"Are…you sure about this, Jet?" Steven asked, looking from the bubbled gemstone in his hands to the Onyx gem, his eyes wide. "Aren't you…mad?"
Jet chuckled. "Oh, I'm furious. But I can talk to her and be civil. I've already played a hand in making Uni's life harder than it had to be. I don't want to make her proposal and Garnet's wedding even worse. I'll talk to her now, and if I feel like it'll be too much I'll get out of the wedding as soon as possible. I owe Uni that much."
Steven hesitated before nodding slowly. "Hey…Jet. You aren't just doing this as a wedding gift. Are you."
Jet looked away, ashamed. "No. I'm not." she said simply.
Steven placed a hand on Jet's lower back, offering the gem a small smile. "I'm proud of you, Jet. But…are you sure you want her help?"
Jet stiffened slightly, but nodded. "If you can forgive Bismuth for attacking you after she created the Breaking Point…I can at least be civil with her for long enough to get her help. Anyhow, if me and Jonathon are going to be staying close-by, I need to at least learn to tolerate her. Whether I like it or not, she's a part of your crew. Ruby and Sapphire seemed really upset that they wouldn't be able to have their entire crew at the wedding because of all the gems who had been corrupted, shattered, and bubbled." the gem looked away, ashamed. "I already tried to add Freshwater to that pile. The least I can do is help you un-bubble one of the gems who they miss."
Steven felt a wave of relief wash over him as he put a hand on the taller gem's back, offering her a smile. "Thanks, Jet. I really appreciate it."
Jet nodded, ruffling the boy's hair affectionately. "Of course, kiddo. Now. Let's get this over with." she said, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. "Steven nodded, a look of determination crossing his face as he set the bubbled gem on the ground, both gems taking several steps back as the temple's bubble room filled with light.
"Hey…Bismuth." Steven said, offering the crumpled heap on the ground a smile as she groaned and pushed herself to her knees.
"Wait…I'm back?" the gem said, looking at her hands in shock and not registering the boy's words.
"Yeah. Long time no see." Steven said awkwardly, him and Jet waving uncomfortably.
"Ro-I mean." the gem shook her head, still in shock as she started over. "Steven. And…" the gem looked over at Jet, trying and failing to read the gem's expression. "Jet. Right?" the Onyx nodded but remained silent.
"You two have met?" Steven asked, attempting to find some kind of common ground between the gems. "No." Bismuth said stiffly, climbing to her feet. "B9…spoke of you regularly." Jet stiffened slightly as a short, curt laugh escaped her lips. "All bad things, I'm assuming?"
Bismuth's eyes widened as the gems shook her head. "No! Quite…quite the opposite actually." she murmured, looking away. "Where…is she anyway?"
Jet scoffed, dropping the subject and looking away. The nerve of this gem. Feigning sympathy after attacking her former leader. "This isn't about me. Or B9." she said flatly, nodding at Steven.
Bismuth flinched but nodded. Of course B9 wouldn't want to see her after she had suggested shattering a Diamond, then tried to poof her. Nodding in understanding, the gem turned to Steven, the tension in the room somehow managing to increase further and further. "Why would you let me out? I just tried to shatter you."
Steven flinched at the memory. "Well, you know how you fought mom because her whole war strategy didn't make any sense? You... You were right!"
Bismuth gasped, her eyes darting around the room and widening when she saw the hundreds of bubbled gems in the room. "What's going on? Did Rose do this? Did she bubble everyone who disagreed with her?!" she demanded, slamming her fists on the floor. "Tiger's Eye! Little Larimar... Beryl, Serpentine, and ohh... Biggs?! Biggs was beloved by everyone!" she yelled, leaping up and grabbing a bubbled Jasper.
Steven's eyes widened as he rushed forward to stop her, Jet at his heels. "Bismuth, wait! That's not-" the boy's protests were interrupted as Bismuth popped Biggs' bubble and a loud roar filled the room as the corrupted gem started to reform, immediately rounding on the gems just in time for Steven to put his bubble up to protect him, Jet, and Bismuth as the corruption fiercely pounded, bit, and hissed at them ferociously.
"I'm sorry, Bismuth! This is not the Biggs you knew before." Steven said, doing his best tomaintain his bubble as Jet and B9 pulled their weapon as the bubble burst, Bismuth using her hammer hands to poof the gem and send the room into deafening silence.
"What…was that?" Bismuth whispered.
"Corruption." Jet murmured, carefully picking up the gemstone, all anger at Bismuth disappearing when she saw the splotches of color all over the gemstone. "It…it turns gems into…that." she said, passing Bismuth the gemstone, who stared at it in disbelief.
"Only a Diamond could do damage like this. It was Pink, wasn't it? Why didn't Rose stop her?" Bismuth demanded.
Steven sighed. "Because...because they were the same person." he explained grimly, watching as Bismuth re-bubbled Biggs and let go of the bubble before allowing it to drift to re-join the others.
After a lengthy explanation, Bismuth, Jet, and Steven sat on the edge of the lava pool, Bismuth staring off into space and doing her best to soak in the knowledge.
"It all…It all makes sense now." Bismuth said, nodding curtly and laughing without humor. "Diamonds sake. I was so excited to show Rose the Breaking Point. Can you imagine? "Hey Rose! Check out this cool weapon I made, I'm gonna shatter you with it!" she said, shaking her head with a sigh. "I can't believe I really thought shattering a Diamond would make all our problems disappear." she said, grunting and looking up at the bubbled gemstones. "I guess she took my advice, huh."
"So…you aren't going to try to shatter any more Diamonds. Or gems at all. Right?" Jet asked, looking at Bismuth, her expression unreadable.
Bismuth flinched but nodded, looking away in shame. "No. I'm not." she said, pausing for a moment before looking back at Jet. "I should have known B9 wouldn't like the idea of shattering. She told me how tormented she was by Buckstar's shattering. Said she'd even see her in her peripheral vision. Or even in her dreams. She said the death of that gem turned her into a monster."
Jet nodded, staring into the lava. "It did. She went from this gem who was a little standoffish and cold to someone who didn't care about anything or anyone." she said, looking away. "She pushed everyone away. The Famethyst, Jonathan…me. It was like losing Buckstar meant she had lost herself. The B9 I know then isn't the one I know now."
"Have…you guys had a chance to talk about it?" Bismuth asked.
Jet scoffed. "No. She…kinda hates my guts." she said, looking away. "Which hurts, because despite all of the abusive crap she's pulled…I still love her and want her to at least try to be better. But I can't have her around Jonathon, or me for that matter. At least…not until she at least wants to and puts forth the effort to change." the gem grimaced, staring back into the lava. "But it's too late for that now."
Bismuth's eyes widened. "What? She hasn't tried to talk to you?"
Jet sighed. "She…can't. After you attacked her, she ran off to the Kindergarten and, well…now she's like Biggs."
Bismuth's jaw dropped. "Jet…I'm so sorry." she said. "I…attacked her for disagreeing with me. Just like Rose did." she said with a grimace. "Were you guys at least able to find her again?"
Jet nodded. "Yes. Unfortunately though she was already corrupted when we got there. Honestly, though…it was probably a long time coming. She's physically strong, but emotionally…she didn't stand a chance against the corruption. Even if you hadn't have chased her off…it would have happened eventually."
Bismuth nodded. "Well…even if it would have happened eventually…I still shouldn't have been one of the things that pushed her over the edge." she said, turning her attention back to Jet. "I'm sorry. And if/when we managed to figure out how to uncorrupt everyone…I want to apologize to B9 too. I wish I could go back and do things differently."
The Onyx nodded. "Everyone has something they wish they could undo. In fact…I tried to force Freshwater to take the fall for an escape attempt at the Zoo." she said, looking away with a grimace. "Me and B9 were going to run away like a fucking coward an leave her to be shattered. We took advantage of the fact that she didn't care about her own life and used it to our advantage. It was absolutely horrific, and I regret it every day of my life. But…Freshwater hasn't once held it over my head, even though I think she has every right to. I can't speak for how B9 will react to your presence, but I think you should consider this your mess up and move on with your life." she said, a sad smile coming to her lips when she thought of B9. "Because some gems don't get the luxury of second chances."
Bismuth mulled over the gem's words before chuckling and clapping the gem on the gem on the back. "Thank you. I'll try to keep that in mind." she said, returning Jet's smile.
Steven grinned and heaved a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you guys are handling this really well. I don't know if I can take another huge relationship fallout after Garnet split up."
Bismuth looked horrified. "What?! What happened?"
Steven held up his hands defensively with a laugh. "Hey, hey, everythings okay now! She split up after Pearl and I told everyone about Rose being Pink Diamond. They're back together. But they haven't fused yet. They want to do it at their wedding, and I wanted to invite you! And maybe….ask a favor?"
Bismuth's eyes widened. "Garnet is getting married?" she said, laughing excitedly. "Should've 's been a few thousand years." she said, chuckling. "Of course. I owe you guys a lot. What can I do for you?"
…
"Are you guys…sure about this?" Bismuth asked, looking down at Steven, who had his hand on the door to the temple to get the others. "I mean…If they wanted to see me so much, they coulda let me out themselves, but they didn't." the gem grimaced. "Of course they didn't. I attacked their leader."
Steven looked shocked. "What? Yeah I'm sure! They're not gonna side with Rose anymore! Not after-"
Bismuth shook her head. "I'm not talking about Rose! I'm talking about you! Normally Garnet's here, but she's not."
"She'll be back." Steven insisted. "That's the whole point. It's a big Crystal Gem wedding, we should all be there together!"
"Why?! Why are the Crystal Gems still together?! After finding out that everything was a sham? Somebody's making them believe in the future, and it's you! You seriously think they're gonna want me around when the last thing I did was try to shatter you? You told them everything. And they made their choice. Look. They want me in a bubble, and you two out there. I'm made of the most solid, flexible, diamagnetic stuff there is and I'm not as dense as you might think. 've got enough self-respect in this gem to accept that they don't want me on their team anymore." she exclaimed, throwing her hands up and turning, scowling when she found Jet blocking the way down the temple stairs.
Taking a deep sigh, Bismuth turned to stare into the shoreline, a sad expression crossing her face. "Look…I blew it. Everything was different, and I….I didn't believe it." she murmured, hanging her head.
Jet hesitated before hesitantly putting a hand on Bismuth's shoulder. "Look…Everything is different. For all of us. You and Steven had a fight, and you and B9 had a fight. But…just because gems fight doesn't mean they can't make up."
Steven nodded, going to Bismuth's other side and smiling up at her. "We can make up. If they didn't let you out because they care about me, then they're gonna care that I want you back on the team!"
Bismuth looked up, surprised as Steven flashed the gem a smile. "I want you back on the team. Forget the surprise, if we show up together, they're all gonna know that everything's okay.
Bismuth smirked, standing upright. "Hmm. Spoken like a leader."
Steven shook his head. "No." he said, offering the gem his hand, his smile widening when she took it. "Spoken like a friend."
Bismuth nodded. "Right." she said, turning her attention back to Jet. "Are….Are we cool?"
Jet nodded. "Not friends." she said, offering the gem a smile. "But yeah. We're cool." she said, clapping the gem on the back as Steven lead the gems inside.
…
Freshwater looked up from her spot next to Pearl on the couch when she heard the door open, the room immediately going silent when Steven stepped inside, hand-in-hand with a Bismuth gem she didn't recognize.
"Hey everyone. Did you guys... Bis-miss-th me?" the gem said.
"I invited Bismuth! I…I hope that's okay!"
For a long moment, the gems sat in silence, shocked, as Sapphire slowly walked up to the gem, breathless. A longer uncomfortable lapse of silent passed before the shorter gem hugged her, the action immediately sending the gems into an excited uproar, Pearl and Ruby immediately hopping up and tackling the gem, sending all four gems tumbling to the ground.
"You wouldn't believe what we've all been through. I'm so sorry. We should've-" Sapphire started, her eyes widening when Bismuth interrupted. "Look, I'm right there with you! Steven filled me in!" she said with a laugh, motioning to the gem before smiling at Freshwater. "Freshwater, right? The gems have told me about you. Good to see you on Earth with the gold star."
Freshwater smiled. "I am too. You're…Bismuth, right? Pearl's told me a lot about you."
Bismuth grinned. "Exactly, Pearly. All good things, I hope?"
Freshwater nodded. "You're in a lot of her war stories. Glad to see you two re-united and here for Garnet's wedding."
Bismuth nodded, laughing as Pearl finally pulled away, still smiling broadly.
"Oh, and speaking of Garnet's wedding," Bismuth said, smiling at Ruby and Sapphire. "I heard you're supposed to bring gifts to these things," she said, reaching into her gem and pulling out a small box, opening it to reveal two rings, one copper and the other tin. "They aren't weapons, but-" the gem was interrupted when both gems hugged her tightly, squealing excitedly.
The rest of the day was spent putting the final touches on the wedding that would occur the next day, the conversation topics thankfully shifting to a more lighthearted nature of reminiscing about happy memories or excitedly shifting to thoughts of the wedding as they set out chairs, tables, and did a final runthrough of how things were going to go at the wedding.
"Alright, everyone, I think everything is all good to go!" Steven said excitedly, stars in his eyes. "And, now that that's all settled, I'm going to go get our drinks together for a toast. Pearl, can you lend me a hand?"
Pearl nodded. "Of course, Steven." she said, affectionately ruffling Freshwater's hair with a smile. "Be right back. Love you!"
"Love you too!" Freshwater said, waving.
"Who would have thought you two would manage to fall for each other in someplace as hopeless as the zoo."
Freshwater turned, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw the Onyx standing behind her, the gem shuffling back and forth awkwardly. Freshwater nodded. "Yeah. Sometimes I still can't believe it." she said.
"Especially since B9 and I jeopardized that."
Freshwater flinched at the gem's words. "Jet…you were desperate to protect Jonathon. We all do stupid things when we want to protect the ones we care about." she said, putting a comforting hand on the gem's shoulder. "While your idea to toss me to the Diamonds was…cold…you forget that I agreed to it. I knowingly went through with your plan because I was a coward who wanted to save Pearl and run from my mistakes. I…I was okay with being shattered. It was a mercy because then at least I wouldn't have to look Pearl in the eye after she found out about my betrayal."
Jet nodded slowly. "Well…I'm glad the plan didn't go that way." she said, looking away. "Either way though…I'm sorry for even putting it on the table. I saw the way you two looked at each other. It…reminds me of B9 and Buckstar. You were deeply in love with each other and I was fully willing to play a hand in separating the most healthy romantic relationship I've seen in a while. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if things had gone differently, and I'm glad you're here on Earth. With her. You two deserve each other." she said, forcing herself to look Freshwater in teh eye. "And I'm sorry I played a role in almost separating you two. It was wrong. We should have found a way to all get out together - not turn on each other like cowards."
Freshwater smiled gently, placing a hand on the gem's shoulder. "It's okay. I forgive you. And….I hope one day you're able to forgive yourself too because me forgiving you isn't going to mean shit if your own guilt keeps eating you alive."
Jet chuckled. "I'll try to keep that in mind." she said, smiling as well. "Oh…I also wanted to give you this." she said, reaching into her gem and pulling something small out of her gem, gingerly holding it in her fist. "I wanted to give it to you after I apologized because…well it didn't feel right giving it to you first because I didn't want it to seem like i was trying to buy your forgiveness witha gift or something." the gem rambled, carefully holding out her hand and opening it to reveal a small box that Freshwater carefully took, her eyes widening when she saw two rings with tourmaline gemstones, one a baby blue and the other a hot pink the color of Freshwater's hair.
"I just…you and Pearl are such a healthy couple, and I wanted to make you guys a ring to apologize for trying to break that up." Jet rambled as Freshwater carefully closed the box and pocketed it. "You don't have to take it if you don't-" Jet was interrupted when Freshwater threw her arms around the gem's neck, hugging her tightly, a broad smile on her face.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! Pearl is going to love it." Freshwater excitedly babbled.
Jet let out a shocked laughed before grinning. "Woah, Uni, I didn't know you were a hugger." she said, hugging the gem back. "And you're welcome. Bismuth taught me."
Freshwater pulled away, a little shocked. "And…you were okay with that? Even after…the B9 incident?"
Jet chuckled. "Yeah. I'm not sure how B9 will react to her presence when we figure out this whole corruption thing…but if she's a part of your crew, she's a part of mine."
Freshwater smiled, finally releasing the gem. "So…you're a Crystal Gem?"
Jet nodded, sheepishly tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. "Yeah….Yeah I guess I am."