Chapter 37: Friends and foes… and those in between

I don't own Steven universe, it's owned by its respected owner or owners

AN: Guys just want to say I can't wait for the new Steven Universe episodes, I hope you guys can't wait as well. Still want to apologize to the people who have summited their OCs and that I haven't gotten to introduce them yet. But rest assured that they will appear. Also the battles and action you have been craving for is super close. Also maybe a touch of romance as well… maybe a bit of heartache too. Now guys I want to know who you think should train Steven to his limits and beyond. I won't be doing a poll on this since it might to bit of a hassle, so just PM or leave it in your review. Keep in mind that I can be whoever you want. Now ladies and gentlemen… ON WITH THE CHAPTER! Enjoy!

Somewhere South Of Beach City

Deep in the brush and cornfields south of Beach City we see a lone red barn that looked to be abandoned but was far from it. The barn doors were wide open and we see a very familiar figure and face, a homeworld gem that came with Jasper and Lapis. Peridot was currently fiddling around her escape pod that she took when those clods and backstabbing traitor took over the bridge on the ship. She underestimated the crystal gems and should have expected Lapis's betray but got sloppy. But what shocked her the most was that little hybrid took Jasper without much of a fight which she still couldn't believe. When clods tied her up they were ether busy trying to land the ship and watching the battle between Steven and Jasper to take notice that she slipped out of her restraints and escape. After that she and her escape pod land not to far from here and proceeded to formulate a plan. She tried to contact homeworld or any near gem outpost or gem controlled planet but to no avail, it appeared that in the crash that her long transmission radio was damaged beyond repair. She also couldn't go and venture out to find any lost homeworld technology that would help her because of the crystal gems and that terrifying hybrid. So in the meantime she focused her time on trying to repair the tracking beacon which seemed repairable with the random parts and abandoned farming tractor which supplied her with the parts she needed.

"I can't wait to see the look on those crystal clod's faces when the rescue team comes for me. Now I just have to connect these two wires and then…" Peridot said as she began to connect the two lone wires in the escape pod with as much care as she possibly can. When she finally did connect the two wires the pod then began to light up which caused her to let out a smirk, then that disappeared when the lights suddenly stopped. She was completely shocked, this wasn't happening to her! She's been spending so much time on this stinking planet while hiding from the crystal gems that's she about ready to go insane. Now of all things the stupid tracker beacon she's been putting so much time on doesn't even work now!? Peridot then let out an angry yell and kicked the escape pod with her foot, which when it made contact with the pod she would regret soon. After letting her anger out on the pod she proceeded to walk out of the barn grumbling and seething in anger. To her she would have to wait until another team come to earth or try something risky. But right now she needed to take a breather, but now she was out of the barn she never did notice the faint glow coming from the escape pod and a faint beeping noise.

Outside Of Beach City

"I really don't like how we're going with this Schorl, why didn't we show ourselves to Rosie and White Diamond? It looked like they needed our help." Verdelite said as she looked over Beach City on top of a large hill overlooking the city and at the bits of destruction caused by whatever caused it when they got here. To her second could see that most of the destruction wasn't just caused by the grenade but by something else. She felt terrible for the city's residents and of course the crystal gems and wanted to go down there to help with whatever she can. But Schorl stopped her before she could do anything. Verdelite looked over to her best friend and traveling companion with a questionable look, while Schorl looked over the city as well with an emotionless expression. Which made Verdelite clench her fist as she hated when he was like this, uncaring and only looking out for himself… and her of course. And she hated that above anything else. She never remembered him acting this way when they were with the wreckers, he was so caring and laid back which he still was. But after they met again after so many years, he was… different… and not for the better ether. Sure he was mostly his old self when they were together… sometimes even better when they were alone.

"Verdelite, I'm not going to risk my life especially yours to someone like White Diamond and Rose Quartz's crystal gems! Besides, it looked like they had it handled anyways. Remember… we look out for ourselves." Schorl said with a bit of anger when he started to talk about White Diamond and the others. After he got done talking Verdelite could see the anger on his face which made her angrier. She knew that after what happened between Rose and Rosie that he held a grudge towards Rose Quartz and White Diamond, especially to most of the crystal gems. But for him to think she would just stand by and watch as people were being hurt, that's one thing she wouldn't stand for. She looked at Schorl with disgust which he noticed right away and knew what was going to come next since this is what always happens when they get into an argument or an impasse. It's not that he wanted to see people get hurt, especially innocent people. But he had to look out for himself and most importantly Verdelite, even if she didn't like that one bit. He couldn't risk being who he used to be, not some weak and naïve young gem who didn't know better. He knew better than that now, especially on this planet and when it involves the crystal gems.

"Don't give me that look Verdelite, what I'm doing is for the best for the both of us. I don't want to get into another war unless absolutely necessary, don't you remember all the friends and comrades we lost in the last one!? I don't want to lose too!" Schorl exclaimed in anger not knowing what he said at the end. After hearing what he said Schorl's anger quickly disappeared as he looked over to Verdelite to see her reaction to what he said. At first Verdelite was about to give Schorl a piece of her mind but that all changed when he finished talking. Her expression was hard to read but she was clearly shocked and a bit flustered and so was Schorl. Right now both ex wreckers didn't know what to do or say next, the situation certainly took a different turn that both never suspected. For Schorl he was trying his hardest on what he should say, but right now it felt like his brain was working overtime but didn't have anything to give him. Then there was Verdelite who didn't know what to do ether but didn't want to do any as well. But for some reason she wanted Schorl to explain himself and why he said that. She and Schorl have been traveling as long as she can remember, when human civilization was still young and quickly growing. Verdelite remembered all the cultures and people she's met along the way, both here on earth and off it. But what made earth so special that it was very interesting and awesome to travel but what made more special that she didn't have to travel it alone. She had Schorl and Schorl had her.

Schorl had many things going in his mind but what was distracting him was how Verdelite looked in the sunlight. She was… beautiful and that was saying a lot for Schorl. When you traveled so far and lived so long and met so many beautiful women, it gets a bit hard to tell what's beautiful and what's not. But right, right in this moment. It wasn't that hard. The sunlight glistening off Verdelite's blonde hair and her staring at him with those beautiful emerald eyes, anyone would be distracted. For Verdelite she had to admit that Schorl was very handsome, well not prince charming handsome but it was still there. He had that rugged look that most girls like in a man, and especially brave. His shy blue eyes were hypnotizing and his snow white hair blowed along with the wind. Verdelite wasn't the kind of girl who looked out for a fella and settle down, she was like the wind. Wild and unexpected, moving place to place. But… Schorl wasn't like most boys or men, he was… different. Guess that's what she liked about him. Deciding not to make this more awkward then it already it was, and to get a few things know. Schorl thought it was best to speak now, not knowing what will happen next will change both his and Verdelite's life.

"Verdelite, what I meant was that… I-." Schorl was about to say with sincerity in his tone when suddenly his nature instincts kicked in a he felt some sudden danger coming at him and Verdelite. Schorl didn't have time to explain or warn Verdelite on what was happening so he did what he does best. He grabbed Verdelite which caused her to let out a surprised shriek as she wasn't expecting this. As Schorl grabbed her he looked behind him to see a blue fireball coming right at them! He then looked over to his left to see three large vines that sprung up out the ground the looked very similar to Emerald's. As the fireball and vines came at both him and Verdelite he did the most logical thing and jumped high in the air using his natural gem strength. Verdelite who had no clue what was going on saw that a figure was in the air just like her and Schorl was heading right for them with two twin axes with the intent to kill seeing that Schorl didn't seem to notice as he was looking for their attackers on the ground as both attacks below had both hit each other that caused a tiny shockwave. Verdelite decided that it was time she but her soldier skills to use and her weapon that she hasn't used in a long time. As the figure continued it's way towards them with its two axes ready to make contact with them Verdelite broke from Schorl's grip which shocked him. She then moved her hand over her gem which glowed a dark green hue, then a bright glowing object started to form in her hand. As the object started to lose its glow it was revealed to be a weapon that seemed strange for a gem. The weapon… was a light green boomerang with some white tribal markings on it.

Wasting no time Verdelite threw the boomerang at the figure who acted quick and used both of it's twin axes to block the incoming boomerang. When it finally made contact with the figure's axes it pushed them away which sent the figure to the ground. Acting quickly the figure braced itself and landed on the ground gracefully. Seeing what just happened made Schorl look at Verdelite with shock, while Verdelite was looking at the figure with a hateful glare. She then proceeded to made her way towards the ground with a quickly recovered Schorl who followed her lead. When both finally made it to the ground both got into a battle stance that they were taught when they were in the crystal gems long age. Verdelite lift her hand in the air waiting for something with her hand open, then out of the blue her boomerang seemed to appear in her hand. She then brought her boomerang in front of her like she was using it as a blunt weapon, which it looked like it might be affected. She then finally got a good look at the figure to see that it was a woman and that she was clearly a gem. The mysterious woman then sent a look at Verdelite that she couldn't get a read on. As Verdelite was dealing with the mysterious women Schorl got ready as both of the attackers that sent out those attacks from earlier came out to reveal themselves. One was a boy that looked to be around 17 while the second looked to be a girl who seemed to the same age. Both of them were clearly gems but something seemed… a bit off with them.

"Well… here I thought this scouting mission was going to be boring, but I guess not anymore. Now, by the way both of you moved and they way your battle stances are I can probably guess you guys might be crystal gems. Which makes things more complicated for me and my team, but more fun for my two… associates. Now before we get down to business let me introduce my self and my compatriots. My name is Xenotime and these two are Soren and Apatite, pleasure to meet both of your acquaintance." Xenotime said with a smile as she gave a respectable bow to both Verdelite and Schorl who looked confused at the woman in front of them. Then both looked over to the other gems and were a bit unnerved by their appearance. Soren had an emotionless expression that made him a bit…strange and unsettling. But it was how Apatite look that made both of them very nervous and maybe… a bit scared. She had a creepy smile on her face showing her sharp teeth which made her look like a hungry predator. But what was more unsettling… were their eyes, blood red and with out any pupils. Both Schorl and Verdelite didn't know who these gems were… but something could tell them that they weren't friends at all.

To Be Continued

AN: So… it begins… crystal gems verses homeworld gem and renegades… hope it was worth the wait. Will both Schorl and Verdelite handle themselves against Xenotime and the mind controlled renegades? Will the crystal gems and Steven notice and be prepared for what lies ahead of them? Will Steven be ready and mostly importantly will his crystal gems be ready? Also… what happens now since Peridot will now be no longer in the shadows… good or bad? Well… you'll all find out in due time. Hope you guys all had a great holiday and new years! I also hope you guys are all pumped like I am for the return of Steven Universe! Now just want to say sorry once again for being late but hey, writers block. Hopefully with the return of Steven Universe that it might not happen again. Now want to thank you guys for being patient. Thanks for reading and do please leave a review. See ya!