Episode 38: Guardians Part 2
September 20th 5:00 p.m.
Step after step Lepidolite pushed herself forward, reaching the edge of the rooftop and leaping off of it. Descending from the air above the moment she landed onto the next rooftop she immediately dashed ahead. With her long beautiful pink hair flowing in the wind her eyes locked onto her target several meters ahead of her. Cherry Quartz. Her longtime best friend, and now under the control of Home World and the murderer of Raphael Forza.
"C'mon Lep!" Cherry yelled. "Keep up with me!"
Without giving her a response Lepidolite opened her fans and threw them straight forward. Spinning at high speeds they soon flew passed Cherry before turning themselves around and coming right up to her in a sudden burst. As they were approaching her Cherry placed her hand near her Gemstone and summoned her nunchaku. Twirling her body she slammed her weapon horizontally, instantly destroying the first fan. The second fan came in quick as Cherry started twirling her weapon right until she launched it diagonally, destroying the second fan.
Raising her body up she flipped her nunchaku onto her shoulder and turned around to see Lepidolite approaching her. Stopping in her tracks Lepidolite raised her hand out, summoning two more fans from her Gemstone. A gust of wind passed by, making each of their hair flow as they locked eyes with one another. To see her best friend again after all this time was something Lepidolite could only dream about, but their official reunion wasn't something she ever thought would happen under the current circumstances. Yet, the universe gave her this, but not the way she thought it would be.
"You know, I'm missed you. I've missed you so much ever since you and the others abandoned us on Home World. Every single day after you left the Off Colors always believed you would still be alive and would return to finish what we started, and yet here you are, moving on with your life without even considering what had happened to us? You're such a terrible best friend." Cherry said firmly.
Lepidolite opened her fans as she glared at Cherry. "I'm sorry." She replied softly.
"You should be." Cherry said angerly. She then spun her nunchaku over her other shoulder. "Kinda honorable you wanted to fight me alone. But that isn't gonna be enough for you. Once I'm done with you I'm gonna find some real enjoyment in those Organics you're so close with. Just like the one I killed."
The moment she said that Lepidolite tightened her glare. Her Gemstone began to glow as a large pink aura surrounded her body. Her eyes began to glow as well with her hands gripping onto her fans. "I won't let you harm my little brother and my nephew, Cherry. I love them too much to ever let someone hurt them. Let's put an end to this. Just you and me."
"I couldn't agree more." Cherry replied.
With no more words left to say both girls dash toward one another. Getting close to her Cherry swung her nunchaku at Lepidolite's face, but as it was coming to her Lepidolite raised her left fan, parrying the attack before retracting her fan and launching her other. Cherry quickly moved out of it's way as she continued twirling her weapon. Leaping forward she launched her nunchaku vertically, hitting Lepidolite's face. The sheer impact made her turn her head to the side just before Cherry launched her nunchaku again, hitting Lep's opposite cheek. Lowering her weapon Cherry ascended her arm, hitting Lep's chin, lifting her off the roof before she fell on her back.
Groans exited out of Lepidolite's mouth as she lifted herself up. Watching her friend come up to her Lep quickly flipped her body and landed on her feet before throwing her fans again.
"I'm not gonna fall for that same trick twice." Cherry said as she smacked the fans out of the air without even trying. "C'mon! Show me something new." She added as she swiftly came up to Lep.
Watching the nunchaku come up to her Lep immediately pushed her body to the roof before rotating her legs onto Cherry's, causing her to trip over. Spinning her body around Lep pushed herself upward and back onto her feet as she began to sway back and forth. Raising her head up Cherry watched her friend swaying with a cocked eyebrow, but she quickly dismisses it and brought herself up to her feet.
Running up to her Cherry swung her nunchaku vertically, but Lepidolite quickly spun her body, kicking the nunchaku out of her hand. Just before Cherry could react Lepidolite spun herself once more, kicking her friend's cheek with her right leg and soon after her left. Cherry spun in circles as the world around her was moving rapidly, but as she kept moving backwards she quickly stood still while grabbing her head.
Small moans left her mouth as she was putting her vision back in place. Opening her eyes her vision had returned to normal, only for it to see Lepidolite running up to her. Lowering her body Lepidolite planted one hand onto the roof as she swung her body again, raising her leg up into the air and swinging it right at her Cherry's face. The moment Lepidolite's leg hit Cherry's face Cherry's eyes instantly widened. Her head began to turn slowly right before she was launched into the air, her body spinning around right as she fell off of the rooftop. Her body fell below the building until it impacted a balcony and a large dumpster under it.
Moans left Cherry's mouth as she slid off of the dumpster and onto the ground. Right above her Lepidolite jumped off of the building and onto the balcony before leaping again, flipping her body over and landing on the ground without trouble. Quickly going up to her friend Lepidolite pinned her down as she summoned a fan. Without a second thought she raised her arm up and brought it down onto Cherry's Control Collar. Once impaled the Collar quickly shut itself off and made Cherry return to normal.
Cherry felt her eyes blink as Lepidolite removed her fan from the collar. The moment she laid eyes on her friend again her eyes started to shake. Tears began to form in them as her lips started to quiver. "L...Le...Lep. I..." Her voice choked. Tears began to fall onto her cheeks. What was she even going to say now? She had just fought with her best friend. What could she say after what they just went through?
Then without a response Lepidolite wrapped her arms around Cherry's waist, bringing her head onto her shoulder. "You don't need to explain yourself. You weren't in control." She whispered.
More tears fell from Cherry's eyes as she wrapped her arms around Lepidolite. Loud uncontrollable sobs exited her mouth. "I'm so sorry! I...I didn't mean to!" Cherry yelled as she tightened her grip.
"Shh... It's okay. I know it wasn't your fault." Lepidolite replied softly. "I never stopped thinking about you or the others. You were always in my soul no matter how much time passed. I really did wish we could meet again in a different way."
Just as Cherry tried to say something loud cracks entered hers and Lepidolite's ears. Pulling away from her Lepidolite witnessed Cherry's Gemstone growing cracks as a pink light began to surround her body. Her lips slowly stretched into a smile as tears began to fall from her eyes. Raising her hand to the back of Cherry's head she pulled her forward, resting her forehead onto Cherry's. "Ti amero per sempre. Riposa in pace." Lepidolite said in Italian.
"I...I don't know what you just said, but...thank you." Cherry sniffled as the light glowed brighter. "Those Organics you care about are in danger. Selenite and Celestite are gonna use them to continue where Home World left off."
Lepidolite blinked at her. "What do you mean?"
"Go find them. They went to the Delta Kindergarten." Cherry replied as the pink light began to engulf her body, "You'll...always be...my best friend." As the light completely engulfed her she began to break apart. Her Collar and Gemstone falling onto the ground.
Lepidolite's smile faded as she picked up Cherry's shards. Shutting her eyes tight loud sobs exited out of her mouth as she held the shards close to her chest.
September 20th 5:30 p.m.
At the Delta Kindergarten Selenite, Celestite, Kameron, and Steven quietly traversed through the underground area. From left to right Selenite and Celestite observed every single destroyed Injector they passed. Though they did not speak up about the desecrated machines, it was pretty clear to them that the Crystals and the Rainbows had prepared themselves for Home World given the chance.
Further and further the quartet made their way pass the last Injector and stopped toward their target. Right in front on them was a large metal pillar piercing the ground from above. Approaching the pillar Selenite raised her free hand toward her Gemstone. It soon glowed and a small metal cube came out of it before slowly going into her hand.
"After eons of pointless wars...it's about time Home World completed colonization on this pitiful planet." Selenite said as she walked up to the pillar.
*Clicking sounds*
Turning around the quartet were met with a large number of G.P.F. soldiers pointing their guns at them. Stepping out of the group a large and tall soldier walked up. Raising his free hand to his helmet he pressed on it, making it vanish and revealing his face. The man himself was pale-skinned with light ocean-blue eyes, several wrinkles, and short gray hair.
"I'm afraid we're gonna have to ask you to surrender." The old man said.
Both Gem women looked at him with cocked eyebrows. "And who pray-tell are you?" Celestite asked.
"My name is General Paul Armstrong." The old man began, "I am the head of Faction 50 of G.P.F. It is my duty, my responsibility, to make sure humanity from around the globe are protected from your kind. The Corrupted have slaughtered countless lives over the centuries. They have caused nothing but destruction and mayhem. G.P.F. was formed for the very purpose in making sure you won't achieve your goals."
Both of the Gem women smirked at General Armstrong. To think that such organics have learned to fight back? That was definitely no surprise to them.
"That is very cute, Organic. Tell us, what is your thoughts on the very Organics with us?" Selenite asked. "They are Gems as well. Are you willing to end them to ensure the safety of your race?"
"Those kids are a different story. I suggest you release them this instant." General Armstrong replied. "I've met their families. We may not always get along here or there, but we've come to an impasse for the sake of the planet. The last thing I would ever want is to anger them, knowing fully well what they are capable of." He added as he re-summoned his helmet.
"We'll take our chances." Celestite said. "Boys. Take care of these Organics. Once your done meet me and Selenite inside the pillar."
"Understood." Kameron and Steven replied without emotion.
As the Gem women walked toward the pillar the boys raised their swords at the soldiers. Raising his gun Armstrong and his soldiers aimed their weapons at them. "Subdue only! Is that clear!?" General Armstrong ordered.
"Yes, sir!" Each soldier replied in unison.
Within a split second both boys dashed toward the soldiers. Heading right for them General Armstrong and his group opened fire on them. Steven ran ahead of Kameron and got in front of him while raising up his shield. Each bullet fired rapidly bounced off of the shield as the boys were getting close. Getting several meters near the soldiers and Armstrong, Kameron jumped over Steven as the soldiers started to quickly separate from one another.
In a single dash Kameron raised Venganza up to a close soldier and brought her down horizontally. Without given any time to respond the soldier took the hit, blood gushing out from a single slash poured onto Kameron as he made his way to his next targets. Three soldiers continuously fired on him, but rapidly moving his body back and forth he was able to dodge to bullets right until he came up to the middle soldier and slashed her with Venganza. Turning to his left he raised his left arm out and a sharp pointed crystal connected by a chain burst out of his palm, impacting the soldier's chest, pulling him close and throwing him to his comrade on the right. His comrade quickly caught him, but it was too late for her to react. With another swing of Venganza geysers of blood erupted from her targets.
As for Steven, he kept his guard up as numerous bullets fired at him. Running up to the soldiers he jumped straight at them, bashing into one of them just before he brought his sword down onto him. Blood splattered onto his face as various soldiers surrounded him. As they opened fire on him Steven dismissed his shield and surrounded himself with a bubble. Each bullet aimed at him completely bounced off without damaging it. Gripping his sword with both hands he raised it up in the air, making the bubble expand and making contact with the soldiers. Once they were touching the bubble large sharp spikes erupted out of them, piercing each of them in a matter of seconds. Shortly after Steven dissolved his bubble as the soldiers dropped before re-summoning his shield.
Slash after slash the boys took down each soldier in their sights with minimum effort. No emotion rose from their faces as they swiped away the blood off of their swords. Only one target remained, General Paul Armstrong.
"I will admit, that was very impressive. However, I don't appreciate the both of you taking down my group like that." General Armstrong said as he threw his gun to the ground. Raising both of his arms out large thick energy blades came out of his suit. Bringing his arms close to each other he brought one of his energy blades onto the other, slowly sliding it down until it reached the edge. "Let's see how much discipline I can give to you for your actions."
Standing side by side both boys glanced at one another as they raised their swords at the General. In a burst of speed both boys made their way to the General. Coming in close they raised their swords up high and rapidly brought them down onto him. However, the General quickly brought up his energy blades, defending himself from the double attack. A loud grunt exited his mouth as he pushed the boys away from him. Sliding off the ground both boys raised their heads as the General was coming up to them. Targeting Kameron he quickly went up to the teenager, raising his blades and bringing them down hard.
Just before contact would connect Steven jumped in, raising his shield to defend his brother-figure. On impact Steven was pushed into Kameron's chest from the sheer force bought onto them. The General then brought his blades up and slammed them onto the shield again. Again, and again, and again, and again the General repeated his actions onto the shield. With every strike cracks began to form onto it right until the seventh strike came into play, shattering the shield like it was made of glass.
A miniature shockwave ruptured, pushing the boys and the General away from each other. Hitting the ground the boys didn't even make a sound on impact. The General quickly got up and walked over to the boys. Raising his energy blades he pointed them directly at their throats as small breaths left his mouth. "Thanks for the exercise. I've heard from my second daughter that my grandson had been causing you trouble, Evans. To be honest, I'm proud that you're able to teach him a thing or two when I can't. And now I think it's time for the two of you to snap out of it."
No response was given to the General as Kameron and Steven merely stared at him with emotionless expressions.
"Armstrong!"
That voice. Turning his head around the General looked to see the Crystals and Rainbows right behind him, including Green Diamond himself.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Gem families. I was just keeping these two down after they killed my soldiers." The General said as his energy blades were touching the boys' necks.
"We will take care of this. For now, step away from my son and nephew." Green said firmly.
Without a response the General removed his energy blades and stepped away from the boys. Just as either of them attempted to move large crystal chains shot out of the ground, wrapping themselves around the boys until they were completely constrained. Green slowly approached them and got down on one knee near their heads.
"I am truly sorry. We did not know this would happen to the both of you. I will help you." Green said softly as he placed both of his hands on their foreheads. His fingers began to crystallize as dug themselves into their skin.
"Wait! What are you-" Pearl said before Garnet held a hand at her chest.
"Let him do this." Garnet replied.
As everyone watched the negative energy within the boys began to travel within the crystal fingers of Green. Little by little their bodies started to revert back to normal as the last remaining energies when to Green. Removing his hands from their foreheads Green raised his arms out, firing the negative energies out of his fingers and toward the rocky walls. Shortly after the energies depleted he absorbed the crystals into his skin as everyone circled around the boys.
"Steven? Steven, can you hear me?" Pearl asked worriedly as she lightly shook his body.
"Brother?" Lepidolite said as she lightly raised Kameron's body up.
Small grunts exited from their mouths as the boys slowly opened their eyes. Pearl and Lepidolite helped them up as the boys groaned.
Getting their vision cleared the boys looked around to see their families with them. They soon looked at one another, but as they did their eyes shot open at the blood. Their eyes slowly descended onto their swords to find small traces of blood on them. Steven's eyes began to shake at the very sight of it. He...hurt another person... Small breaths began to leave his mouth and increase the more he stared at his blade.
Pearl immediately wrapped her arms around him despite the blood. "It's gonna be okay." She whispered. "It's gonna be okay. It's gonna be okay."
"Kameron. This isn't your fault. You were under control." Onyx assured his brother. "Where are Selenite and Celestite?"
Closing his eyes Kameron took a breath and slowly exhaled it out of his mouth. Re-opening his eyes he glanced at his brother, "They went into the pillar."
The Rainbows and Crystals all turned around at the metal pillar in the distance.
"We must stop them before they achieve their goal." Green addressed.
"Father. I have a suggestion." Onyx replied. He then turned his head to Kameron, "I understand that this isn't the proper time, but allow me to shoulder your pain with you, brother."
Kameron blinked at Onyx, but nodded his head as he placed Venganza onto his back. Turning his body to him both brothers raised their arms out at one another before embracing themselves.
"Uh...no offense, guys, but is this really the time for a brother hug?" Amethyst asked.
In a split second Kameron's and Onyx's Gemstones began to glow as large auras engulfed their bodies. They each tightened their embrace as they laid their heads on each other's shoulders.
"No matter what...I will be by your side." Kameron whispered.
"As will I. Until death departs us from this cruel and unforgiving world." Onyx whispered back.
"Cross my heart..." Kameron began.
"...And hope to die." Onyx finished.
Their auras glowed brighter and intertwined together as everyone watched. The light slowly dimmed and a brand new existence was born.
September 20th 6:30 p.m.
Step by step Selenite and Celestite climbed the stairs of the pillar. Up above they managed to reach the top floor. At the very center of the area was a large metallic cube with various wires connected to it from top to bottom. Approaching the cube there was a small square slot at the center of it. Selenite stepped forward and presented her cube to the machine. Her cube began emitting light and slowly levitated out of her hand. Reaching the slot the cube entered into it. Once inside the larger cube began to illuminate the area. The smaller cube soon expanded in size and began to separate itself, forming a button onto the larger cube.
Just as Selenite reached her finger out to press it a flash came through her finger. A gasp left her mouth as she retracted her hand away. Turning her head both her and Celestite saw a kunai right near their feet.
"That is as far as you will go."
Turning around both Gem women watched as Green walked into the area. His eyes narrowed at them as he gripped his sword's hilt that laid on his shoulder.
"Green Diamond. How kind of you to show your face to us even after all these years." Celestite said.
"Selenite. Celestite. You both are not yourselves. The Selenite and Celestite I remember were one of the most beloved and majestic Gems ever born. As of now, you are nothing more than controlled pawns for the Authority." Green replied.
"How dare you!" Selenite said. "The Diamonds have given us the clarity that we've been blinded to not see. You were the one who started the Rebellions. You caused so many Gems to die for the sake of peace and harmony! You've forgotten The Cause! We are here to ensure it continues. It is the only option that remains."
"NO! This has gone far enough!" Green said, raising his voice. "The Cause has brought nothing but pain and despair among the universe! We are not the only race that exist! I am sorry for abandoning the Off Colors! I am truly sorry for what has become of you! But I will not allow this planet to be colonized!"
"Enough!" Celestite yelled as she raised her bow. "The Cause will continue!"
Pulling her bow string back two arrows erupted from it as he quickly released it, firing them right at Green. As the arrows were coming for him a black portal appeared, taking the arrows into it before closing itself. Gasps left the Gem women's mouths.
A large black portal then erupted at the center of the area. Slowly rising from it was a mysterious figure crossing his arms. The figure was male with pale skin and long shoulder-length black hair with green accents into it. He wore a long-sleeved white jacket with several black belt straps wrapped around his chest, upper arms, and waist. His lower half consisted of black jeans with white belt straps wrapped around his uppers legs and ankles. His shoes were of black and white sneakers. Lastly he had a black spiked choker around his neck with a small silver dove chained at the center. His Gemstones were on his right wrist and his forehead, covered by his hair.
As the figure showed himself the black portal below him disappeared. Opening his eyes the Gem women came to notice his right eye was green while his left eye was black.
"Who are you?" Selenite asked as she raised her staff.
Uncrossing his arms the figure raised them up and soon snapped his fingers.
*Snap*
The moment his fingers snapped two portals appeared underneath the Gem women, sending them into the pitch-black darkness.
September 20th 6:45 p.m.
Outside of the pillar two black portal erupted in the air and both Selenite and Celestite swiftly came out of them. Crashing into the ground groans left their mouths as they picked themselves up, but by raising their heads they saw the remaining Rainbow Gems and Crystal Gems surrounding them.
"This time, we're gonna finish this." Pyrope said angerly.
"We'll see about that." Selenite replied as she raised her staff up.
The moment she did several black portal appeared underneath the Rainbows and the Crystals, causing them to fall in without uttering a single word.
"Be on your guard." Celestite said.
Placing their backs against one another both Gem women carefully glanced around the area. The atmosphere suddenly became quiet as they gripped their weapons. From left to right, they each looked around, wondering where the first strike would commence.
To the left a large black portal came with both Citrine and Bismuth rushing out of it. Shoulder to shoulder they rapidly rammed themselves into the women, pushing them away and knocking them into the ground. As Selenite attempted to use her staff the muscle duo jumped back with a black portal taking them in.
Lower her staff Selenite picked herself up as she helped Celestite get back on her feet. "They're trying to outnumber us."
As Celestite opened her mouth to speak another black portal came from the opposite direction. This time it was Pearl and Azurite who jumped out and ran toward them.
Selenite quickly raised her staff, but Pearl brought up her spear and immediately threw it at the staff, knocking it away from Selenite's hand. Celestite stepped in front of her friend and pulled back her bow string, summoning three negative arrows before firing them. Azurite summoned her wings and took flight, dodging the arrows and quickly dismissing her wing while her body spun. Coming at Celestite Azurite's staff made contact with her face, knocking her away with great force.
Selenite watched in horror before turning to where he staff was. Picking it up she pointed it directly at Pearl, but the White Ballerina spun her body, kicking the staff out of Selenite's hand and hitting her face with the lower end of her spear.
Impacting the ground Selenite glared at Pearl before watching her and Azurite vanish into a black portal.
Turning her sights to her friend, Selenite jogged up to Celestite and brought her back up. "We need to get back to the pillar." Celestite said.
With a silent nod both Gem women gripped their weapons and turned their eyes onto the pillar nearby. Sprinting toward it another black portal came in front of them, but Selenite quickly raised her staff, activating it. But as they expected a Gem to pop out a large burst of fire came out instead, making the women dodge it. As they recovered Pyrope and Garnet rushed out of the portal, punching both of the women in their stomachs, making them gawk and pushing them far back.
"I don't think you're gonna need this anymore." Pyrope said as he picked up Selenite's staff. Raising it high he lowered it onto his knee, breaking it in half.
Seeing her weapon destroyed Selenite quickly backed away as Celestite came in front of her, but as she tried to take a shot both Pyrope and Garnet disappeared into another black portal.
Right behind them a large black portal appeared with Steven's shield coming out of it, hitting Celestite in the back of her head and pushing her to the ground. As Selenite attempted to act Amethyst burst from a portal and launched her whip at her, wrapping it around Selenite and making her drop to the ground.
Celestite shook her head as she looked at her restrained friend. Raising her bow a fan and a kunai flew through the air at high-speeds, slicing the bow and breaking the string. Celestite looked at her destroyed weapon, unable to give a response to it as she fell onto her knees.
Several black portal appeared all around the area, with each one having a Rainbow Gem or a Crystal Gem walking out of it. The mysterious figure from before walked up to Selenite and Celestite as he raised up his right arm. Both of his Gemstones began to glow and as everyone watched, Venganza and Lucifer erupted out of them. Both the sword and scythe lined themselves up and began to spin in the air as they were engulfed with a green and black light. The lights stopped spinning and from it were two double-edged scythe blades connected by a chain.
The figure held his new weapon in both hands as he crossed his arms. In a flash he quickly uncrossed his arms, slashing at the Gem women. At the moment...nothing happened, but in a split second both Selenite's and Celestite's Control Collars broke apart. Removing themselves from their necks the Gem women were reverted to normal.
"Girls. Are you alright?" Green asked as he walked up to them.
Both women looked up at him. Their eyes began to water and shake. Their lips quivered as they raised themselves up and wrapped their arms around him. A small gasp exited out of Green, but nonetheless he wrapped his arms around them as they tightened their embrace.
"Please forgive us! We were not in control!" Selenite sobbed.
"We are sorry for making those Organics kill those other Organics!" Celestite sobbed too. "Please, Green! We-"
"Shh... You both weren't in control of your actions." Green said softly. "We do not blame the both of you in the slightest."
Both women continued to sob in the arms of Green. The actions that they've committed... They were responsible for them, but they were not themselves and were controlled by another. It was the truth, one of which they are fully aware of.
Selenite and Celestite separated from Green as tears fell down their faces. Green raised his arms and wiped them away with his hands.
*Crack*
Gasps exited out of Selenite and Celestite's mouths as small shards fell out of their Gemstones. White auras soon began to appear around them. Knowing what was to come both women raised their arms and placed their hands into each others, intertwining their fingers together.
"Green. Thank you for freeing us. But be warned, Home World still try to colonize this planet." Selenite said.
"Protect the other Kindergartens. If they are to be reactivated...it will be too late." Celestite added.
Green nodded as the lights were slowly engulfing their bodies. Everyone watched as Selenite and Celestite broke apart with their Control Collars and Gem shards dropping down.
"Father. May I take care of the pillar?" The figure asked.
"You may. But will you please tell us your name first." Green replied.
"You all may call me...Kambaba." Kambaba replied as he walked away.
Walking up to the pillar he looked down at his weapon. Without saying a word he began to spin his chained blades. Leaping into the air he threw his right blade at the pillar, slicing it right in half. As he fell to the ground he threw his left blade at the lower half of the pillar, creating three large chucks of metal to fall apart. Landing back on the ground Kambaba turned around and returned to the others.
End of Episode 38.
I apologize if it seems like I dragged it on, but I really wanted to include everyone in this. This is also the introduction of Kameron and Onyx's Fusion: Kambaba.
Hope you all enjoyed. We are coming to the end of Season 2 of Crystal Rainbow and Season 3 is right around the corner.
Next Time:
Taking A Stand