Oh, wow! I had this written months ago and completely forgot to upload this chapter! I apologize!

Peridot held onto the bars and slowly shifted her weight from her sound leg to the prosthesis. Since the swelling had gone down considerably and the suture line had healed, Sapphire felt confident she was ready for the temporary leg. Pearl had fashioned it from salvaged materials that Ruby and Amethyst had collected. They had enough for this one prosthesis, however; they would have to collect more materials later to accommodate the changes that would occur in her leg. It was strange at first. She had stumbled and nearly fell when she tried to walk after the leg was strapped to her. Peridot received quite a lecture from Sapphire about moving too fast. She gave Peridot a whole new rehabilitation routine to help her with adjusting to the prosthesis, and Steven fashioned the parallel bars for her.

She was slowly accepting her amputation. The bitterness still lingered but the replacement gave her hope of a somewhat normal life. Sapphire and Pearl reassured that Peridot would be back to doing almost everything she had done before. They told her that before Jasper, medicine and technology had advanced quite a bit and there were people in her situation that ran marathons and climbed mountains. Peridot was not interested in anything physically strenuous but, she had to admit, it made her feel better. A little. Lapis continued to encourage Peridot. She tried to motivate and cheer her on even though guilt mostly drove it.

"Does it hurt," Lapis asked as she watched Peridot shift her hips again. Peridot shook her head, concentrating on balancing.

"Not really. It is just strange." Putting weight on the prosthesis was still foreign to her. She could feel the pressure when she put her weight on her residual leg but, she could not feel the ground itself. Shift, she ordered herself and moved her weight again.

"Are we going to the Marketplace later?" Lapis asked, nervously.

"Uh-huh."

"Do we have to go?" Peridot sighed, closing her eyes for a moment in frustration. Since Lapis decided to stay, Steven and the others felt that the residents of the Temple were entitled to know and it had not gone over well. They were furious that they kept the Water Witch's presence a secret; even more, so that they chose to continue to harbor her. A riot nearly broke out. They tried to reason with the crowd on why this was important. They did not care. They called for justice; they called for blood. It took hours to settle them down but, the tension still lingered. For a few weeks, Steven and Connie thought it was best that Lapis stay out of sight. However, Pearl argued that Lapis could not gain their trust without being among them. This would be her first outing since the announcement. It would also be the first time for Peridot since losing her leg. There was an understandable feeling of apprehension from both girls.

"We've gone over this, Lap. If we want everyone else to accept you being here, you can't keep hiding from them. It doesn't help anyone."

"They hate me. They will kill me if given a chance."

"I won't…I-I-I mean; we won't let them." Peridot felt the heat in her cheeks from her slip up. Lapis gave her a quick, grim ghost of a smile. She tried not to let on that she was just a nervous as Lapis. Thankfully, Steven, Amethyst, and Ruby were going to be with them. Peridot could not defend Lapis by herself with her handicap. Not that Lapis needed protection; she could take them all out if she were pushed enough. It was equally important to keep her as calm as possible if anything should happen. Peridot tried to argue that Lapis was not ready but, Pearl was firm in her decision. She said that Lapis was responsible for her emotions and the subsequence reactions to them. If she wanted to stay, she had to prove she could handle being around humans. It was a difficult situation; they were teetering on a dangerous precipice with one false move ready to push one side over the edge.

"But, maybe we can postpone…"

"Tch. You said that last time too, Lapis."

"I know but…"

"Pearl would have a shit fit," Peridot interjected in a matter-of-fact tone, switching her legs again. She heard Lapis slowly sigh behind her. This was non-negotiable. Peridot tried to think of it as a normal outing. They would get a few things from the Marketplace and go back to their room. Quick. Simple. Casual. It is just another day; another outing. However, she could not ignore the boulder of dread nestled deep in her stomach or the slight tremor of her hands.

After she had finished her exercises, Peridot and Lapis prepared for going to the Marketplace. Lapis helped her get dressed, remaining silent and stoic. Peridot kept mentally repeating her mantra as she tucked the crutches under her armpits. Though she still wore the prosthesis, Peridot still needed to adjust and regain her sense of balance with the leg. When they were both ready, Lapis attempted one last plea to stay but, Peridot put her foot down—so to speak. Steven was waiting for them when they came out of her room. Lapis kept her head down and did not greet him while Peridot tried to make a friendly chat. Steven explained the others were already at the Marketplace, scattered throughout to detect any signs of trouble.

This was nerve-racking. Peridot gripped the bar of her crutches until her knuckles lost all color. The sound of her heart thundered in her ears and threatened to break through her chest. It felt like they were walking toward trial. Maybe it was. They descended to the busy Marketplace. It was buzzing with life as usual. Shouts rang across the vast space, a gaudy battle against each other to sell their goods. People hurried by to get from one place to another. Sand, sea, spices and wood filled the air with a heady perfume. Peridot had to keep reminding herself to breathe while Lapis remained uncomfortably close to her. It was a challenge for Peridot not be knocked down by Lapis or one of the rushed patrons. Luckily, though, no one bothered to pay attention to them. Or, so Peridot believed.

They stopped at the first booth to pick up some soap. There was an assortment of vials and bars with various purposes and scents. The vendor looked Peridot up and down before his eyes moved toward Lapis and Steven. He gave Steven a polite nod but, his dark eyes were locked hard on Lapis. Peridot told Lapis to choose shampoo and soap for herself. Lapis briefly looked them over before telling Peridot to choose for her. Rolling her eyes, Peridot picked out an autumn scent for Lapis and floral fragrance for herself. She bartered with the merchant before handing over a few coins, and they moved on.

So far, so good, Peridot thought as she shuffled through the labyrinth of tents. People stared, following the trio with curious or hateful stares. Hushed and heated words hummed around them. Peridot caught a couple of the exchanges floating toward them, caught in the stifling wind of the Marketplace. She took a few deep breaths, trying to switch between her good leg and her prosthesis. Sympathetic glances mingled with the hostile glares as they made it to their next destination. She hated those pitiful stares in her direction. Peridot swore the Marketplace was quieter than she had ever heard it even though it still roared with life. It was going well until some random patron called Steven over to question him about something, and someone took the absence as an opportunity. It took Peridot a moment to comprehend what happened. Lapis froze; her shaking hands touched the back of her head. She inspected her hand, and thick mucus of clear and yellow clung between her fingers. An egg.

Peridot scowled, trying to turn around quickly but the crutches made moving slow and difficult. By the time she turned and started toward Lapis, another egg flew from deep within the crowd. It hit and shattered with a sickening splat against Lapis's shoulder. A frown flittered across her tan features as she tried to comprehend what was going on. The boulder in Peridot's stomach rumbled as if moved by an earthquake. Lapis stood, rather dumbfounded as the crowd began to roar. Another egg soared through the air but fell short at Lapis's feet. Grunting, Peridot turned and blocked Lapis, challenging the crowd that was beginning to circle them like vultures over a carcass.

"Stop! Don't throw eggs," an unknown bystander shouted. Peridot pushed out a sigh, her shoulder shagging. Maybe people would be on their side… "Don't waste food on the Water Witch. Throw rocks instead!" Or not.

The crowd boomed in affirmation. Peridot felt one of Lapis's hands grip at her shoulder; the other was twitching at her side. No! No! No! Peridot pleaded with a desperate glance, meeting Lapis's blue eyes. People were shouting offensive threats and insults at them. A medium-sized rock struck Lapis on the cheek, and she collapsed to the ground. The pack descended with many clutching rocks tightly in their fits. Peridot stomach sank and panic bubbled against her ribs. Oh, fuck, she squeezed her eyes shut and waited for the impact. A few more rocks rained on Lapis and even hit her before Steven intervened.

"ENOUGH!" Steven shouted, and everyone turned toward him in one massive rush of moving bodies. He put his hands on his hips, keeping his legs wide and his stance firmly planted. Pearl, Ruby and Amethyst surrounded him. Sapphire pushed through the crowd and helped a shaky Lapis to her feet. Peridot tried to catch her shallow breath, in taking air through her nose and pushing it out her mouth. Pain coursed through her shoulder and radiated in her hips where the rocks had made an impact. She hugged her crutches to keep from completely sinking to her knees. Peridot felt defeated, humiliated, helpless. A bold man spoke.

"What is a few eggs and rocks compared to the devastation she has caused?" Many murmured in agreement. Lapis stepped toward Peridot's side, helping her stand straight. Yoke and blood trickled down Lapis's cheeks and neck. Her face was drawn tight and steely. At least she did not lash out, Peridot thought.

"I understand your anger and your frustration. Lapis is here because she seeks sanctuary just like everyone else," Steven said, diplomatically.

"Sanctuary?! We need protection from her. She is a pawn of the Titan!"

"She is a pawn. A victim of…"

"She is no victim," multiple voice rose in defense.

"The Titan abused and deceived Lapis. She was coerced into doing her bidding under a false promise. Her home was mercilessly destroyed. Lapis understands the suffering she caused and she wants to repent. She is here as an ally. We have an ace against the Titan and we cannot risk losing it," Steven asserted. A low rumble resounded through space. Sapphire tapped her shoulder, motioning toward a break in the congregation. With the everyone absorbed with Steven and his speech, they slunk out of the Marketplace. Well, Peridot hobbled. Once in the comfort of her room, Peridot sunk onto her bed while Sapphire tended to Lapis.

"That could have gone better," Peridot groaned, lifting her pant leg and unlatching the prosthesis. It hit the floor with a hard thunk. Sapphire shot her a deadly look, and she returned it with a guilty smile. Lapis sat quietly on her caught as Sapphire wiped away the egg and blood from her face, inspecting the damage.

"Does it hurt anywhere?"

"My head hurts," Lapis answered. "And I'm tired."

"You will have a bruise on your cheek and possibly a scar. You might have a concussion as well, so try not to sleep for a while. Even if you desperately want to. I'll give you something for your head." Lapis nodded solemnly. Sapphire straightened her back, turning toward Peridot.

"You. Be careful with that leg and make sure she doesn't go to sleep." Peridot saluted her as she left.

"Well, that could have gone better," Peridot stated, trying to fill the silence.

"Or worse," Lapis remarked. "It could've been so much worse."

"Hey, look at you trying to be optimistic-ish!" Lapis gave her a watery smile as she wrung her fingers.

"They weren't wrong, though," Lapis whispered.

"Huh?"

"They weren't wrong. I'm no victim. I had a choice. I willingly caused pain for so many, many humans. Steven is sweet to try to find the good in me but, I'm not good. I'm toxic." Peridot sucked in her lower lip, nibbling nervously. What could she say? She agreed with Lapis. To an extent. She did have a choice but, Peridot did not see her as bad or evil. Reckless and selfish but, not deliberately evil.

"I don't think you're toxic," Peridot finally said after a moment of consideration. She scooted toward Lapis's cot, clumsily transferring herself next to the nymph. Lapis briefly peeked at her.

"I'm a pain in your ass, remember?"

"Oh, well, I meant that lovingly."

"I don't get it."

"I wasn't completely serious about that. Yeah, we've had to deal with a lot of shit but, you will help us too. We will get through this. And you'll have some redemption."

"Redemption, "Lapis echoed hollowly.

"It's possible."

"I just want a home."

"Well, your home is with me now," Peridot responded, pleasantly. Lapis cocked her head to the side. Pink dotted Peridot's cheeks, her entire body warming as she quickly added in a stutter, "And Steven and Pearl…"

"With you," Lapis chose, softly. Oh, what was happening. Her heart was fluttering; her body was ignited. They were really close, Peridot realized. How did she not realize how close they were sitting? Legs touching, fingers brushing. Blue eyes were pensively staring into green. They stared at each other, not moving closer but not apart. Peridot turned away but reached for Lapis's hand, lacing their fingers together. Lapis rested her head against Peridot's shoulder. For a moment, they remained suspended in the tranquil moment until Peridot realized that Lapis had dozed off.

"Hey, wake up!"