Episode 21: Morality Part 2
Stopping in their tracks Lapis, Cherry, Zebra, and Celestite turned their heads upwards. Straight above them was nothing short of a metallic ceiling, but according to the map it was their designated location: The Weapons Vault.
"Now that we're here, what do we do?" Lapis said.
"Got that taken care of." Zebra replied, pulling out a large metallic box.
"What's that?" Lapis asked.
"A Phase Shift Cube. A little something Chert made in her spare time. Basically it'll allow us to pass right through the ceiling and get into the vault. Kinda like Charoites, except it only lasts for ten seconds." Zebra explained.
"So let us not make any more delays." Celestite added.
As Zebra gave Cherry the cube Lapis walked up to Zebra from behind and wrapped her arms around his waist. Both Cherry and Celestite were placed within Zebra's arms as Lapis summoned her wings. With a single flap they rapidly ascended up and as they reached the ceiling Cherry activated the cube, allowing them to immediately pass right through it. Every flap from Lapis' wings pushed them further and further up right until they reached the top. Slowly descending to the floor the cube instantly deactivated, making them solid again to touch the ground.
As the group released themselves from each other their eyes began observing their surroundings. The Weapons Vault. Made specifically to hold any kind of weapon Neo Home World had collected across the universe and use them against their enemies for those who haven't obtained weapons of their own when coming into existence. From the left were rows of guns. Some large, some small, and some Lapis had never seen before. From the right were grenades, RPG's, bombs, and mines. From behind were shields of various sizes, armor, and unknown silver spheres. And right in front of them was the jackpot, a multitude of weapons ranging from mystical, standard, and enigmatic.
"Okay. Everyone place as many as you can into your Gems. Once we have enough we'll go back down into the sewers before any alarms go off." Celestite whispered.
"Got it." The others replied as they walked in different directions.
Lapis slowly walked up to the guns and took the small ones first before placing her attention onto the much larger ones. As she placed them into her Gem one by one she couldn't help but think back to what happened to those Demantoids and Robonoids. The Off Colors handled them without wasting a second, and what Zebra did to that machine was a little...unsettling. Though then again, a lot has changed over the pass millennium, and here she was helping them break into Jet Prison to rescue their comrades.
Finishing up her task she walked back toward the middle of the area as did the others.
"We've definitely hit the mother load this time. This stuff will give us the edge we need." Cherry whispered.
"I agree. Though I am very curious there isn't any security within the vault itself." Celestite whispered back.
"Doesn't matter, we got what we came for, let's go." Zebra said, pulling out another Phase Shift Cube.
Returning to HQ Lapis and the others met up with Flint, Chert, and Selenite near the circular machine.
"So. How'd it go?" Flint asked.
Without verbally responding Lapis and the others pulled out every single weapon they collected and placed them onto the circular machine. Once the last weapon was placed down Chert immediately ran to the table with sparkles in her eyes. Her mouth slowly stretched into a large smile as she began giggling uncontrollably. "Oh, yeah! You guys definitely found the jackpot!" She yelled.
"Indeed. All of this will do nicely when we need it." Selenite added.
"I'll say. Anything else we need to know about?" Flint asked.
"Y-Yeah..." Cherry began as she rubbed the back of her head. "We saw some Demantoids and a Peridot. Celestite handled the Demantoids while me and Lapis took care of some Robonoids, but the Peridot escaped."
"What?!" Flint, Chert, and Selenite replied in shock.
"More than that, they were setting up Destabilizing Fields in the sewers. I managed to destroy it, but now that got me thinking there'll be some underneath the prison." Zebra informed.
"Is that so?" Flint replied as she adverted her eyes away. "Well...at the very least you guys managed to get back here alive and with the gear. That's all that matters." She added.
"The Peridot didn't notice us, but she will report about the Demantoids deaths, so I'm pretty sure when word gets out it'll reach the prison too." Lapis pointed out.
"True. But now we're prepared for it." Flint said as she turned her eyes to the equipment. "While we were out we uncovered some info about our friends. They're gonna be executed by next week, so that gives us plenty of time to rest, plan, and prepare. Right now let's us take this slow so we can make sure we don't overthink this or rush anything. Zebra, help me and Chert analyze these weapons so we'll know which ones to use. Celestite, you and Selenite check on the C.A.M.R.s and be sure they're ready for what's going to happen. And Lapis, you and Cherry have some time to yourselves. Let's meet back here in an hour and go over the plan, agreed?" She added, turning her eyes to everyone around her.
"Agreed." Everyone replied.
With that said each of the Off Colors went about their businesses. Lapis turned around and went toward the balcony with Cherry following her. As they both reached the edge they both sat down and had their legs dangling below.
"Lapis." Cherry began with a soft tone. "If we were given a choice we can spare those against us, but that can't happen if they themselves don't show mercy to us."
"I know. But...I've never actually killed another Gem before, let alone an organic of all things. The best thing I can do is just subdue them." Lapis replied.
Cherry hummed at her response as she slowly placed a hand on Lapis' shoulder, making her lock eyes with Cherry's. Neither one said a word, though they didn't have to as their gazes already said enough. They soon broke their eye contact and placed their eyes at the stars above them.
"You know...I really do hope that when this is all over that we can still star gaze together." Cherry said honestly.
"Me too." Lapis replied. "When there's no more fighting, conflict, anarchy, or a crisis. Just peace and harmony." She added.
"That's why the Rainbow Gems were formed in the first place. And not just for Gems, but to the rest of the universe." Cherry said with a soft giggle. "And you know, the one thing I would want more that just star gazing is to see the original Rainbow Gems again. I'm sure they're different now and have changed, but...I just want to meet them again." She added.
Lapis turned to Cherry and saw the cheerful bright smile. A smile like that can only be form through pure happiness. A smile...she wants to express more often and see from the others.
She turned her head back to the stars as her eyes slowly narrowed. 'This is it. Once we do this there will be no going back. And from what I've seen and done, this is the right thing to do. I have to do this to make things right. But...our ultimate test will be against the other Diamonds. What are we gonna do when that comes into place?' Lapis thought to herself.
Roaming through the streets of Silicate six C.A.M.R.s dashed at top speed. Numerous Pebbles watched as they passed by with few releasing screams of terror or fear. In the midst of this various airborne drones entered the scene, hovering over the machines.
"Hault! Stop the vehicles this instant or we will use lethal force!" One of the drones announced.
The C.A.M.R.s responses were simple. They went even faster than they were now, leaving the drones in the dust.
Making quick turns from left to right the C.A.M.R.s slowly decreased their speed. Up ahead was none other than Jet Prison, however near the main entrance wasn't just a large Destabilizing Field but an army of large Robonoids with crab legs and large cannons. The C.A.M.R.s stopped in front of the small army, parking side by side.
"Attention! You are in possession of official classified machinery! Get out of them this instant and surrender! You are surrounded! There is no other choice!" A Home World Gem announced.
No verbal responses were given. Instead each of the C.A.M.R.s soon widened their front and back tires while their roofs brought out twin long cannons equipped with Vulcan barrels on their right side and RPG's on the left. "Safe Precautions Disabled! Battle Mode initiated!" Each of the C.A.M.R.s announced.
Spreading themselves out the C.A.M.R.s unleashed a barrage of gunfire at the Robonoids. Most of them weren't fast enough to avoid the impact, falling prey to the assault and turned into Swiss cheese. As the destroyed Robonoids fell those remaining fired an onslaught of cannon blasts. The C.A.M.R.s quickly avoided any direct fire thrown at them before releasing the RPGs. Multiple missiles crashed right into the remaining Robonoids, turning them into scrap.
With nothing left in the way the C.A.M.R.s turned to their target: the Destabilizing Field. Firing off their cannons, their Vulcan barrels and their RPGs the C.A.M.R.s gave it everything they had to take it down. Each attack hit the field, but nothing was even making a single dent to it. Ceasing their fire the C.A.M.R.s were left with no other options. In between their twin cannons each carried two massive missiles with a strange white substance placed within their centers. "Authorization Confirmed! Activation of Eclipse Oblivion Confirmed! 3...2...1...Launch!"
In a flash the missiles from each C.A.M.R. fired away at the Destabilizing Field. With mere inches in their grasp the missiles nearly hit the field right before a massive black portal erupted from the center of the area, taking each of the missiles into it before closing up. Soon after the Destabilizing Field deactivated and two Onyx's slowly walked out of the prison entrance with expressionless faces.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Looks like some Gems are being very naughty, wouldn't you say?" Onyx#1 said to her friend.
"I agree. It's a good thing we were alerted about this from our Sapphire. And I'm afraid we'll have to cut this very short." Onyx#2 replied as she and her friend snapped their fingers.
With just a single snap a large black portal erupted in front of them, releasing the Eclipse Oblivion missiles right back at the C.A.M.R.s. Each pair of missiles rapidly went straight for their newfound targets, impacting each of the machines and giving way to enormous explosions. Both Onyxs shielded themselves with portals, sending the fiery infernos to wherever they wished for them to be, just not here.
With the explosions quickly dying out the Onyxs took notice of the destroyed machines. Onyx#1 waved her index finger, summoning a drone from a small black portal. "Scan the debris." She ordered.
The drone flew over the the wreckage and began scanning. From left to right it flew from each destroyed C.A.M.R. until it's scanning process was completed. "No detection confirmed. C.A.M.R. has been unmanned and auto piloted." The drone announced.
Both Onyxs' eyes suddenly widened while their mouth slightly opened up.
"Impossible. Our Sapphire didn't predict this." Onyx#1 said, flabbergasted.
"If these machines were unmanned then that means-" Onyx#2 added.
Just before she finished her sentence alarms started blaring. Both Onyxs quickly turned around and ran toward a large black portal with their drone following from behind.
Fifteen minutes ago
Within the sewers of Silicate the Off Colors and Lapis ran straight down a large pathway at top speed. Making a quick turn to the left they kept moving as fast as they could until they stopped dead in their tracks. Lapis went up to Zebra from behind and wrapped her arms around his waist while he himself held onto Cherry and Celestite. Summoning her wings Lapis took a single flap and flew toward the metallic ceiling. From below Flint, Selenite, and Chert grabbed onto the legs of their comrades just before Lapis started flapping faster.
With another Phase Shift Cube in hand the group quickly phase right through the ceiling as they rapidly ascended. Making their way to the top they phased through one last wall of steel before arriving at their destination. Once solid Flint, Chert, and Selenite let go before the others followed through. All around the area was quiet and dark with only dim lighting from above. They made it inside.
"Okay, guys. Let's move." Flint whispered as she jogged over to the door in her sights.
The others quietly followed her as they made it to the door. Flint reached out her hand and grasped onto the knob before slowly twisting it. Gently pulling it back slightly enough for everyone to look through the Off Colors and Lapis took notice of some prison cells nearby with a small drone flying passed it, accompanied by an Amethyst.
Without a word each of the Off Colors tip-toed out of the room with Cherry slowly closing it back. Making their way underneath a nearby stairwell Chert ducked out her head to notice another Amethyst above the first one with a Citrine and a Ferocious Robonoid with them. Placing her hand in front of her Gem she pulled out an unknown weapon in the form of a blaster. Taking aim she directed her weapon toward the second floor and right at the drone she whispered, "Execute new targets."
Pulling the trigger the drone above the Amethyst and Citrine suddenly stopped in place. Both Gems and the Ferocious Robonoid turned around and looked at it, but before either of them could form a response the light on the drone changed from red to yellow and immediately fired small bursts of energy at their Gemstones. Seconds later the Gemstones shattered, destroying the physical forms of the guards before the drone fired another burst of energy at the Ferocious Robonoid, short circuiting it.
The guard from below quickly turned her head and witness was just transpired. Just as she attempted to contact someone her drone's light had turned yellow as well and shattered her Gemstone with one shot.
"Coast is clear." Chert whispered as she stepped out.
"Nice shot, Chert." Zebra complimented.
"How come you didn't compliment me when I killed those Demantoids?" Celestite whispered with a huff.
"I complimented you when we were in my C.A.M.R. remember?" Zebra reminded.
As the others got out from the stairwell they jogged up to the cells and witness several terrified prisoners. Spreading out they each went up various stairs around the area as quickly as they could before another guard showed up. Turning their heads they each gazed at the prisoners while quickly jogging forward. On the far end Chert raised her arm out and rapidly waved it, signaling the others to get to her. As they did they stood in front of two Gems behind bars. The first was strangely a single Gem, but they were missing an arm on their opposite sides and shared the same lower half. The other was a Sapphire, only her colors were orange and peach.
"Rutile. Padparadscha." Chert whispered.
Both Gems had tears formed in their eyes (Mostly Rutile since Padparadscha's wasn't visible) before they slowly descended onto their cheeks. Zebra stepped up and pulled out a small rectangular device. Pressing one of it's various buttons the cell door instantly unlocked and opened up, allowing Rutile and Padparadscha to walk out.
Cherry steeped up and hugged the twins. "I've missed you both so much." She whispered tearfully.
"We've missed you too." The high-pitched voice Rutile replied. "Yes. So very much." The low-pitched voice Rutile added.
"Selenite. Celestite. I've predicted you all would come and save us." Padparadscha said, approaching the girls.
Both girls fell onto one knee and hugged the little Gem. "You haven't changed at all." Celestite said tearfully.
Soon both girls quickly released her as Cherry released Rutile. "Girls. We're getting all of you out. By any chance do you know where they're keeping Rhodonite and Fluorite?" Flint asked seriously.
"They're in Level Four." High-pitched Rutile answered. "Indeed, Level Four is where they are." Low-pitched Rutile added.
"Thank you. We could use your help too. We're gonna raise some hell and get the hell out of here. You in?" Flint said.
Both Rutiles and Padparadscha nodded. Now that their numbers have been added up to nine it was time cut loose.
"Everyone. Me, Rutile, and Chert are gonna go to Level Two and free the prisoners. Lapis, you, Cherry, and Zebra go and save Rhodonite and Fluorite on Level Four. Selenite, you, Celestite, and Padparadscha break the prisoners out on Level Three. We'll all gather together at the Courtyard and we'll be set free. Got it?" Flint ordered.
"Got it!" Everyone else replied.
With a firm nod Flint showed them their walkies, and now that they've gotten their objectives in order the Off Colors ran out of Level One and toward their respected Levels.
Present Time
Alarms were blaring all over the place as Lapis, Cherry, and Zebra ran toward Level Three. Up ahead were some guards and Ferocious Robonoids. Summoning her wings Lapis took flight and flapped her wings, firing a barrage of ice crystals at the Ferocious Robonoids' heads. Cherry summoned out her nunchaku as one of the Guards charged at her with a punch, but as the fist came in close she quickly caught it with her weapon and kicked the Amethyst in the chin, knocking him back. Just as he regained his balance Cherry leaped toward him, hitting him straight in the face with her nunchaku, knocking him out.
Zebra locked hands with a Topaz, but there was no time for a long drawn out battle, so he quickly threw her to the side and kicked her head to the wall, cracking her Gemstone before her form disappeared.
Resuming their pacing the trio made their way to Level Four. All over there was a large variety of Different-Gem Fusions, though the only ones that mattered at the moment were Rhodonite and Fluorite. Straight ahead the trio turned their eyes up to see a large caterpillar-like Gem and a light pink-skinned Gem with two sets of arms. Unfortunately their was a large pack of drones and Robonoids in the way.
"Lapis. Use those Chronogrenades!" Zebra yelled.
With a firm nod Lapis reached to the back of her Gemstone and pulled out a large silver sphere. "Ten Seconds!" Her, Cherry, and Zebra yelled in unison. Throwing the grenade high into the air a large burst of light illuminated the entire area, engulfing everyone in it. The whole area itself soon became completely still as everyone prisoner was frozen in place. The sound of a clock echoed in the background as Lapis, Cherry, and Zebra dashed straight toward Rhodonite and Fluorite. The drones and Robonoids were frozen in place as well, which gave both Cherry and Zebra an advantage as she stepped on them, giving them a boost to their comrades.
The ticking sound of the clock soon came to an end, making the whole area revert back to normal. The trio soon approached the cell on their comrades before Zebra opened it up, and as he did Rhodonite dashed toward him, wrapping her arms around his body.
"Thank the stars! I never imagined you'd come! But you're here, you're really here!" She sobbed as she hugged him tighter.
"Missed you too." Zebra replied. Soon Rhodonite looked at him and planted kisses on his cheek. "Okay, okay. Let's save that for later, huh?" He added, lightly pushing her away as she blushed.
"Thank...you...for...coming..." Fluorite said very slowly. "I've...deeply...missed...you...Cherry. And...I...see...you...have...a...new...friend." She added.
"I've missed you too, Fluorite. Right now we need to free everyone else in this Level and then get to the courtyard. After that we'll be fully reunited and free." Cherry replied.
"Is that actually a good idea?" Rhodonite asked. "I mean, we'll get them into even more trouble than they're already in." She added.
"They're a distraction for us. Plus I'm sure some of them will go into hiding if they're lucky enough to escape with us." Lapis explained. "Let's not waste anymore time left." She added as she sprouted her wings once more.
Though Rhodonite was a little uncertain she nonetheless nodded alongside Fluorite. With Zebra giving her the Disruptor Lock and quickly bursting out of the cell like a train, Fluorite descended below and crashed into the remaining Robonoids and drones while unlocking the cell doors of the inmates. Lapis and Cherry went one direction while Zebra and Rhodonite went into the other and unlocked every cell door they could find.
"Freedom!" An inmate yelled.
"We're finally getting outta here!" Multiple inmates added as they got out of their cells.
After unlocking the last cell door Lapis and Cherry fell down toward the bottom of Level Four with Zebra, Rhodonite, and Fluorite following before they made their way out. In all honesty, this wasn't as hard as they all thought it would be. Though then again...they couldn't celebrate just yet.
Level One. Level Two. Level Three. Level Four. Each and every single inmate trapped behind bars were now set free and following the Off Colors toward the courtyard.
Reaching their location the area itself was massive. Side to Side were walls composed of yellow electric energy with a massive gate directly in front of them. Soon enough Flint's group and Selenite's group caught up with Lapis' group. The Off Colors were now officially complete again. Only thing left to do was to go through the gate, however everyone soon came to a halt at the sound of clapping.
Near the gate were not us the Onyxs but both the warden of the prison and the legendary Quartz soldier from Earth. The warden was at shoulder-length in height towards the legendary soldier with white hair placed in small buns, light blue skin, light blue eyes, and a elegant uniform with white heels. The legendary soldier had big bushy white hair, orange skin, golden eyes, and wore the standard Quartz uniform with her Gem placed at the center of her face where a nose is suppose to be.
"Bravo. Bravo. I must say I am very impressed with this kind of outcome. I mean, it's not everyday we get to meet a fraction of the Rainbow Gems trying to create a break out. But I'm afraid this little game must now come to an end." The light blue-skinned Gem said as calmly as possible.
"We are getting out of here, Holly Blue. There's gonna be a new and better change for Neo Home World." Flint replied strongly.
"Pff. Give me a break." The orange-skinned Gem said, taking a step forward. "Have you idiots forgotten why most of us are leaving our precious home and getting into countless wars?"
Many of the inmates gulped and slowly backed away. "Do you really expect our Diamonds to make a change when there are more important things going on at this very moment?" Holly Blue informed.
"What we're doing is better than what Neo Home World is doing!" Cherry yelled. "We can't contribute to The Cause anymore. Green Diamond understood that from the very beginning." She added strongly.
Holly Blue gasped as she covered her mouth before narrowing her eyes at the rebel, "How dare you speak of the Devil upon our sacred land!"
"Green Diamond is dead along with the most important comrades he took with him a thousand years ago." Onyx#1 said.
"Yes. There is no point continuing such a pathetic and wasteful effort. You all are nothing more that his scrapped legacy, that should be disposed of immediately." Onyx#2 added as she snapped her fingers.
Directly below the inmates was a large black portal which sucked them all in in mere seconds, leaving only the Off Colors remaining.
"You." The orange-skinned Gem said, looking at Lapis. "You're that rogue Lapis Lazuli I've heard about. The one that arrived at Quartz Capital without any business being there."
"So what if I am?" Lapis replied firmly. "I'm not tell any of you anything." She added.
"You don't have a choice in the matter." Holly Blue said as she pulled out a large white sphere from the back of her neck.
Throwing it into the air the sphere dispersed into ten collars of multiple sizes. They soon quickly descended below and attached themselves onto the necks of the Off Colors, except for Lapis. Turning to her comrades she couldn't do anything as she stood there and watched as they were hit with bursts of white electricity. They fell to the ground while clutching onto the collars, but then as Lapis watched each of their skins started turning completely gray and white. The Off Colors released the collars and stood up. Their expressions were now completely dull and lifeless, without even a speck of life in their eyes.
"What did you do to them?!" Lapis screamed, glaring at Holly Blue.
"They are now under my control. I would have them executed right here and now, but I can tell you're hiding something from us, Lapis Lazuli. Now, unless you want your "friends" to be shattered right in front of you I suggest you start talking." Holly Blue replied.
Lapis slowly balled her fists as she turned to her comrades. We were so close... Now... Now I'll have to either tell them the truth or risk losing you guys. Lapis thought to herself. Her eyes adverted from left to right before looking at Holly Blue. As much as she wanted to just knock her out and free her comrades she was clearly outmatched right now. Closing her eyes she released a sigh and reopened them.
"Okay. I'll tell the truth, but you must release my friends first." Lapis said.
"You are not obligated to make such requests to me. I will be giving control to Jasper while we speak in my office. I am more than willing to listen to your tales than simply going to the Diamonds. Although I will have to inform them about you all." Holly Blue replied.
Lapis' eyes expanded. If the Diamonds find out about this then...
Without anymore distractions Holly Blue took Lapis and the controlled Off Colors back to the prison with Jasper following. If he's alive... then things just got more interesting by the second. Jasper thought to herself.
End of Episode 21.
Hope you all enjoyed my first two-parter.
So...yeah, they didn't make it. But this won't be the last time we see Lapis or the Off Colors.
Next Time:
Mask Island