Superman/Steven Universe:

The Shield of Hope

(Note: Hey everybody it's been a while. But here's another update, were coming close to the endgame here. Today you learn the origins of my version of Brainiac. I was really excited to write her, she was an early idea I nailed down when I started this. I hope you all enjoy. :)

Chapter 24

Space

Steven starred up at the green alien with a mixture of fear and awe. This was the third gem outside the Crystal Gems that he had met the others being Lapis and Peridot. But this was unlike anything he had seen before, she was so alien. She stood confidently over him emanating power, control, and a whole massive load of the unknown. She grinned showing her teeth as she walked forward towards him and he slowly inched back away from her.

"Why do you back away from me? Doing so means you are attempting an escape, and you without a doubt realize where you are. An escape attempt would be useless, and running would also be useless. You are on our ship and we can easily find you anywhere on it. So please stop playing and face me." Brainiac said as she walked forward

Steven noticed as she walked forward weird cables emerged from the ground behind and slowly slithered towards her. The reached her back and with a quick click and a jolt from Brainiac's body the wires seemed to attach themselves to her back. The cables then began to glow purple as it appeared that the wires were feeding something into her. Brainiac let out a refreshed sigh her head going up as one wire went to her neck and attached itself, she breathed in and then out.

"I-I-I-who-w-wha-?" Steven stammered stopping his retreating and tried to process the information

"Oh did you not hear me before? We are just getting the information, but humans hearing does seem to be selective from time to time. As we said before we are Brainiac, and you are the first and only gem/organic hybrid in the universe. Steven-Quartz-Universe." Brainiac said standing before him and looking down

"Y-you know my name?" Steven asked

"We do Steven, in fact we know many things about you. Despite your appearance you have existed for 13 Earth rotations coming up on your 14th rotation. You are the genetic offspring of the rebel and leader of the Crystal Gems Rose Quartz and the failed human musician Greg Universe. You live on the East coast of the continent titled North America in the aptly named Beach City, where you spend most of your days doing… nothing really." Brainiac said

"You know-Wait a minute I do things! And my dad is not a failed musician, he's just one who doesn't get paid for it. AND YOU KNOW MY MOM!" Steven yelled

"Mom, that's the title for the females of the birthing process right? Gems don't have genders but whatever. We do know you Mom, but not personally only through historical records. Though we always doubted the legitimacy of them, we should look into a more reliable source for this info. But enough about that, we could only observe from afar now let's get a good look at you." Brainiac said reaching for Steven

"Uuuuhhhh, aaahhhhhhh. Personal Space!" Steven said distressed trying to get away only for Brainiac to grab his arm. Her grip was hard and cold mostly due to the metal

"Don't be afraid, we will not going to hurt you." Brainiac said as she lifted Steven by his arm to her eye level and began to examine him

Though Steven also took the time to examine her as well since he was so close. Her eyes were even creepier up close than from a distance. He swore that the white pupils of her eyes were glowing almost like there was a light inside them. Her skin was smooth, too smooth, it didn't seem real like it was made up of some plastic. And she smelled like a hospital that overly clean fake smell that is devoid of anything natural. And then he looked at the gems on her forehead, three off them, utterly identical about half the size of Pearl's gem. All circular, smooth, and immaculate having a light shine to them as the sunlight bounced off them. But there was still something off about them, these were not regular gems.

"Hmm, we are impressed. Despite your upbringing, the humans have managed to keep you in wonderful condition. We detect no serious genetic deformities aside from the obvious, looking up close it is amazing. The base is human, but gem energy is coursing through your cells in perfect harmony. Not only that but you do have impressive….. Bone structure, certainly a good sign for the later years of your life. And your skin is so smooth, we have seen what oil does to human skin. We are glad that you did not grow any blemishes since our last observation of you." Brainiac said as she began to touch Steven's face with her cold metal hands making him uncomfortable with the contact as she moved his head from side to side looking at him like a new dress

"Um, observation?" Steven asked nervously

"Oh yes, but only from afar. Thanks to the surveillance drones we sent to probe the planet, and the footage from Gem Drone P-4-97." Brainiac said in passing as she continued to examine Steven

"Gem Drone-wait are you talking about Robo-Pearl? She works for you?" Steven asked shocked

"Robo-Pearl, heh, that's cute. Not so much work as we built her, well modified her. Sweet stars above, your body is completely symmetrical. If we were to split you right down the middle we would have two matching halves, that's very important." Brainiac said with a laugh making Steven nervous

"I-uh-what are-?" Steven stammered

"Oh…No…... Wait a minute." Brainiac said seriously looking at Steven's hand

Steven stammered as she held his hand to her face, her white pupils focused on it. She then brought up her free hand, her index and thumb emphasized. Her sharp metal nails were glistening as she reached for his middle finger. Steven in fear closed his fist, only for wires to pop out of Brainiac's wrist and entangle themselves around his hand and fingers forcing them open. Steven breathed heavily as Brainiac reached for his finger, her sharp nails centimeters away from his flesh. Then at the last second Brainiac moved her fingers up towards his fingernails, the tip was slightly pointed. Brainiac then snipped the top making it flat and matching the others.

"There you go, no need to thank us." Brainiac said with a smile as he dropped Steven to the ground getting an 'ooof' from Steven as he fell on his butt

"What the heck is your problem?!" Steven yelled looking at his hand

"Problem? No Problem Steven." Brainiac said

"How do you know who I am? What is this place?" Steven asked getting to his feet

"Well you are currently outside your planet's atmosphere in one of my collecting crafts. And as we said we've been observing you Steven, though me finding you were as you humans say….. 'A Stroke of Luck'. Not that we believe in such a ridiculous thing, though the odds of me making such a discovery while in the middle of my investigation were very low." Brainiac rambled as she began to pace

"You were investigating….. Earth?" Steven asked

"Yes we were, you see it was a few of your 'Earth Months' ago we picked up the trail of something we thought was lost long ago. And as we scanned the planet we found not only what we were looking for, but you as well. It's quite amazing not only did we find a gem/organic hybrid, but the last Kryptonian as well." Brainiac said with a smile

"Kryptonian? Superman, you're after Superman?!" Steven asked shocked

"Superman, quite the garish title, as expected from a Kryptonian. Yes his capture was a part of our original goal, but after finding you we have expanded it." Brainiac said as she walked towards a tube looking at a set of clothes that were in there.

"Wha-but why do you want him? Why do you want me?!" Steven asked

"Oh that's right you've encountered the Kryptonian before, he fought P-4 and A-36 with those gems. Another unlikely thing to see, considering the circumstances understandable. The reason we want the Kryptonian is to complete something that should've been completed years ago." Brainiac said the last sentence coming out with a growl as her nails dug into the tube glass making a scraping sound, but she quickly regained her composure

"And the reason we want you Steven….. Is for this." Brainiac said turning around to face Steven

Before Steven could ask what she was talking about, he was covered by a shadow. He looked up to see a giant metal plate descending towards him. Steven screamed as he attempted to jump out of the way, but couldn't. Looking down he saw that wires have wrapped around his legs keeping his place.

"WHAT! STOP! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Steven yelled panicked as the plate got closer and Brainiac quietly stood and watched

Steven breathed heavily as the plate began to press against his head, and he started to try and push it back with his hands though it was doing little to stop the progress.

"WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS, STOP?!" Steven yelled as he felt the pressure building forcing him down, he received only a look of examination from Brainiac

"PLEASE!" Steven screamed tears rolling down his face as he was forced to his knees

His mind raced, he was going to die, he was going to die in space. This crazy gem brought him to space so a piece of metal can crush him. He wasn't going to see his dad, the gems, Connie, heck he wasn't going to see Earth again. There wouldn't even be a body left, he's in space. They'll all be worrying about where he is but never know. As these thoughts flooded his mind and more tears flowed at his imminent doom, something happened. From under his shirt the pink glow of his gem could be seen, Brainiac's eyes widened as she watched. Steven suddenly felt something, and energy flowing through his body. His bone no longer felt like they were cracking but were bracing themselves taking the force. Steven roared as the power surged through him and miraculously began to lift the metal plate off of him, Steven started to pant quickly as sweat rolled down his face.

"Ha, our hypothesis has been proved! It looks like I am going to get something out of this." Brainiac said with a laugh as she snapped her fingers

With that snap the metal plate was lifted off Steven and the wires released his legs. Steven fell to his hands and knees breathing heavily, sweat and tears falling to the ground as his head was faced downward.

"WHY DID YOU THAT?! ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!" Steven cried

"We were merely testing my hypothesis about you. And it appears that we were right." Brainiac said

"And if you weren't?" Steven asked

"Then this would've been a waste of time. And we would spend valuable time and energy cleaning up an unsightly mess." Brainiac said coldly sending a chill down Steven's spine

"You felt it didn't you, that power coursing through your fleshy being." Brainiac said walking towards Steven

"I-Y-You-what did you do?" Steven stammered

"We didn't do anything. What you did was always inside you as it is in every gem across the universe. It is the reason behind the gems power, strength, speed, and maybe even our intelligence. How we're able to know who and what we are as soon as we form. It's a shame Ivo was able to slip away before I could get more info from her, but in time her knowledge of the Gem Force will be mine." Brainiac mused

"Gem…. Force? What are you…..?" Steven asked confused

"Oh you don't know what that is, do you not surprised with your upbringing. To be honest many gems could go their existence without knowing about it, and those fools tried to hide it from me. Stop me from reaching true potential, fearing our rise, trying to keep its secrets to themselves." Brainiac said her voice filled anger she spoke of these individuals

"But with you and your amazing connection to the gem force. We will finally show them who is truly superior." Brainiac said with glee looking at Steven

"I-just-you-THAT'S IT I WANT A STRAIGHT ANSWER! AND ALL YOU'RE DOING IS GIVING ME MORE QUESTIONS!" Steven yelled fed up with the situation

"Steven getting angry…." Brainiac said

"NO….. I'm talking now. You're a gem, you're a fusion!" Steven said pointing to the gems on her forehead

"But…. There's something…. Different about you. You're not normal." Steven said warily

"No Steven, we are beyond any gem you have or will meet. We have ascended beyond the gems and have become something entirely new." Brainiac said full of pride

"What are you?" Steven asked

"Well we have some time till we begin the next phase and an explanation may help with understanding your current position. Very well Steven, we shall regale you with the tale of our creation and rise to ascendency. But to understand it you must first learn of the quarrel between the Kryptonians and the gems that took place millennia ago way before the civil war on Earth. You see long ago Krypton was only slightly more advanced than your modern Earth-." Brainiac began to explain

"Um, not to be rude but I already know all of that stuff." Steven said nervously

"What?" Brainiac said confused

"Yeah I learned about the whole Krypton/Gem war. The testing, the weapons, the house of El all of that." Steven listed

"Y-you do? How?" Brainiac asked

"S-superman told me." Steven lied not wanting to tell her about the Fortress or Lola

"Hm, he's more knowledgeable about his race then we thought. How far did he go?" Brainiac asked

"The bit about his dad creating a monster that was released on Homeworld and destroyed a lot of things and hurt a lot of people." Steven said

"Ah yes Jor-El's Doomsday monster, hopefully once I'm done here I will have the information needed to create my own. A creature who can defeat a diamond would be useful." Brainiac whispered to herself

"But it was because of that event, that started my development." Brainiac said with a grin

After that Humiliating defeat at the hands of the Kryptonians monster, hatred for the Kryptonians rose. The attack left their cities destroyed, shards of millions of gems littering the ruined landscape, and their so-called leader defeated saved at the last minute by the Kryptonians. What went through her mind as she laid there defeated and on the edge of her end by an organic. Fear, despair, doubt, rage? Can't say for sure, but there was a thing we are sure she was thinking of revenge.

The scene showed an alien city in ruins, fire and smoke rising from the crumbling wrecks that were once buildings. The whole area was deathly silent as it looked like the streets themselves glittered. The glittering coming from the gem shards that littered the streets, taking every shape, size, and color. In one area of the ruined city was a massive crater recently made smoke rising from it. And slowly from the hole a worn out yellow glove slowly rose from it weakly gripping at the ground as whatever was attached to it attempted to pick itself up pathetically. Suddenly from the crater a bolt of lightning shot up from the crater that lit up the sky. It was followed by a scream that was filled with rage, but also a hint of fear and self-doubt.

So they went hard to work on figuring out a way to pay the Kryptonians back tenfold. But they knew that they still had the creature and none of their weapons could harm it. So they decided to make their own weapon to defeat the monster and destroy Krypton as they did to their home. They knew the creature was created with a fusion of Kryptonian DNA and multiple gem shards, so they decided to make a similar collaboration between their races. But they wouldn't dare taint their creation with Organic material no, though they were open to using their technology, the Hypocrites. Through the years of relentless attacks they managed to get their hands on some of the Kryptonians tech and even some sunstones and thus began their experiments.

A large shadow looms over some gems appearing furious barking orders at them. The gems looked fearful at their leader but none the less nodded and saluted crossing their arms over their chest to form a diamond as they bowed their heads. The gems were then inside a lab looking at various tech taken from Krypton and inside a tube was a piece of sunstone that they were examining.

They broke down the sunstone to its most basic components seeking to make something new, something in their image. Countless attempts were made by switching pieces, adding things, removing them. All of them imperfect and promptly destroyed.

The gems looked down in disgust at this writhing moaning thing that laid before them. A hand reaching out for help, but none came. With the press of a button the gems watched the monstrosity be bathed in light. It let out a horrible scream before being vaporized

And finally after so many failures they found the right combination. Born from the dwindling resources of the planet they prepared for the emergence. They were expecting warriors, but got something better us.

A specialized looking injector was put into the ground and from it a strange purple crystalline liquid was shot into the ground. And from the field three bright lights could be seen as if the earth was heating up. And then with a quick pop three gems emerged at the same time touching onto the ground lightly. The gems were purple, smooth, and circular like a Pearl, all three of their gems laid correctly in the center of their foreheads. They had very skinny build not at all intimidating. They had green skin, short blonde hair, and green eyes wearing purple jumpsuits. They all had looks on their faces that were confused and almost bored.

But as expected those fools didn't realize what they had, and were prepared to chalk us up as a failure like the rest. Luckily for them we graced them with our true skills, while currently our strength was lacking we excelled with our intelligence. From the second we emerged we were smarter than any gem ever made. Able to break down and build anything, out strategize gems who have served in the military for years, and learn a thousand things about a planet before even stepping on it.

The three gems looked up to see three large shadowy figures looking down at them. The gems didn't seem to mind as they did various tasks. One gem was looking at some alien tech easily dismantling it and putting it back together. Another appeared to be playing some virtual game against another gem trouncing them. And finally the gem was looking at a screen scrolling through multiple planets looking at them with disinterest before stopping on one pointing to one.

We excelled beyond any gem that has been made or will be made. We were praised for our intelligence, we were called perfect, and we had the adoration of thousands upon thousands of gems. We were given all the comforts we could want from life, and yet we were unhappy. We felt incomplete like something was missing in our lives. Throughout the years it was something that was held in the back of our heads, something our collective intellect we couldn't figure out. Until one day one of us asked a question.

One of the three gems boldly walked into a large room while the others stood behind her looking on curiously.

"I would like to propose a query." The gem asked looking up at a large shadow

"We are perfect, correct, we are constantly being told that. Perfect meaning we are completely free of faults or defects. No gem can match our intellect. We have achieved so much in so little time. And we are immortal which means we will achieve more and more as time passes. So taking all of this into account, all that we have and can do….. Why do we have to serve you?" she asked

The scene then changed to two of the gems looking as their sister was chained to the ground. She screamed as she was whipped, a glowing blue wire going across her back leaving gashes, as the massive shadows looked down on them

It was at that moment we finally figured out was wrong. It wasn't that something was missing, it's that we were being held back. We were apex beings and yet we were forced to serve under inferior leaders. And as we learned about things they tried to keep hidden, it became more evident that they were not fit to lead.

The three gems entered a darkened room and walked to a pedestal. One of the gems held up a device that scanned the room finding multiple cameras in it, the gem then walked to every camera and did something to them. Another gem opened up a panel on the pedestal and began to work with various wires. Then a digital screen appeared before them and one of the gems swiftly dragged her fingers along the screen cracking some code. The screen then turned pink as various images flashed before the gems. They saw the planet Earth, the moon, a palanquin, what appeared to be a massive battle, and Rose Quartz. The gems continued to watch as they flashed through multiple images the screen turning black for a moment

We learned about the gem war on Earth and the incompetence of our leaders truly shined at this moment. They were overly emotional, ignorant, arrogant, and immature to an insane degree. Yet the drooling masses worshiped them and followed their lead without question, we were the evolved beings on a planet who couldn't keep up and tried to hold us back. They feared what we could do and upsetting their precious status quo. But we didn't care about this planet, this single speck in the massive universe. There was so much more to learn out there and we were not going to learn it here. So we began planning.

The gem entered what looked to be a surveillance room, there was one other gem inside watching the screen. She walked up to the other and talked to her pointing to the screen trying to get her to see something. The gem looked at the screen trying to find what was being pointed at. Suddenly a low CRICK filled the room as the gems face turned to shock. She looked down to see a thin needle sticking through her gem, the needle then began to vibrate as cracks started to form on the gem. The gem tried to scream but her mouth was covered, she struggled fruitlessly until her gem was covered in cracks and it crumbled to dust the gem vanishing in a poof as the sparkling dust fell to the ground. The gem looked down on the dust pile with cold indifference as she retracted the needle into a device on her wrist. The gem then walked towards the screen and began to work on it. The screen showed various areas of the complex she was in and with a single swipe the screens went black.

In another room that had a massive glowing mechanism in the other gem had just finished her work three sparkling dust piles laid on the ground as she stood at a panel. She typed away on a keypad and then there was a dial she grabbed it and turned it as far as it could go. The glowing mechanism then began to glow brighter and energy started to crackle around it. The gem watched as the device glowed and then exited the room.

Then there were four gems in what appeared to be a hangar an alien ship sat in there as they worked. Then the lights went out much to the gems confusion, and in the darkness a pair of green eyes could be seen. The eyes suddenly darted across the room and four screams followed by poofs filled the room. After a moment of silence the light turned on and the green eyes gem turned to see her two sisters standing in the doorway having completed their missions. With an approving nod they made their way to the ship.

Our plan was going on without a hitch, but there was one thing we missed. But at the end that was a blessing for it showed us our first step into a larger world, towards perfection. Those abominable leaders feared a power greater than their own put limits on a gems natural abilities. The others followed barely even aware of the power they may hold fearing some retribution from those in charge. But not us, we knew that alone we were powerful, but together we'd be unstoppable.

The Gem made their way to the ship in synchronized step until an electric blue whip wrapped around one of their legs tripping one of them. They looked to see a more massive gem standing at the doorway holding the whip and pulling the one toward her. The other two came to their sister's aid attempting to attack the gem with their needle weapons, but these were made for stealth attacks not head on. When one came at her she quickly caught it in her hand and snapped it like a thin twig. After knocking that one away with a backhand the other came from behind but got a boot to the gut doubling her over, her face was then forced to the ground as the gem stepped on her head keeping her pinned. The gem trapped in the whip looked worried using her needle to free herself by snapping it. She gets to her feet and jumps on the larger gems back. As she flailed the one she kept pinned to the ground was freed rolling onto her feet where she joined her sister in trying to hold their enemy down. Soon the one who was backhanded away joined the fray jumping onto the gem. They held on for dear life as they attempted to use their needle on her, but the more massive gem simply threw them all off as they landed in a pile.

The more massive gem loomed over the three cracking her whip at them. One of the gems looked worried until a gentle hand touched her shoulder. She turned to see her sister with a deadpanned look but gave a reassuring nod. Then one of the gems had a massive smile on her face as she held onto her sister's shoulder as well. Finally the gem held her sister's hand as well as they were enveloped by a bright purple light. The light began to grow towering over the once more massive gem and taking a humanoid form. The light then dimmed down revealing the new being. The three gems were now one, the gems appearing on the fusions forehead in the shape of an upside down triangle.

The great fusion looked down at her opponent with mild amusement, as the gem tried to use her whip. The fusion caught the strap and pulled her forward grabbing her with her free arm, she examined her as if looking at a toy. She then put both her hands around the gems head and squeezed. Pained screams filled the room before there was a poof, silence, and then a crack. The gem then walked to the ship and into the cockpit starting it up. The ship then took off out of the compound and into the sky towards the atmosphere. The fusion had a small smile on her face as she looked up to the infinite expanse of space

3

2

1

The compound then exploded in a brilliant flash of yellow sparks and fire. The compound collapsed in on itself. Crumbling into a mound of dust and rubble as it fell into the alien city below. But the fusion didn't seem to mind as she flew higher.

As we left that pitiful planet behind we realized something. As we became one and achieved a higher power and intellect, we realized what we were before was not perfect. And honestly we still weren't even with our union. As we got farther and farther away and we looked out to the stars we knew that we had to grow and expand beyond the limits that those who made us built. We were so much more than tools, more than what they wanted us to be, we were above them, we were above being simple gems. We were more than that, we had become BRAINIAC. And with time soon they will know that as well.

"So we began my journey to reaching perfection traveling to planets, taking their knowledge, and adding it to my own. Constantly growing an improving myself as we learned, with each string of data pushed into our mind we saw our goal coming closer." Brainiac said

"I-if you just wanna learn stuff, then why are you attacking us?!" Steven asked

"Attacking you? Oh no, no, no Steven. My drones are simply gathering data, they only attack in self-defense of themselves. Your human soldiers attacked first, if they simply let my drones do what they need to do then this all would've been over cleanly." Brainiac reasoned

"How are we supposed to know that?! A bunch of scary looking robots came out of the sky and marching around after a creepy message played on TV!" Steven yelled

"We believe explained our purpose clearly in that message. We are here to ensure that your planet lives on after its inevitable end. We are here to help." Brainiac explained

"Like I would believe that! What you're doing to Metropolis, it's just like what you did to Kandor!" Steven said accusingly pointing at Brainiac

"Ah so you know about Kandor." Brainiac said amused

"Yeah Superman showed me. A huge dome surrounded the city trapping the Kryptonians inside and then you….. Vaporized them and the whole city. I know what you're up to!" Steven said

Brainiac looked at the child with a deadpanned face until she let out a laugh. A laugh that was amused like she just heard a joke that made Steven's face fall.

"Heh heh heh, you really think you know what's going on do you?" Brainiac said leaning down to get closer to him

"Uh….. Yeah-I do….. Or did….. Until you-laughed maniacally like that." Steven said unsure shrinking back

"Oh dear simple Steven, how wrong you are. We are collectors, as of right now our drones are circling your planet collecting every strand of information they can from your history to your 'Pop Culture'. That and along with a few artifacts from your planet that need to be preserved for future references. Within the hour we will know everything about your planet and your race, but even then we will still require a more physical sample of life on Earth." Brainiac said with a smirk

"What?" Steven said not understanding

"Look around you Steven, this is Krypton's Legacy. Barring one massive hole that is going to filled soon, this room is Krypton. Their technology, art, and culture all in this room." Brainiac said gesturing around the room they stood in pointing at a set of alien clothes that looked like what Steven based Superman's suit off of, what appeared to be a statue that was bent in very odd ways, and finally what Steven could only describe as a massive red spotlight with two handles.

"You stole all this stuff from Krypton." Steven said looking around the room

"We preserved Krypton. They like many others now live on in my collection." Brainiac said as she made a gesture with her hand

Steven turned around to see the model bottled city coming towards him. Stopping right in front of him and lowering itself to his eye level.

"So…. Is model making your hobby…. Aside from….. Whatever this is?" Steven asked gesturing to the room

"This is no model Steven. Take a closer look." Brainiac said with a grin as with another gesture something that looked like a magnifying glass descended from the ceiling and placed itself between Steven and the bottled city.

Steven warily looked through the glass as it focused on the city slowly zooming in it. It was incredibly detailed and vibrant with color. But as he got closer Steven noticed something, there was movement. Something skittering about on the city grounds like ants, the machine got closer and closer. And Steven realized that these were not ants, they were Kryptonians. Living Kryptonians the size of bugs were in this model city, no Steven realized this was the City of Kandor shrunk and stuffed into a bottle. Steven's eyes widened as he looked at the city and people walking about using devices or flying around with alien vehicles. He then focused on one black haired girl walking down the street towards a park. She stopped for a moment and looked up into the sky almost as if she was looking at him. Steven yelped as he stumbled back into Brainiac's massive leg.

"I-y-you-th-there are people in there! People are walking and talking and living! People the size of ants!" Steven yelled freaked out

"They are much smaller than your Earth ants, but yes they are tiny." Brainiac said with a shrug

"That day, you didn't destroy the city. You shrunk them, you shrunk them and put them in a bottle like their some kind of… science project." Steven said horrified backing away from Brainiac

"We are not experimenting on them Steven, we are preserving them as we have done for dozens of other planets across the universe." Brainiac said

"Y-you did this to other planets?' Steven asked

"Yes, we have many others at our Home base from this galaxy. It's like one of your human museums filled to the brim with exhibits showing the wonders of the universe." Brainiac said

"And that's what you're going to do with Metropolis?" Steven asked scared

"It was what we were going to do, but the Kryptonian and your gem protectors seemed to have made an obstacle with that." Brainiac said as with another gesture a holographic screen was shown

"It was only moments ago this city was under siege from unknown forces and a strange alien craft descended from the sky and began encasing the city of Metropolis is a strange energy dome. The streets swarmed with robots and what we are confirming to be creations of Lex Luthor. Luckily the military with the aid of Superman and the Crystal gems were able to stop the attack. Though there are still many of these robots across the globe…." The reporter said as Brainiac had a small frown on her face

"HAHA, YEAH YOU GO GUYS!" Steven yelled excited getting a glare from Brainiac that slowly turned into a smirk

"We will admit they proved to be more formidable than we originally anticipated. It appears your friends were able to strengthen their connection to the gem force through training. But unlike most gems, we know how to adapt. We will get everything we came for Steven. There is no Failure for us, only miscalculations, and they will be corrected. I have bigger plans for you Steven, but you will also prove useful what we are about to do next." Brainiac said as she loomed over a nervous Steven

Metropolis

Superman and the gems stood atop a building as they watched the emergency services flood the streets of Metropolis. Superman watched them go as he took a drink from a soda bottle he had.

"Why so tense blue, we just saved the day?" Amethyst asked

"There are robots still going around the world doing god knows what, and we still don't know who's behind this." Superman said seriously

"I know, but we've won this battle and saved the lives of everyone in this city. Let's take a minute to breathe and then we'll head back to the fortress to see if Lola can help." Pearl said

"I feel as tense as you do Superman, but we've earned this rest. If only for a moment." Garnet said reassuringly

"Dang straight we do! So pass that bottle here!" Amethyst said with a smile

Superman returned that smile and handed her the bottle. She then proceeded to drink all the contents and then eat the bottle itself. Superman then gave a small laugh not expecting Amethyst to do that. They stood across from a giant JumboTron screen, the screen then began to glitch and let out a familiar high pitch shriek that once again got everyone's attention. The heroes stood up as the saw the upside down triangle once again knowing what was happening.

"Kryptonian, you once again you show races famous arrogance, celebrating your victory even though the battle is far from over." A voice spoke through the TV at them

"Well whoever you are we just kicked you dumb robots butts, so why don't you quit whatever you lame plan is before we find you and kick yours." Amethyst says defiantly

"We can see that the runt appears to be trying to talk to me. We are not actually here, we are using this primitive screen to relay a message to you. We can see you, but we cannot hear you. Did your gem get so overcooked that your mind is functioning slower?" the voice asked angering Amethyst

"Did you honestly think an operation of this size could be stopped so easily? We will admit you all exceeded our original calculations, but are adaptable. If we cannot take Metropolis, then we will have to take something else." The voice said

"Something else?" Superman said worriedly

"Metropolis is a marvelous city containing a good number and assortment of humans. But we guess we'll have to work smaller. Though our next choice is excellent as well, not only does it have an excellent assortment of humans but an amazing assortment of gems as well." The voice said its smirk could be felt in its voice

The gems all froze in shock upon hearing what they said

"We mean we'll have to extract them, but that won't be too difficult. We wondered how organics would interact with gems in a non-hostile environment. We'll be sure to question the humans there when we have a chance." The voice said with a small laugh

"THEY'RE AFTER BEACH CITY!" Garnet yelled

"WHAT?!" Superman yelled

"Superman fly ahead to reach the city we'll catch up go!" Garnet yelled

Without any hesitation Superman took off into the sky flying towards Beach city

"What are we supposed to do?!" Amethyst yelled

"We find a car and the nearest warp pad come on gems!" Garnet said

"How pointless." The voice said getting the gems attention

"We're going to stop you!" Pearl said

"And now the Pearl is doing it, seriously does this planet affect gems mind lowering their intelligence. Based on everything that happened here we may have to look into that." The voice said angering Pearl

"Gems, I'm not some villain from these human visual books. Do you seriously think we'd tell you that we were taking your precious Beach City if there were even the slightest possibility you could affect the outcome? Well guess what, nothing you or the Kryptonian does is going to matter. While you were enjoying your 'break', we started prepping Beach City thirty-five minutes ago." The voice said sinisterly as the gems looked on in shock

Beach City

"Connie don't let go and stay close!" Doug yelled as he held his daughter's hand his wife by his side as they ran down the streets of Beach City gunfire filling the air

Connie looked back to see Military soldiers firing onto an army of robots, the same robot that attacked Metropolis and was seen around the world. They appeared out of nowhere and started closing off the city attacking anyone who tried to fight back. Connie and her parents were pushed into the town after one of the drones destroyed their car. They've been avoiding them for nearly half an hour, the military personnel helping them along the way. As Connie ran she looked up into the sky to see a massive alien craft over the city and a force field enveloping the whole town. And in the center of the city an enormous beam was shooting into the street making a hole. What happened in Metropolis was happening here and Connie was right in the thick of it. As she was looking up at the sky she can to a curb and tripped letting go of her father's hand as she fell.

"CONNIE!" Priyanka yelled terrified seeing their downed daughter

The two parents turned heel to try and reach their daughter only for the ground to shake and they to lost their footing and fall. Connie rolled onto her back just in time to see a drone looming over her. Connie's blood froze and her eyes widened as she looked up at the metallic monstrosity. The machines purple eyes met Connie's and it sent a shiver up her spine. It then began to reach for her with its metallic claw.

"HEY SCRAP HEAD!" a bold voice yelled making the bot look up

With a loud BANG the robots head was blasted off its body, though it appeared to be still moving. The cocking of a gun followed by another gunshot sent the body flying back. Connie looked on in awe at what happened, just as a hand grabbed her shoulder and forced her up.

"Get behind me!" Sam Lane yelled getting in front of the child armed with a shotgun

Connie followed his words without hesitation getting up and running towards her parent's arms who hugged her tightly

"Get to the boardwalk, hide in one of the buildings. GO NOW!" Same ordered as more soldiers ran in and provided cover fire

"Come on Connie!" Priyanka yelled taking her daughter's hand as they ran to the boardwalk. They came up to the big donut when a voice caught their attention

"In here, come here!" Jimmy Yelled gesturing for the Maheswaran's to come towards him. Which they did running inside the building

"Here in the back!" Lois yelled holding the door opened as they all ran inside shutting the door behind them

Inside the room was Lar's, Sadie, and Greg. Connie noticing the father of her friend very quickly.

"Mr. Universe!" Connie said happily

"Connie, Mr. and Ms. Maheswaran!" Greg said noticing them

"Gregory? Where's your son? Where are his guardians?" Priyanka asked

"They're… out of town at the moment." Greg said nervously

"Looks like they lucked out. What's going on there?" Doug asked

"It's been happening around the world, there was an attack on Metropolis. Didn't you guys see the news?" Lois said stepping in

"We've been busy. I'm sorry who are you?" Doug asked

"Lois Lane, nice to meet ya." Lois said looking out the door for any approaching drones

"Daily Planet's Lois Lane?" Priyanka said surprised

"The same." Lois said simply

"You're a friend of Steven's?" Jimmy asked Connie

"Um, Yes." Connie said nervously

"We're friends of his too, Jimmy Olsen nice to meet ya." Jimmy said with a smile raising his hand to be shook

"Jimmy Olsen, Steven told me about you. I follow your blog." Connie said with a smile shaking his hand

"You follow my blog!" Jimmy said happily

"Focus Olsen, we are under attack!" Lois said

"They're doing what they were trying to do in Metropolis, but Superman stopped them." Connie said

"Wait, what's going on? What do these things want?" Priyanka asked

"I don't know." Lois said

"They were stopped before they could finish what happened in Metropolis. What's going to happen to us?" Connie asked scared

"I…. I don't know." Lois said trying to hide her own fear

Suddenly a large crash filled the air and the ground shook everyone holding on for some stability. Lois looked outside and saw that the force field has wholly covered Beach City.

"But I think we're gonna findout." Lois said gritting her teeth

Superman flew faster than he has ever gone before, he could see the city. It was covered entirely with the force field, he was too late. No he wasn't too late, he was going to hit the force field at top speed. That would have to do something. He didn't care if it hurt, he didn't care if he shattered his whole arm, he couldn't let this happen. He couldn't let those people die, he couldn't let it end like this. They had nothing to do with all of this, they were innocent. Superman speed increased as he reared his fist back getting ready to punch the force field.

Within the city suddenly a high pitched whirring sound filled the air. Everyone looked up at the floating spacecraft as purple lights suddenly began to flash. Something was about to happen and the residents of Beach city were powerless to stop it. Connie's breathing began to quicken as she heard the sound panic was filling her very being. Then her mother brought her in for a hug burying her face in her chest and her father joined cushioning their daughter between them. Connie took in comfort hugging her parents back.

"What's going on now?!" Lar's said panicked taking Sadie's hand

"At least Steven's going to be okay." Greg thought as he heard the whirring increase, he was afraid but had that comfort.

"I-Is this really how it's gonna end Lois? L-Lois?" Jimmy asked afraid

Lois was not listening at the moment, she was looking down the boardwalk. Considering something, something she wanted to say and someone who needed to hear it. But she would not have the chance as there was one last high pitched shriek followed by a bright light that enveloped the whole town. From the Pizza's to the Fryman's everyone saw the light until suddenly black.

Superman could see the ship was charging up for something, it was now or never. He threw his whole body into the punch ready to break something but hit nothing. Nothing but air as he tumbled across the sky having to stop himself and correct himself in mid-air. He looked around trying to figure out what just happened, and then he stared down a fear gripped his body. Where the small Beach town once stood was now nothing more than a giant crater the ocean slowly filling up the hole. Just like Kandor, Beach City met a similar fate, it was gone.

Superman slowly lowered himself to the ground as the reality of what just happened set in. All those people dead, all these powers and he couldn't do anything to save them. He fell to his knees right on the edge of the massive crater. He felt his heart rate increase as his eyes began to well up. Before however he could break out into full-on crying a hand touched his shoulder. Superman looked up to see Garnet looking down at him

"I-I am so sorry, I-I wasn't fast enough, I couldn't-." Superman said filled with despair until Garnet pulled him and hugged him

"You did the best you can. You're a Superman, but still just one man." Garnet said

"Everyone, all your friends, Steven's father, Lois, and Jimmy. They're dead." Superman whispered sadly

"No Clark, they aren't." Garnet said surprising Superman

"And we're gonna get them back." Garnet said seriously

3 minutes Earlier, Metropolis

"The Kryptonian will not reach the city in time to stop the shrinking process, Not that he could even if he got there." The voice said

"Shrinking? What the heck are you talking about?!" Amethyst yelled

"We could explain it to you, but I doubt you'll understand. How about we have someone a little more your mental Level explain it to you three. Steven if you would." The voice said playfully as the screen turned to static the gems eyes widening as they heard his name. And they full on Gasped when they saw Steven's face

"Guys, she doesn't destroy cities, she shrinks them down and puts them in bottles. Beach City and everyone in it will be alive, we can still save them. You have to-!" Steven yelled before the screen went black once again

"If it took you a moment to process what you just saw allow me to explain it to you. I have Steven Universe." The voice said sinisterly

"You-you BITCH! WHERE IS HE?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HIM?! I SWEAR IF YOU HURT HIM!" Garnet yelled

"Again I can't hear you, so SHUT UP! I am going to propose a deal, the Kryptonian has something I want a Codex, containing all the knowledge of Krypton. I know he has it and I want it. So here's the deal in 1 hour he will come with the Codex to the area Beach City was previously in. Once he surrenders it to me, I will return your Steven and Beach City. I will leave and never return. However if he doesn't have the Codex or tries to trick me, you will never see either of them again. I suggest you inform him again once you see him, your hour begins now!" the voice said before vanishing leaving the gems in silence

Brainiac's Ship

Steven looked around worried as the ship began making weird sounds. Sounding like a factory machine making something.

"Oooooh, it's almost done." Brainiac said like a giddy child that made Steven even more nervous

Just then a pedestal rose from the ground with a plume of Steam obscuring what was on it. Brainiac happily walked over to the stand letting it rise to her height as she picked up what was on it.

"Come here Steven. We want to show you the newest addition to the collection." Brainiac said turning around and kneeling to his level holding something out

Steven felt his heart stop as he looked at what she held. In the palm of her hand behind a glass dome was Beach City, now the size of a playset. And Steven knew that all the people were still inside now toy sized and in the hands of a crazy alien. He was now no longer the only captive of Brainiac.

(Note: Well, that was one heck of a chapter, the pieces are falling into place for the climax of this story. And I promise it will be an exciting ride. If you like what you've read then leave and review. I will respond to it ASAP. Till next time everyone. :)