Chapter 2: A determined heart. Dormant to awakening.
I do not own anything from Steven Universe.
Four years have passed since Azure and Lapis joined the Crystal Gems. The constant pain that Azure suffered from being turned into a Gem was starting to lessen, but it was still incapacitating at times. His appearance started to change. His baby fat was disappearing and he appeared slim yet somewhat muscular. The protrusion on his chest was slowly forming. Plus, he was a quick learner, despite being home-schooled by the Gems. Currently, Lapis was watching him and Pearl dueling. He was able to outmaneuver her, causing Pearl to fall on the ground.
"You're getting better, Azure. I have a feeling you will surpass me, even if I'm using two spears." Pearl admitted with a prideful, yet soft smile.
Lapis had to admit that she was impressed on how far Azure was going. She still felt guilty at times when Azure showed recent episodes of pain at times.
'He has went through a lot despite being young… Hopefully when the time comes, he'll truly understand everything on what's to come in his life' Lapis thought.
Azure looked at Pearl with a prideful smile. He grabbed her hand and pulled her up. He bowed in response from the fight.
"I'll admit, it has been fun since I've been training with you all. I still need to make sure my training is complete so I can truly fight with Lapis and the others." Azure said with a bashful expression.
By then, Amethyst and Garnet showed up. They noticed how Azure and Pearl finishing their duel with each other.
"You two have been training again? Azure surely wants to grow stronger as much as he can, doesn't he?" Amethyst said in a joking manner.
"I would say that it's very impressive. Despite being mostly human, Azure is pushing himself to go beyond his limits. Even without future vision, I could tell he will be an excellent warrior as Rose foresaw." Garnet said.
Upon hearing the word 'Rose', everyone stopped. Garnet realized what she said and felt depressed upon it.
'Dang it… I should've foreseen this… Even though it has been four years since Rose gave birth to her son, it costed her physical form… I was too careless when I mentioned her name.' Garnet thought in self-spite.
Azure turned to Garnet and showed a sullen expression. She felt terrible, seeing the emotions he was holding back.
"I know, Garnet… Rose told me that I will be a great warrior… Plus, I have to fulfill her promise in raising her son… However, I don't think he'll be ready right now." Azure said.
"You're right, Azure… In regards with Rose's son, we'll meet with his father in 6 years." Garnet said.
"Alright… We'll meet with him in 6 years. For now, we need to continue to train ourselves to prepare for anything." Azure said.
Amethyst decided to walk up to Azure. Everyone noticed how she was acting composed. Garnet and Pearl sat with Lapis to watch the training.
"Azure, I want to train alongside you. Pearl has been doing most of the combat training with you, and I barely had a chance." Amethyst said.
"Okay, Amethyst. I'm ready when you are. Don't hold back." Azure said.
Amethyst reached to her gemstone located on her chest. From it, a whip appeared. The whip had purple thorns of crystals. It was divided in three ends which have sharp purple crystals. It looked intimidating at first glance.
"Hope you're ready. Here I come!" Amethyst said.
Amethyst used her whip to ensnare Azure's sword. She then pulled it off from his hand, forcing him to use his fists in response.
"Don't think Pearl taught me only swordsmanship. I learned how to fight in close combat in case I don't have a weapon." Azure said.
Amethyst merely smirked in a cocky way. She then lashed her whip to try and capture Azure. This made him jump up to avoid getting enmeshed by her whip. Amethyst persisted, making her whip move at fast speeds.
'She's quick… Unlike Pearl, who's more like a dancer and is graceful, Amethyst is more of a wild fighter. That whip also makes her specialized in mid to long range combat. Although she intends to make me get pressured from the long range attacks, this tactic has a fatal weakness.' Azure thought.
Azure continued dodging Amethyst's whip. With each attack the whip did, he was able to predict where she would attack next. Amethyst believed she had the upper hand till she sent her whip ahead of Azure.
'Bingo…' He thought.
Immediately, Azure dashed to Amethyst, catching her by surprise. The sudden change in speed left her open to be attacked. By then, Azure spun on the ball of his left foot to deliver a kick on her head. The force of the attack knocked Amethyst off her feet, making her fall to the ground.
"Wow, didn't see that coming." Amethyst complimented with surprise.
Azure briefly chuckled and pulled Amethyst up. Lapis felt proud, seeing how Azure was improving. She took notice how he was able to overcome Amethyst so quickly, despite using one whip.
'He's gone a long way, yet he wants to make sure he remains strong. I can't ask for anyone like him to be replaced…' Lapis thought.
Garnet and Pearl were proud of Azure becoming more battle oriented. They couldn't help but smile in response.
"Azure has been training with us for years. His ability to recognize the threat of the battle is something to fathom." Pearl said.
"He can easily rival against me with that kind of skill. One day, he might be able to battle against fusions." Garnet said.
Amethyst decided to step her game. She summoned two whips, causing Azure to move back from her. This caused him to move back away from her.
'This one's tricky… If I try the same method from before, the second whip can defend herself from a counter… I need to rethink a new strategy to fight her down.' Azure thought.
The whips were sent to him at rapid speeds at a consecutive manner. This caused a great deal of pressure for Azure to strike back.
'Those whips don't seem to have an exact length on how far they stretch. Then again, the length of the arena is a factor to be wary of… I can't risk getting entangled… No doubt she'll try to attack me once I get caught. However, I can dodge her attacks, even from a certain distance.' Azure thought analytically.
Azure's analysis of Amethyst was put to hold when she ignited the whips in ethereal, purple fire. This got him in complete surprise, seeing the new attack.
'I knew I shouldn't get caught… Those flames are dangerously hot. What else she has up in her sleeve?' Azure thought in question.
Immediately, Amethyst began to spin like a ball in rapid speeds. An aura of purple covered her, the purple flames included. This caused Azure to jump up to avoid getting hit.
'So she can do a spin dash and enwrap herself in purple flames… Reckless, but dangerous to take a hit from something like that…' Azure thought with a sweat drop.
Unfortunately, the flames melted the ice sword Lapis provided to him. Azure knew he was in a disadvantage due to Amethyst's unpredictable attacks. Before he could think, Amethyst was heading to him. In reflexive response, he shut his eyes till something happened. The protrusion on Azure's chest began to glow in a soft, opaque blue-gray color. Azure was shocked of seeing the light emanate from his chest.
"What is this feeling? It's like something within me is awakening…" Azure said to himself.
By then, the light was being manipulated. It began to move around Azure. The whole sight shocked everyone watching. By then, a thin wall of light was created, blocking Amethyst's attack.
(Play Steven Universe OST - Atop the Sea Spire)
Azure looked at his hands, noticing a faint glow of light being apparent. Everyone was shocked to see such an extraordinary moment.
"I can…manipulate light?" Azure asked with amazement.
Amethyst, seeing that Azure was distracted, decided to attack him. She used her whips in an attempt to catch him. However, this resulted in a shield of light protecting him.
"You finally awakened your powers, Azure." Amethyst said.
"My powers? You mean my ability to use light?" Azure asked.
Amethyst wasted no time and attacked Azure in a spin dash. Seeing the battle wasn't over, Azure made the light around him form into a weapon. The light took in the form of a sword. It was glowing in a bright aura.
"I may need to get used to this since it is my first time using this special powe." Azure comically said.
He blocked Amethyst and forcefully made her move into a different direction. This caused Amethyst to pierce through a nearby pillar.
"Like a bullet from a gun…" Azure said with a surprise.
The pillar was about to fall on to him. Seeing the pillar heading to him, Azure quickly swung his light sword. He didn't expect the pillar to be sliced in two.
'Sharp…' He thought with shock.
(Steven Universe OST - Atop the Sea Spire ends here)
The other gems were surprised on seeing Azure's new ability.
"This is completely new… Usually, Gems can manipulate light by making images, summoning weapons, or for illuminating dark places. Azure's case is actual manipulation of light." Garnet said.
"His Gem ability is photokinesis!?" Pearl questioned in complete surprise.
Lapis noticed how Azure was manipulating light. She compared it to her hydrokinesis, only it felt rather comfortable to her from the sensation. The light was making her feel Azure's emotions.
"Ready for Round 2, Amethyst?" Azure called out.
"I'm ready when you are." Amethyst replied.
Azure charged forward, holding the light sword. Amethyst swung her whips to catch him. Anticipating her attacks, Azure jumped up to avoid the whips. One nearly entangled him, but he managed to slice it midway before it could capture him.
"Wow, you're learning quickly there." Amethyst complimented.
"If I have to admit on this training session, I wouldn't stand a chance against you if we both fought seriously." Azure said.
Amethyst laughed as they continued to train. She then caused her whips to ignite in purple flames. They were racing towards Azure. He noticed the whips coming to him in a wave pattern.
"A whiplash… As if I hardly got enough…" Azure joked.
He forcefully descended to avoid the whips. However, Amethyst noted how exhausted he looked. Reluctant, she made her whips disappear.
"You should take a breather, Azure. You're looking too tired to fight anymore." Amethyst said.
Before Azure could say anything, he collapsed on the ground. Lapis noticed this and went to him. She was concerned when he collapsed on the ground, only to realize he used up his stamina. Garnet walked up to them.
"He'll be okay… Azure has little experience to controlling his Gem powers. If he continues training, he'll be able to use them without exhausting himself." Garnet reassured.
Lapis held on to Azure's unconscious body. By then, she noticed the protrusion on his chest. It was forming an opaque, blue color. This made her look at it with shock.
"It can't be… I thought this was a legend." Lapis said.
"What is it, Lapis?" Garnet asked.
Pearl and Amethyst walked to Lapis, noting how she looked surprised. Before the three Gems could question her, Lapis briefly pulled Azure's shirt down from the crew neck, showing the slowly forming Gem. Garnet and Pearl were deeply shocked of what they saw from Azure. It was hard for them not to dismiss what they saw.
"The legendary Gem… It does exist…" Pearl said in shock.
"Angelite…" Garnet said in shock.
Amethyst was confused as to why Garnet and Pearl were showing such amazed expressions. She began to ask them for answers.
"Garnet, Pearl… Why are you two so surprised about Azure's Gem?" She asked.
"This kind of Gem has been a legendary story, even to Homeworld. No one, not even us, believed it would exist till now." Pearl said.
"What is so special about this Gem?" Amethyst asked, her attention fully caught in the topic.
"Unlike any Gems in general who form from Kindergarten, Angelite is different on how it forms. According to the legend, Angelite forms when a human bonds with a Gem. The bonding is not from a physical aspect or a mental aspect. Meaning, it is something deeper, almost as though it was from the spirit. Once a bond is formed, Angelite slowly develops from the human." Garnet explained.
"What kind of powers will an Angelite develop?" Pearl asked.
"Any human turned into an Angelite will have the ability to use light as their main form of attack. However, the true ability is to combine light with the Gem the human is with, For instance, Lapis's power will combine with Azure's, creating purifying water in result." Garnet said.
"When was this legend first told of?" Amethyst asked.
"It was told to us Gems about 9,500 years ago." Garnet said.
"Whoa… Wait, what happened to the Angelite from that time?" Amethyst questioned.
"The Angelite of that time perished during the rebellion… In legend, she rebelled against Homeworld and tried to protect the Earth from us. However, she was shattered during her fight against Homeworld." Pearl said.
Lapis held on to Azure closely, worried he may suffer the same fate.
"Garnet… Will he remain human or continue developing as a Gem?" Lapis asked reluctantly.
Garnet was reluctant to answer, but seeing Lapis with a concerned face, she despondently answered her question.
"Azure will retain his humanity…but, he has a few years till he no longer remains 100% human. He'll become a gem hybrid, unable to age or suffer from disease. We Gems are ageless so he'll become like us. However, he will still have his anatomy in check. However, the gem on his chest has replaced his actual heart. If the gem on his chest shatters, he will die. I also know this… Homeworld will start targeting him the moment they see him. Since the first Angelite was a Gem created from the love of a human and a Gem, she rebelled against the Great Diamond Authority, forming the Crystal Gems. Rose, having heard of the legend, followed Angelite's footsteps." Garnet said.
(Play Steven Universe OST – I Am Lapis Lazuli)
Lapis couldn't believe what she heard. She collapsed on the floor with despair, now knowing of the dangers Azure will have to face. Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl noticed her crying in soft sobs.
"Why…? Why haven't you told me about this? I ended up turning him into a Gem because he felt my emotions. He has now bonded with me since he freed me from that mirror. If only this didn't happen." Lapis said.
Azure groaned and woke up to see Lapis crying. He was shocked upon seeing her sad face.
"Lapis. What's wrong? Why are you crying?" Azure asked in concern.
Lapis heard his voice and noticed he was awake. With tears, she hugged him close, sobbing.
"Azure, I realized what is happening to you… You're turning into a legendary Gem that was believed to be forever lost." Lapis said.
"But why are you crying? I haven't done anything wrong" Azure questioned.
"No, it's not from you… It's my fault… I have made your life more risky now. You'll be targeted by our enemies." Lapis said, weeping.
Azure hugged Lapis to calm her worries. The other Gems could feel Lapis's sadness, feeling guilty.
"While I never imagined in becoming a Gem, that doesn't mean I'll let anything happen to you. This new power from me was the result of me meeting you, Lapis. I don't know why, but it drives me to grow stronger to protect you. I can't ask for anything other than seeing you happy." Azure said.
"I don't want to lose you, Azure… You've become more than just a friend. I never had anyone willing to protect me from anything. I don't want to lose you, Azure." Lapis tearfully confessed.
(I am Lapis Lazuli OST ends here)
Unable to say anything, Azure was silent while holding on to Lapis. Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl were all surprised on Lapis revealing how much she cares for him. They were all reminded of Rose Quartz.
'Rose… If only you're here to see this… A fellow Gem has fallen in love with a human who became a legendary being.' Pearl thought.
'Ruby and Sapphire have the same love Azure and Lapis are showing. If their bonds continue to develop, they may end up fusing to a powerful being. Their relationship goes beyond understanding Gems and humans' Garnet thought with a smile.
Azure looked at the other Gems. His determination was shown from his face.
"We know that you want to continue training, but take a break for today. Spend some time with Lapis so you can recuperate. You're still too inexperienced in knowing how Gems use their true abilities to fight, Azure. Tomorrow, we'll continue your training to help you understand your own power." Garnet said.
Azure understood and decided to take a break from training. Lapis was happy to be with him for the day, evident by her bright smile. Both felt content to being with each other.
######
(Play Steven Universe OST – Alone Together)
Outside at a familiar place, Lapis and Azure were walking. They began to remember how they met when he was a young boy.
"This brings back memories." Lapis said with a smile.
"Yeah… It's the same place where I found you in that mirror. I also freed you when you were trying to talk with me." Azure said.
Lapis smiled and she willed a small stream of water to move towards her. She made the water form into an ice sculpture of Azure and herself. The ice sculpture of Azure looked like he was in his late teens. Both were shown sitting together, watching the scene in front of them.
"Lapis…" Azure said, unable to think of anything.
Lapis giggled, seeing how he was surprised on Lapis using her power. He then channeled some of his light powers on the ice, making it shine brightly. A rainbow formed over it making the sculpture more beautiful.
"Wow, Azure. You made it look more beautiful." Lapis said.
Azure blushed in response. Lapis walked up to him and held him close. Both overlooked at the sunset at the beach.
(Alone Together OST ends here)
That's all from here.
Note 1: Another time skip will occur, which will officially start Steven's debut.
Note 2: Azure's power is tailored to his feelings. His main drive is to protect the people he cares for.
Note 3: Although never shown, Azure's power to combine light and water will be shown later on.
Any questions or response, send a review.