What should have been a simple life in the desert sand and stars becomes anything but. Haunted by dreams of a life of violence, and seeking answers as to why, Peridot and her friends find themselves caught in an ancient battle between Light and Dark...and find that the cost of being a soldier is higher than they might have ever thought.
Obscuro: ....oh, you are very, very clever aren't you. Tell me, who warned you about me? Who whispers in your ear, hm?
Celestial: It's called a conscience. But I guess since you never used yours that little cricket went quiet.
Celestial: buzz off, shadow. I'm not intereted in any deals with you.
Obscuro: Hmph. Very well then. Perhaps someone else will have a different answer...
Celestial: I have to get this right. I have to save her this time...*sigh* Amethyst...is this still the road that leads to you?
*crickets*
Celestial: *tired laugh* Better get to work. Can't get pink-slipped for this one...
The next morning...
Peridot: Mom?
Citrine: in the study! ...this makes no sense...
Peridot: What happened?
Citrine: There was a break in at the Museo last night. The storage unit doors were broken open but nothing was taken and...Peri? What's the matter?
Peridot: ....
Citrine: Honey? Did you have another dream?
Peridot: ...yeah but it was...different this time. ...Mom, this is going to sound nuts, but...do you have dates for...for all the robberies?
Citrine: Of course I do. It's all on the board. That doesn't sound crazy at all.
Peridot: ....
Citrine: Sweetie, what is it?
Peridot: ...the last two robberies...the days they happened? I couldn't get Cel on the phone.
Citrine: You said he was up on the Ridge with his father. So did Caly. That's just a coincidence--
Peridot: Is it? Here, look--this date, another time with his dad. And this one, and this one, a-and here too!
Citrine: ...I can see how you'd think that, but...honey, where did this even come from?
Peridot: ...he's hiding something, I just know it.
Citrine: And you think he's hiding this? A connection to all the robberies? Peri...
Peridot: I know how crazy it sounds, but I can't shake it now. All the times his dad's switched days without warning, all these dates matching up, and when I can't get hold of him...
Citrine: ...Okay, let's break this down logically. What would Celestial want with any of this? He's not even going into Hunting.
Peridot: ...I don't know why he'd want it, but his Dad, maybe? If he and Miss Caly talked about her work he'd know things?
Citrine: ...He could. But that still doesn't answer what Cel would have to do with it.
Peridot: ...his Dad using him to steal the things? As a set of hands? ...Or maybe he does want this ritual to go ahead, I don't know.
Citrine: Peri...honey, I still don't know what this ritual is for. I really don't think Cel is involved.
Peridot: ...I told you, it's just a feeling.
Citrine: ...you've been having a lot of those, haven't you. Feelings you can't explain?
Citrine: And dreams that terrify you?
Peridot: I...how'd you know?
Citrine: Peridot, I'm your mother. I know you well enough to guess. *sigh*
Peridot: --Mom?
Citrine: This is real. Right here. Your feelings are real, too. Your gut's trying to tell you something, but it doesn't know how. That's all.
Citrine: We just have to find a way to understand what it's telling you. So...this feeling. You're sure of it?
Peridot: ...yeah. Cel made a massive mistake, did something he shouldn't have. I just can't explain how I know that...
Citrine: We'll figure it out. Talk to your friends--maybe he told the boys something he wouldn't tell you. I'll see if I can't track down Caly and see if she knows anything.
Peridot: ...thank you.
Peridot: So you both had the same feeling?
Raven: yeah, it was the weirdest thing. I was expecting, you know, more stone and skellies, not...anger?
Scarlet: Disappointment. Disbelief. Like...like we all saw him doing something wrong.
Raven: Fudge if I know what, though. It was just a feeling and then a...
Scarlet: Knowing. It doesn't make much sense.
Peridot: No it doesn't....this doesn't line up with Grampop's theory, either...
Raven: His theory?
Peridot: yeah, that they're not dreams so much as us seeing into other realities....somehow.
Raven: Other realities? Like that stuff from the Avengers movie?
Peridot: Oh! yeah, exactly like that.
Scarlet: okay, but how? And why just us? Not to mention why is it clearer for you than for Raven and me?
Peridot: how should I know? That may not even be what this is! *sigh*
Peridot: But...it does make sense, doesn't it? The theory I've got?
Scarlet: I mean, the dates line up.
Raven: yeah, but Cel would never just...start doing stuff like this on his own. He's gotta be working with someone.
Raven: My vote's on his Dad.
Scarlet: Which is a whole bucket of trouble. If only we could find out where he's actually...going...
Peridot/Raven: Scarlet?
Peridot: What is it?
Scarlet: Dad. He programs trackers for the trucks out at the Green Plant, right? They're small. They can be attached to things. If we could get one on Cel--
Peridot: --we find out where he's going! But what do I attach it to...
Scarlet: There's one thing none of us ever take off.
Peridot: His necklace! Oh, that's gonna take some getting really close, though....
Raven: What, you don't wanna hug your crush? *laugh*
Scarlet: Raven be serious. Unless you wanna stick it down his undies, it's the best way to be sure it stays on him. I'll get you one as soon as I get home tonight.
Raven: Might have to be sooner. Look who it is.
Peridot: What--Cel! Back already?
Celestial: Yeah, it was just for Harvestfest? You look like you weren't expecting me for a week!
Peridot: With the way your Dad's acting...
Celestial: nah, s'all good. I gotta talk to Miss Skittles about something, excuse me.
Raven: ...yeah, he's up to something.
Scarlet: ....I'll get that tracker tonight. We're going to have to think of something to make sure it goes on.
Peridot: Yeah...we are.
*bell rings*
Rainbow: Okay, everybody, hang on a second! You all know that the new year'll be here soon enough, and Winter Break even sooner. Before that happens, I need internship forms filled out and on my desk!
*class groans*
Rainbow: *laugh* Yes, yes, I'm horrible.
Rainbow: But these are your futures we're talking about! Third placement exams are next summer, and then you graduate the summer after that. Now's a very good time to be questioning what you want to do going forward!
Celestial: Is taking a break an option?
Candle: Ugh, I wish...
Parsley: Lazy and freaks? *scoff* What a mess you all are.
Scarlet: Well we can't all have nepotism giving us a leg up, now can we.
Raven: Scar...Miss Skittles, what form do you need if we've already got an internship and job lined up ourselves?
Rainbow: That'll be...Form C-7. I'll get you a copy, then?
Raven: Two, please!
Royal Cola: Four, please. Zee claimed Cinnamon and me too.
Rainbow: Oh, good, I was hoping ze would. Sending you kids to space camp was going to be tricky.
*laughter*
Edelweiss: Miss, can we decide what we want to do or do our parents have to sign off on it?
Rainbow: Well, you'd need their permission for something out of the city, and for any paid positions too, but otherwise it's up to you.
Rose: Huh. Mom'll be...pleased.
Celestial: *sigh* At least I already got my forms signed...
Peridot: ...yeah. At least there's that.
Scarlet: It does make things easier.
Candle: Speak for yourselves! I have to convince two moms to let me go into vet school!
Rainbow: *laughter* Well, you'd better head on home and do it. I'll see you all here tomorrow.
All: See you, Miss Skittles!
Royal Cola: Everyone decided what to do? Cin and me going with Zee for year, but do other things when older.
Cinnamon: Jobs, Royal. Called jobs.
Royal Cola: Bah! Words useless sometimes.
Peridot: ...no idea. Probably athletics?
Celestial: Same, if I don't get roped right into the police academy like Dad wants.
Dawn: Ugh, your Dad sucks.
Celestial: Is what it is. What're you gonna do, Dawn?
Dawn: Probably athletics, too. At least while I figure something else out.
Candle: Lucky you! I already know what I want to do, but convincing my moms to let me is a different story.
Peridot: What, they don't want a vet for a son?
Candle: Not enough activism in there.
Rose: Ha, they sound like Mom. She wants me to go into law, but all I want to do is music!
Edelweiss: Same here. Dad might actually prefer if I do that, anyway.
Celestial: What, he doesn't want you following in his footsteps?
Edelweiss: HA! He'd have a heart attack if I suggested it! Nah, I like singing more anyway.
Peridot: You are really good at it.
Candle: Like, the best in our year.
Rose: Hey!
*laughter*
Edelweiss: So, we're going into music, Peri and Cel and Dawn are going into Athletics, Candle you're trying for Veterinary Medicine but if you can't?
Candle: Probably Athletics, too. There's not exactly an Activism internship in this city.
Celestial: There is in San Marsh, but...eh. What about you and Royal, Cinnamon?
Cinnamon: Will be studying technology, starship repair.
Royal Cola: Teaching, if possible. Want to help other students love math and science, too. Scarlet?
Scarlet: Miss Bumble's already grooming us both to take over the clinic, so probably Business Admin. Blugh.
Raven: Yeah, it won't be a...fun summer, that's for sure.
Royal Cola: All will be very, very busy.
Celestial: between internships, jobs, the games and then the prep for next semester...ugh. Can we catch a break?
Candle: Ha...I doubt it, man. That, and...
Royal Cola/Cinnamon: The dreams.
Scarlet: ...we'll just have to deal with it as it comes.
Peridot: There must be an end to them at some point...
Celestial: Sure. What's it going to cost to get there, that's the question.
Rose: You're all still having those dreams? Maybe you should see a therapist? Or...dozen?
Edelweiss: Heh, I don't think therapy would help, Rosie. We'll be okay. Dreams are just dreams, after all. They can't hurt us.
Peridot: ....
Dawn: Eh, if you say so.
Dawn: They sure felt real enough...
Royal Cola: Mm. very real.
Scarlet: Well, we're not dreaming now. And we've got so much homework...
Raven: Ugh, don't remind me. Homework on top of a balance sheet tonight. Ugh...I need coffee.
Scarlet: Come by the diner and I'll make you a thing before you head home.
Raven: Watcher you're a miracle.
--
Cel: Oh, Peri. Razz texted. There's another round tonight.
Peridot: Great. Will you...
Celestial: Yeah. I'll be there this time.
Celestial: Hey...I'm sorry for ducking out on you like that. Dad didn't give me any warning.
Peridot: He usually doesn't.
Peridot: ...Cel, are you...are you okay? If he's making you do something you don't want to do...
Celestial: It's nothing.
Peridot: It's not. It's something.
Peridot: It's something, and it's bothering you. You know you can tell me.
Celestial: ...I don't want to drag you into my problems.
Peridot: Hey, don't do that. We're in this together, remember? You look after me, I look after you. Whatever I can do, I want to do.
Celestial: There's...nothing you can do now.
Peridot: Cel--
Scarlet, off-screen: Peri, come on! We're going to the diner!
Peridot: Coming! Just give me a minute!
Peridot: This goes here...and then this...
*door opens*
Peridot: Hm? Sorry, we're not open right now.
Parsley: Funny, that door wasn't locked.
Peridot: ...why did it have to be you...
Ribbon: Oh no. No no no no...
Meadow: Here we go.
Scarlet: So much for peace and quiet...
--
Parsley: Quaint little place.
Parsley: Is this where all you freaks hang out?
Peridot: What are you doing here, Herb? You can march right back the way you came.
Parsley: No, you're going to give me a coffee first.
Peridot: The fudge I am! Get out!
Parsley: You can't tell me what to do--
Peridot: Oh yes I can! This isn't school, Herb, this is our family's diner and you're not welcome here!
Scarlet: Uh-oh.
Parsley: Oh, I'm welcome everywhere in this town! I'm the mayor's son--
Peridot: And I don't see Daddy around here to tattle to! *scoff* How about you stand on your own two feet for once, huh?
Scarlet: And stop being a jerk while you're at it.
Parsley: Shut up, you freak--
Peridot: Parsley this is your last warning! Call her that again and you won't last to regret it!
Parsley: You're just as bad as she is! All of you!
Peridot: *sigh* Why do I bother.
Parsley: ...you know...this place shouldn't be open without an adult. You're in violation of some code or other, I'm sure, and I'd hate to see that blow back on your...family. But--
Peridot: Get. Out.
Parsley: oh? Why should I? Should I report you to the authorities? Make me that coffee and I won't--
Peridot: I SAID GET OUT!
Parsley: you--
Peridot: Get out and leave my family alone!
Parsley: Get off me--you'll pay for this!
Parsley: My father will hear about this!
Peridot: That's it! Run back to Daddy! Fudge!
Scarlet: Peri...
Peridot: Don't start. I know, I know, I messed up...
Scarlet: You know you didn't have to do that. I don't care what he calls me.
Ribbon: Who does he think he is, anyway? He started it, not us!
Meadow: I'll...warn Dad, I guess. We weren't open I just forgot to lock the door...
Peridot: No, guys, I...I'll take responsibility.
Scarlet: For what? You didn't hurt him.
Peridot: I let my temper get the better of me...again.
Scarlet: ...yeah, okay, you could stand to work on that part but--seriously, Peri, he wasn't hurt! A little yelling's not gonna kill him.
Peridot: Ugh...half the time I almost wish it would.
Scarlet: Peri...
Peridot; I just--
Peridot: --Scar?
Scarlet: You're an amazing person, did you know that? You're the best cousin a girl could ask for.
Scarlet: You've been looking out for us this whole time, haven't you?
Peridot: Well, yeah? What brought that up?
Scarlet: You said "you", not "us". Like...you don't care that Parsley bullies you, too.
Peridot: That's cause I don't. He can say or do whatever he wants to me, I'll knock his teeth in. But if he comes at you, I'm stopping him. Full stop.
Scarlet: See? That makes you the best cousin ever. Just...
Peridot: Just?
Scarlet: ...maybe don't knock his teeth in? We're not kids who could get away with that anymore.
Peridot: ...oh, alright, fine.
Later that evening...
Fern: Hey, kiddo--oh boy, what happened?
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