Disclaimer: I don't own Steven Universe, its characters, or its plot. However, Rebecca Sugar is free to use my characters and storylines, should she be so inclined.
A/N: Hello, fellow writers and readers. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy it. Well, it's been a long time, so let's just get right into it. And here … we … go:
Steven Universe: Crystallize Red
Phantom Quartz
It was a lovely Beach City day, with a warm but constant breeze and clear blue sky over head. So, it was a great time for Steven, Connie, Amethyst, and Carnelian to go to one of the beaches. On this occasion, the two teens were deliberately wearing large swimming clothes, immediately ran frolicking onto the beach as soon as they arrived there, and a moment later, Stevonnie was there. The young fusion was actually the reason for this specific visit; today, they wanted to learn how to surf.
First, Amethyst had them make a board, with Carnelian suggesting how to morph Steven's shield into one and even teaching the process to the young fusion. Stevonnie did learn it but ultimately opted to use a regular board. The two quartzes then went about teaching the young fusion the balancing, timing, and technique of it. It took a few tries and a few wipeouts, Stevonnie laughing joyously the whole way. Eventually, however, Stevonnie got proficient at it, the young fusion surfing flawlessly.
Meanwhile, Carnelian was actually new to the sport, but she was fortunately able to decipher, analyze, and communicate how it worked and how to do it. This really was fortunate because in truth … she was truly terrible at actually, physically surfing. There was a combination of problems and reasons for this, but all with one result; every attempt ended with her taking a swift and often violent dunk into the surf. It was also fortunate that Carnelian didn't need to breathe or have lungs because, after a few times, she was partially certain she swallowed half the ocean. Eventually, she settled into just instructing after draining herself and returning the ocean to the ocean…
The trio eventually stopped to rest, sitting on the beach and talking, laughing, and joking…
"She said 'Jaspers always get what they want'…" Stevonnie recounted, "And she just disappeared back into the ocean."
Amethyst concurred, "Oh, Red, you should've seen them. Stood toe-to-toe with Jasper and made her back! Down! I rushed back to save them, but they ended up saving me."
"Wow. Your second time fusing and you beat back Pink Diamond's Jasper…" Carnelian reacted, growing an impressed and proud smile, "Ha, scared of you; I know she had to be steamed. Stevonnie, you're amazing … and only getting better."
Stevonnie blushed as Carnelian nudged them with her shoulder. The young fusion soon glimpsed something in the water, a vague roiling and churning off into ocean, and then looked closer to confirm it was indeed there.
"Uh, guys, do you see that?" Stevonnie pointed out, a little concerned.
Both the other quartzes spotted the unclear happening. Carnelian had actually caught a glimpse of it earlier during one of her dips but decided not to call alert to it at the time. Now was the time, and it was something.
Carnelian began softly instructing the other two, "Stay calm; it might be watching us. Amethyst, think you can sneak up on it?"
Amethyst agreed in a stage whisper, "Leave it to me."
Amethyst then calmly and with projected ease stood up, her hands relaxing behind her head, and nonchalantly moseyed off the beach. Carnelian directed Stevonnie to continue looking at her and act as if the two were still talking. Once she was a ways off to the side, Amethyst shapeshifted into a shark and dove into the water. Carnelian and Stevonnie discreetly watched Amethyst's fin as she stalked over to the presence.
Amethyst reached it, and both disappeared under the surface. The water went calm … until suddenly the water started fiercely bubbling and churning … but then the water went still again… Suddenly, the water began roiling even more as something slowly started approaching the beach. Carnelian and Stevonnie jumped up and summoned their weapons, Stevonnie with sword and shield in hand and Carnelian getting her coat back on her shoulders. Soon, Amethyst's head and shoulders emerge from the water, only for her to be yanked back under the surface.
Fighting to get above the surface and stay there, Amethyst choked out, "Red…! A little help…!"
Both of the others rushed over, and Stevonnie and Carnelian quickly realized Amethyst had her whip lassoed around something and was struggling to pull it. Both grabbed the whip and joined the tug of war. One thing that only made it harder to get a good grip and good footing was the agitated surf crashing against their legs and into their eyes. They fought their way to get somewhat close to the shore before they stalled and came to a deadlock. Carnelian suddenly waded further into the water along the whip, heading right into the troubled water where this thing was, and then pounced into the water onto it!
Amethyst and Stevonnie soon felt the tension in the whip lessen and thus pulled harder, with Carnelian emerging a short time later still tugging on the whip. A blaring alarm started becoming more audible as the thing broke the surface, all the way until they finally managed to drag it through the sand and onto the beach…Out in the open, the thing was a huge, black, metallic sphere with a prominent light-blue lensed 'eye' on its front. It was almost pristine … except for several dents where it was obviously banged up by Amethyst and Carnelian, and its eye pulsed in time with its distress signal. Carnelian looked and found its speaker, took a hold of it, and … BRZZT! The signal died with a weak crackle, its speaker ripped out in one smooth motion.
"Your silence is appreciated, madam." Carnelian said, tossing aside the now-removed speaker.
With the sphere's eye continuing to pulse, Amethyst wondered, "What d'ya think it is?"
Stevonnie said, "It kinda looks like the Red Eye, expect… Ha, it's a black eye."
All three of them snickered before Carnelian said, "You can say that again… But seriously, this looks like a surveillance drone, but it's really basic. It's probably just taking pictures and recording a couple readings. The more troubling question… What was it sending that distress signal to?"
They didn't have to wait long for that answer. A faint drone of beeps slowly grew overhead, and the trio looked up to see more identical eye drones flying in. In total, a swarm of 20 arrived, hovering overhead and looking down at them…!
The trio quickly got into fighting position, and, as she retracted her whip back to her hands, Amethyst lamented, "Man, we've gotta find a new beach."
Nervously clutching their sword and shield, Stevonnie said shakily, "Ladies, that is a lot, a whole lot…"
An idea sprang into Carnelian's mind. "You're right. In fact … it's too many. Amethyst!"
Amethyst looked over … and saw Carnelian with a hand outstretched towards her. The purple quartz let out a shriek of joy that caught Stevonnie off-guard, and took the red quartz's hand.
As she and Amethyst moved to a clearer spot, Carnelian warned, "Stevonnie, sweetie, stand clear please."
Then, as they took position side-by-side, Amethyst added, "Aw, yeah! Give us room 'cuz we're about to get big!"
"Giant Woman?!" The Steven part of Stevonnie exclaimed. Connie's part then chimed in, "Oh, cool! I never get to see the other Crystal Gems fuse!"
Amethyst and Carnelian performed a mirrored, synchronized dance, ending up back-to-back, and disappeared into the light as all the eyes focused intently on what was happening. A large form grew and rose upward … then went pitch-black and sunk flat against the sand. Stevonnie saw the aura go under their feet, realized they're not nearly far enough away, and got to uncovered sand very fast. Something started moving and slithering under the blanket of darkness and began taking a humanoid shape. The first black eye sensed something was amiss, and started trying to fly away, its eye furiously blinking. FHWIP! CLANG! Suddenly, a large hand shot out of the darkness and grabbed the black eye with just her index finger and thumb!
The aura scuttled away and disappeared in insectoid-shaped shards to reveal the new being's form. She was a large four-armed fusion, with her long platinum hair slicked down and back with the sides curved upward into 'horns' that framed her face. She was stooped close to the ground on her hands and toes in almost a feral or animalistic stance. She wore a tight black vest with a high collar over the back of her neck and a sheer undershirt beneath with netted sleeves, and along with that, tight black pants with netted cut outs on the sides. She had a wide, intimidating grin on her lush lips that showed off her mouthful of sharp teeth, her teeth from the canines back having razor points. It seemed at a glance that she had two eyes, but a closer look revealed two pupils and irises in each one; although, their most striking aspect was their inverted color, completely black sclerae with four gold irises…
This new fusion was beautiful and yet … somewhat scary. She slowly turned the surveillance eye to face her and let out a low rumbling and … menacing laugh.
The fusion taunted the eye with a gleeful yet sinister hiss, "Oh, you have made a terrible mistake."
The black eye was now actively vibrating and trying to pull away. The large fusion didn't give it the chance; she pressed her fingers together and crushed it lifeless, absently dropping it afterward. All the other eyes started slowly hovering backward…
Her voice low, smooth, and smoky, the large fusion mused to herself, "Aww, you poor things… I wonder if they know how much trouble they're in?!"
All the eyes turned and started flying away, but the large fusion lifted up onto her knees and lashed out … literally. From her hands, arms, and shoulders, a barrage of Amethyst's whips and Carnelian's chain sword fired out and ensnared all of the eyes in a chorus of furious snaps! The eyes whirred and pulled to get away but it was no use; they were all stopped cold in midair…
She taunted them, "I'll take that as a yes. But you're just gonna tire yourselves out… There is no escape."
The large fusion generated energy on her body in black flames, and sent it along her whips and chains. The energy connected and burst against the eyes in simultaneous firework-like explosions, with the impact and aftershock of so many actually causing Stevonnie to separate. All the eyes fell into the water still lashed, and she reeled them all in…
Looking over at the two prone teens, the large fusion said, "Steven, Connie, will one of you be a dear, and go get the others, please?"
Connie stayed as Steven rushed off. Only Pearl was in the temple at the time, and upon seeing her, Steven let out a loud and long string of information all as one word with mentions of 'fusion', 'eyes', and 'surfing'. Pearl was still very lost when Steven simply said they needed to go and both rushed out… Pearl let out a deep gasp upon seeing the large fusion, as they returned to find, with Connie perched on her shoulder, the new fusion sitting cross-legged and intently watching the captured eyes. Just then, one of them started to wriggle free…
She spoke quietly, almost encouraging, "That's it. You've got it. Just a little more." The eye slid free. THWIP! She instantly lashed it and pulled it back down. "Aw, shoot. Maybe next time…" Two of the eyes were, meanwhile, looking and blinking at each other, obviously communicating. "Oh, what's this? You two collaborating? Great idea; I bet you have something real good cooked up…" The fusion gave a flick of her hand and smashed the two eyes into each other with the whips, letting out a satisfied chuckle.
"Hey, they're back!" Connie announced, finally spotting Steven and Pearl.
She let Connie down and looked, and upon seeing Pearl, her tone sweetened if not really softened. "Well, hellooo, Pearl…"
Pearl stopped, going a bit rigid, and responded, "Oh, hello; a pleasure to meet you. Who might you be?"
"Phantom Quartz. The pleasure's all mine. And if you don't mind me saying…" The fusion lied down so she was looking at Pearl. "You look positively radiant today."
Pearl felt her body grow hot and felt her face blush blue from Phantom Quartz's voice, tone, and the look in the fusion's eyes, only managing to laugh nervously in response. Connie and Steven showed Pearl the first, now-impacted black eye and gave a synopsis of all the preceding events. With that, Pearl got to work opening up the eye and looking around inside it. However, something kept deterring her focus; she constantly felt eyes on her … and not the mechanical ones. Phantom Quartz was prone resting her chin on her arms almost … gazing at Pearl. She would glance over occasionally, and Phantom Quartz would simply give her a small smoldering smile and, one time, a gentle wink. That one made Pearl blush to her toes.
Eventually, Pearl asked, somehow able to keep her voice from quivering, "Is … something the matter, Phantom Quartz?"
"Not at all. Just enjoying watching you work."
Pearl briefly, nervously giggled and said, "Well, I am flattered, but it's rather hard to concentrate with you so … transfixed."
"Oh. My apologies…"
Phantom Quartz gave one last smile and rolled on to her back. Pearl then got back to work relieved, and after a moment, reported, "Okay, that should delete its memory and stop its alarm signal. Anything further will require Peridot and I." Pearl then turned to the fusion. "In the meantime… Thank you so much, Phantom Quartz, and it was wonderful meeting you. We couldn't have done this without you, but I think it's safe for you to separate now."
…
"I'm afraid I can't do that, Pearl…"
There was only a slight change in Phantom Quartz's voice but it was enough of a downturn to give Pearl chills. She asked, "I… I'm sorry?"
Phantom Quartz turned her head to them, and pointed out, "I have to keep the rest of the eyes leashed. Just one put up a good struggle…"
Connie added, "She's right. Stevonnie, Tanzanite, and Amethyst could barely get this eye onto the beach."
Pearl looked at the other snared eyes, saying, "Oh, yes, of course. I'm sorry, Phantom Quartz; I don't know what I was thinking. I guess I'm just a little … overwhelmed by you."
"Aww, Pearl, you're so sweet."
The way she said that last word only served to prove Pearl's point. She quickly changed the subject, saying, "Nonetheless, we have to get them out of here before anyone sees them or you. We need to get them to a secure location, preferably with a lot of space."
Steven spoke up as an idea popped into his mind, "Oh, what about where the old communication hub was?! It's got a lot of space, and the warp pad is fixed now, so we can get there easy."
"And we can get Garnet and the others on the way." Connie added.
Pearl thought for a moment before saying, "That does seem our best option. Phantom Quartz … do you know where the communication hub is?"
Phantom Quartz searched her own mind a moment and said, "Indeed, I do… You all get everyone, and I'll meet you there…"
With a plan in place, Phantom Quartz started off … in her own way. The large fusion planted her and arched up off the ground onto her hands in a 'back bridge'. When she moved, her limbs go didn't in unison or really in concert, but one-by-one in an undulation fashion. In this rather unnerving position, she 'walked' into ocean dragging the eyes behind her…
-XX-
"I'm actually surprised you want to come along, Lapis." Peridot expressed.
"With all this stuff falling out of the sky these days, how can I leave you alone right now?"
Peridot muttered, "Well, I'll have the others for protection, so I don't understand your concern, but okay…"
With all the Crystal Gems walking from the Barn to the warp pad, Connie spoke, "Just to let you know before you meet her: Phantom Quartz is … eccentric."
Steven added, "Yeah, but don't worry; I'm sure you'll love her when you meet her. Don't you think, Pearl?"
Pearl was somewhat caught off-guard, at a lost for what to say. "Uh, I mean … yes. If nothing else… Phantom Quartz is friendly and … attentive."
As they all stepped up on to the warp pad, Garnet said, "I'm sure this will be very interesting."
They disappeared in a column of light and arrived at the communication hub in a flash as Pearl mused aloud, "I wonder what Phantom Quartz did to entertain hers— whoa…"
Filling the hub was a veritable forest of whips and cords all around, crisscrossing, weaving, and intersecting overhead, up and down, and to the ground. The columns of destroyed hub were used throughout as structure and for anchors. Thankfully, this thick 'bramble' gave just enough room for them to walk through it. The Crystal Gems traversed it looking in awe and transfixed at the sheer volume and tangle of them including several what-looked-like intricate designs in amongst it all.
In the middle was a huge, exquisitely elaborate weave that could only be described as a web, with all the remaining eyes snared in and all over it, and reclined in the middle of the web was Phantom Quartz. While the web was gargantuan to the others, it served as a small hammock for the fusion, and she nevertheless rested on her web completely upside down. Phantom Quartz, eyes gently closed, strummed on a couple nearby cords with her top hands to make a harp-like sound while making soft percussion with her lower hands.
Peridot accidently bumped into one of the vertical whips. THURRR… A long vibration traveled upward into the surrounding ones and into the web's midst. The disturbance quickly reached the middle of the web and the fusion. She looked up to see them, and her face 'lit' up; it became very clear very fast that even a genuinely happy smile from Phantom Quartz was at least a little unsettling, especially with her face inverted…
As they approached her, Phantom Quartz gushed, "Ah, there's my crew; I was beginning to worry. And the whole gang's here; how excellent." The fusion slowly lowered herself, still upside down, with one of the cords around her waist and one of her legs. "Lapis… You grace me with your presence. Honestly, I would've been a little disappointed if I didn't get to meet you … and not just because Carnelian is quite fond of you… Please don't tell her I told you that."
Actually nonplussed by all of this, Lapis responded in stride, "You have my word."
"Mmm… Peridot…" The fusion turning her attention onto her actually made the green gem jumped a little. "Of course, I can't leave you out. Amethyst thinks you're pretty special too, and she doesn't care if you know she does."
"Really?" Peridot kept herself composed even though she couldn't keep herself from blushing, "Well, that's very generous of her."
Phantom Quartz continued on, "You've been working a lot of overtime, Peri… We need to find something … special to do for you." The fusion gave a small smirk that failed to calm Peridot. "So, Pearl, Peridot, shall we get you both up here so you can get to work?"
With both gems looking up warily at the large web, Pearl suggested, "Actually… Would it be too much if you lowered them to us?"
"Are you both sure? It's much less treacherous than it looks." Phantom Quartz's tone then dropped slightly. "I promise to keep you both safe."
Peridot nervously replied, "Yes… Uh, yes. We're sure; right, Pearl?" Pearl immediately nodded in agreement.
"Hmm, you're the bosses. Coming down…" Phantom Quartz slowly lowered the eyes to the ground.
Steven quickly asked, "Can we get on the web?"
Connie added, "Yeah, it would be great to experience it up close."
"For you two, anything…" Phantom Quartz lowered and cupped her two upper hands. "Lapis, would you mind helping me look after them, please?"
Steven and Connie stepped in the Phantom's hands, and the fusion carefully retracted them back up, Lapis flying up afterward. Pearl and Peridot went to work as the large fusion gently laid the two young teens on the lines, and Lapis landed along with them. The two fusions soon met eyes, and Phantom Quartz again lowered herself down to Garnet…
"And finally, the fusion of love herself." Phantom Quartz said with a smile, "Hello, Garnet. You are every bit as immaculate and lovely in person, if not more so."
Garnet chuckled slightly. "It's nice to see you too, Phantom Quartz. You're certainly full of compliments."
Phantom Quartz began unconsciously, slowly spinning on her web. "Just stating facts, my fair fusion. And here comes another: Garnet, I must say, your poise and luminosity bring a pleasant sense of relief and calm to any situation."
Garnet chuckled again. "Alright, let's not get sidetracked; I want to talk about you. You certainly look well. How are you feeling?"
"Hmm… I feel a lot of things. I apologize if this is too forward, but…" Phantom Quartz stopped, looked right into Garnet's eyes, and offered her hand. "You can experience it first-hand if you want."
Garnet actually, for a split second, considered it but… "Maybe at a later date. Right now's not the best time."
Phantom Quartz took it in stride and pulled her hand back, saying, "Of course. Well, the offer stands should you ever desire."
The larger fusion started going back up, but Garnet spoke up, "Phantom Quartz, wait… There's something very important we need to discuss." The larger fusion stopped and lowered herself back down to face Garnet. "… You're going to refuse to separate…"
Phantom Quartz's enthusiasm dampened. "'Refuse' is a strong word; it's more like … 'decline' or 'elect not to'."
"I don't have to tell you how dangerous that can be… Is something wrong?"
After a long pause, Phantom Quartz finally responded, "Yes … but it's difficult to relay… I am aware of the incident with my sister, Sugilite, and, yes, I know the same instincts could overtake me… Though she's great in her own ways, I am not Sugilite. I've been calm and in control this whole time; I'm at peace right now. And in this place, I'm out of the way and a danger to no one."
"Phantom Quartz, if something is bothering you or Amethyst or Tanzanite, you need to tell us, so we can help you."
"I … need to be me for a while. I promise, it won't be too long. But, they, we, I need this."
The two fusions fell into uneasy and conflicted silence before Phantom Quartz finally retracted herself back up to rejoin Steven, Connie, and Lapis. Meanwhile, Pearl was listening the whole time…
Pearl spoke while still working, "Garnet, are you sure about this? It seems like this could implode rather quickly."
"You're not wrong. Even knowing that, I'm still not sure what to do."
Pearl asked, a bit of her anxiety over it all slipping out, "We won't have to force her apart, will we? I would hate needing to do that to her."
"As would I. And that's assuming we even can separate her, if she fights back. More than anything, whatever is going on with her, splitting her up will only make it worse."
Pearl had to momentarily stop working to ask. "So, what do we do?"
"We don't have much choice but to leave her be for now … but not for long."
Pearl rejoined Peridot in working with Steven, Connie, and Phantom Quartz enjoying the webs while Garnet and Lapis 'supervised'… Soon, Steven and Connie left so Connie could go home, but the other Crystal Gems stayed late into the night until all the eyes were wiped and deactivated. The whole process took too long, so transporting them to the barn for reprogramming or scraping had to be put on hold for the next day. Garnet, Pearl, Lapis, and Peridot left… Phantom Quartz remained there and together.
-XX-
Midday the next day, Steven was looking through the fridge mulling over lunch when Garnet and Pearl came out of the temple.
Garnet asked, "Steven, have you seen Amethyst or Tanzanite around?" Before he could answer, the fusion asked a touch more urgently, "Did you hear either of them come in last night? Or hear the warp pad last night?"
Steven was nonetheless unfazed. "Nope, all was quiet last night."
Pearl grew very worried very quickly. "Garnet, you don't think they're still fused, do you?"
Steven answered. "I think they are. Peridot texted me saying she was going back to the hub to work on the eyes some more. Then, she texted me when she got there, said she should be safe with Phantom Quartz watching."
"Garnet?" Pearl called, looking over to the fusion perturbed.
Garnet let out a resolute sigh, and said as she adjusted her shades, "Enjoy your lunch, Steven. We'll meet up with them once you're done."
-X-
Garnet, Pearl, and Steven exited the warp pad to a similar but modified situation to the day before. Instead of an elaborate tangle weave, they were in bunches all around, and molded and woven into several gothic structures and sculptures. Phantom Quartz 'lit up' upon seeing Steven running up to her, and directed him to an elaborate obstacle course made from her cords. The larger fusion then saw Pearl and Garnet as Steven began climbing, and smiled and waved to them.
"We have to do something." Garnet said, "But without getting her to open up, it will backfire."
Pearl asked uneasily, "So, what do we do? How do we do that?"
After a long pause, Garnet relayed as she looked at Pearl, "We have to match her… There is one gem who might get her to talk."
Pearl looked at Garnet confused for a moment, but she smiled and her eyes lit up when she realized what the fusion meant…
Pearl called out, "Phantom Quartz? Could you give us some space, please?"
"Anything for you, Pearl…" Phantom Quartz replied, not really paying attention.
Phantom Quartz remotely pulled apart one of the nearby cord thickets, opening up the rest of the wide open wilderness to them, and Pearl and Garnet stepped out into it…
Phantom Quartz, Peridot, and Steven were preoccupied when a pink light flaring up from where Garnet and Pearl left caught their attention. Peridot looked for a second but continued to work. Steven looked with a joyful gasp and leapt down to get closer. Phantom Quartz looked over and watched as another fusion formed and was immediately struck: her bright smile, her gorgeous and elegant demeanor, her hourglass figure… The other fusion flourished the pink aura away like a show curtain…
Sardonyx announced, as lively, arresting, and clear as ever, "Goooooooooood Evening, Everybody! This is the lovely Sardonyx with a special guest appearance! How are ya'll doing this afternoon?!"
Phantom Quartz mused softly and completely enraptured, "Oh, my dear sweet rock Goddess... Now, that is a jewel!" The fusion quickly climbed down from her web.
"Sardonyx!" Steven exclaimed.
Sardonyx happily scooped him up in her hands. "And here he is, ladies and gentlemen, the one and only Steven Universe. It's so wonderful to see you again, Steven."
"It's great seeing you too, Sardonyx." He then gasped with realization and with stars in his eyes. "O! M! G! There's someone you totally have to meet!"
"Oh, I'm very aware there's someone very special here. It's exactly why I arrived, just to meet her." The fusion put Steven back down, materialized a microphone, and started announcing, "Welcome, one and all, to a special edition of Sardonyx Tonight! I am here on location at the former communication hub, where yours truly actually made her grand return (or debut, for all of you reading this story). Today, we have a very special guest: a brand new fusion, our second newcomer in as many weeks in fact. Everyone, please give a warm welcome to … Phantom! Quartz!" Sardonyx motioned to the web … only for it to be empty. "That's … unexpected. Where did she-"
All the cords and lines then suddenly and dramatically unraveled and flew a short distance before dissipating into a cloud. Phantom Quartz then casually stepped out of the smoke … with some changes. First, she was standing fully upright, revealing that she actually had an hourglass figure and was actually a hair taller than Sardonyx. She had also added a shimmering effect to her top as well as hints of dark 'eyeshadow' and 'gloss' to her lips…
"Oooh; a costume change and a dramatic entrance … a gem after my own heart." Sardonyx then approached her fellow fusion. "Welcome, Phantom Quartz. It's so good to finally meet you."
Phantom Quartz extended her hand with a small smile. "Oh no, Sardonyx, the pleasure is certainly all mine, and I dare say…" She gently shook Sardonyx's hand and gave her a small bow. "Even the word 'lovely' doesn't quite do you justice."
Sardonyx gave a flattered giggle. "Well, thank you; you're quite the looker yourself… But let's not get sidetracked; this is your big day."
"Oh, really? What have I done to warrant being in your charming presence?"
"OHOHOHO!" Sardonyx let out her distinctive strong laugh, even more flattered, and continued, "Oh, stop; keep talking like that, and we'll never get anywhere…" She then raised her microphone to her fellow fusion. "Let's start with your abilities. What unique talents do you have?"
"Hmm, well, I've yet to need to use it, but my true weapon is…" Phantom Quartz pressed her lower hands together and slowly pulled them apart to produce a barbed whip with multiple ends. "… A Cat-O-Nine-Tails. Quick and precise, can injure or capture… But that's not all; thanks to Amethyst's and Carnelian's morphing skills, that's not the only thing I can make…"
Sending her whip away, Phantom Quartz placed her hands together and started rapidly shaping and weaving her cords and whips into several shapes: a bird, a rabbit, a tower, an impressive hollow globe of Earth… Then, she used all four of her hands to weave a bouquet of flowers, and with a bow presented them to Sardonyx…
Sardonyx took and cradled them in her left hands, saying, "For me? You shouldn't have."
Phantom Quartz gave a pleased smile and said, "Well, now I'm feeling pretty confident … and a little bold. So… does the Lovely Sardonyx have any requests?"
Sardonyx playfully replied, "Hmm. You're impressive so far. How about you surprise me?"
Phantom Quartz looked at Sardonyx intrigued, and then quickly came up with something. With the 'flowers' dissipating, Phantom Quartz began swiftly and deftly working her hands separately, with her eyes drifting closed as she concentrated. Her lower, smaller hands were working on something thin and cylindrical while her larger and bigger hands were working on something circular. It became apparent a moment later just what she had in mind as she finished up, and soon she had weaved … a top hat and baton!
Phantom Quartz presented her two latest creations to a very delighted Sardonyx. However, the tall pink fusion didn't respond with her usual boisterous chortle but instead with a pleased and … allured giggle. Steven was a little lost by the interaction between the two fusions even though he was getting very familiar feelings to Ruby and Sapphire during the baseball game, all while hearing Peridot groaning with bemusement at the whole thing. Sardonyx flipped the top hat onto her head, it fitting her perfectly of course, and twirled the baton in her free hand…
"Oh, you are just too much…" Sardonyx said, her voice low and enticed, before she remembering what was going on and had to recover. "Oh, yes, we're still on the air; sorry about that interruption folks. Anyway, Phantom Quartz… This is your grand debut in hopefully a successful, long-running series. How are you enjoying your arrival so far?"
Phantom Quartz then admitted with a little embarrassment, "Well… Actually… A small confession: this isn't my first time fusing."
An unseen audience gasped, and Sardonyx added an exaggerated gasp of her own. "A surprise twist! Please elaborate; and don't spare any juicy details."
Phantom Quartz explained, "The first time was actually a week ago. This is actually my … third time. The other times were only for a few minutes each, enough for me to get my bearings and gain my weapon. This time has been the longest I've been around."
Sardonyx dramatically wagged her finger in response. "Tsk tsk; keeping such a momentous event exclusive. You seem so crystal clear and straightforward but you're a regular … Con-Fusion." She verbally leaned into the last word and actually got a laugh from her fellow fusion.
"You're charming, pretty, and funny… But yes, I do deserve that, I suppose. We and I apologize."
"Oh, don't be sorry, darling. Your familiarity has obviously paid off…" Sardonyx's attitude turned somber. "However, that does lead into heavier topics. I understand you're reluctant to separate, a potentially dangerous prospect I'd say."
In turn, Phantom Quartz became slightly anxious and tense. "Well … yes. Yes, that's true… I do know the problems with this, and I am aware of what happened with Sugilite. But, I just … keep holding on."
"Hm. Garnet thinks that something is bothering you or troubling you into staying. Is everything alright? Are you … stuck? Or … scared?" Sardonyx asked. However, Phantom Quartz balked, visibly wrestling with something behind her eyes. Putting the hat and baton aside and lowering her mic, Sardonyx placed a comforting hand on her fellow fusion's shoulder and spoke empathetically, "Whatever it is, we really want to be here for you. We won't be upset. We're not going to judge; everyone watching and reading this knows I can't judge… Please confide in us; we only want to help. Isn't that right, audience?" The unseen crowd clapped in support.
Though still pensive, Phantom Quartz looked to Steven, who gave a thumbs-up in support, sighed, and then revealed, "It's … Carnelian. She's asking Amethyst if it's okay to stay, Amethyst is willing, and it's mostly okay because they both think I'm a blast… Honestly, though, Carnelian has been feeling … very lovesick lately; she had a romantic partner for several millennia before all this happened, and it's been wearing on her lately. She was dealing with it pretty well but then … Rubellite." Sardonyx gave a nod and hum of agreement.
Phantom Quartz continued, "Pearl, of course, is terrific, so fusing with her was terrific … but also overwhelming. It brought everything back for Carnelian, and put it in stereo… That's when I first arrived. Because she and Amethyst are sisters, being me is still being close without it being so … 'complicated'. Oh, that sounds terrible, and it's not even the right word."
"No, thank you for sharing. This is quite a conundrum, a messy tangle of red strings."
Phantom Quartz added, "Tell me about it. That's also probably why I've been more aware of everyone else's charms, or, in your case, Sardonyx, much quicker to the inevitable."
Sardonyx let out a tension-relieving giggle. "Yes, Pearl can personally attest."
"She … can?" Phantom Quartz asked, slightly confused.
"Oh, darling, yes! You had Pearl all aflutter for a quite a while there."
"I did? I had no idea; I was just speaking to her normally, I thought."
"Well, let me tell you, from a gem with a similar opinion… you're really quite enchanting."
Visibly reciprocating, Phantom Quartz smiled in appreciation before continuing, "In any case, this whole problem is difficult enough just to say aloud; part of Carnelian is screaming right now."
"Understandable. Still, we are made of smart, helpful, and dedicated gems. I'm sure a beneficial solution for all can be found with a little discourse. And yours truly would welcome it because…" Sardonyx's voice dropped into a more casual and unguarded tone. "I would, uh, really like to see you more often."
"Likewise…" Phantom Quartz replied, her tone changing to match her fellow fusion.
Sardonyx lightly cleared her throat and went back to her announcer's voice as she raised her microphone back up, "Well, I believe that's all the time we have for today." The unseen audience responded with exaggerated disappointment. "Yes, I know, I know. But don't fret; we'll be back wherever and whenever the situation requires. Phantom Quartz, thank you so much for joining us. You … will be alright, yes?"
Phantom Quartz gave a gentle nod and a smile, saying, "Yes, I think I'm good now."
"Fantastic! For all of us here at Sardonyx Tonight and all the Crystal Gems, we bid you adieu—"
Phantom Quartz quickly touched Sardonyx's hand. "Sardonyx, wait… Hold on just a moment."
Sardonyx looked over, a little caught off-guard. "Is … something the matter?"
Phantom Quartz then softly and alluringly said, "Oh no. It's just… It's so rare for two fusions like yourself and I to be awake at the same time, and everything is peaceful now and going so well. So, if I could be so bold to ask that, before we both depart…" Phantom Quartz stepped back a little, bowed low, and offered her hands. "If you would give me the honor of one dance?"
Sardonyx stood silent for a moment … then dropped her microphone. "Jorge… Play us a little something."
Sardonyx softly placed her hands into Phantom Quartz's and they stepped clear. As Sardonyx requested, music gently played, and the two fusions engaged in a simple short waltz, alternating the lead, taking turns twirling and even dipping each other, both laughing and softly giggling throughout. Steven meanwhile simply watched with a smile at the peaceful, comforting sight. Their dance eventually came to a gradual stop with both fusions still smiling. Slowly, they stepped back … save for still holding a single hand.
Sardonyx spoke first, "That … was wonderful."
"Absolutely. We should do that again next time."
"Agreed… Until we meet again."
"May it be very soon."
POOF! Both fusions disappeared into clouds, and left Garnet, Pearl, Amethyst, and Carnelian behind…
"Well, that was unexpected." Garnet commented as the four stepped away from each other.
Pearl added, "I'm not sure I've ever heard of that before. Two fusions being mutually attracted to each other? All this time, and we're still learning things."
Amethyst then added, her hands relaxing behind her head, "Eh, it was kinda cool. Weird, but I'm not knocking it."
Carnelian however, remained silent, her head hung and her shoulders slumped, and finally kneeled on both knees…
"Amethyst…" Carnelian called. Amethyst turned and actually recoiled when she saw her on bended knee. The red quartz continued, "I'm so sorry. I… I deceived you, and I took advantage of you. I am so sorry."
"You … did?" Amethyst replied, confused and a little unsettled.
Carnelian lowered her head and said, "I was having problems, and I fused with you, so I can feel better. I shouldn't have done it, and I should have told you. Please, I hope you can forgive me."
Amethyst was only more confused but explained, "Well, sure, I forgive you, but… I kinda figured that was the reason the first time, and if I had a problem with that, I would've said no. Yeah, you should've said so, but it wasn't that hard to figure out." Carnelian however remained with her head still bowed, so Amethyst pressed forward. "Red, even if it was a big deal, I can't be too mad; I've been there. We've been there." Pearl and Amethyst looked at each other, with Pearl nodding in agreement with the last statement. "Helping you deal with you issues is part of the whole fusion package, and Phantom Quartz is super cool. So, don't sweat it; we're good."
Amethyst turned away … but then Garnet stepped forward and said, "Wait. Tanzanite… Carnelian, what are you actually apologizing for?" Carnelian started to answer but hesitated. Garnet then firmly insisted, "If you want me to forgive you, I need to know what you're sorry for."
After a moment, Carnelian finally answered, "For being stupid … and being ridiculous. I'm sorry because I gave in … and for thinking of it as giving in."
"We said if you wanted to fuse, you just had to ask. You wanted to, and you asked, so…"
"Yes, I know. But I still feel guilty, and now I'm all twisted up and upset because I know I shouldn't feel guilty. It's because… Because of…"
Garnet stopped her. "Say no more; I understand… I don't have to tell you what you to do; you already know. You just need to let it happen."
"I'm trying."
Steven then stepped forward and hugged Carnelian about the neck. "It's okay; we love you, and we'll help you figure this out."
Carnelian hugged him back, saying with a chuckle, "Thanks, Steven. And thank all of you for putting up with me." Finally, the red quartz stood up and brushed off her knees. "So, I take it I'm on probation then."
Garnet replied, "Oh, I'm not sure about that—"
Pearl interjected, "Actually, uh … I think the offer to fuse should still stand… Don't you think so, Amethyst?"
Amethyst was again caught but shrugged nonchalantly a moment later. "Hey, I've got no complaints. I'm here if you want."
Touched by the support, Carnelian smiled and said, "Thank you; you're more understanding than I deserve." A relieved silence grew as they all started to rejoin Peridot until Carnelian spoke up once more, "So, uh, one more thing… Phantom Quartz and Sardonyx, their whole 'thing'… What do we even do about that?"
Everyone responded with a chorus of groans, whistles, and other verbal signals of confusion, exasperation, and just generally being lost and unequipped to deal with the situation. They really had no idea where to even start with that.
End Chapter
A/N: And there you have it. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it. I'm hoping to get the next chapter up sooner, so I will start working on it immediately. Thanks again for reading, I hope you enjoyed, and I really hope you come back for more. And, as always, Rant, Rave, and Review.
