Chapter 34: Charlie

At the Beta Kindergarden, Garnet and Bismuth continued fighting Viggo, Bomber and their Aerodroids. The new soldiers were bit harder to fight because they were faster and they flew around. But they did managed to take down six of them leaving half of the squadron left. Bomber continued fighting Garnet. She ran to him and he tried firing his arm cannon at her. But he misses and when she got up to him she punched him in the stomach and then uppercuts him knocking him down.

Bismuth with her hammer hands took down two more Aerodroids that were in her way and made her way to Viggo. Viggo dodged two of her attacks, but then he gets hit which sends him into a wall, but gets back up.

Viggo: That's very good. You are quite a capable fighter.

Bismuth: Are you just saying that so I go easy on you?

Viggo: Of course not. But I have a question for you.

Bismuth: What is it?

Viggo: Die.

Bismuth: ( confused look) That's...not... a question.

But then Viggo wraps her around with her electrical whip and throws her into Garnet, knocking her down.

Viggo: That's because I don't do requests.

Bismuth: Sorry Garent. Are you okay?

Bismuth gets up and helps Garnet up.

Garnet: I'm fine, don't worry.

Bomber: Hahahaha! Just admit defeat already. You are no match for Bomber the Great!

Viggo clears his throat.

Bomber: Uh... and Viggo Stryker.

Bismuth: Hey we're not done yet here.

Garnet: We have to take them down fast. Amethyst needs our help.

Viggo: You're not helping her. That fight is one on one. And to make sure you don't interfere.

Viggo takes out four small Black Knight dolls.

Viggo: Get them!

He throws the dolls onto the ground and they grow to normal size. The Black Knight Droids take out their axes ready to fight and the last four Aerodroids join them.

Bismuth: Do these guys ever end?

They continue fighting and meanwhile Amethyst is fighting Jasper in her new robotic body. She was having a hard time trying to fight because of how strong Jasper was. She spindashed her a few times, but mostly she was only able to dodge. Jasper gets behind her and puches her in the back knocking her down. Jasper was about to crush her until Amethyst moved away. With her new robotic body Jasper had some new abilities. Her chest opened up revealing an orb. It glowed and shot a laser at Amethyst. It sends her into a wall. Jasper then curled into a ball as electricity formed around her. Jasper spindashed towards her, bu Amethyst manages to dodge and Jasper gets up.

Jasper: Hehehehe! Are you ready to give up now? Are you ready to admit that I'm better than you? If you do then maybe I'll spare you.

Amethyst: That's never going to happen! I let you beat me once. I am not letting you beat me again.

Amethyst trained so hard to have this rematch. She wasn't going to back down.

Jasper: Such heroic nonsense.

Jasper then shot out beam cannons out of her hands. Amethyst manages to dodge it and spindashes into her chest. Jasper gets hit and holds her chest. Amethyst then wraps her around with two whips. First she lifts her up and throws her side to side then she whiplashes her sending the waves of violet energy at Jasper. Jasper was trying to get up and looked at Amethyst.

Amethyst: Who's the loser now?

Jasper: ( in her mind) I don't believe this. She was not this strong the last time we fought. Urgh, even in this suit it's not making me much stronger. I can't lose to this runt.

Gien: Jasper!

Jasper and Amethyst looked up. On top of the cliff was Gien who was staying away from the fight.

Gien: I didn't get to tell you this, but you're not even using half of the suit's power.

Jasper and Amethyst's eyes opened wide.

Amethyst: Wait what!?

Jasper: What?

Gien: Open the little door on you wrist.

Amethyst: Wait, no I see what's going on. You're bluffing. You're just trying to scare me.

Gien: Hmph, you shall see. ( to Jasper) Turn the knob.

Jasper does this and looks at her wrist. She just noticed a little door on it and opens it. There was a knob that turns on the power of the suit. It was on 10 percent.

Jasper: Interesting.

She turns it up to 50 percent. Electricity shot out of the suit. She felt the power.

Jasper: Yes! Yes! This is true power!

Jasper then looks at Amethyst.

Amethyst: Oh no...

Jasper: Oh yes. Time to die!

Jasper was at full speed and puches Amethyst in the stomach. Then grabs her hair throws her to the ground. Jasper was about to crush her again, but Amethyst barely dodges.

Amethyst: ( in her mind) How am I supposed to do this? She's practiaclly unstoppable. I can't beat her...no don't think that. I have to. I have to win. Even if it kills me.

Amethyst continued trying to fight Jasper. But she couldn't land a hit on her and she often got hit instead. Gien watched as he was amused by the fight.

Gien: (silent chuckles) This is perfect. Everything is according to plan. I have three of the gems here. Jasper is beating the living hell out of that Amethyst. And Huntress is capturing my prize. Which reminds me.

Gien leaves as he tries to contact Huntress in private.

Meanwhile

Peridot continued running towards the forest to find Lapis who was shot down by Huntress. She was so scared. Other than Steven and Amethyst, Lapis was her best friend. But is she alright? She isn't shattered is she. Once she finds Lapis and keep her safe, she had to go back and try and save Steven, Pearl and Lion.

Peridot: ( in her mind) I'm coming Lapis. I won't let you die. Just hang on. I'll find you.

Soon Peridot came across a stream of water, she looked and saw Lapis lying face down on the ground, motionless.

Peridot: Lapis!

Peridot hurried to Lapis and first looked at her gem. Her gem was severely cracked, even worse then it was before. Peridot turned her around to get look of her face.

Peridot: Lapis, are you okay?

Lapis began to open her eyes and looked up. Her eyes had no pupils and were reflective, much like she was after being freed from the mirror. But unlike before where she was still strong, she was very weak now.

Lapis: P-Peridot...you came...

Peridot: Shhh. Save your strength. I'm going to get you somewhere safe. There's gotta be somewhere for you to hide in.

Peridot tried to help Lapis up to get somewhere, but then they heard something in the bushes. Out came a mountain lion. It set it's eyes on Peridot and Lapis.

Lapis: Peridot what is that?

Peridot: I think Steven said it's called a mountain lion.

The mountain lion growled at them and was about to attack. They were defensless. There was no metal for Peridot to manipulate.

Peridot: Can you use your powers?

Lapis: I'll try.

Lapis raised her hand trying to raise the water, but she was only able to raise it up by foot and lost control. This threatened the mountain lion even more and walked closer to them.

Peridot: If you want Lapis, you're going to have to get through me you clod!

The mountain lion roared and pounced at Peridot. She closed her eyes thinking she was about to get mauled, but then out of nowhere something knocked down the mountain lion from pouncing. Peridot opened her eyes and saw a german sheperd dog, standing in front of the mountain lion with a serious gaze on it. The mountain lion got up and roared at the dog, but the dog responded with a growl and was about to fight. The mountain lion tried hitting it with his claws, but the dog kept backing away. It kept barking at it and so the mountain lion tried pouncing at it again. The dog moved away and got on top of the mountain lion, biting it from the back. The mountain lion roared and shook the dog off, then swiped the dog knocking him down. The mountain lion was about to finish the dog off until Peridot picked up a rock and threw it the mountain lion's head. The mountain turned to Peridot snarling at her.

Peridot: You leave him alone you over grown feline!

The mountain lion made it's way to Peridot, but as it was distracted the dog got back up and jumped onto it's back biting onto the back neck and head. After that the mountain shook the dog off, but it was too injured to fight anymore. It just roared at them and ran off.

Peridot: That's right you better run you hairy clod!

After that the dog turned to Peridot and Lapis. They weren't sure what was going to happen. Was he going to attack them now? But the dog's expression changed to a more gentle one. He walked up to Peridot and Lapis sniffing them.

Peridot: Um, thank you earth creature.

Lapis: Yeah...thanks...

Lapis cringed from the pain as Peridot held onto her.

Peridot: Lapis, hold on. We have to find a place for you to rest in.

Then they noticed the dog grabbing onto Lapis's dress with its teeth trying to pull it.

Peridot: W-What are you doing?

The dog lets go and waks into a direction barking once at them.

Lapis: I think he wants us to follow him.

Peridot: Is that it?

The dog barks again in response.

Peridot: We don't really have a choice.

Peridot tries to help Lapis up and they follow the dog wherever it was leading them too. Soon they made it to what appeared to be an old one story cabin shed.

Peridot: This old place?

The dog went through the pet door. Peridot opened the door which was unlocked. Inside was a living room with a blue couch and red brown carpet. Close to it was an office with newspaper clippings. There was also a kitchen with a small table with two chairs, but everything seemed all dusty. Peridot wiped the couch a bit and gently place Lapis on it.

Peridot: How does that feel Lapis?

Lapis: It's pretty comfortable despite this being a bit old. ( looks at the dog) Thanks for leading us here.

Peridot: Yeah thanks um...

That's when Peridot and Lapis noticed the collar and name tag around the dog's neck. She took a closer look and it said Charlie.

Peridot: Charlie? Is that your name?

Charlie respond by wagging his tail and nuzzling her. Peridot pet him.

Lapis: Charlie. That's a nice name. Thanks for helping us.

Charlie went up to Lapis and licked her face. Lapis smiled and pet his head. Peridot then noticed at the desk there was a picture of Charlie and his owner. His owner was a park ranger. He had a ranger uniform and he looked like he was around his early 30s. He had brown hair with a light beard and blue eyes. Then above the desk was a series of newspaper clippings oh him and his owner who's name is showed to be Bruce Chaney. The newspaper clippings were about Bruce and Charlie accomplishing many things in Cherrystone Park like finding a lost boy, rescuing a bear cub from poachers or one about Charlie saving a family from a wolf.

Lapis: What are those Peridot?

Peridot: It's Charlie and his owner.

Charlie went over to Peridot as she held onto the frame and showed it to him.

Peridot: Is this your owner Charile? Where is he now?

Charlie responed with a sad wimper and lead her outside. She opened the door and just noticed a memorial plaque said"In memory of Bruce Chaney 1982-2016." Peridot looked down at the dog who was wimpering. She felt bad and placed her hand on his head.

Peridot: I'm sorry. I didn't know.

They went back inside and they stood by Lapis.

Lapis: What happened?

Peridot: His owner died a few years back.

Lapis: Oh, poor guy.

Lapis pet him as Charlie nuzzled her.

Lapis: So, he's been living in this forest all alone?

Peridot: It appears so. No wonder he was able to fight that mountain lion.

Lapis: You're a strong dog, but you're also all alone with no one to take care of you.

Lapis continued petting him and he licked her face again. But Peridot remembered something important to do.

Peridot: Lapis, I have to go.

Lapis: What?

Peridot: I have to get Steven and the others free from Huntress. We need Steven. He's the only one who can heal you.

Lapis: I know. I'm coming with you.

Lapis tried to get up, but Peridot kept her down.

Peridot: No Lapis, you stay here and rest. You know you can't fight now.

Lapis: I have to come, Steven is in danger and you can't do this alone.

Peridot: Yes I can. I can manipulate metal and those droids can't hurt me. I'll be back Lapis and I'll bring help.

Lapis: ( nods) Be careful.

Peridot: I will, Charlie please look after Lapis while I go get help. Keep her safe from any danger.

Charlie responds by giving a light growl. She gives him one last pet and heads off to find Huntress's camp site. Lapis continued to rest and Charlie got up onto the couch and lied down next to her. Lapis put her arms around him and rubbed his back.

Lapis: Thanks for keeping me company. I really need some and I know you need some too.

Charlie licked her again and Lapis continued rubbing him.

Meanwhile somewhere in the forest was Huntress's base. The outside looked like an ordinary cabin, but the inside was a prison. Huntress had Steven, Pearl and Lion locked up, each of them were in there own cell which had a force field trapping them in it. There powers or weapons could not penetrate it. She walked over to check on them.

Huntress: Well, how are my prey doing? Are you feeling comftorble?

No one answered her, which offender her. Huntress then took a look at Steven.

Huntress: So, your this hybrid Steven that Gien wants? I'm amazed, I didn't know gems could reproduce.

Steven: Why are you doing this?

Huntress: Why? My darling wants you of course. And whetever he wants he gets.

Steven: You're going to regret doing this. Once the others find out our situation they'll come for us.

Huntress: I wouldn't get your hopes up if I were you. My commrades are keeping them busy especially this runty Amethyst that Jasper really wanted to fight.

Steven: What?

Huntress: Most elites just try to kill you, but I like to make something out of my victims. First I'm going to stuff that Lion, then your Pearl along with Peridot and Lapis Lazuli will be part of a necklace I'm planning to make. I hope the others won't be shattered so they can join too.

Pearl: You're sick.

Huntress looked at Pearl and walked to her.

Huntress: Tell me, are you really a pearl?

Pearl: Yes.

Huntress: And you can fight?

Pearl: If you take down this barrier I could show you what I'm capapble of.

Huntress: ( chuckles) Oh please you're no where near as strong as I am. I can't believe I used to be like you.

Pearl: W-What?

Huntress pressed a button on her chest that opened a hatch. In it was a gem, a pearl.

Pearl: You're, you're a pearl?

Huntress: Not just any Pearl. I am Gien's Pearl.

Pearl and Steven were surprised to hear that. A pearl that became a Gara Droid.

Steven: What? I didn't know Gien had a Pearl.

Huntress: Of course. I'm surprised he didn't tell you about me. Using the same technology he used on himself, he gave me a new and improved body. Making me the ultimate warrior and assasin. Are you sure you don't want to join him? He can make you stronger than you are now.

Pearl: We don't need new bodies to be strong.

Steven: That's right. Having new bodies doesn't automatically make you strong.

Huntress: Oh is that a fact? Then tell me if you're only half gem, then can you still poof like other gems?

Pearl: Where are you going from this?

Huntress: Nothing I just want to know if he can poof when harmed or he doesn't.

Pearl doesn't answer her. She doesn't know if he can, but she knew what Huntress was thinking. SuddenlyHuntress pulls out her machete.

Huntress: You don't know do you? And I can tell neither does he. So how about we find out together?

Steven gets back as Pearl freaks out.

Pearl: Steven! Leave him alone Huntress!

Huntress was about to open the cell, but then suddenly decided not too.

Huntress: In most circumstances I would, but because my darling wants you so bad alive, I won't do it.

Huntress puts away her machete and then recieves a call from the communicator built in her arm. She walks away so the prisoners don't hear her and answers it, it was Gien.

Gien: Huntress, how goes the hunt?

Huntress: All according to plan my lord. I have the hybrid, his Pearl and his pink lion.

Gien: Excellent. Is there anything else I should know?

Huntress: Well, Peridot and Lapis Lazuli were here too. Lapis I shot down while Peridot ran off. I plan on hunting her as soon as you were notified of my current progress.

Gien: Find her, she could be plotting something against you.

Huntress: No one plots against me. They only run in fear.

Gien: Of course they do, but she is still a traitor to our kind. Stalk her. Tear her apart.

Huntress: Understood darling.

The call ends.

Huntress: Acha, get the guards and keep an eye on our prisoners. I got some hunting to do.

Acha: Yes Huntress.

Before Huntress leaves she takes one last look at the prisoners.

Huntress: You three be good and don't try to escape... because I will find you. Hahahahaha!

Huntress leaves the cabin begins her hunt. She was excited for this. Like Viggo Stryker, she was the most loyal to Gien. She would do anything for Gien to appease him. She began to remember the years she spent with Gien as Peridot XJ9 and the day they first met.

To be continued...

Author's note: That's it for this chapter. I really wanted to work a bit more with Huntress since I really enjoy writing her so next chapter will be her backstory and retconning the first few chapters. Also this is the introduction to Peridot and Lapis's new friend Charlie. Special thanks to Lady Shadow92 for suggesting Huntress to be a pearl. Please read and review. Thank you.