Lapis could not bring herself to look up at the rows of cells as she passed them. The smell of waste hung thickly in the air. The deafening echoes of despair filled her ears. It was an all too familiar sound. One that plagued her sleep and seeped into the quietness of her days. The sight of all the imprisoned humans and mythical creatures shoved into tiny cells made her isolated cell seem like a blessing. Lapis kept her head down, and her eyes focused on the rhythm of her feet against the floor. She was struggling to keep up with Peridot and her companions. All this activity made her beaten body ache, but she was determined to continue-to get away from Jasper.

Several outcomes of their escape ran through her mind. She tried to concentrate on the positive scenario where they were successful. You are going to die today. The notion abruptly interrupted Lapis' thoughts. Jasper will catch you, and you will die. Suddenly, a sickening sense of dread nestled in her stomach. Lapis could feel every beat of her racing heart, and there was a suffocating pressure against her chest. Her breathing became shallow as she wrestled to maintain her composure. She felt faint, and her body was burning. All she wanted to run back to the quiet safety cell and retreat into solitude. Why did she even leave? This was reckless. It was suicidal.

"Are you, okay?" Lapis looked over at Steven. She hadn't realized she had stopped. They had left the dungeon and were halted at the foot of the stairs. Peridot's hands still held hers, and she was looking at Lapis with annoyance and concern. Lapis could see the hostility in the eyes of the other three who had tried to attack her. I can't breathe. I am so much pain. Lapis shook her head as tears welled in her eyes. I can't do this. But, I am so close. Two strong hands rested on her shoulders. Lapis looked up with blurry eyes at Steven, still holding on tightly to Peridot's hand.

"I am going to carry you on my back, okay? You look tired. We are going to help you, all right?" Lapis nodded. Reluctantly, she pulled her hand away from Peridot. Steven effortlessly bent down and picked up Lapis. He draped her over his broad shoulders with one arm hooked behind her knees and his other hand holding her wrist. His long, curly hair acted as a soft cushion for Lapis to rest on. Steven turned to his friends and motioned for them to continue. Lapis still could not shake the feeling of trepidation.

"Just breath," Peridot instructed. Lapis lifted her head as Peridot fell into step with Steven. She inhaled and exhaled, moving her hands with the motion of her breathing. In her nose, out her mouth, in her nose, out her mouth. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. Lapis mimicked her.

"You got to be fucking kidding me," Amethyst muttered under her breath. Peridot shot her a sharp glance but averted her attention away from Lapis. Lapis scowled but continued the exercise, concentrating on her breathing. Her body still ached, but her apprehension was dissolving. They were so close. They were going to escape. However, her optimism was cut short when three of Jasper's soldiers rushed down the stairs.

The massive cyclops towered above the small group. They were a head or two taller than Steven but, Lapis noted, smaller than Jasper and beefy inbuilt. Their thick lips were drawn in savage sneers, revealing sharp yellow teeth. Each wore a black tunic and dark brown pants with orange belts. They clutched large clubs between their immense hands. Pearl, Amethyst, and Ruby sprang ahead of Steven, Lapis, and Peridot and withdrew their weapons quickly; Pearl with her sword, Amethyst with her whip and Ruby with gauntlets. Steven lowered Lapis onto the ground, shielding her and Peridot from view. The Cyclopes laughed.

"What puny humans," he sputtered, saliva spraying from his mouth. Lapis had never seen a cyclops this close. She knew they were known for their brutality and love for fighting. It would figure Jasper would have them in her army. Though, it did not really matter. They were caught. They were dead. Lapis desperately sought out Peridot's hand. She couldn't explain why she wanted that physical contact. It was strangely comforting. Peridot looked at her, confused. She let Lapis take her hand.

"Want to say that again, fat boy," Amethyst countered. All three Cyclopes burst into husky laughter.

"I like spirit. Gives your blood some spice." His brothers nodded in agreement. Without hesitation, Amethyst's wipe shot forward and tangled itself around one of the cyclops' forearms. His laughter was cut short when Amethyst gave her whip a mighty yank, and he went crashing head first onto the hard floor. The cyclops let out a powerful roar, trying to push himself up. Amethyst pulled again, jerking his captured arms from underneath him and he slammed into the floor again. Blood gushed from his face and speckled the floor in red.

His brothers jumped into action. One hurled himself toward Pearl preparing to smash her with his club. Pearl, with surprising agility and grace, dodged his attack. She used his size to her advantage and flipped over his shoulder. With her legs apart, she attempted to thrust her sword into the broad backside of the cyclops. However, the brute swung around quickly and sent her flying into the wall. Ruby punched her metal clad hands together in a bring-it-on gesture. The cyclops flew toward her with his firm hand raised. Their fists connected in a moment of strength, but Ruby had the upper hand and sent him backward.

Steven shielded Peridot and Lapis with his large body. Peridot's strength was in technology, and she could not contribute anything into the fray. There was no water for Lapis to manipulate, leaving her defenseless. Steven was aware of their limitations and knew that Ruby, Pearl, and Amethyst could handle the Cyclopes for the moment. As the fight broke into full force, Steven backed away; he was leading the pair toward the exit. Lapis was on the verge of another panic attack. If Jasper came down because of the commotion-if she saw with them-Lapis quietly regulated her breathing like Peridot had shown her.

"You two need to get out of here," Steven instructed, glancing over his shoulder. Lapis looked around. Where would they escape? He had backed them into a wall!

"Nuh-uh, Universe! We came here to save you, clod! It defeats the purpose if you are caught. Along with other nonetheless!" Peridot's voice was tight with exasperation, her other hand clenched tightly together as if she was going to strike him. "We did not risk our lives…"

"Calm down, Peri. I gotta help them. We can take these clods."

"But, if Jasper," Lapis interrupted. Much to her surprise, Lapis was highly concerned about this mortal man. She did not want to see this man killed. He had stood up for her. He had carried her to safety. He did not deserve to die. However, selfishly, she wanted to leave him. She wanted to save herself and ran away. Lapis was so close to being free. So close to being away from Jasper. So close to going home…

"The quicker you go-the quicker we can get out of here." Lapis and Peridot exchanged glances. Peridot looked aggravated. Her nose was crinkled, her brows were furrowed and her lips were tightly pursed; she looked like she wanted to protest more. Lapis did not know them. She did not understand the dynamic between them. She did not know how humans behaved in a stressful situation. Would the act reckless? Would they fight each other? Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale.

"Fine, Steven," Peridot finally said, angrily flat. "Come on, Lapis."

Lapis glanced at Steven as Peridot began to tug on her. She wanted to say something or do something. But she needed to get out of here. Lapis couldn't let Jasper find her escaping. She wouldn't! She was so close-why did she want to run back? So close. She was going to get caught. Run back! No! She was so close. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale…Lapis let Peridot lead her away as Steven ran back to his friends.

The air was cold as they slid out of the narrow crevice; a welcoming relief against her hot skin. It was nighttime. The sky was a blanket of black speckled with the glow of distant stars. The darkness enveloped the woods surrounding Jasper's castle. A large moon dimly illuminated the thick trees. Leaves whispered secrets in the steady breeze and crickets sang their chipper melodies. Moisture hung in the air and clung to Lapis' skin. Lapis inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of wood, foliage, and dirt.

Peridot and Lapis made their way down the rocky slope. The rocks stabbed at Lapis' poor bare feet, and the strain of keeping her balance caused her body to scream in protest. Yet, she was determined to push through. She was out! She had made it out! Everything around her seemed more vibrant. Her heart was pounding in her chest but the weight that had been holding her down for centuries was lightened. They were not in the clear, but Lapis could not help by feeling some exhilaration. She did not think they would make it this far. She was almost sure she would be caught. But, now, she was running outside without Jasper loaming over her.

After zigzagging through the trees in an unseen path for an unknown amount of time, Peridot slowed down her frantic pace and stopped in a clearing. Lapis' eyes widened at the sight of the fallen tree highlighted by the moon peeking through the trees. This was the place where Peridot had saved her. This was the place Jasper had beaten her. Lapis looked over at the splintered tree that she had been thrown against not days before. Her stomach sank at the memory. Beside her, Peridot was panting heavily. She was bent over, hands on her knees and trying to catch her breath. She motioned Lapis to the fallen tree, breathlessly

Lapis stepped forward, her skin blowing against her legs. She was a chaotic mixture of emotions. Was this what freedom felt like? Happiness and sorrow; anger and joy; fear and relief? She couldn't grasp one single emotion. How was she supposed to feel now? Lapis collapsed against the tree where Peridot signaled her to go. Peridot sat next to her, still breathing heavily. She had removed her mask. Her blonde hair was matted against her forehead and cheeks. Peridot was slick with sweat; her pale features were red with exhaustion. They sat in silence, listening to the rustle of the trees and the chirp of crickets.

"Now what," Lapis finally spoke, stilling trying to sort through her confusion. Peridot wiped her forehead with the back of her hand and scowled.

"We wait. If they aren't here by daybreak, we go." Lapis nodded and did not comment. After a moment, she asked, "Why here?"

"Huh?"

"Why are we waiting here? At this particular location." Peridot shrugged.

"It's just the place that was chosen to meet up," she replied, cryptically.

"Who chose it?"

"Why does it matter?"

"I guess it doesn't," Lapis murmured, pulling her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around them. She did not want to pry any further. She was just too tired and too emotionally numb. A dense awkwardness settled between them as they waited for the others. Time trickled by. Lapis tried to stay awake. The calmness of the night and the soreness of her body enticed her to sleep. Despite the anticipation of waiting and still being in imminent danger, she could not keep her eyes open any longer.

"Thank you, Peridot," she whispered, drowsily.

"Yeah," was the last thing Lapis heard before slipping into a restless sleep.