Episode 6: Feel Your Rhythm

May 25th 6:00 a.m.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

Small groans exited her mouth as she pulled her arm out of her bed. Reaching over to her drawer she slammed it onto an open space of wood. Her hand continued hitting various areas until she finally reached the source of the noise, her alarm clock.

Retracting her arm back she raised herself from her bed, letting out a small and adorable yawn. Rubbing her eyes she pulled her blanket off of her and turned her body over, placing her feet onto the floor. Raising her body she stretched out her arms before placing them back down and switching to her legs.

"Another day, another life." She said to herself.

Turning around she grabbed her blanket and began making her bed. Straightening it out she re-positioned her pillow to how it was before. Once that was taken care of she walked over to another drawer, only this one was much larger and showcased a massive collection of stuffed animals. From the left showed a panda, then a giraffe, a squirrel, a monkey, a toucan, an elephant, and lastly a piglet.

"Bom Dia, meus amigos." She said in Portuguese.

Taking another step she planted a small kiss on each of their foreheads. Turning around she walked toward her door as her lips stretched into a grin.

Exiting out of her room she walked down the hallway and made her way to a door showing a light green diamond at it's center. Stepping up to it she raised up her hand and began knocking.

"Yeah?" Said from the other side.

"Can I come in, please?" She replied.

"Sure." The other side answered.

Her eyes targeted the doorknob as she grabbed onto it. Twisting it she opened the door and walked in before closing it back. She soon placed her eyes onto her brother whom just woke up as well.

"Good morning, Kameron." She greeted.

"*yawn* Good morning, Lepidolite." He replied. "Everything okay?"

She nodded, "Yep. Though there are two things we need to talk about."

Kameron tilted his head at her as he got up from his bed an stretched his arms, "What is it?"

"Well... You know a very special day is coming up soon, so I was wondering if we can celebrate it this year? I know that last year was... complicated, but I want this year to be different. You've done so much and changed so much. Can those that love you do something special for you? And are you willing to take a break to enjoy it?" She said.

Putting his head back in place Kameron locked eyes with his sister. Hard to believe another year had passed. Time sure does fly by without you even noticing it. Raising his hand up he placed it on the back of his head and soon averted his eyes from hers, "Well... I don't know, Lepidolite. Honestly I think-" He said as he turned his eyes back onto her. That was a mistake. Lepidolite's eyes widened and started shaking as she pressed her cheeks together. A small groan left Kameron's mouth as he stared at her current state, "*sigh* Okay. You know it's almost impossible for anybody to say no when you do that."

De-puffing her cheeks Lepidolite's lips stretched into a large smile. Within a split second she raised her arms up and wrapped them around her brother, placing her head onto his right shoulder. Kameron's lips stretched slightly as he soon wrapped his arms around her waist. Even though she had to use her secret weapon in her arsenal it didn't hurt at the very least to take this break. Shortly after they separated themselves from each other.

"I'll tell mom and dad about this too so we can plan out what's gonna happen." She told him.

"Can't wait." Kameron replied.

She couldn't help but hop up and down while giggling. It was definitely a sight to witness. She soon stopped and calmed down, "Okay, okay. The second thing I want to ask was if you'll be available tonight for Carnival in Rio. A friend of mine is extremely nervous since this is her first time performing and she wanted me to help her out. It's been a long time since I've been apart of it, and not everyone can come due to their schedules, so if nothing comes up, can you come?"

"Tonight? Lepidolite, I've got work tonight." Kameron answered.

"Pleeeeaaaasssse?" Lepidolite replied, intertwining her hands together. Her lips slowly shook with her eyes widening once more.

"Okay, okay. I'll do it for you. I'll talk to Kofi and see if someone else can cover my shift." Kameron said in defeat.

A small gasp left Lepidolite's mouth as she smiled. She then grabbed her brother's shirt and pulled him closer to his face, rapidly kissing his cheek. As for her last kiss she placed her lips onto his cheek and held it there for several seconds until she finally let go. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She yelled quietly. "I'm gonna go take a shower and get ready for my morning routine." She added as she left his room.

Kameron walked over to his mirror, seeing the kiss marks left by his beloved sister. 'As much as I love her, my school is definitely gonna get the wrong idea if they see these. Especially Lars.' He thought to himself as he began rubbing them off.

May 25th 6:30 a.m.

'Ah... There's nothing more refreshing then the feeling of water on your body. Only downside? It has to end.' Lepidolite said in her head as she turned the water off.

Opening up the curtain she stepped out and grabbed her pink flowered towel. Drying herself off from head to toe she stared at her reflection as she placed her towel down. Opening a nearby drawer she took her long hair and tied it up into her iconic ponytail. Only thing left was to get dressed, which really wasn't a problem. Closing her eyes her Gem started glowing as her body began to change. Soon after she opened her eyes and smiled, seeing her clothes placed on.

Soon enough the sound of knocking entered her ears, "Lepidolite? Are you done in there yet?" Said from the other side.

"I just got done, Pyrope. You can come in." Lepidolite replied.

The door soon opened and her other brother came in. Walking up to the sink he grabbed his toothbrush and applied some toothpaste on it, "Morning, sis." He said.

"Morning. You slept well?" She replied.

"Tried to. Had to take back the Terra Gauntlets from an idiot who was using it for his own little war." Pyrope said. "I thought they were secured, but now that I've clocked his jaw I've made sure they'll remain that way." He added as he began brushing his teeth.

"Oh yeah, I remember those. You used them against those other Rose Quartzes when they formed around us. And let's not forget the time you used them against Garnet. Though I really wished you both could've talked things over instead." Lepidolite replied.

Pyrope spat out some toothpaste and rinsed out his mouth before responding, "If only. Just because she's strong and has Future Vision doesn't means she can call the shots on us. Rose relied on that too often. She even predicted our next attack after our father just finished making a well-thought out plan of his own. We had it under control and she had the nerve to say that it wouldn't work and wouldn't apologize about it. I had to teach her a lesson."

"It wasn't worth it." Lepidolite replied.

"I know. But that was then and this is now." Pyrope said, rinsing his brush. "You going out for your routine?"

Lepidolite nodded. "Wanna come with me?"

Pyrope shrugged, "Sure. Don't got work until this afternoon. Plus it's been a while since we've sparred."

May 25th 7:30 a.m.

The morning sun's rays shined from the horizon as it ascended onto Beach City. On the beach itself Pyrope and Lepidolite stood in front of each other. The skies were clear, a warm breeze passed through the air, the ocean summoned small waves coming up to the shore, and the sound of seagulls echoed in their ears with a flock flying right above them.

"You know, I'd rather for us to just exercise than fight." Lepidolite said with a hand on her hip.

"We can do that after some sparring. Or are you rusty?" Pyrope replied with a smirk.

Lepidolite gasped as another hand was placed on her hips, "I am not rusty! And now you've made me mad." She added with narrowed eyes.

Pyrope's smirk vanished as he raised his arms up. Placing his left leg out he positioned himself into a stance as his upper body slowly swayed back and forth. His eyes narrowed at his own sister, waiting for her to get prepared.

Letting out a puff of air from her mouth Lepidolite removed her hands from her hips. She soon raised them up as she began swaying her body from left to right. Her legs rocked back and forth as she narrowed her eyes at her brother. Taking a step forward she lowered her upper body with her left hand touching the sand before lifting her right leg out, swinging it forward.

Pyrope stepped away from her kick as he watched her spin. Stepping forward he raised his right arm and launched it straight at her. Lepidolite's eyes shot open by his incoming fist, so she pushed herself back, placing both hands onto the sand before raising herself up and twisting her lower body. Putting his guard up Pyrope held himself in place as his sister spun herself around like a top.

After the fourth spin Lepidolite quickly lowered her lower body, sweeping her legs onto her brother's. The feeling of her leg caught him off balance, making him crash into the sand. A small groan left his mouth as his sister raised herself up.

"Had enough?" She asked as she continued swaying her body.

"Pfft. Please. Did you forget who you're dealing with here." He replied as he got up. "It's gonna take a lot more than that to put me down." He added.

Back on his feet he dashed straight at her. Raising his right arm out he threw it right into her stomach. She wasn't prepared for it, so she took the hit and gawked from the sheer impact. Coming up next he lowered his upper body slightly as he swayed himself right before he delivered her various hooks. Each one aimed at her midsection with every hit packing less power from the first. He then stepped back as she covered her stomach. He wasn't putting in everything he had since this was his sister, though despite that it didn't mean he was going easy on her.

"You okay? Not hitting you too hard, am I?" Pyrope asked.

Lepidolite shook her head as her body started swaying again, "No. I'm okay. Let's go another round."

Giving her a nod he dashed toward her, ready to deliver his fist. This time she was ready as her head swayed in the opposite direction, letting her brother's fist go right pass her. His other fist came right after with the same result in notion. As he retracted it she spun her body, lifting her right leg and kicking her brother's stomach. The impact pushed him back, but it didn't stop him from resuming. Taking the initiative she moved her entire body forward, flipping herself and spreading her legs out. The first kick was block while the second kick made her miss as he moved his upper body back.

Landing back on the sand Lepidolite lowered herself until her right hand touched the sand. She raised her left leg straight out as Pyrope came in, sending his right fist at it. As both fist and foot connected a small burst of wind erupted. They both soon stepped back as Lepidolite raised herself back up to her feet. Smirks were stretched across their faces as they stopped swaying their bodies.

"I was wrong. Your legs are definitely not rusty." Pyrope said.

"Same with your fists. Hard to keep reminding myself that you're a former champion." Lepidolite replied.

"You know I hold myself back. I always fought fair even if my opponent was cheating. And these babies never go all out unless I want them to." Pyrope said as he raised his hands up.

Lepidolite chuckled at that, "I know."

"Yo! Yo! Yo!" Said a voice nearby.

Turning their heads Lepidolite and Pyrope watched to see Amethyst walking up to them while holding a doughnut. "How's it going guys? Just walking by when I noticed you two duking it out." She said.

"We were sparring." Pyrope corrected.

Amethyst soon took a bite out of her doughnut, "Oh? That's cool. But what's with the whole moving your bodies thing?" She said with her mouth stuffed. She then swallowed her doughnut and pointed her eyes at Lepidolite, "Plus what were those moves you were doing?"

"It called Capoeira." Lepidolite answered.

"Capo-what?" Amethyst asked, tilting her head.

"Capoeira. It's a martial art that originated from Brazil. It may just look like I'm dancing, but there are techniques in it that involves aerobics and kicking. Though nowadays it is mainly used in special events and for just pure fun." Lepidolite explained.

Amethyst hummed at the explination, "So...it's just dancing mixed with kicking?"

Lepidolite attempted to explain it again, but no words came out of her mouth when a sudden buzzing sound entered the air. Without a second thought both her and her brother quickly pulled out their phones with a video posted up. Hitting play it began to start, "Our top story: Various animals within the Amazon Rain Forest have been disappearing for the past few weeks. Locals suggest that the one responsible for this is the infamous Animal Smuggler Carlos Santos, who was arrested not too long ago and has been reported missing. No recent news of his whereabouts have been made, though sources and connections have been clarified that he is now in possession of a device capable of incapacitating anything within range. We will update you all if there is anything coming up." Said the newswoman before the video ended.

"Damn. Why would a guy make a habit in kidnapping animals?" Amethyst said.

"Not sure." Pyrope replied. He then started dialing a number. Pulling his phone next to his ear it began to ring until he heard a familiar voice, "Hey, Char. You seen the news just now?"

"I did. And I can't work on it right now. I've got another case at the moment. I talked to Amber and she's close to cracking a long overdue murder." Charoite replied.

"They said he's got something that can incapacitate a target. If it's what I think it is then let me and Lepidolite handle it." Pyrope said.

"Pyrope. You're my brother and I love you with all my heart, but you know you can get in trouble for interfering with police cases without clearance." Charoite replied.

Pyrope soon pulled the phone from his ear and glared at it. A long groan left his mouth as he pinched the bridge between his eyes. Just when he was about to speak with her again Lepidolite placed a hand on his arm.

"Can I talk to her?" She asked.

Pyrope handed her his phone as she placed it next to her ear, "Charoite? It's Lepidolite. Look, I know this is Interpol's issue and responsibility, but if this is connected to something Gem related you know we have to get involved. Let me and Pyrope find this guy and you can get all the credit for it. Please?"

"Lep... That decision isn't up to me-" Charoite began before getting cut off.

"Please?! You know how much the Rain Forest animals mean to me." Lepidolite said.

Silence soon took over. A minute passed as Charoite answered, "Okay. I'll talk with my boss about it and I'll be there as soon as I get this case done, okay?"

"Thanks. Love you." Lepidolite said.

"Love you too. You both be safe, and be careful." Charoite replied as she hung up.

Lepidolite soon gave Pyrope his phone back, "We're in the clear." She added.

Pyrope nodded as they pulled out their Warp Whistles. "Wait! Mind if I tag along? Ya might need back up?" Amethyst asked.

"We can handle it. Besides, won't the others wonder where you are?" Lepidolite replied.

"Pfft. I'll send them a text later. C'mon, it's not everyday we team up, do we?" Amethyst said.

Though they were capable of doing this on their own there really was no telling what they were going to witness. Plus Amethyst was the only Crystal Gem they could trust wholeheartedly. With a nod from Pyrope, Amethyst took Lepidolite's hand as they were engulfed in light and disappeared.

May 25th 8:00 a.m.

Arriving at their destination the trio were greeted by the echoing sounds of monkeys and macaws. Around them were enormous trees reaching as high as they could with the rays of the sun piercing through them. Nearby were a number of bushes rambling and shaking until a jaguar popped out of it. It turned it's head to the trio, but one glance at Pyrope and it immediately leaped back into the bushes.

"Been a while being in a jungle." Pyrope said as they started walking.

"Carlos Santos could be anywhere, so we need to keep an eye out." Lepidolite added.

"Don't worry, ponytail. We find the guy and you knock him out with your dance kicks." Amethyst replied.

"Capoeira isn't about that. It's about finding your rhythm." Lepidolite said.

"Your rhythm?" Amethyst questioned.

"Each and everyone of us has our own unique ways of expressing ourselves. Feel the beats in your mind as you move your body and soon enough you've gained your rhythm. But you must let you're rhythm come to you, don't just overthink it or move without one." Lepidolite answered.

Amethyst looked at her with confusion as they continued on. Fighting and dancing wasn't new to her, nor was it too complicated for her to use in conjunction, but Capoeira was a concept that really intrigued her.

Passing through more bushes the trio kept quiet with their eyes carefully observing their surroundings. From left to right, back and front, and side by side the atmosphere seemed normal. Nothing out of the ordinary, though that was always the first sign of what was to come.

Walking through another set of bushes the trio walked into a large open area. From their lefts a large stream of water was flowing rapidly pass them. The river's flow didn't look too dangerous since there were numerous rocks giving off a clear path across. Just when Pyrope took the first step something from above dropped to the ground on the other side, catching their attention. Squinting their eyes it looked like a blue macaw constrained in purple and black rope with three metal spheres attached at it's ends. Even worse, it didn't look like it was moving an inch.

Before Pyrope could take action Lepidolite jogged passed him, skipping over the rocks without slowing down and approaching the blue macaw. Her eyes narrowed at it's current state as she reached out to it. When her fingers came in close a spark of electricity made her rapidly retract it. Using both hands she picked up the blue macaw by the head and feet before turning around and making her way back across.

"Pyrope. Can you free him?" Lepidolite asked worriedly.

"I'll try." He replied, summoning an axe from his Gem.

Amethyst watched as Pyrope's axe made contact with the rope. Like before small sparks emerged, so he rapidly sliced the rope. Luckily his axe was sharp enough for it to cut through, freeing the innocent animal. Lepidolite held it in her arms, softly padding it's head to wake it up. For a moment the blue macaw only twitched at her touch, but at least it was still alive.

"Essa 'e minha presa!" A nearby voice said in Portuguese.

Turning their heads to where the voice came from the trio looked up to see Carlos Santos standing at the top of the river. He was tan-skinned with short black hair and hazel eyes. He sported a trimmed beard and goatee with a massive scar across his face. He wore a white tank-top with a red unbuttoned shirt, light blue shorts equipped with a purple and black metal belt, and sandals. His eyes were narrowed as he looked down at trio.

"You've got some nerve, Carlos! You and every smuggler all over are harming innocent creatures who want to live in peace and cause their species to go extinct. What is the point in that?!" Lepidolite said angerly.

"That is of no concern to you, menina." Carlos replied in English. "I require money, and what better way than giving people exotic animals they've never witnessed before. And this belt is the perfect tool for the job." He added as he placed a hand near the belt, summoning another bolas.

"Where the hell did you get that?" Pyrope asked angerly.

"A friend. You Gems have such great technology. Any chance are there any more that can make my job easier?" Carlos replied, twirling the bolas.

Without warning Pyrope threw his axe at him. At the same time Carlos threw his bolas at it. Coming together the bolas completely entangled the axe before falling into the river. Watching them glare Carlos quickly ran from the area.

Rushing by each bush he passed Carlos kept his eyes forward with every step he took. Each breath ignited his lungs as he entered a wide open area. Soon his eyes shot as he stopped dead in his tracks, bending over while breathing heavily. Dead ahead was a massive waterfall with a rapid current flowing. From left to right were alternate pathways, but there were large gaps that were too wide to cross.

Hearing the bushes rumble he turned around to see the trio coming up. "It was said your kind protects us. Yet there hasn't been any sightings of those monsters you hunt. Or...have you killed humans before? Do you protect us because we are weak and frail? Because we cannot defend ourselves and you slaughter us only if you want to?" Carlos said, slowly backing away.

"Dude, we protect humanity because we chose too." Pyrope replied. "Now hand over the belt and maybe I won't break your jaw too much?" He added, cracking his knuckles.

"Never!" Carlos replied, summoning two bolas.

Twirling them in his hands he quickly threw them at the trio. Both bolas were thrown at rapid speeds aiming straight for them, so without even a second thought Pyrope stepped in front of his sister and Amethyst as the bolas wrapped around his midsection, constraining his arms. Purple electricity burst out of them as Pyrope roared in the air while his body fell onto the ground.

Lepidolite merely froze in place as she witnessed the actions her brother just did for her. Her eyes soon turned to Carlos as he grew a wicked smirk. Forming a glare Lepidolite began swaying her body.

"Capoeria? You know the art?" Carlos questioned.

Without a response Lepidolite spun around and began flipping her body. Flip after flip after flip after flip she got close to Carlos as he threw another bolas. Pushing her body into the air the bolas passed right by her as she landed back down. Spinning her body she raised her left leg, swinging it straight at Carlos' head. Just as it came close he quickly ducked his head while swaying his body.

"Ha! You are not the only one who's practiced the art." Carlos said.

Both of them continued swaying their bodies until Carlos lowered his upper body, touching the ground and swinging his leg at her. Before it could make contact Lepidolite pushed herself back and pushed her hands onto the ground before propelling herself forward, stretching her legs out. Carlos ducked his head as she flew passed him, landing right behind him.

"Not bad. Interesting in dancing for me like that?" Carlos said, performing a handstand.

An expression of disgust formed on Lepidolite's face, "Like, never. And you forget that I'm not alone here."

Carlos' eyes widened as a large force of pressure entered his back, pushing him forward until he landed on his stomach. Raising his head he watched as Amethyst as she moved her body, "Yo, you are one seriously messed up dude. You definitely gotta find a better hobby, man." She said.

Groaning, Carlos raised himself, but as he did Amethyst leaped forward, kicking his stomach. Gawking from the impact Carlos covered his stomach right before Amethyst and Lepidolite came up to him from his front and back, spinning their bodies until they both kicked the left side of his head, sending him rolling across the ground.

Small groans left Carlos' mouth until his eyes slowly closed. Walking up to him Lepidolite rolled him over onto his back and removed the belt from his pants.

"Glad to see you still got it, princess." Pyrope said as he got up.

Turning around Lepidolite and Amethyst jogged up to him. Summoning out her bladed fan Lepidolite used his to cut the bolas from his body. With his arm no longer constrained she went up to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Her head rested on his shoulder with small sobs leaving her mouth.

"C'mon, princess. No water works. I'm alright." Pyrope told her.

Removing her head he looked at her as water started forming in her eyes. A small sigh left his mouth as his raised his hand up and placed it on top of her head. "I'm fine. Promise." He told her softly.

Lepidolite's lips stretched into a smile as she swiped the tears from her eyes. "Okay. Let's get Carlos to Charoite before he gains consciousness." She added.

"I would not wanna be that guy when he wakes up." Amethyst added as she looked at Carlos.

End of Episode 6.

I'm sorry for not updating sooner. Kinda got busy.

Hope you all enjoyed it an happy new year (even though I'm late saying it at this point)

Next Time:

Faith