"Long time no see," Y/n commented as they approached Rose Quartz
"You haven't needed my guidance in a long time," Rose Quartz told, "But now comes a major milestone in your journey... Are you prepared to face to biggest hurdle a human can make for you?"
"Hell yeah, I am," Y/n said
"I must warn you it may be dangerous, these humans are extremely unpredictable," Rose Quartz told
"I'm ready for whatever they throw at me," Y/n said, "He's hurt more than just me and I'll be damned if I'll just sit here and let him hurt even more,"
"Your resolve is strong. It is what will help you win in the end," Rose Quartz told, "Remember the bonds you've made thus far, use them. They surely will help you when the moment comes,"
"I will, Rose. Just watch me," Y/n smirked
-----------
"This seems like a bad idea," Pearl worried
"Have any better ideas?" Y/n asked
"Do I... Not at the moment," Pearl stammered
"A bad idea is better than no idea," Y/n commented
"I have to agree with Y/n, here," Captain Turner told, "If we can get cameras and microphones set up all around Beach City, no matter where they go, they'll get the recording,"
"Is that legal?" Pearl asked
"Not necessarily... If the owners of the property agree to it, then it's perfectly legal," Captain Turner said
"I'll call up Mr. Fryman and Mr. Smiley, I'm sure they'll go along with it," Y/n said, "There's already cameras set up at Funland,"
"There was reports they didn't work," Captain Turner said
"I fixed them," Y/n said, "We just need microphones there,"
"I'll work on that," Captain Turner said
"I can set up cameras and stuff at the car wash if I get a little help," Greg told
"How long do we have till your meeting?" Captain Turner saked
"It's ten right now," Y/n checked their phone, "We've got twelve hours. They said I'd get a meet up location twenty minutes before hand,"
"He's really meeting you at ten at night?" Steven frowned, "That's late,"
"He doesn't want to be seen, I guess," Y/n said
"Try to stay in lit areas," Captain Turner told
"I'll try," Y/n nodded, "Want me to start making calls now?"
"In a moment," Captain Turner said, "Have you ever fired a gun before?"
"...Kind of," Y/n said, recalling their past dream
"And how's your aim?" Captain Turner asked
"Perfect," Y/n told, remembering the power Rose Quartz gave them
"Really? I've actually never practiced aim with you, have I?" Pearl frowned
"Let's give your perfect aim a test shot," Captain Turner said
"Are they gonna need a gun or something?" Greg frowned
"Just for protection," Captain Turner said, "I hope to God they won't have to use it, but if it comes between a decision between their own life of PD's... I'd rather Y/n return home safe,"
"It won't come to that," Y/n said, "Let's go around the corner, we can use the cliff side,"
"Alright," Captain Turner said as he and Y/n walked to the door, Pearl, Amethyst, Steven, Greg, and Garnet followed behind as they went to the cliff side. Captain Turner hung up a paper target and stepped back, "Here," Captain Turner unholstered a compact pistol from his leg and handed it to Y/n, "You've got sixteen shots before the clip runs out,"
"Got it," Y/n said as they pulled back the hammer and fired one handed at the target, getting a bull's-eye
"Whoa, you've got a dead eye," Captain Turner said, "Do that again,"
Y/n nodded and fired two more rounds, landing in the same place as the last bullet, not even making a new entrance hole, "See?"
"I see," Captain Turner said, "Turn on the safety," Y/n flipped the small switch on the side and dropped the gun to their side, "Eject the magazine," Y/n did as he said and dropped the magazine, but caught it before it hit the ground, "You're definitely not gonna need all sixteen shots, but just in case," Captain Turner took the magazine from Y/n and handed them a new one, "I'll give you a holster for your leg, make sure to wear long pants,"
"Got it," Y/n nodded
"That's pretty cool, man! Who taught you how to aim like that?" Amethyst laughed as she put her arm around Y/n.
"Rose," Y/n told simply, "God, I can't wait for this all to be over so I can stop being so serious,"
"Well, it all ends tonight," Pearl said firmly
"So, why am I here?" Greg asked
"We need your van," Garnet told
"We need a tail driver in case PD wants to take a drive with Y/n" Captain Turner said, "Or an escape driver if things go south,"
"Jeez, I don't know if I can handle that kind of pressure," Greg scratched his head
"I'll drive, we just need your van," Pearl said
"I guess... Try not to break it, I just got it repaired!" Greg warned
"Doesn't this violate my probation or something?" Y/n frowned as they weighed the gun in their hand
"That's why I'd prefer if you didn't use it," Captain Turner told, "Unfortunately, the law failed you and unless we go above the law, it will keep failing others,"
"Odd to hear from a police chief," Y/n commented
"We live in troubled times..." Captain Turner mumbled, "Ready to make those calls?"
"Yeah, I've got it," Y/n nodded as they pulled out their phones
"I'll call the Mayor and see what he can do for us on the public areas," Captain Turner told
"Alright... Let's start with Mr. Fryman," Y/n said as they dialed the phone and called him
"Hello?" Mr. Fryman answered
"Hey, Mr. Fryman... I need to cash in that favor," Y/n told
"What is it?" Mr. Fryman asked
"The Chief of Police is gonna come into the fry shop and set up some cameras and microphones, but he needs your permission, would you mind letting him do his thing?" Y/n asked
"Why? What's going on?" Mr. Fryman frowned
"I'm meeting with someone... setting up a sting, if you will," Y/n said
"I guess that's fine... Are my children or I gonna be in any danger?" Mr. Fryman asked
"No, of course not," Y/n shook their head
"Alright, I guess it's fine then," Mr. Fryman sighed, "Stay safe, alright? You're parents will kill me if anything happens to you,"
"I'll try my hardest. Thank you," Y/n said as they hung up, "Alright, Mr. Fryman is a go,"
"Good," Captain Turner nodded, "Let's get the amusement park guy on board now,"
"Got it," Y/n said as they dialed Mr. Smiley, "Hey, Mr. Smiley. Can you help me out with something?"
"Sure! What is it?" Mr. Smiley asked
"I've got a guy who's gonna come and install more security cameras and microphones. Free of charge, you mind letting him do his thing?" Y/n asked
"Sounds like you're doing me a favor!" Mr. Smiley laughed, "Sure thing, what's his name?"
"Captain Turner," Y/n said, "He'll introduce himself,"
"Alright, sounds good, Y/n. Have a good day," Mr. Smiley said as he hung up
"And Mr. Smiley is a go," Y/n said as they tucked away their phone
"Good," Captain Turner nodded, "I'll head out and set things up. You all stay here and make sure there's no funny business,"
"Nothing will happen on our watch," Garnet told
"Let's hope you're right," Captain Turner said as he left the temple
"Well... He seems like he knows what he's doing," Steven said referring to Captain Turner, "That's good, right?"
"I'd say so," Greg agreed
"I dunno man, wish we could just do things our own way," Amethyst said
"Unfortunately your way doesn't turn out well in the human legal system," Y/n told, "Don't get me wrong, I'd love to do it your way. It just wouldn't.... give the best results,"
"Yes, it may be dangerous, but this seems like the best way," Pearl nodded, "I just can't believe he leisurely handed you that weapon,"
"I ain't putting it to my head this time," Y/n chuckled
"Wait, what do you mean 'this time'?" Greg frowned
"Don't worry about it," Garnet answered, "Y/n, I would like to work on something with you before your meeting,"
"Sure, what is it?" Y/n asked
"Your composure," Garnet said, "I know you handle yourself well, but this is an extremely stressful situation, you're confronting a dangerous man who hurt you. We don't want you making rash decisions out of fear,"
"I understand," Y/n said
"I'd like to begin now," Garnet said, "I will run you through scenarios and Pearl will keep check of your heart rate. As you know, when humans become increasingly uncomfortable, the heart rate increases. We want you to maintain a nice resting heart rate to remain calm,"
"Can do," Y/n said as they sat down and stuck out their wrist for Pearl
Pearl took Y/n wrist and placed two fingers on a slightly visible vein, counting in her head for thirty seconds, "Base rate is 72 beats per minute,"
"Let's begin," Garnet said
---------
"Hello?" Y/n answered their phone as it rang, it was late at night, most likely around 9:45
"Meet in front of your dwelling at the previously allotted time," A deep voice spoke before hanging up
"Was that him?" Captain Turner asked
"Or someone working for him, we're meeting in front of the fry shop," Y/n told
"We'll start the van and wait far behind," Pearl said, "Let's head out,"
"Ooh! Can I come? I wanna see!" Steven pleaded
"Yes, you can come," Garnet said, "But you must remain quiet,"
"Yeah! Serious Steven activate!" Steven said as he wiped the smile from his face and put it into a normal straight face
"Do you have your weapon?" Captain Turner asked
"Yes, sir," Y/n lifted their pant-leg to show the small gun strapped close to their side
"Good," Captain Turner nodded, "Good luck out there, kid,"
"Thank you sir," Y/n nodded as they went for the door, "See you guys soon,"
"We can go get pancake and crepes when you're done!" Amethyst cheered
"Sounds good," Y/n smiled as they opened the door, "Adios,"
"Adios, mi amigo," Steven waved
"Pardon?" Pearl frowned
"It's Spanish," Greg told, "I thought maybe I'd teach him a little,"
"Keep calm," Y/n sighed as they remembered the training earlier in the day from Garnet. They took a deep breath in, then another out to control their heart rate as they walked across the beach. Y/n went to the fry shop and entered, "Hey,"
"Y/n... The guy came over and installed the cameras and stuff," Mr. Fryman told, "What's going on? Who are you meeting?"
"Paul Dean," Y/n said
"Paul Dean?! Isn't he the guy running for President?" Mr. Fryman was taken aback
"The very same," Y/n said, "He's the guy,"
"Be careful.... Who knows what shady things he can do," Mr. Fryman warned
"Can do," Y/n said, "He should be here soon,"
"Alright... Do your best, alright?" Mr. Fryman said
"Alright," Y/n said as they went upstairs and tossed their phone on the bed. Y/n sat down and looked out their window, looking at the moon illuminate the boardwalk ever slightly. The street lights shined brightly with cone shaped white beams, allowing for certain spots to be walk able, while the space in between to be dark. Y/n looked to Funland and saw it was dark, with only one bright light standing out. It seemed like Y/n sat up there for hours before three men began to approach the fry shop. Y/n walked down the stairs and met with them.
"You've got some nerve, kid," The bald man said as Y/n approached, "You know how much of a pain in the ass you've been?"
"Nice to see you again, Senator Dean," Y/n greeted smugly
"Heh, how's your life been since that night, huh?" Paul Dean smirked
"Great actually," Y/n said, "I really should thank you for that,"
"Huh?" Paul Dean frowned
"That's not what we're here about though," Y/n said as they looked at the two tall men behind Paul Dean, "Those your body guards?"
"I don't go anywhere without them," Paul Dean told, "And before we do any talking, they gotta search you,"
"Search away," Y/n stuck their hands out as the two men approached and patted Y/n's upper body. They went through Y/n's pockets as well, but found nothing.
"Not even your phone, huh?" Paul Dean said
"I knew you'd be smarter than Principal Finch," Y/n told, "Speaking of which, did you hear what happened to him?"
"A tragedy isn't it?" Paul Dean laughed a bit, "Guess the old man couldn't take the heat,"
"I don't know, seems a little fishy," Y/n said, "I don't think he actually killed himself,"
"Huh... You're a smart kid, you know that?" Paul Dean said, "Walk with me, let's go to the pier,"
"You mean Funland? Sure," Y/n said as they began the walk towards Funland
"So, what makes you think he didn't kill himself," Paul Dean asked
"Well, I know he had contact with you," Y/n said, "I've got records and recordings. And that man wouldn't suddenly kill himself over five years in prison... I also noticed the security cam footage, his time of death aligns with when a certain janitor made an... of schedule clean,"
"So, you think the janitor did it?" Paul Dean asked, "What's that gotta do with me?"
"I know you hired the janitor, we've got financial records showing you wiring him thirty thousand dollars," Y/n said
"How did you get this information?!" Paul Dean jumped
"I've got eyes everywhere, Senator Dean," Y/n bluffed, "Nothing slips by me,"
"Seems so," Paul Dean said as he regained his composure, "What do you want from me, huh? An apology for what happened to Finch?"
"You don't have to apologize," Y/n said, "Just confirm that I'm right. You paid someone to kill Finch,"
"Fine, I did it. Not like you can prove it in court," Paul Dean smirked
"You're right, I can't," Y/n shrugged, "Just wanted to ease my curiosity,"
"Heh, is that all this meeting was for?" Paul Dean asked
"No, there's a bit more," Y/n said, "I'm guessing you were the one who got the police to accept those forged documents against me too, huh?"
"Like I said on that day," Paul Dean adjusted his glasses, "The police are my bitches,"
"Mhm, seems so," Y/n said, "Just not the judges,"
"The judges too!" Paul Dean snapped, "Just not in the district you were tried in earlier!"
"You've got a lot of money to be bribing people with," Y/n commented
"Hey, oil companies and big banks pay big money to get bills passed in their favor," Paul Dean said
"Ah, you get bribed too," Y/n said
"Money makes the world go round, Y/n," Paul Dean said as the two approached Funland, the gates were still open, "Shall we?"
"Of course," Y/n said as they looked behind them and saw Greg's van in the distance.
"So, how's probation been treating you? Tired of this waste of space town, yet?" Paul Dean asked
"Nope, I love this place," Y/n said, "I hope I get to stay here when my probation is over,"
"I did you a favor then," Paul Dean nodded
"Mhm, faking an assault charge against me was the best thing you've ever done in your career," Y/n sassed
"Getting that charge to stick was easy," Paul Dean told, "It doesn't take much to pin an assault charge on some kid. Other charges like trafficking or murder take way more time and effort,"
"And you're admitting all this to me?" Y/n frowned
"It's not like you'll be able to tell anyone... or that anyone will believe you," Paul Dean said, "Y/n, you've have been an annoying thorn in my side for too long,"
"Tell me how you really feel," Y/n chuckled
"I'd rather show you," Paul Dean said as Y/n, he and his two guards stopped under the only working light in Funland, overlooking the ocean, "Take care of Y/n, will you?"
"Sure thing, boss," The man in the trench coat from yesterday responded as he pulled out a gun and pressed it to Y/n's temple
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Y/n," Paul Dean said as he swatted a mosquito attacking his neck, "You'll be just like that bug, crushed on my hand,"
"I got a bite too," Y/n said as they scratched their leg, "It's been bugging me this whole time,"
"Shut up, already," The man in the trench coat pushed the gun hard into Y/n's hrad
"Just let me scratch it one last time before you kill me," Y/n said as they brought up their leg and scratched it gently. Before the man could comprehend what was transpiring, Y/n grabbed their gun from their holster and fired up at the light shining down on them, causing glass and sparks to rain down on Y/n and the trench coat man. In the confusion, Y/n grabbed the gun from the man's hand and ran towards the exit of Funland
"You idiots, go get them!" Paul Dean yelled as the two guards watched in awe as Y/n ran away
"Right," The second guard nodded as he pulled out his gun and ran towards Y/n, his partner following suit.
Y/n ran as fast as they could towards the gates, bullets flying near them and striking the fence. Y/n quickly turned around and fired shots at the ground to scare the guards, before turning back around and running. Y/n finally made it out of Funland with the two guards not far behind. Y/n ran towards the fan waving their arms, "Open up!"
"Get in!" Garnet threw open the doors and grabbed Y/n's arm, hoisting them in, "Pearl! Drive!"
"Hold on!" Pearl said as she pressed the peddle down and sped of.
"Thanks, guys," Y/n said as they fired a shot out of the van, hitting the gun right out of the guard's hand.
"Whoa, nice shot," Amethyst chuckled
"Thanks," Y/n sighed, "So... Did we get him?" Y/n turned to Captain Turner
"Every last word," Captain Turner gave a thumbs up, "It's being streamed directly to the National Guard, they should be storming this place any moment and getting PD in cuffs,"
"Oh, thank god," Y/n sighed in relief
"And once we get him prosecuted, that nasty assault charge is gonna go right off your record," Captain Turner said
"Wait... Does that mean Y/n will have to leave earlier?" Steven frowned
"You mean their probation?" Captain Turner clarified, "Maybe, depends on how fast his trial goes,"
"...Is it selfish I hope the trial doesn't go fast?" Steven asked
"Not at all," Y/n said as they hugged Steven, "I hope it doesn't either,"
"Me either," Amethyst added
"I don't want you to leave in general..." Pearl commented from the front seat
"No one in Beach City does," Greg said, "Mr. Fryman, Mr. Smiley, all the kids, Mayor Dewey..."
"I've still got till April, November just started, we can worry about that later," Y/n waved off, "So... Amethyst, you said something about pancakes and crepes, right?"
"I can't believe you can eat after this," Greg said, "I'm stressed out just watching the whole thing!"
"And I've got to get back home, my son is probably worried," Captain Turner said
"How old is he?" Y/n asked
"Seventeen," Captain Turner said, "His name's Light,"
"That's a great name," Y/n smiled, "Well, want us to drop you off at the station?"
"That'd be great," Captain Turner nodded
"Oh, and here's your gun back," Y/n said as they handed over the small pistol
"Keep it," Captain Turner said, "I'll take the gun you took from PD's goons though,"
"Oh, here," Y/n handed over the other gun, "You sure I can keep this?"
"Just keep it out of sight," Captain Turner told
"Alright... Thanks," Y/n said as they put the gun in their leg holster
"It was a pleasure working with you, Y/n," Captain Turner put out his hand
"As with you," Y/n said as they shook Captain Turner's hand
"You're a smart kid, don't let it go to waste," Captain Turner told, "Make this world a better place,"
"I will," Y/n promised, "Trust me on that,"
-------------------