Hello my fellow readers. It's been a long time coming, but now we have reached the conclusion of Season 2 of Crystal Rainbow.
Enjoy.
Episode 40: Jailbreak
All around him...there was nothing. Just a void. A void filled with emptiness and solitude. Quiet and calm, almost safe and protected from harm. In reality, no true place exists. Not for him or for anyone unfortunately.
Kameron... Kameron... Wake up. You need to wake up. Our family still needs us. We can't be reunited with her just yet. As much as the both of us want that, we still have a life to live. So do me a favor... WAKE UP!
A gasp exited Kameron's mouth as his eyes shot open. His eyes moved from left to right as he slowly raised himself up. Grunts exited out of his mouth as he raised a hand to his face, but with one touch he immediately retracted it and hissed.
"Ugh. Dammit." He groaned as he picked himself up from the floor. All around him there was some strange green metallic platings, but as he turned his head he saw a large yellow screen several inches from him.
Glad you're awake now. - Z said.
"Yeah..." Kameron replied as he walked up to the yellow screen. "And it doesn't take a genius to know that we're captured."
As Z attempted to speak again the sound of footsteps entered Kameron's ears. Coming into their vision both Jasper and Peridot approached them on the other side of the screen.
"Hmph. You're awake. Good." Jasper said with a grin.
"Home World is never gonna colonize Earth, Jasper." Kameron said firmly as he walked up to the screen. "You've tried that once and failed. A second attempt is gonna result the same."
Jasper's grin faded almost immediately as she glared at him. "Do you even know why we Gems go around colonizing planets?"
"It's for The Cause." Kameron replied.
Jasper and Peridot blinked at him as Jasper glare tightened, "Then you should understand that there are no other options. You Organics should be grateful that we chose your planet for The Cause. Besides, if there was another option, the Diamonds would've already used it by now. Accept it."
"Not gonna happen." Kameron replied firmly. "How much more genocide are you willing to commit? How many more lives are you willing to take? When will it all stop!?" He added as he banged his hand on the metal.
"We will stop once our goal is reached." Peridot said as she crossed her arms. She then turned her head to Jasper, "Jasper, you are of course in charge, but remember that I have a personal mission from Yellow Diamond herself. I implore you to allow me to activate the Cluster."
Turning her head Jasper glared at her before reaching her hand out and grabbing her neck. She then raised her up into the air as Peridot clenched onto her arm. "What did I just told you before we exited the planet. As of now, Green Diamond and the traitors are to be taken as the number one priority! You can complete your task once we landed back on Home World. Do I make myself clear?"
Grunts left Peridot's mouth as she looked at Jasper's expression. "Y-Yes. I completely remember you informing...me...of this."
Jasper then released her, making her fall to her knees as she rubbed her neck. "Don't ask me about it again." She added. "Go back to the control room and prepare a course for Home World immediately."
Turning around Jasper walked away as Peridot raised herself up. She scoffed as she turned and walked away in the opposite direction.
What do you think the Cluster is? - Z asked.
"Not sure. Wasn't recorded in the Rebellion Book. Must've been too personal for dad to put down." Kameron replied as he checked the hallways. "Right now we've gotta find the others."
Raising his right arm out he touched the yellow screen. As he did it's energy began to travel into his arm, illuminating his veins. Closing his eyes a small sigh left his mouth as the energy coursed through him. Slowly but surely, the yellow screen disappeared as the energy dimmed from his body. Raising his leg out he stepped out of his cell and into the hallway. Turning his body he began to run to the right.
Step by step Kameron increased his speed as he ran straight ahead. Coming up to his right there was a large window, making him stop in his tracks. Outside of the ship...was space. Down below was the Earth in it's entirely. Under different circumstances a sight like this would be incredible to witness; taking a moment to see the very planet you came from.
Turning his away he continued running down the hall, but as he was coming up to a corner footsteps entered his ears. Stopping in his tracks his eyes turned to the ceiling. Crystallizing his hands and feet, he jumped to the ceiling and latched himself onto it. Down below he waited as the footsteps got louder before the source of the footsteps showed themselves. Two large robots with humanoid characteristics.
The robots passed by the corner and walked down the hall. As they vanished Kameron dropped to the floor and resumed his way down the corner. Up ahead he saw another yellow screen and as he got closer he saw who was in the cell. Lapis Lazuli, still bound in chains.
"Lapis." Kameron called out.
A small gasp exited her mouth. Turning her head she saw Kameron approach her cell, but as she saw his face she covered her mouth. "K-Kameron?"
"Don't worry, I'm gonna get you out of there." Kameron replied as he raised his hand to the screen.
"STOP!" Lapis yelled, making him retract his hand.
"Lapis, I want to help you." Kameron assured.
"No. No, you can't." Lapis replied as she removed her hands from her mouth. "Please, Kameron. Go back to your cell. There's nothing left that you can do."
He shook his head to her. "No, Lapis. The fight isn't over."
"Yes it is!" Lapis yelled as tears swelled in her eyes. "I am forever grateful to you and Steven for helping me regain my wings. The moment I returned to Home World I immediately became a fugitive and was saved by the Off Colors. They accepted me. And brought me into their group since my home wasn't how I last remembered it, but we failed. And then... And...then..."
Tears fell down her cheeks with small sobs exiting her mouth. Her comrades... No, her...friends had been taken from her and turned into obedient servants for Home World. One by one they were defeated by the Rainbow and Crystal Gems, and in turn...lost their lives with Lapis being the only surviving Off Color remaining. That alone has very heavy damage on someone.
"Lapis..." Kameron said softly, gaining her attention. "There's not enough ways for me to say "I'm sorry" to you for what you're going through. But I really am sorry. To tell you the truth, I don't want to fight. Life would be a lot simpler if every conflict would be solved through speech and negotiations. Violence doesn't always solve an issue and makes it harder on everyone, but no-one ever said life is simple. To some, they fight to live; To many, they fight to survive; To several, they fight to protect what's important. It's sad, but I have to continue fighting until this is all over. I fight to put things straight when idiots use their arrogance as an excuse for their actions. As of now, I'm fighting to save you and those I care about."
Wiping the tears from her eyes Lapis blinked at him. After everything that's happened... Even with what was going on right now, he was still fighting. It was stubborn of him to not accept defeat when he has the chance, but at the same time...his resolve was something she found captivating. But...would it last?
Lapis turned her head away from him as she placed her hands on her lap. Kameron sighed as he turned his back to her, "I need to go find the others. I'll come back for you even if you don't want my help. You deserve a better life than is, Lapis Lazuli."
No response was given to him. Without another word he sprinted forward, leaving Lapis in her cell.
Running down the hall Kameron increased his pace as he passed another corner. He didn't know where he was going or which path to take, but all that mattered was finding the others no matter the cost.
Up ahead more robots were coming and spotted him on sight. Raising his left arm he launched a large crystal chain, piercing the robots head and pulling him toward it before using his other arm to slice it in half. Turning around he raised his right leg, swinging it at the robot's head and slicing it off. His leg returned to the ground just as he rushed at the last robot, jumping into the air and slamming his leg on it's head, crushing it on impact.
With the robots destroyed Kameron ran ahead. Coming up to another corner he suddenly bumped into someone. Raising his leg he was about to release a kick, but quickly stopped at the one he bumped into.
"Steven?" He asked.
"Kameron!" Steven replied as he instantly wrapped his arms around Kameron, placing his head on his shoulder. "You're okay."
"Yeah, glad you're okay too." Kameron said as they separated. "Ooh, looks like Jasper roughed you up, huh?"
Steven nodded. "Yeah... But it's not as bad as her giving you that scar or breaking your goggles."
"I'll live." Kameron said as he took his goggles off of his head, "These won't if I wear them any longer." He added as he placed them into his Gemstone. "Listen, little brother. We're gonna have to split up. Find as many of the others as you can. I'm gonna do the same and cause a distraction while you get to the control room."
"Are you sure?" Steven asked.
Kameron nodded. "We'll save more time if we go in different directions. If you get into trouble you know what to do."
Though a bit hesitant, Steven nodded as he and Kameron ran in the opposite direction.
Taking a corner Steven summoned his shield as a trio of robots spotted him. Each one opened fired at him, but each blast bounced off of his shield as he continued running. Once the blasts stopped he pun his body around, throwing shield at them. The robots quickly dodged the attack, however the shield ricocheted off of the walls, slicing through each robot before disappearing. Jumping over their destroyed bodies Steven went on and summoned another shield to his arm.
"I really wish I had my sword right now." He said to himself.
Up ahead Steven saw five yellow screen cells and quickly approached them. As he came in close he spotted Pearl, Amethyst, Bismuth, and...two unknown Gems. Both were short with one wearing a string around her head, sleeveless shirt, shorts, and boots. The other had long hair covering her upper face, wore a dress, and gloves.
"GUYS!"
Hearing his voice the Crystals stood up from the floor and approached the screens.
"Steven! Oh, thank the stars. You're okay." Pearl said in relief.
"Wait, how did you get pass the field?" Mysterious Gem#1 asked.
"Since I'm only half-Gem I managed to get passed it." Steven explained. "But who are you? Are you another prisoner?"
Mysterious Gem#1 looked over at Mysterious Gem#2 with an anxious expression. Mysterious Gem#2 nodded as Mysterious Gem#1 sighed. "My name is Ruby. Next to me is Sapphire. Both of us wanted to meet you on your sixteenth birthday. But now...things are different. Can you let us now first?"
Steven tilted his head at her, but nodded to her request. Coming up to the yellow screen Steven placed his hand on it, making the energy surge on him and creating an opening for the cell. Ruby quickly got out as Steven removed his hand from the screen and went over to Sapphire's cell. As she walked out both her and Ruby immediately embraced.
"*sigh* Are you okay?" Ruby asked.
"I'm fine. Are you okay?" Sapphire replied.
Ruby smiled as tears swelled in her eyes. "Who cares as long as you're okay."
"I care." Sapphire replied as she placed her lips onto Ruby's.
Ruby closed her eyes and kissed back. The two started to giggle as Ruby raised Sapphire up and began spinning around. As they continued spinning they raised themselves into the air and glowed. Their bodies started to merge and from their combined lights Garnet emerged happily.
Steven watched in awe as she descended onto the floor. "Steven! Thank you!"
"Wait, you were a Fusion this whole time?" Steven said with stars in his eyes.
"I'm sorry. We didn't want you to meet us like this." Garnet replied.
"Did I at least make a good first impression?" Steven asked.
Garnet smiled at him as she kissed his forehead. "Oh Steven, we already love you so much."
Steven returned her smile before going over to free the others. As each of them got out Bismuth turned her hands into mallets, "Oh, that Jasper is gonna get when I see her."
"There will be time for that soon, Bismuth." Pearl replied as she turned to Steven. "Steven, have you managed to find the others?"
"I found Kameron. He told me he's gonna find the others and cause a distraction while we get to the control room." Steven replied. "Have you been on a ship like this, Pearl?"
Pearl nodded. "I have, but that was a lifetime ago. Still, I should be able to navigate us to the control room." She then summoned her spear, "Let's go. It's only a matter of time before Jasper notices we're gone."
Meanwhile...
Kameron ran straight into a large group of robots, but it wasn't too much for him to handle as he dashed up to them, kicking and cutting off each of their head with every swift kick he launched.
As the robots fell Kameron continued running and straight ahead were eight yellow screens. In each one...was his father and his siblings. At the very sight of them a wave of relief flowed through his heart and mind.
Approaching the cells each of the rainbow went right up to the screens at the sight of Kameron. Without saying a word he summoned eight crystal tendrils and drove them into the yellow screens, absorbing the energy as it began to travel into the tendrils and right into Kameron's body. Little by little the energy among the cells started to deplete before they were opened, allowing the Rainbows to come out.
Pulling his tendrils back Kameron walked up to his family just before Lepidolite rushed up to him, wrapping her arms around his body. Kameron was a bit taken back by his sister's action, but nonetheless he returned it instantly.
She then pulled away to look at his face, "Oh my stars. Did Jasper do that to you?"
Kameron nodded. "After you guys poofed I allowed Z control and it wasn't enough to take her down." He then pulled away from her and turned his eyes onto his father. "Dad. Steven is getting the others and heading for the control room. We make a distraction while they're there and it'll give us the chance to head back to Earth."
Green hummed as he rubbed his chin, "Very well, Kameron. But have you managed to find Lapis?"
Kameron nodded. "I'm going back for her."
"It's too dangerous." Azurite replied.
"Then come with me." Kameron suggested. "She needs you right now."
Azurite turned her head to her father whom nodded. With that Kameron and Azurite started running and vanished from around the corner.
"My sons and daughters." Green said as he walked forward. Raising his right arm he summoned Guardian out of his Gemstone and gripped it's hilt, "Let us make havoc."
Each of his children couldn't agree more and summoned their weapons.
Step by step the Crystal Gems ran through the halls and made their way into a massive area. As they made their way to the other side Jasper came right out of the corner blocking them.
"Great... All of you are free. But don't think this is over. You're nothing more than disgraces to our kind." Jasper said angerly.
"You're wrong, Jasper." Pearl said, pointing her spear at her. "For eons we've caused nothing but harm to the universe. You are too blinded to see that it has to end."
"And why should I listen to a defective Pearl?" Jasper scoffed.
"Because she had her eyes opened to the truth." Garnet replied, stepping forward.
"Please. This kind of talk coming from a fusion? Lower classes only fuse to make themselves stronger. On their own they're weak. So stop embarrassing yourself." Jasper said angerly.
Garnet snickered as she summoned her gauntlets. "You're wrong. How about we show you just how strong we truly are."
Growling, Jasper summoned her crash helmet and dashed forward. Garnet and the others quickly dodged, making Jasper crash into the wall. Pulling her head out of it she turned around to see Garnet and Bismuth send their gauntlet and mallet into her face, making her smash into each wall behind her.
"Let's go Steven! Garnet and Bismuth will handle this." Pearl called out.
With a silent nod Steven, Amethyst, and Pearl left the area to get to the control room.
Jasper opened her eyes again to see Garnet and Bismuth coming at her. Jumping into the air she rapidly spun herself into a ball and launched herself at them. Jumping out of the way Bismuth grabbed onto Garnet and threw her right where Jasper landed. Raising her head Jasper saw Garnet coming right at her, punching her square in the jaw and into the floor. A few grunts exited her mouth, but as she opened her eyes she saw Bismuth coming at her at high-speeds, crashing into her and the ship.
Green raised up Guardian as a large glowing aura surrounded his body before he brought it down hard, sending a massive energy slash at a nearby wall and completely decimating it and the wall after it.
Electric surged itself around Amber as she raised her guns. Several robots approached her, but as they were coming in close she unleashed a massive blast of energy right at them, completely annihilating them and the area across. More security came rushing in with alarms bursting in the air. Little did they know was that Pyrope was waiting for them. Coming in hot Pyrope sucked in some air through his mouth and fired a large burst of flames, incinerating the machines where they stand.
Citrine raised his hammer and slammed it right onto the floor, sending large cracks right through the floor and breaking the very wall near it. On the other side security came it, but Citrine raised his hammer once more while rotating his body, slamming it right at the machines and breaking them without even trying. Lifting his head an animalistic roar unleashed itself from it as he dashed forward while swinging his hammer.
Both Charoite and Lepidolite ran as fast as they could to the next hall with security coming up to them. Each robot fired large energy blasts at rapid speeds, however both sisters held each other's hands and in turn the blasts went right through them. Once the blasts ceased Charoite ran ahead and threw several kunais at the robots before Lepidolite launched her fans at them, slicing them up and breaking them apart.
Onyx spun his scythe and brought it down onto a robot, sending it deep into it's circuits before pulling it out and slashing at another one behind him. Turning his head a trio of robots fired at him, however with a snap of his fingers a large black portal opened up, taking the shots in just as another portal came behind them and out came their own shots.
With every attack unleashed the Rainbows made their way forward, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Up ahead they encountered Steven, Pearl, and Amethyst.
"Uncle!" Steven yelled, wrapping his arm around Green.
Green grinned as he patted his head. Steven then removed himself from him as they all ran into the same direction. A large door appeared in the distance and giving the group a clear idea on what room was behind it. Citrine stepped forward and swung his hammer, smashing it right at the door and braking it apart.
On the other side Peridot jumped out from her chair to witness the group entering the room. She glared at them as she raised her right arm at them, but before she could make a move Amethyst launched her whip at Peridot's arm, entangling it and pulling her forward just as Pearl stepped in and fired a blast of energy from her spear. Peridot crashed into the floor and as she attempted to get up Citrine placed his foot on her stomach while Amber pointed one of her guns at her.
"Don't you clods dare touch the controls! You have no idea what you're doing!" Peridot yelled.
"Let us see about that." Pearl replied as she sat down and placed her hand onto the controls. As she did her hands sunk into it, giving her complete access to it. "Oh...my... We're going home."
Down below Jasper crashed further down through the ship until she landed right at it's main core.
Garnet and Bismuth landed right near as she picked herself up. "Is that all you've got? I've fought tougher opponents than you both. C'mon!"
A large yellow aura appeared around her as she spun herself into a large ball before launching herself at them. Bismuth stepped up at her and lowered her mallets before quickly throwing them up as Jasper made contact with them. Right on contact Jasper was sent airborne above Bismuth, but just as he was about to drop down Garnet leaped toward her and sent her fist right into her face. The sheer impact sent Jasper flying right toward the main core. Once they made contact Jasper screamed in pure agony as the power core was breaking apart.
All around them the ship was beginning to fall apart. Wasting no time Garnet and Bismuth leaped into the air to get to the upper floor and reach the others.
Bit by bit the ship was breaking apart as Kameron and Azurite were running through the halls. It's metal was tearing itself out while the energy within it was depleting at a fast pace.
Are you sure we're gonna make it? - Z asked telepathically.
'Of course we are. We couldn't save Elizabeth. Even to this day, I know that we both hate each other for not giving it our all when we had the chance. But this time it's different.' Kameron replied telepathically.
Up ahead Kameron's eyes widen at the last yellow screen in his vision. "LAPIS LAZULI!" He screamed.
A gasp exited out of her mouth as she turned her body to see both Kameron and Azurite coming up to her. Without warning Kameron placed his hands on the screen, ripping it open and allowing him and Azurite to step inside.
"What are you doing!?" Lapis yelled. "I don't need your-"
Without warning Kameron wrapped his arms around her, making her stop speaking.
Azurite summoned a large portion of water around them before transforming it into ice. As Lapis was still stunned by Kameron's embrace Azurite came in wrapped her arms around them.
"It's gonna be okay." Azurite whispered.
October 1st 7:00 a.m.
Up in the sky the ship started falling right from the atmosphere. Further and further it was descending right from space and ultimately crashed near the Universe residence before it exploded.
Within the wreckage several metal platings dropped, showing a massive pink bubble containing the Crystals and most of the Rainbows. As everything seemed okay Steven dismissed his bubble and fell onto his knees while panting. "Is everyone okay?"
Everyone looked at one another for anything out of the ordinary, but found nothing.
"We are well, Steven." Green assured. He then turned to the remaining wreckage. "We need to search for the others."
Just as they were coming up to it a large portion of the wreckage broke apart, revealing Jasper. Turning her head she let out a few pants as she glared at the traitors.
"This isn't over. It will never be over. The only reason you beat me was because that and Fusion." She said toward Garnet. If I had a chance to fuse with someone I'd-"
Jasper was then cut off when some wreckage near he began to move. From it was Kameron, Azurite, and Lapis. Small pants exited out of Kameron as his body fell and rolled onto the sand. Lapis looked down to see him and tried to go after him before Jasper reached out and grabbed her arm.
"Where do you think you're going?" Jasper asked.
"Lapis!" Everyone screamed.
Azurite raised herself from the wreckage to see her friend in the hands of Jasper. "Release her this instant!"
"No chance." Jasper replied as she grabbed Lapis' chains and broke them apart, freeing her arms. "Listen, Lapis. Fuse with me."
Lapis blinked at her, "What?"
"Why not?" Jasper asked, cupping her face. "Did you already forget about all the pain and suffering you went through because of them?" Jasper released Lapis, making her fall to the ground and breaking the remaining chains on her legs. "This is your chance for retribution. And I will help you achieve it."
"Lapis, don't." Kameron said as he weakly raised himself up from the sand. "You've been through enough pain already. Why add more to your consciousness? She's manipulating you to obtain your power."
"Please listen to my brother, Lapis." Azurite called out.
"Don't, Lapis. We can help you. I know that you hate the Earth for what happened during the War, but that was in the past. It's not easy, but please let us help you." Steven pleaded.
Lapis moved her eyes from left to right a they shook. All of this pain... All of this suffering she had was because of the Crystal Gems. They were directly responsible for it from the very beginning. But...then she remembered something else she needed to do.
"Just say "yes" and you'll get your wish." Jasper informed.
Lapis' eyes glared at the beings in front of her. Raising her head she turned it to Jasper and raised her hand to her, making Jasper smile. Reaching out to it Lapis then closed her hand and a burst of water erupted from the ocean and grabbed Jasper.
"What?! What are you doing!?" Jasper yelled.
"I am so done with all of this crap. I AM SO SICK OF IT ALL!" Lapis yelled. "I may want retribution, but I haven't forgotten about what Home World had done to the Off Colors. I will never be a victim under Home World's influence again. Just like me you too shall be a prison on this unforgivable planet!"
Pulling her arm back Lapis then threw it forward, making the water send Jasper high into the skies and as far away from her as possible.
Lowering her arm Lapis walked up to Kameron as her glare remained. As he attempted to speak she wrapped her arms around him, placing her head on his shoulder.
"Lapis?" Kameron asked.
"Don't say anything." Lapis whispered. "Just...hold me, please."
Despite feeling some pain Kameron wrapped his arms around her before softly tightening his grip. Lapis let out a sigh as she tightened her grip on him, and as of now, she was exhausted in every meaning you could think of.
End of Episode 40.
Well... It's been a long ride, but Season 2 has officially come to an end.
Now I know some of you might be disappointed that Stronger than You wasn't added in here. For that, I do apologize, but I wanted to focus more on the actually episode itself. I have nothing against the song because it is truly amazing and one of my favorites.
Another topic I want to tell is Malachite. To be honest with all of you, I absolutely despise her character. I find no reason for Lapis to suffer anymore than she already had. And the Crewniverse didn't know what to do with her throughout Season 2 and mash her together with the Cluster Arc. I do understand her symbolism, but there could've been others ways of handling an abusive relationship than what we got.
Now... Season 3 is up next everyone.
Any questions you all wanna ask me, I'm all ears. However, let's keep it clean and reasonable, okay?
See you all soon.