Chapter 17: Finding New Materials
Peridot: You couldn't inflict any damage on this Nova?
Garnet: No we couldn't, no dents, not scratches. It just kept going attacking us.
Pearl: Gien said that he used the best quality metal from Homeworld.
Peridot: He must have used Space Titatanium for him.
Steven: Space Titanium?
Peridot: Most Gara Droids are built with Space Steel, but getting a hold of Space Titanium is scarce, but doing so would create the toughest armor ever.
Amethyst: So we can't destroy it?
Peridot: I never said it was indestructable. Judging by the weapons you have, they're nothing but toys made for toddlers. No offense. But have you tried upgrading them?
Steven: Upgrade the weapons? No I don't think we have.
Garnet: Bismuth is it possible to upgrade our weapons?
Bismuth: I can, but I can't.
Amethyst: Why do you say that?
Bismuth: The problem is that I don't have the material to upgrade your weapons anymore.
Steven: What material is that?
Bismuth: I need some Geass Ores. I had whole supply of them back during the war and used them to make upgrades for our weapons. But sometime during the war, the storehouse I had for them was destroyed taking down a large quantity of them. If I had just four of them I could do it. But where am I going to find any?
Then an idea has just hit Pearl.
Pearl: Wait, I know where we can find it.
Bismuth: Really, where?
Pearl: Well, uh this doesn't have to be a secret anymore, but Rose has a Secret Armory hidden. The only other people who know about this place are me, Steven and Lion. I remember she found some Geass Ore and hid it there.
Garnet: An armory? Where?
Pearl: Deep in the mountains. I can lead you to it.
Amethyst: Well lets go then.
Pearl: But there's one catch. We can only warp to a certain point near the location. The rest of it is a three hour hike to get there.
Bismuth: And we have to go back and I have to make the upgrades. Oh geez.
Garnet: By the time we get back, it will be sunrise and Gien will launch the attack. We won't make it in time.
Steven: Maybe we can take Lion.
Steven went to go see Lion. But his left front leg was still hurt from the last fight.
Steven: Oh no, Lion is still hurt. I don't think he can take us there.
Pearl: Then we have to go by foot.
Amethyst: But we may not make it back in time. What do we do?
Lapis stood up.
Lapis: I'll stay here.
Everyone looks at her.
Lapis: If you guys don't make it back in time, I'll stay and fight Nova.
Steven: Lapis no. He's not like other Gara Droids, he's a monster.
Lapis: I know what I'm getting myself into. But I can't let Beach City get destroyed. I may not be strong enought to beat him, but I can at least keep him busy from causing too much damage.
Steven went up to her,
Steven: But he's too powerful, he'll kill you.
Lapis: ( placing her hands on his shoulders) Don't worry about me Steven, you have to find this Geass Ore to win.
Peridot: You won't be alone Lapis. I'll be there with you.
Lapis: Thanks Peridot.
Steven: But I can't leave you two alone like this. There has to be another.
Garnet: Steven.
Steven felt Garnet's hand on his back and looked to her.
Garnet: It's the only plan we have now.
Steven looks down looking defeated and Garnet looks at Lapis.
Garnet: Lapis Lazuli, Peridot. What you are about to do is the bravest thing a Crystal Gem would do. We thank you both and we will return as quickly as possible. You two truly have changed.
Lapis and Peridot smiles and nods at her.
Lapis: Thank you. I'm proud to be where I am now.
Peridot: Me too. But you guys better get going. Time is of the essence
Garnet: Let's go Steven.
Steven gives Lapis a hug.
Steven: I'll be back Lapis. I'll come back as soon as possible, I promise. Just please be careful.
Lapis hugs him back.
Lapis: I will Steven. I'm doing this for you.
Then goes to hug Peridot.
Steven: You too Periodt. You're doing a brave thing.
Peridot: Thanks Steven. You can count on us.
Steven then hurries to the warp pad with the others.
Pearl: Thank you again you two.
Amethyst: Just hang on and be strong.
Bismuth: And show them that you mean Bismuth!
And so the the Crystal Gems warp to the area closest to Rose's Armory, leaving Lapis and Peridot alone. But just outside of the house, Acha and Kocha heard everything.
Acha: Did you hear all that Kocha? If they find that Geass Ores, then they will defeat Nova.
Kocha: Let's warp back already, Gien needs to know.
Acha: Right.
The two them warp to Gien's ship. Meanwhile Gien was in the lab making sure Nova was ready for the attack. He was testing his armor and made sure he was a full power.
Gien: Just a few more adjustments and you Nova will be ready for the destruction of Earth.
As Gien was doing this, Bomber the Great was in front of the entrance of the lab. In was dark in the hallways and he pointed his arm cannon at Gien. He charged it up was about to fire at him, until it got interuppted.
Acha warps into the lab enters.
Acha: My lord. I have news that the Crystal Gems are heading to some armory that Rose Quartz has to find the Geass Ores.
Gien: The Geass Ores?
Acha: Yes, apperently they're going to find it and upgrade their weapons to defeat Nova.
Kocha: If they do that it's game over.
Gien: That can't happen. Where is Bomber the Great?
Bomber enters in casually.
Bomber: I am here my lord. What seems to be the problem?
Gien: The Crystal Gems are planning to upgrade their weapons to destroy Nova. Get out there and stop them.
Bomber: You seem to be worried now Gien. I thought Nova here was your and I quote "greatest creation."
Gien: Don't question me! Just go and stop them! Acha, lead him to where they are going.
Acha: Yes my lord.
Acha leaves. Bomber was about to also.
Gien: And Bomber.
Bomber stops in his tracks to listen.
Gien: You have to do better than that if you want to overthrow me.
Bomber looks back him, surprised that he knew he was there. Gien just smirks at him and Bomber leaves.
Bomber: ( in his mind) Next time Gien.
Meanwhile the Crystal Gems warped to the area where Rose's Armory was.
Amethyst: Are we there yet?
Pearl: No. Follow me and I'll lead you all to it.
They ventured through paths of the mountain.
Amethyst: Are we there yet?
Pearl: No.
Next they sidled on extremely narrow paths.
Amethyst: Are we there yet?
Pearl: No.
Then they had to jump over a gap in the path.
Amethyst: Are we there yet?
Pearl: Yes.
Amethyst: Really?
Pearl: NO!
But soon they were almost there.
Amethyst: Are we there yet?
Pearl: We're almost there, we just have to climb up this cliff. Steven, do you need me to carry you up there again?
Steven: Thanks Pearl, but I can climb up myself.
Steven began to climb up.
Pearl: They grow up so fast.
Garnet: I know.
Everyone else began to climb up.
Amethyst: Ugh, tell me again Pearl why the armory has to be so far and hidden?
Pearl: For the last time Amethyst, this is a secret armory. It was a secret to everyone.
Amethyst: Not anymore it ain't.
Pearl:( sighs) No, no it's not. But it's for the best.
And so they finally make it up there.
Amethyst: URGH! Are we there yet?
Pearl: Yes we are.
Amethyst: Oh finally!
They walked through the cave and find the platform where it was.
Bismuth: I don't know about you, but this is a pretty empty armory.
Pearl: We have to activate the pedastal first. Steven.
Steven: I'm on it.
Steven walks up to the pedastal and nothing happens.
Steven: Oh right I forgot, Amethyst poke me.
Amethyst: Why?
Steven: For some reason that's how I summon things here.
Amethyst: Okay.
Amethyst starts poking Steven from his body to his face, which tickles him. Soon a whole collection of weapons, armor and a giant penny appeared.
Bismuth: Whoa! I remember these. I made them all during the rebellion.
Garnet: How long did Rose have this again?
Pearl: ( shrugs) For a few thousand years.
After what appeared to be everything, there was no sign of the Geass Ores.
Steven: Um, I think that's it? Where are the Geass Ore.
Amethyst: Are you sure it was here Pearl?
Pearl: I know it is. I remember, but where is it?
Steven: Maybe we missed something? Maybe I have to summon it with a different approach.
Amethyst punches Steven in the arm.
Steven: Ow! Why would you do that?
Amethyst: You said we had to summon it with a different approach so I thought maybe we're not trying hard enough.
Steven: I didn't mean punch.
Amethyst: Okay, how about this?
Amethyst takes a strand of his hair and pulls it out.
Steven: Ow!
But surprisingly it works and the bag of Geass Ores rose from the ground on a pedastal.
Steven: Oh, is that it?
Pearl: Yes it is.
They approached bag and opened it, there were seven Geass colors were a mixture of blue and purple.
Bismuth: Wow, I thought they were all destroyed.
Pearl: Rose found some of these one day from the wreckage of the storehouse. She kept them here incase we ever did need them.
Garnet: I'm glad she did. Good job Pearl.
Bomber: Yes very good.
They all turn around to see Bomber the Great along with twenty five Gara Soldiers.
Bomer: Howdy parnters.
Bismuth: Not you guys again.
Amethyst:( mumbles) Great, here comes Bomber the Lame.
Pearl: When did you...How did you find this place? This is a secret armory.
Bomber: Not anymore it's not. We followed you to this place to trap you and to take those Geass Ores. They will interfere our plans for Earth's destruction. If you wish for your lives to be spared, it would be best to give those to me.
Garnet: If we were to give these to you, you'd kill us anyway.
Bomber: Hahaha! You know me well fusion.( points his sabre at them) Attack!
Garnet: Steven! Guard the Geass Ores with your bubble. We can't let him have it.
Steven: But what about you guys?
Garnet: Never mind us. We'll handle them.
Steven wasn't too sure about the idea, but listend to Garnet and formed his bubble. The others took on the Gara Soldiers while Garnet faced Bomber again.
Bomber: Are you ready to lose fusion?
Garnet: I know you are.
Bomber: Not this time.
Bomber at full speed charged at Garnet and tried to punch her. She dodged and tried to punch him back, but when she did he puched the knuckle of her gauntlet. It hurt them both a little, but Garnet was more surprised that he was withstand that punch. She wasn't paying attention for moment and he punched her across the face.
Bomber: I made a few adjustments to my fists and my armor since the last time we fought. Now I'm just as strong as you are.
Garnet: You'll never be as strong as me. I won't let you beat me.
Garnet tried fighting back and this time was able to punch him in the face. She tried to do it again, but then Bomber grabbed her fist and threw into one of the armor displays in the armory. He then fired his arm cannon at her and was also hit. And so Bomber focused on Steven.
Steven: Uh oh.
Bomber: Now is your turn boy. Missile Mode!
Bomber transforms and launches at Steven's bubble causing it to pop.
Bomber: Don't make this hard for me boy. Give me the Geass Ore's and maybe I will spare your life.
Steven: That's not happening.
Steven summons his shield still holding the bag with one hand and draws his sword with another.
Bomber: Have it your way.
Bomber draws out his sabre and he and Steven clash into a sword fight. First they just blocked each others attack. Steven was able to slash him once, but after that Bomber got aggressive and started to attack on the offense side. Steven was on the defense, but he couldn't find the right moment to strike. Bomber was trying to tire him out. Once Steven let his guard down, he was slashed twice by Bomber. He dropped the bag of Geass Ores. Bomber picked them up and was about to leave with it, but Garnet got back up and punched him on the back, making him fall and drop the bag. Steven takes it back.
Bomber: You're really want some more don't you?
Bomber fires his arm cannon at Garnet. She moves his arm away. Then she knee kicks him and throws him to the other side of the armory.
Steven: Garnet we can't waste time here. We have to go.
Garnet: You're right Steven. We have to go. Gems to the warp pad!
Everyone broke off the fight with the soldiers and hurried back out. They didn't have to climb down this time. Garnet held Steven and they just jumped down the cliff and landed saftley. Bomber exits out to see them down.
Bomber: Don't let them get away!
Bomber transforms and flies down there. The gems paths were cut off by a dozen Gara Soldiers.
Bismuth: Looks like we will have to fight our way there.
Pearl: Lets make this quick.
The Crystal gems fought there way through the Gara Soldiers. They took down some of them, but they knew they were only staling them. They had to keep running and the Gara Soldiers chased them down the mountain. Soon they were close to the end, but then Bomber in his missile mode crashed near them, causing the area to explode. They were all sent flying all over. Steven was behind a huge rock, but still had the bag. Th Crystal gems were all over the floor. Bomber landed and then stomped on Pearl's head where her gem was. He began grinding his foot on it and Pearl yelled in pain.
Amethyst: Pearl!
Bismuth: You get off of her!
Bomber: Listen Crystal Gems. Hand me the Geass Ore's or lose your Pearl.
Pearl: Don't do it. Just go...(Bomber begins crushing her gem) AAAAAAHHHHH!
Garnet: You coward.
Bomber: It's called having the upperhand.
Steven watched behind the rock.
Steven: ( quietly) Pearl. No.
Bomber: I know you're hiding boy. Stand up and give me want I want!
Steven thought about it for a moment and made his decision.
Steven: Stop!
Bomber see's him and the gems look at him holding the bag of Geass Ores
Steven: You can have them, just let her go.
Pearl: Steven no.
Steven: I'm sorry Pearl. I have to.
Bomber: I knew you would. Now be a good boy and hand them over.
Steven: Get off of her first and then you can have them.
Bomber: What if I don't?
Steven then prepares to throw them off the cliff, but Bomber needed them for his own personal gain.
Bomber: No! ( groans) Fine.
Bomber groans and takes his foot off of Pearl and just kicks her to Steven. Pearl looks up to him.
Pearl: Steven don't do it.
Bomber: Yes do it. Throw them off the cliff or you all die.
Steven hands Bomber the bag and he snatches it from him.
Bomber: Fools ha, ha! I can't believe you'd give up something like this over your friends. Don't you know that is your weakness? You try to save others and ultimately lose the battle. Just like you did saving him when first fighting Nova. It's not about saving the weak. It's about the strong winning and the weak perish. And you Crystal Gems are the weak that are about to perish. Missile Mode!
Bomber transforms and was about to kill all the gems with it. Steven quickly got out his shield. But he wasn't fully prepared and the blast sends them all falling off a cliff. They were falling down to the bottom from where they started.
Steven: Everyone hold hands!
They held hands together in a circular form. Steven had to slowly land them with his floating powers. He had to think fast on happy thoughts. He thought of cookie cats, he thought of snow, he thought of the arcade and Funland. He had to think fast. But soon they felt that they were going down slowly and landed saftley on the ground.
Amethyst: Man, that was pretty rough.
Garnet: It was tough, but we made it out alive.
Pearl: ( looking sad) We may have gotten out of there, but we failed to get the Geass Ores.
Steven: Yeah, uh about that.
Then they looked at him and realized his shirt was tucked into his pants and there appeared to be something inside. He untucked it and the Geass Ores fell from the inside of his shirt.
Pearl: ( hugging him) Ah,ha,ha,ha! Oh Steven you are a genius!
Amethyst: ( ruffling his hair) Smart move dude.
Garnet: Great Job Steven. ( to Bismuth) I knew he did that.
Bismuth: Sure you did. Wait, if we have the Geass Ores then what did you just give Bomber?
Steven: ( nervously) Yeah um, we better get to the warp pad before he finds out.
Meanwhile back up on the cliff.
Bomber: Those Crystal Gems have lost. I Bomber the Great have won. With these Geass Ores I will use them on myself to rid of Gien and take control of the Gara Droids.
Bomber opens up the bag.
Bomber: What the?
He takes out one of them revealing to be just an ordinary rock. Then he poured all onto the floor, they were all rocks.
Bomber: How is this possible? I don't get it. Where are the...the kid.
Meanwhile back on the ground the Crystal Gems made it to the warp pad and were about to warp to Bismuth's Forge. Until they saw something from the sky.
Bismuth: Hey what's that in the sky?
They saw something coming towards them at high speed. It was Bomber in missile mode heading right towards them.
Steven: Uh oh, he found out.
Bismuth: Warp, warp, warp!
They all warped away and just as they did Bomber landed on the warp pad, crushing it. He looked around, but he was too late. He yells in frustration.
Bomber: GRRRRRRAAAAAAUUUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHHH!
Meanwhile at Beach City.
Lapis stood there on the Beach. It was almost dawn and she stood there waiting for Gien and Nova to come. She had a serious look on her face and was prepared to stop them however she could. Peridot came next to her.
Peridot: Lapis, are you okay?
Lapis: I'm fine Peridot. I'm just waiting.
Peridot: Yeah me too.
Lapis: Peridot how are you going to fight without a power or weapon?
Peridot: I do have a weapon.
Peridot got out a remote control and activated it. Then came these flying drones with lasers attached to them.
Peridot: These are my attack drones. I made them using parts of Gara Droids that we beat.
Lapis: Cool, they are pretty neat.
Peridot: Thanks. ( frowns) Lapis, aren't you scared?
Lapis: To be honest, I am little. I know this could be brutal from what Steven said, but I'm doing this because this is my home now. I wasn't welcomed back on Homworld when I returned, but after coming back here I realized that maybe this is where I'm meant to be. So I am willing to defend it, not just for me, but for you, Steven and the others. They're counting on us and we have to do the same.
Lion enters the scene. While he was still a little sore, but was in better condition and had to help Lapis and Peridot to defend Beach City.
Lapis: You want to help us?
Lion nods.
Peridot: Wow thanks Lion. Lapis I just want to say something.
Lapis: Yeah Peridot.
Peridot: I just want to say that, if we don't make it out of this alive. I just want to let you know that, I loved being friends with you. I always loved spending time with you and watching Camp Pining Hearts with you. Even though we just became friends about a month ago, to me it felt like years if that makes any sense. Other than Steven you're my best friend.
Lapis smiles at her.
Lapis: Thank you Peridot. Same with me, you're one of my two best friends. I know we didn't always get along, but you grew on me. You've always made me happy and other than Steven, you were always there for me. Lets just try to make it home together.
Peridot: Together.
The two then hugged, but it was cut short. Gien, Acha, Kocha and Nova teleported onto the beach. They let go and glared at them.
Peridot: Gien.
Gien: ( silent chuckles) Peridot, how nice to see you again.
To be continued...
Author's Note: That's it for this chapter. It seems Peridot and Lapis will have to fight Nova while the others have their weapons upgraded. But can they make it in time or will the two of them meet a horrible fate. The fate of the Earth is to come next time. Special Thanks to Lady Shadow92 for the idea location of the Geass Ores. Please read and review. Thank you.