Chapter Two: Interrogation
The temple was one of the weirdest communication hubs Peridot had ever seen. There was only one port and no other technology. The door with the star intrigued her though. Peridot was sure that the door was the key to the Crystal Gems secrets. She knew that was probably were her fingers and Jasper were as well.
Garnet shoved Peridot onto the edge of the couch. Peridot resisted the urge to yell at the gem fusion as she watched Steven help Lapis sit on the far side of couch.
"Is your gem cracked?" Steven asked Lapis and she nodded. She turned her back to Steven and put her hands in her lap.
"Hold still," Steven said. He brought his hand to his mouth and licked it. He then placed his wet hand gingerly on Lapis' gem. Lapis cringed slightly and Peridot watched on in curiosity. Lapis' gem glowed brightly and Steven removed his hand. The crack was gone.
"Thank you, Steven," Lapis said, looking down at the human with a smile.
"I'm glad you're okay, Lapis," Steven said. His eyes were full of tears as he hugged Lapis.
Steven unwrapped his arms from Lapis and Garnet turned her attention towards Peridot.
"Tell us all you know about Homeworld," Garnet said, looking stoically at the gem.
"Wait, Garnet," Steven said. Garnet looked at the human.
"Shouldn't we untie her first?" Steven asked.
"Steven. This is no time to be friendly," Garnet told him in a strong voice.
And so, Peridot answered all of the Crystal Gem's questions with false answers and inaccurate information. A few times ,while telling the stories, Peridot would look at Lapis because a few things Peridot said were lies that Lapis would have known. Lapis listened but she never spoke up.
Hours melted together as the gems continued questioning Peridot and she felt extremely bored making up convincing fairy tales about Homeworld. All the while, Lapis never said a word.
The one named Steven had come closer to Peridot as she talked and Peridot scooched farther away as he did. The boy's starring unnerved and annoyed her.
The Earth sun had set and the moon rose high in the sky when the gems finished questioning Peridot.
"Steven. It's past your bedtime," Garnet said and Steven looked at her.
"What about Lapis and Peridot?" Steven asked the tall gem.
"I am going to watch Peridot and I trust Lapis," Garnet said. Steven looked hesitantly at Garnet. He knew Peridot was a Homeworld gem but Steven believed that didn't make her a bad gem.
"Do you think that's a good idea?" Pearl asked, looking at Lapis.
"Yes," Garnet said, crossing her arms.
"Now Steven needs some rest," She said. Pearl nodded, heading towards the temple door. Amethyst followed her and they both entered their rooms.
Garnet grabbed a stool from the kitchen and sat in front of the couch. Steven looked at Garnet with a pleading look.
"You're really going to watch Peridot...all night?" Steven asked. Garnet nodded, folding her arms and crossing one leg over the other.
Steven nodded back, a little somber. He didn't share his feelings because he knew it would only get him in trouble.
Steven looked at Lapis and Peridot before walking up the steps to his room.
"Goodnight Garnet," he called from his room.
"Goodnight," Garnet responded. Garnet set her gaze on Peridot and watched in bitter silence.
Peridot sighed closing her eyes. She felt anxious as the large gem's undiverting eyes remained glued to her. This would be one of the longest nights of her life.
Lapis started to slowly lay down and Peridot watched her in curiosity. Lapis stretched her arms out and rested her head in them. Her cheek became bloated as she laid down completely.
She glanced up at Peridot and the two gems locked eyes. Peridot couldn't read Lapis expression very well but the skinny gem soon closed her dark blue eyes. Lapis' unnecessary breathing evened and her chest rose and fell. Peridot realized that Lapis was imitating the human ritual of slumber.
She looked so relaxed and that reminded Peridot of how uncomfortable she was. She tried moving her arm from poking her side but at the slight movement Garnet straightened out and looked ready to pounce.
Peridot sighed, laying back into the couch. She sat uncomfortably all night long.
End. Chapter Three coming soon.