Chapter 9
WARNING: This chapter will contain very, VERY strong language.
The next day, in the morning.
Steven had met David not long after he woke up, informing him that the Crystal Gems were ready to meet him…though he murmured at the thought of waking up to early, he eventually agreed and got changed to meet the ones that Steven kept mentioning that would help him…or at least tried to. Peridot had told Steven it was best she came along as well, since she needed to explain a few things. Things she had kept to herself because she thought it was the best thing to do and not worry anyone. Steven agreed to this.
David packed his bags and was ready to leave. Steven couldn't control his excitement that David was going to meet his friends.
STEVEN: Ready?
DAVID: Yeah, I guess.
STEVEN: I think you'll like them.
DAVID: Steven, it's not a matter if I like them or not, it's a matter of answers. (Sighs) Look, I believe you that they could or can help me…I'm just…(Sighs again)…these last few days have been too much, I'm not sure how much more I can take.
STEVEN: I understand…
PERIDOT: (To David) They've…helped me. A lot.
STEVEN: Yeah, that's true. Peridot was a long way from homeworld when she was stranded and she had nowhere to turn. She helped us and my friends eased her to be herself. Now she's one of us.
PERIDOT: And not to mention I sabotaged my mission and called yellow diamond a clod.
DAVID: You called someone a clod? (Chuckles) You called someone a lump of earth? Considering what's she doing, you should've called her a cunt! (Steven gasps at this word)
PERIDOT: A…what?
DAVID: A cu-
STEVEN: (Interrupting David) Haha, let's…n-not repeat that word. (Whispers to David) David, tone it down. We…don't say that here, that's…really offensive.
DAVID: (Whispers, almost mockingly) If things don't get better, then expect me to be using it more often.
STEVEN: (Still whispering, now through gritted teeth) Just…not in front of her…
DAVID: Okay.
PERIDOT: So, what is the meaning of this word: Cun-
STEVEN: (Interrupts again) Uh, it's just a…mispronunciation of the word…"can't"
PERIDOT: A mispronunciation of can't? But…that doesn't make sense.
STEVEN: Haha, does the English language ever make sense with its silent e's and uh…p's and stuff... Boy, we better get going now, so let's go.
For the first-time David found a reason to laugh to himself but Steven wasn't seeing the funny side, while Peridot was trying to make sense of this strange word, that until now, she never heard of before. The three were about to leave the barn but heard a voice shouting "Wait". They all stopped to turn and then saw Lapis flying from the upper level of the barn and gently landing next to Peridot, who looked slightly worried.
LAPIS: I…just want to say something…
STEVEN: (To Peridot) Peridot, we'll…wait outside.
Peridot nodded, as Steven and David left the barn and closed the door…leaving the two gems in silence that were only for a sort few seconds but felt like very, very long minutes until Peridot broke the silence.
PERIDOT: Lapis, I know you're still angry about me keeping things from you and-
LAPIS: (Shakes her head slightly) No, I'm not.
PERIDOT: Oh…uh, w-well I'm sorry I kept things from y-mmfff?
Lapis had pushed Peridot against the wooden barn walls and pressed her mouth onto Peridot's, who was stunned by this reaction and yet, the more Lapis tried to gain access using her tongue, the more Peridot relaxed and eventually, gave Lapis the entry. The kiss was soothing, delicate and passionate as the gems wrapped their arms around each other and letting their hands feel the shape of their bodies. They gently pulled away from the lovely embrace, both slightly panting. Peridot felt like she should be confused by this action but this moment seemed to push that question away.
LAPIS: I heard you in my dreams, Peridot.
PERIDOT: (Blushing) Oh…
PERIDOT:(Whispers) I'm sorry, I wasn't honest with you. I'll never keep anything from you ever again. I love you~
LAPIS: But I know it wasn't a dream…(Smiles) it was really you speaking.
PERIDOT: Lapis, I…I'm sorry…
LAPIS: Don't be. I understand why you kept it to yourself and I know it couldn't have been easy for you. (Strokes Peridot's hair) But we're not safe…are we…?
PERIDOT: (Hesitant at first) No…
LAPIS: (Slight nod) Do what you have to do…I'll be here if you need me.
PERIDOT: (Smiles) I know you will.
They embrace in another passionate kiss, this lasting longer than the first time but neither wanting it to end but…things had to get done as they both broke up their beautiful connection of love for each other.
LAPIS: Stay safe, my cute gem~
PERIDOT: (Slight chuckle) Heh, don't call me cute…
Lapis chuckled with Peridot…as Peridot went to the barn door, she opened it and turned back to her beautiful blue gem and smiled.
PERIDOT: I love you, Lapis
LAPIS: (Blushes) I love you to, Peridot.
The exchanging words of love could have carried on for minutes or even hours but Peridot had to go with Steven and David, to explain to the crystal gems what she had been keeping secret, though it was only mention what homeworld were planning moments before she started her mission with the cluster…so she could only tell them so much…but the smallest detail was better than nothing. In some ways, it was good to get it off her chest…but she only kept it to herself because she didn't think homeworld's plan would still go ahead.
Eventually, the three were ready to go back to Steven's where the Crystal gems were waiting for them. They started to head to the warp pad not far from the barn, the quickest way to travel. David hated the idea but admitted it was far better than walking.
STEVEN: They are really excited to see you, David.
DAVID: That's nice.
PERIDOT: I'm sure they'll answer most of your questions.
DAVID: You mean, like…have I been sacked from my job back in England, why is my friend dead…you know, the simple questions.
PERIDOT: There's no need to get all sarcastic.
DAVID: I've had a couple of shitty days so far and as far as I'm concerned, it's only gonna get more shitter.
STEVEN: We're all in this together, you know.
DAVID: I know…I think…
PERIDOT: Once we see the gems, you'll feel a lot better.
DAVID: We'll see. Let's just get there first.
They weren't far from the warp pad but something caught Steven's eye and it wasn't good, he gasped as he then started running towards it as did Peridot, David just kept his usual walking speed and was puzzled by what Steven and Peridot saw…but as David walked closer to the warp pad, he could see why they were concerned. Steven stepped onto the warp pad and tried to activate but it was no use…the whole pad had been destroyed, cracks in the rocks and torn apart as if made of paper…some rubble was circled around it, it was definitely destroyed and was not in a working function. Steven tried all sorts of summoning but it was no use. Peridot was surveying around the pad, picking up little bits of broken pad and rubble…she could quickly tell, that this was destroyed by someone else…eventually recognizing a fist-like shape carved into the rock. David just looked at the helpless warp pad, kicking some bits away in slight frustration.
DAVID: Great, so we're walking then…?
PERIDOT: You should be more worried about who did this?
DAVID: Honestly, the shit I've had to put up with so far…this isn't surprising me.
STEVEN: But…it was fine earlier…
PERIDOT: This is recent, Steven. No more than…twenty earth minutes ago…
STEVEN: But…who could've done this?
Peridot examined the fist-shaped marking in the rock, her finger was feeling around the smooth imprint, she clenched her fist…it was almost three to four times bigger than hers. She then gasps and backed away slightly.
PERIDOT: Oh my stars. Lapis…? (Talking to herself now) You…c-came back for her…?
STEVEN: Lapis?
DAVID: What, your blue girlfriend? But…she was at the barn this whole time, wasn't she?
PERIDOT: No, no no! Lapis, she's in…d-danger!
STEVEN: What? From who? Who…did this? Why's Lapis involved?
Peridot didn't answer but headed back to the barn as quick as her feet could carry her. Steven and David followed her, frantically wanting answers.
DAVID: The fuck is going on, Peridot?
Peridot still didn't answer. But it wasn't long till they got to the barn…Peridot was shaking but before she opened the door, David grabbed her arm, demanding some answers.
DAVID: Tell us, Peridot, what's going on…?
Just then they hear some frantic screaming coming from inside the barn, the screaming came from Lapis but then a second voice was heard…a voice David had never heard of before, but one that Steven and Peridot recognized easily.
VOICE: I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN HANDLE YOUR POWERS, LAPIS!
LAPIS: LET GO OF ME! YOU'RE HURTING ME!
Peridot was about to kick the door in but David stopped her, pulling her back. Steven looked through a hole in the gap of the barn panels and could see Lapis pinned onto the floor but a huge figure. Somewhat orange with glowing white hair.
VOICE: I WAS YOUR FIRST TIME! MY FIRST TIME! WE WERE MADE FOR EACH OTHER! NOT THAT STUPID WEAK PERIDOT! ME! I'M STRONGER! But together, we can be UNSTOPPABLE! When Earth is destroyed by the Diamonds cleansing, we need to be ready, we need to be indestructible…we need to be MALACHITE!
NOTES: Right, I'm gonna stop there. It is going to be a while before I put the next chapter up but don't worry, it will be continued sometime next week.
