Steven Universe:

The Bedrock Society

Episode 1: After Taste

The temple house was pretty quiet. I was just sitting in my room, eating chips and playing lonely blade. I just spent most of the day training with Pearl and earning another cool prize from her pouch. Some kind of plastic cube with a bunch of buttons that don't do anything? I don't know. Looks neat though. Figured I earned some time to relax. Things have gotten pretty crazy lately with homeworld, the diamonds and Jasper…...and my mom…..

And……

NO! nono. I shouldn't worry about that right now. The gems will handle it when the time comes. I just need to relax. I just have to focus on this really hard boss that I haven't beaten without cheat codes yet.

(BEEP BEEP bububoop)

(BEEP BEEP bububoop)

My phone was ringing.

I'm dead.

I grabbed my phone off my bed to see who would dare interrupt my kung fu. Oh. it's Sour Cream. I answered.

"Hello?" I said.

"Sup Steven."

"Hi Sour Cream! How's it going'?"

"Great. You'll never guess what I just did….." There was a suspensefully long pause there.

"what?" I finally said.

"I just booked a legitimate rave gig!"

"What? No kidding!?"

"HAHA nope."

"So does that mean you'll be DJ-Ing for a huge party, making a lot of money, breaking a lot of rules, and blowing the roof off the place in an epic fiery blaze?"

…"uhh yeah. Something like that. Who's the man?"

"haha. You are. That's great for you. You're such a great DJ. I can only imagine how fun it's gonna be."

"Oh yeah? Well imagining is tough. It'd be a lot easier to just ...experience it in person."

"WOAH! you mean you want ME to come watch your first big Rave?"

"Totally. My connection hooked me up with some free V.I.P passes. Which means entry into the club, AND all the food drinks are on the house. Not that their food is very good, anyway. So how 'bout you and your dad come along to Jersey and see the show? I could use some moral support. And you got that good energy flow, bro."

I paused for a second to process that right. "Did You say 'Jersey'?"

"Yeah. The club I'm playing at is in Jersey."

I was bummed that I heard that right.

The one place in the world I didn't really enjoy looking at, let alone being in. It's not that I hate the town or the people in it, it just always made me and Dad feel uncomfortable. And I've only seen it at a distance. "Oh ok. But what about your friends? They aren't going to support you?" I tried to say it politely.

"Nah. Jenny said she had to cover a shift on the day, and buck...well I got no clue what he's doing, but he's out."

"Well...what about Lars? Or Sadie?"

"we don't hang out that much. Lars is kinda awkward at stuff like this. Besides, by the time they get off work, they'd never make it up there to catch it."

"Oh."

"Look if you don't want to come that's cool, man."

"NO. It... it's my dad. He doesn't really like the town, and I've never even been up there. He says it's dangerous."

"Don't worry, dude. You'll only be in town a day. And with me and Mr Universe looking out for ya, you got nothing to worry about. Come on. You've been my roady for a lot of my local shows, you deserve to be a viewer to my first real one."

He does make a good point. Plus, I can hear a bit of anxiousness in his voice.

"Well, I guess. WAIT! Why wasn't I your roady for this one?" I asked, shrewdly.

"Hehe. This was ...a pretty big thing. I didn't think you could handle it. Plus, they'd give me all the big stuff. I only really needed to take a few things."

"Hmph!"

"look, I promise I'll let you help next time, ok?"

"Well…. Ok, I'll come."

"Sweet!"

(Whispering) "Yaaaay!"

"Alright. Thank you Steven. Now listen; my show starts at six. you're gonna need to meet me in front of the club two hours before so I could give you two the passes. Bouncer won't let you through without it."

"Right."

"The club's name is 'After Taste' ".

I could not hold my laughter at that.

"What's funny?"

"oh my gosh! That can not be the club's real name."

"haha Hey, It could be worse."

"But what would that even mean?"

"beats me. I guess it...like, you would ...leave the place feeling differently than when you went in?"

"Yeah, I guess that makes sense. But is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"Depends on your experience I guess."

"Haha. Ok so I got it; 4 O'clock, front of tasty club, get passes. 6 O' clock, enter tasty club, have a party. Right?"

"That's it. And it's the day after tomorrow."

"Ok. I'll see you then."

"Yup. Peace."

"Oh and Sour Cream?"

"Huh?"

"Don't be nervous, ok? You're gonna do great, and they're gonna love you."

"Heh. Thanks, Steven. I know. I'll see you later."

"Yup."

We hang up.

Before I called Dad to tell him everything, I sat around thinking about all this. What sour cream said. "I didn't think you could handle it." he doesn't believe I'm good enough to handle a big rave. In a big city. Maybe I shouldn't have said I was worried about the city. If he senses my fear, he'll never let me be a roadie again. I'm just glad he needs me to support him, but what if this is a one time thing? Once he blows the roof off that place, he'll feel so cool, the closest he'll do to talking to me again is when he stamps his autograph on my forehead. But not on my watch. I am a crystal gem! And a Roadie! I'll show him. I'll own Jersey City, I'll kill it at that rave, and I'll show Sour Cream how reliable I can be, like a grown man!

and then he'll finally accept me… (Pops shades on) As an honorary cool kid… Man… thingy. A cool kid-man thingy.

~BR~

Hey shtewball, wake up."

I woke up in the shotgun seat of the van. adjusting my eyes to see where I was. it felt like I was out for a couple hours. And the van's seat isn't that comfortable to sleep in. that's why we put sleeping bag in the back. With my eyelids still trying to wake up, I looked to dad.

"We're entering the city, bud."

I looked around to see where we were. I noticed the sky, for some reason, was greyer here than it was earlier. Everything around the van got larger, but tighter at the same time. Huge brick building covered the area from all sides, cars whizzed by in perfect sync, and black smoke rose from the factories in the distance.

We were definitely in Jersey City.

We came up on this huge, racetrack-like highway, and I got a better view of the city. It was mostly the same as what I saw when me and lapis flew over here before. Scattered big buildings, construction sites, a river in the distance, etc. Below most people on the ground were walking rather than driving. So I guess like Beach City, they're close enough to where they need to go to walk it. Better keep that in mind. Suddenly a bad smell started leaking into the van.

"Pee-yoo! What is that smell?"

"Holy cow. Can't tell if it's new fish or old fish." Dad said, covering his nose.

"Or red fish, or blue fish."

We both started laughing.

After a few more minutes of driving, we eventually got to the motel that dad said was close to the club. It wasn't like the hotel in Empire City, but as dad says,

"If every pork chop was perfect, we wouldn't have hotdogs."

We brought in our suitcases, and I started testing the bed by jumping on it.

"Y'know I'm really proud of sour cream. I never would've thought he'd get this far so soon."

"I. knew. it. would happen. sooner. or. later. He. Is. The best. DJ."

"yeah, man. All those local shows must've finally caught someone's attention. That, plus Yellowtail has been way more supportive than ever. He's going places fast. Maybe someday he'll be like me, and get a million dollars by accident. Haha"

"Hey. Dad." I stopped jumping. "Do you ever wonder what you'd be like if you made it big?"

"Uhh no, not really. Probably wouldn't have met mom but, I seriously can't think of my life without meeting her."

"Oh. Ok."

"Why'd ya ask?"

"No reason."

"Come on, man." He came over to sit next to me. "You worried about Sour Cream or something?"

"No. Kinda, I mean… I was just thinking. What if he makes the wrong choice? With DJ-ing I mean."

"That's really up to him to decide, isn't it? There isn't really a wrong choice. Just whatever's best for you."

"I know. It's just that he's been told a lot about responsibility and stuff, what he should or shouldn't do, by grown ups, and-"

"And nobody can tell you that, okay Steven? Sour Cream will figure it out. He's growing into a sharp young man. So just enjoy his party and don't worry about it alright?"

(Inhale) "Yeah, Ok. You're right. This is his big night, and that's what's important. Let's make this great!"

"That's the spirit. Now come on. It's 3:15. Let's get the room ready then head out to see Sour Cream about those passes."

That's when I get an idea. I did a pretty sick flip off the bed. "Actually, dad. Why don't you finish unpacking, and I'll go meet Sour Cream?"

"By yourself?"

"Yeah. Why not? I go out by myself all the time."

"Yeah, Steven, but that's at home. I don't know if I like you being alone out here."

"Aww come on dad. I'm a crystal gem. I can handle myself. And I'll just be there and back. Please?"

"well…..I guess so."

Yes.

"You know where it is, don't you?"

"Yeah. You said it's not far."

"Yes. It's up on eleventh street. And text me on your way back."

"Ok. See ya later."

"Love you Steven."

"Love you too Dad."

And with that, I was off. This is it. My first step to becoming a man. Walking head on into uncharted territory by myself. Sour cream's gonna think I'm so cool for this. And when he sees how well I handle this city, and how supportive I am of his show, he'll know how reliable I am. Then he'll always call me first to be his roady. All I need to do is meet him at this club with the silly name. This will be easy as pie.

~BR~

It feels like I have been walking for over 20 minutes. I guess "not far" doesn't exactly mean "walk a bit then you'll see it". This place is way bigger and more confusing than I thought. Walking straight up the same street didn't really get me anywhere, so I took a left down a different street, but that didn't change much. Then I tried going down that street in the opposite direction, but still couldn't find the club or Sour Cream.

I'm starting to get pretty nervous. The buildings are so big, but walking between them feels so tight. Like a really tall, narrow hallway. It's dizzying to try to look at the tops of the buildings. I keep bumping into people, and every other person gets mad. I keep passing the same things; homeless people in the alleys, mustached guys at hot dog (or some other product) stands, brick buildings or gross dumpsters with unreadable graffiti on it. I can't tell if it's actually the same stuff, or that's just what the whole place looks like. Wow that's horrible to say. I just need to stay calm, and think. What did dad say? The eleventh street? Seems simple. I just need to find that street, and stay on it. First, which street am I on? I go to the sign on the corner up ahead. Hopefully it would give me some idea of where I need to go. Steven the problem solver.

Ok ok. It says... 14th? FOURTEENTH! That's not that many more than eleven! I am on the right track! Alright. So if I'm moving forward, I just need to go a few streets backwards until I find it.

(Few streets backwards later)

What? What street is that? "Mclovin"? What happened to the numbers? Forget it. Ok then I'll go back up from 14th…

(up from there)

You're kidding me, "elwhino"? "Blackenjecker"? "needermyer"?! Who names these streets?!

Ok. It's ok. I'm just gonna have to walk around until I find another number.

(Some more walking around later)

I give up. I finally found another number; 22nd. And there is no other number around it. There's just a bunch of other weird named streets, and on the way up I went through like three different "Martin Luther King jr's". I wish I knew who that was. He's probably good with directions. I have no choice. I have to do the one thing my dad is afraid of in all cities; ask for directions.

First person I ask was this tan man with funny, tall greasy hair.

He tells me,

"aww YEAAAAAAH buddy! I luh' dat club, bro. I be up in there ALL DAY! Me and mi famillia with that F.P.C. Fist-pump, pushup, CHAPSTICK!"

…"i'm sorry, but what are you talking about?"

"You know, that hizz is fly bro. I be mapin that rout, tearing it up with my whip, be there quick as a bird, baby. Then got all night to get grindin, be ballin, knockin em back, then be home lickety split. Bird game. Fly off. Trrrut trrrut. Just need ma designated homie. Knaw I'm sayin?"

I think he's saying he knows the way, but I'm just not sure if we're talking about the same place. "Uhh thank you, sir. You're very helpful. I think I can handle it from here."

"A'ight bro. Stay fresh, lil man."

Ok I can definitely do that.

I figured the next person I ask could speak in words I know, but this elder at a food stand I went to next spoke only Italian. And kept trying to sell me a bagel/calzone thing. Smelt good though. Didn't have enough money.

After that there was just so many people on the street to ask. Most didn't even notice me, or tried not to, others didn't know where it was, and a few asked for money in exchange.

Everyone is moving so fast in the same direction, and I am getting squished trying to get through. It's like I'm not even here.

I got so nervous and sweaty and overwhelmed and I had to get off that street. Finally I noticed this mostly empty convenience store near where I was walking. Perfect. I can do convenience stores. Can probably get some snacks too. I got inside and took some long deep breaths. I have to calm down. Have to stay focused on my task. I calmly browsed the store for some snacks that I can afford with what's in my pocket. Then I figured I could see if the clerk knows where to go.

As I was walking around I caught a glimpse of the only other person in the store. This lanky teenager in a black hoodie with his hood up. As I'm comparing the price tags with my money I can't help but keep looking in that guy's direction. He looked pretty strange. Like he was standing around pretending to do something, but wasn't really doing anything. He just kept turning the glasses rack while occasionally glancing in the direction of the register. He also looked pretty tired. His eyes were shadowy and his skin was pale. I've seen Pearl and Sour Cream tired, so I know the difference between ok pale and tired pale. He must be pretty tired, for having not changed his clothes in a while. His sneakers were worn out, his grey jeans had a hole in one knee, and his sweater was pretty beat up. The least tattered thing he had on were his fingerless biker gloves. Well actually more like "glove". He only wore one glove on his right hand. hehe.

"THE LONELY GLOVE! his legendary one gloved punch could vanquish even the mightiest of enemies!"

I started to worry. Maybe he wants to buy something but doesn't have the money to. Maybe I should help.

Just then I heard the ring of the store's entrance, and I looked to see that a police officer had just walked in... A POLICE OFFICER! What luck. He's gotta know where to go in this city.

I quickly glanced back to where I was looking. Then I realized the hoodie guy that was just standing there was ...gone. I didn't see him anywhere. Oh well.

I finally settled on two bags of off brand candy and a small juice then made my way to the register.

The cop was there. He was having a conversation with the clerk, so I waited for him to finish. Out of the corner of my eye I could swear I saw the hooded guy near the counter. But I looked again and there was nothing. This is so weird. The cop swiped his card and moved away from the counter. I tried to get his attention, but the clerk spoke first. In a funny accent.

"Hello child. Are you having a pleasant evening?"

I moved closer and put my things on the counter.

"Oh. Um actually it could be better."

"Ohh. Such a shame." (Scan, scan) "I myself have had a slow business day. Nobody comes around on Tuesdays."

"Haha. I know what that's like. My friends work at a store like this. Only they have more of a Thursday problem."

"Haha. Might as well have a day off on those days, right?" (Ding, open) "That would be 4.50, buddy."

Perfect. "Thank you. By the way, you don't know where to find a club called 'sour taste', do you?" that was the name right?

"Oh sorry. I have no clue."

Figures. "Well thank you sir."

"Wish I could help. Good luc-did it just get warmer? Eh. Have a good day."

After I got my snacks, I looked around and saw the cop didn't actually leave yet. I hurried to the front door to stop him before he left.

"Wait! Excuse me, sir!"

He stopped and turned around. "Huh? Oh. Hey there son. Is there something ya need?"

"yeah. I need your help real quick. I just need to find a place."

"Ah. I thought you weren't from around here. HAHA. Well I can help with that."

"Great! Well you see, I have this friend named sour cream he's a really talented DJ but his parents don't approve well actually just his stepdad sometimes he has me be his roady to set up his equipment and stuff but two days….."

as I kept going, I noticed he got distracted by the clerk, groaning something about missing bills.

"So I thought it would be really cool if I went to the club by myself but it's like super hard to find anything here I know it's on 11th Street but the streets here are named funny and the order doesn't make much sense I feel like I've been going in circles so-"

"I-I'm sorry kid. Could you hold that thought?"

He walked off and I watch where he was going. I caught a glance of the hooded guy exiting the building before disappearing from sight. The officer got to the door yelling, "hey! Young man, wait!"

Before reopening the door again, leaving, and also disappearing. I started getting frustrated. Even the cop wasn't listening to me. I stood there for exactly 30 seconds before the cop walked back in looking a bit confused.

"Sorry about that kid. There was a chance he was this store robber that's been running around taking from registers, but I was probably wrong. So what were you saying? But this time please cut to the chase."

(Sigh) "do you know where I can find club bitter taste?"

"Huh?"

"Wait. No it's umm…...AFTER! where is club AFTER taste?"

"Oh ...yeah, I know where that is. But, I'm not sure if you wanna-"

"So you know the way! Can you please take me there?"

"Yes. I could, but I don't know if I should. It's not really a place for kids your age."

"What? You're saying I can't HANDLE IT?!" I immediately regretted that.

"Don't get snippy with me, young man. It's my job to make sure you're safe."

"Yeah. I'm so sorry."

"It's alright. Now stay calm. I can drive you down there, but I need to know if you're gonna meet any adult supervision out front of the place. Parent? Legal guardian? Anything. You should probably ca-"

I lost focus as I stared at something on a wall across the street. A paper with the words "AFTER TASTE" in big bold letters. My jaw dropped. That has to be an advertisement for the show tonight. There has got to be an exact address or map on it. This is perfect! I didn't need the cop. He'd probably cost me cool points, anyway. He means well, but I need to do this right."

"Hey. You still there? What's your name?"

I snapped back, and after some hesitation, I dipped for the door. "Uhh thank you. You're very helpful but I got it now BYE!"

"Wait a minute, kid. Didn't you hear what- hey WAIT NO WAI….!"

I couldn't hear him anymore. I darted across the street. My eyes fixed only on that poster. But my gaze was cut off by a car WHIZZING from the left right in front of my face! Quickly I jumped backwards. Several other cars followed suit. Before I could catch my breath, a bright light ate the side of my face. I turned right and my eyes were pierced by two bright lights. A car was coming right at me. And coming fast. Too fast. I don't know what to do. I braced trying to get my bubble out, but it's too late. I'm gonna DIE! I MESSED UP AND I'M ABOUT TO DIE FOR IT!

Suddenly something wraps around me and my feet leave the ground. I open my eyes, and I see cars rush right by the place I think I was just standing. And ...run right over my snacks. My feet find the floor on the sidewalk and I'm let go. My gem stops vibrating and glowing. I'd be confused by all of this, but I am way too relieved that I'm not dead right now.

"HEY GENIUS!"

I was snapped out of my state and I looked to that grating noise. And I'm looking right into the big, shadowy, angry eyes of the pale hooded guy from the store. Except his hood was off.

"Why don't you watch where you're going, you idiot? You almost died!"

No duh. And now I'm scared again.

"Don't you know you're not supposed to run head on into friggin traffic? You're lucky I was there otherwise you'd have been street pizza. I had half a mind to let your stupid self get hit. What are you a tourist? Huh, SANDALS?"

I was not prepared for this anger. Is this how everyone here acts towards someone they've recently pulled away from certain death? "I-I'm sorry. I-"

"And what Mook just lets their kid run around town alone? Where are your parents? Your dad? Mom?"

"Sh-she's here." I don't know why I just said that.

"Well, 'here' in the city is not the same as right HERE. Right with you. WHERE ARE THEY?! what are you lost?"

"Yes. No. I mean...listen-"

"No no. You listen. Here's some advice. Go to your parents, tell them how stupid and sorry you both CLEARLY are, go home, and stay on the sidewalks while you're at it. You see that Blinky thing? That's called a crosswalk! And not everyone in this city is gonna jump-"

"HEY! YOU!"

Thank goodness for that voice that barked from across the street. The cop from earlier was yelling at us from that direction. Also in that direction, there was a bunch of dollar bills separating from a couple of bundles and fluttering in the breeze. Making a trail right to us. Hoodie had a dumbfounded look on his face, checked his sweater pockets, and looked back over there. Suddenly I started to connect the dots. Didn't the cop say something about a… robber?

"Stop right there! HALT!"The cop ran after us. Blowing a whistle and waving for traffic to stop.

"Aww crap!" He said with a groan. He quickly grabbed what was on the floor closest to him, and bolted down the sidewalk.

He was cut off by another cop, and he turned and ran back toward me and continued in that direction. The first cop finally crossed and almost had him. They all Kept running down the sidewalk.

And I was just left to stand there and try to process what had just happened. What was I even doing here?

So…

•I was grabbing food

•I was asking for directions

•someone robbed the same store

•I was trying to...OH RIGHT! I was trying to read a poster! Next thing I know…

•I almost died

•robber saves my life

•robber is mean to me

•cop sees robber

•cops chase robber

So basically while I was scavenger hunting, I got caught in the middle of a game of cops and robbers. This is such a bizarre, exhausting, frustrating day. I still have no clue where I am. I may have avoided this if I had just listened to that cop. Or if he listened to me. I dunno. Figured I may as well just check that poster. For...what could I even find on that poster? It's not like they just put maps on these. I think I might actually be stupid.

What am I saying? That's just that rude hoodie guy talking. On the bright side, at least I accidentally helped in the capture of a known felon.

But, if he was a bad guy, why did he save me? The only ones who have ever saved my life were the crystal gems. Does that mean he ...cared about me? A stranger? He did go out of his way to save me. But he also said he would have just as soon left me alone. If anything I was more of an….. inconvenience to him. And now because of me he's being chased by the cops. But why should I care, right? He brought it on himself. Even though he... probably needs that money. But that doesn't mean he can just steal it. He did a bad thing. Even though he's ...probably a good person. I just don't know. All that matters is he saved my life. And I feel like at least, I owe him for that.

Geeze. Why me? What am I doing?

I took a big step back, looked up, and jumped as high as I possibly can. I had to see over the buildings. I stalled in mid air. Slowly falling as I looked around. Trying to find the people running around. And there they are! They are still running. Just one street over from where I was. quickly I threw myself into a nearby rooftop. I ran along the roofs to try and intercept them. I feel so cool. I've only seen this done in movies.

I caught up and started running alongside them from the roofs. It's hard keeping track of them while I'm jumping over gaps between buildings. I noticed a third cop was about to run into him from ahead. Suddenly hoodie stopped and switched directions. What he does next is almost too amazing to describe. He jumps, runs up, then spins off the wall near him to avoid the first cop, then without losing momentum, he slides along the concrete floor, between the second cop's legs, and takes him off his feet. At the same time, the first cop almost falls trying to turn around fast enough, while the third cop cannot stop himself and finishes the job. Taking them both to the ground. Then the hoodie belines down a nearby alleyway.

My feelings are so conflicted right now. That was so awesome, I'm actually starting to root for the thief. But I also feel bad for the cops. He barely touched them, but that still must've hurt. They got up as fast as they could, then hurried to the alley. I ran back to the edge of my building to see where in the alley hoodie was.

And….I couldn't see him. There wasn't anywhere he could've gone. There was a wall at the end of the alley, nothing there but a few trash cans, a dumpster, doors leading into the building, and a manhole cover.

He may have been in one of those.

The cops entered the alley. With their guns drawn.

They carefully looked around for him. I couldn't see him, but It wouldn't be long before they found him in one of those places.

I have to think fast. Something to get them away from here. Then I looked at the trash cans at the corner of the alley. I have an idea. I just hope it works. And that he isn't in there.

I equipped my shield, and raised it above my head. I lined up the shot. Just as pearl showed me. And all the cops looked away.

NOW!

I threw my shield down to the garbage cans and with a crash they all fell down. The shield immediately bounced away, and I made it disappear before it flew anywhere I didn't want it to. The cops immediately reacted.

"HE'S GETTING AWAY! COME ON!"

And they all ran out of the alley, and back in the direction they just came from. I can't believe that actually worked. I hopped down from the building and watched to make sure they left. When they were out of sight, I started to think about my decision. I just helped a criminal get away. Dad and the Gems would kill me if they ever knew about this.

"(Sigh)" I looked down the alley for the hoodie. "Hey." I whispered. "Hey hoodie guy. Are you here? They're gone. You're safe." I felt a little weird looking in the dumpster.

Without warning I felt a thumping on the back of my head.

I turned, startled. It was him. Seemingly out of nowhere.

"Don't know what you just did, but it sure was handy."

Whew. Glad he didn't see that.

"Maybe it wasn't a mistake saving you from that street."

He walked off. That's not exactly what I was expecting to hear.

"Um, YOU'RE WELCOME."

"goodbye."

That's all I get? Ok. That's it. I have been losing my mind in this stupid city all day, putting up with all these jerks. but I'm done. He needs to show some sort of gratitude for what I just did. "Hey! Stop right there!"

"Oh what do you want from me, Sandals? A cookie?"

"A simple thank you would be nice."

"Oh, a thank you. YOU want a thank you. That's great. Welp, here's a hot tip for ya squirt; not everyone gets what they want! If it wasn't for you, I would have walked away Scott free, and I wouldn't be a couple hundred short."

"Well it's not like you deserved to get saved anyway. You're a criminal. A thief. Those stores need that money just as much as you do."

"Really? I'm getting a lecture from some twerp who doesn't know any better? You don't know anything that I've been through. So just leave me alone."

He started walking away again.

"I've known people that have been hurt before. It's awful. But there's no excuse for taking it out on others."

"Well technically I'm not hurting anyone. I'm just stealing from them. I take what I need, and nothing more."

"You really don't care about the people you take from, do you?"

"Nope. And there's nothing anyone can do about it."

"Well fine then. Don't thank me. Keep stealing and fighting. But just remember; if it 'weren't for me', you would have been caught. And no matter how good you are, you'll get caught eventually."

"Please. I could have gotten away on my own. I know this city like the palm of my hand. And I got a few tricks-"

"BACK of your hand."

"What?"

"I-i think I heard my dad say something like that, but he said 'the back of my hand', not palm."

He looked confused as he took a moment to examine both sides of his hand.

"It doesn't matter. The point is I always get away, and I don't need some bratty kid's help. Now if you excuse me, I've got better things I need to take care of."

"What? More robberies?"

"Watch it Sandals. Go home, and stay out of trouble."

Grrrr. Go home. I can't go home, I need to…

Oh my gosh! I still don't know where that club is! I checked my watch. IT'S 5:10!? the show will start in under an hour. How am I ever going to find it in…

Then it hit me. "Wait! Hoodie!"

"Oh my God. What?"

"You said you know this city very well right?"

"Yeah. Like the… PALM! of my hand. Been here most of my life."

"Well do you know where a place called 'great taste' is?"

"...What?"

"You know. A club? Named ...something about tastes?"

"You mean 'After Taste'?"

"Yes! That's it."

"Of course I know it. Sandra goes there all the time."

"Great! Because my friend Sour Cream wanted me to watch him DJ there tonight, and-"

"Wait wait wait. (Chuckling) Stop right there. What was that friend's name again?"

"Um, Sour Cream?"

"PPPFFFHHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA"

This guy is really irritating. "What's so funny about that name?"

"Hahahahahaha... Ju (breathe) jus (breathe) jus (breathe deeply) just that, you know. What kinda name is that?"

"It's a great name, you jerk. It's my friend's name."

"It's a nacho topping. Jesus. His parents must be as stupid as yours, kid."

I cannot believe how judgemental he is. I wanted to yell. I wanted to punch. But he is my only chance to make it to the show in time, so I needed to put up with him for a bit. "(Sigh) Look. He is DJing a rave at After Taste tonight. My dad and I were supposed to meet him in front of the club at four to get some kind of free pass to get in. But I went alone and got lost, and his show starts at six. So I just need you to show me the fastest way to get there from here."

"Hmmmmmm… no."

"What!? What do you mean no?"

"I mean I won't help you. You got me in enough trouble tonight, and I certainly don't have time to babysit you."

"Well, I don't need anyone to babysit me. I just need some direction. That's not too hard for you is it?"

"I can't just give you directions. It's an adults club. You need to be 18 years old or older to get in there, and to take a minor with you. Why'd you think you needed to see your friend before the show? Probably a mistake for your dad to let you go off alone. He's having a party without you. So if you want in, and since I'm 18 or older, I'd have to take you all the way into the building myself. And probably pay too."

Huh. Why didn't sour cream tell me that? If I had known, I would have definitely brought my dad. I wouldn't have a choice. But I can't let this stop me. I guess I'll need him for a bit longer.

"Well then I'll need you to do that. Come on. It's not like you had anything better to do."

"Um, did you not hear me when I mentioned I did? I have to do grocery shopping. With whatever money I didn't drop."

Oh right. He did say that. But what's the point? He's still a thief. He could have just stolen… the… food?

Hmm. Steven the problem solver has yet another idea.

"Well. There's probably some stores on the way there, right?"

"No. Not in the direction you

want."

"I dunno. There's bound to be something with food in it. It's a big city. So big, you probably don't know EVERYTHING about it."

"I do know everything, kid. I know that on the way to After Taste from here, all the places that sell a lot of food suck. There's some fast food joints, like Pepe's burgers or McCramble's place, and some convenience stores like an AM/FM or a 7 Ain't 9 o'clock. The kinda shopping I need to do needs to be done at a larger variety store with low prices, which leaves my options limited to the Khal-mart 20 blocks from here. You understand?"

I was just mesmerized by all the names this town can come up with.

"So with that said, no. I can't help you and I can't babysit you. So just cut your losses and go home. Catch it on youtube or

something."

He started walking away again, but I doubt he was gonna stop again. Fortunately, I had enough information to put my plan into action. I pulled my phone out and held it behind my back.

"You can always put your shopping on hold. You still owe me."

"No I don't! I saved your life, you saved mine. we're even!" He turned out of the alley.

"I don't mean for saving you, I mean for not telling the cops where you're shopping!"

There was a moment when I thought he didn't hear me. Then, over all the other people walking around, I could hear his feet stomping back in this direction with purpose.

He turned back down the alley, his arms stiff and his fists clenched at his hips, stomped quickly right up to me and stopped in front of me with a screech.

"You. Are going. to have to. Repeat that. Boy."

"Oh I was just thinking. If that's the best store in town, I'm sure a lot of people shop there. Especially police officers. And I think they would feel pretty upset if they knew a well known thief was there, stealing their favorite boxes of breakfast cereal. Don't you think?"

He is starting to breathe really heavy right now. His eye twitch is funny.

"But I bet they'd really appreciate someone giving them a heads up on where the bad man is going. (Holds phone in front, Black Screen facing Steven) or where he might go on other days. Anonymously."

His teeth are gritting so tightly I thought they'd break in his mouth. "You wouldn't."

"Wanna bet? It only takes three(tap) little (tap) numbers…"

"STOP! don't. Don't do that."

"I keep my promises, hoodie. If you help me keep it, then I won't turn you in."

He leaned really close. An intense stare down ensued. I kept my arms folded. Trying my hardest not to shiver.

"(Grunt) FINE! I'll take you!"

"YESSS! I mean (clears throat) that's very kind of you sir. Thank you."

"Don't push it. Let's go. We need to hurry if you wanna make it."

"Right."

I'm trying hard to contain my joy. This started out bad, but I managed to turn this around. I can never tell my dad or the gems, but Sour Cream is going to love this. Although the part about pretending may not sound as cool as--

My thought was interrupted when I saw the thief step out of the alley, yank a biker off of his bicycle and throw him to the floor hard. He laid there in pain while the thief went to pick up the bike.

"Hey! What are you doing?"

"What's it look like? We're gonna need wheels."

"How could you do that? You can't just take whatever you want like that!"

"Look, do you wanna see your stupid rave or not? You're already holding my leash. Don't be picky now."

"Well ...at least tell him you'll give it back."

"C'mon. What's the point in-"

"TELL HIM! now!"

He hesitated. He got that angry look on his face again.

"(Groan) You stubborn little brat."

He walked over to the biker who had just gotten back up.

"Hey what's the big Idea ya jerk? If I had two cents right now, I'd-"

Hoodie then grabbed the man tightly by his shoulders, picked him up off the floor, and planted him on a nearby bench.

"you can pick up your bike at club After Taste in two hours! You know where that is?"

The man nodded.

"Good."

He walked back over, picked up the bike and sat on the seat. "Happy?"

The Lonely Crab Claw. His crabby attitude can vanquish even the mightiest of good moods.

I grabbed onto his sweater and sat on this support thing above the back wheel. It's not the most comfortable thing, but we shouldn't be riding for long.

"I'm sorry." I said, Waving to the biker as we rode off.

~BR~

It's 5:45. We have been riding for a long time. I stopped trying to get comfortable a while ago. I'm beginning to doubt that we'll make it to the show on time, but I don't see a point in putting more pressure on my driver. Still, I need to do something to get my mind off my worries and my butt.

"Hey. By the way, I never got your name."

"I never gave it. There's no point."

"I just think it'd be nice to call each other something besides Hoodie and Sandals."

"You gonna call the cops if I don't?"

That caught me a little off guard, but I wasn't totally surprised.

"(Sigh) I'm sorry ok? I was desperate. We don't like each other, but we don't need to hate each other while we're here, either."

There was a bit of a pause there. He looked like he was thinking.

"It's Nathan."

Oh. Well that's a start. "Nathan what?"

"Just Nathan. Call me Nate." He reached his gloved hand around to me.

"I'm Steven." I said, shaking his hand. "Steven universe."

"Well pleased to make your aq- wait. What was that again? Steven what?"

Oh great. I think I know what's coming. "Universe."

"Oh my God. Are you kidding? That's your government name?"

"It's the name I was born with, yes."

"Wow. You're unreal. I mean, Sour Cream can be blamed on just one, maybe two parents, but what has to happen in your entire family's bloodline for them to land a name like 'Universe'?"

"It's not my whole family. My dad just changed his last name."

"Doesn't anyone in umm where are you from?"

"Beach City."

"Does anyone in Beach City have a normal name?"

"I don't know. Does any place in Jersey have a ...not funny name?"

"No. they're all pretty ridiculous. But that's no excuse for a person to have names like that."

"Well, Nathan, what do you consider to be a 'normal' name?"

"I don't know. Like ...something that… you know sounds like a name. Like, what was your dad's name before he changed it?"

"His cousin's name is Demayo."

"See that sounds right. Still funny though. Sounds like an Italian man asking for mayonnaise. It's like, 'EY! Cup a de mayo ova 'ere! Hehe."

He thinks he's so funny, doesn't he? "So what if my dad chose a name that doesn't sound like a 'real' name, anyway? It means something to him. And it means a lot to me too. That's all that matters."

"Oh yeah. And you've shown what kind of stand up parents you have. He Ditches his family name and takes something completely ludicrous for whatever dumb, conceited reason, then he and your mom ditch YOU in some strange city and let you watch a bunch of grown ups get dizzy and throw up on each other. Wonder what they're up to right now. Losing their minds at the party having a good ol' time, probably cheating on each other with with more attractive individ-"

"SHUT UP!"

"Woah."

"First of all, I left on my own because I thought it would look mature! My father is great! And second, I never even knew my mom, so don't ever talk bad about her! you don't even know what you're talking about!"

He was silent. Surprised by that outburst. And I hope he is. I hope I can get something to sink into him. I hope he thinks about every word he has said or will say.

"Lost your mom, huh? This like the dead lost, or the ran away kinda lost?"

I… I couldn't tell him what actually happened. Not that it was easy to explain anyway.

"She isn't with us anymore."

"Oh. Tough break, kid. But you know what? At least you have one parent."

I did not expect to hear that. Does he mean… "You don't have any do you?"

"Nope. Couldn't even get adopted."

"Oh. So, Is that why you judge people without even knowing them?"

"I do that, because that's how everyone else treated me. All those schools that pushed me around, those so called 'parents' who claimed they would love me, only to just throw me out like a broken toy. All those Empire City snobs who look down on those less fortunate, and have turned this city into their personal dump. I was never given a single thing in this sick sad world, so I take it all for myself. Screw everyone else! I don't need them!"

That's when it changed. The way I see him. Now a lot was beginning to make sense. It just sucks that now I'm the one who feels bad.

(Sigh) "But, hey. Look. You seem like a good kid. I guess your pop couldn't be a total loser if he raised you right. I'd be lucky to have half what you got."

Now we're getting somewhere. I just don't know what to say to him anymore. My dad is much better at giving advice than me.

"Well, thank you for saying that. For what it's worth, I wish I could understand your situation better. But, I Don't think you're as alone as you think you are. Who is that Sandra friend you mentioned?"

"She's more than a friend, Steve. That's all you need to know. We're here."

"Wait what?"

I looked up to my left, and saw a big neon sign that said "After Taste". I didn't even notice we stopped.when did we stop? All I really knew was that I could finally get off this bike. I checked my watch again. 5:50. We made it just in time.

"Well, thanks."

"Don't thank me yet."

"Also, it's Steven. I don't like when people say Steve."

"Whatever floats your boat, sandals."

Great. And here I thought we made some progress.

On our way in, we were stopped by, who can only be the club's bouncer.

"gonna need to see some tickets." The large man said.

"We're buying. How much?"

Nathan replied.

"You eighteen?"

"Yeah."

"Gonna need to see some I.D."

"Ain't got no I.D, but I'm 18. Look at me."

"Could. Be 16."

"Really bro? You 'Guesstimating' me? Look just tell me how much the stupid tickets are."

"Can't do it. Need to see some I.D."

"What Are you talking about? Someone just went in. You didn't need to see HIS I.D."

"Didn't have a kid. Looked old enough."

"How exactly does 'old enough' look to you? What do I need a thick mustache?"

"I.D, or leave."

"Look I don't have time for this, a'ight? I shouldn't have to prove my age to some big moron to get into this stupid club!"

"Don't like your attitude." He stopped leaning against the wall and uncrossed his arms.

"Well I don't like big ol Papa bears acting like airport security when OBVIOUS adults are trying to enter some cruddy club!"

Nate is his chest height but looking directly into his eyes. This is getting bad.

"Saying this once. Get back."

"I'M saying this once. Tell me how much your tickets are, or I'll plant another form of I.D ON--"

"PLEASE!" I interrupted. "We're very late. We're watching or friend Sour Cream perform. This is his first big D.J? I'm Steven Universe. This is ...my older brother. Greg Universe. He's 18. Believe me. Sour cream was supposed to give us passes. I know you're following the rules, but you have to make an exception."

He doesn't take his eyes off Nathan for a second as he reaches his clipboard. He then reads it for a bit before putting it down.

"Names check out. But you still gotta pay. Can at least give reduce price. 75 dollars each."

"WHAT?! Yo-"

I stopped Nathan before he made it worse.

"That's doable, right?"

"(grunt) yeah. That's fine. (muttering) 'ts over half what I got left, but whatever."

He paid, and the big man gave us the tickets.

"Thank you so much, sir."

"Just be careful in there, little man. And tell your bro to cool it."

"Will do."

They Squinted at each other as we walked in.

At long last. I was finally in the club of many curious tastes. This is it. My proving ground. I will conquer this. And show sour cream I can handle big things.

"See that?" I said to Nathan. Shouting over the blaring music. "Not all problems need to be solved with fighting."

"yeah yeah. But, genius? You said you and your dad were supposed to come together. How did you know that guy didn't already meet him?"

Oh… Huh. I didn't think about that. Why didn't he already meet dad? Is he not here?

"I don't really know. Maybe Sour cream brought him in before that guy got here. Lucky us, right?"

"yeah. I guess. You're still a twerp, though."

"You're still a jerk, though."

We squeezed by the many people dancing to find Sour Cream in the back. It was hard to see over people, and the light was flashing dark colors. The only consistent colours were the glow sticks or glowy paint the people had. They kept bumping into me and some paint splattered onto me. I admit, I don't feel much better in here than I did on the streets. We got out of the crowd and hugged a wall to scan the area.

Nate used his sleeve to wipe the paint off my face. "Lookin kinda nervous there, Beach boy. No shame in backing out."

"Uuh I-I'm fine. This isn't my first rave, you know." First one this big, and wild though. "What about you? Do you like this party?"

"Nah, this scene ain't really my thing."

"Oh. What do you do? You know besides stealing."

"None of your business."

"Oh come on. Wouldn't hurt to tell me what you love to do."

"Look i'm not that interesting, kid. I like low key stuff like local concerts, or tagging overpasses. I'm not too big on big groups of people."

"Oh, That's nice. Actually, I can understand that. But to be honest, you could use some improvements with individual people."

"Nobody asked you."

"STEVEN!"

Over all the noise I heard a deep voice call out to me from my left. It's Sour cream. He's calling me over from behind a door near the stage.

I brought Nate over to meet him.

"Hi Sour Cream."

"Hey, dude. Where have you been? I was worried you wouldn't make it. I'm just glad my part got delayed."

"I'm sorry. I got lost. I thought it'd be easier if I came to get the passes myself."

"I know, man. It's cool. If you called me I could have helped."

"yeah, but I wanted to do it on my own. But where is my dad? The man out front didn't meet him. Did you bring him in?"

"No. I called him to see what was up. He said he'd be on his way as soon as you got back to him. I'll let him know you made it if I get a chance."

"Thanks. Now, why'd your part get delayed?"

"Technical issues. Should be up in like, 20/30 minutes."

"Anything I can help with?"

"No, we got it for now. But I'll let you know. Now who's this guy?"

"OH RIGHT! This is Nathan. He helped me find my way here."

"Well hi. Thanks for your help, bro."

Sour cream offered his hand.

"Don't mention it, Cool Whip." Nathan did not shake his hand.

"Uuuhm, It's Sour cream … Ok well, Here's your passes. Food's on the house. How about you take Greg's until he gets here?

I owe you."

"Thanks. Are you sure you don't need any help here? I can totally handle whatever you need."

"Steven, Wouldn't you rather be out there instead of here? If you're back here, you won't enjoy the show."

"If it's delayed I couldn't enjoy it either. if you have trouble, couldn't more help get it done faster?"

He hesitated before glancing at this red haired guy in the room. The guy made a gesture toward me, as if to say "that's a good point".

Sour Cream sort of chuckled. "Alright bro. Tell you what. You just get something to eat and chill while we figure this stuff out. Then we'll bring you back over here to do some heavy lifting. Ok?"

YES! YES! "Sounds Great! Well I'll see you later."

"You bet. And YOU dude," He said to Nathan. "Stay cool. And stay outta trouble."

"Can't promise nothin."

With the passes, me and Nathan left and went back onto the main floor.

"Why'd you want to help him set up so much? I thought you just came to see the show."

"It's a bit more complicated. I helped him set up small shows before. I'm a roadie."

"More like roadKILL, from what I've seen today."

I wonder if there's a button to turn his sarcasm off. He started walking away.

"Wait. where are you going?"

"I'm leaving. I got you here, didn't I?"

"But I have an extra pass. All the food is free."

"Give it to your dad when he gets here. I got things to do."

"Come on. The groceries aren't going anywhere. Why don't you stay and relax for a little bit? Even criminals deserve a rest."

"I told you. This place ain't my thing. And I've already wasted more time with you than I would've liked. So, peace."

I felt bummed as he walked toward the door. But he was right. I wasn't very thrilled hanging out with him either. I probably shouldn't care so much about what strange criminals do. But about halfway to the door, I saw him stop and tense up. I looked a bit ahead of him, and saw a cop right in the doorway talking to the bouncer out front. It wouldn't take a genius to know why he put his hood up and walked back in my direction. I smiled up at him, smugly.

"Although, I could eat." He said, kind of embarrassed.

"Of course. Food is very important."

"Yes indeed. Plus uuh, it would just be rude to turn down free snacks."

"It's the right thing to do."

"Yeah."

I gave him dad's pass and we separated. I wanted to laugh at his situation, but now I couldn't stop thinking about how hungry I was.

The best thing they had at the snack bar were nachos and cold turkey sandwiches. I ate a couple of sandwiches and drank water as I watch all the people dance. The way that they were dancing, however, made me a little uncomfortable. They were very random, uncoordinated, almost violent to me. It's nothing like the way me and the gems dance. The music was reflecting this, too. Maybe Nathan was right. Maybe I wasn't ready for this and i should have just cut my losses. But I've dealt with scary things before, haven't I? This city, this club, it should be nothing to me. What kind of crystal gem would I be if I couldn't even handle something so human?

Besides. Sour Cream needs my support. How could I support him if I'm afraid myself?

No. I just need to perish all bad thoughts. I need to man up, and own this. And that means showing my stuff on the dance floor.

Sour cream called me back over to the tech area. Now's the Time. I can prove my worth to him.

"Ok Steven, here's what we need.

We've fixed the wiring on these lights, and now we need to put them back in place up there. You're the only one strong enough to do it in no time. Can you handle that?"

"Absolutely!"

"Sweet. Just be careful up there."

"Got it."

With that, he gave me a screwdriver and a flashlight, I grabbed the first light, the ropes tied to the others, and jumped. Not as hard as I did earlier. Moving around the scaffolding was easy enough, but I still had to remind myself not to look down. I draped the ropes over the scaffolding so I could get them later. With my flashlight, I found which cords plugged into this light. It's funny. They use colored tape the same way Sour cream does. So I plugged in the light, screwed it into the proper fixture, pointed it in the right direction, then grabbed a rope to pull up the next one. Rinse and repeat. Before I knew it, I was done with the whole set. It only took about 7 minutes.

"Wow. That was awesome, Steven." Sour cream said. "Anyone else, and that would have taken forever."

"that's what you got me for a roadie for, huh?"

"I'll say. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe you could handle this big stuff."

This is so great. It's going better than I thought.

"So does this mean you'll have me at more of your big raves?"

"Time will tell, man. For now, go and hit that dance floor. I'm about the get started."

"Alright! Break a leg, Sour Cream."

"All day, dude."

Now's the Time for him to blow the roof off the place. They are going to hear something they've never heard before. I Only wish Connie was here. I'm good at dancing, but I feel I'm better at it with her.

I found a spot on the dance floor among the crowd. After a few moments of trying to stay out of people's way, I suddenly heard a body-less voice make an announcement.

"A'IGHT Y'all. We gonna slow things down with one of our hot new DJs straight outta Beach City. They call him Sour Cream."

I made sure to cheer as loud as I could for him.

A few of the people acknowledged him and clapped, but I think they were more interested in dancing to the music than the DJ playing it.

Nevertheless, as soon as he started, the mood in the room completely changed.

Sour Cream's sound is something else. I can't describe it that well, but It's more mellow than a lot of other DJs. Usually he starts off making you feel like you're adrift in deep space or ocean waves(unfortunately I've had more than my share of both in reality). But then he switches the pace to the Sprite energy of a video game. He's able to connect his rhythms so fluidly, with so little breaks, you barely notice it's happening. It's the perfect thing to dance to. At least to me anyway.

As I get into the zone everything else just fades away. For a moment I forget where I am.

It honestly feels nice to lose myself in song and dance for a while. Especially Considering what I've been through over the past few months. It seems like I don't get to have this kind of fun as much as I used to. Like I just keep slowly floating away from earth. But, at least for tonight, this is the sort of break I've been looking for.

Tonight I...

I...

Is……

Is that the Bouncer?

All of a sudden, I think I see the bouncer from the club's entrance sorta drift through the air.

Then I'm snapped out of my daydream as he crashes against a pillar on the other side of the room. The man is knocked unconscious.

The music stops, people stop dancing, start panicking, then all I hear is, "HANDS UP!" "Do not move a muscle!" From behind me.

My first instinct is to check on the man and see if he needs healing, but someone has already gotten to him. So I try to squeeze my way through the crowd who has gathered around the source. When I get a good viewpoint, I see what's causing all this commotion.

It's Nathan.

He's standing, on guard, between two police officers, With one of their nightsticks. One of the cops has a nightsticks drawn, also on guard, the other is clutching his bleeding head and standing at a distance from Nate.

Why now? Why is this happening!? It was supposed to be easy from here. How could it get like this?

"Get BACK!" Nate said. "Leave me alone!"

"Young Man, you are only making this harder on yourself." The cop replied with a growl.

Sour cream used the mic to ask what was going on.

This is so bad. I gotta stop this. I Have no idea if I can but I just HAVE to try and stop this.

"Officer wait!" I screamed as I pushed past the crowd and ran up to the cop.

"Sandals!?"

"Stay back kid. It's dangerous." Said the cop with the stick.

"You can't hurt him! I'm sorry if N-- my brother did something wrong, but please let me talk to him. Get him to calm down."

"You're Steven Universe?"

"HA!"

"Grr. Yes. Yes I am."

"Well you lied. This is not your brother."

"W-what?"

"According to the bouncer, over there, he received a call from a man named Greg universe asking if his son showed up. Strange thing to ask because he had recently sold entry tickets to two BROTHERS named 'Universe'. The older being Greg."

"Uhh. I don't..."

"I was here chatting with my friend when he told me this. Then after he described the brothers, I called that one over there so he could confirm if he was the same robber he said he tried to catch a few hours ago."

The wounded cop. I recognize him now. He was one of the three who tried to catch Nathan earlier. Thankfully, not the one from the store who tried to help me.

"The three of us approached him and tried to ask him to get you and to leave calmly, but he lashed out. But you're here now, and young man, you have got a lot to answer for."

"Uhh ...Uhh…"

"KID!" Nate called out to me. "Stay out of this! You had nothing to do with--"

The wounded seized his opportunity. He grabbed Nate around the arm and the neck and tried to take him down. But Nate broke out and shoved the cop into the dance floor crowd where they wrestled on the floor.

"NATHAN!" I tried to get in there and pull them apart.

"STEVEN!" Sour cream called as he tried to come down from the booth.

The other cop grabbed me and shoved me aside. "I said stay out of the way!"

"No!"

He grabbed Nathan off the wounded cop and they tried to pin him.

I tried to push the wounded away. "Stop this please!" Again I was grabbed.

"YOU stop this! Do you want to go to jail too?!"

We were both being grabbed.

I don't wanna go to jail.

I don't want HIM to go to jail.

I don't want any of this to happen.

It wasn't supposed to be this way. I just want it to stop.

I just want it to STOP!

I….

Just……

WANT……

IT…..

TO……

"STOOOOOP!"

And then ...everything went slow motion. In a giant pink field everything and everyone was suspended in the air.

It seemed so unreal.

It took a few moments to realize what was going on.

What ...what I was doing.

My gem. I released my bubble.

I quickly retracted it and we all fell, or were thrown to the floor.

As I got up and centered myself, I noticed the two cops have been knocked unconscious from the retraction.

Also, literally everyone was staring at me.

My gem was still glowing and tingling.

The crowd of ravers were either looking down at me with faces of either shock or fear.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Nate. He was behind a few people, still on the floor, and looking totally starstruck.

I can't believe it. Look at what I've done. All the damage I just caused.

People started muttering to each other.

"Did you see that?"

"Did that boy to that?"

"That was so weird"

"He could have hurt someone"

"What's he doing here anyway?"

"What a freak."

What? N-no. I didn't mean…...did I?

"Never seen anything like that"

"What if he does it again?"

"Get that freak show outta here!"

No.

No.

"N-no. Please. I…"

Everyone is closing in.

I… I have no clue what to do anymore. I don't belong here. I so don't belong here.

I just don't know what to do.

Just as it seemed like I was being boxed in, two black blankets wrap around me and everything goes dark.

I feel a strange warmth against my back.

Then the black fades away, and I can see the room clearly again. The crowd of people were looking around confused. Like they didn't see me anymore.

"Do not make a single noise." Nate's voice whispered above my head.

Then we were moving. Well more like him moving and me being carried. Weaving between people's legs, and running straight out the front entrance. We move across the street, he turns left down the sidewalk, right down an alley, somehow up the side of a building, then we land on a high fire escape.

Everything goes dark again, then the blackness, or maybe just his jacket, open up and I'm let go.

I look up at Nate.

He looks both worried and exhausted.

We just stare at each other as his jacket hangs open. Revealing a not surprising skull t-shirt.I have no idea how he got us out of there, or up here for that matter, but I was sure glad he did.

"Thank you."

I got up. He sort of nodded, zipped his sweater and sat against the wall.

I leaned around the corner of the building to survey the scene. People were walking out of club After Taste in large groups. And ...Sour cream walked out. He looked around. Sort of like he was looking for me.

I can't believe I allowed this to happen. Just one stupid mistake cost me everything. If sour cream had gotten the chance to call my dad this may have been avoided.

Or if I called him I could have told him everything.

If I ...called him… CALLED HIM!

I can't believe I forgot. I left my phone on silent before I left.

I quickly get it out to check it. Oh my gosh. 5 missed calls and 17 unread messages!? Dad has been worried sick about me. I never checked in with him for a moment. How could I have been so stupid? If I had just ridden with him in the first place none of this would have happened. I wouldn't have fought cops twice. I wouldn't have helped a criminal twice. I wouldn't have ruined an entire party by myself. Even when I thought I had everything under control, my decisions just made things worse.

Sour cream was right. Nathan was right. EVERYONE was right. I couldn't handle this.

And if I can't handle something so small, So human, then how can I possibly han-- My thought was interrupted when Nate suddenly turned me and yanked my shirt up.

"Hey! What are you… stop!" I yanked myself away from him. "What's your problem you weirdo? I like making friends, but we're not even close to that stage in our relationship."

"You have a stone in your belly button."

"No Duh."

"You ...you're a--"

"If you wanna call me an idiot again, don't bother. I think it's starting to sink in."

"How long have you had that?"

"What?"

"The stone. How long have you had it?"

"I… I was born with it."

"You were just 'born' With a rock in your gut? And you have no idea how or why?"

"That's not true, I do know. I… It's no big deal."

"That's how you caused that pink stasis field back there, wasn't it?"

"Yes. No. I mean ...look shut up! It's none of your business, ok? You wouldn't understand."

"Actually, I think I understand you better than anyone."

"No you don't. Since I met you you've been nothing but an enormous jerk. You mocked me, my friends, my family, you've stolen from people, fought them, and would have abandoned me when you got the chance."

"Yes. I've been a jerk. And I'm sorry."

I had to silence myself to make sure I heard that correctly. "I'm sorry, what did you just say?"

"...(sigh) yeah, you heard what I said. Don't expect me to repeat it."

"oh ...well, it's accepted. And, I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have dragged you into this. I thought I had this under control, but I just screwed everything up. You didn't deserve to be involved in this."

"Aaagh. Been through worse screw ups. Silver lining though? No one can blame me this time."

We both couldn't help but chuckle at that.

"HaHaha ...oh well. You better just take me back to my motel. I think we still got a bit of time before that dude comes for his bike."

"Yeah… (cringe) I can't take you home."

"What? What do you mean you can't? My dad is worried sick about me."

"Yeah. You should call and let him know you're alright, but you'll be stuck with me for a while longer."

As he said this he slowly took off his only glove and clenched his fist.

"Wait a minute. Oh no! You're a kidnapper aren't you? Stay back! Don't think I won't fight you! I know my rights! My friend's dad is a cop! Sort of."

"Steven..." He said, kneeling down in front of me. I think that might be the first time he's said my name. He raised his clenched fist up near his head. "We have a LOT to talk about."

He opens his fist slowly. And… I almost couldn't believe what I saw. But it was really there.

A black, smooth, stripy gem, embedded in the palm of his hand.

End of episode 1