With the Crystal Gems joined in the fray, battles and events that will have a deciding factor in the war effort begin to take place.

...

Each of the Crystal Gems immediately moved into battle, tackling the nearest conflict. Within moments, Black's forces were beginning to be attacked and poofed. Many battles that should have been lost turned into victories as the much needed aid made it's way throughout the area in an attempt to gain the upper hand once more. As each Gem moved about the battlefield, they each became more separated from each other, with the only exception being that of Garnet and Bismuth, the former of whom had requested the latter to stay with her. As the two continued pushing through the battlefield, Bismuth noticed the fusion's continued movement in the same direction.

"Hey Garnet...why'd you need me to stay with you anyway? Pretty sure either of us could handle these gems well enough on our own.

"While the others are going about helping where they can, we are going to try and keep Steven occupied."

"You sure that's a good idea? Not that I'm against trying to take him outta the action this soon, but won't we just be making it to where he'll take us down sooner rather than later?"

"I don't believe so. If it were anyone else going after him then that might be more likely, but I think if you and I face him and hold a defensive position rather than engage him head on, we may be able to stall him and allow the other's more chances to reduce and take down Black's forces. Even though we can't poof him, that just means we'll have to keep him occupied until we can either get more help taking him or Black Diamond down or we hold him until he gets worn out. He is still human after all. I'm certain he has a point where he'll begin to tire out. Just be ready though. We'll be on top of him here shortly."

Hearing her leader say this, Bismuth then looked in the direction they were heading. Sure enough, within a short distance was the young diamond, who was currently eye balling their approach while poofing a couple nearby gems. As the duo got closer, Steven faced towards the two as he readied himself for the upcoming battle. Now standing in front of the young man, the three of them stood their ground for a moment.

"Hey guys...glad to see you got out of Beta alright. We were all pretty sure that it would hold up until we were done here.

"Oh make no mistake, it did hold up alright." commented Bismuth. "Gotta say, I don't know what you all put into that wall, but I'm going to need you to hook me up with it once we free you. That can of durability in my designs would go a long way." Bismuth said in a somewhat joking manner as she attempted to buy more time. Now dropping the playful charm she had in exchange for a more serious approach, she continued. "Aside from that though, we're still here now and ready to kick Black Diamond off his high horse."

"Steven, although this isn't your choice to fight us, it's our choice to fight you. We'll try not to cause any lasting damage to you, but we need you to sit out for a bit while we deal with everyone else." said Garnet

"You know, Yellow said nearly the same thing, at least about the 'try not to cause harm'. And while I appreciate that, I wouldn't worry too much about it. After all, you both know how much I can handle."

"Which is why it's us two versus you, ya little meatball. Figured we'd at least try and make it a fair fight after all."

With that said, Garnet and Bismuth summoned their respective weapons. Responding to their action, Steven did the same as he summoned a pair of bubble gloves.

The trio stood their ground for a moment before any move was made. After sometime, it was Steven who made the first move as he dashed towards the duo. As he threw a strike at Garnet, she blocked the blow with her gauntlets. While she did this, Bismuth moved to intercept, causing Steven to back track for a moment. Now in the same state they had began in, Steven stared the two down.

'Guess we're doing this now. This won't be an easy one, that's for sure.' Steven thought. As he looked on at his friends, he noticed the defensive stances and positions they had both taken. 'They're really just here to distract me while everyone else takes Black's army down. Well, guess I better give them what they want. After all, not like I got much choice here.' With this, Steven charged at the two again, with the duo preparing themselves for another bout.

While the three of them battled, each of the gems had been continuing to try and make some progress in lowering Black's numbers in his army, all the while maintaining their own. As everyone else went about their own business, Pearl had been making her own progress as she cut down several members of the opposing force. As she did this, Pearl noticed a challenger approaching at a rather quick speed. As the individual approached, it became easier to identify the incoming enemy. After a few moments, Pearl was face to face with Earl.

"Well now, this is a pleasant surprise. I had hoped to find you first out of all the others." commented Earl.

"Is that so? And just why would you want me before the others?

"Are you kidding, your legend was one that made it's way throughout the cosmos. Every gem had heard of or knew of the terrifying renegade pearl. Since the rumors of your skills began to be spread about, I was eager to face you in combat and see just how 'terrifying' you really were." As Earl said this, she summoned her weapon which was a sword not unlike Pearls'. "Though I don't think you'll be able to overpower me in any sense here. Don't worry though, I'll try not to end it too soon. After all, I still want to see what all the buzz was about."

"You seem confident that you've already won." Pearl noted.

"Of course, I was able to best your little Steven before, so why would taking you down be any more difficult? After all, we both know he's the strongest out of your little group...or at least he was until we recruited him."

Feeling a twinge of anger rise, Pearl moved to respond. "Mark my words, we'll all make sure that you and your the little posse that Black Diamond has following him will pay for what you did to Steven. You won't be seeing any kind of victory here today. We'll free Steven and the others and take you all down."

With this, Pearl charged forward. As she approached, Earl brought her sword up in defense. With a swift collision, the two clashed and began their swordfight.

While the swordfight between the two pearls continued and Garnet and Bismuth continued their efforts of holding back Steven, Black Diamond watched on, taking a particular interest in the skirmish Steven found himself in. As the elder diamond watched on as Steven continued trying to make some ground against the two powerhouses, he found himself growing more displeased and annoyed as he made mental notes of the battle. With this, he continued looking about. Although he had confidence in his army's strength and his abilities, he had to admit the sudden appearance of the Crystal Gems was something that caused a hiccup in his plans. Even though he was worried and displeased all the same, all the eldest diamond could do was watch on in hopes that victory was still assured.

As the battles continued, Lapis was flying about with her aquatic wings to try and locate any fights that would require more attention. As she did this, something caught her eye in the distance, causing her to land for a moment in a nearby unoccupied space. As Lapis looked on, she noticed a tiny speck in the distance. Wanting to investigate further, Lapis moved towards the object of interest. Upon getting closer, Lapis found that the thing that caught her eye was something familiar. Now floating in place, Lapis couldn't deny that she knew what that was as she could recognize that dorito shaped hair anywhere. In the distance Lapis found that Peridot was flying around using an object that looked eerily similar to her signature metal trashcan lid. As the former of the two watched on, she noticed that the gem was moving from from hill to hill, well out of the danger of the battlefield. With this, Lapis began to move towards her ally. As she continued her approach, she briefly glanced away and noticed that Connie was nearby. Making a split second decision, she descended towards the warrior, who had just finished poofing a couple rubies. Shortly after, she noticed the frequent flyer approach.

"Hey Lapis, you doing alright?"

"Yeah. Listen, I need you to come with me. I think I found Peridot. I could use some help in case she's guarded.

"Sure, let's do it!" said Connie as she sheathed her sword. With the young woman being held by Lapis, they began to move towards their ally's last known location.

As those two moved to intercept the once green gem, the battles continued. With the assistance of the Crystal Gems, the forces of Homeworld were catching a second wind. Gems began successfully fighting back and hope began being renewed as victory was something that, although still uncertain at this point, was something that could be believed. With this and a renewed sense of energy soaring throughout the battle field, the battle for Homeworld continued as neither side was willing to give in.

...

Sorry for the somewhat shorter chapter, but this one was used as a set up for things to come. From the fights that have now started to other events coming up, things are slowly falling in line as the war for Homeworld continues.

Chapters might once again be a bit lacking for these next couple days as my schedule is packed, especially on Saturday (will be out of town from 7a until about midnight, so at the least I can say there won't be anything then). Aside from that though, still gonna try to get these out as usual.

Thanks all for the continued visits and support. Hope Cinco De Mayo went good yesterday (if you celebrated it) and that the week is also going well. Watch out for chapter 36, where we continue the fights and begin a couple new events as well.

Strength of the World by Avenged Sevenfold