A few hours later, on the edge of the beach outside the crystal temple, Zero, Axl, and Iris stood close to the ocean, awaiting the return of their dear friend X. The crystal gems beside them were Bismuth and Spinel, who looked anxious as they watched the waves wash over the sandy shores in the sky. The sun was almost setting, the skies darkened, and the sun's light grew brighter and shone across the waves.

After receiving a call from X, Zero gathered the other maverick hunters and informed Bismuth and Spinel that Steven and the others wouldn't be warping back to the sea spire's collapse not too long ago. Thankfully, Steven loaded a raft into his new cheeseburger backpack and was now using the raft to swim their way back.

Zero stood with his arms crossed, his long blonde Ponytail dangling in the wind on the right, and he waited alongside the others. He knew it would be a while before X and the others returned, but Zero had faith in X. They were like brothers to each other and always had each other's backs during the wars they fought long before Iris and Axl came along.

Zero still had suspicions about the crystal gems and their origins, particularly their leader, the mysterious rose quartz, and whether or not they could be trusted. So far, they didn't seem to trust Greg in the slightest, and it appeared that Rose didn't tell them about the light cannon, which was left with Greg all along, brushing these toughs aside. However, Zero knew this was not the time for that as he stood watch in front of the ocean.

"Two and a half hours had passed," said Zero, looking at the ocean before them. "they should be back any minute now."

"I sure hope so," said Spinel with a worried tone, "they've been gone an awful long time."

"Hey, don't worry, Spinel," Bismuth reassured, placing a hand on Spinel's squeaky shoulder. You heard what Zero said. They had a mishap along the way...but they'll be back soon and back to Bismuth!"

"Back to bismuth?" Chuckled Axl with an amused grin

"It's a figure of speech," said Bismuth jokingly. "You'll get used to it!"

"You know... I'd actually like that," nodded Axl with a thumbs-up

"Heheheheheh! I like you already!" Spinel giggled with a toothy grin before looking at the ocean again. "Though...I suppose you guys are right! They'll be back...right?"

"They will be back, Spinel, don't worry," said Iris softly, walking up to Spinel; the wind was making her long maple brown hair flow to the left. "X told us they're coming...so please be patient."

"But... what if..." Spinel said uncertainly, but Iris surprised her with a warm hug, making her body squeak like a toy.

"Spinel, let's not worry about that," reassured Zero, turning to face the pink jester with a smile at Iris hugging her. "focus on the here and now, and if it makes you feel better, I'll give X another Call."

"Thank you, Zero, Iris." Spinel nodded, returning Iris's hug. Right, I'll keep waiting!"

"That's the spirit!" Nodded Bismuth

"Yeah! But know you...I wish I had gone with them," said Axl as he twirled one of his Axl bullet guns on his right arm. "I'd be glad to blast some bad guys."

"X and the others had it covered, Axl," said Zero. "Don't get careless."

"I know, but still..." sighed Axl, putting down his handgun before something caught his eye at the ocean. "Wait! Could that be them?"

Axl pointed a finger at the ocean, and everyone followed his finger to see the raft X and the crystal gems were on; lapis continued to use her powers to boost the raft's speed and direction to the crystal temple; the others watched with relief as the raft was closing in on the temple.

Onboard the raft, Steven had fallen asleep during the long journey back to the temple; garnet watched over him, and Amethyst looked out along the front of the yellow raft, her lengthy hair flowing along the wind. X and Pearl awaited the sight of the crystal temple. When X saw Zero and his friends at the beach waiting to form them, he raised his head and smiled at them.

"Zero! Axl!" Cried X, waving a hand. "We're back!"

"Wha?" Stirred Steven, waking up from slumber. "What's going on?"

"We're home free, dude!" Cried Amethyst. "Hey, guys!! We're back!"

"We are?" Steven said before looking out to see the crystal temple dead ahead. Steven smiled when he saw it. "We are!"

"Yep! Welcome home, everybody!" Said Lapis, who released her hold on the sea and let the raft swim on its own

"Hey, guys!! "Steven waved a hand, and X also waved a hand. "We're back!"

"X! Steven! Everyone!" Called Zero, waving a hand at them. "You made it back!"

"Oh, Steven!! "Spinel called, with hearts in her eyes for the young boy. "Welcome home!"

Spinel ran her legs so fast they turned into wheels; she ran up to the raft just as it was embarking on the shore and tackled Steven, wrapping her elastic arms around him in a bear hug. Steven giggled at this as Spinel nuzzled her checks on him. Bismuth chuckled at the sight of this, and she and the others approached the raft to welcome their friends home at the crystal temple.

"Hiya Spinel!" Chuckled Steven as the stretchy gem released her hold on him

"Oh, Steven..." said Spinel with a relieved smile. I'm so glad you're home!"

"Me too, Spinel!" Smiled Steven "I'm sorry for making you worry about me..."

"Awww, don't worry about it, Steven!" Giggled Spinel, placing a gloved hand on Steven's hair. "I'm just glad you're back safe and sound!"

One by one, the crystal gems and X got off the raft. They walked up to the shore, and then Steven pulled the raft off the coast a few inches before opening the air valve and deflating the raft; there was no need for it at this point, anyway. The crystal gems greeted each other while X walked up to Zero, and the duo shared a handshake.

"So glad to have you back, Steven!" Smiled Axl, who walked up to the young gem hybrid

"Aw, thanks, Axl!" Said Steven, looking up at the young reploid prototype

"Steven!" Called a voice in the distance. Steven turned his head to see his father running up to him from the right of the temple.

"Dad!" Cried Steven, who rushed up to his father, Greg, with a smile

"Welcome home, Schtu-ball!" Cried Greg, rushing up to Steven and wrapping his son in a father-and-son hug

"Aw, thanks, Dad!" Said Steven warmly, returning the hug

"You gave me a heart attack out there, though," said Greg with a concerned look on his face. "For a long time, I was worried you were..."

"Don't worry, Dad. I'm here now, safe and sound," said Steven, "thanks to X and the gems!"

"Oh yeah...the gems," nodded Greg, looking at them with a hint of uneasiness before turning his attention to the blue reploid. "And yeah, X did a good job, too!"

"Thank you, Greg," said X, walking over to him and Steven. "I'm glad I could help."

"I appreciate it, X," said Greg, "but I'm pretty curious...are you human? By any chance?"

"No, Greg, I'm a reploid," said X, placing a hand on his metal chest

"A reploid?" Asked Greg, raising an eyebrow; he couldn't believe he was talking to a robot. "What in the world is that?"

"X said he and his friends were gonna explain it to us when we got back," replied Steven, but then he yawned, "...at least I think he is."

"I will, Steven, but I think we should get you to bed," smiled X. "It's been a long day."

"Awww, but X..." said Steven, who looked tired after a long day of swimming back to the temple on a raft

"X's right, schtu-ball," said Greg, ruffling his son's hair. "You've had a long day; let's rest up!"

"Yeah, and then tomorrow we'll explain everything," said X, "but I would also like to know more about the gems!"

"Oh...okay, Dad," said Steven before showing his new cheeseburger backpack. "By the way, Dad! Do you like my new backpack"

"Oh! That backpack looks tasty!" Joked Greg, already loving the cheeseburger backpack

"Thanks, Dad!" Giggled Steven. "I'm glad you like it."

"Yeah, it really came, though!" Smiled X with a thumbs-up

"It sure did, seeing how you guys managed to make it all the way back here," said Greg before turning to X. So, what say tomorrow we all sit down at the temple and get to know each other better?"

"Sure thing, Mr. Universe," nodded X.

"I think we can manage that," said Garnet, walking up to Greg

"Garnet, are you sure?" asked Pearl, who approached Garnet from the right side. "We don't even know anything about X and his friends."

"I'm positive, Pearl," nodded Garnet. "If X is willing to tell us about his nature and where he comes from, we must share some of our histories, too."

"Oh, alright..." Pearl said, rubbing her arm, clearly uncomfortable, "but I don't like it."

"Ugh, chill out, bird queen," Teased Amethyst. "It'd be cool to hang out with those metalheads and get to know them!"

"Amethyst's right pearl," said Garnet, putting a hand on her shoulder, "and besides...I see that X and his friends will be valuable allies for us in the future."

Even though Garnet was optimistic about a possible alliance with the maverick hunters from an alternate future, she was still frightened of X's limitless potential due to her future vision being unable to see an end to it no matter how hard she tried; it was a never-ending cycle of possibilities, to the point to where Garnet almost unfused due to the mental stress and fear of being unable to see an end when she is used to seeing the future and it's countless possibilities, brushing those thoughts aside however, garnet focused on the here and now such as how X was proving himself a valuable and ally, and looked forward to how Zero and Axl would do as well in the future.

Zero walked up next to X alongside Axl and Iris; behind them, Bismuth and Spinel were cleaning up, and lapis was moving the inflatable raft back inside the house, hoping to use it again in the future before they went to rejoin the others at the Maverick Hunters' side after their work was done.

"I'd be up for some history lessons here, too," Zero nodded before turning his head to Axl and Iris. "Are we all in agreement?"

"I'm up for it!" Nodded Axl. "it might not be the same as blasting some bad guys, but I guess it'll do."

"I'm also as curious of the gems as X is," nodded Iris. "we'll come by."

"Aww, thank you, Iris!" Smiled Steven, the maple-haired reploid giggled at Steven, loving ht young boy's innocence

"Then it's settled," nodded X. "We'll come to the crystal temple tomorrow after we have rested and learn more about each other."

"You got it, X," agreed Greg, placing a hand on Steven's shoulder. "I'm gonna go get Steven tucked in back at home."

"We'd better get going too," said Zero, "back to the lighthouse after a long mission."

"Tell me about it!" Chuckled Greg, "Let's go home, son."

"Okay, Dad," nodded Steven. "See you tomorrow, X!"

"See you tomorrow, Steven!" said X with a thumbs up. "Great job today!"

After bidding each other farewell, the gems returned to the temple. The maverick hunters walked their way back to the lighthouse on top of the gigantic slope of the crystal temple, and the crystal gems walked back into the beach house of the temple itself. Spinel waved Steven farewell for today, and the young gem hybrid returned the favor as Greg walked him to his home.

Greg took Steven back to his house; although Greg didn't make much money at a car wash, he was able to afford a modest living space at a coastal house over at the old docks of Beach City; it was nearby Greg's workplace, then it's a wash car wash shop.

"Here we are, the ball," said Greg with a smile. "Home sweet home!"

Steven smiled as he looked up at his home with Greg; it was a simple house that was based on coastal architecture and was two levels tall; the house sported a patio in the backyard with wooden floors and a patio cover that had sections where the sun could still shine, the front had a white staircase that leads to the front door, on the bottom had parking space for Greg's van and a small workshop where he keeps all of his tools, the walls were painted navy blue and had a bronze-colored roof.

"Whew...feels good to be home after a mission, Dad!" Smiled Steven

"I bet it does!" Nodded greg, "come on in! I'll whip up some good dinner tonight!"

"Oooh! I'd love to, Dad!" Chuckled Steven, already climbing up the stairs to the door, eager to eat dinner

"Wait up, Steven!" Greg chuckled back and ran after his son to the door. "This one's on the house!"

The father-son duo entered the house eager to have dinner after a long day. Greg cooked Steven's dinner, and they ate to their heart's content; they were both excited and curious about the world X and his reploid friends come from

After eating dinner together, Greg tucked Steven in his bedroom for the night. The room sported a small bed for Steven, with a side window casting the moonlight from the left side of the room. There was another window on the front side of the room overlooking the neighboring houses of Beach City. The room had brown-painted walls. Finally, it had a desk and a TV hoisted by a wooden pedestal, complete with a remote and gaming system hooked up.

Greg told his son goodnight and walked to his bedroom to rest. Just as he entered the room, Greg remembered the days when his wife, Rose Quartz, was alive and giving birth to Steven.

Years ago, before Steven was born, Greg, during his musical career under the alias of "Mr. Universe," decided to work harder on earning the money needed to afford a household when he realized that when he and Rose were going to have a beautiful young boy, Greg had to step up as a father and take responsibility, to provide a good homemade for Steven and have a place of his own outside of his beloved van.

It would not be easy, especially when it comes to learning how to be a father to his future son, but for the first time in Greg's life, since he ran away from his former home years ago, he was willing to take the risk.

Eventually, after many hardships and struggles, Greg earned enough money to buy a house for sale with a garage suitable for his van.

Moving in was challenging, but with the help of the gems, putting aside their differences, Greg moved into the house with Steven, and there they lived together for a long time. As the years passed, Greg would allow Steven to visit the crystal gems and stay over at the crystal temple, but he reminded Steven that he would always be welcome in the home he grew up in with his father.

After reliving those flashbacks of his life, Greg went to bed and retired for the night; he and Steven had a big day ahead of them tomorrow, after all.

The Next Day, the maverick hunters arrived at the crystal temple after waking up from the lighthouse on a beautiful day; they walked along the beach sands until they climbed up the stairs and reached the front door of the beach house.

X knocked on the door gently, hoping Steven and the gems would be home so that they would have their promised meeting from yesterday. Zero, Axl, and Iris stood behind him.

"Steven?" Asked X, "Are you home?"

The doorknob twisted, and the door opened to reveal Steven, who looked happy to see his new robotic friends.

"X! I'm glad you and the others came!" said Steven before opening the door further to let the Reploids in. "Come inside! We got a lot to talk about!"

"Of course!" smiled X with a nod. "I did promise I'd tell you more about us."

The Maverick Hunter trio and Iris went inside the beach house to find Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, and Spinel sitting on the couch waiting for them. Near the warp pad was Bismuth, and leaning next to a pillar in the kitchen was lapis, with her arms crossed and sporting a calm look. Steven went to Garnet and eagerly sat on her lap, who ruffled his hair in return.

"It looks like everyone's here now," commented Zero, taking in his surroundings

"Hey, metalheads!" Smiled Amethyst, waving at them, "So glad you could make it here, dudes!"

"Same here!" Nodded Axl, "wouldn't miss this for the world!"

"Me neither!" Steven excitedly said, "We'll learn a lot about you guys!"

"Us too, Steven!" Smiled iris. "It will be great to get to know one another!"

"Alright, everyone," said Bismuth, "please take a seat, and let's get down to Bismuth!"

Lapis lazuli and Spinel both walked to the couch and faced the four reploids; lapis stood up while Spinel sat down on the floor and made a squeaky noise as she sat down; the hunters looked at Spinel bewildered by her making squeaky sound effects as if she was made of rubber, iris and Axl in particular Spinel responded with a grin and with eyes closed.

"Hehehe! Don't worry about it, hon!" giggled Spinel. "It's just a little thing I do!"

"Okay..." muttered Axl, amused

"Now then," said Garnet, getting everyone's attention focused on her, "let's begin first, X."

"Yes, garnet?" Said X, snapping to attention

"What is a reploid? And what are they?" Asked garnet

"A reploid is a robot who can think and act for themselves just like human beings," answered X. "I'm considered the first among them."

"No way! You guys are robots!?! "Steven said with stars in his eyes, his curiosity abounded. "Who can act like people?"

"That's right, Steven," nodded X, "And I'm the first reploid ever."

"Wait, you're the first reploid ever?" Pearl asked, astonished. "Are there others like you four?"

"Yes, a scientist named Dr. Cain found me sealed away in a capsule one day and used my design to create and produce reploids," said X, explaining his backstory. Since then, we've lived alongside Humanity in harmony, but... It's not as glamorous as you may think it is..."

"What do you mean?" Asked lapis

"There are reploids who rebel and commit crimes against humanity..." said X, his expression turning grim. "these berserk reploids were labeled mavericks, and they would do anything to get what they want."

"Oh my..." said Pearl, a hand over her mouth

"To fight these mavericks, Dr. Cain founded the maverick hunter organization and developed Reploids specifically to help us fight them," said X. "I joined them as a B-class hunter while Zero joined as an A-Class hunter, and we fought the mavericks ever since,"

"With me later joining the ranks of the maverick hunters," said Axl before lowering his head, painful memories returning to him. "Though I didn't have the best of beginnings though..."

"Hey, it's alright, dude!" encouraged Amethyst. "You're with them now and kicking evil robot butt!"

"Heh! Thanks, Amethyst," said Axl, giving a thumbs up to Amethyst, which she returned

"Another organization, called Repliforce, was also founded by Dr. Cain to help handle the large-scale maverick rebellions and support the maverick hunters as a result," said Iris, remembering her past experience with Repliforce. "my brother, Colonel, leads the main attack forces."

"Brother?" Steven asked, astonished that Iris had a sibling. "You have a brother?"

"Yes, Colonel and I are siblings," nodded Iris. "But that's a story for another time. Do you have any questions, Steven?"

"W-what makes a Reploid go maverick?" Stammered Steven, already a bit frightened

"Program errors, a burning desire for independence, short circuits in the electronic brain...but most of all infection from a deadly computer virus," explained Zero. "And even then, the very things that give us Reploids our advanced processing power could also be our greatest weakness as well..."

"But even then, we shouldn't give up," said X determined. "I don't like fighting, but even if mavericks keep showing up to destroy Humanity at every turn...and humans may not trust us...as long as there's hope, we can still fight for a world where both Reploids and Humanity can live in peace! But until that day comes...we maverick hunters must fight for ever-lasting peace!"

"Well said, X," smiled Garnet in respect of X's resolve

"Yeah, dude! You said it, X-Man!" Smirked Amethyst, throwing a thumbs up at the blue reploid

"Yeah! We shouldn't give up!" smiled Steven, literal stars in his eyes. "We just have to keep working hard and fighting the good fight!"

"That's the way to do it, X!" Said Bismuth, feeling inspired

As Pearl was hearing all of this from X, she felt like she was in the past with her beloved rose quartz during the gem rebellion for the earth, inspiring countless gems to rebel and forge their own path, their own destiny against all odds, protecting the earth...even if it came at a heavy price...these memories made pearl wish rose was still with her now.

Rose would have liked X and his friends...

"But X, I'm curious," asked Steven, curiously grabbing X's attention. "Who created you?"

"A brilliant scientist named Dr. Thomas Light," said X, recalling his past memories. A century ago, he created me to be a new type of robot who could think and choose for themselves, which was before the Reploids were built...I am his last and greatest creation."

Iris and Axl were blown away by what they just heard. X is the original reploid and the last creation of Dr Thomas Light. Without X, neither of them would be here right now; neither the Repliforce nor the new generation reploids

On the crystal gems' side, they were just as amazed at what they had heard. A human managed to create such an advanced robot? The gem homeworld's robonoids in their minds could never come close to how advanced X and his friends are, and they were from another world.

"Woah..." gasped Steven, amazed at what he was hearing. "Dr. Light sure is smart!"

"He is, Steven," said X with a nod, "and he was said to be the foremost authority in robotics, from what I read in the Abel City historical archives."

"That's...incredible!" Complimented Bismuth, "a peridot might be put to shame if what you say is true, X."

"A...peridot?" Asked X confused

"A Homeworld gem," explained Pearl. "When we have time, we could tell you more."

"Please do," said Zero. "Any information would be useful in our current situation."

"We'll try to keep that in mind," nodded Garnet

"But I don't get it, man," said Amethyst. "Why did Dr. Light name you X anyway? It sounds like a cool name, don't get me wrong, but... it's confusing."

"Dr. Light said the name X is a variable," explained X

"A variable?" Asked Steven

"He said that X represents limitless potential as a variable," said X to the shock of the crystal gems around him. "At least that's what he told me anyway..."

"Limitless!?" Gasped Steven "That's awesome!"

Garnet couldn't believe her ears. X had limitless potential. No wonder she could not see an end to X's growth with her future vision, but she still couldn't believe such a robot, one who could think and feel, could have limitless potential.

"Yes, limitless potential and limitless danger..." sighed X as he looked down

"But then, why were you sealed away?" Asked pearl

"Because Dr. Light said that mankind wasn't quite ready to accept me..." said X. "they would have seen my limitless potential as something to be afraid of...and I didn't blame him, but when Dr. Light was building me...his life was on it's last legs...he would not live long enough to see me enter the world..."

Steven looked down in sadness. Garnet touched Steven's hair for comfort as the young gem hybrid listened. Dr. Light spent the remainder of his life creating mega man X. Steven felt he could relate to X; however, he tragically never got to meet his mother, Rose Quartz, who died giving birth to him or say goodbye to her.

But at the same time, Steven felt relief in knowing he wasn't alone in that regard.

"He had me sealed away for a hundred years for diagnostics and morality testing," said X before raising his head with determination in his eyes. "But before he did, I promised him that I would use this power he gave me to honor his dream and fight for justice! To fight for hope!"

"It's very inspiring to know you have promised your creator this X," smiled Garnet

"Thank you, Garnet," smiled X. "I'm proud to have Dr. Light as my father."

"Yeah! We're glad to have you, X!" Cheered Steven, his spirits raised by X's declaration. "And maybe someday, I could learn how to use my powers like the gems do and also fight for hope!"

"Your powers?" Asked X curiously

"Yeah! I have my mom's gem and some of her powers!" Steven said excitedly, showing his belly pink gemstone before slumping over in sadness. "Only, I don't know how to make them work when I need them..."

"Have the gems had any luck teaching you how to make 'em work?" Asked Axl

"It's...a work in progress..." said Pearl nervously. She hardly knew Rose enough to figure out how her powers worked.

"Yeah, but don't worry, Ste-Man!" said Spinel. "It'll come to you eventually!"

"I truly hope that is the case..." said Iris, concerned for Steven. "I don't want you getting yourself hurt trying to figure them out, Steven...."

"No worries, Iris," reassured lapis. "we've got Steven's back."

"Thanks, guys!" Said Steven

"Well, with that out of the way..." said Zero, getting everyone back to the matter at hand. "Do you guys know anything about that monster we fought and the one X fought at the sea spire?"

"They are corrupted gems," said Garnet statically

"Corrupted gems?" Said X. "What are those?"

"They're monsters that we fight that....used to be like us gems," answered Amethyst, much to the shock of the maverick hunters. "Yeah, I know...crazy, isn't it?"

"How horrible!" Gasped Iris with her hands covering her mouth in distraught. "All those poor gems...turned into monsters..."

"... it's similar to the mavericks we fight back home..." lamented Zero, sympathetic to the tragic fate that has befallen all those gems stuck on earth.

"Is there any way we can change them?" asked X., wanting to help cure the corrupted gems in any way. The situation already feels similar to the Maverick Virus and the wars that followed from it.

"We...we don't know," sighed Pearl, depressed. "We really don't...sigh. All we know right now is that we have to take care of them wherever they are, subdue them, contain them... It's the best we can do for them..."

"Don't fret too much over it, X," said Garnet, already anticipating X's response with her future vision. "We feel the same way you do. We also want to help them...but as it stands, we must stop them from harming innocent humans and poof them out of their misery and bubble them here in the temple until we can find a way to undo their corruption."

"Poof them?" Said X, confused. "What does that mean?"

"Poofing happens when our bodies are badly enough damaged; we release our physical bodies and retreat into our gems to regenerate," explained Garnet. "proofing is a term rose invented."

"So, in other words, hunters," said Spinel, standing up and making humorous hand expressions, "hit 'em hard enough, and poof! They go back into their gemstones."

"So all we have to do is defeat them and bubble them back here?" Said Axl with a cocky smirk and twirled one of his axl bullet handguns. "Piece of cake!"

"Don't get overconfident, axl," warned Bismuth. "they can be pretty tough, even when corrupted, and rampage on instinct. We shouldn't underestimate them."

"Right, sorry," sighed Axl before a thought struck him: "Wait a minute. Retreat into your gemstones?"

"What does that mean?" Said Zero, finding it hard to believe. "You guys can regenerate even if your bodies are destroyed?"

"Yes, we can," said Pearl before stuttering nervously. "As long as our gems remain intact, we'll always regenerate into a new look and form after a while..."

"But...if your gemstones are targeted..." said X, coming to a horrible conclusion

"Yes...we would be shattered," said Garnet hesitantly; the other crystal gems shuddered at such a thought

"I'm sorry to bring that up..." said X apologetically.

"It's not your fault, dude," said Amethyst. "You guys were just curious, that's all."

"Thanks, amethyst," smiled X, who rubbed the back of his head sheepishly

"What are your bodies made out of anyways?" Asked Zero

"Our forms are a conscious manifestation of light," replied Pearl, "and as a result, we can change our shape as well, but not the size of our gemstones."

"Wait, you guys can shapeshift like I can?" Asked Axl, the young prototype new generation reploid was astonished at the fact that gems can shapeshift like he can with his copy chip

"Yeah, but...we can't hold forever," said Amethyst. "Trust me, I would know."

"I see," said Axl

"So...you are like holograms?" Asked Iris, astonished that she was seeing holographic aliens right now

"Yeah, you could think of us as holograms, but with mass" answered Lapis

"Wait, did you say you could shapeshift like Amethyst can?" asked Pearl, wanting to know how axl was able to shapeshift into Ninetails when they destroyed the falling Red Eye Spy drone

"Sure I can!" Said Axl with a grin. "Let me show you guys! Transform!"

Axl activated his Copy Chip, and his body began to glow brightly, causing them gems, except his fellow reploid maverick hunters, to shield their eyes. Axl changed his shape into a simple guardrail, a new generation reploid soldier, and the bright light diminished when the transformation was completed.

"How do you guys like that?" Said Axl

"Why... that's incredible!" Said pearl amazed

"That's a neat trick, kiddo!" Smiled spinel

"Yeah! You can change shape just like Amethyst!" Said Steven with stars in his eyes

"Yeah, I sure can," nodded Axl, who rubbed his head sheepishly. "Though it doesn't last forever either, but that's not all."

Axl returned to normal and activated his copy chip again, transforming into a swallow-like reploid named Mach Jetra by accessing the DNA Data he copied upon his defeat; when the transformation was completed, Axl twirled his Scepter around jokingly before lowering his head, placing a hand on his chest, and waving out his cane.

"How do you do, Mr. Universe?" said Axl jokingly, momentarily imitating Mach Jet's British accent and voice.

"Cool!" Said Steven. "You're so incredible, axl!"

"Thanks Steven!" Chuckled Axl, changing his shape back to normal; his copy chip's time limit had run out

"How are you able to do that?!" Asked Pearl, baffled by Axl's shapeshifting capabilities

"It's thanks to my copy chip," said Axl. "It allows me to access the DNA Data programs of reploids or mavericks with my copy shot. I can then transform myself into any of them, but only for a limited time and as long as it doesn't exceed my mass and shape too much."

"Hold on...DNA?" said Pearl, confused. "But, you're robots. Robots don't have DNA."

"We reploids do," said Zero. "DNA data is a vital component in what makes us reploids what we are today, and can be analyzed in various ways."

"Then...can X, Zero, and Iris change shape like axl?" Asked Steven

"No, only axl can do that," said X, shaking his head. "you see, he's a prototype for a new generation of reploids. They and Axl have complete immunity from all computer viruses because they can change their DNA data, meaning they can only go maverick by their own accord..."

"New generation reploids were built to work on the Jakob Project" Explained Zero "It was a space migration plan by humanity to create an orbital elevator, colonize the moon, and set up a central base there, looking to escape from all the chaos the maverick wars waged in our time."

"Whoa..." gasped Steven, amazed at Humanity's capabilities of building an elevator to the moon in such an advanced age. But he still had one more question. "But then X, one last question."

"Yes, Steven?" Said X

"How can you make a lot of things come out of your arm blaster thingy?" Asked Steven. "I thought all that came out of fit would be lasers and stuff."

"Yes, I've been wondering that myself since we saw him in action," pondered Pearl.

"It's a special system called the Variable Weapon System," answered X. "It allows my X-Buster to Copy and use special weapons from mavericks I've defeated in the past from their DNA Programs, but only if it has enough energy to use them."

"Is that Energy like ammo?" Said Steven

"I suppose you could say that," said X

"And you can use their weapons from the guys you blow up?" Asked Steven as his eyes lit up

"That's right, Steven," nodded X.

"whoa...this is a lot to take in..." said Steven, amazed by all he had learned in the last hour, "but it's really cool at the same time! We've learned a lot about each other!"

"Yes, we have Steven," said Garnet Stotically, "but we all still have much to learn, but it seems we can also relate to one another here."

"Yes...but what happens from here on out though? there are still so many problems..." Said Pearl, unsure of what would happen next after today. "Many corrupted gems are still out there, possibly preying on innocent humans; X and his friends are trapped here with us, and Steven hasn't learned how to use his powers yet...."

"Hey, take it easy, pearl, we'll figure something out," reassured Lapis lazuli, placing a blue hand on pearls shoulder

"Yeah, we'll always find a way," encouraged Bismuth. "That's why Steven believes in us!"

"I hope so, lapis, bismuth....I don't know about it, though..." sighed Pearl before thinking about her former master, Rose Quartz. "Especially....without her by my side, guiding us all..."

The crystal gems huddled around Pearl, trying to comfort her. Steven looked guilty; hearing Pearl sound so unsure about herself made him feel guilty. He knew the crystal gems had always missed rose quartz since she died giving birth to Steven, and now they were lost without her, even with Garnet taking the reins as leader.

Steven looked crestfallen and guilty. He couldn't help but feel that all of this was his fault despite having absolutely no control over it.

X Looked thoughtfully at Steven, noticing how guilty he looked. The blue maverick hunter knew. Eventually, he and his fellow hunters must return to their world and their time, but X has been starting to enjoy Beach City.

Deep inside, X knew he couldn't let Steven and his friends face the corrupted gems or the problems ahead of them alone, nor could he forsake his duties as a maverick hunter despite his hatred for fighting...

The crystal gems were in disarray, and they needed help; the corrupted gems had to be stopped no matter what

After thinking it over, X stepped forward to the crystal gems, having made his decision.

"Crystal gems, Steven," said X, getting their attention. "I think we can help each other out!"

"We can?" Asked Steven, snapping out of his thoughts

"Yeah," said X with a look of determination. "We have to go back to our world eventually, but I think we should also take the time to understand your world, and we'll help you take down those corrupted gems!"

"Really?" Gasped Steven, his eyes lit up. "You will!?"

"Of course, Steven," nodded X. "We'll handle anything that comes our way! It's our duty as maverick hunters to protect Humanity!"

"Are you suggesting...an alliance?" Said Pearl, surprised at this

"I agree with X," smiled Zero, crossing his arms. "We still have to figure out how to get back, but like he said, right now, we should stay and help you guys out! You may need it more than you think."

"Yes, I would also love to help if I could," smiled Iris. "I don't like fighting, but we must still fight for a peaceful world!"

"We'd love for you guys to hang out with us!" said Amethyst. "Do you think you guys can handle those gems?"

"Yeah!" Smirked Axl, "Just tell me and the others where to shoot!"

"That's the spirit!" chuckled Bismuth, admiring Axl's enthusiasm. "Let's all work together and stop those corrupted gems!"

"Yes, until we can find a way to cure them," Garnet agreed. "Until then, we should let them help and work together to defeat the corrupted gems."

"I don't know about this..." said pearl

"Come on, Pearl! You heard what X said. We can help each other out!" said Steven, bringing out the hourglass orb. "And who knows? We could learn more about this time thingy, and I can also figure out my powers along the way!"

"Yeah, plus I'd love to hang out with them more," Vouched lapis lazuli. "From what they told us, I think we can trust X and the others."

"Yeah! Let them stay with us for a while, Pearl! "Spinel enthusiastically replied, "You can never have too many friends!"

"Yeah! Let our new awesome robot from the future friends stay with us for a while!" Cheered Steven, hoping Pearl would agree

"Oh, alright, Steven," sighed Pearl in defeat. "they can stay with us and go on the missions with us."

"Yay!! New crystal gems!" Cheered Steven

"Yeah! They rock!" shouted Amethyst with delight

"I suppose an alliance is in order," said Pearl reluctantly before turning her attention to Zero. "But in the meantime, Zero?"

"Yeah?" Asked Zero

"We already saw what X can do, but now we need to see what you and axl can do as well," explained Pearl. "when you have the time, we would like you to come to the sky temple so we can start training."

"I'm up for it!" Nodded Zero. "X already had his turn anyway. "I'll show you what I can do at the sky temple!"

"It's settled then," said Garnet. "Now then, maverick hunters."

After setting Steven down on the couch, Garnet stood up and walked up to X, raising a hand toward him to shake hands. X returned the gesture, and they shook hands. Steven smiled at the sight, his heart relieved that the crystal gems had gained new allies.

"Welcome to the team, maverick hunters," smiled Garnet

"We're happy to help, Garnet," nodded X. "From now on, let's all work together to protect the earth!"

And with that, an Alliance was Forged between the crystal gems and the maverick hunters. They would now work together to protect the earth from the corrupted gems and help the maverick hunters return home one day once they've mastered the mysterious functions of the hourglass orb that brought them to Beach City.

But until that day comes, the hunters will make their home in this time and help Steven overcome the challenges and trials that await him and the gems on earth.

Author's Note: Sorry to keep you waiting, everyone! But I hope you all enjoyed this latest chapter of Crystal Hunter X. It was a pleasure to work on this!

To explain Greg's changes in this story, his car wash job pays him more money than canon; as a result, enough money from his job, combined with the money he made on his musical tour as Mr. Universe, to afford a house in Beach City for Steven and his van to live in, therefore giving Steven a proper Childhood home to live and grow up in with his father, when he's not living with the crystal gems at the crystal temple.

Greg's a good person, but he needed to step up as a father.

Anyway, the Next Chapter will be the Crystal Gems' Interview with Zero at the Sky Temple, where Zero will demonstrate his skills to the team.

See you all then!