Sorry for the wait, but i'm back with another chapter.

This chapter may have some parts that seem rushed, so don't be surprised if you notice that and if you have any uncertainties because of it, then feel free to comment after reading the chapter or send me a PM. Anyway, i've been wanting to write out this fight scene for awhile, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I have both visualizing and writing it.

Disclaimer: I do not own Steven Universe. That glory belongs to Rebecca Sugar and the Crewniverse. The only thing(s) that I own are my multiple OCs and the plot of this story.

Enjoy!

Chapter 8:

The Dark Flame

EARLIER

While the gems are busy having to put up with the strong komodo Daviron, a ship is approaching the zoo. Inside it are two people. One is a humanoid lioness with green fur and hair while wearing a purple jumpsuit, better known as Sol. The other has yet to be identified, but is wearing a black the one in charge. (Look at Chapter 4, "The Apology" for a better description)

"Bring us in." The one in black ordered his comrade in a young adult voice.

"Yes sir" Sol said as she followed her captain's order and brought their ship in through the entrance of the zoo and into the hangar. After landing their ship inside, they both got up from their seats.

"Do you feel it?" Sol asked her leader as she felt intense pressure as soon as the ship entered the hangar..

"Yep. I can feel a couple of strong auras, but I sense three of them have intense malice." The mystery person said as he felt the presence of great powers within the zoo.

"Two of those three appear to be fading (Charlo & Charla) and the other one, well, even I can recognize who it is." Sol said as she focused on the entryway to the rest of the zoo outside their window.

"There's no mistaking it. It's Daviron." He said, recognizing who's intense presence he was feeling.

"We better get going" Sol said as she left her spot at the control panel to head to the door, ready for battle. Her boss however, had other ideas.

"No Sol, you're staying here. I'm going to go after Daviron." He told her. She was surprised by his order and wanted to protest the idea.

"What? But we have a better chance of defeating him if we-"

"I need you to stay here and hack into this gem ship's system and access any recent activity that happened recently. Surveillance footage, records, data. I can tell Daviron and his subordinates were here for a while. There's no way it took them this long to eliminate every gem on this ship. They were after something else too. I need you to find out what." He told her. Although she was reluctant to let her boss go after someone so dangerous, she knew that he was strong enough to take care of himself.

"Very well. I'll see what I can find." She accepted as she made her way back to the ships controls and began to work her magic.

As soon as she sat back down, her shadowy friend grabbed a black full face helmet and put it on over his head, concealing his identity even more. After he put it on, he made his way to the door, ready to make his way into battle.

"Sir" Sol said to him before he left. He paused and although he didn't face her, he decided to listen to what she had to say.

"Please be careful out there." She said to him with slight concern. Although he continued looking outside the ship, he responded to her worries.

"I will" He said plainly as he left the bay and made his way through the entry way and into battle.

PRESENT

With Spinel passed out on the ground with scales in her back, Garnet, Pearl and Amethyst were on the other side of the zoo with their forms pierced through by the komodo's scales and keeping them down. The only people that could watch what would happen between Daviron and this person that came out of nowhere were Blue, Connie and Steven.

This new person (Lets call him "Unknown" for now) appeared to have a lean body type, just over Pearl's height and wearing a black suit and helmet. Steven, Connie and Blue were curious as to why the fist he just punched Daviron with was on fire. They've seen Rubies control their heat and make fires, but if this was a ruby, then they are by far the tallest ruby they ever saw. It was likely that this wasn't a ruby. So then who, or what exactly, is he?

It's hard to believe that just before Daviron was going to ask his leader to summon a portal that would bring him, the twins, and captives back to their base, this guy shows up and stops him from doing it.

Daviron stared down at this new foe. Aside from the obvious fire powers this individual just showed, he could tell that just like Blue and Steven, this unknown person was strong. He could feel the intensity of their aura and the punch he felt earlier was proof. If it was strong enough to crack and burn his skin, then there's no doubt this individual would be tricky.

Who is this? Another gem? No. The only kind of gems that are capable of breaking my skin are diamonds. Whoever this is doesn't fit the description of any of the four diamonds. Then again, neither does this human (looks at Steven). This must be an organic being. But, what sort of being has this strong of an aura?

The black clothed figure quickly charged towards the komodo with his fists covered in flames. Daviron realized that they were likely going to throw a barrage of fire punches at him. If one punch alone was enough to crack some scales on his face, then Daviron really had to increase his defense.

Steven noticed that Daviron was suddenly covered in the same energy he used when he broke through his wall. He saw the reptile ready himself against the incoming person. However, he also noticed that the masked figure was also surrounded in what looked like the same energy.

The fire user began his series of punches at the scale covered elite. Daviron tried to stay in place and focus on his aura to defend himself against the searing flames. However, he noticed that not only were the punches strong, but they were fast too.

Even with my aura enhancing my body, he's still able to crack my skin. Not just that, but he's punching as fast as I can generate new scales. If this keeps up, I'll be in trouble.

While Daviron was confused at how this person was able to crack and even burn his seemingly impenetrable skin, he also took note about his opponents own aura.

There's something about this person. Their aura. Why does it feel….. familiar?

Daviron figured that if his body wouldn't hold up against the foe's assault, it would be best to switch tactics. Daviron grabbed his arm, just below his left shoulder, and pulled a scale that eventually lead to more of them leaving his body and resulting in those scales taking the shape of a sword. The layer of skin below his scales that was now exposed was quickly covered up with newly regenerated scales. However, the Komodo quickly raised the scales on his body to make himself even more dangerous. He looked like a walking cactus. If he can't rely on his body for defense, then it was time for him to go on the offense.

Daviron soon charged towards the unknown opponent with his new scale sword in hand. The masked opponent decided that it was now his turn to be on the defensive, by being evasive.

As Daviron was attacking the foe with his blade and spiked body, his foe was busy avoiding every hit the elite was trying to throw at him. Although frustrating, cold-blooded being still had tricks up his sleeve.

Steven was attempting to fight the pain and help assist whoever was fighting Daviron, he looked over at Connie and saw that the scales in her back were wiggling. He quickly remembered back when the reptile explained his control over his own scales, no matter where they are. The human-diamond hybrid realized that Daviron was going use the scales in Connie's back to surprise the mystery assailant while their back is turned. After that thought, the scales left Connie's back and made their way towards the walking lighter.

"Wa- watch…." Steven tried to warn his possible new ally for the incoming scales, but it was too late.

PIERCE

The one in the helmet looked over his shoulder and saw the scales penetrating his back. Not only was he feeling pain, but he felt his body stiffen. This gave Daviron the opportunity to land some hits on his foe's body. From his chest, to arms and even his helmet covered head.

Everyone was surprised that the unknown person was still on his feet, but with all those scaly punches he received up front and slashes from the scale sword, they could tell he was barely standing. Seeing his opponent looking down in defeat, Daviron was ready for the finishing blow, right at his opponent's helmet covered head.

"I don't know who you are, but you're an admirable opponent. I'll see to it that you're handled carefully once I knock you out." Daviron said to his opponent as he readied himself to strike. He lowered his hand with the sword down and had his empty dry-skinned hand make a fist. If this opponent was strong enough to give the scaled elite a run for his money, they should be just as valuable as the human zoomans he and the twins caught earlier and therefore shouldn't be killed by his blade. The fist was making its way to the mystery person's head. To the komodo's surprise though…

The person dodged at the last second.

They squatted down to avoid Daviron's punch and instead gave him a fire coated kick right in his stomach, knocking him away a few feet and being burned in the process. Daviron couldn't process what just happened.

I don't understand! My scales are supposed to paralyze any organic being.

Daviron tried continuing to assault the person with his sword, punches, kicks and even his own tail. They were all in vain though as they kept dodging and evading everything Daviron through at them, like they were back up to speed.

Even if they could move, my scales should have at least slowed down their movements and reflexes. This doesn't make sense.

As he continued his barrage, Daviron noticed some black flakes dropping from behind the fire fisted foe. He soon noticed that his scales were no longer in their back, but rather small flames in the same spots on their back as the scales were. He soon pieced together what happened.

They burned my scales? Reducing them to ash? That can't be right.

As the two were fighting, Steven saw and couldn't understand what was going on and more importantly, who this unknown being really was. He doubted this was a gem fighting the powerful lizard, if he was paralyzed by the scales, even though it was temporary. But he still couldn't wrap his head around something.

If that's a living being like me, how come they can move after getting stabbed while I can barely move my hand?

As Steven thought about that, he noticed Connie crawling towards him.

"C-Connie?" Steven said weakly as he was confused at her moving despite being affected by the same paralysis as him. She soon reached him and with all her strength, she pushed her upper body up off the ground and onto Steven's back, right next to the scales. After that, she attempted to try and remove the scales using her hands.

"Connie, what are you doing?"

"I'm trying… to get these scales off of you. If I can move just a little bit after those things left my body, then you might be able to recover faster than me if they're off of you." Connie said as she was struggling to pull each scale out. It's like those things were super glued to him. Her attempts were only giving Steven more pain than the scales were already giving him.

"OW! Connie, don't. I don't think we can get them out." Steven said to her.

"I'm sorry Steven, they won't budge." Connie said, reluctantly agreeing with him. Because she didn't want to hurt her boyfriend anymore with her attempt, she gave up and laid against Steven.

"I think all we can do is rely on whoever's fighting him." Steven said referring to the black clothed individual that was engaging against Daviron.

"Can we really trust them though? We don't know who they are. Heck, we haven't even heard them say anything." Connie said, wondering if they should really rely on whoever is fighting the ruthless komodo in their place.

"I don't think we have much of a choice" Steven responded as he and Connie watched the fight.

Back to the action, Daviron kept swinging his sharp scaled blade at his mystery opponent, but it was all in vain as Unknown kept avoiding all his attacks. He then decided to give everything he got at his evasive foe.

Steven soon noticed that Daviron was surrounded by the same red energy as he saw earlier when he took him, Connie, Spinel and Blue down. Does this mean the komodo was now at full power? If so, can this new person handle it?

Daviron soon vanished from the flame user's sight and appeared behind him and slashed at his back. This resulted in Unknown groaning in pain. Daviron didn't care though as he took this as a chance to deal even more damage. Instead of slashing, he decided to go back to punching and kicking at a speed the newcomer couldn't keep up with. Soon enough, Steven and Connie witnessed their last hope was down on their back with tears over their suit, and cracks on the helmet covering their identity.

"You gave me some trouble and I commend you for that. However, with my strength as it is now, you no longer stand a chance." Daviron said to his foe as they were down on their back. Steven and Connie had looks of hopelessness as they saw their only chance of survival down on the ground.

"I can see that your level of strength, you'd be a great asset for our clan. If you surrender now, I can assure you that your talent will be put for great use for us and our masters. What do you say?" Daviron explained and asked the seemingly defeated opponent.

Throughout the entire battle, Unknown hasn't said anything as he was fighting the anthro-reptile. Heck, he hardly made a sound when he was punched, slashed or even wheezing from fatigue. However, as he was lying on his back, he decided to finally speak up and respond to Daviron's offer.

"S-Screw You…." They said in a deep voice, indicating that they were male. Daviron didn't like the response, but the foe continued his response.

"Screw your clan…." Daviron then grew angry with the continuation, but the down was still not finished.

"And screw your "masters" especially!"

That was the final straw and Daviron didn't want to hear any more and brought out his blade.

"It's a shame. I was hoping you would think otherwise. However, I REFUSE to accept such SLANDER about the masters!" Daviron soon aimed his sword right above the mystery man's heart, ready to deal the final blow.

Steven and Connie could see where this was heading and wanted to stop Daviron. However, with Steven still paralyzed with pain and Connie not having enough strength to move, it seemed like it was all over.

"Now DIE!" Komodo said in anger as he drove his sword down towards his foes heart. Before his sword could make contact though….

The flame user caught it with his hand

He caught it?

Daviron and the others were surprised by that, but even more surprised at the unknown man himself. He was radiating a similar red aura as Daviron. Everyone could feel the air getting more warm. Was this masked man the one doing it?

"Do you feel it?" Unknown asked Daviron while still maintaining his grip on the scaled blade. However, Daviron could see that the sword looked was melting like a wax candle when it's lit.

"This heat? This aura? All of this is my power. And you should know that it's only a fraction of what I can really do." Unknown continued on as he kicked Daviron away, tossed the melted scale sword aside and got back up on his two feet.

Once again, Daviron couldn't believe that this person still had some fight in him despite of his recent injuries. This person just refused to be defeated. Of course he himself is just as stubborn and made a new scale sword since his previous one had melted. His opponent decided that dodging the sword wasn't enough anymore and decided to even the field.

I was hoping not to bring this out against him, but I guess I have no choice. I'm gonna have to finish this quick.

Unknown lifted his right arm out front. Daviron didn't know what they were up to, but decided to act fast instead of waiting and see. He ran towards Unknown and was ready to chop off the arm they were holding out.

Only to be met with another sword. A katana made up of what looked like the same red aura that surrounded Unknown.

Daviron was not only surprised, he also recognized their blade.

That sword! Does that mean…..?

He thought that Unknown's aura felt familiar a while ago. With that blade now out, it all made sense now.

Over at Steven & Connie, Steven widened his eyes as he recognized the red sword too. It was the same one from his most recent nightmare. Does that mean that this person was the same one from the nightmare too? The one that tried to slash him?

As their swords were clashing, Daviron couldn't stop thinking about who his opponent really is. Before he could think anymore, Unknown decided to give the lizard a warning.

"You better brace yourself" They said as they jumped in the air.

Time seemed to slow down for Daviron. He assumed that this meant they were going to try and give a finishing strike. Daviron refused to let their attack get through. Not only did he ready his sword to block the incoming strike, but he surrounded himself with his own red aura to intensify his armor like skin.

There's no way he will be able to break through.

Daviron was certain that the attack won't succeed if he kept his defense at MAX. His opponent thought differently.

As Unknown was up in the air, everyone noticed that his katana was glowing. Not just that, but flames were actually showing themselves on the blade. Soon enough, the flames actually turned into a more darker red and more concentrated, like the flames of a blowtorch. For both of them, time sped up again as Unknown was descending with his flaming blade.

As the fire sword made contact, Daviron was holding his ground to the point cracks were forming on the ground below him. Daviron quickly learned though that even enhanced with aura, his scale sword was no match for the dark flame and it broke. After that, his opponent slashed downward on his chest. From the left side of his body to his lower hip.

For once, Daviron was actually down on his back. Although the scales on his chest were regenerating, the same could not be said for his insides. He felt like his blood was literally boiling. It's like he was melting. Because of that, his control over his scales over the battlefield has weakened.

Back at Steven and the others, he felt the pain lessen and could move his arms and legs again. Connie noticed that and wondered if the scales could be removed. She saw that they were now easy to remove.

"Hold still Steven, I can get them off now" She said as was picking more of the scales off.

"Thanks Connie" He said. He soon licked his finger and reached around his back at the spots the scales were to recover. After all the scales were removed, he got up and wanted to help the rest of his friends.

"Connie, you get the scales of Blue & Spinel, I'm gonna go to Garnet, Pearl & Amethyst and remove theirs."

"Okay" Connie responded as she made her way towards Blue first and Steven ran towards Garnet and the others. However, before he could, he decided to eavesdrop on the aftermath of Daviron and Unknown's fight.

As Daviron was still on the ground and grimacing in pain, he saw that Unknown was standing right next to him.

"You may be able to regenerate your scales and limbs, but your blood & organs are another matter." Unknown coldly explained to the defeated reptile.

Daviron could only laugh in response. If this person was who he thought he was, then he is surprised by how much they've improved.

"I didn't think you were still alive. But, I guess this universe works in mysterious ways. Doesn't it… Drake?"

Unknown (now known as "Drake") didn't show it, but inside his helmet, his eyes widened slightly in surprise, but knew that sooner or later, the komodo would figure out who he was. He knew that if he brought out his red blade, then Daviron would piece everything together. Now that Daviron knows who he is, he can't let the komodo live to tell his bosses. After a few seconds they held up their red sword and aimed for Daviron's neck, ready to decapitate him. Drake soon gave the komodo two parting words.

"Goodbye Daviron"

Hiding from their sight, although Steven didn't hear their conversation, he saw what the fire user was about to do to Daviron. Even though Steven loathed Daviron for what he did to his friends, family AND the inhabitants of the zoo, inside, Steven couldn't live with himself if he just stood by and let someone get killed. The human-gem knew he had to intervene.

"WAIT" Steven yelled out loud as he extended his arm and summoned a hexagon shield to block the incoming sword towards the defeated komodo.

"What?" Drake said astounded that this shield blocked his blade. He put force into the attack, but there's only a small crack on it. How could a shield be this strong.

Daviron, still in pain, recognized the shield that protected him. It was the human diamond's power. Why would he protect someone that just hurt him and his fellow gems and human companion? Daviron didn't have time to think of such things. Daviron's scales aren't as strong as they are now and he can barely protect himself with his aura. He realizes that the only thing he can do now is escape. He still has the data he stole and he MUST get it back to base. Even if he'll succumb to his injuries afterward.

While on the ground, with all his might he spun on the ground and used his legs to sweep kick Drake and make him lose his balance. With the still masked Drake falling on the ground, Daviron took the opportunity to get back up run away from Drake & Steven and back towards the twins and make their escape with the remaining strength he has left.

"NO!" Drake shouted as he chased the elite. Steven followed suit. Even though he just protected Daviron, he won't let him off easy.

Soon enough, the komodo reached the drained green-haired twins, Charlo & Charla lying against a tree. However, he sensed both the dark flame and human-diamond getting close. His body was still burning and his energy was just as weak as the twins before him. Before the enemies could approach, he sat in between the twins and wrapped one arm around each of them. As soon as he did, he saw Drake approaching with Steven close behind.

"You're not getting away!" Drake shouted with fierce determination as he ran towards him and the twins and lifted his sword in an attempt to finish the komodo for good. Before he could though, it only took one thought in Daviron's head for his getaway to arrive.

MASTER!

Back in a dark lit throne room, one person wearing a dark colored cloak sitting in a shadow covered throne heard the thoughts and had thoughts of her own.

Oh Daviron, I was hoping you'd do better than this. But oh well.

Within the hood of her cloak, a shining white eye glowed.

As soon as he did, a black portal formed in between the incoming Drake and Daviron with his underlings.

With all the strength he had left and both twins in his grasp, he jumped into the portal. As soon as he did, the portal vanished, along with those three.

The fire individual saw that his foe had vanished and knew only one thing, they escaped. Inside, his blood was boiling and he fell on his knees. His open hand curled into a fist as he shouted with all he had and punched the ground, resulting in a decent sized crater to form. The shockwave from the punch was enough for the already existing cracks in his helmet to grow and result in a piece of the visor to fall off.

"DAMN IT!" Drake yelled angrily as he punched the ground, It was loud enough for everyone in the containment area to hear.

Steven caught up to the individual, but quickly realized why he shouted in frustration, Daviron and the twins disappearance. Steven soon had a mutual feeling of frustration. Those three gave him and his friends a lot of pain and now that they're gone, they don't know where the gems and humans of the zoo are. They don't even know if they're alive. Was it a good idea for him to protect the komodo dragon from being killed by the person that just saved them? Maybe not, but Steven had his principles. He already has some regrets in his life and although letting an enemy escape was added to the list, it would have been worse if he let them get murdered.

Steven then saw the one that saved him and his friends get back up from his knees with his back still facing the gem-hybrid. Steven was hesitant to talk to him, due to his fearsome strength and powers, but he figured he should at least thank him for saving him earlier.

"Hey, I know we don't know each other. But, I want to thank you for-"

Before Steven could finish his "Thank You", the person that saved him just kicked Steven in the stomach, forcing him to fall on his back. When he did, they walked up to him and gave him a piece of their mind.

"Idiot! Do you have any idea what you just did?" Drake asked angrily. Steven wanted to tell the fire user off for attempting to kill someone, but before he could, he saw something behind the broken visor of the helmet that confirmed an earlier suspicion he had. Just like the red sword he used earlier, there was another feature they had that matched the person from his nightmare, Red Eyes!

TO BE CONTINUED!

Well, now you got to learn the name of the character that will play a crucial role in this story, Drake! Who is he you might ask? Well, what do you think? You saw that he has some pretty intense fire power and a sword that goes with it. You may have also noticed that he has some history with Daviron AND has a hatred for him, his clan and the "Masters". Why? You'll find out as the story goes on.

We're approaching the end of this "Zoo Arc". Steven and the others have survived the onslaught, but Daviron and the twins got away. Because of that, Steven now has to face the fury of the person that just beaten the strong komodo, even though he saved them. Next chapter, you'll see Steven reluctantly go against him and the aftermath of this whole arc.

Tell me what you think so far. This arc, my OCs and this whole story overall (So far). See You Next Time!

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Next time on Steven Universe: Beyond, Eyes of Rage!