When Steven finally awoke from his slumber he found the Quartz near the front door. It's gaze still stuck to the screen below meanwhile a hand that stretched from it's back swiped through photos on the phone with rapid pace. Steven chuckled nervously at the determination that had clearly affected this gem so heavily.
"Good morning!" He said, waving at the Quartz. The sound made Amethyst, who somehow had rolled from the kitchen counter over to the warp pad, groan as they awoke.
"Keep it down Steven!" They groaned further as they turned on their side and away from the ruckus.
"Oh sorry Amethyst!" Steven shouted, much to their displeasure.
"Gems don't require sleep, why are you imitating human behavior?" The Quartz questioned without looking away from their device, something that actually began to confuse Steven who was beginning to recall the relatively small battery life on his phone.
"Yeah I know we don't need it, it just feels good." Amethyst muttered in irritation.
"Your incompetence as a gem is truly unsightly." The Quartz responded.
"What?" Amethyst asked, a new venomous tone replacing their previous irritated one. The Quartz remained unmoved.
"I won't waste the time to explain in depth. I believe you understand full well what you're doing." The Quartz stated.
"Guys stop! Come on there's no need to fight!" Steven said, rising to his feet and extending his arms to his two comrades. Amethyst also rose, a glare extending from them to their newest enemy across the room.
"How about you mind your own business!" Amethyst said, pointing at the Quartz.
"Ok then." It said without a hint of emotion much to the displeasure of Amethyst. Silence then filled the room as the Quartz continued not to pay attention to them.
"Ugh, whatever I'm heading out of here!" They said with a now sour tone as they stomped towards the front door.
"Amethyst wait!" Steven said however his words weren't heeded as Amethyst quickly made their way out the door before slamming it shut.
"Quartz! Why did you insult Amethyst like that!? You really hurt her feelings!" Steven shouted in frustration at the Quartz.
"All Amethyst have goals like the rest of us Steven. The difference between us and them is that they're unwilling to work towards their goals. Gems like them are exactly the type that the diamonds control. The one's that are stagnant and refuse to grow, they're useless, they have a right to at least know that." The Quartz said, still not looking up from their phone.
"That's not true! Amethyst has been working so hard on everything about herself. Her personality, her gem powers, everything! Yeah sure she can be a bit lazy and that may be a problem, but that still doesn't mean that she's useless!" Steven shouted. The room then went silent as the air chilled to almost freezing temperatures.
Steven could feel himself beginning to shake, taking a few steps back as slowly the Quartz shifted it's gaze towards him. It's eyes were calm with two iris' that glowed a bright pink as they bore into him. The Quartz hadn't moved and yet Steven felt almost as though it had it's claws sunk into his flesh. It cocked it's head to the side in a curious manner, eyes squinting as it did so.
The silence was then broken.
"I apologize for my insensitivity. It appears that I've upset you." The gem finally said in a rather calm yet firm manner. Steven was slightly taken aback, a cold sweat fell down his cheek as he thought.
"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to." He said sorrowfully, his gaze drooping the ground.
"And who should I be apologizing to?" The gem asked.
"Amethyst! You really hurt her feelings back there!" Steven stated.
"That sounds as though it's a problem they should learn to deal with on their own. They're a gem Steven and a disappointing one at that. Their form should be far greater and yet they're lacking. I will not apologize for their shortcomings." The Quartz stated.
"But you have to! How else will the two of you be friends with each other?" Steven asked, in disbelief of what he'd been hearing. Once more the eyes bore into the boy, this time his blood truly did run cold as it was far more threatening than before.
"I escaped the Diamonds wrath child, they are the only one's who held any power over me, so in any and all circumstances I have to do nothing that I do not wish to do. As far as friendships are concerned, I need none. All I need is a way to stop the Diamonds and free the other Quartz soldiers. No Amethyst could help me with that unless they tried, and this one clearly isn't trying and thus they aren't needed." The Quartz said.
Steven's gaze fell in disappointment at their words. A silence rested between the two. Eventually Steven remembered that he'd been expecting a package that day and so, he made his way over to his bed and began to change out of his pajamas.
"I'm going to check the mail." He said somberly.
"Would you like for me to accompany you?" The Quartz asked.
"No thanks. I'll probably try to find Amethyst too." Steven said. He then made his way to the door and with one last look at the cold Quartz he made his way out.
With sorrow he made his way down the beach. Each step feeling heavier than the last as Steven continued to wonder what made that Quartz so uncaring towards their fellow gems. He'd never truly seen someone who didn't care for anyone that didn't show promise. It was unsettling, the way that the Quartz was so dismissive towards Amethyst' feelings. As he began to delve deeper into his own thoughts however he reached the mail, upon seeing it's contents his day had been made worse.
"Dagnabbit!" He shouted in further fury. "I know I ordered khakis from the 'distinguished boy'! They should be here by now!" He groaned as he then sank to the ground, wondering why nothing seemed to be going right that morning. He didn't go any further into his sour mood however, a smirk tugged at his lips upon him thinking of how 'The Big Donut' always used to cheer him up. Deciding that's probably what he needed he began making his way towards what he was hoping would be breakfast.
"Hello!" Steven shouted as he banged repeatedly on the door of the establishment that he'd come to love over the years. It remained silent and empty however.
"Lars! Sadie!" He continuously shouted as he pulled the handle, but to no avail. He let out a deep and sorrow filled sigh.
"Where are they?" He asked, peering inside of the vacant store. It was around this point that he took notice of the sound of paper, rattling nearby in the wind. He turned to see flyers that'd been stabled to nearby poles. Confusion fresh on his mind, Steven approached one of these poles and read one of the many flyers. His eyes widened upon seeing a picture of Onion, as well as the large text that read "MISSING" right below it.
"Onion's... Missing?" Steven asked, his mind only displaying confusion as to when this had happened. It seemed like just the other day he had been playing with the child and his friends in the woods. His thoughts were once more interrupted by hearing an incredibly loud sound. It was similar to that of a large explosion but from a distance, a very far distance. His eyes bolted to the sky where he watched as a cloud was torn apart by a small yet blindingly fast object hurling towards the planet.
Without even thinking he dashed towards whatever this had been, knowing that it was heading near the temple and he and the gems had to take it out. A small amount of nervousness resided within him, one that he couldn't quite pinpoint or understand. It bewildered him as he continued down the path towards the temple, a large amount of sand erupted to the heavens, signaling the landing of this newcomer.
"Guys! Guys!" Steven shouted as he finally arrived at the crater at the beach. He waved his hand to signal his arrival, hoping to draw the attention of his friends who he found in front of the large hole in the ground. Alongside them had been the Quartz, still remaining in the form of a wolf and calmly gazing at whatever had made the crater. He gasped for breath upon stopping.
"D-did you see... What it was?" He asked through rasped breaths, the gems looked calm, none of them even had their weapons drawn which just confused him further and thus implored him to look at the craters center. The likes of which had been Amethyst.
"You needn't worry Steven. I'm sure it's nothing you haven't seen before." The Quartz said. With that comment Amethyst groaned in what seemed to be pain as they began to rise, their hand on their aching head.
"Ugh... Steven?" Amethyst asked, rubbing their head.
"Amethyst! What happened?! Are you ok!? Who did this to you!?" Steven asked quickly as he dashed over to the needs of his friend. The rest of the gems followed his lead, all except the Quartz who turned their back and made their way to the house.
"Steven... Calm down, you're gonna give me a headache!" Amethyst groaned once more.
"Oh Amethyst!" Pearl shouted, wrapping their arms around a now truly irritated Amethyst. "Thank the stars you're safe!" They continued.
"Geez P, don't get all soft on me. You know it takes a lot more than this to be able to poof me." They responded.
"What happened?" Garnet asked. Amethyst looked away as Pearl released her grip.
"I saw... Another gem." She said in a mystified tone.
"What?!" The other gems, including Steven, collectively gasped at once.
"Yeah. And they were asking about... Their dad?" Amethyst said, bewildered about the unique circumstance they'd been placed in.
"Her dad?" Pearl asked, raising a brow.
"Did they say anything else?" Garnet pressed. Amethyst however shrugged.
"Nope. After that I tried to rush her and she ended up throwing me all up in space." Amethyst explained. Garnet nodded as she escaped into her thoughts.
"That's odd. Gems don't have parents of any sort." Pearl said.
"What did she look like Amethyst?" Steven asked, his mind forming multiple pictures.
"Uh I dunno man. She was really small and her gem was like right under her eye, almost like a tear now that I think about it." Amethyst said as she pondered the appearance of the newest gem threat.
"Really?! Oh that's so weird, maybe we should go inside and draw pictures to get a better idea? What do you guys think?" Steven asked in excitement at the image of another new gem.
"That won't be necessary, it'd also be a waste of time." Everyone was startled, immediately darting their heads back to see the Quartz who was once more calmly sitting on the smooth sand.
"W-wait you heard about the new gem?" Steven asked, still noticeably startled by the abrupt appearance of the Quartz.
"Once more. It's a beauty, what a gem can do once they utilize the tools at their disposal. Nevertheless yes I heard the entirety of your conversation and this new gem is most certainly of interest. I'd love to go and try to find it."
"As much as I'd love to for the sake of the city, we don't know of any ways to track them down." Pearl said with worry.
"I suppose I could scout for them from the skies. They're more than enough forms that utilize flight." The Quartz said
"Wait! The new gem could probably be the reason why there's all these weird disappearance in the city, like how Lars and Sadie weren't at 'The Big Donut' even though it's open! Or how Onion is missing! Or how I still haven't gotten my khakis!" Steven shouted. After that there was some silence following his words as all the gems stared at him, a mystified expression painted on their faces.
"You're point is?" The Quartz asked.
"Oh right! Sorry! Anyway my point is that maybe if we look for my friends we'll find the new gem!" Steven exclaimed.
"Well... He could have a point on that. Maybe a search for the humans and the gem isn't a bad idea. Garnet what do you think?" Pearl asked the still pondering leader of the gems.
"Hmm. Alright then. We'll spread out and search for the humans as well as the new gem,splitting up would help to cover all areas of the city." Garnet stated. Steven gasped, his eyes beginning to brighten upon their words.
"Ruby and Sapphire!" Steven nearly shouted. The Quartz noticeably cocked it's head in curiosity.
"You have a Sapphire on this planet? What an interesting idea, if I may ask where are they?" The Quartz questioned. The gems remained silent, aside from Steven.
"Well that's the thing! Garnet's a-"
"A fusion." Garnet finished, their head held up in pride upon saying the words. The Quartz inched closer.
"Fascinating, a sustained fusion of a Ruby and a Sapphire. That's impressive." The Quartz said.
"Actually, it's more of an experience. But uh no Steven. I meant everyone else should split into groups." Garnet corrected.
"Awww." Steven groaned, looking at the ground in disappointment of not getting to see the two amazing and beautiful gems that made up Garnet's being.
"Well alright then. Garnet you go by yourself, Amethyst with Pearl, and me with Quartz!" Steven said. The rest of the gems were clearly distressed on the choosing of pairs.
"Steven, I don't know if I'm very comfortable with you pairing with well... Them" Pearl bluntly said.
"Yeah dude, this guy seems like trouble." Amethyst added.
"Really now? I mean out of all of you gems I'd say that I'm the most capable in protecting the boy, aside from the fusion of course." The Quartz opposed, an opposition that went ignored. Pearl lowered themselves to Steven's height and placed their hands on his shoulders.
"Maybe I should go with you instead. We never know if-"
"No. Steven's right." Garnet interrupted much to Pearl's dismay. "If we're going to look for the new gem it's best that he go with Quartz." They continued.
"Garnet. I'm not sure if-"
"There's no need to worry Pearl, I'm sure about this." Garnet said, flashing their glasses in Pearl's direction, reminding them of their clairvoyancy. With that Pearl's argument was no more.
"Well alright then, if you think it's for the best I can't argue." Pearl said, standing back onto their feet.
"Yep. Now if you don't mind I need to talk to Steven. Alone." Garnet stated. With that all of the gems including the Quartz backed away and near the temple as they in turn lowered down to Steven's height.
"Steven, I know you want to help this new gem out. You've always been very loving and willing to give others a second chance. For now though this gem is very unstable, their future is a blur of both good and bad endings and I need you to have your guard up." Garnet said softly.
"Are their future's really that bad?" Steven asked. Garnet nodded.
"They won't hurt you, that much is certain. But they've lost what little love they had for other gems and if you two encounter this new gem they could crack them or worse." Garnet said with dread. A shiver went down Steven's spine as well upon hearing their words. "Keep a close eye on them Steven. They're hurt but I believe you can heal them." Garnet encouraged. With that Steven put on a reassuring smile.
"I won't let you down!" Steven said, Garnet returned his smile with a loving one of their own.
"I know you won't" They stated, rubbing Steven's hair as they stood. They turned back to the other gems.
"Alright everyone! The search begins now! I'll go near the board walk and other sections of the beach. Try and find other sections of the city. Cover as much ground as you can!" They finished.
"Right!" Everyone else, excluding the Quartz, said in unison.
"Then Crystal gems, move!" Garnet said. They then quickly accelerated in the direction of the board walk.
"Alright P, looks like we should head to the pizza place first!" Amethyst said.
"Absolutely not! I know you, you'll just eat the entire time that we're supposed to be looking!" Pearl said in disapproval as they both began walking towards the city.
"Oh come on, don't be such a buzzkill. I'm gonna do some searchin', it's just some of it will be in the pizza." Amethyst replied.
"I refuse!" Pearl said. They continued to argue until they were out of ear-shot, leaving Steven and the Quartz on their lonesome. Steven being noticeably nervous about the two of them being alone.
"So... You ready to go on this gem hunt!" Steven said in excitement.
"Indeed." The Quartz replied. Afterwards their form began to glow before reducing in size. Eventually the pink light had been reduced to no more than a hat after which it disappeared leaving only that pink hat in it's stay. Steven simply stared in confusion.
"Uhhhh." Was all he could muster.
"Put me on Steven. It's a disguise." The Quartz said.
"Ohhhh. Right! Sneaky." Steven said before he swiftly picked up the hat and swung it onto his head. A decision that was regrettable and marked by a loud thud against his skull.
"OWW!" Steven shouted as the hat dropped to the ground.
"My apologies, I was under the impression that you'd check the contents of the hat before putting it on." The Quartz said from the ground.
"What hey was that!?" Steven shouted, still rubbing his head.
"My gem can't exactly protrude from the outside Steven, it has to go somewhere." The Quartz replied.
"That really hurt!" Steven shouted back.
"Well I did apologize." The gem said plainly. Steven rubbed his head some more before eventually picking up the Quartz hat again. This time he checked and sure enough their gem was on the inside. He sighed before carefully putting it on this time, it fit surprisingly well.
"Now then. Do you know a good place to start with our search?" The Quartz asked from above, it was beginning to become more strange as Steven couldn't exactly find where the sound was coming from.
"Well I think we should go find Onion first. He should be easy, him and his friends usually go to the forest.
"Alright then, if you believe that is the best choice of action then we should be off." The Quartz stated.
"Right!" Steven said, he then began running towards in the direction of the forest.
Later on. In the forest
"Onion! Onion!" Steven shouted, attempting to get the attention of his now missing friend. "Where could he be?" He asked as the grass cracked under each of his steps.
"It's weird. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was here with him and his friends. Do you see anything up there buddy?" He asked, looking up at the Quartz. The new gem however didn't respond.
"Quartz?" Steven asked to which he was then abruptly shushed which startled him.
"I'm a disguise Steven! A hat, nothing more. If you continue speaking they'll think you're not alone." The Quartz whispered.
"Ohh. Right! Sorry." Steven said. They continued on their search for another few minutes until finally one of the things that'd been on their list had finally shown itself.
They were instantly recognizable as a gem by the light blue color of their skin as well as the tear drop shaped gem under their eye. They looked especially well dressed with a blue vest that been worn over a dark blue dress alongside a white collar and gloves with knee-high white socks. It'd almost been like a uniform of sorts, almost fitting considering their small size and stature. Their hair was also a lighter tone of blue worn in a bob style.
Steven gasped upon seeing them.
"Oh! It's the gem!" He said in almost uncontrolled excitement.
"Are you my dad?" They said in a noticeably high pitched voice as well as what appeared to be an english accent.
"Your dad? No, I can help you find your dad though. I'm looking for my friends too!" Steven exclaimed.
"I'm not looking for your dad, I'm looking for my dad. I need to find my dad." The new gem explained in an almost condescending manner.
"Um ok then? Do you need help? I'm Steven by the way!" Steven said.
"A Steven?" The new gem asked, butterfly wings that appeared to be made from water then sprouted quickly from their back. "Topaz! I found a Steven! This dull mission will be over in no time!" The new gem exclaimed. After they did such something strange began to happen.
The very ground beneath Steven's feet began to shake periodically as loud thuds began closing in on him and the Quartz. A new sense of dread found it's way inside of him, a bead of sweat ran down his face as the thuds continued to get louder and louder.
Eventually the figure making the sounds made itself known and Steven stared in horror at the enormous being in front of him. It's skin had been yellow and it wore a visor ,similar to Peridot's, as well as home-world attire like Jasper. Their hair was short, their face expressionless, and two gemstones sprouted from where it's ears should've been. It'd been almost a complete opposite to the rather small and somewhat fragile looking gem that now rested on this giant figures shoulder.
The true horror however came from the fact that Steven could see a multitude of his friends squirming inside of this giant figure. Lars, Sadie, Onion, almost everyone that he knew and cherished was inside of this being, horribly trapped and struggling for an escape.
"Finally! I was beginning to tire of this boring mission. It's so simple even Topaz could do it! Now with you here Steven, you can tell us the location of everyone on the list!" The small gem said a newly cheerful expression resting on their face.
"I don't know what you're talking about! Let my friends go!" Steven shouted in fury before summoning his shield. The small gems face shifted from cheerful to irritated as they then stood from their resting position.
"Don't listen to him Topaz, he's not my dad." They said before quickly whipping out what appeared to be a wand. It first appeared flimsy, similar to paper before the gem snapped it into place. With a mere flick of their wrist a bright light escaped the small object and wrapped around Steven and his hat entirely.
He was left paralyzed as the gem slowly lifted him into the air. A smile stretching across their face as they laughed and moved him through the air like a toy. They then spun him in a circle at incredible speeds before launching him towards a nearby tree. As soon as he went flying in that direction however his hat flew off.
When his back hit the tree he also heard what sounded like hundreds of pounds of glass all being shattered at once.
He looked up from the ground he saw a black creature that had a tail wrapped around the large gem known as Topaz. It's skin appeared to be almost like armor, shining in the sunlight as multiple spikes protruded from it's body, it's tail had encompassed it's lower half completely and it's hands and head also appeared to just be large and sharp spikes as well.
What was strange to Steven however was the fact that it's arms were gone, buried within the head of the Topaz. Piercing where their gemstones had been. As his vision began to clear he watched as the black creature pounced off of the Topaz and slivered back to Steven before putting itself in a defensive stance in front of him. The Topaz barely moved however.
Instead it's form shifted into pure light, it walked backwards and began to glitch, making loud static noises as it's size became smaller and smaller. Eventually the humans trapped within it were freed as the light from the large Topaz slowly returned to what now was pieces that used to make up it's gemstones The child like gem with butterfly like wings simply stared in the air with a horrified expression on their face.
Their mouth had been agape at the shattered pieces where the large brute used to be.
"Topaz!" They shouted in surprise as well as anguish.
"You're next." Was all Steven heard from the cold Quartz who he'd now seen shatter two gems.