Original Idea by: Scraps
Collaboration work with: DeityDeviantWarrior
Characters Created by: Rebecca Sugar
Chapter 5: The Old King's Lover
[*]
Several thousand years later
[*]
In the centuries that followed the Metalian war, the Gems expanded into a vast and powerful force within the known Universe. With the technology left behind by their fallen foes. The Gemians were able to mold their once small group of protectors into a mighty empire, with newly engineered tools, ships and machines to expand their protection to the Universe. Upon Master Diamond's recommendation, the planet that the Gemians were born upon was recolonized into the primary homeworld for the Gem species and to serve as the crown jewel for a new order of Universal protection. These protectors would be ruled by their idolized leaders, the Crystal Tribunal, consisting of Master Diamond, the Old King and the savior of the Gems, Master Topaz, the Taskmaster and the bringer of the golden age, and Master Quartz, the Lion and the guide for the Gems. As for the Gems, they were reorganized into a new protective service known as the "Crystal Gems".
However, without a war to fight, the purpose of the Gems soon began to become a personal debate between Topaz and Rose, with Topaz wanting to involve them in only Gem related issues, while Rose wanted to help the Universe as a whole. Diamond on the other hand, was usually occupied with his work on Insidiae, which he reorganized as his private laboratory. He appeared on homeworld every now and then, usually with his assistant Peridot beside him, but those times were few as he quickly returned to his mysterious colony.
As for the Secundos, they were given high positions within the Gem Empire. Sunstone and Moonstone were recruited by Diamond to assist him on Insidiae, while Lapis was sent to help restore planets damaged by the Metalians. As for Emerald, he was given his own squadron of Gems to train, several of these Gems included Howlite, his longtime friend and battle companion, and the Rubies, who with Diamond's help, had become a powerful Gem fusion trio.
[*]
Homeworld, Diamond training academy, present day
[*]
As Emerald stood before Ruby, he watched with a grin as the Gem summoned her gauntlets. The tall Gem lunged at her opponent, only for Emerald to side step the Gem and grab her arm and threw her across the courtyard. Ruby fell to the ground with a hard thud as he quickly spun back up and charged at Emerald. As she began to rapidly punch Emerald, the green Gem dodged punch after punch, finally parrying one of her swings and giving her a powerful uppercut, knocking her back to the ground. As Ruby tried to get up, she saw a sword aimed at her face. She then looked up to the holder of the blade, Emerald, who looked to her with a smile as he dissipated his weapon and extended his hand to her.
"Well that was better…" Emerald commented as he watched Ruby grab his hand and lift herself up. "You still are just relying on brute force though, it makes you vulnerable."
"I kept telling her that." Ruby replied with a calm demeanor. "But she refused to listen."
"That's a lie!" Ruby yelled as she looked away. "You always blame me for being so blunt."
As Ruby continued to argue with herself, Emerald looked away with a sigh as he rubbed his eyes. For several weeks now, he took on a request by Master Diamond to train the newly formed Ruby into a Diamond Elite, the Gems that served under the Old King. However, the problem was that the synchronization if Ruby's fusion was still on the fence, given the constant disagreements that her fusers, Ruby and Sapphire, had in terms of combat and coordination. However, at least some progress was being made, even though it was at a snail's pace.
As Emerald turned to continue training Ruby, he saw a familiar sight before him, there was the Old King, Master Diamond approaching him. The moment Ruby saw him, she stopped arguing with herself and knelt to the Gemian. Emerald was surprised at the sight before him. It had been centuries since he last saw Diamond. He noticed that his appearance had drastically changed since their last encounter. Diamond's hair was shorted and he was wearing a large coat with a cape. His beard was also longer and he had a much more stern expression on his face. As he watched Ruby rise from the floor and talk to Diamond, Emerald noticed the cold tone in his voice, the tone sent a chill through his spine. Just then, Emerald saw Master Diamond turn towards him and begin to approach the Gem. As he was standing before Emerald, the Green Gem looked into the molten red eyes of his Gemian leader, feeling a rush of inferiority as he stared down to the Gem.
"Smaragdus, I can see that training is going well." Diamond said as he placed his hands behind his back.
"Rubyum has told me about how you have been training her, and I am happy to hear how things are going. Keep up the good work."
Emerald was caught off guard at the compliment. Stammering for a moment before he recomposed himself.
"Well Master, I did promise you didn't I?" Emerald said with a laugh as he rubbed the back of his head. "Once Ruby stops arguing with herself, progress should improve. But you were right, having her join the elite has been effective, despite the fact she is still very blunt and hot headed.
Diamond looked to Ruby and then back to Emerald. He then nodded.
"Noted." Diamond replied. "Now I need to speak with Topaz, after you are done training Rubyum, Return here with Howlite tomorrow. I will have something for you."
"Yes Master" Emerald replied as he saluted to the Gemian.
Diamond looked to Ruby and nodded before he walked away. As he left the courtyard. Emerald turned back to Ruby, who was armed with her gauntlets. The green Gem smiled as he summoned his sword.
"Alright…so how about this time, you *try* to lay a blo-"
The next thing Emerald knew, a large Gem fist was inches away from his face. As it was about to make contact, Emerald made a simple reply.
"Oh…"
[*]
Homeworld, Topaz's laboratory, present day
[*]
Topaz sighed as they put the finishing touches on a large combination of a crystal panel with several machines and wires attached to it. As they stood up, they picked up a large piece of metal and placed it onto the panel. Topaz then turned and walked over to a nearby panel and pressed several buttons. As they did, the panel began to hum loudly before a blue column shot from the panel. It stayed there for several seconds before it started to flicker and then dissipate. Topaz approached the now steaming panel and noticed that the metal piece was gone.
Topaz then smiled as they walked across the lab and through a door. As soon as they did, they were greeted by a light green gem. She had light yellow hair in the shape of a triangle and green metallic arms and legs. She was standing before another crystal panel, which was also steaming as a warped piece of hot metal was resting on the now warped panel. Topaz sighed as they turned to the green Gem.
"So what was the problem this time Peridot?" Topaz asked as they rubbed their eyes with their hands.
"Warp efficiency is still at 0.7%" Peridot explained as her finger formed into a small screen before her. "It seems that calibration is needed for the crystal attunement frequency as well as the pad identifier. In addition, the reorganization of molecular organization is a problem."
Topaz sighed as they picked up the warped metal and looked at it.
"Can it be done?" Topaz asked as they walked over to a table and looked at several blueprints that were spread on the table. "Perhaps we could synchronize the Vitae processor to apply the-"
Topaz stopped as they looked up to see Diamond at the door. Peridot also noticed this and snapped to attention, approaching the Old King.
"Hello Peridot." Diamond said with a smile as he patted her on the head. "I trust my sibling had been learning much from you?"
"Of course." Peridot said as she guided Diamond to the panel. "We are working on a new form of transportation for Gem-kind."
"It's called a warp pad." Topaz continued as they approached Diamond and hugged their brother. "If we can get this working, we could place and a planets and a Gem would be able to teleport just like how we do, without the need of those parchments."
"I see…" Diamond replied as he stroked his chin, looking at Peridot and then to Topaz . "…well this is incredible, and I am glad to see you are progressing well Topaz."
"To be honest Brother, I can't take all the credit." Topaz replied with a smile. "Your assistant Peridot was essential for this and so much more. The Gem is a natural with reverse engineering Metalian technology and manipulating it."
"I knew she would be helpful for you." Diamond replied with a smile as he approached Peridot. "However, while I can see you two are all doing well together, I will need Peridot back at Insidiae."
"Understood brother, I can handle it from here." Topaz replied as they crouched down beneath the warp pad and began to tinker with it. "However, I pray that whatever project you are working on, you at least remember to visit Rose too. She's been quite busy uplifting planets with Lapis and she misses you."
Topaz looked up to see that Diamond and Peridot were gone. Topaz sighed as they continued to work on the warp pad.
"…as do I." Topaz said with a sigh.
[*]
Homeworld, common chambers, present day
[*]
Diamond and Peridot walked through the crystal hallways of the homeworld city, passing by countless Gems and looking around at the buildings under construction. Peridot then looked to Diamond, who was looking ahead with a stern expression on his face, but as he looked to her, a small smile grew. Peridot then looked away as she blushed, unaware that a smile had appeared on her face as well.
"I saw one of those...copies you made of me." Peridot said to Diamond as she looked at her hands. "You truely out did yourslef there."
"It was only to ensure there were no suspicions." Diamond replied as he looked to Peridot with a smile. "Besides, I made them half your height and gave them limb enhances."
"...that look like my arms and legs..." Peridot said with raised eyebrow. "...which brings me to the question of how *you* can tell me apart from them."
Diamond stopped as he turned to Peridot and placed his hands on her shoulders, locking eyes with her as he gave a warm smile.
"Because I changed their personalities to be annoying and socially impaired." Diamond replied with a smile. "Alongside the fact they are smaller.
"So you made smaller copies of me that are more annoying?" Peridot said as she gave him a squinted glare.
"What? It's a compliment." Diamond said defensively.
"Uh-huh" Peridot said as she began to continue walking, with a worried Diamond tagging behind her.
"I don't think you're annoying..." Diamond said as he tried to defend himself. "...just your clones."
At this point it was wise for the Old King to just shut up and continue walking
[*]
As Diamond and Peridot entered one of the common chambers, Diamond turned towards the door and placed his hand on it, saying the command "Condixerant" as he pulled his hand away. As he heard the door lock before him. He sighed as he turned towards the main chamber. It was a small room, consisting of a large desk built for two, which Peridot was placing blueprints on. There was also a large window, complete with a balcony, and…*oh my*…a bed large enough for two…
Diamond sighed as he approached Peridot, who had finished organizing the blueprints on the table and turned to see the Old King standing before her.
"It has been some time now since we last saw each other, hasn't it Peridot?" Diamond asked with a raised eyebrow as he crossed his arms. "For a moment there, I assumed you decided to cut your ties and become Topaz's assistant."
"Well…maybe I should…" Peridot said with a grin as she approached Diamond slowly. "They would be better at organizing all this data, plus working with all that Metalian technology is quite nostalgic."
"Perhaps then you should join them..." Diamond said with a smile as he began to stroke his chin. "It seems to me that they would be a better fit for you than this Old Gem ever would, wouldn't they?"
"True…" Peridot snorted as she was now face to face with Diamond. "…but if there's any Gem who is a better "fit" for me…it would be the one who knows me…inside and out."
"Is that Gem by any chance be…here? In this room?" Diamond asked as he gently placed his hands on Peridot's torso, looking right into the Green Gem's eyes. "This conveniently locked room that is only occupied by you and me? Complete with a conveniently placed bed?"
"I don't know…" Peridot replied with a sultry voice as she wrapped her arms around the back of Diamond's neck "…Care to find out?
Peridot pulled herself up to his face to place a heavy kiss onto his lips. After a few moments of extensive tongue wrestling with her lover, the green Gem then pulled away, leaving behind the stunned and flustered Gemian as she looked back towards the table with the notes.
"Are you coming Diamond?" Peridot asked Diamond as she looked to him and smiled.
"Oh…of course." Diamond gasped lightly as he shook his head back to reality as he approached Peridot and looked over the notes beside her. "What's the status on the army?"
"I went over some of Topaz's prototypes and was able to use them to make improvements on the Agate's design." Peridot explained as she moved her fingers into a square and created a hologram of a tall being with a triangular shaped body and a cylinder head with four eyes on each side and two long prongs on top. "Using designs from the old Metalian elemental cannons and our scrapped Abalone schematics, I have established new forms of flight and combat efficiency. I also went over the "incidents" with the light armies and crystal drones from the past few centuries and have established new methods of controlling them without any problems based on the Metalian controlling method. They will be able to obey your commands without question or objection, and we both know how they will be powered."
"Excellent." Diamond said as he looked towards the window. "What of Onychinos and the others, are they ready?"
"Yes they are." Peridot said as she looked to her screen, pressing a few buttons and pulling up new reports. "The indoctrination of Sunstone and Moonstone was a success, we didn't even need to use Ichor on them. They will be ready within the next few hours."
"Good." Diamond said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Everything is falling into place then. Now to take care of one last detail…"
Diamond then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small stone. Clenching it in his hand, he dropped it onto the table, only for it to be red and pulsating. As it stopped rolling, he issued a command to it.
"Adamantibus ... Diamonds es tu fuerint ibi decem?"
As he finished, the stone shined a bright light. As the light faded, there stood three different Gems before Diamond and Peridot, one of them was a yellow color while the others were white and blue. These Gems were known as Yellow, White, and Blue Diamond respectfully, created by Master Diamond to help oversee the Crystal Empire. As they looked to the Master Diamond before them, they knelt to the floor and addressed him as such.
"Nos hic esse servire tibi magne creatorem Gemia primogenitum autem Crystalli Matrem et Salvatorem Universum huius. Sine quaestione et serviemus tibi neque seditionem neque faciem manus tuae dimissione, nec nostra."
"Rise, my Diamonds." Diamond commanded to his servants. "You have been effective in keeping everything in order for these past few centuries, but now we are ready to begin our mission."
The Diamonds looked to each other as they looked back to their Master with a hint of hesitation.
"I understand if you are concerned at what would happen should we fail, which is why Peridot is preparing the finishing touches on Project: New Genesis, a precautionary plan should this happen."
As Diamond finished, Peridot approached each of the Diamonds and handed them a small thin crystal. The Diamond looked to each other before they placed the crystals on their arms. As soon as they did, their eyes shined with green light as data began to upload into their minds.
"Those crystals are providing the details of your individual missions should the primary mission fail or should anything happen to me. You are to follow those orders to the letter. Peridot will assist with ensuring everything goes as planned, but you must follow these two commands."
"Of course Master." Yellow Diamond replied with a salute. "We will do whatever you wish."
"Good…" Diamond said as he looked towards the balcony once more. "Because the first command is this: Should anything happen to me that renders me unable to lead our empire, you three will take my place as the leaders of the Gems. You will then suppress all information regarding the origins of the Gem race, the existence of the Gemians, the Metalians and Tiberium, and even Gemia and Obsidian. You will silence all who know and erase everything you can find. Peridot of course will be the only exception to this rule…"
Diamond looked to Peridot and approached her, placing his hand on her face. As she grasped his hand and looked to him. The Old King smiled and continued to speak.
"…which leads me to my second command: Even though Peridot is your superior, to prevent suspicion of her motives and origin, she will play the role as a simple Gem servant to you three. However, keep in mind that regardless of this, she is and always be your superior and no harm shall come to her, regardless of the circumstances. Is this clear?"
"Yes Master!" The Diamonds saluted to their Master. "We will follow your orders as you see fit."
"Good." Diamond said as he continued to look down at Peridot, who blushed as she grabbed his robe. Diamond eyes widened as he looked to his Diamonds.
"Leave us!" Diamond commanded. "…and speak of this to no one!"
The Diamonds saluted as they vanished in a bright light. As soon as he was certain he and Peridot were alone, he let out a sigh as he looked back down to Peridot, who looked back up to him with a dark green blush and a tense expression on her face.
"Diamond…" Peridot whispered with a shutter as she gazed up to him "I…I need you…"
Diamond smiled as he took his hand and cupped Peridot's face, leaning down to embrace her with a kiss.
"Well then I believe we have a problem…" Diamond said as he broke away from his kiss, grinning at a surprised Peridot. He then scooped her up into his arms and carried her towards the bed and placed her on top of it. He then laid beside her and pulled her into his arms. "…because I believe my need for you is much stronger. Care to prove me wrong?"
Without hesitation, Peridot and Diamond embraced in a passionate kiss. The green Gem gasped as she felt Diamond's hands caress her small body. As she watched as Diamond broke from his kiss and remove his robe, revealing his bare body and torso, Peridot gasped as she saw the scars that covered his body. As she sat up and traced her hands across them, she looked to her own hands. In that instant, the triangle haired Gem felt warm tears begin to flow from her eyes as she looked up to Diamond, who was watching this with an expression of concern.
"Peridot…" Diamond said as he reached for his Gem lover. "Is everything all right? Was it something I did?"
Peridot looked to Diamond before she quickly turned away from him, quickly curling up into a ball on the bed and covering her face with her metal arms as she choked back her sobs.
"Why did you do all this to me?" Peridot sobbed. "I hurt you and your people, nearly drove them to extinction, and after all of that…you…you gave me a new life and even your love. Why?"
Diamond gave a warm smile and a sigh as he pulled Peridot closer to him. As she tried to look away, she felt Diamond's hand wipe tears from her eyes. She then looked up to him and saw the warm smile on his face and the kind look in his silver eyes.
"Peridot…when we worked together on Insidiae, I knew you were special. I knew you were going to become more than a simple computer for a race of machines or a breakthrough in Gem technology, and after what happened with Rhyolite and Heliodor, that theory became a certainty."
Peridot watched as Diamond took her hand and placed it on his chest. Peridot let out a light gasp as she slowly traced her fingers on his scarred body.
"Why did you think I helped you with designing your body…with helping you expand your mind and personality? I did all of that because you wanted to become more than a machine. You became something greater than what Tiberium or even what I wanted. You became your own individual because you wanted to be one, and it was that desire for being your own Gem that caused me to fall in love with you, the real you, and be in love to this day and until the end of days."
Peridot sighed as he pulled herself in closer to Diamond and embrace him in another kiss, feeling the world around her shrink around her as she felt her fell back onto the bed. She then watched as Diamond removed the rest of his robe and threw it beside of the bed.
"Diamond…" Peridot said with a tearful smile as she grabbed Diamond's hand and clenched it. "…thank you."
"No matter what happens, one thing will be certain." Diamond said with a smile as he positioned himself before Peridot, ready to connect with her. "You have been and always will be my Universe."
Peridot gasped loudly as she felt Diamond enter her. The green Gem moaned as she felt the Old King begin to pump inside her, reminding her that there was nothing "old" about this king.
Diamond let out a light gasp as he pulled Peridot up towards him, kissing her vigorously as she continued to endure the sensations of his power. Peridot felt her body shake as the ecstasy from Diamond's weapon continued to pump inside her. Looking down towards her body. Peridot's eyes widened in shock as she could see a slight bulge moving up and down her abdomen. As she placed her hands on the moving mound, she looked up to Diamond with a shocked half smile.
"I can feel you…" Peridot said with a wavery tone. "…against my hand."
Diamond smiled as he began to kiss Peridot on her neck, clutching one of her small breasts as he began to nibble at her collarbone. As soon as she felt a bearded mouth trail down to her other breast, the Metalian Gem had already lost touch with reality, only to be brought back to reality with a sudden sensation of a hand upon the bud of her Gemhood. At this moment, Diamond felt the tight walls of his Gem lover clench as she grabbed his back.
"Wait!...Dam…unn!" Peridot slurred as she clung tighter to the Old King. Trying to focus as she felt her body was about to reach it's breaking point. "Dea..um…ei…um…cumond…Dea…plesss….leh..tuh..meee…cuh…"
"It's alright Peridot, you don't need to hold back anymore." Diamond said with a whisper as he leaned in to her ear. Peridot felt the warmth of Diamond's breath as he whispered a final command to his lover.
"Veni propter mecum!"
Peridot screamed loudly as she felt her body suddenly release with an overload of ecstasy. In that instant, she wrapped her body around Diamond and without thinking, bit into his shoulder. Diamond winced as he felt Peridot's teeth dig into his shoulder and her fingers carve his back like a rake in fresh soil. The mixed sensation of the pain from Peridot and the sensation of feeling her Gemhood clench around his and lather in in fluids sent him over the edge, releasing his own essence within Peridot. Exhausted, the two collapsed onto the bed, a mess of sweat, "essence" and blue blood. Peridot felt the world around her fade away as darkness took place, her last sight being the exhausted Diamond beside her.
With that though in mind, she found the darkness safe, she felt safe…
[*]
Unknown Location, present day
[*]
As Diamond looked around at his surrounding, he found himself in complete darkness with only the light of a green flame from a dark green lantern beside him. As he looked down at the ground, he saw that he was naked and sitting on what felt like bone. As he looked up, he was startled by the sight of a pitch black being standing above him. The being was twice Diamond's height and was featureless, save for a single molten eye that glared at the Old King. As it approached him, Diamond realized who it was and stood up, staring at the being before him.
"Obsidian, or deal is done." Diamond stated sternly as he pointed to the Leviathan. "The Metalians are gone and Tiberium has been banished, creating peace and balance in the Universe. You have done your part and now you will be gone."
"Ine sindinagwirizane nazo, ine dram lachoka mmalo mwake-msuwani wake." Obsidian hissed as it bent down towards Diamond. "Ngakhale kuti a Metalians yani chitapita, adafika komweko mukadali anthu za zinthu zowononga pa thambo la kumwamba. Amaopsezedwa ranker kuposa chilichonse gulu lankhondo 'ananena r Mukhoza kanthu kwa mulungu aliyense."
"Greater threats?" Diamond said as he looked to Obsidian with confusion. "The Universe has been saved by…us…the countless species are now free from terror and now will live in harmony. What is more dangerous than that?
Obsidian started to bellow a deep and hollow laugh. The sound caused Diamond to shutter as the Levithan moved behind him, placing its hands on Diamond's shoulders.
"Chimene chili chimene chimayambitsa chokha chokha komanso distruction sichiri icho chimene chikuopseza chilengedwe chonse..."
Obsidian clenched its hands on Diamond's shoulders, causing the Gemian to bleed dark blue blood onto the floor. Diamond looked down and saw a dark blue puddle forming beneath him, it was there that he saw his reflection, with Obsidian behind him.
"...koma timangoganizira chilengedwe chonse iyomwini."
Diamond was puzzled by what Obsidian had said, but as he continued to stare into the puddle, he saw his reflection was replaced by something else.
Diamond watched as several humanoid beings kidnapped a blue feline humanoid child and proceeded to beat him with tools, cut off his tail, sodomize him with a heated metal rod and then throw him into the streets of his suppressed city to die. He then saw a vision of a huge facility, where strange multicolored four-legged creatures were experimented on by similar creatures. The visons continued, each different than the last. A kingdom of machines and weapons laid waste to various kingdoms of strange shape and design. A man kidnapped an orphaned child and did unspeakable things to her while another trapped a being from another world into a life of suffering and pain.
As he turned away from these visons, Diamond found himself standing before a small doorway. As he approached the door, he felt a strange sense of loss as he reached for it. As he touched the knob, he suddenly found himself in a catacomb of some kind, as he looked towards the doorway, he could hear faint singing from the other side. Diamond then took a deep breath and open the door to see what was on the other side.
As he open the door and stepped inside, Diamond could see a simple room, a room that was dark with no windows and lights. The only light came from the open doorway with the silhouette of the Old King sprayed onto the floor. The walls where covered in green bloody writing that read the words "KULEPHERERATU," "WONONGA ZINTHU-MMWAMBA," "NDITHANDIZENI INE," and "AMALAKWITSA." In the center of the room was a tall pitch black figure on its knees. In its hands was a large triangular object, about the size of a head. The being had the head pressed up to its stomach and was rocking it slowly like a baby. Next to the figure was the headless torso of a Gem, lying in a pool of green blood with her chest ripped open and her limbs gone.
As Diamond looked to the body, he felt the blood rush away from his face as he saw the figure in the center of the room turn towards him, holding the head of Peridot in its arms.
"No…" Diamond gasped as he tried reached for the figure, but found himself unable to move.
"Musati muzidandaula Peridot!" The figure said as it held the head to its own, looking into the shallow dead eyes. "Munthu aliyense amalakwitsa zinthu nthawi zina."
As Diamond watched the spectacle before him in horror, he suddenly bent over and began to vomit. As he began to spat out black bile, he looked up and saw Peridot standing before him, only her eyes were black shot.
"Peridot?" Diamond said as he approached Peridot, only to feel a knife stab into his chest. Looking down at his wound, he saw that the one who stabbed him was Peridot. As he fell onto his knees and looked back up to her, Peridot had a warm smile on her face as she aimed one of her laser fingers at his head.
"Ine ndidzamangapo kuti nthawi zonse andikhululukire Kodi iwe." Peridot said warmly as she kissed Diamond on the forehead before shooting an energy bolt through it.
"NO!"
Diamond turned away from the vision and fell onto his knees, As Obsidian appeared beside Diamond, and it could hear the Old King sobbing.
"No…everything I have done…was it for nothing?" Diamond asked as he looked to Obsidian with tears flowing from his eyes. "Is this what will become of our Universe…of my Peridot?"
"Iwo ungakhoze, ndipo icho mudzatero..." Obsidian replied as it knelt beside Diamond. "...kupatula ngati kodi inu ndinu kulolera kuti chiyani mouziridwa ndi chimene ali nacho kuti chichitidwe."
Diamond looked to Obsidian and took a deep breath. He then looked at his hands and then back at the Leviathan. As he stood up, he closed his eyes and looked away.
"Popanda ifeyo, pa thambo la kumwamba chidzachuluka ikunyalanyaziratu chokha chokha." Obsidian hissed as it stood up and walked behind Diamond. "Kodi zimenezi n'zimene Kodi iwe ndikufuna chifukwa chako miyala yamtengo wapataliyi, chifukwa chako muzitengera mbale wanuyo, chifukwa...Peridot?"
Diamond clenched his fists as he thought about Peridot and as he looked to his hands, he knew what he had to do.
"I…I understand…" Diamond said as he turned to Obsidian, staring at the Leviathan with a molten red glare. "It has to be done, for the greater good of the Universe, I will do as you ask."
Obsidian began to laugh as it walked up to Diamond.
"Ndithudi Inu mukadzitengere." Obsidian hissed with a laugh, the laugh sounded like a mix of various laughs from multiple people, and continued to get louder and louder as Obsidian continued to speak. "Ndipo ndinakuika unali angathe kugonjetsa adani ako chifukwa chakuti ndinalola kuti icho, ndipo Kodi iwe adzanditumikira chifukwa chakuti ndimadzuka Mukudziweruzira icho."
Suddenly its head split open in to a vertical maw and bit down onto Diamond's face.
"AMAMVERA!"
[*]
Homeworld, common chambers, several hours later
[*]
Diamond shot up from the bed with a gasp as he looked around in shock. He saw that he was back in the common chamber that he was with Peridot, only that it was now nightfall. He then looked down and saw Peridot beside him, naked and asleep. It was uncommon for Gems to sleep, but Gemians recommended it for it allowed faster healing and regeneration of Vitae. As for Peridot and Diamond, it was common for them as a result of their "activities".
Diamond turned towards Peridot and stroked her hair. He studied her body as if laid on the bed, watching her barren chest rise and fall as Peridot slept.
"I cannot let anything happen to you." Diamond whispered. "I will not, and I will do everything I can to make this Universe our own…even if I have to…to…"
Diamond then felt his cheeks burn, as if boiling drops of water was trickling down them. Diamond touched his face and felt a burning liquid on his hand. Looking at it, he saw a black fluid on his hand. Recognizing it as Ichor, the essence of Obsidian. Diamond turned away toward the end of the bed and looked at his hand.
"Oh Gemia…my siblings…Peridot…" Diamond said as he felt more Obsidian tears roll down his face, the horror of what was to come coursing through his mind. "…please…please forgive me..."
Diamond curled up into his arms and began to weep softly, making sure he didn't wake up Peridot in the process.
[*]
Homeworld, Diamond training academy, several hours later
[*]
Emerald and Howlite were waiting at the academy, it was an hour ago that they were informed of a new member of the Diamond elite was to be trained by the two specially. But now an hour has passed and they were getting impatient.
"What's taking them so long?" Howlite complained as she threw a rock in the air and batted it away with her ax. "Is this some kind of joke?"
"Master Diamond gave us the order." Emerald said as he leaned on a pillar. "I don't think he's the one to joke around."
"Not unless you have triangular shaped hair and floating fingers." Howlite replied with a scoff. "I swear, unless you pray to the Diamond "idol" you're nothing more than a grunt."
"Howlite!" Emerald interjected as he approached his friend. "Don't speak of Master Diamond like that, remember that we're part of his elite, we also lead the Crystal Valor as warriors of TO."
"Yeah, but do you ever get the feeling that Peridot is…different." Howlite replied as she threw another rock at a pillar, breaking the stone into smaller rocks. "I mean, she's supposed to be investigating those disappearing Gems, and it seems like she's more interested in being a d-…"
Howlite paused as she and Emerald saw Diamond approaching them. They also saw a Dark grey Gem with a Gem on his left elbow alongside him, as they approached the two, Diamond looked right at Howlite with a intense glare.
"…-evoted follower of the house of DI." Howlite said with a nervous chuckle. "There's nothing better than a prime example of a true follower to the Tribunal."
Diamond raised an eyebrow as he approached Emerald. As he walked away from Howlite, the light Grey Gem sighed as she wiped her brow with the fur of her armor.
"Smaragdus, I have a new recruit for you." Diamond said as he turned and gestured to the Gem beside him. "This is Hematite, he will be assisting you from now on. Teach him everything you would and let me know when you do."
"Understood Master." Emerald saluted as he watched Diamond walk away, but not before looking back to Howlite.
"A word of advice: keep your thoughts to yourself." Diamond stated coldly. "A large maw like yours tends to make it easier for one to choke."
With that, Diamond vanished into thin air. Leaving behind a nervous Howlite. She turned to see Hematite, standing next to Emerald, who face was puffed up and his cheeks were dark green, he then exploded into laughter as he fell onto his back.
"S-shut up!" Howlite shouted with a dark grey blush. "I said shut up!"
"I'm sorry Howlite." Emerald said between gasps as he stood up and wiped tears from his eyes. "But that was almost as funny as when Master Rose threw up on Master Diamond. This was priceless"
"Pardon my intrusion, but I would expect someone of your caliber to be of a higher respect to our Masters." Hematite interjected. "They did stop the Metalians and bring peace to the Universe. So they should not be seen as clowns."
"I know. I know." Emerald said with a sigh. "So…you're here to join our crew, right?"
"Yes Master." Hematite said as he stood upward. "I am here to show my worth to the Crystal Valor and the Diamond Elite."
"Easy there Hematite, no need for the formalities friend." Emerald said as he patted Hematite on the back. "First rule of the Valor: no formalities. It makes it easier to fight."
"…Okay…" Hematite said awkwardly as he walked around the courtyard. "So what now."
"Now I'm going to see what you're made of." Emerald said as he walked into the courtyard and began to stretch. "We're going to duel and you will show me what you know."
"I should inform you Master that I was taught by Master Diamond himself." Hematite explained. "I would suggest you have Howlite assist you though."
"I don't need it." Emerald said as he continued to stretch. "I'm a Secundo, a Gem creation of Master Topaz. I won't need the help."
"Doesn't that seems a bit arrogant, Master Emerald?" Hematite said as he gave a look of concern. "You have no idea what I am capable of."
"It's not arrogance Hematite, its ambition. I mean, Master Topaz must have a favorite Secundo, and I will prove that I am that Secundo!"
"With all due respect Master, I find that strategy unlikely. I have gone over your records and you have proven time and time again that you cannot even defeat one opponent without the help of Howlite. However, there is no shame in that."
"Do you see Moonstone asking for help, or Sunstone, or Onyx?" Emerald asked as he brandished his sword "I will prove that I am the best, and I know just how to prove it by defeating you."
Hematite looked at Emerald for a moment and then smiled, he then clenched his fists and positioned himself in a combat position.
"If you are challenging me to a duel, then I will at least go easy on you." Hematite said with a grin. "We both won't use our weapons."
"Fine…" Emerald said as he dissipated his sword and entered a fighting stance as well. "…but there will be a day when we will face each other with full force, and I hope you will expect to fall to the floor many times."
"If you say so Master…" Hematite scoffed "…if you say so."
"Now then…" Emerald said with a grin as he put his fist up. "How about you amuse me with your futile attacks? Put Master Diamond's teachings where your mouth is. "
"With pleasure, Master Emerald" Hematite said confidently as he charged.
"This'll be so fun." Howlite thought sarcastically as she yawned in boredom. "I hope at least one of them gets killed, it would be a nice change of pace."
Within an instant, the two Gems, aware that they would become great brothers in arms, to one day fight together with weapon on hand and potentials reached, charged.
[*]