They quickly took Steven to Planet Zorak. The Sludge surrounded the Warp Pad. The Gems were in awe at how much the Sludge had grown. "We have to stop this thing at all costs!" shouted Pearl as she took out her spear and started attacking the Sludge. "I wanna help!"
"Steven, you're not ready. You just learned how to summon your Shield!"
"Yes, and that makes me a full Gem. I can help!"
Suddenly, Steven's shield formed from his Gem. Suddenly, the Sludge began to shrink back as if it were scared of Steven. It left the Warp Pad's area immediately. "Whoa, Steven... THAT WAS TOTALLY AWESOME!" exclaimed Amethyst. "Thanks!"
"Good job, Steven. Now, let's find Sapphire."
"I'm right here," said a voice from behind. Pearl turned around to see a blue Gem standing behind her. "Sapphire! It's so good to see you!"
"Likewise. So, this is the famous Steven, son of Rose Quartz."
"Yep, Steven Quartz Universe at your service!"
"Good. Now we must be off."
"But what about Ruby?"
"I'm right here," came Ruby's voice. Ruby jumped down from a cliff above them and landed near Obsidian, "Miss me?" Obsidian immediately started hugging her. "I'm so glad you're okay! Don't ever do something like that ever again!"
"Don't worry, I won't."
"We don't have much time. The Sludge is on the move."
"She's right. We have to get Steven closer."
"What?! You want to send Steven to fight this thing?!"
"Pearl, I realize your concern, but-!"
"But nothing! I promised Rose that I would protect Steven, and I don't think allowing him to fight something this dangerous is protecting!"
"Oh, come one, Pearl. Quit being a stick in the mud."
"I'm not! I'm just trying to keep my promise to Rose!"
Sapphire put her hand on Pearl's shoulder. "Look, I realize that you want to protect Steven, but this is a matter of life or death. Only Steven can solve it. Trust me, it will all make sense soon."
"Okay, I trust you."
"Don't worry, Pearl. Steven will be completely safe."
Pearl couldn't help but wonder what Steven was about to get into.
To be concluded...
