Chapter Three: Interrogation

Once they arrived at the Temple, Tourmaline popped Altaite's bubble, standing guard over his gem.

Andesine brought in Howlite's gem, hoping she would regenerate fast.

After a few minutes, Howlite regenerated on a chair, snarling when she noticed she was surrounded by the Gems, weapons drawn.

She summoned her pike.

Andesine took it from her hand and started heating it up herself.

She put the red tip above Howlite's arm.

"Tell me. Why are you really here?"

She retorted. "None of your business."

Andesine lowered the tip, making Howlite yelp.

"Fine! I'm here because that stupid Yellow Diamond banished all the Howlites, said we were of no use to her."

"And? That can't be the only reason."

Howlite looked to the side.

"Are you refusing?" She lowered the pike a bit, making Howlite talk.

"Some Gem framed me! I don't know who, her name was Iol-something!"

The Gems didn't pay much attention to that last part; just the fact that Yellow Diamond was active and banished all Howlites.

Malachite glared at Howlite, asking Andesine for the pike.

"Listen. You're gonna give us answers now, and you're not gonna refuse."

She started talking fast.

"Idon'tknowwhatexactlyhappenedIjustwanttogohomeI'msorryforeverythingpleaseletmegonowpleeeease!"

Malachite looked at her, trying to decipher the jumbled mess of words she threw at him.

"You can go home after you answer this."

Her eyes lit up.

"Where is Yellow Diamond?"

She answered him calmly.

"Right now, she's trying to raise the Tower of Impurity by herself to get you guys distracted while she gets ready for something."

The Tower of Impurity was a horrid place.

Any Gems that step foot there without the proper gear would go corrupt, even if one part of the armor, such as the helmet, was missing.

The Gems shivered when she said that.

"You've proven yourself useful. I'll escort you to the Galaxy Warp."

Malachite went over to the Warp Pad, disappearing with Howlite.

Well, at least the Gems know that the Tower of Impurity might rise soon.

They couldn't help but laugh, though.

Raising the Tower of Impurity takes a day of unrest.

And then waiting for it to actually rise takes a while.