Episode 44: Blade Of The Soul

October 14th 7:00 p.m.

The sword. One of the most iconic weapons in existence. Swords come in various shapes, forms, sizes, appearances, and capabilities. However, they can also represent whoever wields them. But...what does it truly mean to wield a sword? When will we know we're ready to use one? What are we capable of when they are in our hands? Who are we truly when they are used? The only ones who can answer these questions...are ourselves.

From the skies above dark clouds grew in numbers and released droplets of rain onto the earth below. At the Universe Residence Steven sat at the counter in the kitchen. With pencil in hand he wrote progressively onto his homework sheet. Reaching the bottom of his sheet he placed his pencil down as a sigh left his mouth. Picking up the sheet he placed it into his folder before putting the folder into his backpack.

Moving his body he exited out of his chair. Turning his head he raised it up to see the portrait of his mother hanging on the wall. His eyes slowly narrowed as he locked them onto the portrait.

'There hasn't been anything on Peridot or Jasper lately. So far, things have been a little normal. But...it really isn't.' Steven thought to himself. 'I miss you mom. I really, really wish we could've met. It makes me wonder what you would say to me now with what's going on. But...I guess that's just wishful thinking. If you're watching me right now, mom, then I hope you're okay. I gonna get stronger to protect what matters to me. No matter happens, I'll do the best I can to save those I can.'

Turning away from the portrait Steven walked over to the Home Warp Pad before passing it and stopping near the Star Door. The only part of the house that is connected to the Temple. At the center of the door was a large yellow star with five colored circles at the end of it's points. At the very top was pink, in which would lead him to his mother's room. He's done so in the past, which resulted in a...rough experience, but he managed to get out of it. This time, it's different.

Raising his arm he placed his hand onto the door and closed his eyes. The white circle began to glow, opening the door before he retracted his hand. Stepping inside the door closed behind him as he focused ahead on what he needed to do. Right in front of him there were five fountains releasing large amounts of water from top to bottom. At the center fountain was Pearl, sitting in a chair with various papers held in her hand.

"Ugh! This new semester of students is completely aggravating. I swear they're not even trying at the slightest. Well, I'll make sure they'll get their grades up one way or the other." Pearl said to herself as she shuffled the papers.

"Pearl." Steven called out.

A small gasp exited her mouth at the sound of his voice. Turning her head she noticed him near her door before placing the papers into her Gemstone. "Steven. Is everything okay?" She asked as she stood up.

"Are you busy?" Steven asked.

Pearl blinked as she stepped off of the center fountain and made her way to him. "Not at the moment. I was looking over some assignments, but I'll put that on hold at the moment. Why?"

A gulp went down Steven's throat as he looked at her. Slowly closing his hands he narrowed his eyes at her, "Please. Teach me how to use a sword."

Pearl's eyes greatly expanded at the request.

"I thought long and hard about this, and I need to get stronger the next time we face Peridot or Jasper. I want your experience in using Rose's saber. Please?" Steven said as he bowed his head.

Pearl blinked as she placed a hand on her chest. She is fully aware of how Kameron was training Steven in the art of using his shield and his bubbles, but...to be asked in the ways of swordsmanship? Granted she did try to teach him how to use a weapon when he first began, but that ended horribly. As of now...in his teens...and with what's happening right now she could understand the reasoning behind it, and so there was only one thing left to do.

"Very well. I will teach you the ways of the sword." Pearl replied.

October 15th 3:30 p.m.

Daylight shined among The Ancient Sky Arena despite the troubling rainstorm yesterday. Though puddles of rain remained, only small groups of it covered the arena, so both Steven and Pearl were still able to use it.

"Okay, Steven. Today is your first lesson. Are you ready?" Pearl asked.

Steven nodded.

"Good." Pearl said as her Gemstone glowed, with a rapier coming out of it and falling into her hand, "Now, draw your blade."

Raising his hand and reaching to his back Steven grabbed onto the hilt and pulled the sword out of it's scabbard. Lowering it he slowly raised his other hand, placing it onto the gripped one and gripping the hilt.

"First, why don't you show me what you can already do with the blade. After that, we'll see what it is you'll need to improve." Pearl said as she raised her rapier.

Steven nodded. Lowering his sword with both hands he began to move his legs. Getting closer to Pearl he lifted the sword and slashed at her horizontally. As the blade was coming to her Pearl quickly raised up her own, clashing it with Steven's. She then pushed him back slightly before thrusting her blade toward him. Raising his sword up to his chest the rapier impacted it before Pearl retracted it and slashed at him vertically.

Steven jumped out of the way and raised his blade upwards. Thrusting forward his blade clashed with her rapier once again, making the blades pull back before Pearl stepped forward and thrusted her blade at Steven, making him close his eyes. Slowly opening them his eyes lowered to see Pearl's rapier dangerously close to his neck while he himself was raising his blade to the sky.

"You're techniques are very brash. It appears we'll have a lot to do for you to get accustomed to this." Pearl said as she retracted her rapier.

Steven sighed as he lowered his arm.

"Steven. Tell me, what is your thoughts on your weapon?" Pearl asked.

Steven tilted his head to her before lowering his eyes onto his sword. Raising it up slightly his eyes turned to Pearl and then back to the sword, "Well...I think Bismuth did an amazing job creating this sword for mom. But...I also think it's dangerous if it was in the wrong hands."

Pearl shook her head, "That is incorrect. I do not mean what you think of it practically. What do you see when you are using it?"

Steven's eyes blinked as he looked at her again. A small sigh exited Pearl's mouth as she placed her rapier back into her Gemstone.

(Song Starts)

Pearl: You do it for them.

And you'll do it again.

You do it for them, always say you'll do it for them.

Raising her hand to him Steven gave Pearl the sword.

Keep your stance wide.

Keep your body lowered.

As you're moving forward, balance is the key.

Right foot, left foot.

Go even faster.

And as I'm moving backwards, keep your eyes on me.

Once she finished displaying her movements she turned to Steven, giving him his sword back.

With a nod Steven began to follow.

Steven: Keep my stance wide.

Pearl: (Good)

Steven: Keep my body lowered.

Pearl: (Right)

Steven: As I'm moving forward.

Pearl: (Concentrate) Don't you want to live?!

Steven: Right foot, left foot.

Pearl: (Yes, but put your whole soul into it.)

Everything you are, everything you have. You have to give.

Steven soon stopped as Pearl placed a hand onto his cheek.

On the battlefield.

Where everything is chaos.

And there's nothing but the way you feel.

Your strategy and your blade.

Think about the lives you'll save, to live for another day.

And you'll do it for them.

That's how you'll know we will win.

You do it for them.

Always say, you do it for them.

Pressing her face forward she placed her lips onto his cheek before pulling herself back.

Deep down, you know.

You weren't born for fighting.

But that doesn't you're not prepared to try.

What you don't know is your real advantage.

When you live for something, you're prepared to die.

Steven narrowed his eyes and nodded as Pearl stepped away from him

Steven: Deep down, I know.

I'm not just human.

Pearl: (True)

Steven: But I know I can draw my blade and fight.

With a brave appearance.

Pearl: (Good)

Steven: I will make a difference.

Pearl: (Yes, excellent)

Steven: I will be there for them.

I will do what's right.

I will do it for them.

Pearl/Steven: We'll do it for them.

Pearl: Now do it again.

Steven: Yes, ma'am.

Pearl/Steven: We'll do it for them. And now til day.

We'll do it for them.

(Song End)

October 15th 7:00 p.m.

*CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK*

Deep within The Forge sparks began to break out. The sounds of metal echoed all around the area. The sounds continued to get louder and louder by the second without missing a beat.

Standing right at Bismuth's anvil was Kameron. Without a shirt on and wearing his repaired goggles, Kameron raised up a large iron mallet and slammed it onto the metal.

"Gotta say. It feels kinda weird watching someone else at my anvil." Bismuth said as she watched. "You sure you don't want me taking care of her?"

Slamming the mallet onto the metal Kameron then stopped as he turned his head to Bismuth, "That's very much appreciated, Bismuth, but I want to repair her myself. Can you hand me another piece of Enertanium please?"

Looking over to the left Bismuth walked over to the stacks of rare and unknown metals. Walking up to a stack of glowing metals she picked one up before handing it over to Kameron. Releasing his hand from Venganza's hilt he took the glowing metal without looking and began to adding it to the recent metal he already placed in.

"Honestly, I can't believe we've got all these different kinds of metal. There's so many things I can create with them." Bismuth said in awe as she looked at the metals.

"I'd figured that if I wanted to repair Venganza, then I'm gonna need something stronger to help her." Kameron replied as he slammed onto the metal again. "Bronze. *CLANK* Silver. *CLANK* Gold. *CLANK* Platinum. *CLANK* Copper. *CLANK* Iron. *CLANK* Titanium. *CLANK* They are all the metals on the planet. Most are strong and durable, but will rust and get damaged over time. The metals here are from space. I'm glad dad let me use them. And I'm sorry for using your anvil, Bismuth."

Bismuth smirked. "Hey, I don't mind. Besides, every weapon needs to be as strong as it has to."

"Any news on Peridot or Jasper? I haven't been able to find them." Kameron asked.

"No clue." Bismuth informed.

No response was given back as Kameron continued slamming the mallet onto the metal. After the thirteenth slam he picked up Venganza's burning metal and turned it to Bismuth. "May the greatest blacksmith give me her blessing for her rebirth?" He asked as he kneeled onto one knee.

Without responding Bismuth kneeled down as she and Kameron closed their eyes, "May she strike with valor; may she fight for a just cause; may she protect those who she cherishes."

Opening her eyes Bismuth sucked in some air and blew onto the burning metal. Her very breath cooled the metal and solidified it. Standing up Kameron opened his eyes to see the completion of his blade. The metal was pure silver and cast his reflection, but there was one more element needed that was missing. Handing the blade to Bismuth she took hold of the weapon as Kameron took off his gloves. Raising up his index finger he slid it across Venganza's edge, crystallizing it while droplets of blood dripped down and evaporated onto the floor. As he reached the tip he removed his finger as half of Venganza was now crystallized.

Damn. She's lookin' better than ever - Z said.

'Yeah. She's now reborn.' Kameron replied in thought. 'But we need to see how strong she is now.'

You're speaking my language. - Z said as he snickered.

October 15th 8:00 p.m.

In the black of night as the stars and illuminated the Earth below, Kameron stood tall in the arena with Bismuth standing on the other side.

"You ready, Kameron?" Bismuth asked as she turned her hands into mallets.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Kameron asked as he raised his hand and gripped onto Venganza's hilt.

"Of course. It's a tradition for me to see what a weapon is capable of before it gets into the battlefield. Besides, I wanna see how you fight." Bismuth replied as she slammed her mallets together.

With a silent nod Kameron pulled Venganza off of his back. Lowering his body and bending his knees he rushed toward Bismuth in a burst of speed. As he got closer to her he raised his blade and slashed at her horizontally. Summoning one of her mallet arms Bismuth blocked the attack before using her other mallet arm against Kameron's stomach. A small gawk exited his mouth as he was getting pushed back.

"C'mon. Is that really all you have?" Bismuth asked. "Right now I'm your enemy. Don't go easy on me, that's disrespectful when sparring, understand?"

Small breaths left Kameron's mouth as he looked at her. With a small nod he straightened his back as he narrowed his eyes at her. Raising his other arm he placed them onto his goggles before lowering them onto his eyes. Increasing the grip onto Venganza Kameron bent his knees as he jumped into the air. Lowering his body he dived right back down, aiming himself toward his target. Getting closer and closer he turned his body forward, rotating it and shooting his leg out.

Once again Bismuth raised her mallet arm up as Kameron's foot made contact. Upon contact the ground below Bismuth cracked slightly just as Kameron rotated himself over her before landing on the ground. Turning his body Bismuth dashed toward him, changing her right arm into a blade. Thrusting it forward Kameron raised his left arm, grabbing the blade into his palm as his feet slightly slid across the stone below him. A small gasp exited Bismuth's mouth. She thought he was gonna dodge that or at the very least make a shield, but to take it head on with his bare hand?

Lifting his leg up Kameron raised it back and rapidly threw it up, aiming it directly at Bismuth's chin. A small grunt left her mouth just as Kameron used his other leg to kick her stomach, pushing himself back from her. Landing on the ground Kameron rushed toward her once more. As he got close he quickly slashed Venganza at her horizontally. Without any time to respond Bismuth could only watch as Venganza sliced her blade arm right off.

"AHHHHH!" Bismuth wailed as she fell to her knees.

Just as she turned her head around a sudden grunt left her mouth. Lowering her eyes she saw Venganza's upper-half going through her stomach.

"Wow. When you get serious, you don't hold back." Bismuth said.

No response left Kameron's mouth.

*POOF*

In mere seconds Bismuth's body poofed and her Gemstone fell onto the ground. Placing Venganza onto his back Kameron raised his left arm, shooting a crystal tendril out and grabbing onto Bismuth's Gemstone before retracting it ti his hand. Closing his eyes his Gemstone began to glow and green energy began to surge through his veins before going into Bismuth's Gemstone. Reopening his eyes he watched as the Gemstone levitated out of his hand and began to reform. Bismuth landed back on the ground with a grunt as she lifted her head up at Kameron.

Her eyes blinked, "Whoa. Didn't know you could do that."

"By adding my own energy into a Gemstone I can accelerate their reformation." Kameron explained as he raised his goggles from his eyes. "That'll be enough for tonight."

Walking away from her Kameron pulled out his Warp Whistle, but before he could place his mouth onto it a hand got placed on his shoulder, making him stop in place.

"Are you okay?" Bismuth asked.

"I'm okay. Thank you for helping me repair Venganza." Kameron replied nonchalantly.

"Does her name have a meaning?" Bismuth asked.

Turning his head Kameron locked his eyes onto hers, "It's Spanish for vengeance. That is my goal against the Diamond Authority."

Bismuth's eyes soon narrowed as she tightened he grip onto his shoulder, "Just remember that you're not alone. You're father had the same kind of eyes during the rebellion. Don't go down the wrong on this, okay?"

"I'll be fine. Thanks for your concern, but you shouldn't worry." Kameron replied as he turned away.

"Alright. You don't have to explain yourself." Bismuth said as she softened her grip.

Placing his Warp Whistle into his mouth Kameron soon blew into it, warping them away from the arena.

End of Episode 44.

Hope you all enjoyed this. The song here is Do it For Him but with a few changes added for the situation. I do not own this song. It belongs to it's original owners.

Now there is one more filer left, then it's back to business. I wanted to give my characters a breather before we really get into things. I hope you all understand.

Next Time:

Bonds