Chapter 22: Trauma from the Mirror Gem Part 1
Homeworld over 5,000 years ago
Blue Pearl enters the throne room to meet Blue Diamond.
Blue Pearl: My Diamond. The Lapis Lazuli you requested has arrived.
Blue Diamond: Good, bring her in Pearl.
Blue Pearl opens the door and Lapis Lazuli enters the room.
Lapis: You called for me my Diamond?
Blue Diamond: Yes Lapis Lazuli. Pink Diamond has chosen a planet to start her first colony. You are to go there and make preparations for colonization.
Lapis: Of course my Daimond. What is the planet that I am going to?
Blue Diamond: The planet Earth. Go now and complete your assignment.
Lapis: Yes my Diamond.
And so Lapis went to Earth and used her powers on a large field and caused it to sink deep into the ground which would now be called the kindergarten. Lapis flew back to the ground and looked around.
Peridot XJ9: Very good.
Lapis turned around and met her superior Peridot XJ9 with Acha and Kocha accompaning her.
Lapis: I did how you said you wanted it Peridot XJ9.
Peridot XJ9: And you have done well Lazuli.
Acha: Yes, this will make our Diamond happy.
Kocha: Very happy.
Lapis: Is there anything else you wanted me to do?
Peridot XJ9: No. As soon as colonization is done we can go back.
Lapis: I just hope it's quick.
Lapis leaves.
Peridot XJ9: Acha, get the other Quartz Soldiers and have them install the injectors.
Acha: Yes my lord.
While Peridot XJ9 gets things ready, Lapis went back to base. As time went on she waited for the colonization to end and one day she thought about exploring the Earth, since she hasn't really looked around yet. She flew out and landed on another field. She saw trees and flowers all over. She never saw anything this pretty on any other plantet. But before she could move on and explosion occurred and the first battle of the rebellion has started. She got caught in the middle of the battle.
Lapis: No, no I can't be here!
She didn't know where to go since there was fighting all over the place. So she flew up and tried to get away, but she was mistaken for a Homeworld Gem and was shot down by an arrow. She fell onto the ground and poofed. Later however her gem was picked up by a homeworld soldier thinking that she was a Crystal Gem and place her gem onto the back of a mirror. Soon Lapis woke up.
Lapis: W-Where am I?
Lapis stood up and looked around. She was in some kind of realm. It was a dark realm. There was fog on the floor and the entire place was pitch black.
Lapis: Hello? Anybody here?
She looked behind her and the only other thing that was there was a tall mirror. She didn't understand where she was at.
Lapis: I have to get out of here.
So she left the area and proceeded into the dark empty void. She thought she was heading somewhere, but she just ended up walking back to the same area with the tall mirror.
Lapis: What? How did I get back here?
So now she tried to fly up. Maybe she could find a way out. She kept flying up and she finds what appeares to be another level of the realm. But when she landed there she ended up being the same place with that tall mirror again.
Lapis: No! This is impossible. How can I just be back in the same place? Where am I?
That's when the mirror started to shine. She looked at it and saw two Homeworld Gems, Ruby Eyeball and Holly Blue Agate.
Lapis: Hello, hello! Help me please! I'm trapped and I don't know where. Can you hear me?
Ruby Eyeball: Holly Blue look, I found this Crystal Gem and placed it on the back of this mirror.
Lapis: Mirror?
Holly Blue Agate: Is that so, have you asked it about anything yet?
Ruby Eyeball: No not yet.
Holly Blue Agate: Give that to me.
Holly Blue takes the mirror and asks it some questions.
Holly Blue Agate: Where is your base?
Lapis: What?
Holly Blue Agate: Where is your base?
Lapis just stood there not sure what to say.
Holly Blue Agate: This thing is not working right.
Jasper enters.
Jasper: What's going on here?
Holly Blue Agate: We're trying to get this mirror gem to talk, but she won't say anything.
Jasper: Give me that! Where is your leader?
Lapis still didn't know what to say.
Jasper: Where is Rose Quartz?
Lapis: I-I don't know...
Jasger: Argh! We're not going to get anything out of this piece of junk. Looks like I will have to look for her myself.
Lapis: Wait, I'm not one of them! Please help me. Get me out of here!
But none of them listened and and the mirror turned back to normal. Lapis fell onto her knees sobbing.
Lapis: Please...somebody anybody...help.
After 1,000 years the war was coming to an end. Homeworld gems were retreating, but they dropped the mirror as they did.
Lapis: What's going on? ARGH!
Lapis felt an horrible pain on her gem. Somebody stepped on her gem and was now cracked. The mirror in front of her lit up again showing her all the Homeworld Gems retreating, but she was left behind.
Lapis: No, no please. Don't leave me here. I can't stand this. Come back! Come back please! Don't leave me alone! DON't LEAVE ME!
Suddenly Lapis woke up. She was breathing heavily and looked around to see that she is in the barn. It was just memory. She covers her face with her hands with tears.
Lapis: Thank goodness I'm still here.
She checked to see Peridot. She was sleeping like a baby. But she couldn't sleep now. She got off her hammock and went out to get some air. She manipulated the water in her pool to make them look like iconic buildings or sea creatures, but she couldn't get her mind off that memory. She flew up onto the back of the truck. She sat there with her hand rubbing her head.
Lapis: Why am I still haunted by this? Being trapped in that mirror for so long still scares me. I try to move on, but I'm not even sure if I can.
Lapis just sat there for a moment, but then remembered what could cheer her up. She got out the scrapbook Peridot made her and looked through her photo gallery of her times with Steven. Of course there were the ones when he first took her to Funland. That was a lot of fun. But there were some new ones too. There was a picutre of them playing Sand Castle wars and he was in her huge sand castle. Another picture of her using her powers to make her own water slide and Steven sliding down it. There was another picture of him flying on her back.
Then there were two pictures that took place the same day. One was them baking cookies, but Lapis accidently used salt instead of sugar and the second picture showed everyone spitting them out because it was too salty, except for Amethyst. She remembered being embarrassed, but Steven wasn't upset with her and said " It's okay, it happened to me once."Lapis smiled at the more happier memories, she always looked at her scrapbook whever whe was feeling down. But she didn't know she was being watched.
At the Gara Droid base, Gien, Bomber and Viggo were watching her through the monitors.
Bomber: Look at her, gazing through pictures of the boy to calm her. How cute? I hate cute.
Viggo: My lord, do you see what her weakness is?
Gien: That she is close to the boy?
Viggo: Besides that, if I am correct wasn't she trapped in a mirror for thousands of years?
Gien: That is what she claims when she returned to Homeworld.
Viggo: Being trapped in that mirror for so long must have traumatized her. So how about we make her relive that nightmare.
Gien: ( silent chuckles) Very clever Viggo. Yes lets torment her and use her as a hostage. The Crystal Gems, especially the boy and Peridot wouldn't want anything bad happen to her.
Bomber: How do we trap her? We don't have any mirrors.
Viggo: May I suggest we send down Reflector to trap her?
Gien: Yes, he's the perfect elite to trap victims. Acha, contact Reflector and have him meet at the Space Bridge.
There was no answer.
Gien: Acha?
He turns around and Acha is not in the room.
Gien: Kocha, where's Acha?
Kocha: Um, I'll go get him.
Kocha leaves the room to find Acha. Meanwhile Acha was in his room had his own monitor set up and with it was a satellite dish and a whole bunch of cables connected.
Acha: Okay almost there now to turn it on.
Acha turns on the monitor to get access to Earth's cable tv.
Acha: Where is it? Where is it?
Acha kept changing the channel until he found what he was looking for, " Crying Breakfast Friends."
Acha: Yes there it is.
Kocha: Acha!
Acha: AH!
Acha turns off the monitor.
Kocha: What are you doing?
Acha: Uh, nothing.
Kocha: You were trying to get access to the Earth's television system weren't you.
Acha: Okay fine, I wanted to know why the humans spend much of their time with these, especially with the lad who likes that show of these food that cries.
Kocha: Whatever, come on our lord needs you.
Acha: Right coming.
The scene shifts to Acha turning on the Space Bridge for the next Gara Elite to come. The portal opens and the next Gara Elite Reflector enters. He was a tall and slender. He had a more humanoid looking face with red eyes and a wore a helmet with three spikes on top. His body was silver with built in armor, large shoulder pads and his chest had mirror on it.
Reflector: It is good to see you again Lord Gien. What is your command?
Gien: Go to Beach City and find the Lapis Lazuli. Trap her inside your mirror. Use this as an advantage against the Crystal Gems. But bring the boy to me alive.
Reflector: I will not fail you my lord. I will make her life a misery.
Gien: Do whatever you want with her. But keep her alive for now.
Gien leaves the room along with everyone else, except Viggo.
Viggo: Reflector before you go there is something else I want you to do.
Reflector: What is it Master Viggo?
The next day Steven along with Peridot, Lapis and Amethyst were at the arcade. Steven wanted to show them Lapis's skills on air hockey. Amethyst was competing against her, but Lapis was too fast for her. Soon Amethyst lost to her.
Amethyst: I can't believe it. How are you this good at this game?
Steven: ( pointing to Lapis) Because Lapis here is the gifted one.
Lapis: ( chuckles) I mean you could say that.
Peridot: Impressive. But I believe I can master this hockey in the air which by the way is not even in the air.
Lapis: Fine. But prepare to lose again.
Peridot: Not this time.
It was Peridot's turn to compete against Lapis. Peridot wasn't too experienced with this game, so she just moved her striker left and right. Lapis scored a goal.
Peridot: Hey I wasn't ready.
Peridot tried again, but Lapis scored another goal.
Periodot: No fair. Cheater!
Peridot kept on trying, but Lapis kept blocking the puck and tried to get it into her Peridot's slot. Peridot kept blocking it.
Peridot: Slow down Lazuli.
But Peridot couldn't keep up anymore, soon Lapis scored the last goal before the time ran out and wins again.
Peridot: ( kicks the machine) Grrr. Stupid game. It's clearly broken.
Lapis: ( smirk) Is it or do you just suck at it?
Peridot: I do not suck. I will beat you...eventually.
After that they left the arcade.
Steven: That was fun, do you two want to come to the temple with us? We can go to the fry shop get the bits on the way back.
Peridot: We love to Steven, but we have plans tonight.
Lapis: Yeah, we were going to watch the remainder of season 2 of "Camp Pining Hearts." If that's okay with you.
Steven: It's fine, I'll see you tomorrow then.
Peridot: Okay then. Thank you for having us Steven and thank you Amethyst.
Lapis: I had fun today. Thanks for inviting us.
Amethyst: Well it was nice hanging out with you two today. See ya Peri, bye L.
Steven: Bye Peridot. ( to Lapis) See you later alligtor.
Lapis: ( giggles) My name's Lapis.
Steven and Amethyst went back home and Peridot and Lapis went back to the barn. Later that night Lapis and Peridot finished season 2 of " Camp Pining Hearts."
Lapis: Well that was a good season.
Peridot: Yeah, but I still don't see what Percy see's in Paulette that Pierre doesn't have.
Lapis: I don't know. Anyway, should we call it a night?
Peridot: Sure. Good night Lapis.
Lapis: Good night Peridot.
They went to their own hammocks and went to sleep. One hour later, Lapis heard something outstide. Peridot was still sleeping. She didn't want to wake her up so she went out on her own.
Lapis: Is someone there? Steven?
Lapis looked around, but there was no one there. Then she heard a splash in her pool. She jumped a little from the sound and took a look. She didn't see anything in the pool, just her reflection.
Lapis: ( sighs) I'm worrying too much. I need some sleep.
Suddenly her reflection changed and now it was Reflector she saw.
Reflector: Yes, it's time for bed now Lapis Lazuli.
Lapis gasps and was about to run back inside, but before she could the mirror on Reflector's chest began to glow and suck Lapis inside. Reflector emerged out of the water and back on the ground.
Reflector: Hahahaha! She's all mine now. I hope she likes her new home.
Reflector teleports away from the barn.
Scene shifts to Lapis now trapped inside Reflector's mirror realm.
Lapis opened her eyes.
Lapis: What happened?
But the moment Lapis looked around to her surroundings, it was all coming back to her. The same dark realm she was trapped in for so long.
Lapis: No, no, no! This can't be real!
She turned around and like before there was a tall mirror in front of her. Lapis began to shake and she grabbed her head.
Lapis: I'm dreaming! I'm dreaming!
Reflector: This is no dream my dear.
Lapis: Who said that?
Lapis looked around, but there was no one there.
Lapis: Who's there? Who are you?
Reflector spoke again, but only his voice was heard.
Reflector: I am Reflector and you are trapped in my mirror realm.
Lapis: Your mirror realm?
Reflector: Yes. I heard a lot about you. You were trapped in a mirror for thousands of years and I heard how much you missed it, so I came to take you back.
Lapis: No I don't! It was horrible and you have no idea what it's like being trapped in there.
Reflector: You thought your last experience was bad? That was a resort compared to mine. You my dear have entered into Hell!
A giant mirage of Reflectors head appeared above her. He breathed fire at her, Lapis flew up and tried to fight back with what water she had stored into her gem. But when she tried to attack him, the water just went right through him.
Reflector: Hahahaha! You cannot hurt me.
Suddenly a giant hand grabbed her.
Reflector: But I can hurt you.
He threw her to the ground.
Reflector: I have full control in this realm.
Lapis got up and saw the mirror. She tried to destroy it in hopes that it would set her free, but it wasn't like regular mirrors where they shatter so easily. It was incredibley strong.
Reflector: There is no use in breaking that mirror. Many have tried destroying it, but they always fail no matter how strong they are.
Lapis: You will regret this. My friends will find out that I'm missing and they will stop you.
Reflector: I know they will and I know how much the boy and Peridot cares about you. That is what will cost them there lives.
Lapis: What?
Reflector: That's enough! It's time for bed for you.
From the dark empty realm, dark hands reached out and grabbed Lapis from the arms, legs, waist and neck.
Lapis: What? Let go of me!
Reflector: Make yourself at home my dear. Because this is your home now!
Lapis: No! Let go! AAAAAAAHHHHH!
The dark hands pulled her into the deepest parts of the dark realm.
The next day, Steven and the other Crystal Gems were in the house. Then he heard a knock on the door. He went and opened it and saw Peridot and she looked worried.
Steven: Hi Peridot.
Peridot: Steven is Lapis here?
Steven: No she's not. Is something wrong?
Peridot: I woke up this morning and Lapis was no where in the Barn. I was hoping she came here to see you.
Steven: No she hasn't. Come inside.
Steven lets her in. She sat on the couch and everyone stood around discussing where Lapis could be.
Garnet: Peridot, when was the last time you saw her?
Peridot: Just last night. After hanging out with Steven and Amethyst, we went back to our home and watched the last of season 2 of our show. Then we went to bed and when I woke up this morning she was gone. No note, no letter, nothing.
Steven: Garnet do you see her in your future vision?
Garnet: I'm trying, but for some reason I can't find her. I can't even see if the Gara Droids has anything to do with this.
Everyone looked worried now.
Garnet: Everyone calm down, we will have to look for her the hard way. We'll split up and find her. Steven you search in town. Amethyst check the Kindergarten. Pearl you check the arena and galaxy pad. Bismuth you check the Strawberry fields and flower meadow. I will search the abondoned gem ship and Rose's fountain. Peridot you go back to the barn, maybe she will return.
Peridot: Okay.
They all split up and searched for Lapis. They searched all day, Steven even asked the residents if they had seen her. But no one has seen any sign of Lapis. It was getting dark and everyone returned home. Steven was the first to enter and he saw Garnet enter.
Steven: Did you find her?
Garnet: Nothing.
Bismuth enters.
Bismuth: I can't find her anywhere.
Pearl enters.
Pearl: I searched the best I could but she isn't there.
Amethyst enters.
Amethyst: I looked through every hole in the Kindergarten and she was not there.
Steven: Where else could she be?
Steven's phone began to ring. It was a facetime call from Peridot. Steven answers.
Peridot: Any luck Steven? Did you find her?
Steven: ( sighs) Sorry Peridot, but no.
Peridot looks down upset. Steven gives the phone to Garnet so she can talk to her.
Garnet: Don't give up hope Peridot. There are still other places we haven't checked yet. But we will have to wait tomorrow.
Peridot: Okay. And thanks for trying. I appreciate what you guys are doing for me. I just hope she's safe.
Steven: ( determined face) We'll find her Peridot. I know we will.
Peridot nods and hangs up. Steven's determined face turns into a frown.
Pearl: Come on Steven. It's passed your bed time.
Pearl led him upstairs. Steven changed into his pajamas and Pearl tucks him in.
Steven: Pearl, I'm worried about Lapis. Garnet doesn't see her at all and what if something bad happened to her?
Pearl strokes his hair.
Pearl: Steven I know you're concerned for Lapis. We all are. But we're going to continue searching for her. We won't give up that easily. Just get some sleep and we'll continue this tomorrow okay?
Steven: Okay.
Pearl: Good.
Pearl hugs him goodnight.
Pearl: Good night Steven.
Steven: Good night Pearl.
Pearl leaves his room and Steven falls asleep.
Steven was in the dream world flying around.
Steven: ( chuckles) Whoa cool! ( flies past Cookie Cat) Look it's Cookie Cat.
Cookie Cat waves to him. Steven flies through a giant doughnut.
Steven: Whoa, that is the biggest doughnut I ever seen!
Steven kept flying but then heard a faint voice.
Lapis: ( faint) Steven...
Steven: Huh?
Steven stopped where he was and thought he heard something. Then he heard it again.
Lapis:( faint) Help me...
Steven: That voice. It sounds familiar.
Suddenly a black void appeared in front of him. The voice was coming from that.
Lapis: ( faint) Steven...
Steven: Lapis?
Steven entered inside the void. He kept walking deeper into it. At first there was nothing, but soon he came across Lapis who was on her knees and facing the other way.
Steven: Lapis!
Lapis turned around and saw him.
Lapis: Steven!
Steven ran to hug her.
Lapis: Oh Steven I knew you'd answer my calls.
Steven: Lapis what is going on? Where are you? We've been looking all over for you.
Lapis: I'm trapped again Steven.
Steven: What? You mean in the mirror?
Lapis: Yes, but this is not like the last one. It's...
Then they heard a voice.
Reflector: Now what did we say about revealing family secrets? You know your punishment for that.
Dark hands reappeared and grabbed Lapis again and pulled her into the deeper parts of the realm.
Lapis: AAAHHH!
Steven: Lapis!
Steven grabbed her hand and tried to pull back.
Lapis: Don't leave me Steven! Help me!
Steven: Hold on Lapis!
He tried to pull back, but then more dark hands came pulled Lapis back to them. Steven couldn't hold much longer and soon lost grip of her. Lapis was being pulled into the deeper parts of the realm.
Lapis: STEVEN!
Steven: Lapis!
Steven tried to chase after, but they were too fast and lost her.
Steven: Lapis? Where are you?
Reflector: Hahahahahahaha!
Reflector appeared in front of Steven.
Steven: Who are you?
Reflector: I am the Mirror Droid: Reflector. So your Steven, eh? Gien is dying to have you in his hands.
Steven: What have you done with Lapis?
Reflector: No more questions! I hope you enjoyed seeing her, because this is the last time you will ever see her!
Reflector breathed fire at Steven and was about to be engulfed by the flames.
Steven: AAAAAAHHHH!
But then Steven woke up. It was morning now. He knew this was no dream. Lapis was trying to contact him and she was being held by a Gara Elite. He got off the bed and went to the others who were downstairs.
Steven: Guys, I know where Lapis is!
To be continued...
Author's Note: That's it for this chapter. I wanted to give each character their own unique story so I'm starting off with Lapis since I had an idea for her. Also I'm not 100% sure if Lapis served Blue Diamond or how terraforming planets works, but because of their brief interaction this is just a guess. Special thanks to Lady Shadow92 for the beginning and the end of this chapter. Please read and review. Thank you.