Chapter 29: Strangers

The Tennysons, Glover, Zed, and the strangers all stared at one another before landing eyes on Max and Gwen standing by the steps leading to the beach.

"Max! Ah! HA! HA!" The short girl rushes Max that only staggered. She leaps above their head before Max catches her.

"Woah...hey!" He pats her back before staring at the other two women approaching him. "Long time. No see." He sat her down on her feet.

"You can say that." The tall woman with shades said with a grin.

The slender woman hugs Max with a wide grin on her face.

"How long has it been?" She questioned while Max looked elsewhere with a grin. "Don't tell me you forgot about us?"

"Makes sense. M's at that age." The short woman states while shrugging.

"Amethyst!" The slender woman raised her voice.

A weird sound filled the boy's ears. He noticed a pink bubble surrounding the gem they had fought before the boy tapped the top of it, causing it to disappear.

The kid with a pink shirt stands to his feet, returning the stare.

"Steven." The tall woman voiced, getting their attention. "I would like you to meet someone." The woman and Max stared at the kid named Steven.

"Hey! I'm Steven." He waved while Max approached him before kneeling. Max shakes his hand with a smirk of his own.

"It's nice to meet you, Steven. I'm Max." He looks back at Blitzwolfer and the others. "And this is my family."

"Oh! Ho! Ho!" Will felt someone put him in a headlock. "Is this your kid?! Do you know how long; you wanted a boy?"

"Amethyst! Please! You just met them! Ugh!" The slender woman sighed while Anthony managed to escape. "I'm sorry about that."

"It's. Fine." The boy states, rubbing his neck.

"Would you like to start?" Max voiced, gazing at Will, that eyed the strangers.

"I'm Will. I'm just the friend in the family." Indescribable voices filled his head while he felt his awkward smile turn static. He gazed at the strangers gazing at Gwen before eyeing the tall women staring back at him.

They have a face-off while the voices grow louder. The tall woman kept a blank gaze while the boy tilted his head, keeping the same.

A green light flashes, earning a yelp. This gains their attention while the voices stop.

"Uh?!" Steven exclaimed, seeing Benita. "H-How did you do that?!" His eyes sparkle while Benita stuffs her hands in her pocket.

"It's. A long story." Max answered while seeing the slender woman shaking with a spear in hand. "Hey. Hey. Everything-"

"Hey! M! Did you get lucky and settled with a broad? As Classic as yourself?" Amethyst questioned while the slender women's eyes peaked.

Snapping her gaze past Will and at Gwen.

"Oh. My. Goodness! Is it me, Or am I looking at double?"

"Guys." The tall women with shades cut them off. "We have yet to introduce ourselves."

"Oh! Right!" The slender woman bowed. "Excuse. My reckless behavior. My name is Pearl, and if you need; anything. Don't be afraid to ask." She grins while clasping her hands together before pointing to Amethyst, staring at Benita. "This is Amethyst."

"Oh! Sup." She finger slaute.

"This is Garnet."

"Howdy." Garnet voiced.

"As you know, this is Steven." The boy waved.

Anthony eyed the pink lion, gazing at Zed before getting hugged by Steven.

"And this is Lion!" Steven chirped before staring at Zed, looking indifferent. She stood by Will's side while Steven raised a brow. "What's its name? And is it a gem?"

"Zed. And no." Will states while Steven raises a brow.

"Well. Let's get back." Pearl states. "I would love to get a rundown on what happened in the past few years."

"You. Sure?" Max questioned. "It's going to get late."

"We insist." Garnet voiced. "We have all the time in the world."

Max gazed at the children.

Benita shrugged her shoulders before gazing elsewhere. Gwen and Will nodded while Sunny eyes never left the strangers.

"Alright. I don't see why it would hurt."

"Delightful!" Pearl clapped.

The Tennysons and Glover followed the gems walking along the beach before the adults, breaks from the children walking ahead.

Anthony stood in the center with Zed, Sunny, and Benita on his right by the crashing waves. While Gwen, Steven, and Lion are on his left closest to the boardwalk.

"Steven?" Gwen voiced, getting his attention. "May I ask, How you met? I've never seen a Lion up close and nonetheless pink."

Anthony gazed land to Steven only to notice Lion eyes staring daggers at him.

"Well, the gems and I went on this mission to a desert. It was a fetch quest."

"Wait, are these missions dangerous?"

"Yes. But when it comes to protecting this planet. I'll gladly do it again." Steven clenches his fist before patting his arm. "No pain. No gain."

"You're very trusting." Sunny comments, getting their attention. "I respect the grind, but how do you know we might not take this as an opportunity?" Anthony felt a heated glare soar past him.

"The crystal gems know your grandpa. So any friend of theirs is a friend of mine." Steven smiled.

"That sound nice."

"Ha. Ha. Hey!" Steven exclaimed while Lion pressed his nose against his head. "What is it?" Lion's eyes landed on Will once more while his nostril wiggled. "Ha! Right! Will?" The boy remained quiet, keeping his gaze. "Were you looking for your notebook?"

"Notebook?" Anthony squinted his eyes.

"A sky-blue one with a cat in front. It has sketches on it. A friend and I were racing along the beach until I slipped on it."

"Is that right?" Gwen smiled at Will. "You should. Be a Little careful next time."

The boy only looked at the sand, biting his lip.

"Do you wanna talk about it? It always helps." Steven suggested.

"I'm. Fine." Gwen stated. "More than fine, actually." Will gives a side glance.

Gwen smirked while keeping her head towards the adults.

"We can get it now. A friend of mine has it." Steven suggested while cocking his head at the boy's gaze.

"I would. Like that." Will said under his breath.

"Hmph. I'm asking too much." Steven rubbed his neck. "I've never seen anything that wasn't gem related." He looked to Benita, staring out the night crashing waves. "Those sketches...You're the super Buddies!"

Will opened his mouth.

"And what made you conclude that we are?" Sunny cut him off. "And next off, why is that title being thrown around?"

"I knew she looked familiar! She's Wolf buddy." Steven smirked before staring at Sunny. "Your Negative girl." Sunny raised a brow. "Their currently doing an arc about you. And I can't wait for it!" He smiled. "I'll say she's quite hard to read."

"Ha." Gwen chuckled under her breath. "It fits. You. Perfectly."

"Do-" Sunny cuts herself off before rolling her eyes.

"Do you know the rest of the cast?" Will questioned while Steven put his hand on his chin while they walked by the cliffside.

"There Firey Buddy, Rocky Buddy, Doggy buddy, Handy Buddy, and Uh...Red Buddy." Steven snaps his fingers. "I was last on Twin Flames Buddies at Dawn. I hate it." He clutches his fist. " It's because Firey Buddy found he has a Twin sister and tried to get close. But there, soon drifting apart because Handy Buddy and Red Buddy's usual bickering were now turned up a notch." Steven sighed. "Why can't they see their damaging their friend's way of connecting with his lost sister!"

"You're. Very passion." Benita comments. "Ugh! I'm still on season one." She looks away.

Steven flinch.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to spoil it!"

"It's. Fine." Benita sighs. "I missed so much." She said under her breath.

"What episode were you on?"

"Season one. Episode Six."

"Ah! Do you have a VCR?"

"Yes." Benita gives a smile while her eyes roam.

"I'll let you have it. It goes all the way to season 2. You will only be two episodes behind."

"You sure?" Steven nods. "Thanks." Benita gives a smirk.

Will smirked to himself before Benita looked away. His gaze landed forward as they noticed the Beach house. Above it.

The statue of the woman from before. They noticed the Adults heading inside while they followed up the Z-shaped stairs.

Lion and Zed leaped to the top, waiting at the screen door while

Steven led Will up the steps, with Sunny following behind.

Their steps thud against the solid platform echoing under the soothing crashing waters. Steven opened the screen door letting Will in.

The room was decently small, with a kitchen on his right. A crystal pad and door on the far side with two more by the warp pad. On his left were the adults. Amethyst was chilling on the booth chair while Max and two Gems chatted.

"Anthony. I'll like to ask you a favor." Max called out to him while the woman glanced at him. "Can you show them?" The boy's eye snapped at them. "Trust me."

Will reluctantly pulled his glove while opening his eye. Pearl flinched while the tiny white dot pierced through the darkness before growing.

Steven hits the lights.

"Dude?" Amethyst leans from her chair, trying to get a better look.

"How long has it been like this?" Garnet questioned, keeping her eyes on the boy. He ignored the constant whispers while Steven appeared at the corner of Will's, frowning his brows.

"A month. And Ten days." Max answered. "I would like to ask if you have seen or heard of a Galvan named Azmuth?"

"Azmuth?" A voice gets their attention to another gem exiting from the side doors by the warp pad. The short green woman eyed the strangers before landing on Will. She speed walks towards him. "By Azmuth..." The green woman circled, poking his hand before marveling at his eye. "Do you mean..the creator of the Omnitrix?" She noticed the watch on Benita. "OOOH!! It is!!" She exclaimed before rushing her, only for Garnet to lift her off the floor. "Hey! Garnet!"

"This. Is Peridot." Garnet states calmly while the gem wiggles to get free.

"You know of this?" Max questioned.

"Alright!" Peridot raised her voice before folding her arms. Garnet sat her down. "I heard rumors of his ingenuity. I must admit I'm quite fond of his work." She approached Benita, allowing her to gaze at the details of the watch.

"I only heard. The surface level of this phenomenon." Pearl admitted. "Yet I had other important things." Garnet nodded.

"And why wasn't I included in this?" Amethyst cocked her head.

"You never. Asked." Peridot said indifferently. While pressing the top of the watch, causing no reaction. She bites her lip.

"Do you know where he is?" Benita questioned.

"Nope, but I could dig into it. All the resources at Homeworld."

Benita smiled, clenching her fist.

"Then what are we waiting for?!"

"Hold on." Max raised his hand. "Is there still conflict?"

"Nope. All of it is swept under the rug." Steven exclaimed.

"Really?"

"I managed to convince the Diamonds to become better beings." Max grew quiet.

"You did?"

"It was impossible, yet Steven made it possible." Garnet presses her hand on his hair. Max remained quiet.

"I understand, M. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it." Amethyst states before smiling at Steven. "Little man has spunk."

"Steven has potential, and I greatly admire his feats." Pearl voiced while Peridot nodded.

"Guys. Stop." Steven blushed while staring at the floor.

"I'll contact the diamonds." Peridot states.

"Oh! Dot." Steven cried out, getting her attention. "You have something belonging to Will." She squinted her eyes before they popped out of her skull.

"What?! He's--" She cut herself off before chuckling. "Oh. Oh. Oh! You have a lot of explaining to do." Peridot entered the door she came out of before a pumpkin-like dog raced out.

It stood before Sunny, looking up at her while she only tilted her head; with a stern look.

"Oh! I'm so rude! Please. Sit." Pearl stood out of her seat, allowing Benita and Gwen to sit by Max while Will sat on the floor in front of the coffee table with Zed. Sunny leans against the wall by the screen door. "Amethyst!"

"Huh? Oh. Right!" She raised to her feet.

"Oh. No. You're good." Will states. Amethyst gazed at Sunny, folding her arms.

"Not. Interested."

"Alright. You're lost." Amethyst sighs before sitting back down with a grin on her face.

Pearl only sighs, rubbing her fingers under her eyelids.

The boy looked over his shoulder to see Lion sitting by the kitchen. The pumpkin dog sat in front of Sunny, which she was ignoring.

Pearl and Garnet sat on the bar stool with their backs towards the kitchen. Pearl cross her legs, sitting up straight. Steven sits by Amethyst.

"Now. Judging by your gaze. I'll answer any questions." Pearl grins. Steven raised his hand. "Yes, Steven?"

"I'm more curious about how you met."

"As you can see. Max is a Plumber." She pointed her hand toward him while a white light shimmered from her forehead, displaying a hologram of humans in a forest. "An organization that protects Earth from Uncommon phenomenon. First, they seek out species across the galaxy, only to decline over the years. They wanted to help with the Rebellion, only for Rose to refuse. We proved them this feat, yet in the end, we asked for their assistance. The Crystal gems and The Plumbers. Fought alongside one another until Rose discontinued the partnerships out of their rating of eliminations of their agents."

Max looks away.

"With the help of Max, we were able to habitat here on earth to protect it from Gem-related phenomena." The hologram disappeared.

"Wait-" Steven spoke up only to cut himself off seeing Max. Pearl noticed before claspings her mouth.

"I'm so sorry! I should've-"

"No. You're fine." He looked up at Pearl. "They have the right to know." He sighs before a sound of beeping fills the room. The senior perks up, pulling a Pager from his back pocket.

"I'm sorry. I gotta take this." He stood to his feet, exiting the door.

Another door opens, revealing Peridot with Will's notebook in hand.

"Well, we came in luck. The warp to Homeworld was just under repair." She handed him his notebook. "It will be a two-hour trip. I recommend snacks and something to distract yourself."

The boy flipped through it, not seeing anything different.

"So. Kid." Amethyst voiced, getting his attention. "What's that notebook all about? Is it..uh?" She snaps her fingers.

"Fanart?" Steven adds.

"Yeah! That!"

The boy looks down at his notebook gifted by Gwen.

"Whispers." He said indifferently, feeling the eyes burn into him. "Our-" He cut himself off. "Their memories are embedded with mine. The Omni-Hex." He brushes his hand on Zed's back.

"Let's change. The subject." Garnet suggested. "Steven. How about showing our guests your new card game?"

Sunny headed out the screendoor.

Steven furrowed his brows before smiling.

---

"Boom! Haha!"

"UGH!" Amethyst grabs her face. "Come on, dude!! Why are you singling me out?!"

Sitting around the coffee table consists of Max, Gwen, Benita, the Crystal gems, and Peridot with cards in hand.

"I'm not." Steven voiced. "It so happened to be your turn."

"Yeah. Right." She squinted her eyes at smiling; Steven. Amethyst grabs four cards from the deck before placing a Dino card two red.

Benita placed down Dino's red six while Max looked at his deck, squinting through his glasses.

"You got it, grandpa?" Gwen cocked her head to him, a shoulder from her.

Max hummed before placing a reversed card. Benita placed down plus seven.

"HUH!! Not you too?!" She gazed down at Benita, hiding her grin. "Like! Is this Amethyst vs. the world?!"

"Alright. Amethyst." Pearl reassured. "Not all of us are so lucky."

"True." Gwen starts. "It's only a bad start."

"This like the fifth game in a row?!" Amethyst raised her voice.

"You can. Always quit." Garnet suggested shuffling through her deck.

"No. No. I can handle it." Amethyst sits back on the booth chair, taking a breath. She placed down a card. Steven placed his and then Pearl's.

"Uh, Pearl?" Gwen voiced, getting her attention. "You seem quite fond of Grandpa."

"What gave you that idea?" Pearl hid behind her cards.

Will shows his deck to Zed, eyeing it.

"Is there a hobby you two did?"

"Well, I let her drive my car every once in a while." Max eyed his cards while watching Will and Zed. "Even did some races."

"Our sleeping Grandpa does races?" Benita said with a blank gaze.

"Time to time before heading back to Plumbing. In the racing world, everyone called her Glacier because of her icy attitude."

Pearl sighed with a smirk to herself.

"I'm sorry about that."

"It's. Fine."

"I mean your car." Max flinched. "Ha!" Pearl laughed before covering her mouth.

"We don't talk about that." He frowned his brows.

"Why not?" Steven questioned.

"Well." Pearl chuckled. "The cliffside doesn't always have a guardrail."

"You survive?!"

"All you needed to know. Everyone was fine, and I managed to fix Max's car the next day." Pearl gazed at Will, showing his cards to Zed.

"What should I use, girl?" Will asked Zed returning her gaze. Zed stared at the deck before pressing her nostril on a card.

The boy uses a reversed card.

Peridot eyed the alien dog.

Zed glanced at her while She hid her deck.

"Hmm. Didn't expect that." Pearl said under her breath before placing down her card.

Steven places down his. Amethyst walks away.

"Amethyst!" Steven cried out while the others chuckled.

"No! I'm done!"

"I'm sorry! That was the only card. I have."

"Wake me up. When were leaving." Amethyst entered through the door behind the warp pad.

Max sighs before gazing out their window, letting in the moonlight.

"Well, this is fun, but we have to go."

"Don't let us hold you up." Garnet voiced, sitting down her cards. "You can park out front if you like."

"I'll do that." Max stood to his feet, and so did the children.

"I would like a favor." Peridot voiced, getting their gazes while she petted her companion on her lap. "I know you all are eager to get to Homeworld. But I like to do some tests." Zed growled while Anthony's taken eye pulsed. "Humane tests at that! And for exchange, I'll give you info on the beings you've drawn." Zed's growling stops. "Though it's surface level."

"We-"

"It's. Fine." Will cut Benita off. "A day is fine." Peridot gazed at Max, that shrugged his shoulders.

"I'll allow it."

"Excellent!" Peridot jumps to her feet, shaking Max's hands. "You won't regret it."

Anthony was first to the door letting Zed, Gwen, and Benita out. Benita glanced at the boy before walking past him.

"Safe travels." Steven chirped while Max approached the door Will held open. The two waved while they exited.

They noticed Sunny sitting on the steps before she stood to her feet.

"Let's get back to the RV." Max sighs, listening to the crashing waves.

Sunny steps down the steps, followed by everyone else.

They quietly listened to the environment while their toes brushed among the sand. The boy eyed Sunny floating above the sand before whipping out his phone.

10:45 pm

He sighs, putting it in his pocket.

"I would like to stay out here a little longer." He states, getting a glance from Max.

"I would like to continue the discussion."

"Can I...at least talk to G?" Gwen stares at Max, causing him to sigh.

"Sure." Max nods to Benita and Sunny.

Benita walked up ahead without Max while Sunny only hung back.

"Sunny." Max voiced while Sunny gazed at Gwen, that glanced back at her. "Sunny."

Sunny floats ahead, saying something under her breath. Max followed after glancing over his shoulder at Gwen and Will before staring ahead.

"I-I like to get down to this." The boy states, staring at Gwen's green eyes. "Why do you hate Sunny so much?"

"Every time she appeared. Bad things happened. I'm protecting all of you. Like you did for us. She hates me while I'm glad to return it." Gwen looked away, folding her arms.

"There's something deeper than that." The boy states. "You wouldn't be this aggressive...You're very forgiving."

Gwen remained quiet, eyeing the cliffside. A few minutes passed while Will lost his gaze.

"The vision." This gains the boy's attention. "How I wanted to kill you...I can't see myself like that." Her voice cracked while the boy's mouth slowly ajar. "Sunny is the only person I know that would turn you from who you are. Seeing these hints, the silence you posed at times. These voices. It's...scaring me, Will." Gwen clutches her shirt.

"You have a good heart, trying to keep us together, but what you don't know is. You are distancing yourself from your family...Your dad." Her eyes water, yet she clutches her teeth. "What we're doing is risky, and we don't. Know what will happen to us. And to you. So, please...Stay away from her."

The boy remained silent, staring at the sand brushing against his toes. He looked up to Max and the others ahead to notice Sunny staring back at him from the corner of her eye.

'Will, what happened before is not our fault.' Edge starts. 'There was no other way.' The boy remained silent. 'I care about you, kid. And convincing Virgo was no easy task...We're all here for you.'

Will's gloved hand begins to shake.

'I could understand you don't trust us.' Novis states. 'You're a spark, now. I'll always have your back.'

"Shut up." Will voiced, getting Gwen's attention.

"What?" The boy speed-walked across the beach. "Will!"

His vision flickers purple while the Tennysons ahead; look back at him.

The boy walked past the three.

"Anthony!" Max called.

Will snapped back to Sunny and Zed following him.

"Dro." Will said blankly while his purple vision pulses on Sunny and Zed, coming to a halt. "Don't ven mosh trayf czek. Gled ban, Si don't weiev lon ronger er wio me af ven. Roe, Si'm je lon verge vi losri evd shit." He gazes at the shocked faces and Sunny staggering back. "Ugeth ven ovris af lon rv." He furrowed his brows before walking along the beach.

His breath grew heavy, hearing the crashing waves while his purple vision: highlighted the night. Grey and Blue ink absorbed the shoes in his hands while the boy clenches his head.

Will clenches his teeth while tears pour from his eyes. His chest rise and falls. His teeth grind, releasing a dreadful squeal.

"AAAH!!!" He roared. "RAAAGH!!!" He kicks the sand only to notice a puddle of water splash along the black pit. He eyed the environment only to see Sabrina and Samuel.

"Go on." Samuel beckons. "Let it out."

"You!" Will points. "The hell were you?!" He approached the giant green faces. "We had a deal!!"

"And we have. It's ongoing at the moment." Sabrina voiced.

"Like hell! I WAS CALLING OUT FOR YOU!!"

"Know your place." Virgo states appearing between Sabrina and Samuel as the boy blink.

"My place? HA! I'm just a husk!" The boy approached Virgo clenching his fist. "A husk! That you can claim!" Virgo's white eyes stared down at him. "Take me! That is what you want! RIGHT?! Do me this favor AND TAG IN!!"

Virgo's white eyes pierced the boy's soul while the kid's leg shook.

"Interesting choice of words. Do you want to know what'll happen If I do?" The boy remained silent. "You will be my eyes and nothing more. I'll be you, and you'll be me. And they wouldn't notice a thing. I'll use them to the fullest, Till death or When my objective is complete. And now, I asked you. Will you remain in control?"

Will opened his mouth only for nothing to come out.

"Samuel is the one you should thank. Without him. You wouldn't be defying us." The boy took a quick glance at Samuel frowning at him. "Are you done?"

The boy looked to the ground while nodding.

"Good."

His white eyes flash, revealing the boy back at the beach. He looked around only to notice Zed from afar.

Will remained silent before sitting on the boardwalk steps facing the waves. He stared at it in silence as he noticed Zed approaching him.

He whips out his phone.

Dad

8: Messages 42:Calls

The boy hesitantly taps on the phone. Causing it to hum.

"Uh...Hello?" A voice called out.

"Dad. It's Will." Will said blankly.

"Oh! Thank god!" He growls. "BOY! IF I CAN REACH MY HANDS THROUGH YOUR PHONE, I'LL STRANGLE YOU?!" The boy winced.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to worry."

"Ugh! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you like that. Ugh! Where is Doctor Phil when you need him?" Will's dad said under his breath. "I heard a lot that happened. Are you alright?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. I was too immersed...on this trip." He choked on his words.

"What's the problem?"

"I...I'm in a rock in a hard place."

"Huh? Oh! Well." The dad sighs. "It's perfectly normal. Kids your age are naturally curious. I'll allow pecks, but hand holding and anymore is cutting yourself short."

"What?" Will felt Zed put her body between his arm.

"Wait, are we- I'm sorry. You gotta be more specific."

"There was a fight, and I'm caught in the middle." Will brushes his finger under Zed's ears. "One said. They're bad. Influence. Their right, but slowly The other showed redeeming qualities, contradicting that claim."

"Wow. Are you my son? But, on a serious note. I say you shouldn't risk it. You could do that or the hard part. But I think they both are. You can leave them and let them settle this out or Get both their stories and get down on the source of the problem. But that's. My two. Sense. "

"Haa. I have it down."

"See! You're a natural. You're a Glover indeed."

"Alright, dad." Will chuckled as his dad sighed.

"Well, I have to get back to work. And don't scare like that again."

"Ok."

"And Son. I haven't been with you much. And I'm thinking you can miss the three days after Summer. I got tickets for Planetary Studios." Will grins while his lip shakes. "I think you'll like it."

"I will."

"I love you, son." The boy choked on his words.

"I-I love you, too." The call ended while the boy chuckled, wiping the tears from his face.

He sat there watching the crashing waves with Zed under his arm.

...

The cold wind brushes his skin. The waves echo.

A familiar growl woke Will from his slumber, only to see a young adult with blonde, long hair like fries marveling at Zed from a distance.

The boy sits up while the young adult raises his hands.

"Easy." He said while Will frowned his brows. The boy placed his fist along his lap, facing the stranger. "I'm a friend...And I so happened to notice you and your pet." The boy remained silent. "I'm Ronaldo." He said slowly. "And you are?"

The boy answered back with silence.

"Ok." Ronaldo sighs. "Your friends with Steven? Because of your dog."

"Yes."

"A crystal gem." Zed flashes her fangs. "Hmm...odd appearance."

"Can I help you?" The boy raised a brow.

"I'm sorry. I have to admit you and your family are interesting." He shrugs his shoulders. "I don't usually. Venture out, Beach City, but the news featuring the attack at the Museum. I had to dig in. There are leaks you all being related."

"Is that so?" The boy said slowly while his eyes roamed. "I'm curious. Where did you get this from?"

"Strictly classified." Ronaldo stood to his feet.

"Steven told me. She's a Sapphire. He met her a while from now. Stating she's helped out then and there but only slipped when her pride got in the way." The boy states. Ronaldo's eyes stayed glued on his.

The boy continued. "This girl." Will pats Zed. "I don't know. I wanted to ask him, but he had to go, but I can ask Steven for more info. Exchange of the source. Of course." Will grin. "That sounds fair?"

"Hmm...Well. I'm in a rock in a hard place. So can't say why not." Ronaldo shrugs, pulling out his phone. "There is some tension with this group and SECT." He flashed his phone showing multiple pictures of the Tennysons, Glover, and aliens doing good deeds. "This group called." His phone flicker and glitches before revealing an individual in a black skull mask.

"Hello. Will." Black mask states while Ronaldo stares-wide eye at his phone facing the boy. "I'll be making this quick. The Gene Pool is grateful, For your attempt to return our missing agents. You show potential so does your family."

Will squinted his eyes.

"We would like you all to join the cause. And will be waiting." The video chat glitches before revealing their site.

"Huh?!" Ronaldo checks his phone. "Did they just-" He looks to Will, only for grey and blue ink to swarm his vision.

Edge returns to the boy while Ronaldo dazedly gazes at Will.

"Come on, Zed!" The boy stood to his feet, getting his companion's attention. "I can't feel sorry for myself now." Zed wags her tail. "Thanks for your kindness."

Will jogs down the boardwalk with Zed behind.

"Uh, you're welcome?"

The boy and the alien dog raced to the RV still parked in the lot. Will slowed to a walk as he opened his phone.

3:27am

He places his hand on the handle, sighing before opening it.

Zed raced inside with Will in tow. The door gave an audible click.

"Feel. Better?" The boy snapped his head to the Tennysons at the booth waiting. Max points his hand at the seat in front of him.

Happened to have Sunny on it.

"Yeah. Sorry about that." The boy sat beside Sunny, giving him a quick glance.

"Now. Let's get down to this." Max leans on the counter folding his arms. "Will, with a clear mind. You are the last to have a say in this. Do you have any words?"

"I do." He avoids Benita and Gwen's gaze. "I want Sunny to stay." Gwen bites her lip. "It was rough at first. But let's give her a chance. I mean. I wasn't all good. And we need all the help we can get." The boy looks at Benita. "Tomorrow, we can hang out. And I'm sorry for neglecting your wants. Just tell me the time, and I'll be there." Benita avoids his gaze while nodding.

"Gwen." Will looked at her, staring daggers at him. "I'm very thankful...I didn't know you felt that way, and I'll follow your advice. I'll slow down and get stronger in my own way. Til we get to Azmuth and Rudea."

The boy looked at Sunny, folding her arms while looking away.

"Sunny. I'm sorry for betraying your trust and look forward to forgiving you." Will sighs. "Gwen has the right to know. You tell her now, it will be a step." Sunny kept the same posture while looking out the window.

"Like I said. If Ms.Perfect wants to know. Fight. Me." She glared at Gwen.

Gwen raised to her feet.

"Fine by me!" Pink aura leaks from her body.

"Christ! Can we stop this?" Benita hissed. "It's annoying." She said under her breath.

"And that we'll do." Max clarify. "Ten in the morning. We'll find a place to settle this."

Will looked at Sunny, staring out the window.

"Can I talk with Sunny alone?" The boy questioned, looking up at Max.

"Don't bother." Sunny slides to his side while the boy. Let her out. She heads to their sleeping Quarters. "You're not talking me out of this."