Warning: Long Chapter
Episode 37: Guardians Part 1
Lapis Lazuli... Her Gem-type are born with hydrokinesis, the ability to control and manipulate water. Their occupation on Home World is terraforming, in which they gather any and all forms of water from a source and use it to make an area of a planet habitable for Gems during colonization.
For eons...that alone has been her job, her only activity, her only reason for existing. Unfortunately...as the universe matured she soon became a victim of an unexpected war on Earth. Did she perish? No. No, the universe had given her a much crueler experience worse than death. She had been imprisoned within a magical mirror for a millennium. No-one hearing her screams. Unable to do anything within the mirror itself. An endless crushing darkness. Bleak. Alone. Nothing but an eternity of despair and anguish.
Then...the unthinkable happened. A miracle had been given to her. She was finally freed by two Gem-Hybrids named Kameron Evans and Steven Universe. Regaining the usage of her wings she flew away from the planet that held her captive. After so long she could return to her home. Once again, the universe had given her nothing but cruelty.
Her Home World...had changed. Everything was different. From the structures of the planet itself to the new Gems she was completely unfamiliar with. Instead of returning with open arms she was greeted with hostility. Although, she was saved by the remaining remnants of the Rainbow Gems known as the Off Colors. With little choice she joined them in their objectives...but...they were unsuccessful.
Once again...she has become a prisoner once more.
'Again... Just like before...only this time...it's much worse.' Lapis thought to herself.
Lifting her head her eyes turned to a nearby window. A ray of light shined through it, aiming right at an empty area in front of her. Tears fell from her bagged-eyes as she glared at it. Her eyes shook as she gritted her teeth. She instantly closed them as she wildly shook her head back and forth.
"WHY?!" She screamed. "Why did I join your stupid group?! Why did I go through with this?! Why do I have to receive more suffering than I've already endured?! Why would you even have me-"
She stopped screaming as her eyes expanded. In a flash, the faces of the Off Colors entered her mind, 'Flint... Chert... Zebra... Selenite... Celestite... Cherry...' Their names... Their faces... Lapis lowered her head as uncontrollable sobs exited her mouth. They... They wanted her. They truly cared for her. And now... Now she was alone again.
For hours... countless hours Lapis let out so many tears. Raw sobs exited her mouth with each one becoming more and more animalistic after the other. Within the darkness, she had nothing left to do but let out everything she had within herself.
Soon...silence took over once more. But then various lock mechanisms entered her ears. Her head remained lowered. The last mechanism was then opened and the door had opened itself up before closing itself again.
Coming up to her was a massive being with dark-blue skin, blue eyes with diamond pupils, white long hair, and wearing a long dark-blue dress with a blue diamond Gemstone at the center of her chest. Step by step the being approached Lapis with her hands intertwined. She stopped once she was in a close distance to Lapis.
"Lapis Lazuli. Your Diamond stands in front of you. Lift your head." The being said sternly.
She didn't want to. She really, really didn't want to do this after everything that's happened. Unfortunately, this wasn't any Gem that was speaking to her. Slowing raising her head Lapis looked up at the woman who brought her into existence. Her very own Diamond, Blue Diamond herself.
"Good." Blue Diamond began. "Now, Selenite had showed me everything that has been in your memories ever since you returned. And with the new information given to me...I have come to thank you for it."
Lapis' eyes shot open as she tilted her head at her Diamond.
"For a millennium, my mind has been filled with nothing but grief and sorrow." Blue Diamond said as tears began to swell in her eyes. She slowly raised her arm and placed it onto her chest, "Ever since that very day. Ever since my beloved had left me and I had lost Pink to that wretched Rose Quartz, there was nothing more I could think about. And then you came. Your memories had showed me what I thought was entirely wrong, and for that there is something I would like for you to do for me."
Lapis...didn't even know how to respond to that. Blue Diamond, her Diamond, was thanking her for her memories once she was restrained and now she was given a task to do in return. What kind of response can you even make after going through another hell?
"You must endure the pain you are feeling, my Lapis Lazuli. I can see that you are very distraught, but rest assure, it will be worth it through your cooperation." Blue Diamond said as her lips stretched into a small smile.
September 20th 1:00 p.m.
Paradise Mall. One of the most popular hangouts in Destiny City. For those who are looking into checking out the latest trends, fashion lineups, or any new releases then this is the place for you. No matter who you are, what you're interested in, or what your likes are, Paradise Mall has it all for you. Welcoming any and all who crave something that catches their eyes, your desires are just within reach.
At Fashionista's Boutique Kameron, his father, and his brothers all sat down in the waiting area near the dressing rooms. Each of them placed a hand underneath their chins while releasing small sighs from their mouths.
"I still can't believe we lost the bet." Kameron said.
"Couldn't agree more." Pyrope replied. "How long have they been in there?" He added.
"Two hours." Onyx answered.
"A deal is a deal, boys." Green said as he straightened his back. "We will get our turn once the girls have finished their time."
"We know dad, it's just...they always take too long." Citrine whined.
"Endure it, Citrine. That's all that can be done." Green replied.
Soon the dressing room curtains opened up and the Rainbow sisters walked out. Lepidolite wore her hair long with a white hairband accompanied with a large white heart accessory on it. She wore a plain violet shirt with a large white dove at it's center, light blue jeans equipped with a violet belt, and white and violet sneakers with pink hearts on each side.
Charoite wore a short black crop-top with a short white vest, dark blue jeans with a black belt, and black sneakers. Lastly, on her left wrist she wore a white leather wristband.
Azurite wore her hair in two braided ponytails in front of her chest. Her new clothing consisted of a sleeveless white shirt with a water-droplet symbol at the center, white pants, and white flat-tops.
Amber placed her hair into a long ponytail with a lightning bolt hair-clip at the back of her head. While she retained her hat she wore a plain orange shirt with a brown leather jacket, light blue jeans, and light brown boots.
"Daddy. Brothers. What do think?" Lepidolite asked as she winked at them.
"Honestly... After waiting this long, you four look pretty nice." Kameron replied.
Lepidolite puffed up her cheeks as she crossed her arms, "Well it was kinda hard for each of us to decide what we wanted. And a certain "Kunoichi" was a bit too indecisive."
"I was just making sure I was getting the look down." Charoite replied as she placed her hands on her hips.
"Does my new outfit seem okay? It's not to bland?" Azurite asked.
"Nah. It's a good look for you." Pyrope replied.
"You sure?" Lepidolite asked. "And do these jeans make our butts look big?"
The four brothers all groaned while their father merely covered his eyes with his hands. Out of every question in existence, why did their sister have to ask that one? Yes, the question itself is optional to answer, but it's also the most embarrassing to comply to.
"Girls, the jeans look fine on you." Citrine answered.
"Besides, when have we ever seen any of you with a large butt? They're not that rounded and-"
BAM!
Pyrope's eyes shot open as a restraint groaned exited his mouth. A large amount of pressure had been placed on his foot and was starting to increase. Lifting his head he saw the cause of the pressure who was giving him a dangerous smile.
"Pyrope. That's ain't how ya speak ta ladies. Understand?" Amber said as sparks broke around her.
"I didn't mean it like that, sis." Pyrope replied through his teeth. "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding."
Amber removed her foot off of her brother's as he slowly stood up. "I need some fresh air." He added as he walked out of the store with a limb.
"I wonder how the others are doing?" Kameron said out loud.
September 20th 1:15 p.m.
"So...what do ya think?" Greg asked.
Stepping out of the dressing room he wore a large T-shirt with a guitar at the center of it, surrounded by musical notes and a large galaxy in the background. Along with that he wore some light blue jeans with several tears in them, and brown sandals.
"Hmm..." Steven hummed as he slowly rubbed his chin. "I think...that looks great on you, dad."
"Really? I've been wanting a shirt like this for a while now." Greg said as he turned his eyes to Christie. "Can I please have this outfit?"
Christie herself hummed as she straightened her glasses. A small sigh soon exited her mouth, "Alright. That is a good look for you, Greg, but you'll need something decent to wear whenever Steven gets his parent-teacher conferences."
"YES!" Greg cheered as he pumped his fists before turning around and going back into the dressing room.
Christie stood up from her seat as she turned her eyes onto her nephew, "I'm gonna go check on the Crystals. Is there anything else you need, sweetie?"
Steven shook his head. "I've got what I wanted to get, Aunt Christie. Thanks again for the new clothes."
Reaching her hand out she rubbed her nephew's hair for a moment before she bent down and placed her lips onto her cheek. Once she pulled away her nephew's cheeks started turning red as he adverted his eyes from her. "You're welcome, honey. Ever since your father dropped out of community college I've been making sure he kept himself out of trouble. Plus me and Green have made sure your father wouldn't be wearing the same thing for the rest of his life."
Walking away from her nephew Christie made her way out of the men's section and entered into the women's. Making her way to the dressing rooms she spotted Amethyst sitting down while checking on her phone. She wore a black sleeveless shirt with a ripped opening around her chest, showing her Gemstone, short ripped shorts with black stars near the kneecaps, and white sneakers.
"Amethyst." Christie called out, gaining her attention.
Putting her phone down her lips stretched into a grin as her sister was coming to her. "Yo, C. How's it goin'?"
"Greg's almost done and Steven's got what he needs. How are you girls holding up?" Christie replied.
Amethyst groaned as she turned her visible eye back onto her phone, "They are taking like forever. I'm almost gonna fall asleep if they don't finish up. Why can't you just get the clothes for them and then let them change at a glance?"
"Because we've been over this, Amethyst." Christie replied as she crossed her arms. "I am fully aware that you girls, my girls, my sons and husband have the ability to shape-shift. But shifting into different clothes at a glance is considered shoplifting, so to prevent that and ensure that nobody is going to prison, you all will have to buy your clothes and then change into them as you please. I understand that you and the Crystals don't really need new clothes, but it would be best to see them in person instead."
"Fine." Amethyst said.
Turning her head to the dressing rooms, in almost complete unison the rest of the Crystals came out at the sound of Christie's voice. Pearl wore a cyan shirt with a short cyan jacket, long dark blue pants, and peach flat-tops. Garnet wore a star-shaped visor with a dual-colored shirt and jacket (left side magenta and right side blue), as well as dual-colored boots. Bismuth herself wore purple overalls with black boots.
"Wow. You ladies look amazing." Christie said in awe.
"Thanks, Christie. Not really seeing the point in this, but these feel like they were made for me." Bismuth replied as she looked at her overalls.
"Is my outfit okay?" Pearl asked as she intertwined her hands together.
"Of course it is. Anything you wear always makes you look amazing." Christie complimented, making Pearl's cheeks burn. She then turned her eyes to Garnet, "Yours looks great too, Garnet. I've never seen such duality on you."
"These only had one of each in stock." Garnet replied nonchalantly.
"Fantastic." Christie said. "If you girls are done meet me at the register. Greg and Steven are finishing up. After that let's meet up with the others at the fountain."
"Finally." Amethyst said as she stood up from her seat.
September 20th 2:30 p.m.
At the Royal Fountain the Rainbow brothers, their sisters, and their father sat down at the bottom level of the area. Having finished getting new clothes for themselves, it was time for a reprieve and to wait for the others to arrive.
Kameron now wore a white T-shirt with a large black dove at the center, a large white star at the center of the dove's body, and nine crystals circled around it in various colors. With the shirt he wore dark blue jeans with a black belt, black and white tennis-shoes, and a black hoodie-jacket with a large white dove on the back.
Pyrope was shirtless as ever, but now he wore black jeans with a belt and red and black sneakers.
Citrine wore a large brown collared buttoned shirt with light blue jeans, brown fingerless gloves, and large brown boots.
Onyx wore a long-sleeved white shirt with belt straps around his upper arms and at the center of the shirt. He wore black pants with belt straps around his legs, a black belt, and a spiked choker with a small white dove at the center.
As for their father, Green wore a white collared shirt with black dressed pants, a black blazer, a belt, and black dress-shoes. Accompanying his white shirt was a long black tie with a star symbol at the center. On each side of hi blazer there was now a star on his left side and a large white dove on the right.
"Okay. Let's see who can get the farthest." Kameron said.
"This ain't even gonna be a challenge." Amber replied.
"1...2...3...GO!" Lepidolite announced.
With the announcement of "GO!" both Kameron and Amber flicked their fingers. High in the air were two silver coins, spinning rapidly above right as they began to quickly descend. Falling further and further down the coins hit the marble pavement near the fountain before the left coin entered the water just as the right coin did.
"Winner!" Lepidolite announced as she raised up Amber's hand.
"Man..." Kameron groaned.
"Best two outta three?" Pyrope suggested.
"Fine." Amber replied as she looked over at Azurite. "Yer turn, sis."
"Very well. Though I'm not really good at this game." Azurite addressed as she pulled out a coin.
Both Pyrope and Azurite sat side by side as they raised their arms out.
"1...2...3...GO!" Citrine announced as he shot his arm into the air.
On cue both siblings flicked their fingers and their coins rose into the air. Both coins began to fall and the right coin entered the water just before the left coin did.
"Winner." Onyx said nonchalantly as he raised up Pyrope's arm.
"Congratulations, brother." Azurite added.
"With a little practice you'll make it. Besides, we're now officially tied." Pyrope replied.
"Tied? You sure about that?" Amber questioned.
"Amber, we are tied." Kameron replied as he pulled out a book from his Gemstone. Opening it up he summoned out a pen and turned to a specific page before marking it. "See?" He added, giving the book to his sister.
Taking it from her brother Amber looked into the book and slowly blinked. He was right. On one side were times were her brothers won games and on the other side were times when her and her sisters won. Both sides were marked equally.
"Wow." Charoite said as she looked over Amber's shoulder. "Have you been keeping score this whole time?" She added as she looked up at Kameron.
"I wanted to make sure that whenever we played a game to keep track." Kameron simply answered.
As Amber gave her brother his book back the Crystals, Greg, Steven, and Christie had arrived. Reaching the lower level the others stood up from their seats just before Steven came up to Kameron and wrapped his arms around him.
"Hey Steven." Kameron greeted as he patted his shoulder.
As Steven pulled away he took a good look at Kameron. From up to down stars began to appear in his eyes, "Kameron...you look so cool!"
"Ah, I'd say it's not so bad." Kameron replied as he turned his eyes onto his uncle. "You look pretty good, Uncle Greg."
"Thanks Double-Eyes." Greg replied as they shared a hug. "Your uncle is still rockin' in the cosmos."
A small giggle left Kameron's mouth as he turned to the Crystals. "You four are looking nice."
"Damn straight." Amethyst said with her hands on her hips.
BAM!
Unfortunately her comment earned her a slap to the head by Pearl. "Ow! What was that for?"
"What did I tell you about cursing when Steven is around?" Pearl replied firmly.
"C'mon, he's fourteen now. He's old enough to hear some swears here and there so long as he doesn't say them himself." Amethyst said as she rubbed the back of her head.
"That doesn't mean you should still do that." Pearl replied. "It's bad enough that some of the Rainbows swear and that had been passed down onto Kameron. I don't want that to happen with Steven."
"Pearl, I'm not gonna swear." Steven assured. "Onyx told me if I did then demons will drag me into the Underworld in my sleep." Just after he said that Steven immediately turned his eyes onto Kameron, "Wait. Kameron, did that happen to you?"
"Yeah." Kameron replied as he placed his hands on his hips. "But the demons gave me a warning and I promised to never do it again."
Just as Christie attempted to speak up various rings entered everyone's ears. Pulling out their phones everyone except for Bismuth opened up the Gem App and three Gem symbols popped up in different locations.
"It appears our family outing has come to an end." Green said firmly. "Everyone. Please be careful. There are only six of the Off Colors remaining and we are unaware of what Home World has given them to annihilate us. Pearl, you, Azurite, Kameron, and Steven shall head south. My sons, you, Garnet and Bismuth head north. My daughters and Amethyst shall head to the east." He added.
The Rainbows and the Crystals looked upon one another. It was upsetting that their time together was cut short, although they were now getting sent into action without any knowledge of what is to come. The remaining Off Colors needed to be taken of. No-one had forgotten what Home World had done to them in the past weeks, but without any other option to save them there was no other choice to make.
September 20th 3:00 p.m.
Down south Group A had made it to Mask Island. Moving forward they each pulled out their weapons as they slowly progressed through the jungle landscape.
The sounds of crickets entered their ears with every step they took. Steven nervously turned his head as he held his shield in front of him. Best choice to stay in front, just in case while Kameron was behind him and Pearl and Azurite were in the rear.
Soon enough Group A made it to the village...only...the moment they reached it they stopped in place. At the gates both of the guards were laying on the ground. Near their bodies their hammers were covered in blood. Azurite slowly approached them and turned them onto their backs, but the moment she did that her eyes shot open as she covered her mouth. Their masks...were crushed with large stains covering the cracks.
Azurite's eyes began to shake at the mere sight of it. Right behind her Kameron stood at her side and placed his hand into her unused one. Steven looked away as tears erupted from his eyes and fall onto his cheeks. Pearl...wasn't entirely sure how to response to such brutality.
As much as they wanted to take care of this they needed to see the rest of the village first. Going inside the group instantly stopped in their tracks at the very sight in front of them. A sight...that was unable to be described in words.
From left to right...were the villagers. Their huts... Their homes... destroyed beyond repair. The villagers themselves...were on the ground. Man, woman, child. Each of them laying down in the dirt. Blood splattered in various areas; blood stained on the villagers; blood dripping from the huts.
"Wo de xingxing..." Azurite said softly in Chinese.
"Oh my stars..." Steven said slowly. "Why...? Why would anyone do this? They were innocent people."
Kameron and Pearl silently stared at the horrifying carnage displayed in front of them. How could this have happened right after their Apps activated?
Azurite then slipped her hand away from her brother's as she directed her attention toward the large hut in the distance. Once she came toward it she looked inside. Tears immediately fell out of her eyes. The Twelve Elders...
Turning away from it she covered her mouth as she fell onto her knees with small sobs exited out of her. Kameron sprinted up to her and fell onto his knees. Without a word he reached out and pulled his tall sister towards him, wrapping his arms around her body. More and more sobs left Azurite's mouth as she rested her head onto her brother. His embrace was very comforting, but had minimum effect.
Steven and Pearl approached them, watching the siblings embrace near the large hut. Just looking at the hut Steven didn't even want to know what was inside of it. His hands slowly balled into fists as tears fell from his eyes.
"To be honest, we gave them a choice. It's their own fault for picking the wrong one."
That voice... It caught everyone's attention. Turning their eyes to it's direction there were two women standing near a destroyed hut. Both of them had pale-white skin, snow-white hair, gray eyes, gray dresses, gray heels, and Control Collars around their necks. Only differences were that the woman on the left had a Gemstone on her forehead and held a long staff in her hand, while the woman on the right had a Gemstone on her chest and wielded a bow.
"I'm sure you remember us. But as a refresher, my name is Celestite and to my right is Selenite." Celestite said plainly. "Now, let's get this over with."
September 20th 3:30 p.m.
Group B had made it to Empire City. Upon arrival at Central Square not a single person could summon a word from their mouths. The streets were filled with massive cracks in the concrete, multiple cars had been destroyed and wrecked, and various fire hydrants were broken, causing geysers of water to erupt from from one side of the block to the next.
Pyrope took several steps forward. From his surroundings it reminded him of what happened back at Seattle. Only...there weren't any people around, but nonetheless, just looking at the destruction in front of him was enough. His eyes glared at it as steam began to pour out of him.
"Easy, brother. We're gonna find who's responsible for this. Cool your jets." Citrine said as he approached Pyrope.
Closing his eyes Pyrope sucked in some air into his nose and released it out of his mouth. Raising his hand to his Gemstone he summoned his axe. "Let's not waist any time."
Without warning a large roar echoed into the air. Turning their head everyone witnessed a large black vehicle coming toward them. Right as it was approaching them it immediately stopped in place. It's side door opened and coming out of it was a large bulky man with white and black stripes, gray-skin and eyes, and wore a black vest with black pants and boots. His Gemstone was placed at the center of his neck just above his Control Collar.
"Nice to see you all again. Before we get started we've got two more coming in." The Gem said.
On cue loud crushing sounds entered the air, making Group B turn around to it's direction. Right behind them were two massive Mechs. Through the glass of the pilot seats there were two Gems. Both wore Control Collars and glared at Group B.
"Flint. Chert. Glad you both could make it." The Male Gem said.
"Wouldn't miss this for anything." Flint replied.
"Once we're done here Zebra, let's go after our real target." Chert added.
"I couldn't agree more." Zebra replied as he re-entered his vehicle. Once inside his vehicle began to widen it's wheels. The roof opened up with two large Vulcan barrels coming out on each side and a large cannon coming out at the center. The front lights changed to yellow as Flint and Chert slowly approached Group B.
"Let's get this over with." Citrine said as he summoned his hammer.
"I can agree with that." Bismuth added as she turned her hands into mallets.
September 20th 4:30 p.m.
Arriving in Italy Group C ran out of the alleyways and made their way into the streets. So far there wasn't anything going on as they continued running through the streets, passing by various people in the process.
Coming up to a nearby bridge Lepidolite spotted a familiar face. It was Julia. Turning her head Julia spotted Lepidolite, her sisters, and Amethyst coming up to her. "Lepidolite." Julia called.
"I'm sorry, but we're really busy right now." Lepidolite quickly replied.
Julia pushed her body forward and grabbed onto Lepidolite's arm, making her stop in place. "Please. It is important. Raphael is in danger."
Hearing this Lepidolite turned her head to Julia. "What happened?"
Julia's body started to shake. She looked away for a brief moment before looking back at Lepidolite, "There...was a woman. She told us she needed help and Raphael went to help her. I have been waiting here for his return, but he did not return. It has been two hours as of now. I'm starting to get worried."
Lepidolite looked at Julia as she explained the situation. Raphael went with an unknown woman and never returned to Julia? He wasn't the cheating type. He truly loved Julia with every fiber of his being, so that meant something else was going on. "What did the woman look like?"
"She obscured her face, but she had two long twin-tails and a strange collar around her neck. That's all I know." Julia replied.
Twin-tails... The moment Julia mentioned that Lepidolite's eyes shot open. There was only one person she knew all too well who fit that description. "We're gonna get your husband back." She said to Julia as she turn her attention to the others. "C'mon! I know who we're gonna face." She added as she ran passed them.
Exiting off of the bridge the rest of the girls followed Lepidolite as they traversed through the streets once more. Coming up to a crosswalk a loud scream entered each of the girls' ears, making them follow to where the scream originated from. Reaching another alleyway Group C found a young woman covering her mouth as she looked upwards toward a nearby building. Coming up to her the girls looked at the direction she was gazing at...and each of them stared at it in pure horror.
They had found Raphael...only...he was upside-down. Not only was he upside-down but his eyes were completely blank and droplets of blood fell from his neck. Just looking at him now was just horrifying.
"Man... That is so messed up." Amethyst said.
"I know. He was so easy to fool." An unknown voice replied.
Turning their heads to where it came from a young woman slowly made her way into the alleyway. She was gray-skinned with white hair in twin-tails, gray eyes, and wore a gray battle-suit. Her Gemstone was located on her chin alongside a Control Collar wrapped around her neck.
"Hey, Lepidolite. It's been a while. Actually...make that a lifetime. We've got so much to catch up on. And if you're wondering why I killed this Organic, well...it's because I had to find something to get your attention the moment I arrived at this planet." The young woman said.
Right there... Right there in front her was Cherry Quartz. Lepidolite hadn't seen her since the Rebellion on Home World. And now...here she was...under mind control and having killed Julia's husband just to get her attention.
"Lep, snap out of it." Amber yelled.
Startled by her sister's voice Lepidolite shook her head as she summoned her fans from her Gemstone.
"Aw, getting right to the point? Good." Cherry said as she summoned her nunchaku from her Gemstone. "Why don't you be a couple of good girls and give me a good time. I really wanna see what kinda fun we're gonna have."
September 20th 3:05 p.m. (Mask Island)
Gripping onto Venganza Kameron stepped forward, glaring at the two women responsible for population of Mask Island. Without a word Steven stepped up and stood by his side, raising up his shield as he summoned his sword from his Gemstone.
"Boys. Leave." Azurite called out.
"Sorry, sis. Not gonna happen. Especially after what they just did." Kameron replied firmly.
"Boys, please. These girls are not like the Corrupted. Let me and Azurite handle this while the both of you have the chance to get out of here." Pearl pleaded.
"NO!" Steven shouted. "They killed everyone here on Mask Island. Do you really expect me and Kameron to just run away from this? Even if they are stronger than us we have to do something." He then glared at the two women in front of him. "I would prefer to save you both, but I don't that's an option anymore. For that, I'm sorry."
"Aw, aren't you sweet." Selenite commented. "But me and my friend would rather have you boys fight with us instead."
Group A looked at her with confusion. Taking a step forward she twirled her staff before slamming it right onto the ground. A large burst of energy quickly surged it's way through the ground and reached Group A within seconds. The moment it touched their feet a large quantity of weight hit them, making them drop to their knees.
Celestite raised her bow and as she pulled back the bowstring two arrow made of negative energy took form. Releasing the string she fired the arrows. Both of them flew through the air at rapid speeds before impacting themselves into Kameron's and Steven's chests. Both them gasped at the force hitting their chests, but then the arrows went inside of them before disappearing completely. In mere seconds negative energy began to cover their bodies, inverting the colors of their clothing, hair, and eyes.
"NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Azurite and Pearl cried out, unable to do anything to stop it.
Selenite and Celestite walked up to the boys as Selenite tapped their shoulders with her staff. The myriad of weight placed on them had been removed and both boys were able to move.
"Now, stand up." Celestite ordered.
Without a response both boys stood up.
"Good boys. Now, we've got some work for the both of you." Selenite said.
"Understood." Both boys replied without any emotion.
"Splendid. Now, let us leave. But not before you both say goodbye." Celestite said as she and Selenite caressed their cheeks.
Turning around Kameron and Steven looked at Azurite and Pearl. "Goodbye."
Summoning their whistles Selenite and Celestite wrapped their arms around the boys before they were teleported away.
September 20th 3:45 p.m. (Empire City)
Barrages of gunfire roared in the air as Zebra rushed through the streets. In front of him were Pyrope and Onyx on a motorcycle, doing their best to get away from him.
"Uh, Onyx. Would it be to much to ask if you could OPEN A DAMN PORTAL RIGHT NOW!?" Pyrope yelled as they made a sharp turn.
"Very well, brother! Keep in mind that my actions will not change our outcome that much-" Onyx replied before getting cut off.
"I don't give a damn, man! You should've sent him into a portal from the beginning!" Pyrope yelled.
"Apologizes!" Onyx replied as he raised his arm out. In front of the brothers a large black portal appeared just before they went into it.
Zebra watched them go as he kept his eyes out for where they would appear next. Right behind him another black portal appeared and both brother rapidly shot out of it. Turning his cannon around he continued hitting them with his Vulcan barrels right before shooting them with his cannon.
With each shot fired Pyrope swerved from left to right, but as a cannon shot was coming in he quickly swerved and landed the motorcycle on it's side before pulling it back up.
"Your skills are impressive, brother." Onyx complimented.
"Thank Charoite. She taught me some tricks in her spare time." Pyrope replied. "Listen. When I give the word, you send me to the roof of that thing and I'll take care of the weapons. You try aiming your scythe on the tires."
"Understood." Onyx replied.
Revving up the engine Pyrope and Onyx were getting closer and closer to the vehicle. Getting toward a certain distance Pyrope pushed himself up and planted his feet onto the seat of the cycle. The moment he released his hands from the handlebars his brother immediately took hold of them. "Okay! Do it!" Pyrope yelled.
Without a response a large black portal appeared in front of him as he quickly jumped into it. Within a matter of seconds another portal appeared above the vehicle with Pyrope falling onto it. With his axe he quickly slashed the cannon in half before turning his attention onto the Vulcan barrels.
As he was doing this Onyx revved up the engine once more to get closer. Summoning his Scythe from his Gemstone he pulled it back and threw it at the left tires. Upon impact the scythe shredded them, causing a whiplash on the vehicle and making it spin.
Pyrope held onto the roof of the vehicle just as a portal appeared above him. Taking the chance he jumped into it and came out of another one behind his brother. Onyx began to use the brake as Zebra's vehicle continued to spin violently right before it crashed into a nearby building.
Coming to a complete stop both brothers got off of the motorcycle and went up to the vehicle with their weapons in hand. The door of the vehicle opened up with Zebra getting out of it before he landed on his knees. Looking up he saw the brothers coming to him and before he could make a move Pyrope dashed in and smashed his axe into the Control Collar. Pulling it out both brothers watched as Zebra returned to normal.
His eyes blinked as he looked at the brothers in front of him. Raising his hands up he placed them onto his broken collar. Closing his eyes he smirked as he looked at the brothers once more. "Thanks for knocking some sense into me. Don't know how long I'm gonna last, so I have to ask. Did Rhodonite suffer in her last moments?"
"She cried after getting set free. She killed a large number of humans, but she felt remorse for it before disappearing." Pyrope replied.
Zebra hummed as his eyes descended to the ground. Soon after his Gemstone began to crack as his body began to glow. "Sorry for the trouble I caused. Tell Green to keep fighting for us, will ya?"
Pyrope and Onyx nodded as Zebra continued to glow even brighter until he completely disappeared. As he did shards of his Gemstone fell to the ground as did his Control Collar.
"I'll take care of the vehicle. Go back to the others." Onyx said.
Pyrope nodded as he walked over to the motorcycle and revved it up before leaving his brother to take care of the mess.
Zebra Marble... The guy was tough. Had a bit of an attitude, but put up a good fight. Now, both him and Rhodonite can be together again.
-Meanwhile-
Back at Central Square Citrine, Bismuth, and Garnet were facing Flint and Chert.
"Let's just see how much you traitors have actually improved!" Flint yelled. Raising her robotic arm out she fired off a large blast of energy.
Seeing it coming their way Citrine and the girls quickly moved out of the way. Raising his hammer up he rapidly smashed it onto the ground, sending a large rupture of concrete toward Flint. She quickly moved out of the way using her boosters. As she landed back on the ground she burst forward with her boosters and shot out her mechanical claws. As she was approaching Citrine Bismuth stepped in and clashed her mallets with Flint's claws.
"Hold it! I know you ain't aiming to harm my friend." Bismuth said firmly. With her strength she pushed Flint back and launched one of her mallets at her, smacking her hard toward the concrete and cracking her cockpit glass.
As this was going on Garnet was facing Chert. Raising her mech arms up Chert slammed them on the ground, sending a destructive earthquake toward Garnet. Clashing her fists together Garnet began to run toward Chert and the upcoming earthquake. As large concrete spikes began to erupt from the ground Garnet simply jumped from their sides and made her way up to Chert before pulling her fist back and sending it toward her.
The sheer force and power from the punch sent Chert into the concrete with a now cracked cockpit window. "It's gonna take more than that to beat me." Chert called out.
"I know." Garnet whispered to herself.
Slamming her mechanical arms into the concrete Flint opened up a secret compartment in her suit and unleashed a massive barrage of rockets. Rising up into the air the rockets quickly shot themselves down, coming up to Citrine and Bismuth. Without even thinking about it Citrine immediately pushed Bismuth out of the way as the rockets impacted him. Each one hurt as much as the last until the final rocket greatly pushed him up into the air and brought him back down, slamming into a wrecked car.
"Citrine!" Bismuth yelled as she ran up to him. Approaching him loud groans exited his mouth. Raising himself up he groaned again while falling onto one knee.
"That definitely packed a punch." Citrine said as he slowly raised himself up.
"You can still pack a punch, huh?" Flint said as she approached the duo. "How about we end this little fight." Raising both of her mechanical claws up portions of energy began to charge up.
In a flash a massive blast erupted from the claws. Watching it come Bismuth pushed Citrine out of the way just before she moved herself. The blast shot right passed them, impacting a large empty bus behind them before an enormous explosion occurred. Looking behind them the duo's eyes shot open at such destruction, especially for Citrine since he works in demolition.
Raising themselves from the ground Citrine and Bismuth glared at Flint. No more delays. No more holding back. They can't save her even if they really wanted to, so there was only one option remaining.
Lifting his hammer up Citrine bought it down hard onto the ground, send large cracks towards Flint. Watching it come to her she boosted herself into the air just as the cracks reached her. At that moment Bismuth launched herself into the air and impacted onto Flint's battle suit. Changing her mallet back into a fist she punched through the fragile class of the cockpit, breaking it and pulling Flint out.
"What are you doing!?" Flint yelled.
"What I do best!" Bismuth yelled back as she jumped from the battle suit and threw Flint to the ground.
Hitting the ground Flint jumped off of it right until her body began to roll into a complete stop. Groans left her mouth as she pushed herself up. Raising her head she saw Citrine right in front of her with his hammer. As she attempted to speak Citrine summoned his hammer and slammed it right on top of her. The sheer force and power instantly poofed her, but had also damaged her Control Collar. Her Gemstone had reverted to normal, but in mere seconds it began to crack and break apart.
"NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Chert screamed.
Her friend... Her comrade for eons...shattered... Pushing herself away from Garnet she screamed again and dashed her way toward Citrine and Bismuth. "YOU BASTARD!"
As she was coming up to them her battle suit stopped in place. Turning her head she saw Garnet holding onto her mechanical leg.
"Your fight is with me!" Garnet yelled as she stomped on the ground and twirled Chert toward the other side of the street. Releasing her mechanical leg Garnet watched as Chert crashed into the pavement before getting slammed into a truck.
Opening her eyes Chert saw Garnet coming up to her before punching her glass window. Watching the glass shatter Chert was then pulled away from her battle suit. Raising her other hand Garnet grabbed her Control Collar and crushed it. Releasing her grip on Chert, Chert soon reverted back to normal.
Pulling her arms up Chert slowly twisted them before lowering them down and raising her head up at Garnet. "I...I'm sorry."
"You weren't in control." Garnet replied.
"You need to go after those Organics in your group." Chert said as she stood up.
"Why?" Garnet asked. Chert opened her mouth to answer, but her Gemstone began to crack with a yellow aura covering her body.
"You all aren't our only targets anymore. I can't say much, but please. Please put an end to all of this." Chert replied as her body was engulfed in light before she completely vanished.
To Be Continued...
End of Episode 37.
I apologize for keeping you all waiting.
Next time will be the conclusion, so look out for that.
Next Time:
Guardians Part 2
