Peridot was a simple scholar who set out on a trip with her dear friend and captain of the ship, Jasper. What no one planned though is her disappearance during a typhoon that hit the ship. Would she meet her end underneath this cold abyss or she'll end up find a greater treasure that would change her entire life?

PERIDOT'S POV

Generic Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, Steven Universe belong to its respective owner.

"Dialogues"
Inner thoughts
"Dialogues in memories"
_*****_

Chapter IV: Underwater Temple

It's no good… I can't do it.

I panted heavily as I continued to march on the steep path, dragging my feet each step as fatigue washed over me. Never have I ever thought that there will come a day that I will climb something that is akin to a mountain.

But I guess all that happened to me in this trip are unexpected…

I struggled to keep up with Pearl, who seemed to not falter even after minutes of walking and climbing. She'd only stop to wait for me, trying not to show her impatience as she watches me go up in silence.

I froze as my foot slipped, not even able to let a scream slip past my lips as I slid down a good distance below. My fingers dug painfully into the rocks but I kept clutching them as I held on for dear life.

"Are you okay?" Pearl took my hands and easily hoisted me up to where she was currently standing. She gave me a look over before turning around and kneeling, her hand extended behind her.

"Come on. It's safer and faster this way." I blinked as I stared at her kneeling form. Being carried there would've been easier on me. I know I'm not really athletic and it will probably take a while for me to climb if I do so normally but I don't want to be a bother.

Either ways I'm already causing her trouble. It'll be better to just accept the offer.

I held onto her as she stood up, her hands holding my legs securely as she gave me a piggy back ride. Even with the added weight, Pearl continued to climb efficiently on the slope.

I let my fingers roam her shoulders, there wasn't much muscle on them like the rest of her body but somehow the tall woman is able to achieve such feats. The journey upwards went by in a breeze, with Pearls efforts, and finally we are able to reach the top of the mountain.

The mountain has that feeling of tranquility as if it was protected by some higher being. Vegetation grew everywhere, wrapping the rocks like a green blanket, which made the place look like it has been forgotten and was frozen in time.

"We're here… well almost." Pearl pointed down into a large opening between the rocks. I could see clear water underneath, the purity of the water giving off a gleam as it reflected the rays of the sun.

"We're going down." With those words as the only warning, Pearl leaped into the hollow space inside the mountain. I held onto her as I screamed, the height would surely crush the taller woman's legs even with how strong she is.

I closed my eyes, waiting for the impact and the crunch of broken bones as wind whirled around us. To my surprise they never came. It was as if we have floated down rather than jump into this oblivion.

"Pearl, Peridot, you're here!" I opened my eyes, seeing an overly excited Lapis waving at us as we slowly descended. Pearl let me down to greet Lapis, looking around the otherwise empty room save for the stone pedestal that rest in the middle.

I walked closer to Lapis, observing the ankle deep water that I'm currently walking on. The water is extremely clear that I could see what is underneath, including the seemingly bottomless pit on the other side where Lapis is in.

"I am so glad that you made it to meet me, young human." A calm voice washed over the whole room, causing Lapis to turn her head in attention and Pearl to kneel down while bowing her head in respect.

Even without laying my eyes to the owner of the voice, I know that they are someone… ethereal… yet somehow have this powerful aura. The voice was followed by the sound of footsteps and a sound that could be closely described as something dragging on the floor.

I look at the origin of the noise, seeing two figures approaching the three of us. It was a young woman of red tint, she has puffy dark hair and her skin is of a dark red complexion. I could see wings folded on her back and behind her was the origin of the dragging sound, a spiny tail like those of a reptilian.

On her arms is another young woman with long platinum hair, the bangs covering the upper half of her face. Like Lapis, she has a tail of a fish rather than legs and her skin is kind of bluish in color, meaning she is also a mermaid.

A woman of blue… Sapphire.

"Hello, human. Thank you for being able to meet me here today. I am Sapphire, and this woman is Ruby. Thank you, dear." Sapphire said as she was settled into the pedestal in the middle of the room, whispering the last part to her companion in gratitude.

Her voice echoed clearly around the room, catching everyone's attention with her presence. Heck, even the creatures underwater and up above seemed to stop to listen to her words. I couldn't stop myself from kneeling, the divinity of the being in front of me was a little bit overwhelming.

"I-I'm Peridot, a scholar from a small port city in the South East. Thank you for deeming me worthy to be in your presence a-as well as letting me stay here." I bowed my head as I answered.

So this is how it feels like to be in the presence of someone far superior… It's heavier than being in a war strategy meeting with the generals…

"Please, raise your head and rise up Peridot… you too Pearl. We gladly welcome you here in our little sanctuary. Take your well needed rest and heal up." Pearl did as she was instructed to which I followed suit, raising my head up to see Sapphire waved me to come forward.

I looked at the other occupants of the room. Ruby was looking at me with a serious expression, her brow was furrowed as she observed beside Sapphire while Lapis nodded in encouragement. I took a single step forward, observing the people around me, when no one moved a muscle I took another one.

I stood stiffly in front of Sapphire, silently observing the majestic being up close in awe. Sapphire leaned up, pulling my arms towards her which caused me to lean down in return.

I closed my eyes in anticipation, waiting for the guardian's move until I felt something pressed against my forehead… I quickly opened my eyes in confusion and once again I felt myself freeze.

She's giving me a kiss on the forehead.

"May you be blessed, human, for the path you are taking comes with challenges. And also, please take care of Lapis." She whispered, pulling away and calming down the fuming woman beside her whose face was a deeper red than before.

I slowly made my way back Pearl and Lapis, still observing Ruby and Sapphire. Sapphire was giggling while Ruby just kept reddening in embarrassment. How surprisingly… human, I thought to myself.

Even when all of these people are of a different kind they all seem like normal humans, if their appearances are not taken into consideration that is. Somehow it made me think… we all are not so different after all.

I gazed at the gaping hole in the ceiling where we came from then to the bottomless pit that seems to reside beneath the water. Climbing up seems to be impossible and swimming down would most probably kill me.

"So… how exactly will we get out of here?" I shifted uncomfortably as I stared down the deep blue abyss where Lapis have most likely passed by. She's a mermaid, of course she'll be able to pass by it with ease.

"You know what, why don't I take you guys out for a ride up?" Ruby said, finally Sapphire was able to calm her down. She eyed my reaction, smirking as she saw the confusion in my face with the suggestion. I know that she have wings and all but…

How in the world would such a small girl carry us…?

As if reading my mind, her smirk just went wider as she pointed at her wings.

"You don't think that these are the only thing different about me, do you?" With this statement she stepped back, hunching forwards as her wings raised as it grew.

It was an uncomfortable thing to watch. I could see the bones under her skin twisting, morphing and changing form like her skin that is now covered in what looks like scales. Her wings spread to its full span and a growl escaped her maw—finally her transformation was done.

A... d-dragon… right in front of me.

I've seen the reptilian like part of Ruby but for some unknown reason the thought of her being a dragon never crossed my mind. I was baffled—stunned as I worked my way with my incomprehension of the situation.

"So, do you plan to stay here forever, human Peridot?" The towering figure huffed which caused a hot puff of air to violently whip at me. I looked at her back where Pearl and, surprisingly, Lapis are already seated.

"W-wait for me!" I hurriedly made my way at the foot of the enormous dragon, running my hand on the scales that line her skin in wonder. A real dragon… wow. Pearl offered her hand which I thankfully accepted to help me climb onto Ruby's back.

"Peridot, hold onto Lapis okay? She doesn't usually come with us like this and… well…" Pearl looks at her legs. Aah, of course. A huge part that will keep us in balance while we are in flight is the support from our legs.

"Roger that Pearl." I saluted as I sat between her and Lapis. Pearl tilted her head, uncertain with my response but accepted it anyways. "What is a 'roger'…" I heard Pearl whisper from behind me, her hand on her chin in thought.

"I'm taking off now." With that Ruby flapped her wings, causing gusts of wind around the room. Sapphire waved at us as we went, a smile ever present in her face as she did so. I waved at her in return but just then Ruby accelerated.

I screamed as we soared through the sky. Lapis, who was nestled on me, did as well, holding onto the front of my shirt as she buried her face on it. I held her close as we go and I felt Pearl steadying us from behind too.

I sighed in relief when Ruby finally remained in a certain altitude, high enough that we could see the whole island from below. It was actually peaceful up here, with the rhythmical flap of Ruby's wings the only sound I could hear.

The sight is just stunning, the island is full of vegetation and wildlife, calm waves lapping at the shore from the clear ocean. I realized that it was actually dusk, the setting sun causing a warm hue to cover the sky.

I felt the fatigue of the journey slowly melt away as I relaxed whilst observing the scenery. Somehow I found myself at ease, even if we are several feet above the ground riding a frigging dragon.

I remembered Lapis, the added weight in front of me suddenly feeling much more noticeable. I turned my head to the mermaid still pressed against me, her face still buried on my shirt.

"Lapis… hey." I said in the most soothing tone I could muster, rubbing her back gently as I did so. She reluctantly raised her head and stared into my eyes, I could still sense the fear in them as she anxiously gripped tighter on my shirt.

"There's nothing to fear. I'm here… and look! Everything looks so beautiful from here." I motioned to our surroundings, a pack of seagulls decided to fly just a considerable distance us just enough for us to hear their squawking.

I smiled in encouragement at her until she decided to look in front. I let my chin rest on her shoulder as she straightened up.

I waited patiently as I tried to see her reaction. After a few silent moments, she turned back to look at me and I leaned back a bit to give us the space to look into each other's eyes.

Her deep blue orbs are widened in amazement, a giggle getting pass her lips. With light from the setting sun and the gentle breeze that sweeps on her wavy hair, I couldn't help but stare.

Did time just stop or did my heart just skipped a beat? The whole trip felt like eternity to me, but as soon as we landed somehow it felt too short. I want to go back to that moment where beaming smile was the only thing that matters.

I let myself get supported by Pearl once again as I get down from Ruby's back. I walked closer to Ruby's snout, caressing her scales absentmindedly as I tried to commit the event that just occurred to memory.

"Maybe now you know that if you try to hurt Sapphire in any way, I will go out of my way to hunt you and end you myself." Ruby took a final glare before closing her eyes and succumbing to the petting.

"I would never do that, Ruby. Trust me." She let out a grunt but stayed quiet otherwise, resting her head down comfortably.

I turned to observe as Pearl carried Lapis down too, looking at the muscles of her arms contract as she accommodate the additional weight.

Hmph, Pearl isn't really that muscular… I bet I'll be able to do it too if I tried.

"Pearl can I… uhm… try to carry Lapis around?" I felt my face heat up as Pearl gave me a sly grin, her gaze following my every action even as she settled Lapis on my arms without a word.

No matter how confident I tried to make myself seem, it doesn't deny the fact that I am in no shape to carry around another person and it became apparent when my arms obviously dipped down.

Lapis let out a yelp, quickly wrapping her arms around my neck to further support herself. She held on to dear life, pressing herself on my front as I leaned a little bit backwards to maintain balance.

The sound was enough to catch even the attention of Ruby, who opened an eye to watch the events unfold. I could feel her and Pearl's watchful gazes concentrated on the two of us as I did my best to cover my face by burying it on Lapis' shoulder.

As if the embarrassment of nearly dropping her was not enough, but now I've been painfully aware that mermaids don't really have tops and Lapis' front was firmly pressed against mine at the moment. Not only that, I could feel the strength in my arms slowly draining every passing second.

Ruby gave a small knowing nod before opening her wings up and flying back to Sapphire's. She must've felt how I wanted to keep my pride even just for her, because surely I will be doing the walk of shame today.

As if on cue, Pearl lifted Lapis from my arms. I let out a sigh of relief as I let my arms fall limply on my sides.

Damn me and my noodle arms…

I pout in embarrassment as I admitted defeat, letting Pearl carry the blue haired mermaid. The taller woman let out a laugh, even extending her hand to pat my head as she carried Lapis with one hand.

"Don't feel bad about it. I'm sure that you'll be able to lift Lapis with ease soon enough. Just don't stop trying, okay?" I leaned into Pearl's hand, feeling the gentle stoking on my hair as we made our way back the cave.

"Yeah! You're gonna grow some muscle here, you weakling." Lapis stuck her tongue out as she taunted me, in which I returned to her, kindly. We walked in silence, the adventure of the day was really draining after all.

Lapis suddenly speaks up.

"Wait… do you guys mean I'm heavy!? Pearl, am I getting heavier?!" Pearl merely shrugged as I laughed at her fuming face.

_*****_
Cuz why wont a thrilling ride on a dragon not be romantic at all? Imi wakanai.
Peridot was helpleeeeess~ Look into your eyes and the sky's the limit~