Chapter 50: The Steelshell Brothers
Gien: Is the next test subject ready Viggo?
Viggo emerged with a corrupted gem.
Viggo: Here it is my lord, the 7th test subject.
Gien: Good, shatter it.
Viggo aims his hand at the corrupted gem and fires his lightning at it, causing it to poof. He places his foot over it and shatters it. He takes the shards and places them on a dish.
Viggo: All set for you my lord.
Gien: Good, let's see if this works.
Gien has in his hands what appears to be vile of a formula he's been trying to create. Ever since Huntress's death, he's been trying to bring her back by experimenting on corrupted gems, killing them and creating and altering healing formulas he's made over the years. He would test the formula on them first and what ever works he will bring her back. He places a drop on the shards. They began to glow and floated up a bit. It looked like they were about to merge back together, but then the power was now becoming unstable and blew all the shards away.
Gien: AURGH! Another failure!
Viggo: My lord, please.
Gien: This is the seventh altered formula I made and still no results.
Viggo: My lord, bringing back a shattered gem is beyond anything, even for you.
Gien: Nothing is beyond my limit. I can build suits for weak gems. I can make life. I can even bring back deceased droids if I have a copy of their core conciousness.
Viggo: But bringing a gem back is something else. Huntress had the gem of a Pearl. Even if you had her core conciousness it wouldn't have worked if you mixed it with a life spark. It would only be an illusion of the person it belonged to and be temporary.
Gien: I know, what else am I doing wrong?
Bomber: I know what you're doing wrong.
They turn around and see's Bomber behind them.
Bomber: The problem is you Gien. You've been fixated on bringing Huntress back. What makes her so special compared to us?
Gien: Huntress was our best member. Strong, loyal and deadly.
Bomber: Is it that or do you love her? I saw how you held her in your arms as she died and how she acted around you. She's a defect for showing emotions and now you're doing it too. Not to mention, your obsession of bringing Pink Diamond back. Which means I get to be the new leader of the Gara Droids.
Gien: You? The leader? HA! I'd love to see you try.
Bomber: Oh I will.
Bomber aims his arm cannon at Gien and fires. Gien dodges and fires his eye lasers at Bomber.
Gien: You failed to destroy me when you had the chance Bomber.
Gien turns away from Bomber, angering him.
Bomber: No one turns their back at me!
Bomber was about to fire again until he is wrapped by Viggo's whip.
Bomber: Viggo, what are you?
Viggo: That's enough Bomber!
Bomber: You should be following me.
Viggo: I follow my one true master. You are not him.
Bomber: But he broke the rule! No droid shall show signs of love or sentimental emotions.
Viggo: Huntress was a gift from his former diamond. And Pink Diamond was the reason for him to continue his work and to create us.
Bomber: You're siding with a traitor.
Viggo: That's enough from you! We are trying to bring back our allies. To help us conquere and rule. May I remind you that you are only the general and we are your superiors. As long as we are around you will do as we say. Is that clear?!
Bomber: Crystal...
Viggo unwraps him and throws him out of the lab.
Viggo: Now get out and get back to work.
Viggo shuts the door on him.
Bomber: As long as you're around huh? ( silent chuckles) Very well.
Bomber made his way to the space bridge and activated and went back to Homeworld. He sneaks into Yellow Diamond's chamber and see's a room full of bubbled gems. But at the very end was a huge cell.
Bomber: It's time things changed.
Bomber shoots down the door.
Bomber: Steelshell Brothers. Come forth.
That's when three figures exited out of the cell, the Steelshell Brothers. They were a trio of insect themed droids. They were slightly taller than Lapis and all had the same color scheme. Black and yellow. Black covered most of their bodies while yellow covered the chest and back. They all had beetle like shells with the wings tucked inside.
The first was Scarab. He was based off a scarab beetle and antennas like one. He had red visors for eyes. He had a high pitched voice and what was weird about him was the fact that he had this speech tick by repeating the last word of a sentence.
Stag was based off a stag beetle. He had horn on his head like it was a curved unicorn horn, except it was placed backwards. His shoulder pads were the mandibles facing upward. He had regular red eyes and a silver face plate. He had a slightly deeper voice.
Longhorn was based off a longhorn beetle. His antennas were much longer compared to Scarabs. He also had red visors for eyes and had a more raspy voice. They all looked around in confusion and looked at Bomber.
Scarab: Who dares release us from our cell? Cell.
Stag: Hey you look familiar.
Longhorn: Of course he does. It's Bomber the Great. Gien's lackey.
Scarab: Gien? Anyone or anything that has to do with Gien must be destroyed. Destroyed.
Longhorn: I say we eat him.
Bomber: Stop. I just want to talk to you.
Stag: We can't talk on an empty stomach.
Bomber: I thought you might be hungry. Here.
Bomber gives them what appears to be three glowing cubes of pure energy.
Stag: Is that gartronium?
Bomber: And it's fresh too.
Scarab: Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
They each grabbed their own cube and started eating it. He watched as they just muched and slurped every bit of it.
Longhorn: Delicous. Haven't had that stuff for years.
Scarab: Alright, you got our attention. What do you want Bomber? Bomber.
Bomber: I came to give you all a proposition for you three. You see, our lord and master Gien has been failing this army and is becoming weak. He is no longer fit to be leader. I can lead this army to victory, except for these Crystal Gems that keep ruining my plans. That's why I came to you three. You're the most fierce and dangerous Gara Elites we have.
Stag: Yeah, too dangerous that you guys though about locking us up.
Bomber: I had nothing to do with it. It was all Gien. Now let's get to the point. I want to rule the army and destroy the Crystal Gems, but I can't do it alone. Join me and we will be unstoppable.
Scarab: Why should we? What's in it for us? For us.
Bomber: Don't you want to get back at Gien for the betrayal? Help me over throw him and you can do whatever you want with him. And the three of you will be my generals.
Stag: And?
Bomber: And I have a special treat for you three. The Gartronium I got that was from the resources of the planet the Crystal Gems live in called Earth. It's full of organic life.
Longhorn: Organic Life? For us to feast on?
Bomber: Yes. I know you get tired of scraps and wish to have something fresh. This planet has all that. All you can eat.
Scarab: All we can eat huh? Brothers, huddle up. Huddle up.
The trio huddled and discussed about this offer. Bomber couldn't hear, but could guess what they are saying. They stopped and faced him. Scarab approached.
Scarab: It's a deal Bomber. Bomber.
Bomber: I knew you three would make the right choice. Now let's get out of here before someone see's.
The four of them were making their way to the space bridge. As they were exiting out, Bomber came across what appears to be a bubbled pearl.
Bomber: Hmmm. You know once I rule, I could use a pearl. She will be more reliable than Acha and Kocha.
Bomber takes the bubble with him and they had back to the space bridge and activates it.
Stag: It's payback time, eh scrapmate.
Scarab: Soon, we'll get what's coming for us. For us.
Bomber: I'm excited too.
The portal opens and they enter inside.
Back in Gien's lab.
Gien and Viggo were trying to come up with new formula, with Acha and Kocha present. Suddenly they heard a noise outside and the door bursts open. Bomber enters in first.
Gien: Bomber, what are you doing now?
Bomber: The time has come Gien. I am taking control of this army by force.
Viggo: Do I have to remind you again who is in charge?
Bomber: You can tell that to them Viggo.
Suddenly the Steelshell bros entered in.
Gien: ( red eyes open) Steelshell Bros?
Scarab: Gien, long time no see. See.
Viggo: Bomber, are your circuits broken to the point you set these three free.
Bomber: I know what I am doing Viggo. And you have been demoted.
Viggo: Idiot.
Viggo was about to fire his lightning at him, until he was shot from the back by Stag's lasers from his mandiple shoulders. Gien tried to fire at him, but Longhorn used his long antennas like whips and wrapped it around him. Bomber approaches him.
Gien: Bomber, you're making a big mistake.
Bomber: No Gien, it was you. You should have finished me off when you had the chance.
The trio approaches Gien.
Stag: It's been so long Gien. You haven't changed a bit.
Longhorn: It's been over 1,000 years since we last saw you.
Scarab: You had us prisoner for years. Now you will know what it is like to be trapped for so long. Long.
Gien: Bomber, you know I locked them up for a reason.
Bomber: I made a deal with them Gien. They will follow me.
Gien: You will regret this.
Bomber: Silence. You can kill him now.
Scarab: Mmmm, not yet. Yet.
Bomber: What do you mean not yet?
Stag: We're hungry.
Bomber: So eat him.
Scarab: But we want some of the Earth first. So...
Longhorn spits slime at him which sends him stuck to the wall. He does the same with Viggo.
Scarab: We will save him for later. Later.
Bomber: No kill him now. That's an order.
Stag: Why don't you make us?
Bomber: Fine, I'll do it myself.
Bomber was about to fire at Gien, until the trio turned to him and made an ear piercing shrieking noise as they glared at him.
Bomber: Okay, okay. It can wait.
Longhorn: That's better, let's eat now.
Bomber: Fine.
The trio left the room as Bomber followed them. Once they were gone, Acha and Kocha emerged from hiding and saw the mess. They turned to Viggo and Gien stuck.
Gien: Acha, get us out of here.
Acha: Yes my lord.
Kocha: We'll have you out in a jiffy.
Acha opens up his chest and reaches down and takes out what appears to be a laser cutter.
Back with Bomber.
Bomber: ( in his mind) These guys are disobediant. How can I get them what to do?
Bomber then remembers and looked at the bubbled pearl he has.
Bomber: Ah yes, my pearl.
Longhorn: Ooh what's that? Is it food?
Bomber: No you fool, it's pearl.
Stag: But that's not food.
Bomber: Of course not it's for me.
Bomber pops the bubble and the gem falls to the ground. It began to glow and take shape, into a pink pearl. This pearl had white skin like our pearl. Her hair was pink and was twisted into Princess Leia like buns that are held to the sides of her head. Her clothing had a hot pink shade while her sleeves and legs were a lighter shade of pink. Her gem was located on her belly. The one problem with her was however was her left eye, it appeared to be missing and was cracked. Her right eye looked fine and was pink. Bomber stepped away from her.
Pink Pearl: Where, where am I? Who are you?
Scarab: That is not a pearl is it? Pearl's are supposed to be pretty. Pretty.
Pink Pearl: Excuse me, but how long was I out? Am I fixed yet?
Bomber: Uh, it's hideous.
Pink Pearl stepped back, looking hurt.
Pink Pearl: H-Hideous? Me? But I...
Pink Pearl saw her reflection on a computer monitor and saw her eye. She gasped in horror and covered it with her hand.
Bomber: No wonder you were bubbled away. You're old owner clearly did not want you. And neither do I.
Bomber aimed his arm cannon at her and fired. Pink Pearl ducked.
Pink Pearl: Stop please!
Bomber: You three, execute her.
Stag: But she's a gem. Gems don't have nutrients.
Longhorn: Their bodies are fake and are just rocks.
Bomber: Just kill her already!
Scarab: You don't need to yell. Steelshell bros, transform! Transform.
The Steelshell bros transformed into their insect modes. They took the form of the bug they were named after. They were now robotic beetles that stood a few feet taller than a bear. They approached Pink Pearl as she paniced and ran out of the base. She went down the mountain they were on as she was being chased. She tripped and tumbled down the mountain. Eventually the Steelshell bros just stopped what they were doing.
Longhorn: This is stupid, why are we chasing something we can't eat?
Stag: Stop you're complaining Longhorn, just do as your told.
Longhorn: Don't tell me what to do Stag!
Stag: Than shut up.
Longhorn: You shut up.
Stag: No you shut up.
Longhorn: No you shut up.
Stag: No you shut up.
Longhorn: Shut up.
Scarab: Enough! Enough!
The two of them turned to Scarab.
Scarab: I don't fully trust Bomber myself. But we should just play along for now. There is no need to fight among ourselves. I think the problem here is that we still haven't had our full course meal.
Stag: Uh, you're right. Sorry Longhorn.
Longhorn: Apology accepted Stag. Let's just say we got her.
Scarab: Agreed. Agreed.
They transformed back into robot mode. Bomber flies to them.
Bomber: So, did you shatter her?
Scarab: Yes we did. Did.
Bomber: Good, now let's get back to buisness. I command the Gara Droids now, so lets move on to the Crystal Gems.
Scarab: But we haven't gotten anything to eat yet and theirs nothing here on this mountain. Mountain
Bomber: There's plenty to eat where we're going. Eat and the fight.
Stag: In that case, show us then.
They placed their hands on Bomber's shoulder and teleported them to their destination.
Meanwhile Pink Pearl finally made it down. She walked looking sad with tears in her eye. She saw her reflection again in a puddle of water.
Pink Pearl: I really am ugly.
She kept walking until she found a warp pad. She got on and warped away. She didn't know where to go, but any where but here.
Meanwhile
Bomber and the Steelshell bros teleported to the highest cliff where they had to view of Beach City.
Scarab: This is where these Crystal Gems live? Live.
Bomber: I know, it doesn't look like much does it?
Stag: Oh but look at all that. So much to eat. I think I can see a farm from here.
Longhorn: Farm? There's more food at a farm.
Scarab: Then let that be our first target. Target.
They transformed into bug mode and flew to the scene with Bomber behind them.
At the Barn.
Peridot and Lapis were inside and were taking a break from farming watching Camp Pining Hearts.
Peridot: Ugh, how can you still forgive Paulette after what she did to you Percy? You're much better off with Pierre.
Lapis: I know right? Who writes this stuff?
Charlie's ears picked up and began growling.
Peridot: What is it Charlie?
Charlie: Something's coming.
That's when they heard something crash outside. Lapis got out first and saw the Steelshell bros eating thier crops.
Stag: Mmmm. Delicious, this is more fresh the food from the planet Charr.
Scarab: So good. I need to stop and breath. No forget! Need more! More.
Lapis: Hey, what do you think you're doing?
They turned to her.
Longhorn: Huh, would you look at that, a Lapis Lazuli.
Scarab: She must be one of those Crystal Gems Bomber was talking about. About.
Lapis: You didn't answer my question. What are you doing?
Stag: What does it look like to you? We're feasting.
Peridot goes outside and gasps once she layed eyes on them.
Peridot: Lapis, get inside now.
Lapis: What? No, they're eating our crops. We worked hard growing them.
Peridot: Trust me, you do not want to get these guys angry.
Scarab noticed Peridot and transformed back into robot mode.
Scarab: Say. You look familiar. Familiar.
Peridot: Uh me?
Lapis: Peridot, do you know them?
Stag and Longhorn transformed back into robot mode too.
Stag: Hey I remember now. You're Gien's Peridot.
Longhorn: Are you sure it's her? She doesn't have her limb enhancers for me to have.
Peridot: I don't work with Gien anymore.
Scarab: So, you're a Crystal Gem now? Now.
Stag: Bomber did say we have to destroy these Crystal Gems, they must be with them.
Longhorn: But I haven't gotten my fill yet.
Lapis: Excuse me, get out of here now.
Scarab: And what are you going to do about it. About it.
Lapis having enough of them formed a water hand from the pool and slapped Scarab away. Stag and Longhorn now were about to fight.
Peridot: You shouldn't have done that Lapis.
Stag: That was very rude my dear.
Longhorn: Is this how you treat guests?
Lapis: Guests do not barge into people's homes and just free loads their things.
Stag: You want to play it that way huh? Fine, have at you!
Stag fired lasers from his shoulders at them. Lapis flew up and Peridot dodged.
Stag: You can't fly away from me.
Stag's arm transformed into a hand cannon and aimed at Lapis.
Stag: Chop Shop, Barrage! Get her!
Stag fired two insect like drones at Lapis. Chop Shop was a robotic dragon fly while Barrage was robotic grasshoppper. They chase around Lapis, firing lasers at her. She kept blocking their attacks with a water shield. She got back to the ground and used the water, forming a giant fly swatter. Once they got close, she crushed them both with it.
Stag: NO! My babies!
Peridot kept getting backing away from Longhorn's antenna whips. Using her metal powers, she picked him up. Threw him to the ground multiple times and threw him to Stag.
Peridot: Ha, you can't even touch me you clod!
Longhorn: Clod? Me? No, it is you.
Longhorn spits his slime at Peridot, getting her stuck to the barn wall.
Peridot: Why did I have to jinx it?
Lapis: Hold on Peridot.
Lapis got to her, trying to pull her out. But Stag and Longhorn got back up and approached them. Scarab finally makes it back to them.
Scarab: What did I miss? Miss.
Longhorn: You're just in time. Were were about to kill these two.
Lapis glared at them and was going to try and fight back. Charlie got beside her and so did Pumpkin, growling at them.
Lapis: Charlie, Pumpkin no.
Charlie: Pumpkin and I agreed to this. We stand by you.
Stag: Ha,ha,ha,ha! Such heroic nonsense.
The trio got out laser guns, ready to fire. That's when they heard the warp pad near the barn and turned to see Steven and the others who have finally arrived.
Lapis and Peridot: Steven!
Steven: It's okay guys we're here!
Bomber: It's about time you all showed up.
Everyone looked up as Bomber landed.
Amethyst: Great, it's Bomber the Lame.
Bomber: You are now looking at the new leader of the Gara Droids.
Garnet: You?
Bomber: Yes, now that Gien has been taken care of, or will soon be. I now have control of the army. I see you've met my new friends here, the Steelshell bros. Scarab, Stag and Longhorn.
Scarab: These are the Crystal Gems you want us to fight? Fight?
Bomber: Yes, now do it. Attack!
Scarab: Mmmmm. Not now.
The Crystal Gems looked at them confused.
Pearl: Uh, what?
Bismuth: Is he for real?
Bomber: Uh, excuse me for a minute.
Bomber turns to them.
Bomber: What the hell are you talking about? Do as you're told.
Stag: We haven't fueled ourselves yet and we can't do it here.
Longhorn: We can't eat those gems. We must move somewhere else.
Scarab: Somewhere far away. Brothers, transform. Transform.
The Steelshell bros transformed into bug mode and flew away.
Bomber: Hey! Come back here! Don't you fly away from me! ( to the gems) I'll come back for you. I swear it!
Bomber flies up trying to go after them. Now that they were gone, they went to check on Peridot and Lapis. Garnet got good grip on her and pulled her out of the wall.
Peridot: Thanks Garnet.
Garnet: Are you two okay.
Lapis: They ate some of the crops, but we're fine.
Peridot: This is bad. Really, really bad.
Steven: What, those elites?
Peridot: Those are no ordinary elites Steven. Those are the infamous Steelshell bros.
Pearl: Infamous?
Garnet: What do you know about them? What are they?
Peridot took a deep breath as she told them what she knew about them.
Peridot: During my times of creating the Gara Droids, Gien and I were trying to come up with droids that could have infinite energy. In general droids would have to refuel now and then with gartronium.
Steven: Gartronium?
Peridot: It's their fuel source, their energy. Much like how gems have the abilities to creat bubbles, droids have the abilitie to create transparent cubes. Then we take whatever energy source from a planet, like rocket fuel, electricity, or mining crystals and convert it into the cubes to create the energy for it. But then the idea came when we thought of droids that could eat organic life and metal and it would automatically convert it into energy. So we created the Steelshell bros. They were the most fierce and destructive force we had with a big appetite. These are eating machines we have here.
Pearl: They eat organic life?
Peridot: Yes, plants, animals, people but they can also eat metal as well.
Bismuth: If they're that destructive, than how come Gien never sent those guys to begin with?
Peridot: Because they're too destructive.
Amethyst: I'm sorry what?
Peridot: 1,731 years ago, they were sent on a mission to conquer a planet and to devour all the life their for the colony. Because the planet they were going to had a strong army, they had to take their own army of soldiers with them. The battle was fierce, but they ultimatly won, eating all the inhabitants and the life on the planet. But in the process, their ship got destroyed. They had no way of contacting help and there was nothing left for them to eat. I was with Gien along with Yellow Diamond as we haven't heard word from them in days. Once we got there, we were disturbed by what we witnessed. In order for them to survive, they fed on their own army.
Everyone now had horrified looks on their faces. Droids that resulted to cannibalism. Not even gems were this monstrous.
Peridot: Once we got back to Homworld, they went on a rampage. Eating the buildings, droids and attacking gems with limb enhancers, even me. They were eventually stopped, but the Diamond's demanded that they should be dismantled at once, but Gien still saw some use out of them. He locked them up and used them now as an execution method for rouge droids. They've been kept in there, never to be used again for missions.
Amethyst: Hold up, so what we're dealing with are a trio of hungry, blood thirsty, cannabalistic robot bugs?
Peridot: Correct. Urgh! Bomber was an idiot for letting them out. You saw how they acted, they're going to turn on him eventually and just do whatever they want. They're also very disobediant.
Pearl: If they're that dangerous than we have to find and stop them immediatly.
Steven: But where are they now? Garnet?
Garnet: I can see where they are. Let's get on the warp pad and find them.
The Crystal Gems got onto the warp pad and telelported where they were.
Meanwhile at the Gien's ship.
Acha and Kocha were using the laser cutter to free Gien and Viggo. They finally broke free.
Acha: My lord, are you alright?
Gien: Bomber... where is he?
Kocha: He's gone. He took the Steelshell bros with him and went after the Crystal Gems.
Viggo: Allow me to go after him my lord. He must pay for his betrayel.
Gien: No Viggo.
Viggo: What?
Gien: He can't handle those droids much longer. Soon he'll be begging us for help. He'll regret betraying me for this and we will be waiting for him.
Gien turns on the monitors and they watch Bomber with the Steelshell bros.
Meanwhile.
Bomber was leaning on a tree bored. They were now in a forest. Trees were torn down and eaten along with skeletal remains of animals that they've eaten. The Steelshell bros were just lying down relaxing. Longhorn and Stag were done while Scarab was just finishing devouring a rat and spat out the skeleton of it.
Scarab: I'm stuffed. Stuffed.
Stag: Oh I haven't had meat for years. I forgot how good it was.
Longhorn: ( yawns) I think I just want to take a nap.
Bomber: Hey now, we agreed that once you're full, you go back and fight the Crystal Gems.
Scarab: We will, just hold on. Hold on.
Bomber: I've been holding on. I set you free and fed you, now you have to do your part of the bargain!
Stag: You know we don't like you're attitude.
Scarab: We'll attack when we feel like it. Like it.
Bomber grabs Scarab's arm to move with his left arm.
Bomber: We attack now!
Scarab: Bomber, if you wish to stay in one piece, you will let go of me. Me.
Bomber: I should be saying that to you. I am your leader. I set you free and I can put you back in that cell!
After said that, Scarab noticed Bomber's hand reaching for the control panel built into his left arm. The trio exchanged looks and nodded.
Scarab: I'm sorry but, could you repeat that? That.
Bomber: I said I set you free and I can put you back in that...
But then to Bomber's shock, Scarab bit onto his arm.
Bomber: Urgh, let go of me! ARGH!
Bomber kept hitting him on the head, trying to break free. But it didn't worked as Scarab bit off his arm. Bomber screamed in agonizing pain. Scarab was eating the arm as Stag and Longhorn tried to get their part as well.
Bomber: You...how dare you?
Scarab: Mmmm. I haven't had fresh droids in a while. A while.
Stag: Eating old scraps really gets tiring.
Longhorn: I guess I have room just a little more.
Bomber: Are you even listening to me?
Longhorn: Can it Bomber.
Bomber: We had a deal!
Scarab: The deals off! You just gave us our answer and that is we can't trust you. You
Bomber: What do you mean you don't trust me?
Scarab: We just want to do what we want now and all you do is bother and threaten us if we don't do what you say. Say.
Longhorn: Even if we did, how do we know you won't lock us away or kill us?
Bomber: Is that what it's all about? I told you, we're partners.
Scarab: If we were partners, would our friends have a detonator switch built into their arm? Arm.
Scarab showed Bomber the switch on his arm. Bomber now had a nervous look on his face.
Stag: You were afraid we'd eat you and so the gartronium you fed us was rigged with bombs.
Longhorn: You would blow us up if we disobeyed you.
Bomber: It was just a pre caution. I mean you are the most feared droids in Homeworld. But now I see it was wrong of me to do that. Spare me, we are allies. I hate Gien like you do.
Stag: We don't just hate Gien, we hate all droids. They get to have all the glory and respect while we were locked away and forgotten!
Longhorn: Do you know what centuries of being locked away hungry is like?
Scarab: We should thank you freeing us and giving us this planet. Now that we have this, soon we will devour everything here and take off on a new planet to eat. We will never go hungry again! Again.
Longhorn: Any one have room for dessert?
Stag: I guess one more bite couldn't hurt.
Bomber: Get back. All of you, get back!
Bomber stepped back and fired his arm cannon at him. He misses though as they got closer. Because his left arm had the teleportation command, he was forced to fly away.
Stag: Should we go after him?
Scarab: No, we'll get him later. Later.
Moments after that, the Crystal Gems arrive.
Scarab: Well, looky what we have here. Here.
They looked around at the destruction they left behind. All the eaten tree's and animals left behind.
Garnet: How could you have done all of this?
Stag: Hey, when you're hungry like us, you have big appetites.
Bismuth: Oh so you like food huh, while why don't I give you a hammer sandwich?
Garnet: Bismuth no!
Bismuth charged at Stag with her hammer hands and hits him, knocking him down.
Stag: Oh you want to play rough huh, fine!
Stag fires his lasers from his shoulder pads at Bismuth and his brothers join the fight. Lapis and Peridot helped Bismuth against Stag. Pearl and Amethyst fought against Longhorn and Steven and Garnet against Scarab. The Steelshell bros were having bit of a disadvantage since they were small in numbers.
Stag: It's no use Scarab. They brought in the heavy artilary.
Scarab: Then it's time we did the same, only heavier. Steelshell bros, transform! Phase one! Phase one.
The trio transformed into bug mode, while the Crystal Gems looked confused what was happening.
Scarab: Now, transform! Phase two! Phase two.
They gathered together merged. Their body parts were being altered as they were now combining into a new being. This combined droid stood as tall as Alexandrite. He had a large, muscular body with the mandiple shoulder pads, horn and face plate of Stag, the long antennas of Longhorn, the eyes of Scarab.
Steven: What? They can fuse?
Peridot: Oh, I might have forgot to mention that they are one of the few Gara Droid squads that can emulate fusion.
Lapis: You might have forgotten?
The giant Gara Droid fusion began to speak. He had an deep echoey voice. It sounded like there was more than one being in there talking.
Tripredacus: Prepare to meet your doom. Nothing can withstand the might of, Tripredacus.
Tripredacus fired at them lasers from his shoulder pads. Steven shielded everyone and they tried to fight back, however their attacks had no effect on him.
Tripredacus: Ha,ha,ha,ha! That's just cute. But let me show you what true strength is.
Tripredacus slammed his fists to the ground, causing the ground to shake and crack open, revealing the lava at the bottom. Pearl almost fell in, but Amethyst catches her with her whip.
Pearl: Thanks Amethyst.
Amethyst: Don't mention it P.
Garnet: We have to be stronger. Pearl fuse with me.
Pearl: Right.
Garnet and Pearl fused together into Sardonyx.
Sardonyx: Did you all miss me?
Sardonyx turns to Tripredacus.
Sardonyx: Is this the gentleman giving you trouble?
Peridot: Yeah, that's him! Squish him.
Sardonyx: Squish? Well, I can squish him. But I'm known to be more specific, intelligent, accurate...
Amethyst: Uh Sardonyx, this is seriously not a good time to describe yourself.
Sardonyx: Oh my apologies. I'm just excited.
But now Sardonyx formed a serious face and looked at Tripredacus. She formed her hammer and hits him twice with it. Tripredacus looked at her as he got up.
Tripredacus: You make me angry. Tripredacus shatters Sardonyx!
Sardonyx was about to hit him again, until he grabbed onto the hammer with both of his hands and kicks her to the ground. He uses his long antennas and throws her up in the air. He flies up grabbing her and then pile drives her to the ground. He immediatly pulls her out and punches her to the ground.
Steven: Guys, she's having trouble. We have to help.
Amethyst: Let's go.
Steven and Amethyst formed Smokey Quartz. Lapis and Peridot became Amazonite while Bismuth just fought what she could alone. Tripredacus was about to punch Sardonxy again, until he felt his arm being grabbed. He looked to see Amazonite has used water chains on him.
Amazonite: That's enough.
Tripredacus: Pesky gem.
Tripredacus tried to grab her with his other arm, but that also got water chained by Amazonite. She held them back as Tripredacus struggles.
Amazonite: Smokey now!
Smokey: Time for me to shine!
Smokey jumped up, hitting her yo-yo across Tripredacus's face. Then she lassoed around his shoulder pad and swings around him, tieing his body up. Once she was down, she and Bismuth pulled the whip as he fell face to the ground.
Smokey: Do it now Sardonyx.
Sardonyx was back up, with her hammer again. But before she could, the face plate on Tripredacus's face retracted as he let out and earpiercing soundwaves of his shrieks. The gems tried to cover their ears. Because Smokey and Bismuth's grip was weaken, Tripredacus broke free. He slapped Smokey and Bismuth away, causing the former to unfuse.
Amazonite: Guys!
Amazonite tried to go help the others, but she is grabbed by Tripredacus. She was on the palm of his hand and slammed his fist down, grinding it too making sure to poof or shatter her. He removed his fist and see's that he only caused the her to unfuse. He threw them away, but they are caught by Sardonyx. She gently places them down near Steven and the others.
Sardonyx tried to attack him again. She is hit by the lasers from his shoulder pads and whips from the atennas. She couldn't focus, but then Tripredacus grabbed her and held her up. Then he slammed her back onto his knee, breaking it and forcing her to unfuse as Garnet and Pearl fell down to the ground. Garnet was still up, while Pearl was to weak to get up.
Tripredacus: Nothing defeats Tripredacus! Nothing!
Steven: Garnet what do we do?
Tripredacus: You do nothing but die!
Tripredacus slammed his fist at them, but it didn't crush them. He realized that Garnet was holding onto his fist, keeping him from crushing them.
Tripredacus: Impressive.
Tripredacus grabbed her with his other hand and lifts her up to his face.
Steven: Garnet!
Pearl: Stop!
Amethyst: You better let go of G or else I'm gonna kick your butt!
Tripredacus ignored them as he examined her.
Tripredacus: You're pretty strong for a gem.
Garnet: And you're unique for droids that can fuse.
Tripredacus: Not fuse, combine.
Tripredacus then noticed her hands had two gems.
Tripredacus: Wait, you're a fusion?
Garnet: Do you have a problem with that?
Tripredacus: It explains how powerful and resiliant you are. But who are you?
Garnet: I'm Garnet.
Tripredacus: No I mean, who are you really?
Garnet: If you're refering to my gems, I'm made from the love of Ruby and Sapphire.
Tripredacus: A Ruby and a Sapphire? So you're not even your own gem.
Garnet: What are you saying? Of course I am. Pink Diamond told me that I am an experience.
Tripredacus: And what is an experience?
Garnet didn't know what to say to him.
Garnet: It's... it's...
Tripredacus: You said the reason you exist is because of their love. Are you really? Or is it because you or should I say they realized how much stronger they are as you and just decided to stay like this just to look good.
Garnet: No, I'm not. I am my own person. I know I am!
Tripredacus: Listen to yourself. You've been fused for so long that you think you are a new being, but you're not. You want to know why? Because Ruby and Sapphire made you, without them you don't exist.
Garnet begins to remember the few times she was unfused whenever Ruby and Sapphire disagreed on things like the time at the Keystone state or with Pink Diamond's true identity. She disappears and caused some trouble.
Garnet: No that's not true.
Tripredacus: Why are you denieing it? You think you're real gem, but you're not. Just admit that you're only a fusion, a combined being who only exists just to look strong and fight and can be unfused whenever Ruby and Sapphire feels like unfusing. You're a pawn to them.
Garnet: You are one to talk.
Tripredacus: Yes, but I know I'm only a combined droid made by the Steelshell bros. I come when they are in critical moments. But I'm smart enough to admit that I'm only here to fight. Why can't you?
Garnet: Because, because that's not what my friends think of me.
Tripredacus: They only rely on you because of you're strength. That's why they follow you. If you were to unfuse, they would look down to you.
Garnet: No...urgh...they wouldn't...
Garnet sank this all in and began to question her existence. Is she really her own gem or is she just lying to herself? Does she stay the way she is because people care about her or because of her strength? Does Ruby and Sapphire really stay like this because of love or power? She didn't know anymore.
Tripredacus: What happened to all that confidence you had? Is it because what I said is true? It should!
Tripredacus threw Garnet to the ground.
Steven: Garnet!
Tripredacus: I've had enough with all of you.
Tripredacus unfuses and the Steelshell bros were back.
Scarab: You just think about what we talked about. About.
Stag: I've grown tired of fighting. Let's just go.
Bismuth: You're not going anywhere. We finish this right here and now!
Longhorn spits slime at Bismuth, causing her to get stuck to a tree.
Longhorn: We'll finish this when we feel like it.
Scarab: Let's get together for lunch some time. Some time!
The Steelshell bros transform into bug mode and fly away.
Amethyst: They're getting away.
Pearl: We'll get them later.
Bismuth: Uh, can somebody help me out here?
Peridot went over to her and tried to cut her free with a laser cutter she made. Steven Pearl and Amethyst went to go check on Garnet from behind.
Pearl: Garnet are you alright?
Amethyst: Yeah that was a pretty scary up there.
Steven: Garnet what happened up there? What was he saying to you?
Garnet didn't look or answer to them. Her body just shook making grunting noises.
Steven: Garnet?
Garnet: I...I can't talk now.
Garnet ran away from them and just go onto the warp pad. The others exchanged faces, concerned what was wrong with her.
Meanwhile with Bomber.
Bomber was making his way back to base.
Bomber: I don't understand. I set them free and free them and this is how they repay me? Maybe I should just leave this planet and let those Crystal Gems deal with them. Atleast Gien is now under my custody.
Bomber entered the lab and saw Gien and Viggo waiting for him.
Gien: Well, well, well. Look who's back.
Bomber: ( gulp) Help...
To be continued...
Author's Note: That's it for this chapter. Here it is the first Gara Droid fusion or combiner in the story. I now have Pink Pearl in this and we will see her again soon. Also some of you are wondering who I had in mind for the cast of my new characters if this was in the show. I might of said before I intended for Gien to have a Chris Latta voice based of G1 Starscream and Cobra Commander, but later thought of better voices for him since I later thought it was too high pitched and raspy. Not to mention the actor I chose for him passed away a long time ago. So here it is and keep in mind this is only for the main ones:
Gien: Alec Willows ( voice of Tarantulas from Beast wars) or Chris Ayres ( current voice of Frieza)
Viggo Stryker: Kieth David
Bomber the Great: Jim Cummings
Acha: Ewan Mcgreggor or Eric Stuart ( former voice of James from Pokémon)
Kocha: Emily Blunt or Rachael Lillis ( former voice of Jessie from Pokémon)
Huntress: Deedee Magno Hall ( she is a pearl in a roboitc suit, but i couldn't think of anyone else, if you have another actress for her let me know)
Revenger: Chris Sabot ( voice of Piccolo and Vegeta from DBZ and Zorro from One Piece) or Scott McNeil ( voice of Dinobot, Rattrap, Waspinator and Silverbolt from Beast Wars, Piccolo from ocean dub version of DBZ and Koga from Inuyasha)
Charlie: Sam Elliot
Special thanks to Lady Shadow92 for the idea of a Gara Droid fusion and for Garnet to play a part on this. I hope you enjoyed and please read and review. Thank you.
P.S Also yes the Steelshell Bros are heavily inspired by the Insecticons from the transformers.