Chapter 28: Alone at Sea

The Return of Jasper

After the Gara Droids leave the Strawberry field, the ground began to rumble. Then a huge orange arm bursted out of the ground and out crawled a new figure. It was Jasper.

Jasper: Finally, after being trapped in the Earth's crust for so long, I'm free. Now to finish off what I started. I'm coming for you Rose. And you too Lapis. Hehehehehe.

Jasper leaves and begins her hunt for Steven and Lapis.

One week later.

Lapis Lazuli was at the barn alone, but she wasn't in the brightest mood. She was thinking about her time being fused with Jasper as Malachite. She spent a few months keeping her deep in the bottom of the ocean. But that's not what was truly bothering her. Lapis wanted to try fusion again but after her last experience, she fears that she might hurt that person she fuses with much like what she did to Jasper. There were two people she wanted to talk to about this, Peridot and Steven. Peridot was out with the others, so she thought she should talk to Steven. She hoped that he could understand her.

But then she heard the warp pad near by activate. She looked outside and saw Steven. She took a deep breath and smiled as she went to go greet him.

Lapis: Hi Steven.

Steven: Hey Lapis. What are you doing?

Lapis: Nothing really. Just hanging around.

Steven: I see. Well I came by because I wanted to invite you on a trip.

Lapis: Oh really. What kind of trip?

Steven: My dad bought a boat and we were going to sail around in the sea. I came here because I wanted to invite my one and only Beach Summer Fun Buddy.

Lapis: That's really sweet of you Steven. ( looks away and frowns a bit) But I don't kow.

Steven: Is something wrong Lapis?

Lapis: No it's just... I uh...

Steven: Is this because of, you know what?

Lapis: Well that's one reason, but also...

Steven: Look Lapis. I know you spent a really long time fused with Jasper at the bottom of the ocean, but you're not Malachite anymore. And water is a part of who you are. You can't let one bad experience take that away from you.

Lapis: It was more than one.

Steven: Just give it a chance. I promise we will make this the most fun you ever had.

Lapis still looked a bit unsure, until Steven took her hand and gave her a smile. Lapis looks back at him, she couldn't say no to that face and smiles back at him.

Lapis: Okay, I'll give it another chance.

Steven: Great! Let's go Dad is waiting.

Steven was about to head to the warp pad, but then stopped on his tracks.

Steven: Oh wait, was there something you wanted to tell me?

Lapis: What?

Steven: I interrupted what you wanted to say a litte bit ago.

Lapis: Oh, um. Maybe later Steven. Let's just go have fun.

Lapis wanted to ask Steven about fusing again, but she thought this wasn't a good time. She thought maybe after the trip she'll talk to him.

Lapis: Come on lets go.

Lapis picks up Steven. He laughs a bit and she flies him to where port was.

Steven: We could have taken the warp pad.

Lapis: I know, but I love flying with you.

Steven: I can't argue with that.

Lapis: Just tell me where to go.

Steven looked around from up above a bit until he found his familiar surroundings.

Steven: Um... over there.

Steven pointed down the area and Lapis flew down there. They saw Greg with the boat.

Greg: Hey there Lapis. I'm glad you could join us.

Lapis: It's nice to see you again Mr. Universe.

Greg: Oh please, call me Greg.

Steven: What do you think Lapis, this is the boat we bought.

Greg: Uh, correction. We rented a boat. I may be rich, but buying a boat would be going a bit overboard.

Steven: Ayyyyy.

Greg: Ayyyy.

Steven and Greg: AYYYYYYYYY!

Greg: Anyway let's hop on in.

They went on the boat and that is when Lapis noticed the name of it.

Lapis: The S.S Lil Lappy?

Steven: Oh yeah, we named it after you.

Lapis: Isn't that what Amethyst calls me?

Steven: Yeah, but we liked it so much we had to do it.

Lapis laughs a little and ruffles his hair.

Lapis: You're so silly Steven.

Now they were on the boat and Greg handled the controls.

Greg: You two ready to set sail?

Steven: Aye, aye Captain!

Lapis: Yes.

Greg: ( sounding the horn) Full speed ahe...Whoa!

Part of the dock is pulled off because Greg forgot to unlock the cord keeping the boat at bay.

Greg: Ah geez. I hope nobody noticed.

They sailed far into the ocean and just looked at the ocean water that looked like it was endless.

Greg: Wow I think I did a number on that dock. Maybe somebody else should take a shot at being captain.

Greg takes off his captains hat and offers it to Lapis.

Greg: What do you say Captain Lazuli?

Lapis: I shouldn't.

Steven: Go for it Lapis.

Lapis: Don't put me in charge! Oh sorry. I mean you shouldn't trust me with the boat.

Steven: That's okay. Don't worry about it. We can all be first mates so theres no pressure. Only fun stuff today.

Greg: Lapis, you can still where the hat if you want.

Lapis: Thanks, but I'm not putting that on my head.

Greg: Let's set a course for fun!

And so the trio were trying to have good time. Lapis was a bit uneased for some reason, but Steven stayed by her and kept helping her to smile. They played games like shuffle board, go fish and even fooled around with the boat's horn. After that, Steven and Lapis went to go see Greg who was fishing.

Greg: Hey you two. You got enough of that horn?

Steven: What?

Lapis: What are you doing?

Greg: Catching fish.

Lapis: Oh, I can help.

Lapis used her powers and brought a huge water ball from the ocean with Greg's fishing rod still attached to it. They were able to see all the fish swimming inside. It was like looking at an attraction at an aquarium.

Steven: Whoa.

Greg: That's a pretty uh...fancy way of catching fish. I appreciate the gesture, but I think it would be safer fishing the old fashiond way.

Lapis: Oh uh, sure.

Lapis was mildly disappointed, but listened and put the water ball back into the ocean.

Lapis: So, how do you fish the old fashioned way.

Greg: Oh it's pretty simple. You start with a rod and put a hook on the end of the line and when you feel a nibble, you reel it in. And there it is, you've caught yourself a fish to eat.

Lapis: But why would a fish ever bite onto a hook?

Greg: You've got to bait it. Put something you know what it wants like a worm or a 20 dollar bill. Here I'll show you.

Greg began fishing and Steven and Lapis watched him. But it was taking too long and Lapis and Steven looked bored while Greg was the only one looking patient.

Lapis: When does the fish part happen?

Greg: Well it's not the fish that you keep, but the company you catch.

But as Greg said that he felt a nibble.

Greg: Whoa, I got a bite. Lapis here try it.

Greg gives the fishing rod to Lapis.

Greg: Hold it like that and slowly reel it in.

Lapis: Like this?

Lapis began reel in the line.

Greg: You got it. It looks like a big one.

Lapis continues to reel in, but faces difficulty when she is pulled back by a great force.

Steven: Lapis!

Greg: Steven!

They both grab onto Lapis and try to pull her back.

Steven: You got it Lapis. Reel it in.

Lapis: It's...pulling...so hard.

Lapis then saw a huge silouhette figure emerging to the surface. She looked scared for a moment, but before anything could happen the rod snaps in half and the silouette sank back down. Lapis quickly looked back down at the water, but there was nothing there.

Greg: ( sighs) Looks like this pole rental turned into a pole purchase. But you did a great job tangling with that beast.

Steven: Yeah. Don't worry about that one getting away.

Lapis turns back to Steven.

Lapis: Oh, thank you.

Greg: Welp, that's my adventure quota for the day. I'll be at the controls. Holler if you need me.

Steven: Yes sir. Lapis what do you...

Steven turns around, but Lapis wasn't there.

Steven: Lapis?

He looks around for a moment but see's her just sitting on the patio lounge chair.

Steven: Hey. Watcha doing?

Lapis: I just thought I'd sit for a bit.

Steven: You looked like a real pro fisher before the pole snapped.

Lapis: Thanks.

Steven: Hmmm. So fishing was a bust. But that's okay, we can do something else.

Lapis: Actually Steven I...

Suddenly the ship started to shake as something is heard crashing.

Steven: AAAH! What was that?

The ship shakes and crashes again alarming Steven and Lapis.

Lapis: Are you okay?

Steven: Yeah.

Lapis: What's going on?

Then he hears Greg calling for him.

Greg: Steven, you got a moment?

Steven: Wait here I'll be right back.

Lapis nods and Steven goes to check on hid dad.

Steven: Is everything okay first mate dad?

Greg. Shh. You hear that?

Steven tried to listen to what Greg heard, but didn't here nothing.

Steven: Uhhh... no.

Greg: I guess it stopped. I think something's wrong with the boat.

Greg tries to turn the wheeel to no success.

Greg: Aw geez, something's throwing off the rudder. I don't know what's going on and this owner's manual is no help. It's mostly advice on sun tanning and what crackers go with caviar.

Steven: What crackers go with caviar?

Greg: Water crackers.

Steven and Greg: Ayyyyyyy!

Then they heard a muffled thumping sound coming from inside the boat.

Greg: ( gasps) There it is.

The boat begins to rumble then crash again. Greg and Steven go over to check the internal of the boat. It begins to leak smoke which causes Steven and Greg to cough profusely.

Greg: Oh crud! The engine! I don't know how to fix an engine. This trip might be a little longer than we thought, little buddy.

Steven went to go check on Lapis, she was just staring at the ocean.

Steven: Lapis? Um... I have some not-so-good news. There's trouble with the engine, and we might be stuck out here for a while.

Lapis responds with a sigh.

Steven: ( sighs) I'm so sorry! This whole thing is my fault. I just wanted you to have fun, but everything's a mess. I shouldn't have made you come on this trip.

Lapis: No Steven it's not that, it's just something in my mind.

Steven: Is something wrong?

Lapis: There was something I've been meaning to talk to you about, but I didn't want to spoil your fun.

Steven: We're already having some problems so you can talk to me now if you want.

Lapis took a deep breath and spoke.

Lapis: Well, I've been thinking. I wanted to try fusion again.

Steven: R-Really?

Lapis: Well yes, but the thing is that I'm scared that I might hurt someone I care about.

Steven: What do you mean?

Lapis: When I fused with Jasper and became Malachite I wasn't really good to her. I forced her to stay like this and keep her trapped. I was so angry about being a prisoner that I took out on her. I needed to. I hated her and I liked it.

Steven: But Jasper was terrible.

Lapis: I'm terrible. I did horrible things. I stole the Earth's ocean, I attacked your friends, broke your dad's leg and even drowned you. Go on! Tell me that I'm wrong!

Steven: Lapis...

Lapis: Tell me! Did I do those things or not?!

Steven: Ok yes! You did do those things! But you didn't know better. When I first freed you from the mirror, you were angry and scared. But for someone who's been trapped for thousands of years, I can't really blame you. And despite what you did, I never hated your nor do I have any resentment to you.

Lapis: You don't?

Steven: Do you really think I do?

Lapis: Well, no I mean, I just been thinking why you still like to hang out with me or call me your Beach Summer Fun Buddy after what I did?

Steven: Because I feel bad for you. After everything you went through I want you to live a happier life. And we want to end Homeworld's and the Gara Droids attack soon so you can live a peaceful one as well. And you've just been thinking of all the bad things you've done. What about the good things you did like warning us about Jasper and Peridot coming to attack us? You fusing with Jasper to save us and keep her locked up with you in it? That is terrifying but brave also. We kept searching for you so we can help you. You saved Peridot from Gien when he tried to kill her and don't forget when you faced your fear and saved me and Peridot from Reflector.

Lapis was doubting herself so much that she forgot about the good things she did.

Lapis: I did do those things.

Steven: Exactly. ( holds her hand) I could never be afraid of you Lapis. I know you made mistakes, but no one is perfect. As Garnet once said, fusion is a choice. I trust you and you can fuse with me whenever you're ready, okay?

Lapis looked at Steven and she started to relax a bit, but also began tearing up.

Steven: ( wiping her tears) Please don't cry Lapis.

Lapis: No it's just. I'm happy to have a friend like you Steven.

Lapis pulls him in for a hug. Steven hugs her back.

Lapis: If only you existed five thousands years ago, I would be a lot more happy.

Steven: I know, I could say the same for you.

Suddenly the boat began to shake again and out from the water and climbing up was Jasper.

Steven and Lapis: Jasper!

Jasper: I thought I'd never catch up to you.

Lapis: You've been following us?

Jasper: I've been following you.

Lapis gasps and Steven summons his shield.

Steven: Stay back!

Jasper: (Laughs) This dulled-down version of Rose Quartz works for you now? You're pointing that shield the wrong way. (Chuckles) She's the one you should be afraid of.

Lapis: That's not true.

Jasper: You can't lie to me. I've seen what you're capable of.

Steven: We already talked about this. But it doesn't matter. Lapis doesn't want anything to do with you.

Jasper: This is between...us!

Jasper swipes Steven with her arm, knocking Steven back.

Lapis: Steven!

Jasper grabs Lapis by the arm, restricting her movement. Then she clasps her hands around Lapis and lands on her knees.

Jasper: Let's be Malachite again.

Lapis was shocked of how Jasper was acting towards her and her request.

Lapis: Why... would you want that?

Jasper: I was wrong about fusion. You made me understand! Malachite was bigger and stronger than both of us! We could fly!

Steven: Don't listen to her Lapis!

Jasper: Stay out of this. ( turns back to Lapis) It'll be better this time. I've changed. You've changed me. I'm the only one who can handle your kind of power.

Jasper walks closer towards Lapis until her back's against the front of the ship's cabin.

Jasper: Together we'll be unstoppable.

Lapis thinks about it for a moment. She did want to try fusion again, but with Jasper? Can she trust her this time? She looked at Steven for a moment and then looks back at Jasper. Remembering what he said, Lapis finally gave her answer.

Lapis: No.

Jasper: What?

Lapis: What we had wasn't healthy. I never want to feel like I felt with you. I'm sorry for hurting you, but we can't do this again.

Jasper: Okay fine. I'll make you then!

Jasper grabs Lapis's arms.

Lapis: AH! Let go of me!

Jasper: You're mine whether you like it or not!

Jasper tries twirling Lapis around to make her fuse with her. Steven tosses his spiked shield at Jasper's back. Jasper lets go of Lapis and the latter falls onto the ground. Jasper focuses on Steven.

Steven: She said, "No!" Now leave her alone!

Jasper: You...this is your fault. I'll shatter you!

Jasper then attacked Steven. He didn't have his sword with him so he could only use his shield. Jasper kept pounding onto the shield until Steven couldn't hold it up much longer. Lapis reacting quickly formed a water hand. It bursted out from the middle of the boat and grabs Jasper. She brought the water hand still holding Jasper to her face.

Jasper: What are you...

Lapis: I'm sorry for hurting you. But if you ever try to hurt my friends again... I will shatter you.

After saying that, Lapis uses the water hand throws Jasper far, far away into the distance. Steven runs up to hug Lapis.

Steven: Lapis! You did it!

Greg enters.

Greg: Are you two okay? What the?

Greg then notices the huge hole on the ship as it begins to sink.

Greg: What happened?

Steven: Uh, it's kind of a long story.

Lapis flew them out of there. Steven got onto her back while she carried Greg.

Greg: I guess I bought a boat after all.

Steven: Sorry dad. ( to Lapis) Are you feeling okay?

Lapis: I'm fine. How about you?

Steven: I'm fine too. That was a pretty brave of you standing up to her.

Lapis: Thanks, it's like I said no one hurts my Beach Summer Fun Buddy or else they're going to have deal with me.

Steven: ( chuckles) Yeah. You know, the ocean is really beautiful from up here.

Lapis: Yeah. It is.

Meanwhile on a deserted island, Jasper finally washes up onto shore. She was lying on the front with her face in the sand. She began pounding onto the ground.

Jasper: I don't get it. After everything we been through, she turns her back on me like that? I offer her power and she gave me nothing. No... it was Rose. She's the one who messed with her mind. I will find my way back again and she will pay.

Gien: So, you're alive after all.

Jasper looks up and see's Gien.

Jasper: Gien.

Gien: Long time no see Jasper. ( red eyes open) HAHA!

To be continued...

Author's Note: That's it for this chapter. I hope you enjoyed. How will Jasper's relationship go with Gara Droids? Find out next time. Special thanks to LadyShadow92 for helping me on this retelling and the idea for the chapter itself. Please read and review. Thank you.