Connie was taken to the hospital. The doctors did not know what was causing the pain, they assumed it was something neurological; already running out of options. They ended up drugging her, so they could buy some time to find out what she had.

Peridot and Lars returned to the forest to study these strange vines; Steven at first objected but they promised not to go back into the tunnels. After they left, Steven called his dad to confirm if the Gems had not yet arrived and to tell him what had happened.

The room was quiet, the only sound was the constant beeping of the heart monitor, and suddenly the silence was interrupted by Steven, who said in a sob…

- I’m sorry

- What…?_Both of the Maheswarans asked

- All this mess… It’s all my fault…we were supposed to protect each other and I let her be bitten… I got her into this... _ He was trying to hold back the tears.

- It wasn’t your fault Steven; I’m sorry to yell at you last night, I was just.. scared _Doug tried to comfort him

Dr. Maheswaran noticed that Steven wasn’t convinced about what her husband said. Connie has told her the stress that Steven deals with on a daily basis; she didn’t blame him, that tremendous weight on his shoulders, especially for a kid. She finally said..

- Steven, Can I tell you something?

- Of course…Dr. Maheswaran

- At first I was like you… I thought I had control of everything, both my life and the ones closest to me. But that day you saved me from that gem experiments in the hospital. I realized that I hadn’t; that no matter how hard you try you can’t prevent everything and… that’s okay, that’s life.

She put a hand on his shoulder and looked him in the eye.

-So take this from me. DON’T blame yourself for things that are not under your control, because NOBODY has control of everything.

Steven stared at her for a moment.

- But… what we can’t do is to support each other, we will find a way to solve all this... together

- Thank you Dr. Maheswaran_He said as he wiped the tears from his eyes

They were interrupted when they heard a knock on the door.

- Come in…_Doug responded

- Hey… _Greg entered the room

- DAD! _Steven said as he ran towards him to give him a hug

- Hey Stu ball, I’m glad to see you too.

The Maheswarans welcomed him. Steven then asked him about the Gems. Greg reassured him saying he had left a note at the temple.

- How is she? _Greg asked.

- The doctors aren’t sure, they said we have to wait until she wakes up _Dr. Maherwaran answered

Almost as if those words were an omen, Connie’s eyes slowly opened.

- Connie. _Steven said with relief

- I’m going to call the doctor _Doug said as he ran out of the room.

- Honey, how are you feeling?

- Just a little drowsy

Steven felt like something was a little off, her voice was monotonous and her eyes had a piercing look. He tried to ignore it, he told himself that maybe it was the effect of the drugs.

- Hey Connie, I’m glad that you’re okay _Greg said to her

- Who are you?

Everybody in the room was surprised. Does she really not recognize Greg? - Don’t you remember? It’s me, Greg

He came closer but Connie moved her arm away from him. Everyone shared a concerned look.

Lars and Peridot managed to discover three things: one; that the vines were not vines but roots that were sucking the energy from the earth. Two; that they are composed of the same black powder that they found before. Three; this black powder, for some reason, could turn from tangible to intangible at will.

When they returned, Steven explained that Connie was probably suffering from a level of memory loss. When they came to see her they saw that the doctor was checking her, lighting her eyes with a small flashlight. Seeing this, they were about to leave, but Mr. Maheswaran told them that they could stay in the room.

- Your name?_ Dr. Stromberg asked Connie.

- Connie.

- Your full name?

- Kahani Maheswaran

- Do you remember me?

Connie shook her head.

- Okay. What about that little guy over there? _ He said, pointing at Steven with his head

Connie turned to see him and stared at him as if trying to remember.

- It’s OK, take your time. _Dr Stromberg said

She finally responded.

- That’s… my friend… Steven.

On the one hand, Steven was glad that she still remembered him, but on the other, her monotonous voice and penetrating gaze were still unnerving. It almost felt as if someone or… SOMETHING else was trying to trick them by using Connie’s body as a disguise. His thoughts were interrupted by Lars.

- Hey Connie, Do you remember me?

She again shook her head.

- Steven told me that it was you who saved my ass- MY LIFE _ He barely caught himself fearing that Dr. Maheswaran would kill him for cursing in front of her daughter _ So I wanted to thank you…You don't remember any of that?

 Another shook of her head.

- What is the last thing you remember?_Asked Dr. Stromberg

- I remember… they hurt me

- Who hurt you?

- The four-gem fusion…. they shouldn’t have done that, IT IS UPSET_She said with anger in her voice without losing monotone tone.

Dr Stromberg was talking in the hall with the Maheswarans.

- It is true that I have seen other cases of selective loss of memory, but there is something in her MRI that I had never seen before. This was taken last night...

He gave them the pictures of Connie’s MRI.

- Yeah, I can see it… there is an abnormal activity in the Limbic and Paralimbic areas… _ Said Dr. Maheswaran

- But that’s not all… this…this is from one hour ago.

The Maheswarans felt a chill down their spines.