Episode 11: Lapis Lazuli

June 10th 4:30 p.m.

Through the streets of Beach City a Dewey Middle School bus was coming down the hill and passing by the first block. Inside the bus Steven and Connie sat side by side with wholesome smiles on their faces.

"I still can't believe you've graduated today!" Connie said excitedly.

"Me either! I was a little scared during the ceremony, but seeing you and dad helped out a lot." Steven replied joyfully. "I have so many memories of Dewey Middle School now. Memories I will never ever forget. And when September comes by I'll a Freshman at Dewey High School. I'll be able to see Kameron more often." He added as he laid back in his seat, but then a certain thought came to mind as he turned his eyes to Connie, "But then...I won't be able to see you as often anymore."

Connie's smile lessened a little. The very thought was now sinking into her mind. Her and Steven were two years apart. By August it'll be three and then back to two when November comes along. She still had a long way to go before she could get to high school. Right now her smile started brightening up again, "Don't worry about that. I'll make sure to keep in touch with you as long as you do the same. There's no way distance is gonna tear us apart."

"Yeah... Yeah. I promise to always stay connected with you. Jam Buds?" Steven replied.

"Jam Buds." Connie said as they shared a hug.

As they separated the bus came to a halt. "Universe. This is your stop." The bus driver said.

Taking one last look at Connie he stood up from his seat and began walking toward the front of the bus. Coming down the steps he made it onto the sidewalk as the doors closed behind him and the bus started taking off. Gripping onto his backpack straps Steven closed his eyes as breathed in some air before exhaling.

'Goodbye Dewey Middle School.' He thought as he started walking.

Passing the Big Doughnut he made his way to the sand and a rocky cliff. Going around it he spotted his house in the distance. Without any delays he jogged through the sand and made his way up the stairs before opening the door.

"Yo! There's our graduate." Amethyst cheered as she came up and hugged Steven.

"Oh, Steven. We're so proud of you." Pearl added, joining the hug.

"I am proud of you, too." Garnet concluded, joining the hug.

Steven giggled as the hug tightened. Soon the Crystals released him as he walked toward the couch. "Thanks, guys. It was a lot of fun, and now I'm on my way to becoming a full-fledged teenager." He added with a hand on his chest and stars in his eyes.

"You're excited for High School already?" Amethyst asked.

"You bet I am. I'll be able to see my big brother and obtain the most amazing experiences a High Schooler could ever go through. But I'll have to wait for that until the end of August." Steven replied.

Pearl began to sniffle with tears forming in her eyes. 'My baby is growing up so fast.' She thought as she wiped a tear away.

"Now that you're out for the summer, what would you like to do now, Steven?" Garnet asked.

A small hum exited Steven mouth as he took his backpack and climbed up to his bed. "Actually...I don't really know. Connie has tennis practice, so we can't hang out until tomorrow. Katherine is having a pool party at her house this weekend, so I'll have to wait for that. Evan is going out of town with his family to the zoo. And Kameron is working tonight, but there is something I've had on my mind lately."

"What's up?" Amethyst asked.

Climbing down the latter Steven walked up to the Crystals. "Well...I don't really like bringing this up, but...it's about mom."

The mentioning of that word made Pearl and Amethyst advert their eyes from him while Garnet remained unshaken.

"Well... After seeing her statue I couldn't stop thinking about her. And whenever I bring her up you just change the subject. You won't even let me look at the Rebellion Book. So...please. What was she like? What kinds of things did she go through during the War?" Steven said firmly.

Silence took place. The Crystals soon looked one another before placing their eyes on Steven again. Both Rose and the Great War were...very sensitive topics to bring up. Sure it was common knowledge for everyone else, but from their perspectives it was something they really, really didn't enjoy nor like to talk about. However, Steven was getting older and his curiosity was getting sharper. And the last thing they'd want is for him to hear it from Green.

A sigh soon left Pearl's mouth. "Okay. I guess...now would be a good time for us to explain...certain things." She added.

Steven watched as Pearl walked into the middle of the living room. Closing her middle finger and third finger on each of her hands Pearl slowly lifted her left leg. Placing it back down she circled her hands around her Gem as it began to glow. A portion of light exited out of her Gem and soon took on the form of a small mirror. Opening her hands she soon took it into her right, "I've discovered this mirror near the Galaxy Warp. It possess the ability to tell you information based on the War or even our planet, Home World."

Walking up to Steven, Pearl handed him the mirror. "Here, let me how you how it works." She added, going behind Steven. "Show us the Galaxy Warp."

Nothing happened.

"I said, show us the Galaxy Warp." Pearl repeated.

The same result.

"Is it broken?" Steven asked.

"Possibly. It hasn't been used for a long time." Pearl replied.

"Can I hold onto it? Maybe I can figure it out." Steven asked.

"Very well." Pearl assured.

With a small grin stretched on his lips Steven thanked Pearl for the mirror before heading outside.

June 10th 5:00 p.m.

Sitting on the beach as the waves were coming in Steven held up the mirror to his face. "Please. Can you show me the Great War?" He asked.

For a moment nothing happened. Steven's soon puffed up his cheeks, but as he looked at the mirror small ripples began to appear. The ripples soon disappeared and what looked liked an opened area was shown. A light gasp left Steven's mouth as he carefully watched. Soon there were multiple Gems battling each other. Some were defending themselves, humans got involved and aided them, some were getting poofed, and most were cutting their way through battalions.

"Whoa..." Steven said in a whisper.

After another Gem was poofed a certain Gem came in and defended her comrade before slicing her enemy in half. A Gem Steven recognized all too well.

"Mom..." He whispered.

Watching her carefully Steven witnessed her protecting humans and fighting Home World Gems. Her sword and shield worked hand in hand as she swiftly moved through the battlefield.

"We will never surrender! This is our home and it must be protected at all costs! We are the Crystal Gems!" Rose said in the mirror.

"Wow." Steven whispered.

Before more event could occur the images in the mirror soon vanished.

"Wow. You work! That's so amazing!" Steven said. "Thank you." He added.

"Thank you." The mirror replied, repeating Steven.

A loud gasp left his mouth as he stood up, "Whoa. You said what I said. What's it like being a mirror?"

"You work." The mirror replied.

Giggles left Steven mouth from the response. "Wow. I gotta show Kameron."

"NO!" The mirror replied, showing a terrified female Gem.

"Huh? What's wrong? Kameron is a amazing guy. I'm sure he'll be happy to meet you." Steven assured.

"Well. If it must be done." The mirror replied, showing two different Gems speaking.

June 10th 5:10 p.m.

Jogging through the boardwalk Steven soon slowed down as he made his way to Fish Stew Pizza. Going inside he smiled at the sight of his big brother near the counter.

"Kameron! Kameron! Kameron!" Steven called.

Gaining his attention Kameron walked out and was greeted by a hug from his little brother, "Hey, Steven. Good to see you. How's it feel getting out of Middle School?" He added.

"It's amazing. A little upsetting, but I'll never forget my time there." Steven replied. "Oh, I need to show you something if you're not too busy." He added.

Kameron held up an index finger as he walked back around the counter. "Kofi. I need to check on something for a moment. Can I take a small break since we're rarely busy at the moment?"

"Very well. But make it fast. This is just the calm before the storm, my boy." Kofi replied.

With his boss' permission Kameron walked out of the counter and both him and Steven went over to a nearby booth. "Okay. What's up?" He asked.

Steven then pulled out the mirror and gave it to Kameron. "Pearl gave me this mirror after I got home. I wanted to know about my mom and the Great War since they never tell me anything, so Pearl gave me the mirror. You talk to it and it either show you something from the War or repeat what you say." Steven explained.

Confusion was soon expressed onto Kameron's face as he looked at the mirror. "Um...hello. My name is Kameron." He attempted.

Ripples soon took form in the mirror before a reflection of Kameron appeared. "Hello. Kameron." It said.

Kameron's eyes blinked as he looked at Steven who was already amazed before turning back to the mirror. "Wow. Never met a repeating mirror before." He then turned it around and as he did his eyes instantly shot open. On the back of the mirror there was a Gem in the form of a teardrop, just like Azurite's, only there was a massive crack on it. "Steven. You said Pearl gave you this?" He asked.

"Yeah, she did. Is something wrong?" Steven replied.

"I think we should show this to the Crystals." Kameron said as he got up. "Kofi! I need to go take care of something! I'll be back as quickly as I can!" He added.

"Just make it quick. I'll need your help for my next new pizza recipe." Kofi replied back.

June 10th 5:20 p.m.

Reaching the Universe residence Steven and Kameron went inside, catching the attention of the Crystals.

"Kameron? I thought you have work today?" Pearl asked as she stood from the couch.

"I do, but then Steven came by and showed me a mirror you found." Kameron replied.

"Guess what? I was able to make it work." Steven added.

"Really?" Pearl asked, receiving a nod.

"Yeah. You didn't tell me it could also talk to you." Steven replied.

Pearl blinked at those words. "What are you talking about?"

"Watch. Say hello." Steven said, raising the mirror.

Nothing happened. Steven then looked at the mirror while placing another hand onto it, "C'mon. I know you're there. Please talk to us. There are so many things we want to know about you. You're my Beach City Summer Fun Buddy. Please?"

"Okay, Steven." The mirror replied as it soon giggled using Steven's reflection.

Kameron looked back at the Crystals who looked on edge. Pearl slowly covered her mouth as she took a step back.

"It shouldn't be able to do that... It shouldn't be able to do that... It's only suppose to tell you what it already knows. That's all." She said.

Garnet then sat up from the couch and approached the boys, "Steven. It's for the best that you give the mirror back."

"NO!" The mirror screamed.

Steven then looked back at the mirror, then Garnet, then Kameron.

"Is there something in the mirror?" Kameron asked.

"Yeah. It's scared. What's going on?" Steven added.

"Steven. Don't make me take it from you. It's just a mirror, a tool. It doesn't want anything and Pearl needs to have it back." Garnet replied as she reached out for it.

The mirror continued to scream with various voices. Closer and closer did Garnet's hand come near it and more and more screams came out. Steven felt his body trembling with each scream before his eyes narrowed, "I won't let you take this from me." He said, swatting Garnet's hand away.

A light gasp left Pearl's mouth. Garnet stood still for a brief moment as her hand slowly turned into a fist. Her teeth was then exposed and clenched. Steven gulped as he quickly got behind Kameron.

"You are in big trouble, Steven." Garnet growled.

Feeling his body trembling behind him Kameron looked back to see Steven gripping the mirror's handle tightly while his eyes were filled with fear. Narrowing his eyes Kameron placed a hand on his head and directed his attention to the Crystals.

"Just tell us what's up with the mirror." Kameron said firmly.

No response was given from Garnet. There was only one thing left to do, "Steven. Run." Kameron yelled.

Without a second thought Steven listened and ran out the door. Kameron followed shortly after as the Crystals were coming. Reaching the sand Kameron started running and caught up with Steven. They both made their way through a large pile of rocks and hid behind the biggest one.

Steven soon pulled out the mirror, "Is there something wrong? Why do the Crystal Gems want you back?" He added.

"Crystal. Gems. Are. Enemy. Let. Me. OUT!" The mirror replied with multiple reflections.

Steven then turned to Kameron as he eyes started shaking. "Remove the Gem from the back. It think that's what it's trying to say." Kameron told him.

Steven's eyes slowly stopped shaking. He then narrowed them as he turned the mirror to it's back. Placing a hand on the cracked Gem he tried removing it. As he struggled the water from the ocean started coming toward them and a strange symbol soon formed underneath their feet. Unsure on what was going on himself Kameron stood next to Steven and placed a hand over his. Looking back at him a small smile formed on his lips as they pulled the Gem. With more and more pressure they pulled the Gem out and soon the mirror itself cracked. Looking at the Gem it began to glow a light blue before hovering away from them and going near the sea.

The Gem then hovered in place and released a large blue light before taking form. The Gem looked like a blue-skinned teenage girl with dark blue hair, a long blue skirt, and a blue crop-top. She was barefoot as she fell onto the sand. Kameron and Steven were stunned as they saw her before they made their way up to her.

"Are you okay?" Kameron asked.

The Gem turned to look at them, and as she did they noticed that her eyes were completely clear, no pupils or irises at all. The Gem struggled to stand up and as she did she toppled forward before Kameron caught her in his arms.

"Are you okay?" Steven asked.

The Gem lifted her head from Kameron's shoulder and a small stretched on her face, "Thank...you. You talked to me. You helped me." She said with a soft feminine voice.

Helping her up she took a step back from Kameron. She looked down at Steven, "You're Steven, right?" She asked, receiving a nod from him. "And you're Kameron?" She added.

"Yeah. You're a Lapis Lazuli, right?" Kameron asked.

"I am. Call me Lapis. But how do you know me?" Lapis replied, tilting her head.

Just as he was going to give her an answer they each heard Garnet's roar for Steven.

"You two hide. I'll take care of this." Steven suggested.

Without even questioning it Kameron took Lapis by her hand as they ran from the area. Running toward a large nearby rock Kameron and Lapis reached toward it and sat onto the sand.

"What's going on?" Lapis asked.

"I'll explain everything later. We need to be quiet right now, okay?" Kameron replied, showing his index finger next to his mouth.

Lapis repeated his actions, though she didn't understand them as they silently watch Steven getting confronted by the Crystals.

"Dude! What is your damage?!" Amethyst yelled firmly.

Steven started to stutter as Garnet approached him. "Where. Is. The. Mirror?" She asked angerly.

Steven rapidly looked around the area and spotted the now broken mirror. Going up to it he picked it up and showed it to the Crystals. Pearl stepped up and took it from him. She then turned it around and noticed the disappearance of the Gem from it.

"Steven. What happened to the Gem on this mirror?" Pearl asked firmly.

"Um...I...uh...umm..." Steven stuttered.

"Steven. This is serious. What happened to the Gem on this mirror!?" Pearl yelled.

"She left!" Steven yelled back.

The Crystals blinked at him. "She...left?" Pearl asked.

Steven rapidly nodded.

"Steven. You're grounded." Garnet announced.

"I'm grounded?" Steven replied.

"Yes, for a month. Now all of us are going back inside right now." Pearl said, point back at the Temple.

A frown appeared on Steven's face as he started walking. He turned his head and caught a glimpse of Kameron and Lapis behind a rock. "I'm sorry." Kameron mouthed to him.

"This is my fault." Steven mouthed back.

"And where is Kameron?" Garnet asked as they walked.

"He went back to work. He didn't want to leave me, but I said I needed to do this by myself." Steven answered.

As Steven and the Crystals were now gone out of sight Kameron stood up while helping Lapis onto her feet. A myriad of questions started entering Kameron's head. Why was Lapis trapped in the mirror? How was she in the mirror in the first place? Did the Crystals trap her and kept her prisoner during and after the War? Answers needed to be made, but for right now he's focused on what to do with Lapis at the moment.

"Those three..." Lapis growled.

"Yeah. They've got a lot to answer for. But for right now I know a place where we can go." Kameron replied.

"Where?" Lapis asked.

Reaching into his shirt Kameron pulled out his Warp Whistle. Raising his hand out to Lapis they soon locked eyes. True, they don't know each other and they just met, but despite the circumstances she took his hand as they warped away.

June 10th 5:30 p.m.

Arriving at the Evans residence Kameron walked up to the door and pulled out his keys. Unlocking the locks he entered inside and witnessed Azurite in the kitchen. Honestly...it was actually really good she was home today.

"Azurite." Kameron called out.

Gaining her attention she walked out of the kitchen while stirring some dough in a glass bowl. "Kameron? I thought you were at work." She said.

"Yeah, I was. But listen. I've brought home someone you need to see." Kameron said.

Azurite tilted her head as Kameron went back outside. Coming back in Lapis stepped into the house. She then laid eyes Azurite who completely froze in place. *CRACK!* The glass bowl Azurite was holding fell right out of her hands, descending to the floor and shattering into pieces. Her eyes expanded while they began to shake and tears started forming in her eyes. She slowly raised her hands up to her mouth as she slowly approached Lapis.

"It's... you. Lapis. You're here." Azurite said tearfully.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" Lapis asked.

"Right. Of course. You've never met me before, but are the names Zuli and Cobalt familiar?" Azurite replied.

A small gasp left Lapis' mouth. "How do you know those names?"

Azurite soon closed her eyes. Once she did both of her Gems began to glow and her body was engulfed in blue light. Kameron and Lapis watched as the blue light was then split into two and from them were two blue Gems. One was female with short dark-blue hair, light blue eyes, a crop-top, a short blue skirt, and was barefoot. Her Gem was located at the bottom end of her neck and she wore a silver bracelet with a silver dove at it's center on her left hand along with a a silver ring. The other Gem was male with long dark blue hair, blue eyes, a long-sleeved blue shirt, dark blue pants, blue flattops, and a silver bracelet on his right hand with a dove at the center accompanied by a silver ring.

"Zuli? Cobalt?" Lapis asked, speechless.

Both Gems nodded. They soon walked up to her as Zuli wrapped her into her arms. "You have no idea how long we've been looking for you. We thought you were dead, but deep down we believed you were still alive somewhere. Thank the stars!" Zuli sobbed as she tightened her embrace.

Tears began to form in Lapis' eyes and she wrapped her arms around Zuli. Sobs left her mouth as they held each other while Cobalt and Kameron watched with smiles across their lips. After searching for eons they finally found her. Soon both girls released themselves from each other as Zuli guided Lapis to the couch.

"Please. Tell us what happened. How was Kameron able to find you?" Cobalt asked.

Lapis sniffled as she wiped away any remaining tears. "It's actually a bit blurry. But remember how I was sent here to terraform the planet?" Lapis began, receiving nods from Zuli and Cobalt. "I was suppose to be here for a short time, but as I resumed my work was under attack. I tried to escape the chaos, but then a strong Gem appeared from out of nowhere and I was poofed. Then I was mistaken for a Crystal Gem when they put me in the mirror. They kept asking me "Where is your base?" "Where is your leader?" and "How many of you are there?" over and over. I couldn't tell them because I didn't have the answers. So I only told them what I could think of. Then I saw this bright light. When it was gone freedom was in my sight and out of reach...until I was found and everything went dark after that." Lapis explained.

"She was inside Pearl's Gem. Pearl gave the mirror to Steven until he showed it to me and when I saw her Gem we went back to them as Lapis started talking to Steven. They started freaking out so we ran and released her from the mirror." Kameron added.

Zuli and Cobalt looked at each other and then back to Kameron, "Pearl had her all this time?" Zuli asked.

Kameron nodded.

Standing up from the couch Zuli narrowed her eyes as she pull out her phone. "Everyone must be involved in this. Once I am done calling father we are heading over to speak with the Crystals." She added.

June 10th 6:00 p.m.

A massive black portal erupted in the middle of the living room of the Universe residence. The Crystals and Steven watched as the Evans family came out of it with Lapis.

"Pearl. You have a lot of explaining to do." Zuli said, approaching her.

"Zuli? What is going on here?" Pearl replied, slowly backing away.

"You three don't remember?" Lapis said, walking forward. "You three knew I was in the mirror and you didn't do anything! Did you even consider who I was?!" She yelled.

Pearl stood in place. She averted her eyes from Lapis' as her body was shaking. Lapis gripped her fists as her glare tightened. The sounds of metal clanking entered everyone's ears before a large burst of water exited from the sink and went straight for Pearl, pinning her to the wall.

"Lapis! What are you doing?!" Steven cried out.

"MY NAME IS LAPIS LAZULI! AND YOU CAN'T TRAP ME ON THIS PLANET ANYMORE!" Lapis screamed with rage.

"Lapis, that's enough!" Cobalt called out.

"Why?! They deserve this for what they did!" Lapis stated.

"Lapis! Stand down!" Green said.

The sound of his voice raised made Lapis retract her grip on Pearl. She turned around as everyone looked at her. She violently shook her head as she ran out of the house.

"Lapis! Wait!" Kameron yelled.

Him and Steven ran out the door toward the beach. They watched as Lapis made her way to the ocean before stopping dead in her tracks. She turned around and glared at the boys with more tears forming in her eyes.

"Lapis, don't go. Can't we just talk about this?" Steven asked.

"There is nothing to talk about! They deserve what was coming to them, even more for what they did to me! And I'm even denied that! Even Green Diamond prevented me from having my retribution!" Lapis yelled.

"Lapis. I told you, the Crystal Gems will get what's coming to them, but this isn't the right way." Kameron replied. "I know what it feels like to want retribution, and to this very day it still burns into my very soul. But there are other ways to get it without always considering violence." He added, placing a hand on his chest.

"So you both are taking their side? Since you all are Crystal Gems?" Lapis asked, holding her arms.

"Me, my father, and my family are not Crystal Gems. We're Rainbow Gems." Kameron stated.

"The Rainbow Gems?" Lapis said with confusion.

"They're not so different than the Crystal Gems. We all don't always get along, but we work together to protect the planet." Steven answered. "We're not here to hurt you. We just want to help you, please?"

Lapis' anger soften. These two boys freed her from her imprisonment and she was reunited with her friends after so long. She has every right to have retribution against the Crystal Gems for keeping her in the mirror. And right in front of her her saviors are telling her to do it in a different manner. Words can't be used in this situation anymore. Even if she wanted to.

Turning around she released her arms and raised them toward the ocean, opening it up and creating a clear pathway. She then turned back to the boys, "Steven. Kameron. Come with me."

"Go with you? Where?" Steven replied.

"Home." Lapis answered without a second thought.

"But, Lapis we can't. Let's just talk this out. We're friends, right?" Steven said.

"I don't know you!" Lapis replied, raising her voice. "Please come with me. Bring Zuli and Cobalt too." She added.

Steven turned to Kameron who merely shook his head at her. "We can't go with you Lapis."

A frown appeared on her face. "Fine!" She then turned to the ocean and walked toward it. "Don't trust them, guys. Any of them."

Watching her disappear into the ocean the boys watched as the water was slowly pulling itself back. More and more the ocean water was retracting itself further and further from the beach.

"We need to go tell the others." Kameron said to Steven.

Steven firmly nodded as they went back to the house.

The world's oceans all began to push themselves away from their standard positions. It was as if they were being gathered together toward a single point.

"I will return home. Whatever it takes."

End of Episode 11.

Hope you all are enjoying this because I certainly am. I am finally able to place my favor character into the story. It was painful, but worth the wait.

I was initially going to make this a single chapter, but I decided to make it two chapters instead. I wasn't planning on it, but now I undertand why the canon made Lapis' debut a two-parter.

Buckle up and get prepared for what is gonna happen next.

Next Time:

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