, but it wasn't his place to ask unless it was brought up or Amber brings it up herself. For Priyanka, she's known Azurite for a few years and she's seen her as one of the best doctors at Chopper Hospital. During breaks her and Azurite would discuss private matters if either brought it up, but Priyanka never questioned Azurite about protecting the planet. Why would she?
"I think you shouldn't worry about that." Priyanka said.
"The Gems protect us because they have the ability to do so. I'm sure they're not doing it for alternative reasons." Doug added.
Both parents then plant their lips on their daughter's forehead before pulling away.
"You need to get some rest, young lady. We have a busy day tomorrow." Priyanka said softly.
"And we're gonna have a lot of fun too." Doug added.
Connie smiled and nodded. Shortly after both of her parents helped her get into bed before making their way to her door.
"We love you, Connie." Priyanka said lovingly.
"I love you both too." Connie replied.
Both of her parents soon left her room and turned off her light before shutting the door.
Connie closed her eyes as she got comfortable in bed. Yeah... She shouldn't worry too much about Gems. She's got an amazing day to look forward to.
Up above in the sky lies one of the many, many reminders of the past. Floating high lies a massive arena with various statues surprisingly still intact, several writings on the remaining walls, and illustrations showcasing battles taking place. However, most of the structure showed several large cracks in them and some even being broken apart. How this place still remains a float remains a mystery, though the best way to explain it is with one word: magic.
Over on the stands were the Rainbow Gems and the Crystal Gems, placing all of their attention onto the arena. Standing over on the left was Steven with the biggest grin on his face. On the right was Kameron with Lars standing right next to him.
Steven constantly started jumping in place while looking at the older boys. This is it... It's finally happening! It's finally happening! Now he can finally get his chance.
Kameron merely crossed his arms and smirked at Steven's expression. He couldn't blame him for acting this way since he himself had been curious about this too. And now that it's happening today he'll get to see what his little brother can really do.
Lars just had a smug look across his lips. Now that he's gonna learn about what he can do with his watch, what better way to do it then in front of Steven. The kid is still annoying to him, but for the time being he'll play nice. Plus after seeing what Kameron can do, wondering what Steven can do piqued Lars' curiosity a little. Though he's certain it won't be as cool as what him and Kam can do.
"Steven. Are you ready?" Kameron asked.
Steven stopped jumping and rapidly nodded. It's happening...!
"Alright. Lars is gonna take the lead first. After that, you and I can have our playtime." Kameron addressed. He then turned his head to his best friend, "You okay with that?"
Lars merely shrugged. "Sure."
With that conformation, Kameron uncrossed his arms and walked over to the other side of the arena. Coming to a stop near the edge he turned around and locked his attention onto both his best friend and little brother.
"Alright, Steven. Ready to go a few rounds with me?" Lars asked.
Steven rapidly nodded.
Raising up his left arm, Lars turned his eyes onto his watch and popped up the dial. Turning it to number three it began to glow blue before Lars pressed it down. Once he did he closed his eyes while a surge of blue energy started coursing through his veins. Little by little his skin started turning ocean-blue while his hair turned dark-blue. As soon as his veins stopped glowing Lars opened his eyes, revealing crystal-blue pupils and irises.
Steven's jaw dropped in an instant while his pupils turned into stars. Oh...my...gosh! That...is the coolest thing he had ever seen! EVER!
"Whoa... Lars, that's so cool!" Steven said in awe.
Lars raised up his arms, seeing his newly blue skin. Curling his fingers for a moment he soon closed his eyes and sucked in some air through his nose before exhaling it out of his mouth. For some reason, Lars felt...calm. Like there wasn't anything that could bother him. Along with this weird calmness...Lars felt this cold sensation through his skin. Opening his eyes he directed his attention onto Steven, Whom still looked at him with amazement.
"Let's get started." Lars said calmly.
Spreading out his legs Lars raised out his right arm and a small collection of ice came out of his palm before a burst of ice shot out of it. Seeing it come, Steven's eyes shot open before he quickly jumped out of the way. Turning his head, Steven gasped at the sight of the statue covered in ice.
"Whoa! Ice powers!" Steven cheered.
The rest of the Gems awed at what just transpired. So...it looks like the number three gives Lars ice powers.
"Green. How is Lars able to do that?" Pearl asked.
"The O.E.C." Green answered.
"That watch he's wearing?" Amethyst asked, receiving a nod from Green.
"Interesting. You've gotten another Dove." Garnet addressed.
"Green, are you sure about adding one of Kameron's friends into your nest?" Pearl added.
Green shook his head. "Neither of us, not even Kameron wanted him to be apart of this, but...we're giving him a chance."
"That's the least we can do." Azurite added. "Though we do not know the full extent of the O.E.C. or what else he can do."
The Crystals looked at the Rainbows with surprised expressions. They just...gave some technology to a teenager and they don't even know what it can fully do!?
"Can we talk about this later? Things are starting to getting good." Citrine said.
The Gems turned their attention back onto the kids to see Lars shooting more beams of ice at Steven.
With each shot he fired the youngest Crystal Gem jumped out of the way. Then right as Lars cuffed his hands together, channeling a big surge of ice, Steven stopped running and instead raised out both of his arms. Narrowing his eyes, a large pink sphere soon engulfed around him while he kept his attention on Lars. Time to see how much of his training paid off.
"Okay, Lars. I'm ready!" Steven called.
With that confirmation, Lars threw his hands out and fired a large beam of ice. Without blinking Steven puffed his cheeks while looking at the beam coming right at him. Then...the beam made contact with the barrier. On contact the barrier didn't move or even get shoved, instead it remained perfectly still. Steven puffed his cheeks even more and the barrier wasn't even showing any cracks.
"Huh. That's a nice defensive move." Lars commented.
Steven merely nodded.
On both sides Kameron hummed at the sight of his little brother's barrier and for the most part it looks pretty durable. Definitely a great ability to have in your arsenal as you can't always rely on offense. Meanwhile Pearl was shaking in her seat, covering her mouth. Even though Steven had gone through training his abilities, that didn't stop from thinking of the possibilities of Steven getting hurt.
Soon enough Lars' ice beam started to shrink little by little until it ultimately disappeared. Once it did Lars lowered his arms and let out a huge cold breath. Breathing in and out he looked up to see Steven's barrier was still up an without a scratch on it. That is one tough bubble.
Steven then stopped puffing his cheeks and lowered his arms, making the bubble disappear. "Are you okay, Lars?" He asked.
Lars slowly lifted his hand and gave Steven a thumbs up. Turning his head and looking over to Kameron, Lars shifted his body and started walking over to him. Raising up his hand he pressed his finger onto the dial, causing his skin, hair, and eyes to return to normal. Coming up to Kameron Lars soon got down onto one knee while he kept giving out heavy breaths.
"Wow... Number three took a lot out of me." Lars said, looking up at Kameron.
Kameron got down on one knee and and placed a hand on Lars' shoulder. "You did great, buddy. With some practice, I'm sure you'll manage to keep it up. Get some rest."
Lars nodded while Kameron stood up and walked away, putting his attention onto Steven. Stopping in his tracks, Kameron turned his body to his little brother and crossed his arms.
Steven spread his legs out a bit and slowly lowered his upper-body. Lars' ice powers were really cool to witness, but now...it's time for him to show his big brother the results of his training.
"Steven." Kameron said. "I'm not gonna move from this spot. If you manage to land a single touch on me, you win."
Steven blinked at Kameron and gave what he said some thought. All he has to do just touch Kameron once...then he'll win. Huh, that doesn't seem too hard. Smiling at Kameron, Steven gave him a nod.
"Kameron, what are you going to do?" Pearl asked.
"You'll know once you see it, Aunt Pearl." Kameron replied without looking at her.
One by one from Kameron's bare arms, small green crystals erupted out of his skin and popped right into the air. When they came out each crystal lined up next to Kameron's sides before they each separated and started circling around him. The more they circled the more crystals began to form.
Steven's eyes greatly widened while he looked at the rotating crystals. He didn't know Kameron could do that, but then again he's been training too...and never told him he can do this with his crystals.
Without warning, one of Kameron's shot itself out of rotation and flew straight toward Steven. Steven gasped and quickly jumped out of the way, but as the crystal flew pass Steven it turned itself around and charged right at him. Turning his head Steven saw the crystal coming and immediately started running away. Running up to the edge of the arena Steven turned around again and ducked, making the crystal shard pass him and barely touching his hair.
Taking the chance, Steven quickly started running, putting his attention onto his big brother. Although Kameron couldn't see his younger brother due to his claim, three crystal shards popped out of rotation and burst through the air, aiming right at the cub. Panicking at the sight of more shards coming to him, Steven soon let out a small gasp and a smile soon formed on his lips. Inch by inch the shards were coming to him, but...Steven rapidly pushed his upper-body back and slid onto the arena, making the shard pass right by him.
Getting up, Steven jumped into the air and started kicking his legs into the air, giving him some extra air time before he stretched out his hand and touched the top of Kameron's head before flipping over him and landing right in front of him. Turning around Steven puffed up his cheeks and smirked at his big brother.
"I win." Steven said proudly.
Kameron snickered at his little brother's claim. The remaining crystal shards rotating around him soon began to stop and pushed themselves into his arms, going right back into his body. Even the crystals that went away immediately traveled back to him, returning to where they came from.
Uncrossing his arms, Kameron placed his hand onto Steven head, rubbing his hair a little and making him giggle.
"You did good, Steven." Kameron said softly.
Witnessing a bit of what Steven could do, the boys were called back by the others for a break.
Outside the Universe residence Greg stood on the sandy beach wearing a best cook apron while cooking up some burgers. A big smile spread across his face as he pushed the spatula underneath a patty and raised it up high, watching it flip in the air before returning to the grill. On a nice sunny day like today, making burgers just seem like greatest thing ever in his eyes.
"Alright, everybody! Anyone in the mood for more, let me know." Greg called.
Near Greg was a long, long picnic table with a white cover on it. At the table Steven, Kameron, and Lars sat down while chowing on some burgers. Sitting on the opposite side of the table was Citrine and Amethyst, devouring their burgers. Next to them were Amber and Pyrope, sitting in some chairs and enjoying some nice cold drinks. A few feet away from Greg, Charoite, Lepidolite, Pearl, and Garnet were playing badminton. Lastly, Onyx was sitting in the sand reading a book with an umbrella over him.
"Okay, dad." Steven replied with a stuffed face.
"Dude, your uncle makes some pretty good burgers." Lars said to Kameron before taking another bite.
Kameron soon swallow some of his food before replying, "Yeah. He told me that making burgers was the first thing he ever cooked."
Lars hummed and continued eating the delicious food given to him. He's already eaten two burgers already, guess using the watch can really drain your energy.
"Todas."
Hearing that voice, everyone nearby turned their heads to see Christie, Green, and Elizabeth coming out of the house with a huge bowl of mixed-fruit and plates accompanied by utensils. Elizabeth herself wore a bright-yellow dress with yellow slip-ons. A simple outfit choice, yet it still made her look cute.
Approaching the table Christie placed down the large bowl of mixed-fruit with her husband and Elizabeth setting the plates and utensils next to it.
"If anyone is still hungry, I've made my famous Fruit Salad." Christie announced.
Walking away from Christie and Green after making herself a plate, Elizabeth came over to where the boys were sitting and placed herself next to her boyfriend. Kameron took notice of her and his cheeks started to get warm, but a smile stretched across his lips. Elizabeth returned his smile and pecked his cheek.
"Hi, Elizabeth." Steven said.
"Hi, Steven." Elizabeth replied. "How was your training?"
"It was awesome. Lars tried to get me with his ice powers, but I made a bubble and I was able to make it last. Then Kameron threw some crystal shards at me, but I dodged them and tapped his head." Steven answered excitedly.
Elizabeth tilted her head and turned her eyes onto Kameron and Lars. Part of her wanted to ask what kind of training did they have Steven go through, but at the same time she also became curious as to what Steven had told her. Lars having ice powers? It wasn't hard to tell that his watch had something to do with it. Kameron throwing shards at Steven? Elizabeth had seen Kameron use his powers before, but she didn't know everything he could do. Maybe she should ask him sometimes.
"You both didn't hurt him, did you?" Elizabeth asked.
Kameron and Lars shook their heads.
"No, he got out of it without a scratch." Kameron replied.
Elizabeth nodded. Well that's good to hear.
"Elizabeth." Christie said from across the table, gaining her attention. "Are you doing anything special over the summer?"
Hearing this Elizabeth let out a deflated sigh. Putting her arm on the table she placed her hand against her cheek before stabbing her fork into an apple slice and taking a bite out of it. Swallowing it she put her attention back onto Christie.
"My familia and I are gonna visit Mexico to see family." Elizabeth replied.
Christie would've been happy for her, but...due to how annoyed Elizabeth looked, it didn't look nor sound amazing.
"You're not happy about that?" Christie asked.
Elizabeth shook her head. "Ever since I was born we go every single summer, every single year. I am happy to see my abuela and abuelo, but...every time we go my brother Miguel always gets into fights and arguments with my tio and tia."
Kameron turned his head to his girlfriend upon hearing this. Geez...he's met the guy once and from their first interaction her brother already showed a major dislike towards him. Which makes Kameron wonder what happens when they go to Mexico.
Christie blinked at Elizabeth and turned her eyes to her husband. Green looked back at his wife. They are not her parents and couldn't do much about this. If they could, they would, but...they have no say in it.
"I'm sorry you have to bear that, Elizabeth." Green replied.
"It's okay." Elizabeth said. She then turned her attention onto her boyfriend. "What are you gonna do for the summer?"
"Me and my family come over here to Beach City. It does get busy during this time, but a lot of events also come up too." Kameron replied. He then turned his attention to Lars. "Tell her about the Firework Festival."
Lars grinned and looked at Elizabeth. "Oh yeah, that's by far the coolest thing we're able to do. Everyone in town gathers at the beach at sunset with fireworks and as soon as the sun goes down we fire them straight into the sky."
Steven gasped as his pupils turned into stars. "That's my favorite part! When the sky is filled with lights and a array of colors. I can't wait to do that again."
Elizabeth looked at the boys with wonder and awe. That alone sounded so cool. She has to see that, especially if her boyfriend was involved in it. Turning her head she raised herself up from the table and slammed both of her hands on it, startling Kameron, Lars, Steven, Christie, Green, Citrine, and Amethyst.
"Please ask my parents if I can spend the summer with you!" Elizabeth said to Mr. and Mrs. Evans.
Both parents blinked at her and turned their gazes onto one another before looking back at Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth, what about-" Green attempted to say, but got cut off when Elizabeth rapidly shook her head.
"Please? Please, please, please!? I wanna do something different this time and I wanna be with Kameron to see the fireworks! PLEASE!?" Elizabeth pleaded at the top of her lungs.
Everyone around the area heard her and stopped with what they doing, putting all of her attention onto Elizabeth.
RING! RING! RING!
Just when someone attempted to speak, Greg gasped at the vibrations flowing in his pants before reaching into his pocket and pulling out his phone. On the caller I.D. it showed an image of a coral-skinned man with balding dark-brown hair, and brown eyes. The man wore a beige-colored shirt with a violet-gray coat and a dark-violet tie. Swallowing some saliva, Greg answered the phone.
"H-Hello?" Greg answered nervously.
"UNIVERSE!" The other side replied furiously. "THIS IS MAYOR BILL DEWEY! I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE DOING RIGHT NOW, BUT YOU ALL BETTER COME OVER TO U-STOR AND RECLAIM YOUR PET LION THIS INSTANT!"
The call then ended, making Greg put his phone down and turn his attention onto his son.
"Oh no..." Steven muttered before getting up from the table. "Everyone, we'll be right back." He added while running off.
Amethyst gobbled up another burger before getting up and following him. Pearl and Garnet dropped their rackets and immediately started following Steven. Greg picked up the cover for the grill and placed it on before taking off his apron and running off to join the others.
Arriving near U-Stor, the Universes stopped in their tracks at the sight of Mayor Bill Dewey in his van and Lion standing in front of a car in the road.
"Lion!" Steven called.
Hearing him, Lion turned his head to look at the him and calmly walked up to the sidewalk before sitting down.
The mayor got out of his van and turned his attention to the Universes with a firm expression. It's already hard enough being the mayor of Beach City, but what grinds his gears even more is when magical-Gem stuff happens to his town.
"Mr. Universe." The mayor said, marching up to Greg. "I have nothing against pets, but you need to put that lion on a leash or in a cage. I will not have it terrorize my town and my people."
"We're really, really sorry, Mayor Dewey. We'll take care of this." Greg assured.
Mayor Dewey huffed some air and shook his head. "I was right in the middle of a meeting too. Now I'm gonna have to reschedule." He added before going back to his van and driving off.
Narrowing his eyes, Steven marched right up to Lion. "Lion. I told you to stay out of trouble. We can't get in trouble again."
Lion merely blinked and tilted his head, making Steven groan before he turned his attention to the car and walked up to it's side. After what happened at Destiny City, Lion did stay out of trouble for a while, but why today is he causing more trouble.
"I'm really, really sorry about Lion. I take full responsibility if he scared you." Steven said, bowing his head.
The car windows slowly went down, showing the Maheswarans inside. Upon seeing Steven, Connie's pupils turned to diamonds and a big smile stretched on her lips.
"You!" Connie said excitedly, startling Steven a little. "You're that boy that chased after the lion through the city."
Steven blinked at her and moaned a little while rubbing the back of his head. It was only a matter of time before somebody brought it up.
Both Priyanka and Doug looked at Steven carefully and noticed that their daughter was right. They then turned their attention onto Greg and the Crystals.
"Sir, is this your son?" Priyanka asked.
Greg approached the car and gave her a nod, "Yes. I'm Greg Universe. This is my son, Steven. And these are my sister-in-laws, Pearl, Amethyst, and Garnet.
Pearl lightly groaned at the term "sister-in-law," but it was a appropriate term to use when describing her relation to Greg. Walking up to the car Pearl held both of her hands together and focused her attention on Priyanka.
"We apologize again for troubling you and your family." Pearl said.
"Well...since the lion didn't really do anything to us, I'm sure we can put this behind us." Doug replied.
"I suppose we can." Priyanka added, though unsure if things should be left like this.
"Yo, we're having a little get-together back at our place. Wanna come by?" Amethyst suggested.
A get-together? They just arrived in Beach City, got confronted by a pink lion that came out of nowhere, and now the very people who protect the planet are also offering to have them over at their place? Priyanka wasn't so sure about that. It is a kind and generous offer, but...it didn't feel right interrupting their personal time.
"The Evans family are also with us. It wouldn't be a problem for you to come and say hi." Garnet informed while straightening her visor.
Evans? The Evans are also here?
Turning her head to her husband, Doug gave her a nod. Well...at least they'll have some familiar faces to talk to. And Connie can interact with Steven, though in a distance where they can watch her.
"Very well. We accept your request. But first, are there any good beach-house rentals here?" Priyanka asked.
Greg gave her a nod and offered to show her. Priyanka nodded and started driving slow.
Connie, meanwhile, silently squealed. This is starting to become the best day of her life, so far.
With every step she took, Connie couldn't help but get excited while following the Universes. She kept taking glances at the Crystal Gems and had so many, many questions to ask, but wasn't sure on where to start. She wasn't sure what to say to them either. What can you say to the very people who protect the planet?
Her sight then changed to the pink lion walking with them. They...have...a...pink...lion. Where did it come from? Why was it pink? Does it have magical powers too? Ugh, her brain was gonna explode with all this happening around her.
Priyanka turned her gaze onto her daughter and noticing her excitement. Seeing her happy brought a smile to Priyanka's face, though it would slowly fade as she looked at Steven, Greg, and the Crystals. Even though she just met them, she'll need to keep her guard up just in case they aren't who they truly are. She then put her attention onto Lion. It's not everyday she gets to see a pink lion, but if it ever brings harm to her family they are leaving Beach City immediately.
Doug grinned while noticing how happy his daughter, but grew worried at seeing the uncertainty in his wife's expression. He couldn't blame her for it, but these people were inviting them over as an apology for what happened. Still...he understood how his wife's mind worked. If something terrible happens, they'll leave.
Soon the Universes brought the Maheswarans back to their home where the Evans were. Upon seeing Doug and Priyanka, Amber got up from her chair and walked over to them with Azurite following her.
"Hi, Amber." Doug said as he and his partner shook hands.
"Howdy." Amber replied while shaking his hand, "Didn't know you and ya family were droppin' by."
"Actually, we're on our annual vacation and wanted to come here." Priyanka said, shaking hands with Azurite. "But...when we arrived we were greeted by...that." She added, turning her head to Lion, whom was licking his paw.
"Lion didn't do anything to you, did he?" Azurite asked.
Priyanka shook her head, "No. He just appeared out of nowhere and just stood in the middle of the road."
A sigh of relief exited Azurite's mouth. She heard what happened with Lion and is very grateful her friend and her family didn't get injured.
"Connie, there's someone I want you to meet." Steven said, taking her hand and going toward the table.
Approaching it, Steven turned his attention onto Kameron, Lars, and Elizabeth. Upon seeing Kameron a small gasp exited Connie's mouth.
"Connie, this is my big brother, Kameron. His and my best friend Lars. And his girlfriend, Elizabeth." Steven said.
"You're that other boy that chased the lion." Connie replied.
Kameron rolled his eyes, but gave the young girl a shrug. "Yeah, that was definitely a day." Lowering his eyes, Kameron took notice of Steven and Connie holding hands. A smirk then appeared on his lips, "Steven, I didn't know you had a girlfriend too."
Steven tilted his head, not knowing what Kameron was talking about until...he turned to Connie and remembered that he was still holding her hand. Both of them soon released their hands from each other's as their cheeks started turning read.
"So when's the wedding? You two gonna ride of into the sunset after saying your vows?" Lars said while he and Kameron snickered.
Steven's and Connie's faces turned completely red from hearing that. Geez, they just met.
"Guys, stop." Elizabeth asked.
"Come on, we're just teasing them." Kameron assured.
"Yeah. Plus who knows, I think I hear bells in the distance." Lars added before he and Kameron started laughing.
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at Kameron and Lars. Soon enough they stopped laughing and looked at the poor embarrassed kids.
"Okay, okay, we'll stop now." Kameron said. Catching his breath he got up from the table and walked up to Steven and Connie, offering his hand to the young girl. "It's nice to meet you, Connie."
Turning her head the heat from Connie's cheeks started to cool down and she then placed her hand into Kameron's, shaking it.
"It's nice to meet you too." Connie said.
Retracting his hand from hers, Kameron lowered his upper-body while putting his hands on his knees, locking his eyes onto Connie's.
"Connie, want see something really, really cool?" Kameron asked.
Connie blinked at the older guy, but nonetheless she nodded at his question.
Raising himself up, Kameron turned his eyes onto Steven before shifting his attention onto the rest of the family. His lips slowly grew at the various ideas flowing his mind. Although...what he was gonna do was gonna go against some rules his family established, but...what better way to liven up a get-together than putting on a little show?
Side by side, Mr. and Mrs. Maheswaran, Christie, Green, the Rainbows, Greg, the Crystals, Steven, Connie, Lars, and Elizabeth sat together in crystalline chairs. In front of them was Kameron with his hands in his pockets. Not word had been spoken, only a warm breeze flowing in the air and the sound of the ocean's waters pushing and pulling itself against the sand. Up above seagulls flew up high, squawking and flapping their wings.
"Everyone." Kameron announced. "Thank you for agreeing to what I consider a welcoming to the Maheswarans. Although Beach City isn't my home personally, it is the home of my extended family and I hope you enjoy your time here." He added, giving everyone a small bow.
"For what is in store is purely for entertainment. This isn't to impress you or make you like us. I hope you enjoy." Kameron said. Turning his head he locked them onto Elizabeth and raised his hand to her, "Elizabeth, would you please come up to me?"
Blinking a moment, Elizabeth rose up from her seat and walked over to Kameron. Approaching him she noticed him raising up his other hand and took them both into her own hands. Looking into his dual-colored eyes she could see him wanting to ask her something, and so she slowly nodded to him without uttering a word.
"Mom. Dad. Could you both come up too?" Kameron asked.
Both parents turned to one another, curious as to what their youngest wanted with them. But...deciding to witness it for themselves, Christie and Green stood up from their seats and walked up to Kameron.
With the pieces lined up, Kameron asked Elizabeth and his mother to turn around. Both of them did as they were asked, turning to face everyone else and having their backs facing Kameron and Green. Kameron looked at his father and raised both of his hands together, interlocking his thumbs. Green's eyes lightly widened before a smirk spread across his lips, understanding what Kameron wishes to do. Releasing their hands, Kameron and his father raised out their hands and placing them onto the backs of Elizabeth and Christie. Gasps exited their lips from contact before they both felt something creeping onto their clothes until Kameron and Green removed their hands.
Taking a step back, Kameron and Green slowly raised up their arms and everyone else watched as crystals started rising from Elizabeth's and Christie's backs. Two large crystals rose up from their shoulder-blades before several smaller crystals grew from the sides. In less than a few seconds the crystals stopped and the audience were witnessing with their own eyes...large crystalline wings spreading out.
Next, Kameron and his father closed their eyes and both of their Gemstones started glowing. Pushing their arms forward the crystalline wings on Elizabeth and Christie began to flap and slowing their feet started leaving the sand. Elizabeth and Christie turned to each other and small smiles started forming across their lips.
"Azurite. Can you please make some rings in the air?" Kameron asked with a strained voice.
Gazing at her mother and her brother's girlfriend rising from the ground, Azurite stood up and approached them. Raising both of her hands into the air, water started pulsing from the ocean and several spheres of water came out of it before they started levitating in the air and started floating toward Azurite. Once they got close she placed her hands together and made a circle with them, shifting the spheres into several large water rings.
Curling their fingers into their palms, Kameron tightened his eyes while his father remained calm. With another flap of their wings, Elizabeth and Christie gasped as they were pushed forward, heading straight for the rings. One after another both girls passed right through the first ring without making contact with it, but when arriving at the second ring they suddenly descended below before quickly ascending and passing through it.
"Kameron. Don't push yourself too much." Green addressed.
Kameron grunted, but nodded.
Meanwhile Mr. and Mrs. Maheswaran stared at the event going on. Doug's lips grew upwards, looking at with awe and amazement. Wow...he'd seen magic before, but this...this was on a completely different level. Priyanka...wasn't entirely sure how to proceed this. She wasn't sure how to understand it. Although...she will admit that this performance is rather...interesting to watch.
As for Connie, her jaw was hanging out and her pupils were turned into diamonds. What could anybody say right now from witnessing such an incredible display she was seeing?
"Okay, Azurite. you can release the rings." Kameron said with a restrained voice. "Onyx, can you make some portals and have them be close to each other?" He added.
Hearing Kameron, Azurite lowered her arms after Elizabeth and her mother passed the fifth ring. The water rings broke in half, but returned into their sphere shapes before being sent back to the ocean.
Standing up from his seat, Onyx silently walked away from the audience and stood next to his sister, Azurite. Raising his head up to see his mother and Elizabeth airborne, Onyx lifted up his hands and clapped them.
Elizabeth and Christie soon stopped in place while their wings continuously flapped. In front of them several black portals erupted into the air, only they appeared from the sides and ranged from low to high.
"Kameron. It is done." Onyx addressed.
"Thank you." Kameron replied. "Now, can you make two behind you?"
"For what purpose?" Onyx asked.
"Amber. Pyrope. Shoot some lightning and fire into Onyx's portals." Kameron called out.
Both siblings looked at their younger brother with questionable expressions. Was he trying to either fry or burn his girlfriend and their mom?
"Bro, I don't think that's a good idea." Pyrope replied.
"Yeah, ah don't like it neither." Amber added.
Kameron grunted, but shook his head. "Trust me. You know I wouldn't put Elizabeth or mom in danger if it would hurt them."
Though still unsure about this, Amber and Pyrope got up and walked over to the portals behind Onyx. Pulling his head back, Pyrope threw it forward and opened his mouth, unleashing a burst of flames. Amber turned her body to the side and raised her right arm out, pointing her index finger at the portal. Crackles of electricity surged around her hand until she fired a stream of it into the portal.
Up above Elizabeth and Christie watched as both fire and lightning came right through the portals. Elizabeth looked over to Christie, unsure about this. Christie wasn't so sure herself on what they were about to get themselves into, but...she trusted her son and her husband. Plus...deep down...this was pretty fun.
With a single push, Christie burst through the air with Elizabeth following her from behind. Coming up to the first obstacle Christie got jerked upwards, flying right over it while Elizabeth got jerked down, flying under it. Approaching the second obstacle both girls quickly switched places, flying both over and under the flames and lightning. At the speed they were going Christie started laughing, feeling the wind through her hair and on her face. Elizabeth felt her chest releasing a uncontrollable rhythm with every passing second going by. Her eyes shot open and unsure how all of this was gonna play out, but...somehow, an aura of joy over took her thoughts. Despite her worried thoughts...this is really, really fun.
Descending from the skies, both girls started circling around and around and around until they passed by the last obstacle while upside-down. Little by little they were coming in close toward the ground, but both Kameron and his father turned their arms and opened their eyes, rotating Elizabeth and Christie fast enough so they would glide without touching the ground and ascending into the air once more.
Greg couldn't think of anything at the sheer performance displaying in front of him, so all he could do was watch with star pupils. Although...this could probably make a pretty good song, all that remains are lyrics.
Pearl covered her mouth as she watched. From such a high altitude, anything could transpire. It wasn't as though she didn't trust her nephew with such a craft, but...it worries her on the safety of Elizabeth and Christie. However, as she shifted her attention on the show and Kameron, she noticed some sweat appearing on his face and the subtle shaking on his arms.
Amethyst hummed at what was going on while munching on a burger. Gotta say, this is by the most interesting thing she'd seen today. Wonder how the finale is gonna play out.
Garnet watched in silence, crossing her arms and observing the show. For the most part she didn't express much of what was happening, but...her lips slowly formed a grin. With what's about to happen, it definitely had her attention.
Steven had the biggest smile spread across his face with his pupils turned into stars. Hot potatoes, this is the coolest thing Kameron has ever thought of. Part of him wanted to scream his head off from how much Elizabeth and aunt Christie were flying, but he'll save it for the end. His body was starting to shake, barely being able to hold his excitement.
Lars smirked at the performance and crossed his arms. Though he his aware of what Kameron can do, it didn't take away from how awesome it is to witness it. But...when shifting his attention from the show to Kameron, Lars looked at him with concern. How much of himself was he pushing? At least his dad is helping him. If he was doing this all by himself...Lars wasn't so sure he could handle it. Sure, Kameron is tough, but...he had limits.
"Onyx. Pyrope. Amber. Thank you, that's enough." Kameron called.
The three siblings nodded and both Pyrope and Amber stopped firing at the portals before they began to vanish.
"Citrine. Can you please stand in the middle with your arms out?" Kameron asked.
Citrine quickly ate the burger he was enjoying and got up from his seat. Walking away from the others he stopped in his tracks and spread his big, thick arms out.
"Is this good?" Citrine asked.
"Yeah, but turn to the audience." Kameron replied.
Citrine nodded and turned around, facing everyone else.
"Charoite. Lepidolite. Please stand on Citrine's shoulders and pay attention to Elizabeth and mom." Kameron said.
Hearing their brother's call, both sisters rose up from their seats and jogged up to Citrine before jumping up into the air and landing on his shoulders. Lepidolite landed on the right while Charoite was on the left. Neither of them gave any issues for Citrine since he's use to carrying things on his shoulders. Raising up their heads, both sisters locked their eyes on Elizabeth and their mother.
"Alright, dad. Let's bring them home." Kameron addressed.
"Very well. May our beautiful birds return to us." Green replied.
Kameron's cheeks started to turn red from his father's words, but he quickly shook them away and paid attention to the girls above. Taking a breath Kameron began lowering his arms with his father doing the same. Elizabeth and Christie slowly began to descend toward the ground below them. Their wings slowly flapped the more they lowered themselves and were aimed right at Citrine, Charoite, and Lepidolite.
More and more they descended until their feet landed on Citrine's forearms. Upon landing both of suddenly jerked forward, but were caught by Charoite and Lepidolite holding onto their hips.
"Are you okay?" Lepidolite asked Elizabeth.
Elizabeth nodded, "I am. That was amazing."
"Are you okay, mom?" Charoite asked her mother.
Christie nodded, "I'm fine, honey. That was...rather exciting."
"Glad you both are okay." Citrine said, looking at both of them.
Soon after a huge collection of clapping echoed in the air. Turning their heads the girls watched the others clapping at them with Steven and Connie screaming their lungs off.
Holding onto Elizabeth's and their mother's waists, Lepidolite and Charoite leaped off of Citrine's arms and landed on the sands below.
Elizabeth and Christie turned to their audience and gave them a bow. Both girls then giggled from how much fun they just had. Honestly, if this was what Kameron had in mind, then they would've agreed to it sooner.
Kameron and his father lowered their arms as their Gemstones stopped glowing. Up and down, up and down, Kameron's chest went with heavy breaths exiting his mouth. Wow... didn't think this was gonna take a lot out of him, but...it was worth it to welcome the Maheswarans.
"Are you alright?" Green asked his son.
Kameron turned his head to his dad, "Drained, but I'll be okay."
Green sighed, knowing that Kameron shouldn't have pushed himself so much. But...at least he didn't go too far.
"Kameron! Kameron!"
Turning his head, Kameron watched Steven and Connie excitedly rush over to him.
"Hey. Did you enjoy the show?" Kameron asked.
"It was incredible!" Connie cheered. "Thank you so much for this!"
Kameron snickered a bit, "You're welcome."
"Kameron, how did you do that!?" Steven asked.
"Practice. Lots and lots of practice." Kameron replied. "Glad you all enjoyed the show, but I am so drained right now." He added as he walked off while rubbing the back of his neck.
"Steven, can you do stuff like that too?" Connie asked.
Steven nodded, "Yeah. But what I can do is far different from my brother."
Connie smiled and without warning she brought Steven into a hug. Steven blushed at her action, but returned it.
Though they just met, Connie could tell that this was the beginning of an amazing friendship.
End Of Episode 29.
Sorry if this was long, I just really, really wanted to do something for the Maheswarans and have a different take on how they meet the Universes.
Plus I wanted to change how Steven and Connie first met. She was already aware of him, but didn't know his name.
Hope you all enjoyed and I'll catch you all later.