Episode 7: Faith

May 28th 9:00 p.m.

Chopper Hospital. One of several hospitals in Delmarva and your standard place for check-ups, surgeries, and gaining new attentions to your family at any given moment.

Inside the building it was quiet. Only a minimum of people, doctors, and nurses were walking through the dark halls with only small amounts of light shining above. Down the hall through the South Wing was one of seven operating rooms. Just outside of it was a man and woman sitting down, intertwining their hands as the clock above them continued to tick. Neither one of them spoke a word nor checked how long it's been. All that mattered was when the operation was over.

Inside the operating room the patient was lying down with an oxygen mask over his face while the heartbeat monitor beeped repeatedly. So far the doctors and nurses were able to remove the shrapnel from his body. Most of the wounds needed stitches, though the hard part was cleaning the blood. The patient was very, very lucky the shrapnel did not puncture his body any further than it had when he arrived.

"Dr. Evans. Will he be okay after this?" Nurse Heidi asked.

"I am quite certain, Nurse Heidi. He is lucky his parents brought him here when they could. Though his nerves have been damaged and thankfully none of the shrapnel have pierced his shoulders or neck. It will take some time for him to recover fully, but what matters now is he is still alive. The spirits ensured me that he will be okay." Dr. Evans replied.

"The spirits?" Dr. Wayne asked.

"Apparently, Dr. Evans can talk to spirits. It's already known that she can basically fly, control water, and fight monsters, but the whole spiritual thing is kinda still new to me." Nurse Heart replied.

"It is okay if do not understand, Nurse Heart. For now, let us conclude the operation." Dr. Evans said.

Soon all of the wounds were stitched and the bleeding managed to stop. As they looked at him the other doctors and nurses took a step back while Dr. Evans stretched out her arms. Clapping her hands together she summoned her wings. Carefully, she lowered them onto the patient as her water slowly began to engulf his body. Closing her eyes and intertwining her fingers Azurite's water began illuminating a blue light. The water itself entered into the stitched wounds, slowly closing them one by one. Once the final wound was closed Azurite pulled the water from his body, reforming her wings and dismissing them.

"Nurse Heidi. You and Nurse Heart please escort him to his room while I go inform his parents." Dr. Evans said.

"Understood." Nurse Heidi replied.

Heidi and Heart walked to the patient and picked up his now soaked body before placing him onto a stretcher. Watching them take the patient toward the opposite door Azurite removed her mask as she walked out of the operating room. Confronting the parents they immediately stood up at the sight of her and approached her, "Is he okay? Please tell us he's going to be okay?" The mother said worriedly.

"Your son is going to be just fine. We've managed to remove the shrapnel and stitch his wounds. He is conscious, though he will need rest for the time being. We've transported him to room 365 down the hall. You may go see him." Azurite replied.

Both the father's and mother's lips stretched into smiles from this. "Thank you so much." The father said.

"You both are very welcome." Azurite replied.

The father and mother walked right passed her as they went toward their son. Azurite's lips slowly stretched into a grin watching them leave. One of the many wholesome actions she genuinely enjoys witnessing.

"Another successful operation?" A voice said.

Turning her head Azurite's eyes locked onto Dr. Maheswaran approaching her with a grin. "Indeed." She replied.

"I have to say, you are our most valuable doctor here. Kinda hard to see you not succeed in an operation without your magic." Dr. Maheswaran said as they walked.

"Priyanka. I only use my abilities when necessary. There are times I've done operations without them. The spirits inform me when they are needed." Azurite replied.

"I see. Well that's good that they are aware and help if need be. Even though I don't fully understand it." Dr. Maheswaran said.

"The spirits are the stars above. They watch over us. Protect us. As long as you believe in them they will assist you no matter the hardships." Azurite explained.

Dr. Maheswaran's grin stretched into a smile as they took a turn around the corner. Before she could speak another word a buzzing sound entered their ears. Stopping in place Dr. Maheswaran reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone before answering it, "Hello? Oh, hello Connie. What is it?"

"Hi, mom. Is it okay if I can go over to Steven's during summer break?" Connie said on the other line.

"Have you been studying and focusing on your grades?" Dr. Maheswaran asked.

"Yes, ma'am. I've already read through the Book Of Atlantis too." Connie answered.

"I see. Then yes, you may. But if you do you must tell me or your father how long you'll be gone and when you'll come back. Promise?" Dr. Maheswaran said.

"I promise." Connie replied.

"Good. I need to go now. Be in bed by the time I come home." Dr. Maheswaran said.

"I will. I love you." Connie replied.

"I love you too." Dr. Maheswaran said before hanging up. "My little girl is growing up so fast. Sometimes I look away for one minute and she's already entering her preteens." She added, turning to Azurite.

"I felt the same way about Kameron. But no matter how much they grow they will always need us." Azurite replied.

Dr. Maheswaran smiled from those words. Though it was only short as her smile slowly faded, "Honestly, all I want is to protect her and make sure she's okay. But I can't do that forever. And I definitely don't want her out there risking her life for this planet." She added.

Looking into her friend's eyes Azurite placed a hand onto her shoulder. "If you want her to trust you, you have to trust her first. I understand how troubling it is being a parent, but putting your trust in them first allows you to have them trust you as well. It may seem confusing, but controlling them makes them feel miserable and suffocated. Allow them freedom, but guide them to a life they want to live in." She added.

Dr. Maheswaran's smile slowly returned as she placed her hand onto Azurite's. Shortly after the intercom called her. Removing their hands Dr. Maheswaran walked away with Azurite walking toward the opposite direction.

May 29th 6:30 a.m.

Descending from the air Azurite landing in front of her home. Taking out her keys from her purse she unlocked the front door and walked inside. Coming in she closed the door from behind and smiled at the sights in front of her. In the living room her brother Onyx sat quietly in a chair, casually ready one of his books. To her left on the couch Charoite was reading a magazine while Amber was doing some paper work. Meanwhile in the kitchen Citrine and Kameron were eating breakfast. Kameron was enjoying a bowl f cereal while Citrine enjoyed a massive bowl of it, having his bowl almost as big as a truck tire.

"Good morning, brothers and sisters." Azurite announced, walking into the living room.

"Morning, Azurite." Each of her siblings replied back.

"Did mother and father leave already?" Azurite asked, putting down her purse.

"Nah. They're still upstairs gettin' ready." Amber answered.

"And Lepidolite left for her morning routine. Pyrope went with her again." Charoite added.

"Thank you for informing me of this." Azurite said as she took her purse and placed in next to her mother's. As she walked through the living room a loud flute ringtone entered everyone's ears. Reaching into her pocket Azurite pulled out her phone. Strangely she checked the Caller I.D and it showed the name Pearl. Only rarely do the Crystal Gems ever call the Rainbows, but without wasting another second she answered.

"Hello, Pearl?" Azurite said.

"Azurite! Please help us! It's an emergency!" Pearl cried out.

Azurite's eyes shot open from the shear volume of Pearl's voice, "Pearl, slow down. What happened?"

"I'll explain when you get here! Please, quickly!" Pearl replied.

"Okay, okay. I'll be there as soon as I can." Azurite said before hanging up.

"What's going on?" Kameron asked.

"I do not know, but from the sound of Pearl's voice it does not sound well." Azurite replied. She then turned her eyes to Onyx. "Onyx, though I am aware you have your job I require your help. May I have your assistance?"

Turning his eyes to her Onyx closed his book and stood up. "Very well. Though I am not so well known in medical treatment." He replied.

May 29th 6:35 a.m.

A black portal erupted within the Universe residence with Azurite and Onyx stepping out of it. As it close they turned their heads to the Crystal Gems near Steven's bed. Going up the latter their eyes were placed onto Steven, laying in bed with a washcloth on his forehead as his cheeks were burning. Small breaths left his mouth as Azurite approached him, "What happened?" She asked the Crystal Gems.

"We were fighting a Corrupted that could release poison from it's body. Steven took a direct hit from it and we've managed to clean him up, but then...throughout the night he started burning up. I gave him some medicine, but...but...it wouldn't work." Pearl explained as she covered her mouth with soft sobs leaving it.

"I see." Azurite said as she looked back at Steven. "Kameron has gone through a similar situation as well. My water can heal him, but it will take some time." She added.

"How long?" Amethyst asked.

"I do not know. But long enough so he can heal." Azurite replied.

Amethyst soon groaned, "Isn't there like a faster way?"

"Healing takes time, Amethyst. Rushing it only brings more pain. Do you want Steven to die?" Onyx replied.

Hearing those words made the Crystal Gems turn their attention onto him. Though it was out of line, his words were true as they turned their gazes back to Steven.

"Please. Tell us there's a quicker solution." Pearl said as she wiped her tears.

Azurite's eyes soon began averting from left to right before turning them to the Crystals, "There...is a quicker way. Though it could be dangerous."

"Tell us." Garnet said.

"Elysium Fruit. It lies within the Realm Of Souls. It is a place of never ending cold. A dimension no-one has ever dared entered into nor ever want to. The Fruit that grows there is able to heal anyone or anything from just consuming it. I've given it to many that had eaten one once when they were on the brink of death, so Steven is no different. Though it is not so simple to traverse." Azurite explained.

"Take me there." Garnet said without a second thought.

A sigh soon left Azurite's mouth. As expected, but due to the circumstances she can't blame Garnet for her quick answer.

"Let me go too." Pearl announced.

"No." Azurite declined. "You and Amethyst watch Steven. Me, my brother, and Garnet will go." She added.

"I prefer to go alone." Garnet said.

"I understand your capabilities, Garnet. However only I am able to access the Realm of Souls. Me and Onyx are going with you." Azurite replied.

Garnet didn't respond to that, so it was clear she had to accept this. Going over to the living room Azurite raised her left arm out as her Gem began glowing. Coming out of her left palm a long wooden key erupted with a glass dome at it's center showing eighteen colorful lights. "Is och kall. Liv och dod. Lat uss ga in." She chanted in Swedish.

Placing the key onto the wooden floor a small trail of ice soon erupted from it. Soon it got close to the Beach House door and formed around it. Surrounding the door a green light illuminated from it just before a portal appeared. Without any more delays Azurite, Onyx, and Garnet entered inside. Going in the portal vanished and the ice began to break around the door.

"Be careful." Pearl said softly before putting her eyes on Steven.

May 29th 6:35 a.m.

Arriving at their destination the trio was hit by a large burst of icy winds. Luckily for them they weren't affected by the chilly temperature as they kept walking. Up above the skies were gray with various colored hues while the winds resumed blowing. All around there were ice constructs and structures. The very structure they were on was an enormous bridge with statues on each side. Though impressive, what stuck out the most were the small transparent souls floating all around.

"Where is the Elysium Fruit?" Garnet asked.

"Straight forward. It grows on the Tree Of Purity. Continuing forward we will make it there quickly." Azurite replied.

"Though be warned, Garnet. The creatures that dwell here are not Corrupted. We will have to fight them if need be." Onyx added.

Silence was the response from Garnet as they moved. Further and further as they walked there was a large opening, cutting the bridge off from it's end. Leaping over it the trio continued onward until the reached a wall. Summoning her gauntlets Garnet punched the wall and then punched a section of it from an upper angle. She continued this process as she slowly ascended up the wall. Azurite and Onyx followed after, using the holes Garnet made.

Reaching the top the trio were soon met by five unusual creatures. Each of them had cold blue eyes with dark gray bodies and horns piercing their foreheads encased in ice. Most of their bodies were small, except for the large one in the back. They showed razor sharp claws, teeth, and tails swaying. Their feet was encased in ice as well, though they were still capable of movement. Glared expressions appeared on their faces with heavy breathes leaving their mouths. No less than a mere second they each screamed and rushed toward the trio.

Azurite and Onyx quickly summoned their weapons while Garnet went after their heavy hitter. Twirling her bo-staff Azurite pushed one of the creatures back before turning her body and knocking the other off the bridge. Getting up the remaining creature growled at her and began charging again, though it was in vain as she raised her bo-staff, slamming it right onto the creature's head, knocking it own.

Meanwhile the remaining small creatures rushed over to Onyx with their claws. Leaping into the air they made their way to him, but as they approached him by a mere inch he quickly jumped out of their way. Landing back onto the ice without losing his footing he dashed forward, impaling one of the creatures with his scythe. Twisting his body he threw the creature off of the bridge and sliced the second one without wasting a second.

Lastly, Garnet punched the massive creature in the stomach, pushing it further away from her. A crackling roar exited it's mouth as it raised up it's arms before slamming them straight onto Garnet. Raising her hands up Garnet caught the arms without trouble and quickly raised her body, kneeing the creature in the stomach. The mere impact pushed the creature even further as it cradled it's stomach just as Garnet went up to it, jumping upwards and aiming her fist right at it's chin. The force of her punch raised the creature from the bridge before it landed back down with a loud thud.

Jumping over it Garnet moved along with Azurite and Onyx following after.

"Were those things spirits?" Garnet said.

"Possibly. I've only witnessed them a few times, though never have I seen those types before. Could be newly welcomed spirits." Azurite answered.

"Do certain humans die and come here?" Garnet asked.

"No. This dimension is a different space from Earth. No souls from our realm come here. Only the souls from this dimension." Onyx explained.

Reaching the end of the bridge the trio looked forward and saw a massive tree straight ahead. The leaves themselves were white as were the long contorted branches. Though it's most prized and awe inspiring features were the large fruit growing from the branches. While amazing to witness, there was only one small problem left to handle. In front of the tree lied a massive creature. It stood on two legs wearing armor made of ice and wielding a large shield made of iron and ice alongside a long frozen blade. Lastly the creature spread it's large wings of ice with it's sharp ice tail swaying in the wind.

"That is the Guardian of the Tree Of Purity. To receive a Fruit we must speak with it first." Azurite said.

Walking into the opened area the Guardian spotted the trio approaching them with it's cold dark blue eyes. "Azurite! It has been ages since I've seen you." It said with a deep echoing voice.

"Yes, yes, it has. I would not come here if it wasn't important." Azurite replied.

"What is your purpose here this time?" The Guardian asked.

"A child has been poisoned, and though I would rather heal him with my water or an antidote his caretakers are very anxious and want him healed as quickly as possible. May we please have one Elysium Fruit?" Azurite replied.

The Guardian hummed at her words, turning it's eyes onto Onyx and Garnet as well. "Who is this child?"

"His name is Steven Universe." Azurite replied.

"How important is this child to be granted with such a gift? The Guardian questioned.

Garnet soon took a step forward, walking toward the tree. As she approached it the Guardian took a step forward, blocking her path.

"I did not make a final conclusion." It told her.

"There is no time. I am taking a Fruit to Steven." Garnet replied.

"Do NOT speak to me as if I am a mere soul!" The Guardian echoed in anger. "If you dare approach me in such a manner then you must prove to me that this "Steven Universe" is worthy of this gift." The Guardian said, raising it's blade and shield.

Jumping into the air Garnet raised her arm out and launched it straight at the Guardian. Pulling up it's shield Garnet punched straight at it, only giving it several cracks before she was pushed back.

"Guardian, please! We did not mean for this to happen! We do not wish to fight!" Azurite pleaded.

"It is too late for apologizes. I see that you have a very gentle soul within you Azurite, three actually. But this is the result of your friend thinking she can do as she pleases. If you wish to receive a Fruit you must defeat me. That is your only solution as of now." The Guardian replied as it's voice softened while it raised it's blade out.

Tightening her grip on her bo-staff Azurite narrowed her eyes at Garnet. This wasn't suppose to happen. Just a simple conversation without any violence being added in. Now...violence has been added in. This is a very serious situation, but that does not mean we can all do as we please all the time no matter the consequences. For now...a discussion about this will have to wait.

Onyx watched the state the situation was in and though a peaceful conclusion would've avoided this, there was no other way now. Raising his scythe he dashed forward, locking his eyes onto the Guardian. Coming in close the Guardian raised up it's sword, descending it toward Onyx. Slicing the air in front of him Onyx opened a portal and leaped straight into it before it closed. Right behind the Guardian a black portal opened with Onyx coming in fast before slicing the Guardian's neck with his scythe.

It's roar in pure agony from the mere attack. It's eyes glared at the trio below as it raised both it's shield and blade. Garnet then rushed it as the Guardian swung it's blade. Increasing the size of her gauntlets she threw her arm right at the blade and as it impacted large cracks started forming before it completely broke in two. Pulling her arm back she soon threw her other arm at it's shield, adding more into it and pushing the Guardian back.

'It is better for this to be finished quickly.' Azurite thought to herself.

Spinning her bo-staff she soon slammed it into the ground. As the Guardian regained it's footing ice began to creeping onto to him from below, keeping it in place. More and more id the ice continue to expand, covering it's entire body, excluding the head. With it's body encased it dropped both it's broken blade and shield while struggling to move with no avail.

Releasing her bo-staff Azurite dismissed her weapon as she walked up to the Guardian, "You are defeated. May we please obtain the Fruit, please?"

Looking down at her as Garnet and Onyx approached it the Guardian hummed and slowly nodded. As promised Azurite flew to the tree and picked a Fruit from the branches. Turning her head to the Guardian she raised an arm out and snapped her fingers, releasing him from the ice. "I apologize once more for the trouble we have caused. It will never happen again." She told it.

"See to it that it does not. You are my friend, but though I was generous today I may not be so if another companion of yours dares an attempt such as this again. Remember that." The Guardian replied.

"Understood." Azurite said as she walked. "Let us go. We need nothing more from here." She added.

May 29th 6:37 a.m.

Returning to the Universe residence the trio witnessed Greg had arrived with a worried expression. Approaching Steven Azurite slowly lifted his eyes as his eyes began to open.

"Azurite?" Steven said weakly.

"Hello, Steven. Here, eat this. It will help you get better." Azurite replied softly.

Slowly opening his mouth Azurite guided the Elysium Fruit to it. Taking a small chomp from it Steven slowly began to chew until he managed to swallow. Closing his eyes once more a small glow illuminated around his body.

"What's happening?" Greg asked.

"The Fruit is taking effect. For now, he must rest." Azurite answered. "When he awakens give him the Fruit one more time and place it within the fridge if this ever occurs again. Elysium Fruit must be kept within cold temperatures or it will become sour and rot." She added.

"We will. Thank you again, Azurite." Pearl said softly with a warm smile.

Giving her a nod Azurite stepped away and went down to the living room. She called for Garnet and asked if they could speak outside to which she agreed as she followed her outside.

"My assistance has been fulfilled." Onyx said as he left through a black portal.

Outside both Gems looked out at the morning sea, watching the tide getting pulled back before pushing itself forward. A small breeze flew passed them as the sun shined down it's warmth. Silence took it's toll. Though only for a brief moment.

"Garnet. For millenniums we've fought together and during those times you've always been one to get straight to the point. For that, I understand. However, though you are the new leader of the Crystal Gems and you take this position seriously you must put your trust in others." Azurite said.

"Steven was dying. There was no time for negotiations." Garnet replied.

"Time moves slower in the Realm Of Souls. There was plenty of time to spare. Because of these actions the Guardian will now be hesitant with any companion I bring with me from now on." Azurite addressed.

"All that matters is Steven's health. That is what's most important." Garnet replied.

Azurite averted her eyes from Garnet and soon turned her back to her. "I will be going now."

As Azurite walked away her movement was soon stalled. A hand was placed on her shoulder as she turned to place her eyes on Garnet. "I am grateful for your help. This will be not forgotten." Garnet told her.

A small grin stretched on Azurite's lips. Garnet softly padded her shoulder and went back inside. Everything turned out okay as she believed it would. Sprouting her wings Azurite took flight, returning home.

End of Episode 7.

Hope you all enjoyed this.

Next Time:

Respect The Fallen