A/N:
Hey, what is this? A quick update? Don't get used to it. Since I said I'd be introducing myself, here's something that should go without saying, but I have procrastination problems. Big ones. But the smart ones are always lazy :D I shouldn't be proud of that...
As always, sit back for some R&R, and please ENJOY!
Still taking gemsona requests if you wanna see anyone in here. One person from the tumbls has contacted me about the first arc, another for much later. I'm always open to more.
Graphite looked up to the blue zircon who guided her to the upper levels. "Where are we going, exactly?" The little gem asked.
Zircon glanced down to the graphite beside her, ruffling her black hair. "Zaratite." She spoke, breaking the emerald gem's concentration.
Zaratite did not look pleased with the interruption, glancing at the two out of the corners of her eyes as she tried to keep focus on the fighters below. One of her hands rested against her chin, the other resting on her lap. Next to her was a green pearl, with a gem in the same location as her owner, holding a holopad as she tried to keep log of the gems fighting before them. Zaratite let out a sigh, standing up to finally giving the zircon her attention. "Whatever this is, I hope it's important."
"Have I ever come to you without something you'd be interested in?" Zircon posed, pushing Graphite forward. "This gem isn't fit for fighting." She said, smile disappearing from her face.
Zaratite looked down at the little gem, then back to Zircon. "Then what use would I have for her?"
"She's a graphite," Zircon started. "And from my inspection, a perfectly functional one as well. I know you have your pearl for keeping records of the fighters…"
The pearl looked up from her log, actually showing interest in the conversation.
"But a graphite could keep records much better than any pearl could."
Now the pearl looked rather offended.
"They are made for this purpose." Zircon added. "So why waste a perfectly functional graphite in the pit?"
Zaratite hummed, looking rather interested in this new development. She took a closer look at poor Graphite, nodding in approval for every feature inspected. "Very well." She said. "Pearl, give her your log. Let's put this graphite to the test."
The pearl handed the holopad over to Graphite, giving the new gem a rather harsh glare. It's not like it was Graphite's idea to be taking her job in the first place. Though, when the log was placed in her hands, she was filled with a sense of familiarity. Yes, this felt much better. She felt… fulfilled. She had a purpose.
"I'll do my best." Graphite beamed, quickly figuring how to operate the technology.
"I'm not expecting anything from this lot." Obsidian said, intending for the following group to hear her.
Lazulite lightly punched Obsidian's shoulder for the comment. "Be nice," she said. "Surely some of them were worth the time."
Obsidian glowered back at the others. "I don't think so."
They reached the fighting pit quickly, Lonsdaleite adjusting to the feeling of the carefully carved stone beneath her feet. This was where they would be fighting? What a joke. Too easy to break.
"Alright, gravel." Obsidian shouted, summoning a scimitar from the gem on her chest. "Cause that's what you're gonna be when we're through with you."
"Obsidian, this isn't a competitive match." Lazulite pointed out, bringing the gem's attention to Zaratite and the others observing from the seating above.
"Lignite."Obsidian spoke under her breath, allowing her weapon to disappear.
Lazulite was certainly pleased with her friend's self-restraint this once. "Alright." She started, holding her hands clasped before her in excitement. "Consider this a placement test, gem newbies! Just to get a feel for where your strengths lie." She paused, making sure all the gems understood.
Lonsdaleite was battling her own divided attention. Yes, she understood the veterans, but Graphite was up there with that green gem who said she owned them. She didn't belong to anyone, and neither did Graphite.
"Of course, being out of place from your normal roles might cause some issues in the early stages." Lazulite continued explaining. "Don't worry about it. For now, focus on Obsidian. She'll be your opponent today."
Obsidian grinned, pounding her fists together. "Have fun." She teased, right before lunging at the first gem in the group.
Graphite was trying to concentrate on keeping track of everything, but that was difficult when Zaratite kept running her mouth.
"Would you like to take a bet on how many matches they'll last, Zircon?"
The zircon looked down to the green gem, sitting back comfortably. "No." She spoke, annoyance clear in her voice.
"Pearl? How about you?" Zaratite asked, tugging on the sleeve of her servant.
"Of course, ma'am." The pearl agreed, taking a look down at the match before them. "The realgar…"
"Not even one round in a low class fight."
Graphite nearly lost a grip of her log. Taking bets on how many rounds a gem will last… She looked up to Zircon, clearly feeling the same way as her. She kept up pace with her records.
"How about the alunite, Pearl?"
The smack from Obsidian echoed through the arena. The pearl looked back to her gem. "Maybe two."
"At most." Zara remarked. Obsidian continued her onslaught below, Zaratite merely enjoying the show. "That chromite might last a decent amount of time."
"You realize you brought them here because you were short on fighters." Zircon interrupted. "You'll lose your title if we lose Obsidian or Lazulite."
The comment caused Zaratite to let out a light growl. "I realize." She admitted. "But recruitment is left up to Lazulite. It's her fault we have such a sorry group right now."
"And who gave Lazulite these assignments?"
Zaratite slammed her hands down. "I did not take you in to talk back, Zircon." The two glared at each other for quite some time. "Whatever gems Lazulite brings in, you train. If you cannot grind these gems into shape, the fault lies with you. So prove me wrong!"
"Lonsdaleite's up." Graphite said, breaking the tension.
The other gems were beat up to the point of nearly retreating back to their gemstones. Thanks to Lazulite's guidance, Obsidian didn't take it that far, but things were not looking up for her. Not Obsidian, at least. Lonsdaleite showed no concern. In fact, she was ready for this fight. She'd been ready to show her true abilities since emerging with Graphite. A smirk crossed her face.
"What's so funny, peat?" Obsidian growled.
Lonsdaleite didn't answer. Oh no. She kept her ground. Not even shifting to a ready stance, just taunting the obsidian gem before her. "You."
Lazulite snorted from behind, and Obsidian was furious. "What did you say?!"
"You heard me." She teased.
Obsidian's jaw actually dropped. "You little piece of schist!" Obsidian charged at Lonsdaleite, fists ready to connect. Left hook, miss, right, not even close. No one had dodged her attacks before. She was an obsidian, a warrior. Only quartzes could best her. "Stop. Dodging!"
A request Lonsdaleite had no problem complying with. The obsidian struck with all her might and was… caught. Her fist was intercepted by Lonsdaleite's own, and the tall gem looked down to the stunned fighter beneath her. "Here's a tip." She said, twisting the obsidian's wrist back. "Acting on emotions alone leads to this." Lonsdaleite seemingly flung Obsidian across the arena with one motion.
Everyone stood in silence. Even Lazulite, with her endless comments was stunned.
Above the pit, an emerald green gem looked on in deep interest. "You said her name was 'Lonsdaleite', yes?"
"Yes." Graphite said, handing over the log she took of the matches.
Zaratite looked over the records Graphite had made over this day's session. "I assume you formed together."
"Yes." Graphite confirmed. "They pulled us out of the kindergarten together. I don't know how we formed in a nesosilicate colony, but-"
Zircon put a hand on Graphite's shoulder, Zaratite watching intently. The rare gem rubbed a hand on her chin, looking back and forth from the log, to Graphite. "Yes, well, you performed exceptionally well today, Graphite. Pearl, make sure to order this gem her own log. And Zircon…" She looked back down to the fighters. "Keep an eye on that one." She said, gesturing to Lonsdaleite.
Quite an evening for everyone.
A/N:
Fun fact: Zaratite is also called emerald nickel. So don't call me out for calling her an "emerald gem", I was referring to her color, not that she's an actual emerald, cause emeralds are types of beryl.
Ah, but I never thought when I studied geology that I'd be using any of the stuff I learned as slurs. I mean, schist is a common one amongst geologists, but not the others like lignite and peat, which are types of soft coal. I actually have a piece of anthracite in my collection, but I think I'll talk about that in the next set of notes.
Anyways, I'm kinda proud of this chapter. Some character exposition, and I also liked the changing perspectives. Don't worry, I won't overdo it on that.
Raise your hands if you think Zaratite is an ass! Well, she is one of the elites so of course she cares more about her records over the safety of her gem gladiators.
So yeah, I had fun with today's session. Hope you did too.
As always, show your support. Favorite, review, follow. Help an author out.
This is your lovely Squish wishing you all a wonderful day! :D
