Chapter 10: Working Together
"Luna. I need you to come with me," Rose said.
"Why, what is going on?" asked Luna, grabbing her sword.
"I have a way where we may not have to rebel," Rose said.
"If that is true, why not bring Pearl," Luna asked giving Rose a confused look.
"I trust Pearl with my life, but Luna if things go wrong I need your help, but I must ask you to do something that will be extremely hard," Rose said placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Okay, what is it?" asked Luna a pit of worry growing inside her.
"If things go wrong I take the blame and I need you to say nothing to anyone, even Garnet, whatever happens Luna, I take the blame," Rose said firmly.
"I understand," Luna said and followed Rose to wherever they were going.
A few hours later
"Luna!" Rose shouted shoving Luna behind Rose's back.
No one saw Luna, as a one eyed Ruby shouted ," ROSE QUARTZ SHATTERED PINK DIAMOND!" The ruby ran to get help as Luna breathed heavily. On her silver sword were particles of pink dust.
"Luna we have to go!" shouted Rose, picking something up and they ran out the window.
What did I do? wondered Luna just then something hit her and her world went black.
Luna awoke with a jerk breathing heavily. She was in her room unaware that she drifted off to sleep. "What, what was that?" she asked wiping the sweat from her brow. She stood up and headed outside, the night sky was still out, as the cool air wrapped around her. Once she stepped out she spotted Jasper sitting under the porch, apparantly Garnet was acting as a watch dog. "What is going on?" asked Luna looking from Jasper to Garnet.
"Just making sure she doesn't try anything funny," Garnet said.
"I already told you, Garnet that I am no longer loyal to Homeworld, I have humans of my own that I care about. There is no way I will let Yellow Diamond or anyone harm them," Jasper said getting annoyed.
"Garnet. she is telling the truth, I already read her mind," Luna said glad to have a distraction from the weird dream she had.
"See Luna trusts me, why can't you?" asked Jasper.
"You're right why shouldn't I trust the gem that separated me, hurt my friends and threatened my planet?' asked Garnet crossing her arms.
"Is that why you are mad, okay, okay fair point. I am sorry I called fusion a weak tactic, I didn't understand things like love and such. I am sorry that I separated Ruby and Sapphire? Those are the two gems that made you right, a Ruby and a Sapphire?" questioned Jasper, trying to remember.
"Yes," Garnet said through clenched teeth.
"I am sorry I separated them, I was a different person. Madame Nicole and her family they showed me how wrong I was, when I arrived I had no memory of who I was just my name, I discovered Earth for the first time and I saw everything I once ignored," Jasper said. Memories flooded back to her of the farm.
"See Jasper these are apples, here try one," Madame Nicole said, handing her a red object. Jasper took a bite and chewed then swallowed, it had a crispy and sweet taste.
"It's really good," Jasper admitted as she was showed around. The kids were running around the place as there mom was holding the baby, enjoying the warm day.
"We grow apples and it makes other delicious things, like apple cider, pies, bread, you name it," Nicole said smiling.
"This one little fruit can be used for many things?" asked Jasper looking impressed.
"Here on Earth, there are many wonderful things," said Nicole.
"Adam be careful," said his mother, seeing the boy climbing a tall tree. Just then he slipped and began to fall. "ADAM!" shouted his mother eyes wide with fear. Before anyone could do anything Jasper leaped up and grabbed him before he fell to probably his death.
"Oh my baby, thank you Jasper, thank you," said Adam's mom smiling gratefully the baby safely in her arms, as Adam was safely placed on the ground.
"You're welcome," Jasper said actually smiling feeling something new, Nicole called it pride.
Garnet frowned as she saw actual tears fall from Jasper's face. "I miss my family," Jasper said wiping the tears away.
"It's okay Jasper," Luna said wrapping an arm around her.
"Wow I have future vision and even I didn't see this coming," Garnet said. "Okay I believe you, but I still have my eyes on you," she added.
"Fair enough," Jasper agreed smiling at Garnet, this time Garnet offered her a smile.
"Glad you two kissed and made up," joked Luna. Soon the sun was rising and the orange, red and pink lights covered the beach, as the sun rose. "Okay, if we are going to work together than everyone has to be on the same page," Luna said. Jasper and Garnet agreed as they headed inside. Greg and Steven had woken up early because Steven wanted to help with whatever problem was going to destroy Earth. Alex and Pearl were making food for everyone, and Lapis was staying away from Jasper.
"Alright you clods," Peridot said coming out holding what looked like a gaint notebook.
"Ahem," Alex said firmly looking straight at Peridot.
"I mean alright everyone," Peridot said looking at Alex, receiving a nod from her. "I am going to tell you about the cluster, and ways we can stop it," said Peridot. She showed a picture of the Earth and another picture of what looked like millions of gem shards at the core center of the Earth. "This is clearly the Earth and in the core is the cluster, millions of gem shards put together, once it emerges," Peridot said flipping the last page. It revealed a gaint cluster monster with pieces of Earth around it. "The Earth will be destroyed," she concluded.
"How do we destroy it?" asked Steven eyes wide with fear.
"I believe a drill will do, yet building it will take time and supplies, perhaps we can use equipment from this dwelling and that portable machine Alex has would work," Peridot said.
"Don't even think about touching my bike," growled Alex.
"How about you use my family's old barn there are tons of things there that you could use," offered Greg.
"Very good let's head out," Peridot said and everyone followed her.
at the barn
"Most of the stuff we need we can use right here," said Pearl. Steven was sitting on a stool showing a picture of him inside a drill. "Steven that is a lovely drawing but I don't think that's what it will look like," said Pearl. He frowned for a minute but shook it off. Peridot looked around and nodded.
"Yes this will do, you may go now," Peridot said dismissing Pearl with her hands.
"What?" asked Pearl not believing what just happened.
"Um that will be all," Peridot said clapping her hands. Pearl just stood there looking confused. "How do you get her to leave?" she asked Steven.
"Pearl is going to help you build the drill to stop the cluster," Steven explained.
"Oh you mean this Pearl, I mean Pearl has building qualifications?" asked Peridot in shock. She never heard of a Pearl building stuff than again she never heard of a Pearl fighting before either.
"Yes I do," Pearl said.
"Very well time is of the essence just don't slow me down," Peridot said quickly.
"Of course," Pearl said through gritted teeth. The two technicians began working out plans to build the drill as Steven watched in case he had to play referee. Everyone was outside going through Greg's family's barn to see what could be used and what couldn't be used. Luna was helping Greg go through boxes while Amethyst delivered what could be used and what needed to be put away. Greg looked at Luna a gem he barely knew well, technically he knew her more than he knew Lapis, Peridot, or Jasper. Yet, she seemed off some how. Her eyes seemed to be walled up somehow and her body more robotic. Like she was here but also somewhere else.
"Um so, Luna how was your um regeneration?" Greg asked casually.
"It went fine, a little slower than usual most have not received much moonlight," Luna said gently.
"Uh right I guess moonlight would be important to a moonstone huh, "Greg said cheerfully.
"I guess so," Luna said going through another box.
"Hey guys the two nerds need some more tools what do you got?" asked Amethyst running up to them.
"Here are some nails and a hammer," said Greg, giving her the box.
"Thanks anything to draw with Peridot needs to design the drill before building it," said Amethyst.
"Um, oh here is some sketch books and pencils," said Luna giving her the stuff.
"Thanks keep looking," Amethyst said and ran back into the barn.
"Uh you knew Jasper too what was she like before?" asked Greg, breaking the silence.
"She was different," Luna said drifting back to another time.
Many years ago
"Keep your defenses up!" barked Luna swinging her sword at Jasper. The poor gem was gaining muscle but still looked scrawney and barely blocked with her helmet. "You are leaving yourself wide open for an attack!" yelled Luna hitting Jasper straight in the chest. She fell to the floor trying to get up. "Why am I wasting my time, you are pathetic, you can barely form your weapon or keep up with simple defenses. If you were in a real battle you would have been killed by now," Luna hissed. They have been at it for three weeks and Luna was at her end.
"Please General Moonstone, I will get better I swear on my gem," begged Jasper tears running down her face.
"You said that last week and the week before that give me one good reason to continue this charade," Luna asked folding her arms.
"Please I have to protect my diamond she means the world to me. When I first emerged I was marked as a defect everyone wanted to shatter me but she gave me a chance, I can't disappoint her. Wouldn't you do the same for your diamond?" asked Jasper through her tears. Luna's whole body froze for when she looked into Jasper's eyes she saw herself. A gem with no purpose and then given one by a person who saw worth in them, a chance to prove herself. Her facial expression softened and when she approached Jasper, the poor gem thought she was going to be shattered instead Luna held out her hand to her.
"The key to my success Jasper is simple. You have to fight with everything you have, even if your gem is cracking you don't retreat until your enemy is vanquished. You want to protect your diamond, I can respect that the key to fighting isn't to just win the fight it is to prove how strong you are and how far you will go to protect the one you serve. Never back down and never, ever show fear. Now take my hand and try again," Luna said firmly. Jasper flashed her a serious look and grabbed her hand. Then the session began again. Within a weeks time a well muscular and well trained Jasper stood before Pink and Yellow Diamond.
"My goodness what a splendid job she passed every obstacle course in record time, oh I am so happy," Pink Diamond said clapping her hands.
"See Pink, I told you my moonstone wouldn't fail," Yellow said proudly smiling down at Luna, making the moonstone burst with pride.
"Come along Jasper, we have much work to do," said Pink.
"Yes my diamond," said Jasper and followed her out, turning slightly to nod her head in Luna's direction.
"Well done my moonstone, now follow me, you will meet your next assignment," said Yellow Diamond. Luna followed not knowing that this assignment would change her forever.
"Luna, Earth to Luna are you in there?" asked Greg waving his hand in front of her.
"Uh, oh sorry Greg I didn't hear you what did you say?" Luna asked shaking her head.
"I was saying do you think Jasper and Peridot will actually help us?" asked Greg.
"Jasper has made human friends as we have witnessed, she will definitely help as for Peridot, she is trapped on Earth and if the cluster destroys it then she will be destroyed too. As far as I can tell she is only trying to save her own gem but maybe, maybe she can learn to like the Earth," Luna said standing up.
"Oh well, that's good," Greg said smiling. "Um are you okay you seem upset," he said.
"I just need to be alone for a minute, please excuse me," Luna said walking away to the back of the barn.
Meanwhile
Lapis stood under a tree just by the barn door. Jasper nervously walked up to her. "Hey Lapis," Jasper said gently.
"Stay away from me!" Lapis snapped.
"Easy I don't mean any harm I just want to talk," Jasper said taking a few steps back hands up. Lapis raised an eyebrow but allowed her to speak. "These are just words and I know they won't mean much to you but I am sorry for what I did to you. I was a brute and I hurt you deeply. It was wrong of me to force you to fuse, I didn't understand what it was and I ruined a good thing. I was always told that fusion was a tactic but after we split like I said I washed up and Madame Nicole found me, I was shown love and I understood it and I know I have a lot to attone for but please don't let my mistake ruin fusion for you," Jasper said.
"What?" Lapis asked looking confused.
"You only saw the bad side of fusion but I want you to see the good because fusion is a form of love and Lapis, I know you don't believe me but love is a great feeling. Please if you ever want to try fusion again do it with someone you care about and that they care about you, it won't feel like Malachite did and I am sorry for everything. The first step I am taking is apologizing to everyone I hurt. So, I will leave you alone now and like I said I will earn your trust and I hope we can be friends at least allies," Jasper said. Lapis couldn't believe her ears Jasper, the Jasper actually apologizing to her.
"If this is a trick I will make you wish that I shattered you on the beach before we fused," Lapis said sharply. She wasn't ready to forgive Jasper, but Steven did change her, she wasn't going to be so cold if Jasper was willing to apologize, she would be willing to listen.
"Understood, I will just be over here," Jasper said and silently walked away.
Meanwhile
Luna sat under the trees meditating trying to block out the bad thoughts. For years she was Yellow Daimond's greatest weapon. Then she learned the truth and fought against her yet still everyone on Homeworld thinks she still served Yellow Diamond. Then she was on Earth with Rose, Garnet and Pearl, but once again she left. It's funny isn't it Luna, after everything you done even your own kind didn't want you. You know why they are afraid of you, you are nothing but a monsterous weapon, every time you get close to someone it is always the same. They get to know you, they care about you, you care about them, then they leave you, and you are all alone, cycle continues on and on, don't you ever learn.
Alex, Steven, and Garnet they care about me, that is all that matters, Luna thought.
True but Alex will grow old and die, Steven well let's see how much he loves you if he knew all the bad things you did. Would he still see you as this great protetcor if he knew the truth? As for Garnet, she only cares because you are her Rose. You saved Ruby and Sapphire and allowed her to continue existing yet when you and Rose left she became stronger look how weak you are making her. She came undone the second you went into your gem. You know deep down that Pearl would be a much better choice so do everyone a favor and for once do the right thing.
Tears fell down her face for she knew in her heart the voice was right. She came here to help but all she did was cause a rift between Garnet and Pearl, made Garnet weaker, she turned Jasper into a monster, so many bad memories floated to her mind, it was time to do the right thing.
Her eyes landed on a huge rock not too far away from where she was, she walked towards it. All she had to do was smash her gem right on it and she would be no more. Alex would be sad as well as Garnet but she had to protect them from herself. Alex please forgive me for leaving you, I never wanted to hurt you but this way I can keep you safe. Oh Garnet, you deserve a real gem that can give you everything you deserve, Greg and Amethyst thanks for being so kind to me, Pearl, please know that you are way stronger than you realize, stronger than me, Jasper, forgive me for what I did to you and I hope you find peace, Peridot i truly do hope that you come to love the Earth and make it you're home, Lapis please take care of Steven, and Steven dear Steven thank you for allowing me to know you, you are a true Crystal Gem. Luna closed her eyes and raised her gem up high and just as she was about to bring it down a voice stopped her.
"Luna, what are you doing?"
Luna looked up to see Alex frowning at her. "Nothing, I was just thinking about things, Luna told her putting her arm back down. Was I really going to do that? Snap out of it Luna, people need you don't be so weak, her mind snapped.
"Well it appears to me that you were going to shatter yourself, but that's silly because you would never do something that stupid, right Luna", Alex said raising an eyebrow. Her tone sharp like a blade and eyes hard as a stone.
"Small mental laspe in jugdement, won't happen again", Luna assured.
"It better not or I'll kick your ass," Alex said firmly.
"Yes ma'am," Luna said standing up and saluting her.
"I mean it Luna, if you are upset about anything you can tell me, we have each others backs or we don't remember," Alex said taking her hand.
"I remember hermana, it's just I was remembering my past and Alex, a lot of it wasn't pleasant to remember," Luna told her.
"Hey I am here for you, now focus we are heading to the beach Greg said that there could be things that wash up on the shore that we could find. Peridot doesn't want to waste anytime so we are all going to check the beach to see if we can find anything are you in?" asked Alex.
"You know it let's go," replied Luna as they headed back to the others, to the beach.
to be continued...
Author's Note: Sorry for not updating in a while been very busy. . In case my grammer structure seems off it is because I am using a different word document, yet I hope you enjoy this chapter and please review.