I do not own 'Steven Universe'
This is the AU of Post Jasper's defeat. I've been watching, and the show is actually going the way I was planning on doing another SU fic. (I'm angry and happy at the same time!) I decided to put this out before I lose the chance for an original plot!
I'd like to give a shout out to LadyDetia who actually inspired this fic. If Rupphire(Garnet) is your OTP, then I recommend you read Angel in a Blue Dress and it's spin-off All that matters if you love some Jasper/oc.
Chapter 1
"Log date 9 29 16." Peridot began in her new recorder. "I have been making progress in understanding the Crystal gems and their ways. So much so that they have accepted me as one of their own. I still have a lot to learn, but from what I understand they seem to focus their efforts on the beliefs of Rose Quartz. 'Every life is precious and everyone should be happy to be themselves, and that said happiness should be shared with another.' Whether they want it or not."
And protecting those beliefs and things you cared for through reckless violence. Peridot mentally added, but kept to herself. She had a feeling that it wasn't something that should be done in the public, an under the table type deal.
"To better understand and assimilate to their ways, I plan to further my efforts and undergo the task of redeeming another." She stated before smirking. "Apparently an advanced action that the Crystal gems themselves haven't perfected, minus Steven of course." She frowned as she remembered a small detail. "Unfortunately...I am only limited to one option in this task, my former Jasper escort." Peridot stated uneasily. "It will not be an easy task seeing as she is as I was, a follower of Yellow-Diamond, a dutiful being. But it would not be a worthy task if it were easy! I now know that their is more to life than numbers, now I wish to show her!" Peridot exclaimed to pump herself up. "If my reconciliation with Amethyst is anything like this, then I know it will be worth it." She stated, sure of herself.
She had never felt so big in her entire life.
No, don't get ahead of yourself. Peridot mentally chastised. Be logical.
"I am unqualified to handle such a task on my own so I must undergo it with the master of this...art." She said, unsure of the proper word. "Steven seems to be both the prime example and follower of said beliefs, so much so that he seems to do it unconsciously." Peridot stated. "He believes there is good in everyone and everything, even his enemies, such as...me." While she had never considered herself evil, she new that they were on opposite sides. His kindness was...contagious. "With his experience and assistance, I believe we can achieve the task! And maybe, just maybe, I'll earn that star."
Now I just have to wake him up. Peridot thought as she looked down at the human in question, still asleep and oblivious to what was happening around him. Peridot knelt down and began poking his face. Once...twice...thirteen times...forty six times...
Steven opened his eyes to see Peridot, she was knelt down to his face and poking him.
"Whaz goin' on?" He asked through a yawn. "Peridot? I new you'd come back to us! Don't worry, we left the bathroom just the way it was."
"Steven, I require your assistance." Peridot stated.
"With what?" He asked as he began sitting up. "A new freshener?"
"I want to begin the rehabilitation and redemption of my former Jasper escort." Peridot stated calmly. "Will you assist me?"
"What?" The half-gem spoke in confusion.
"...I want you to help bring Jasper to our side." Peridot rephrased.
That kicked out the last of the drowsiness. Steven practically leapt from his bed in excitement, the prospect of turning another Home-World Gem good was very exhilarating.
Without a second thought, Steven grabbed Peridot and jumped from his bed to the ground, slowing just before landing. He was really enjoying his new ability. Lifting his shirt to reveal his gem, it glowed and matched the doors glow, taking him to his mother's room.
"Room, take me to the real basement!" Steven spoke.
Like last time, the pink clouds spread to reveal a pole that he and Peridot latched to and slid down. They moved down, gaining momentum before they were seemingly tossed from the pole.
Steven took the most relaxed pose he could as his whole body was flung through the air. Unlike last time, he hadn't crashed face first into the ground, he managed to float down. Unfortunately Peridot didn't have his gift, she crashed right into the ground in a painful heap.
"A little warning would have been nice!" Peridot stated as she rubbed her head.
"Sorry." Steven stated as he helped her stand. "There it is." Steven stated as he pointed to the newest edition to the gem collection.
"Are you sure?" Peridot asked as she looked around. "I see several Jasper type gems."
Steven nodded, he was sure that this was Jasper's gem. It was as different from the others as much as a human's face was to one another. Some where similar, but never the same.
Steven jumped up to grab it, holding it as gently as possible as he descended as slowly as possible. He didn't want to accidentally pop it and...maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
"Something wrong?" Peridot asked, noticing his hesitation.
The adrenaline died down in a second as he actually paused to think of the effect this could have. He had done this before, with mixed results. When he had freed Lapis he was grounded and she brought the Home-World gems, but he gave her her freedom and made a friend. She even helped them stop Jasper, willing to sacrifice herself. Then he freed Peridot and gained information about the Cluster as well as made another friend. But now she couldn't go home. Now they had worked together to save the Earth from the Cluster.
And then there was Bismuth. He thought sadly. That was a can of worms he never wanted to deal with again. For all her zeal, that gem cared.
Jasper was different from these two entirely. She was much more violent and, unfortunately, had the muscle to back up her actions. Even Garnet, the strongest gem he knew, had just barely beat her. And that was because she through the larger gem into a generator. Which exploded, and Jasper still survived, mostly unhurt.
"What if she's not-you know, friendly?" Steven asked hesitantly.
"Hmm." Peridot considered that. I'll probably be safe, but the rest of the Crystal Gems are still her enemies. "True, Jasper is known to be hostile except to those she respects. Usually. We will need more assistance."
They needed help, they wouldn't be able to restrain Jasper on their own. They couldn't go to the gems because they'd try and stop them. They couldn't go to any humans because that'd be a disaster. It had to be someone powerful and reasonable.
"I know just the gem!" Steven declared.
He grabbed Peridot and began running out of the temple.
While the Warp-Pad had been destroyed, it wasn't the only way to get to the barn. Not for Steven. He had a magical lion capable of opening portals to anywhere. So he had one opened a few feet away from the barn, to the shock of it's residents.
"Lapis!" Steven called out excitedly.
Lapis Lazuli turned to see the half gem with his big smile, it was enough to put a smile on her face as well.
"Hello Steven." She greeted before looking at the other gem. "Peridot."
"Hello Lapis Lazuli." Peridot greeted kindly.
While they were on better terms and shared a barn together, they weren't...friends. They best way to describe them was two people making the best of the situation. Like any pair of roommates. It was getting better thanks to Steven.
"Lapis, we need your help!" Steven stated.
"With wha-is that what I think it is?" Lapis asked as she looked at the bubbled gem with disgust.
"We're going to turn Jasper good!" Steven stated with stars in his eyes.
"...What?" Lapis asked, not sure she heard correctly.
Steven and Peridot began to explain what they had planned.
"We require your assistance in case Jasper lashes out at our offer." Peridot informed. "Will you assist us?"
Lapis had always considered Steven to be a bit naive, it was part of his innocent trait, the very same that freed her, but she felt this was just...stupid. They were going to release a gem as dangerous as Jasper. They had just gotten rid of her!
"No way!" Lapis declared. "She's too dangerous! How could you even consider freeing her!"
"Everyone deserves a chance." Steven stated without a doubt.
"Not her!" Lapis shouted.
"Please Lapis." Steven begged with wide eyes.
Lapis leaned away from the begging Steven, she was having a hard time resisting the face he was making towards her. It was a mixture of too pitiful and too cute, like a sad puppy.
They're likely to do it anyway. Lapis reasoned. Might as well make sure Steven is safe. She had come to care greatly for the half-gem, she didn't want him hurt. That, and the fact that she may get the chance to harm Jasper was a strong temptation.
"I...guess I do have this pond to keep us safe." She reasoned to herself. I just hope it's enough.
"Yes!" Steven cheered, taking her comment as agreement.
With only a moment's hesitation, Steven popped the bubble and released the gem.
Steven took the one second to add his healing spit to the gem. He could never forget watching her corrupt, or her anger as it happened. He could only hope he wasn't too late. And that they could be friends.
The trio backed away as the gem began hovering and glowing brighter by the second. He whispered a small apology to the Quartz and hoped for the best. Maybe he could help her.
The light began to grow and bend as it took a massive form. Soon the form solidified and Jasper was whole again. Uncorrupted. Unlike the Crystal gems, and similar to Peridot, her outfit hadn't changed in the slightest.
She lifted her head and took a single look at Steven. Jasper had that same deranged look in her eye that she had when she was still trapped in Malachite. It was enough to make Steven take a fearful step back.
"You!" Jasper shouted as she lunged.
"Wait!" Steven shouted.
Jasper didn't wait, she pulled her fist back to strike the half-ling. Instinctively Steven raised his bubble to protect himself. There was a loud noise as her fist collided with the barrier. The gem warrior pulled her fist back in pain as the bubble proved to be too much. Though it did leave a sizable crack.
"A-Almost forgot how strong your defenses are Rose." Jasper stated as she rubbed her sore knuckles. She gained a cruel smile as her Crash Helmet appeared on her head. "But I-
Whatever Jasper was going to say was cut off when a wave of water crashed into her. It continued to knock into her to keep her off balance before raising into the air, lifting the gem with it. Lapis stepped forward, glaring at the one she had been imprisoned with for so long.
"Wait!" Steven begged as he got between the two gems. "We don't have to fight, let's just talk!"
Lapis took a look at Steven, seeing the pleading look in his eyes, he really wanted to help. With a stiff nod, she took a step back and released the warrior gem. Jasper fell in a heap, but regained her footing in a second and prepared for another attack.
Lapis was at the ready as well while Steven dropped his bubble.
Jasper was confused by this action. "What're you playing at Rose!?"
"I'm not my mom!" Steven stated quickly. "I'm her son!"
"Her what?" Jasper asked in confusion. What is she playing at? Her eyes then caught a flash of green behind the half gem. "Peridot?"
"Hello Jasper." The green gem greeted, trying to be brave.
Jasper looked to see the Peridot that she was supposed to escort for the mission. Jasper had assumed the little gem had been destroyed, or had run away. Peridots weren't fighters. She was missing her limb enhancers, but for the most part she was unharmed. Calm even, given the situation. Was she really a traitor as well, not a prisoner?
"What's going on here!?" Jasper demanded.
"Steven here speaks the truth, he is not Rose Quartz." Peridot took this moment to step forward and explain as best she could. "He's some kind of hybrid offspring between a human of this planet and Rose Quartz."
Jasper didn't speak immediately, she kept a crucial eye on the smaller gem. She had a chance to fully question the Peridot, but now that she could, she needed to know.
"Are you a prisoner?"
"N-Negative." Peridot stated, looking away from the larger gem. "Steven and I are...friends."
"What!?" Jasper exclaimed in outrage. "How could you side with these traitors!?"
Peridot began to cower under the larger gems exclamation, clinging to Steven. Lapis prepared to attack.
"Being a friend doesn't make you a traitor!" Steven states. "You can be friends and disagree! Connie and I disagree on the ending to 'Familiar Familiars' and are still friends!"
Jasper looked at the little half-ling in confusion. "What's...a Connie?"
"Connie's my friend." Steven answered with a smile. "She's a human and-."
Jasper grabbed Steven by his shirt, much to Lapis' and Peridot's fear, and lifted him with ease, pulling him to eye level. She looked closely at Steven, examining him. How his eyes were wide with fright and even tearing up, he was close to crying. The way he trembled in her hands. Even the way his body poured off sweat. None of these were the characteristics of the gem warrior who led the rebellion for the war. The warrior who decimated some of Home-World's best and brightest. The gem that stood tall and never wavered. The gem that had earned her respect.
"I guess you really aren't Rose." Jasper stated as she dropped him. "She wasn't such a coward."
"Steven is no coward!" Lapis shouted as she helped him stand. "He was brave enough to give you a chance!"
"Actually I-" Peridot tried to speak up, but was cut off.
"And why would I want a chance from this-abomination?" Jasper asked with a sneer.
"Don't you call him that!" Lapis ordered.
The water began to rise behind Lapis, taking the form of a hand. It didn't move from the position, waiting for some kind of signal to strike. Jasper smirked, not in the slightest bit intimidated by the water.
Before either gem could react, Steven ran to the center of them. He held his arms out to keep them at bay, though it was unlikely it would have been effective.
"You don't have to do this!" Steven declared as he stood between them.
"Yes, we do." Jasper stated without looked at him.
"No you don't!"
"Steven..." Lapis whispered.
"I'm a soldier, it's my purpose in life." Jasper stated proudly. "I live to fight."
"That...horrible!" Steven whimpered.
Jasper turned and glared at the little half-gem. Steven flinched and almost fell over, expecting a blow that could kill him.
"I live to preserve the order of the Gem Empire!" Jasper shouted in rage. "But you, you little abomination are-!
Jasper was silenced when a large ball of ice collided with her. The ice shattered as Jasper fell to the ground, but it quickly reformed and rejoined the other liquid under Lapis' control.
"I warned you!" Lapis shouted.
"Wait!" Steven cried.
Lapis brought down her water hand, but this time Jasper was prepared. She jumped to the side allowing the water to land on the ground forming a crater. Jasper charged forward with her Crash Helmet aimed at Lapis.
Lapis raised a wall of water and froze it solid as her defense. Jasper didn't stop when the wall formed, she actually seemed to pick up more speed. With a last second lunge, she shattered the wall and collided with Lapis, knocking the blue gem to the ground.
Jasper landed on her feet, which she raised and brought down, intending to stomp on the downed Lapis. The blue gem rolled to the side in the nick of time and took a crouched position. She raised the water and formed two boulder like ice masses. She launched them at the incoming Jasper who just head-butted through them and continued on.
Lapis pulled the moisture from the air and formed her wings, flaring them before she took off directly for Jasper. She twisted her body mid-flight to kick Jasper on the side of her head, knocking her helmet off. The larger gem faltered, but stood her ground.
"You're a pretty aggressive fighter." Jasper taunted as she grabbed the smaller gem's limb, trapping her. "Looks like you picked up something in our time together!"
Jasper tightened her grip as spun the blue gem over her head before she brought Lapis down onto the ground, hard. Thankfully Lapis landed on her front, avoiding her gem. Lapis twisted her body forward so that she could push her free leg up with all of her might. Her foot connected with Jasper's gem, forcing the larger gem back.
The pain and shock from the sudden attack was easily washed away with fear. Jasper brought her hands up to inspect her gem, feeling it's smooth surface filled her with instant relief. There was no crack. That relief was burned away by her anger.
"You're dead!" Jasper shouted.
With a loud battle cry, she ran towards the little gem, intent on crushing her.
"Wait!" Steven cried as he ran between them.
Jasper didn't even spare him a glance as she passed him. She just swung her arm and swatted him aside and continued on to her enemy. Even with little effort, she was able to send Steven crashing into a unmoving heap.
"Steven!" Lapis and Peridot cried in fear.
All of her anger forgotten and replaced with worry, she flew towards the downed half-gem. Peridot on her heels. Jasper just looked at them in contempt.
"Fools." Jasper whispered. Who pauses in the middle of a battle?
Not one to waste an opportunity, Jasper coiled her legs and jumped. Being a gem warrior, she was able to go pretty high, a good five stories. Once she reached maximum height, she began spinning in place, building momentum. Once she reached maximum velocity, she charged towards the trio. The aura covering her body giving her the look of a comet.
There was a thunderous noise that rang out as Jasper collided with something hard. Whatever she crashed into didn't budge, forcing Jasper to take the full force of the impact. Stunned from the blow, she began to stumble as she stepped back in an attempt to regain her bearings.
What was- Her question was answered before it was asked.
There was Ros-Steven's shield barrier, floating there in all it's glory. He had managed to summon it in the nick of time to protect his friends.
With Steven being okay and Jasper stunned, Lapis acted. She raised her water hand to grasp Jasper and raise her high before freezing, trapping the gem.
"You just don't learn do you!" Lapis shouted in rage. "You just don't care!" She began adding pressure to the frozen hand. "I'm going to crush you and then you won't even be a thought to Steven!"
No! Steven thought horrified as he grabbed her. "Wait Lapis, we-"
"I'm doing this for you!" Lapis declared as she pushed him away.
Steven fell onto his back and looked up at the blue gem sadly, hurt by her actions. Jasper saw this and gave a strained laugh, much to Lapis' discomfort.
"Y-Yeah, keep telling him that. Keep telling yourself that." Jasper taunted as she struggled. "You just w-want to crush me because you h-hate me. A-And bec-cause you fear me! Not because you care for the a-abomi-nation." Jasper may be crushed here, but she wouldn't give the gem traitor any satisfaction in her defeat.
"Shut up!" Lapis screamed.
Steven grabbed onto the blue gem's arm again. "Please Lapis." He begged, looking into her eyes. "Please don't let her be right."
Lapis looked into Steven's eyes, still as innocent as ever, still seeing hope in every gem.
She wanted to listen to him, to prove he was right to trust her. She really did. But Jasper was right there! The source of her anger! All she had to do was add a little more pressure! Just a little!
Jasper looked the blue gem in the eyes. "Do it."
Freezing the water around the quartz gem's torso, Lapis dropped the gem, letting her fall into a heap. She was sparing Jasper. If for no other reason than to prove that she wasn't anything that Jasper said she was.
Steven ran towards the downed Jasper who was getting her bearings. He stopped a few feet from her, just outside of her reach. Though her arms were bound, she still had those powerful legs.
"Are...you okay?" He asked cautiously.
"Get away from me!" Jasper demanded causing him to flinch.
"Jasper." Peridot began.
"Shut up!" Jasper shouted as she began rising to full height. "I don't want to hear anything from a traitor! I aught to crush you right now!"
"You don't have to hurt people!" Steven said to defend his friend. "You don't have to be bad, we can all be friends!"
Jasper reeled back as if she had been struck, a look of both disgust and indignation clear on her face. It quickly turned to a look of rage.
"I'm not the bad one here! I'm not the villain!" Jasper declared angrily. "You and your traitorous Crystal Gems are!"
Review
How was it, not too fast or out of character was it?
I'd like to give a shout out to LadyDetia who actually inspired this fic. If Rupphire(Garnet) is your OTP, then I recommend you read Angel in a Blue Dress and it's spin-off All that matters if you love some Jasper/oc.