The other Gems sat up, perplexed by Garnet's answer when the wind picked up and the area around them went dark. Dark storm clouds swirled above them, blocking the sun, and they all stood up. A white, disc-shaped ship zoomed down from the small cyclone, ready to land.
"Move!" Garnet ordered as they backed away from getting crushed.
The strange ship paused right above the hill, it's six spider-like limbs shot out and dug themselves to the sides of the cliff. The Gems could only watch as a door lowered itself, a small stairway appearing from it.
A black figure stood at the doorway, its front side layered in darkness from the light behind it, "Greetings! Could you, by chance, be Steven Universe?"
"Um... yes?" Steven answered hesitantly.
"... Marvelous," The figure's smirk visibly stretched across its face, before leaping down to the grass before them.
The small, white-speckled black gem on her throat gleamed in the light and the black, gray, and white Gem stood up, clearing her throat as if presenting herself, shifting her satchel to her side.
The newcomer smiled, seeing that the Gems had their weapons out, "Oooh my my my, where are my manners? I am Apache Tears. I've heard some things about you; Steven Universe, Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, and Spinel."
Spinel kept herself steady, "What do you want? Why are you here?"
Apache Tears giggled politely, yet very maniacally, "Aw, don't be so tense. I only want one thing, and I'll leave."
"Okay, what is it?!" Amethyst readied herself, everybody else doing the same.
"Juuuust..." The newcomer's eyes narrowed, the four Gems reflecting in them, "All of you."
Laughing wildly, Apache Tears lunged herself towards Steven, intent to attacking him first. But Spinel wouldn't allow that, both she and Pearl blocking Steven and knocked her away. Apache Tears didn't get a moment to get up as Amethyst's whip wrapped around her and pulled her towards her.
Garnet stood in front of Amethyst and struck a well-aimed blow to the black and white Gem's face, sending her back and her body slid across the grass. At first, the Crystal Gems felt confident, but their guards had nearly fallen when Apache Tears got up, her dull gray eyes now crazed.
"Fine." She spoke, "If you wish to play this the hard way, then so be it."
Apache Tears grabbed something from the little satchel and held it up, clicking a switch. From the hilt of the black grip, a pole extended out. When it stopped, a white beam of light shaped like a diamond-shaped rod with a deadly pointed-tip appeared. It crackled with energy as Apache Tears' grin stretched wide, unnaturally wide.
The Crystal Gems were startled, but Spinel stayed by Steven's side as Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl ran over to her, preparing their attacks. However, Apache Tears was swift enough to dodge them, first striking Amethyst with her weapon, slicing her in half and the purple Gem receded into her gemstone. The new Gem grabbed her, shoving it into her satchel.
Now Garnet and Pearl grew anxious, Garnet charging towards her with her gauntlets, but Apache Tears dodged sideways and sliced Garnet in half as well, making her poof and the two gemstones fell into Apache Tears' bag.
Pearl was left, and when she tried to hold Apache Tears back with her spear, the black and white Gem adjusted her movements so the blade penetrated through her chest. And the pale Gem was down and out and in Apache Tears' clutches, leaving Spinel and Steven to face off against this new enemy.
Spinel stood up, protectively blocking her son from the Gem and her eyes blazed with rage, her pigtails bristling, "Don't you dare lay a finger on him..."
Apache Tears wasn't fazed, "Awww, how cute. Defending that cruel creature. But that's okay. I'll END THAT MINDSET FOR YOU!" She dashed towards them, Spinel grabbing her by the weapon and when the Gem tried to aim the blade, her head dodged this way and that, avoiding the touch.
"Blimey! Should've known you had a body that can stretch like that," Apache Tears remarked, "How wonderful! You'll be a magnificent asset to me!"
"W-What does that even mean?!" Spinel demanded.
"THIS!" screeched Apache Tears as she gained enough strength to move away from Spinel's grasp. Steven watched in horror as the blade struck through Spinel's head, right in between the eyes. Her form poofed and her gem landed in front of him.
Boiling with anger, Steven got up and got his shield out, "THAT'S ENOUGH!"
"Now now," Apache Tears wasn't fazed by his shout, "That's no way to greet a guest. Just hand over her gem and I'll leave-"
She was thrown off as Steven summoned his shield and tossed it at her like a disc. She scowled, slicing the shield in half with her spear, "So be it."
Grinning, Apache Tears began to slash the boy with her weapon, causing pink veins to appear on his skin. Steven tried to hold her back, grabbing the pole. Gray eyes bore into his, but he saw the satchel and thinking fast, he tugged on the bag, ripping it off her shoulder and releasing the gemstones out of their prison.
The black and white Gem yelped in shock, gritting her teeth and brought her foot into between his groin area. Steven wheezed from the pain and fell to the ground, still holding the spear. Not wanting to waste time, Apache Tears grabbed the nearest gemstone; Spinel's.
"Fine. Keep the others. From what I've seen, they are nothing special... unlike this one..." She giggled wickedly, encasing Spinel's gem in a pale gray bubble.
Steven lifted his head weakly, "W-What… What are you doing with her?" He even tried to summon his shield, but was bewildered as it glitched up and disappeared.
Apache Tears shifted her eyes to the heart-shaped gem, "Her? Oh, I'm going to take good care of her. In the meantime, I'll let you go ahead and waste your time trying to contaminate those Gems I hit. Except..." Her expression darkened into a malevolent grin, "You won't be able to infect them anymore..."
"W-What... what are you talking- Agh!" Steven tried to stand up, but that kick she delivered nearly knocked him out, "Don't hurt my mother... Please..." He fell to his knees and panted, holding his stomach.
"Mother?" Apache Tears raised an eyebrow, either out of sheer mockery or genuine confusion, "You humans and your silly vocabulary. Well, it was such a pleasure to meet you, Steven Universe! Cheerio!~" She sang her last word as she ran up the staircase of her ship, completely forgetting her weapon.
"NO! MOM!" Steven cried, reaching out a hand, but it was useless as the ship glowed and flew off in the distance away from Beach City. Steven felt his tears spill, feeling nothing but horror and sorrow at the loss of the Gem he loved so much.
Steven stood up slowly, sniffling and rubbing the tears from his eyes, "I... I gotta get the Gems..."
In the living room with the four gemstones laid on the table, Steven continued to stare at them pensively, hugging his knees when he heard the door open.
"Steven!" Greg shouted, running over to the teen, "I came as fast as I could! Are you okay?"
"... No…" Steven looked down.
Greg saw the gemstones, "Holy sh- S-She got everyone! Wait... where's Spinel?"
Steven sniffled, his tears returning, "This Gem, Apache Tears, took her away and hit the Gems with... this." He pulled out the gray weapon, activating the blade and deactivated it.
"But why?!"
"I don't know!" Steven lashed out, then coming back to his senses when he saw the look in Greg's eyes, and he covered his face in his hands, "And when she hit me with that thing, it did something to my powers." He showed his gem, still emitting a faint, pulsing glow. "What am I going to do, Dad? I couldn't save the Gems and lost Spinel! I couldn't do a thing..."
Greg grew concerned, sitting next to Steven and patted his back, "Oh, stchu-ball, I'm sure she'll be fine. She's Spinel, the stretchiest and friendliest Gem in the entire universe! I'm sure she'll take care of herself against this... whoever did this."
Steven wiped a tear and exhaled, "Thanks Dad..."
"Besides," Greg held Pearl's gem, "What's taking 'em so long?" As if on cue, Pearl's gemstone floated upwards. "Nevermind! Here she comes!"
However, a blue translucent clam shell formed around her gemstone, confusing the two males. Then it spoke, slightly sounding like Pearl, "Please identify yourself."
"Um... Greg Universe?" Greg nervously answered.
"Greetings, Um Greg Universe. Please state preferred customization options."
Greg paused, "Um... what am I supposed to say here?" He whispered to Steven.
"I don't know!" Steven whisper-yelled.
"Default settings selected. Please stand by."
Pearl's gemstone floated away and near the floor, the clam opening and Pearl reappeared... except she looked different. Her outfit was the same as she was when serving Pink Diamond. Pearl opened her eyes.
"Pearl!" Steven exclaimed and approached her, "Pearl, thank goodness you're back! Spinel's-"
But much to his dismay, Pearl ignored him and walked over to Greg.
Pearl: How do you do, my Um Greg Universe?
Thank you for bringing me to the world.
I am at your eternal service,
Welcome to your new Pearl...
"... WhaaaAAAAAT'S GOING ON?!" Both Greg and Steven shouted in unison.
"Could her gem be cracked?" Greg asked.
Steven inspected her gem and shook his head. Then Ruby reformed and he ran up to her, "Ruby! Are-are you okay?"
"AH!" Ruby jumped back, "Who are you?! You're not my assignment!"
Greg scratched his head, "I could really use an explanation here..."
"Allow me to illuminate!" Pearl spoke up, twirling to the red Gem.
Pearl: A Ruby guard! But just a single one.
They tend to come in teams of 3 or more...
Sapphire also reformed just in time.
Pearl: A precious Sapphire! She sees the future,
That's who the Ruby's for!
Ruby made the Diamond salute, "My Sapphire! As my sworn duty and sole purpose, I will protect you with my life."
"I know you will," said Sapphire, "That's why I predict you won't last more than a day."
"Huh?" Ruby asked, puzzled.
"Come now," Hopping off the table, Sapphire guided Ruby away, just as Amethyst reformed, except as her form when she first emerged.
"Amethyst!" Steven got her attention, but waved his hand, "Hey Amethyst?"
Amethyst waved back, "Hey Amethyst?"
"Wha- No! You're Amethyst!"
"Wha- No! You're Amethyst!"
Pearl: You must be right, this is an Amethyst,
Except an Amethyst is big and strong.
This one is not the best example,
Something is clearly wrong.
"I-I do say, something is clearly wrong," pondered Pearl, with Amethyst copying her movements, "What are all of these different Gems doing here in this strange place?"
Steven grew worried, "Pearl, don't you recognize them? Don't you recognize me?"
"Hm..." Pearl thought to herself, Amethyst doing the same, "Well, I certainly recognize my Um Greg Universe."
Greg glanced away, "Oh boy..."
Pearl then examined Steven, "As for you... hmm... Nope! Not a clue!"
"I-I'm Steven!" Steven exclaimed, "The kid you knew for years! Oh... if only Spinel was here..."
"Spinel?" Pearl made a slightly cute confused expression.
Pearl: A darling, little Spinel is set to-
A finger pressed to her lips paused her and Steven groaned miserably, "I already know that. Uuugh, this is just wonderful... Wait, is the same thing happening to Spinel? What is this weapon?" He stared at the item Apache Tears used.
"What is this weapon?" Amethyst copied his question.
Sighing, Steven heard Lion walk in, "Hey Lion, do you know what's going on?" All he got was a growl. "Oh, you're no help either. At least I can still use your..." He tried to put the object inside Lion's mane, but the portal didn't open and the weapon just fell to the ground.
"... I can't even put stuff in Lion's mane anymore?! That's the easiest thing I do!" Steven picked up the weapon, gripping it tightly in thought.
Greg backed away from Pearl, "Uh Steven? What are you going to do?"
"I... I don't have anyone else to help me except..." Steven remembered something, "Bismuth, Jasper, Lapis, and Peridot! They'd know what to do! Come on guys!" He ran to the door, realizing that no one was following him, "G-Guys?"
"What would you like me to do for you, my Um Greg?" asked Pearl. Amethyst shape-shifted into Greg, confusing the pale Gem.
Steven looked over to the two Gems, "Ruby? Sapphire?"
Ruby blocked Sapphire's path, "She's not going anywhere with you!"
"I do see us following him to the countryside," assured Sapphire.
"Nevermind! We're going," Ruby and Sapphire followed Steven to the door.
Greg was trying to take back the laundry basket from Pearl and Amethyst (who took Pearl's form), "Wait! Don't leave me alone with these two!"
"Just keep an eye on them for now, we'll be back!" Steven shut the door behind him and he, Ruby, and Sapphire were off to Little Homeworld, hoping to find out what's going on.
As they walked down the beach, Steven gazed towards the direction where Apache Tears' ship had flown. "Mom... Please be okay..."
Oof. A kick to the dick XC
Also, you are all welcome to hate Apache Tears, for any reason.
Really.
...
Headcanon voice for Apache Tears: Laura Bailey (Raspberyl)
The artwork for the profile of this story was done by me :)