Hey guys! Here's the next chapter! I don't think there were any questions this week, but thanks for the reviews! They're always great to read! Feel free to leave a comment or question about the story in the reviews! Thanks!
Disclaimer: I don't own Steven Universe, Gravity Falls, and Rick and Morty
When gems are bubbled, they are essentially put in a state of suspended animation or stasis and have no recollection of outside events until they're summoned again. Bismuth was no different in this regard, so it was reasonable for her to be surprised and suspicious of her new surroundings when she was released again. She was certainly not expecting to meet an unknown human, spouting nonsense about being abducted by a one-eyed triangle monster. It was most likely just another distraction her former leader set up to prevent the inevitable, which would involve forcing Rose to admit what she did was wrong and cost them their comrades.
Bismuth stared at the door that supposedly lead to Rose's room or sanctuary, whether or not this house was real, the doors did not open unless Rose's son gave permission. He had to come out eventually, from what Bismuth remembered humans had to eat and drink substance to stay alive and Rose's room wouldn't have anything like that.
"Come out Rose! We need to talk!" Bismuth shouted, pounding at the door again. "You owe me that much! Our last conversation abruptly ended don't yah think?! So let's go ahead and finish it!"
Meanwhile inside the room, Steven continued to hold his head and tried to ignore the pounding. He had just finished telling Mabel his story with Bismuth, and was bracing himself for whatever she was going to say next.
"So after you bubbled Bismuth, what happened next?" Mabel asked.
"I did what I promised- I told the others everything that happened. Including how mom fought with her and bubbled her without telling them." Steven answered honestly. "They were sad- Pearl could barely believe it, while Amethyst and Garnet were just stunned."
"But they believed you, right?" Mabel asked.
"Well, yeah." Steven shrugged. "I had just come back from under a volcano- I was a little crispy and my foot was burned. It was hard for them to accept, but they did believe me."
"Did they say anything about the lies your mom said?" Mabel asked.
"I didn't have the heart to ask them. With all the secrets about mom, I just chucked this one into the pile." Steven answered. "But I was always curious- just what led Bismuth and Mom to that fight, and just how... it all went so wrong."
"Well, now's your chance." Mabel gestured to the angry Gem pounding at the door.
"No way! We have no way to fight her! I normally have my shield, but I don't know if I can summon it here! And then there's you!" Steven exclaimed. "You felt Bismuth hit you- you know she's not holding back! I can't protect you!"
"I know we can't beat her in a fight Steven, so we have to reach truce before she smashes us into pieces!" Mabel stated. "As tempting as it is to stay in here- Bismuth is trapped in this weird space with us and we'll have to face her eventually. We have to fight Steven... we don't have a choice." Mabel placed a hand on his shoulder. "Go ahead and try summoning that shield thing!"
Nodding, Steven lifted his hand and concentrated- it worked to his and Steven's amazement. "I can't believe it."
"Guess Bill didn't know about this either." Mabel smiled and then turned to the big pink car, who had started snoozing behind them. "Hey Lion, I know you aren't feeling great but we really need you." After the cat grunted, Mabel turned back to Steven and asked: "Show me what can this kitty do!"
/
Pearl sighed as Ford and Peridot took final inventory of their weapons stock while the others were just hanging out, and were just anxious to get going. "It'll be okay, Pearl." She turned to her right to see Garnet.
"If that statement were coming from anyone else, I'd yell." Pearl chuckled.
"I know." Garnet nodded. "Sapphire's vision is almost completely restored- I believe Gravity Falls company are to thank."
"Yes... if you say so." Pearl nodded and then frowned. "Garnet... before Sapphire passed out, she had a disturbing vision about Steven and then lost consciousness. She was shouting about a one-eyed triangle. Do you remember it?"
Concentrating for a moment, Garnet sighed: "Yes. It wasn't very clear and I'm having trouble recollecting the images now, but... it showed Steven shaking hands with this being- I do not believe it was Gem or human."
"Why did Sapphire scream though?" Pearl asked.
"This figure was persuading Steven into some kind of arrangement- one that would be catastrophic for everyone if he agreed." Garnet answered. "I do not know the nature of this agreement or what may lead to it- I just know that it may mean the end for Steven."
"WHAT?!" Pearl's shout earned everyone's attention. "Garnet you have to know more than that! Before you said Steven was with something like a shooting star or whatever- is that what's forcing him into this agreement?!"
"Shooting star?!" Dipper suddenly but in. "That's Mabel's zodiac symbol! That means Steven and Mabel are trapped together somewhere!"
"Yes- but Steven's in grave danger!" Pearl shouted. "Are we ready to find this Rick Sanchez or not?!"
"Er yes but Garnet... you mentioned something about an agreement?" Ford asked. "Did you happen to see the person Steven was conversing with? Was Mabel in the vision at all?"
"No... but Sapphire does recall seeing a one-eyed triangle that resembled a symbol seen on Steven's currency." Garnet answered.
All the color drained from the Gravity Falls party members. "Ford... how's that possible?!"
Clutching his bag tighter, Ford sighed. "I don't know- but if anyone could have brought Bill back- it would be Sanchez."
"Hold up- who's Bill?" Amethyst asked.
"It's complicated, but-"
"He's an evil one-eyed triangle demon thing that enters people's dreams, makes deals with them in exchange for doing something for him- so yah know- a supernatural con artist essentially." Stan cut Ford's explanation.
"Uh... what?" Lapis asked.
"He was supposed to have been destroyed in Weirdmaggeden by yours truly!" Stan pointed to himself proudly. "But now your telling me, he's back?! What's the deal with those vision thingies?! You sure they're not still on the fritz or whatever you mentioned earlier?"
"Sapphire's visions were badly distorted due to the interference in this universe, but I'm certain that is what she saw." Garnet insisted.
"Have Sapphire's visions ever been wrong before?" Dipper asked.
"Negative." Peridot spoke up. "Sapphires are renowned and heavily prized Gems on Homeworld for their complete accuracy on outcomes. The only times there are uncertainties is when... well Garnet here first formed... and the human Sanchez's interference. When in fusion form, there a multiple outcome possibilities, but in the case of a single Sapphire- then it would almost be a guaranteed certainty."
"So that means Bill could really be back then." Dipper looked at his uncle Ford. "You don't think Sanchez put Mabel and Steven in the same place as Bill or something, right?"
Biting his lip, Ford replied: "There is nothing I would put passed Rick Sanchez."
"So what does this mean for us then?" Lapis asked.
"We continue with the plan already in place- even if it is Bill, Sanchez is still the best place to start looking." Ford sighed and rubbed his temple. "Let's just hope Sanchez didn't make Bill even worse this time around."
"Yeah going back to this Bill-thing?" Amethyst spoke up. "What's a demon?"
"It's a supernatural entity often portrayed in a negative light in modern human theological practices, but is often presented in a more romantic light in different pop culture references." Peridot explained. "It is essentially a figment of imagination, brought upon by intense boredom, fear, and curiosity of human beings."
"So Steven was kidnapped by someone's imagination?" Lapis asked.
"He was made from the mind of Rick Sanchez, so that's technically true." Ford answered.
"On the contrary- it's most likely just another lifeform you humans are perceiving as supernatural. Pearl, as an honorary engineer, you most definitely agree yes?" Peridot asked.
"I'm not sure what to believe anymore, Peridot." Pearl sighed. "And quite frankly, I don't care at this point."
"Besides... you guys are talking about relying on a Sapphire's visions or whatever. And you're living gemstones, plus Steven is half gem as you explained it, so how is a supernatural entity too far out of the box?" Dipper pointed out.
"That's true- Steven and his abilities have not been explained." Peridot nodded.
"What are you talking about- he get's all his powers from Rose?" Amethyst pointed out.
"True, but we don't understand why Rose Quartz had control over organic plant life. And did she have healing powers?" Peridot inquired.
"Yes. And potentially resurrection!" Pearl smiled.
"Okay, enough! My point is- our enemy isn't too weird compared to whatever else you guys have experienced right? Cause after spending a whole summer in Gravity Falls- I can safely say the weirdest thing I've seen is a flying saucer under the town." Dipper explained. "This is the most incredible, and worst thing, that's ever happened to me- but not the weirdest."
Garnet smiled. "We can safely say the same."
Dipper smiled back, but then frowned. "Garnet... in your visions, can you see if Mabel is okay?"
"She and Steven are fine for now, based on what I've seen anyways." Garnet replied. "But we should move quickly- Ford! Peridot! When will the portal be ready?"
"When I punch in the coordinates, we will arrive at the home of Rick Sanchez!"
/
Meanwhile, Bismuth was getting frustrated with the useless pounding at the door and decided to take a different approach. Kneeling down to the door knob, she manipulated her breath and started heating the doorknob and then quickly started cooling it. Then morphing her arms into a pick-ax, she was about to knock the handle down before being blasted back as the door swung open.
Grunting, Bismuth recollected herself and was surprised to see Rose's son and his human companion riding on the pink lion's back.
"Bout time you came out to face me, Rose!" Bismuth morphed her arms back into hammers.
"Bismuth! I'm sorry for how things happened last time, but I couldn't let you use that weapon and I couldn't let the Crystal Gems see it either! It just didn't feel right!" Steven shouted.
"Yeah? Did you tell the others about Breaking Point?!" Bismuth shouted.
"No... I told them everything else... just not that." Steven admitted sheepishly.
"Of course not! That would be going against your character Rose! Giving your comrades a fair shot of survival, in favor of your principles Rose!" Bismuth scoffed and then morphed her arms into a familiar shape, one that Steven hoped he would never see again.
"No Bismuth... not that." Steven mumbled.
Mabel frowned and squeezed his shoulder. "What is it Steven?"
"The weapon her arms morphed into- it's the weapon I told you about! The one that shatters gems instantly!" Steven quickly explained.
"Yes Rose... the Breaking Point- my greatest creation!" Bismuth chuckled and walked forward "You should be honored Rose, you'll be the first to experience it!"
Bismuth sprang forward, and Lion jumped back and sent a powerful roar her way. The shock waves sent Bismuth back, but she was used to the impact at this point. "What's the matter Rose?! Where's the pretty pink sword I handmade for you?!"
"BISMUTH STOP!" Mabel suddenly shouted. "Steven isn't Rose! You have the right to be upset, but shattering Steven isn't gonna help anything!"
"It'll make me feel better!" Bismuth suddenly charged, spurring Lion to run back into Rose's fake room.
Bismuth followed suit and looked around anxiously, frustrated she lost them in the vast darkness. "Come out you cowards!"
"Bismuth! Steven did what he promised by telling the Crystal Gems! You told Steven he was better than her for that, right?!" Mabel voice boomed in the darkness.
"That makes him different than Rose! But he's still the same coward Rose was during the war, and isn't willing to do what has to be done! She'd rather see her comrades DIE than WIN the war! Do you have ANY idea how many other Crystal Gems were shattered from Homeworld forces?!" Bismuth shouted, with tears streaming down her face.
"I... can't bring them back, Bismuth." Steven sniffled. "I wish I could fix all the messes Mom made, but I can't- that's how I ended up here."
"If you mean that... then call the others here, and tell them about Breaking Point." Bismuth said. "And come out and face me, already!"
"I can't do that." Bismuth whirled around, to see Rose's son and that other human and pink lion.
"Why not?!" Bismuth stalked forward, causing Steven to push Mabel and Lion behind him. "Tell me, Rose!"
"Cause we really are trapped here! I accidentally brought us here, by making a deal with some magic triangle thing and I don't know how to get us out." Steven chuckled nervously.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Bismuth replied. "But it sounds like it's your fault we're here!"
"You're right." Steven took a breath and stepped forward. "Bismuth- we'll need eachother's help to get out of here- if I let you beat me up without any resistance, will you agree to work with us?"
"Steven!" Mabel exclaimed.
"No it's okay." Steven insisted. "Please Bismuth... just do what you need to, to stop being mad at me."
The Crystal Gem seemed to be going over the offer in her head, before shrugging. "Not what I had in mind, but it'll do for now." Morphing her arms into hammers again, she walked forward. "You sure about this Rose? I'd prefer you put up a fight."
"Yeah I'm sure... but just me... Mabel and Lion didn't do anything to you, so please... whatever happens, don't hurt them. Mabel certainly didn't deserve that mark."
"You're right, they didn't have any part in it." Bismuth sighed and pulled back her arm. "I'm pretty angry, so you better brace yourself for this."
Steven closed his eyes, and braced himself for whatever punishment would come- until
"LOOK OUT!" Mabel suddenly tackled Steven to the ground, while Lion was growling very loudly again.
"Yikes! That was a close one!" A familiar voice sighed. "Long time no see, Pines!"
"Bill! It really is you! But how?! Grunkle Stan destroyed you in his mind!" Mabel shouted.
"Oh I know! And believe me when I say- THAT'S NEVER HAPPENING AGAIN!" Bill suddenly became huge and red before reverting to normal size again. Then turning to Steven, he sighed again: "Tsk! Tsk! Mr. Universe! Whatever will I do with you?! I mean- fighting a rogue Crystal Gem is crazy!"
Steven was too stunned to respond immediately, he was transfixed upon the former Crystal Gem's fading form- her gem was splitting and cracking. "W-What did you do to her?! Lower her down to me! I need to heal her with my spit!"
"Gross and no! It won't help!" Bill stated. "Her gem will eventually shatter, and you'll be safe and sound again!"
"You can't! Bismuth doesn't deserve this! Please! She's my... she could've been my friend." Steven pleaded.
"Well, I don't know about that- I mean, she DID crash the party here! And she did try to kill you- can't have that now, can I?" Bill pointed out. "Trust me kiddo, this is for the best!"
"No it's not! Let us go Bill! Now!" Mabel glared.
"No can do Pines- you're not the client here!" Bill waved her off. "As for you Mr. Universe- I am at your beck and call! Whatever your heart desires-"
"Save her! Stop Bismuth from shattering please!" Steven pleaded.
"Oooh... stopping the death of any living thing's a doosey in this place! You're gonna have to give me something in return!" Bill stated.
"Steven..." Mabel tried.
"Anything! Just stop her from being shattered!" Steven pleaded.
"Great! It's time for us to make another deal!" Bill reached out his hand and inwardly smirked when Steven grasped his hand.
"NO!" Mabel could only watch as Lion collapsed.