The Rainbow King

Chapter 4 Gem's choice

Carmen got a good look at Gems helmet taking note it resembled a dogs head with the ears up.

Gem made her decision, she runs, Sonics following behind.

Caught her! A soldier said.

Wait, let us do it, this is why were here, Carmen said, and off her and Pedro were in pursuit.

Gem and Sonics down the sidewalk.

Wait! Pedro said.

We only want to talk! Carmen said.

Gem looked back and saw them chasing her. She thought back to the last robbery when she unleashed that sonic attack. She stopped running, shut her eyes tight, squeezed her fist trying to do it again.

Carmen and Pedro were still running, confused by Gem when a piercing shriek started. They both fell to their knees covering their ears.

Gem took this as her chance to escape.

Come on, we have to get to her, Carmen said.

Carmen and Pedro got up, ears still ringing and ran off her, but she was nowhere to be found.

A little later Gem ran into her gangs hideout and slammed the door, her back against it, breathing heavily.

Harlee approached. Gem, we hit the jackpot. He took in her appearance. Whats wrong.

Guys in armor, She said between breaths.

What?

Me and Sonics were in the park, and soldiers showed up and there were people in armor like mine.

What happened? He asked.

I ran.

Did they follow you? X asked.

Harlee, X, I messed up. Tears started to form in Gems eyes.

So she got away? Commander Quint asked at Quartz University.

Yes sir, A soldier with a shaved head said.

Any photos of her?

No sir, An analyst with locs said.

Everyone who saw her work with a sketch artist have a picture drawn, I wanted it on everything tv station.

Yes, sir! The soldiers said and walked away.

That left Carmen and Pedro in front of the commander. And they were fully prepared to be chewed out.

Go home rest, and be here for training tomorrow, dismissed.

Carmen and Pedro shared a look of shock.

Um, yes sir, Carmen mimicked the soldiers.

Yes, sir, Pedro said, and they both walked away.

Im surprised you didnt bit their heads off, Jiro said.

Theyre kids doing a mission I couldnt even send my men into, they good considering, The commander said as he picked up a piece of ice started chewing it. He was starting to wonder if these kids were cut out for this.

Gems head was in her hands, crying.

Itll be okay, Harlee said.

I messed everything up.

Yeah you did, X said.

Xander, not now.

Were gonna be arrested, She said.

Listen, everything gonna be okay, I figure something out. He saw Gem still had her head down. Hey, we didnt get a chance to show you.

Show me what?

He whistled, and two crystal aliens came running. A blue one and an indigo one, the former has fins while the latter had a big beak with bubble for a mane and four legs like logs.

You found more? Gem said.

Yeah, our search was a success, said with a proud smile.

While Harlee gleamed, Pedro was in his bedroom fixing his clock when his phone rang. He picked it up and saw it was Carmen, he forgot he even came her his album. Hello.

Hey, you busy?

No. He put his tools down.

I called to see how youre doing.

Im fine, how about you?

Im good, I just wishing I did better today.

I didnt do any better.

Yeah, She said snuggled in her blanket.

Look, we didnt know aliens existed yesterday morning, now were superheroes, we should cut ourselves some slack.

She smiled. Yeah, well see you tomorrow.

See ya.

At the bank robbers hideout, X was trying to get his alien to obey him and bond.

The alien responded by sipping some of the water in its bowl and blowing in Xs face.

You should be nice if you want a genuine connection, you have to build it with kindness.

X put some water in a bowl and the alien drunk.

See, Gem said with a smile on her face.

X could see her eyes were still red and puffy, he turned away. You know they wouldve found one of us eventually, and now we know they have two armored people, which is information I would rather have now than later, and from what you tell me theyre green, meaning we have an advantage with someone like you.

Gem couldnt believe what she was hearing. Thanks.

No thanks required, just telling the truth, He said with a distant look on his face.

Gem smiled.

Harlee walked in. I have a plan.

Gem lit up. Really, what?

Were going to run.

Her face fell. Run, where?

Not sure yet.

Thats not a plan, its barely even a thought, X said.

Listen, we can figure out after we do the biggest heist of our careers.

Are you crazy, Gems face is plastered everywhere, X asked.

Which is why we need to do it now before we get caught, after this one well be set for life. Harlee turned to Gem. No more thieving, youd love that, right Gem?.

Gem looked and felt sick.

And what about when we get caught? X said.

We wont, Gem hasnt gotten caught and now shell have us not to mention the element of surprise since they dont know us.

You really willing to gamble with our freedom?

Yes, no risk, no reward.

With the look X was giving him, he should be eighteen feet under.

Well take a vote, I say yes, you say no, so Gem what will it be?