Sunlight glinted off the city buildings, and it would have been an otherwise beautiful day if not for the wafting smoke and echoes of fighting down below.

Quartzes moved in droves through torn up, battle-eaten buildings, some in packs of two or three, others in groups as large as a hundred. They marched over streets cluttered with bomb-shells, discarded weaponry, and the occasional leveled fighter jet.

Meanwhile, Emerald's fleet surfed overhead like a school of sharks, searching the skies for any stray gleam of metal. Steven had forbidden them from targeting humans in parachutes, and strongly urged them to aim for the guns instead of the engines, but the rules barely hindered them. They toyed around with their less developed, human-made counterparts and without ever enduring so much as a scratch.

The Lapises had sunk the Navy only an hour or so before, and had moved inland, doing what they could to chase off SWAT and protect the cult-members. They, along with a few of the more pacifistic Quartzes, were on search and rescue; picking up fallen gemstones and providing medical attention to injured humans (this medical attention, of course, was the administration of water bottles Steven had 'blessed', or sipped from).

The acolytes had also taken it upon themselves to hand out flyers and wristbands with the hope of converting new members. There was little evidence that their teachings were sticking, but it looked like they were having fun, so Steven allowed it.

He himself was busy standing in the middle of a deserted intersection next to a fallen traffic light, waving his arms and trying to get the attention of several Lapises he'd sent to hold the line in the west. Things were quieter now (they were between waves at the moment), but humans were still dripping past the line.

When the gems noticed him, they sunk down lower, and he took a few steps forward.

"Guys, there's still SWAT units and cops running around." He said, not unkindly. "The acolytes are getting arrested. What's up, what's wrong?"

Mean Lapis gave a frustrated groan.

"We thought we'd be on the ocean!" She grouched. "...My Diamond."

"We have enough Lapises on the waterfront, the Navy's beached. We need you guys here."

"But we can't keep pulling water all the way from the-"

"What about the water under the city?"

"...There's water under the city?"

"Here, let me show you." Said Steven. He looked around for a second, eyes lighting up when he spotted a nearby fire hydrant. The Lapises watched curiously as he bent down and grabbed hold of it, effortlessly unrooting it from the concrete. A beam of blazing white water shot upwards, and he stumbled back a few steps, the task being much easier than he'd anticipated. Droplets peppered the tarmac like rain, and he grinned despite needing to turn his face and close his eyes from the spray.

"There." He said. "Try that."

The Lapises watched the torrent bursting from the hole, wearing matching looks of astonishment.

"Whoa." Said one.

"This is way easier." Said another. They took use of the water immediately, shaping it and using it to slice through an abandoned car.

"Have fun guys." Steven shouted over the rushing water. "Be careful around Justine, though. She's allergic."

"Understood, My Diamond." Said Mean Lapis.

Steven turned to head back, but the approaching sound of more sirens reminded him of something.

"Oh, and;" He said, lifting the lid of a manhole and tossing it aside, "there's more in here."

He watched the red and blue lights dancing along remaining ship windows as the police got closer. "It's mostly raw sewage, but don't be afraid to use it."

"With pleasure, My Diamond." Said Mean Lapis, having no idea what 'raw sewage' was. But on inspection, she found it smelled a little like the sea (although it was very strong) and the color was lovely. Just like mud and dirt.

He smiled and gave a tired thumbs up, turning to head back to the square. Once he was out of view, he leaned against the wall, closing his eyes and running dirty, dusty fingers through his hair. They'd been trying to take the city for six hours now, and while they were making great progress according to Jasper, it'd been exhausting trying to keep up with the discord. He'd been running back and forth all day (literally), and while his superspeed came in handy, it used a lot of energy.

Steven barely got a chance to catch his breath when he was called back to the makeshift control center they'd built in the city square. He fought back a groan, steeling himself for more running.

Everything slowed down, and he took off, deftly sprinting across the city. Flames waved sleepily at him like seaweed tousled by a gentle current, explosions bloomed from building walls like great, orange flowers, and dust took flight behind him. The sight of it wasn't unfamiliar, but it still irked him. This wasn't really how he'd imagined his 'world takeover' playing out. Somehow, he always thought there'd be less fire. But Jasper's words resurfaced, from the very first time they'd engaged in planetary conquest;

The humans are doing it to themselves, My Diamond.

How could he take responsibility when it was the humans' own violent tactics causing the destruction? He was trying to fix everything, what were they doing?

Before he'd realized it, he'd made it back, and the world sped up again. Steven jogged over to Jasper and Hessonite, trying to mask his slightly labored breathing with a bright smile. He'd been less keen about showing weakness ever since… well. He knew Jasper hated needing to coddle him so much. If he hadn't cleaned up his act, he wasn't sure how much more she would have tolerated.

For some strange reason, she hadn't given up on him yet; if anything, she'd been more attached to his side than ever.

He was glad for that; if White showed up again, he didn't want be alone this time.

Even the thought of seeing that gem made his skin crawl. His only solace was that she'd be gone soon, and he'd finally feel safe for the first time in over two years. In over six years.

Jasper and Hessonite greeted him, pulling him from his thoughts. The two made room for him to see the screen better, and he smiled in gratitude. While his personal com was useful for connecting with his troops, it wasn't much help long range. The control center was invaluable for keeping tabs on the battles going on overseas.

"Ok, update me guys," He said, coming to lean over the console. "what's happening?"

"We need you on the line." Hessonite told him. "It's Holly Blue."

"Yeah! I'm- I'm here. Put her on."

He held the speaker up to his mouth and watched the screen light up. Holly Blue's irate features came into view, and he suppressed a cringe.

"Hey, Holly. How's it, uh- what's going on over there? You got my man?"

"My Diamond," She began, "We've secured this President," She grabbed the man, pulling him into frame and shaking him for emphasis. His sweaty wrists had been bound, and there was a wet spot on the front of his pants. "but they detonated the bridge. I've been separated from my troops."

Steven nodded, giving Holly a sympathetic look.

"Shit, ok. I'll see if Emerald can pick you up."

"Thank you, My Diamond."

The line blinked out, and Steven motioned for Squaridot to call Emerald. Squaridot dialed her, but it took a few moments to receive an answer. This was typical, Emerald wasn't a fan of interruptions, and as a result, had a poor track record for responding quickly.

When Emerald finally did pick up, she looked relatively grumpy (that seemed to be her default), but brightened when she saw who it was.

"My Diamond!"

"Hey, Emerald." Steven greeted. "Could you give Holly some support over in Adams DC? They got split up."

"Are you sure, My Diamond? I thought you needed me for-"

"I know, I know. But I don't see Lars anywhere, and you've got the fastest ship. Unless… are... Do you see any more F-15s?"

Emerald, smirked, chuckling.

"There were only a couple hundred. We ran out in the first hour."

"Couple hundred of them?"

"...Didn't take long."

"Wow. Ok, well- wait." He raised a brow. "You let them retreat, right?"

"Yeah, yeah. Don't know why you insist on sparing-"

"Just. Please go help Holly."

"Yes, My Diamond."

The call ended, and Steven sighed.

"Ok, ok." He rested a palm on his forehead. He racked his brain for anything else that needed checking. He didn't want to run halfway across the city and then get called back again. He snapped his fingers a couple times, going through a mental checklist.

"Squaridot, how's the tech assault?" He asked.

"Enemy communications have been disabled, My Diamond. I wouldn't forget something so important."

"No, 'cause I remember Bolivia. And that sucked."

Squaridot blushed, fuming silently.

"I have not erred since."

"Just remember to enable them again when the Prez gets here. His surrender needs to be heard." He smoothed out his shirt, glaring at a dirt stain on his shoulder. "Speaking of, any chance of an early win?"

"I'll call the Ambassador now, My Diamond." Said Squaridot. Jasper frowned.

"Why… do we need her again?" Jasper asked Steven. Steven shrugged.

"Justine could have been a fluke. I don't want to end up high and dry if the gag command thing falls apart."

Jasper grunted in understanding, and they turned back to the screen, watching the loading cycle as the call tried to connect.

After a few seconds, Yellow Zircon's image flashed up in front of them. She was much quicker to answer than Emerald.

"Hey! YZ, how you doing?" Steven asked, putting his hands on his hips and trying to smile cheerfully despite how tired he was getting. "How's negotiations?"

"Things are going excellent, My Diamond," Yellow Zircon grinned at him nervously. He was used to this behavior by now, and didn't take it as a bad sign. Yellow Zircon had always been incredibly skittish around him, despite his forgiveness. She had almost gotten him sentenced to death. Steven had been understanding, but it didn't make her any less anxious in his presence.

"We've got them on the ropes."

"Good to hear, YZ, good to hear." He said, nodding in satisfaction. "Keep at it!"

"Yes, My Diamond."

Yellow Zircon logged off, and Steven sighed.

He turned away from the console, staring out at the scene before him. It... was a little. Messy. Buildings would need to be rebuilt, and as usual, wounds would need to be tended to. But as far as he knew, his soldiers had obeyed his wishes for a peaceful takeover. Even in self-defense, their main goal was to disarm, not kill. It wasn't too difficult, considering a weaponless human was no threat to a full size gem soldier. Some of the Quartzes complained about bruised shins, but otherwise sustained only superficial injuries. For the most part, everything was running as smoothly as could be expected. Steven just had one nagging doubt, one ever-present shard of fear that kept him on edge.

"Uhh… well. Jasper," He began, looking at his second-in-command. "are there any reports of… has White been seen anywhere?"

"No, My Diamond."

Steven let out a breath he'd been holding, even as he was slightly disappointed. The sooner she showed up, the sooner this would all be over. He gave his attention to Squaridot.

"Hey, how's… um. How's the you-know-what?" Steven asked.

"...The sniper is in position, My Diamond." Squaridot answered him.

"Ok, good. Good. Well, until White shows up… we should-"

Before Steven could finish, the communication screen lit up, and a very familiar face showed itself. Steven's fists clenched, and he fought the urge to literally growl.

"Hey, Steven!" Connie smiled and waved at him from what looked like her phone. The background was too dark to see where they were, but the rumbling told him they were inside some sort of moving transport.

"Listen, ok. I know you're still mad at me, and that's fine; I love you." She said, and the honesty in her eyes made him feel sick. "And we're coming over- but- when you're ready to talk again, I'm- I'm here, Biscuit."

This time, Steven did growl, recoiling away from the screen as if it would bite him.

"Is Steven on?" Pearl asked. "Hey Steven!"

"We're coming, Buddy!" Cried Amethyst. "Gang's all here!"

"...We'll see you soon, Steven." Said Garnet.

Steven just glowered at them, looking over at Squaridot, who had started to sweat.

"Can you get them off the line?" He asked her.

"Working on it." Squaridot muttered through gritted teeth. Her shaking hands travelled furiously over the console, but it still took her several seconds to block the call. All the while, his ex-family giggled and waved. Finally, the screen went dark.

"They... they somehow broke the firewall, My Diamond." Squaridot said anxiously. He was still seething, but not at her.

"It's fine, it's- it's all fine. Mistakes happen." He muttered, but his fists were still clenched taught. He took a deep breath. "Can you trace the call, at least?"

"I… oh. We, we didn't have enough time." Squaridot apologized. Steven scrubbed a hand over his face.

"Ok. Well, we know they're coming." He said. "We can still- oh. Seriously?"

Steven threw up his arms, glaring heavily at the giant blue hand pushing it's way through the clouds.


The screen went black, and Peridot leaned back in her seat.

"They blocked us." She said, taking off her visor to rub at her eyes. "It was a beautiful distraction, but their incredibly attractive and charming technician kept killing my viruses."

"Sorry, Perry." Said Amethyst.

Peridot moaned, tossing her head back melodramatically.

"Oh! Why are Peridots so good at everything? Why?" She asked.

Lapis patted her shoulder sympathetically, while Bismuth just shook her head.

"He… uh. Sure doesn't like seeing us, does he?" She asked quietly.

"No, he was pissed." Amethyst added, before a grin split her face. "Did you see when Connie called him 'Biscuit'?"

Connie deflated a little, looking guilty.

"Sorry." She apologized.

"No, it was great." Amethyst replied. "I just wish I'd-"

"Focus." Said Garnet, cutting in. "Steven may seem emotional, but he's desperate to chase us off. Stay on track."

The room quieted, and the attention of the group fixed on her.

"If Peridot can't hack them remotely, we need to get her closer." Garnet said, setting her gazed on Lars and adjusting her visor.

"How close can you get us?" She asked.

"Not too close," He answered, eyes fixed on the bridge window. "Emerald's gone, but the square is loaded with Quartzes. Uh, but… there's an empty parking lot a few blocks away. Will that work?"

"...Not really, no." Said Garnet. "But we'll take it."

She adjusted her visor, the lens barely glinting in the low lights of the cabin. They'd needed to dim the background so that Steven wouldn't know how they were coming, but it'd made the general atmosphere solemn and foreboding. Garnet took a deep breath, adjusting her visor a second time and resting her hands together in her lap. Pearl and Amethyst gazed at each other uneasily, having long learned that the gesture wasn't a confident one. When Garnet was nervous, she'd often compulsively check the future over and over, looking for any changes.

She didn't seem to like what she was seeing.

"Garnet, um. Are you sure this will work?" Pearl asked.

"We need to stick together." Garnet answered. Pearl and Amethyst frowned, but Connie pushed herself between them.

"...I can stay with you guys, you know." She said.

"We need you on damage control." Garnet answered her softly. "We'll… we'll be alright, Connie."

Connie looked like she wanted to respond, but a call came in through the ship's line.

Rhodonite answered it, and the main screen lit up, displaying the caller.

"Heya guys!" Spinel greeted them, holding her face way too close and giving the party a good view of her nostrils. The Diamonds had given her a wrist-worn communication device, having felt bad for how out of touch she was with modern gem technology. Spinel had cherished the gift, but her understanding of the device was similar to that of a grandfather and his first touchscreen. "Guess who!"

"Spinel, is something wrong?" Pearl asked. Spinel's cheerful smile sagged.

"Well, I was just checking in… w-we're about to touch down, y'know, but uh... anybody wanna switch places?"

Garnet frowned.

"No." She said. Spinel deflated. Literally.

"You realize how incriminating this looks?" Spinel whined. "Me. Coming out there. With the. With the Rejuvenator? What's Steven gonna think?"

"I actually agree with this." Said Connie, but Garnet ignored her.

"We all have to make sacrifices, Spinel." Said Garnet.

"Yeah but-"

"We need you," Said Amethyst. "The Diamonds won't touch him, and you're the only one who knows how to use that thing."

Spinel blossomed under the praise, looking away shyly.

"Aw shucks." She said, batting her eyelashes and flipping her hand.

"And your relationship with him is already ruined, so you can't lose his trust!" Peridot added cheerfully.

Amethyst slapped a hand over her mouth, but Spinel had heard enough. She frowned, looking away and playing with her glove. Garnet stepped in to intervene.

"Spinel, I know it's hard," Said Garnet. "but we're counting on you."

Spinel's pupils flicked to Garnet. The words took a minute to set in, but her eyes hardened, and she gave Garnet a resolved nod.

"Won't letcha down." She said.

"Good."

Spinel hung up, and the group turned to glare at Peridot.

"Whaddya want?" She asked them.


"Fuck." Steven said under his breath, watching the Diamonds' ship gently sink down into the city buildings, several blocks away.

He signaled a nearby battalion to follow him, and began heading in the direction the ship had landed. When he noticed Jasper following, he stopped her.

"Hold up. Jasper, I kinda need you here."

"Are you… Are you sure, My Diamond?" She asked, staring at the spot the ship had disappeared.

"I'm ab- I'm absolutely sure! But this could be a diversion. I need you guarding the control center." He told her. "and I need Hessonite," He made eye contact with the gem in question, "to go check on the front."

Hessonite grunted in affirmation, leaving for her assignment, but Jasper still looked doubtful. Steven just smiled and held up his hands in a placating gesture.

"We'll be fine, we'll be fine." He began jogging backwards, towards the Quartzes. "I'll call if anything goes wrong."

Jasper watched him head out, trying to push down that bad feeling that had begun to set in her chest.


They were one block away and getting closer. The building in front of them moved like a large, thick curtain, slowly unveiling the fingers of Blue Diamond's ship. Too big to land anywhere else, the huge vessel had settled down in he grass of Center Park.

Steven didn't really know what to expect. He wanted to assume it was his family; he wasn't excited to see them again, but he knew they couldn't hurt him. The thirty or so Quartzes in tail behind him all but guaranteed that, even if he hadn't surpassed them all years ago. Worst case scenario… worst case scenario was that he'd find White, but knowing that he had a plan… it helped assuage those fears. They were only a few blocks away from the armed sniper he'd positioned, and White was easily taller than most of the surrounding buildings. It wouldn't be a difficult shot to take.

...She wouldn't be able to hurt him anymore…

They turned the corner, and Steven did not see White Diamond or his ex-family.

He did see a wall of Homeworld Quartzes.

"Shit!" He breathed. The enemy Quartzes began to approach, and he ordered his soldiers to hold line in wait for back up. He pulled out his com, ready to alert Jasper and hopefully set up a defense, but a gloved hand reached down from overhead, snatching the device from his hand.

"Ho, hey!" A voice chimed, and he looked up to see Spinel lying on a high tree branch above him. She was mostly bathed in shade, but her eyes glinted mischievously. Steven hissed, reaching for the stolen good, but Spinel dangled it just out of reach, cackling obnoxiously.

"Spinel." He ordered. "Give that back."

"Finders keepers." She chittered, her long, spindly limbs making her look like a languid, pleased monkey. "You want this back, you gotta take it."

"Fine." Said Steven. He sniffed, walking up to the tree trunk reeling back a fist. He smashed his knuckles against the wood so hard it nearly exploded, sending wood-chips flying.

Spinel squawked, slithering out of the branches in a desperate back track. The tree toppled just seconds after, and Steven stepped onto the trunk. He strode towards her, and she giggled, winding herself back into a standing position and retracting her stretched limbs.

"Ok, Ok. Alright. Listen."

"What." Steven demanded.

"...You're a loser."

"Ok," Said Steven. "Alright."

He broke into a run, and Spinel's bright smile turned panicked. She laughed nervously, twisting herself up and bounding away. The chase was on.

Spinel glanced behind herself one last time, just to make sure he was following, before tapping the device on her wrist and holding it to her mouth.

"I got him." She whispered, shutting the com off before her listeners could reply. In truth, Steven was a lot faster than she was anticipating, and she didn't have much time to chat. She needed to focus all her energy on keeping ahead.

But her message had gotten through. Safely out of sight, Yellow and Blue stepped out of the ship, ready to get into place.


The Sun Incinerator gently touched down on the cracked parking lot near an old, smoke-stained hotel. While nervous conversation had prevailed onboard the way over, all occupants were now silent, like prisoners in line for execution.

The ship rumbled once, twice as it touched down, but Lars was a skilled pilot, and the landing was incredibly gentle. It felt like the calm before the storm.

Lars gave them a solemn look, and opened the shuttle doors to let them out into the sunlight. Connie waved him goodbye, and he waved back, but the entire exchange felt all too final.

The Crystal Gems set foot onto the cracked asphalt of the city, and Lars took off for the skies overhead.

The group stood quietly for a minute, just processing the odd situation they'd found themselves in.

Until Garnet decided it was time to move on.

"Alright." She began. "Does everyone know where we're going?"

The group nodded.

"Good." Said Garnet. "Connie, head out. Everyone else," She fixed the other Crystal Gems with a weighty stare. "do not get separated."

At her signal, they broke into a run, and Connie split off, scouring the area for displaced humans. The Crystal Gems began sorting their way through the wide, empty streets, Garnet heading them.

For the first three minutes, everything was going fine. They were making surprisingly good time, and hadn't encountered much resistance, besides a few stray Quartzes. And things might have stayed that way, if Garnet hadn't second-guessed herself.

She knew she shouldn't have, but it was one of the moments that Ruby's nervousness and insecurity combined with Sapphire's high expectations. It was a personal flaw as old as Garnet herself, and it had picked the worst time possible to show up.

The first mistake was when Garnet decided to take a detour. She had worried Emerald's ship would come in two minutes too early. It had been a rational decision, if not a tad paranoid. But Garnet saw so many ways this mission could fail, she wasn't going to take any chances.

Unfortunately, she hadn't counted for the fact that Emerald's ship would come in behind schedule.

It had been an incredibly unlikely possibility, but it made itself into reality, and Garnet hadn't been prepared for it. With the added time the detour took, Garnet and the others found themselves right in Emerald's path. Garnet witnessed the shift too late. She could only provide four seconds of warning before a nearby car dealership exploded, having taken a direct hit from the enemy craft above.

Rubble slid down onto the street like an avalanche of cars and rubble, creating a thick barrier and splitting the group in two. Pearl and Bismuth on one side, Garnet and the rest on the other.

"Are you guys ok?" Amethyst called through the dust. They all stared up at the huge, forty foot wall of debris, and for several terrifying seconds, they received no answer.

"...We're. We're ok!" Pearl's shaky voice echoed on the city walls, and everyone sagged in relief.

"Jesus." Amethyst muttered. She turned to their leader.

"What now?" She asked.

Garnet didn't answer, she couldn't. Ruby and Sapphire were starting to separate, she could feel it. She grit her teeth, screwing her eyes shut and trying to hide the disconnected, asymmetrical twitches in her fingers. She began to hear Ruby and Sapphire's thoughts unmixing.

This is how it starts. Thought Sapphire.

What do we do? Ruby wondered.

Garnet shook her head, as if it would help keep her mind whole.

"Garnet?" Lapis asked.

"It's ok!" Bismuth cried from over the wall. "We'll find another way around!"

"Just meet us later!" Pearl hollered.

"Uh, yeah. Ok!" Amethyst called back. She came to stand in front of Garnet, frowning in concern.

After a moment or two, she hesitantly reached up and held both of Garnet's shaking hands, pulling her out of her head. It was an uncharacteristic display of kindness, but Garnet took it gratefully.

"We need to keep moving." She said, lips finally beginning to thaw. Amethyst nodded, allowing Garnet to take the lead again.

They faced the empty street ahead of them, and resumed their journey.


Bismuth wasn't the best at understanding human culture, but she wasn't exactly in unfamiliar territory. As a Bismuth, she had a profound understanding of architecture, and could read the buildings around them, the structure of the city. She knew that the more shops and advertisements visible, the closer they were to the square. She was making an educated guess, but the roads started getting wider, opening up for heavier loads of traffic, and she began to feel like they were making progress. They made a bid in the direction Bismuth was leading them, but almost as soon as they turned the corner, a ship lowered itself to the ground, blowing dust and smoke their way. The hatch opened, and two figures peered out.

Holly Blue Agate scowled down at them, sided by Emerald, who wore a sadistic grin.

"Hello, enemies to the new Diamond Authority." Holly Blue said crisply. "You have this chance to repent; otherwise you'll face swift and merciless justice for your insubordination."

"I didn't face justice last time." Said Bismuth. "Did you, Pearl?"

"I certainly don't recall." Pearl answered her, grinning. "Holly Blue? Can you recount any time I've had to "face justice", as you would say? You know. For any disobedience and/or "insubordinate" behavior?"

Holly Blue bristled.

"You certainly will, you petulant little-"

"Wait! Wait, I heard about this." Emerald exclaimed. She turned to Holly Blue. "That infiltration at the Zoo-"

"There was no evidence of an infiltration! Only rumors! That weren't true!"

"-they had a Pearl with them. Ha! And she- Did she really humiliate you in front of your Quartzes?"

"No!"

"So it is true!" Emerald let out a hyena-like peal of laughter. She turned back to them. "Oh, you're the little Pearl who took Big Blue down a peg!"

Pearl bowed.

"That's correct."

Emerald chuckled, giving Pearl a more intensive look and licking her fangs.

"I wonder if Steven will let me keep you after this." She purred.

"You don't want her." Holly Blue remarked. Pearl's grin remained solid and untouched by the rudeness of both comments, but Bismuth was fuming.

"You're not gonna have her." She hissed.

"Yes we are." Said Emerald. "We're taking this planet, and everything on it. Steven's not some sappy wuss anymore, he's a cold, hard Diamond, and everything you see will become part of his new Empire."

"Sappy?" Pearl snarled, feathers ruffling. "Is that what you thought?"

"Pearl, it's ok-" Bismuth tried to placate her, but she wouldn't have it. Pearl leveled a long, sharp finger in the enemy's direction.

"You listen here you disgusting little boot-licking, Diamond-worshipping, mindless hunks of polluted top-soil-"

"Pearl," Bismuth chuckled, gesturing to the two gems glaring at them rigidly from the ship. "Pearl, you got them. They're got."

"We're not got!" Holly boomed. She pulled out her whip, and Emerald her saber. Pearl and Bismuth got their own weapons ready in response.

Emerald and Holly Blue Agate stepped off the ship.


The next obstacle came to them as they crossed a pedestrian bridge over a wide, tree-lined highway.

An obstacle with fluffy, yellow hair, and one long, gleaming sword.

Originally, Garnet had planned on this confrontation at some point, but Pearl was supposed to be with them. As their swordsgem, a fight like this would have been right up her alley. However, they were now trapped in an alternate, unpredictable timeline, and Garnet was forced to piece together predictions from shattered possibilities. The more things diverged, the blurrier her future vision became. Despite this, she wasn't completely in the dark, at least not yet. She could still prevent one more disaster.

She placed a hand on Amethyst's shoulder.

"Don't." She said. Amethyst dissipated her whip, looking up at Garnet questioningly. Amethyst had been planning on sacrificing herself to push the rest of them forward, but it was bound to fail. Hessonite's sword would cut through her whip like licorice rope, the poor gem would barely last ten seconds.

Garnet didn't know if the others could make it the rest of the way without her, but none of them stood a chance against Hessonite.

"Lapis." Garnet said, keeping her eyes fixed on the approaching gem. "Take Amethyst and Peridot across the bridge. Get them to the control center. I'll catch up with you."

"No!" Amethyst cried. "Garnet! We can take her together!"

Garnet shook her head. She knew Amethyst was suggesting fusion, but Garnet was having enough trouble keeping herself in one piece. Sugilite would be even more unstable, and would only drain their combined energy.

"We're losing time." Garnet said. She turned to Amethyst. "We'll find each other again. I promise."

Amethyst still didn't look convinced, but she didn't have a choice in the matter. Garnet gave Lapis a nod, and Amethyst and Peridot were grabbed and lifted into the air.

Garnet was left alone with Hessonite, who was stalking towards her confidently. Garnet widened her stance, rolling her shoulders in preparation for the fight.

Hessonite came to a stop ten yards away, her shadow stretching across the concrete between them as the afternoon sun glared behind her. She grinned, looking Garnet over incredulously.

"What are you supposed to be?" She asked.

"I'm you, but stronger." Garnet answered.

"...Are you two serious?"

"I can assure you, Ruby and Sapphire's relationship is very serious." Garnet said. Hessonite frowned.

"Yeah, we'll see about that." She said, readying her sword. Garnet responded by baring her gauntlets.

"Yes we will."


"Oh my stars." Lapis panted. "Amethyst, did you eat rocks or something?"

"Don't judge me." Said Amethyst.

Lapis sunk out of the air, ungracefully touching down and dropping her cargo. She'd only made it one block before the load had become too much, she was nearly out of energy.

"You're too heavy. I can't carry both of you."

"Well, I mean. We have feet. We can walk." Said Amethyst.

"Guys." Said Peridot.

"Or you could just uneat the rocks." Lapis said.

"Guys." Said Peridot, stomping her foot.

"Only if you watch." Replied Amethyst.

"GUYS!"

"What?" Asked Lapis and Amethyst. Their twin glares of annoyance dissolved as soon as they laid sight of Jasper, who stood guarding the entrance to the City Square. Just beyond her, a few hundred yards away, was the control center.

"Oh fuck no." Amethyst breathed. Beside her, Lapis quaked.

"Amethyst. I- Amethyst." She whispered. "There's no water here, and I- I can't carry both of you, I'm too tired."

"That's ok." Amethyst replied. "Just grab Peridot and go."

"What?"

"Just go. I'll be fine." Amethyst answered.

"No you won't!" Peridot hissed. "She'll destroy you! Last time, she almost-"

Peridot was interrupted by a small rock being thrown at her feet.

"Just get going. I don't love you anymore."

"What? Where did you-"

"Just go!"

Peridot backed up, glaring at Amethyst as another rock was sent her way. Lapis just gave her a sad, grieving look, whispered her goodbye, and grabbed Peridot.

"Hey! No! Wait!" She cried, but Lapis ignored her, carrying them both back up.

"Amethyst! I always thought you were the least annoying!" She screeched, tears coming to her eyes. "I'll miss you!"

Amethyst just waved back. She didn't have time to watch them go, preferring to keep her eyes on her fellow kindergartener.

"Hey, sis." She said.

"..."

"So like, I need to get to that uh, whaddaya got, a little. That's a control station, right? That little station over there?"

Jasper stared at her.

"So... Could you move?"

Jasper only narrowed her eyes.

"Kay, fine." Said Amethyst, pulling out her whip. "Be like that."


The rest of the way was silent. Lapis cut through the air as quickly as she could, but her mind was clouded. She hadn't been as loud and dramatic with her grief as Peridot, but Amethyst was, well. Lapis cared about her, even if she didn't know her well.

She'd had a lot of trouble forgiving the Crystal Gems, after the years she spent in that mirror. She'd believed them all to be the closest thing her prison had to guards. But she'd grown from that mindset, and while she hadn't quite forgiven them, she'd realized they'd left her there out of fear. Fear that she'd leave and alert Homeworld of their location. Which is exactly what had happened.

Lapis had later reached the discovery that she was no better than they were. Her fear of Earth had caused her to steal its oceans, to break Greg's leg. Her fear of Jasper had caused her to become the cruel, sadistic captor she'd accused the Crystal Gems of being, and her fear of Homeworld had caused her to abandon Peridot. She'd strived to be better, but she couldn't change the past.

If she could, maybe she'd have spent more time with Amethyst. When she'd still been able to.

Lapis blinked tears out of her eyes. There was no time to get emotional, and-

Stars, were they already here?

Lapis touched down, shaking the fatigue from her arms when Peridot leapt out of them. It was just a few more yards, and then they could shut this whole thing down-

Their path was intercepted by another Lapis, and another Peridot.

"Oh god dammit." Peridot barked.


Spinels were famously agile gems. They weighed next to nothing, and had long, flexible limbs and fast reflexes. It made them incredibly good at tag and other games, as they were able to zig-zag and swerve around bends without losing their balance, and could squeeze through tight areas other gems couldn't. They could even outrun a spinning Quartz.

Spinel herself was among the best. If Jasper was the perfect soldier, Spinel was the perfect playmate, able to run faster, stretch farther, and, most importantly, endure more than others of her cut. It was for this reason that she had been gifted to Pink; she'd been the only toy with any chance of keeping up with a Diamond.

Right now, however, that wasn't so true.

In the few thousand years that they had spent together, she couldn't remember Pink being this damn fast.

Spinel could reach comically rapid speeds, but Steven could break the sound barrier. He kept her at every turn, could easily leap over obstacles that even she struggled with, and whenever she'd try ducking into small spaces, he'd just bulldoze through. She was barely staying ahead, and losing ground. Her only saving grace was his fatigue. If he had been fresh and at full energy, the chase would have already ended by now.

Her destination finally came into sight, and she grinned in relief.

She lengthened and spiraled her legs like a spring, shooting herself up towards the roof of a tall building.

Steven wasn't long after her. Bending his knees, he jumped, wind threading itself through his hair as he soared upwards like a missile. He slowed once he'd gained enough height, his sandals daintily touching down on the warm concrete lip of the roof.

He sniffed, straightening his shirt as he prepared to end the chase and retrieve his com.

Instead, he was met with the sight of Yellow and Blue, standing tall behind Spinel. Spinel gave him a wave, but Yellow and Blue looked much more nervous to see him. They stood at the edge of the roof, trying to seem as non-threatening as possible, which was difficult considering they were each around forty feet tall.

A few buildings away, watching like a gargoyle, Bluebird giggled to herself.