Episode 20: Morality Part 1

Up above the skies were filled with countless stars mixed with a plethora of colors in the atmosphere and showcased a mesmerizing picture words couldn't describe. It was enough to help you grow a smile, but not enough to blind you from reality.

High above on a balcony near Quartz Capital Lapis sat down on it's edge as her eyes were locked onto the sky. The solitude felt different than it was when she was trapped within the mirror. It felt...more peaceful. She wasn't alone anymore, but was now in a situation she wasn't given a choice in. Sure, the Off Colors weren't forcing her into their group nor making her be apart of their objective, but with how much Home World has changed she can't go back to her default purpose.

A small sigh exited her mouth. 'What am I going to do? So much has happened. Can I really go through with this? Can I?' She thought to herself.

She then closed her eyes and laid back. "This sucks!"

"I know the feeling."

Lapis' eyes quickly opened and as they did a Gem appeared in her vision upside down. Raising herself back up she turned her head to the Gem. The Gem was pink-skinned with light pink hair in twin tails and dark red eyes. She wore a standard Warrior-Class uniform and her Gemstone was placed underneath her chin.

"Sorry. Am I bothering you?" The Gem asked.

"No, Cherry. You're not." Lapis replied.

"Mind if I join you?" Cherry asked.

"Sure." Lapis replied.

A small smile stretched across Cherry's lips as she sat herself next to Lapis.

Cherry Quartz. Another Off Color. She had been busy lately dealing with Amethysts, Topazes, Pyropes, And Ambers. When she joined up with her comrades she was...a little more than amazed seeing a Lapis Lazuli with them. After being brought up to speed about Lapis and discovering that both her Diamond and the original Rainbow Gems were still alive she gave Lapis the mother load of hugs. It was a little uncomfortable for Lapis, but they somewhat became acquaintances after a while.

Swinging her legs Cherry looked over to Lapis, "So. You like star gazing too?"

"Yeah. It's very comforting." Lapis replied.

"Can't argue with that. It's the one and only thing the Diamonds can't control. Where everyone can do it, no matter who you are." Cherry stated.

Lapis slowly looked over at Cherry before quickly turning her eyes back to the sky.

"Lapis." Cherry said, gaining her attention. "I know you haven't decided on joining us, but we could really use your help."

"We talked about this already." Lapis clarified.

"I know, I know. But...things have gotten a lot more complicated recently and we're not sure if we're capable of pulling this off without you." Cherry replied as she turned to her.

Locking eyes Lapis raised an eyebrow at her, "What are you talking about?"

"It's best to talk about this with the others. That's why I came up to check on you." Cherry replied as she stood up. "Will you come to the meeting, please?" She added, offering her hand.

Lapis looked at Cherry and then looked at her hand. For long periods of time she's been left behind while the Off Colors did their thing, so now asking for her help meant something big was gonna happen and it required her aid. Raising her hand she looked at Cherry again who gave her a genuine smile. It looked like the ones Kameron and Steven gave her before she left Earth. Her eyes closed as she released a sigh and reached out for Cherry's hand, placing it into her own.

A small gasp left Cherry's mouth with her smile growing larger. She then helped Lapis up to her feet, "You're seriously gonna join us this time?"

Lapis shrugged. "Honestly, I don't really know what else I can do. And as much as I prefer to stay out of the way, I think it's time I pay you guys back for saving me when I arrived."

Cherry released Lapis' hand as a squeal exited her mouth. She soon stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Lapis' body, placing her head onto her shoulder. A small groan left Lapis' mouth, but she soon returned Cherry's affection before they separated and walked toward the entrance of the balcony.

Walking out of the balcony Lapis and Cherry soon went down a flight of stairs and met up with the others. Their hideout underground was only one of their bases. The one they were in right now was actually their HQ. Not really surprising considering the thought of Home World finding them, so it makes a lot of sense why their would be various other bases.

At the center of the room was a strange circular machine showing multiple locations all over Home World. Going up to it the rest of the Off Colors turned their attention to Lapis and Cherry.

"So. Finally decided to do something?" Zebra said with crossed arms.

"Don't push it." Lapis replied. "What's going on that requires my help?" She added.

"Straight to the point, I like that. Okay, here is why we are all gathered." Flint said as she pressed onto the machine's surface. Soon five strange Gems popped up on holograms. "The Rutile Twins. Padparadscha. Rhodonite. Fluorite. They've all been captured and are held up at the Jet Prison in Silicate. Knowing that, they're going to be executed soon. So our objective is to schedule a prison break, but it's not going to be that simple."

"Why is that?" Lapis asked.

"Because Jet Prison is one of the most protected penitentiaries around Silicate. Guards patrolling twenty-four/seven, security around the clock, and let's not forget the Destabilizing Fields." Chert answered.

"Destabilizing Fields?" Lapis questioned.

"Yellow Diamond managed to place her capabilities into devices and machinery. Not just her, but Blue Diamond and White Diamond as well, though they are not as destructive as Yellows. The Destabilizing Fields prevent Gems from going through and out of areas without authorization. Fools who chose to pass them will be hit with a large quantity of electricity before poofing." Celestite answered. She slowly placed a hand over her chest, "Believe me when I say that I have witnessed it numerous times."

A vibe of uncertainty took hold of Lapis when she heard that. Geez, she'd seen Home World become more advanced, but the Diamonds capable of doing this was definitely a huge surprise.

"Okay... So is there a possibility to avoid those Destabilizing Fields?" Lapis asked. 'Please let there be an alternative to this. Please.' She thought to herself.

"We're not going to strike at the prison headfirst." Selenite replied. "Which is the reason why we are using a different method."

'Thank you.' Lapis thought in relief.

"Lapis. You, Cherry Quartz, Zebra Marble, and Celestite need to go into the sewer network and raid the Weapons Vault around the Axinite District. We need to gear up first before we make an assault on the prison from below. Me, Chert, and Selenite are going to do some reconnaissance around the District and see what we can do before we put our plan into action." Flint said seriously.

"The sewer network?" Lapis asked.

"Neo Home World had been built upon our previous one. All the water from the oceans, streams and rivers are now sitting below us." Zebra answered. "But hey, It'll give you an advantage if we run into trouble."

He had a point. And if that's what happened to the beautiful water-filled areas then Lapis would be more than capable of handling herself against dangerous obstacles.

"Here." Chert said as she walked around the machine and gave Lapis an item. "One of our maps for the network. It'll help guide you to where you all need to go."

"Thanks." Lapis replied as she took the map.

"Now. Are there any questions before we move along?" Flint asked around.

The room fell silent. Everyone gazed at one another if they planned on saying anything, but not a word was said. However Lapis looked directly at flint and slowly opened her mouth, "Just... Be careful."

Flint nodded.

With the meeting over and everyone given their objective Lapis followed her group out of the room and toward the garage. Switching on the lights there was a large object resting in the middle covered in a large black cloth. Zebra stepped forward and used both of his hands to remove the cover. Underneath it was a large machine similar to those flying in the air from Lapis' arrival.

"What is that?" Lapis said.

"This is the C.A.M.R. (Cloaked Automatic Mach Racer)." Zebra replied. "She'll help us get to Silicate and protect us from getting detected. But once we find a manhole we'll leave her out."

"But won't that leave it defenseless?" Lapis questioned.

"Don't worry. C.A.M.R. can't be touched or used by anyone else unless you're an Off Color." Cherry assured. "Zebra, will you help Lapis get authorized?" She added as she looked at him.

Zebra raised an eyebrow at her then looked at Lapis and back to Cherry. "Why don't you do it? She's your friend."

"Because C.A.M.R. is yours and only you can use her. I mean, we each have our own below yours, but since this is your C.A.M.R. you should have the honors." Cherry addressed.

Zebra groaned just before Celestite called his name. Looking over to her her eyes were narrowed while a hand was placed on her hip. 'Not this again.' Zebra thought. Whenever he didn't want to do something Celestite or Selenite had to convince him otherwise. It was true that their types were ranks higher than his, but that didn't mean he always had to listen to them. However...their expressions always gave him the bad vibe he hates to feel.

"Do we need to have another private discussion, Zebra?" Celestite asked.

"No. I'll do it. For once can you not give me the look?" Zebra replied in annoyance.

"You know that I allow you all to do as you wish and say what's on your mind or how you feel without judgement. But it does not hurt to do favors for your comrades, especially new one." Celestite informed.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Zebra said as he looked at Lapis. "C'mon."

Walking with him they both stood in front of the machine. Zebra then took Lapis' hand and placed it onto the hood. After a few seconds a loud beep echoed around the area before he took Lapis' hand off. "There. Now you're one of us. Let's go before we waste anymore time." Zebra said as he walked toward the front door.

In a burst of speed C.A.M.R. rocketed through the streets. Passing by other machines the group held on tight as Zebra was giving his baby all that she's got. He couldn't help but grow a small grin across his lips. It's not often he gets to take his machine out.

"Whoa! I so love this! How are you holding up Lapis!?" Cherry asked with a thrilled tone.

"I-I-I-I-I'm a-a-a-a-a-a l-l-l-i-i-i-t-t-t-t-l-l-l-e-e-e s-s-s-s-s-h-h-h-h-a-a-a-a-k-k-k-k-e-e-e-n-n-n u-u-u-u-p-p-p-p!" Lapis stuttered.

"Please...slow...down...Zebra!" Celestite yelled in annoyance.

"Hell no! We're there, so hang tight!" Zebra replied with joy.

Celestite groaned as C.A.M.R. increased it's speed forward. As for Lapis, this was her first time being in a machine to travel to a different place. Normally she'd just use her wings, but since they would probably attract attention this was the alternative she had to go through, and it's a rough one.

Thankfully Zebra was now slowing down. Up ahead was the second biggest city of Neo Home World: Silicate. Placed within a massive Destabilizing Field Zebra pressed two buttons near the stirring wheel, covering his C.A.M.R. in some kind of metal-casing. The machine itself was slowing down as it was passing through the electric barrier, but as it made it's way through the metal-casing deactivated. Picking up some speed Zebra carefully traversed ahead.

With the decreased speed Lapis was able to compose herself as she glanced over her right side. There were Pebbles walking. Happy. And completely unaware of them nearby. Turning her head forward there were flying machines passing by, even some with Ambers and Pyropes piloting them. Laughter was heard from the Pebbles playing without a care in the world. Little did they realize a resistance group was driving around to put an end to the system.

Turning left the group entered an area with walls to their side and a massive wall in front of them. Stopping C.A.M.R. Zebra turned off the engine and everyone soon got out. Lapis stumbled a little before placing a hand onto the wall near her. Gaining some balance she pushed herself away from it and walked with the others until they came to a halt at a manhole in front of them. Zebra stepped up and with his own hands picked up the manhole cover. The girls behind him walked up and jumped into the hole while he jumped in last, closing it with the cover.

Down below the group was now in the sewer network. From side to side looked like a large walkway with more straight ahead, but next to the walkway was large quantities of water. Above them next to the manhole were trails of lights. Their Gems could give all the light they needed, but it was good to know that the ones who made the network were considerate enough to install them in.

"Lapis. The map." Cherry said.

Reaching toward her back Lapis pulled the map out of her Gem and opened it up. Thankfully their language hadn't changed much over the millennium, but the directions were another story for her. A look of uncertainty took hold of her expression, "Umm..." She attempted to say something before feeling a hand on her shoulder. Turning her head her eyes were placed onto Celestite who smiled at her before placing her index finger onto the map.

"This is North, where we are. We need to go south, so how may we traverse?" Celestite said with a gentle voice.

'*sigh* Okay. She and Selenite taught you how to read symbols and locations. Remember what you've learned.' Lapis thought to herself. "Okay. We need to go straight. And after that we take a left and keep going until come to a fork. Then we go right and make two lefts until we're underneath the Weapons Vault." She said out loud.

"Very good." Celestite praised as she retracted her finger.

Then let's move." Zebra added as he walked.

Putting the map away Lapis and the others followed him.

Following Lapis' directions the group slowly carefully made their way through the sewers. So far it was quiet. Only the sounds of water was heard alongside their own footsteps. No-one spoke nor looked at one another as they kept going. They might be safe at the moment, but making too much noise would alert those up above. Can't take that chance.

Up ahead was the fork Lapis mentioned, but as they got closer the group immediately took cover behind the fork entrance. Poking their heads out their eyes were now placed onto three machines who looked like four-legged creatures alongside four spheres with small legs. They were circling around three Gems working on a long metal pole. The Gem in the middle was tall with light green skin, blonde hair shaped like a diamond, and wore a light-green visor with a green uniform and had floating fingers around her arms. Her Gem was placed on her forehead. The two Gems next to her were shoulder-length in height and had dark green skin, hair, and uniform with their Gems placed on their elbows.

"Seriously?! You Era Two Demantoids are nothing like Era One. Are you sure the both of you aren't defective? Because this is the fifth time you've called me here and it will be the last time I do a system check for you." The Diamond-hair Gem said with annoyance.

"We're sorry, Peridot." Demantoid #1 apologized.

"We just wanted to make sure it's in tact before putting it online." Demantoid #2 added.

"Then you both should've done it yourselves. Your kind built the sewers and the railroad lines at Oxide. You are more than capable of handling this on your own. My kind are responsible for the new machines we've developed and the technological advances that jump-started Era Two, not to be repair Gems who answer to anyone at the drop of a bolt unless they are our superiors or the Diamonds. Understand?" Peridot said firmly.

"Yes ma'am. We understand. We will do this on our own next time." Both Demantoids said in unison.

Far away Lapis and the group grimaced at the Peridot talking to the Demantoids. They didn't know anyone else was gonna be here, so it looks like they've hit their first bump in the plan.

"What are those things? Are they drones too?" Lapis whispered.

"Those are Robonoids." Cherry whispered back.

"They're the new type of security we told you about." Zebra whispered. "These aren't like the drones you saw before." He added.

"What do we do?" Lapis whispered around.

"We will have to take care of them first before progressing further." Celestite whispered back.

"If that's the case then me and Lapis will take care of the Robonoids while you and Zebra handle the Gems." Cherry replied back.

"That won't be an issue." Celestite said. Backing away her Gem began to glow until a small sphere of light emerged from it and took on the form of a bow. Grasping it with her left hand she stepped forward and centered herself between the sewers and the fork road ahead. Placing her hand onto the bow string she gently pulled it back as far as she could. From the bow arrows of light began to form from it's tip to the edge of the string. Narrowing her eyes Celestite stood completely still as she locked onto her target. "Begone." She whispered.

Releasing the string she fired two arrows from her bow. They each moved at high-speeds across the passageway until they hit their targets. Without even noticing the Demantoids had their eyes expanded before they both turned to their Gems, only to notice them pierced with the light arrows. Within mere seconds their Gems began to crack until they immediately shattered, destroying their forms in the process.

Peridot was standing in the middle, completely frozen and stunned at the horrid actions that took the lives of her workers seconds ago. Her eyes expanded as much as possible before looking down at the broken shards. The Ferocious Robonoids stopped circling and looked at Peridot, waiting for direct orders.

"Remain here and take care of this! I will report this immediately!" Peridot ordered as her and her Robonoids were transported away.

Lapis turned to Celestite in shock. Right then and there she killed two Gems without a second thought. They didn't even notice...and their lives were soon taken in seconds. Her lips trembled as she attempted to say something, but as she was a hand was placed on her shoulder, making her turn to Cherry.

"It's our turn." She told her.

Closing her eyes Lapis shook her head and stood up with Cherry. As they did Cherry raised a hand next to her Gem as it glow, pulling out a pair of nunchaku. Walking out of the corner they slowly approached the fork passageway as Cherry swung around her nunchaku. Taking notice the Ferocious Robonoids growled at them and began to charge. Summoning her wings Lapis took flight. Luckily the fork passageway was wide enough for aerial maneuvering. She then descended below as the Ferocious Robonoid jumped toward her and just before they made contact she spun her body, flying straight past it. Quickly turning her body she narrowed her eyes at the airborne Robonoid and raised her arm out, using some water from the stream nearby to pin it to the wall before freezing it in place.

As for Cherry, she had two Ferocious Robonoids to deal with. The first one jumped at her, but Cherry grinned at it and while spinning her body she struck it's head with her nunchaku, knocking it away. Turning her eyes to the second one she dashed forward while spinning her weapon and slammed it right on it's head, smashing it's circuits. Putting her eyes back on the first one she flipped herself over the second one and twirled her nunchaku. The machine ran at her, opening it's mechanized jaws to bite her.

'Tsk, tsk, tsk. You're such a stupid robot.' She thought to herself as she launched her nunchaku upwards, hitting the Robonoid high into the air. Just as it was descending below Cherry jumped up and rapidly hit it's body at such incredible speeds. The final hit was aimed at it's head, destroying it with just one swing.

Landing back on the ground she quickly moved a few steps ahead as the Robonoids body was not falling on top of her and swung her nunchaku, slicing the body in half. "Been a while since I've had to hit some real targets." She added as Lapis descended to the passageway.

Zebra and Celestite joined up with them before looking over at the device near the fork.

"You've gotta be breaking my rocks! They were gonna put Destabilizing Fields in the sewers?!" Zebra said, examining the device. Gripping his hands he soon placed one near his Gem, summoning a large Vulcan gun. Without warning he held it tightly as fired a barrage of ammunition at it. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" He screamed, annihilating it.

Ceasing fire the machine was now destroyed beyond repair. Putting his weapon back into his Gem he turned to the girls who stood still with shocked expression. Coughing into his hand he soon rubbed the back of his head.

"You guys are insane!" Lapis said.

"They're not gonna show mercy on us, Lapis. We're not gonna do the same for them." Zebra replied. "C'mon, we're almost there." He added, walking toward the fork.

"Wait." Lapis said, making him stop in place. "Are we really gonna kill other Gems when we get to the prison?"

"If we have no other choice, then yes." Celestite replied.

"They'll kill us when they get the opportunity, Lapis. Better to put them down first before they do." Cherry added.

Are they serious?! ARE THEY ACTUALLY SERIOUS?! This is what the Off Colors are capable of? The Rainbow Gems on Earth showed more mercy than this, but then again they were fighting against replicas made of water. If they fight actually Gems again will they have to kill them too? Though...when Lapis first arrived she was captured and who knows what they could've done to her and it would've been worse if she met the Diamonds again, especially her own.

"Okay." Lapis simply answered. "Let's just just to the Weapons Vault." She added as she walked ahead.

End of Episode 20.

So...yeah. That happened.

Next Time:

Morality Part 2