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Episode 45: Bonds

October 17th 2:00 p.m.

Loss. One of the harshest experiences life created. Loss has many different attributes that can change a being, for better or for worse. With time, we embrace it, accept it and keep moving forward. For some, it crushes us, breaks us down, and forcing us to face reality and it's cruelty. Despite this...there is still hope. As hard as life becomes remember that you are never alone in the universe. Soothe your troubling thoughts with calming memories and to await the future that lays in the distance. We will make it there, no matter what.

On Mask Island Azurite and Lapis sat on their knees in the middle of the desolated village. Right in front of them laid a plethora of wooden poles with a myriad of of broken masks placed onto them. From top to bottom...were the remains of the brave people of Mask Island. Azurite, the former guardian of this sacred island is now the last and only survivor of her fellow people. People who did not deserve a barbaric massacre to end them.

Lowering her head Azurite placed her hands together as she intertwined her fingers, "Anxi." She said softly in Chinese.

Lapis followed her friend's movements and mimicked her actions, "Anxi." She said in Chinese.

Raising their heads both young women picked themselves up from the ground. Azurite walked forward and stopped in place at the center pole, housing the masks of the Elders. Lifting her hands she placed them onto her own mask before removing it from her face and placing it onto the pole. Tears have stained her cheeks as her eyes became dark blue. Closing her eyes she sucked in some air into her nose and slowly released it through her mouth as she held her hands again.

"Wanchengle." Azurite said softly.

Watching her friend Lapis lifted her hands and held both of her arms. She opened her mouth, but no words were formed. What should she say? What could she say? She didn't know these people nor did they have any significance to her, but...they were important to Azurite. A sense of sympathy flew through her mind on the devastation Home-World had placed on this very place, and yet she didn't know how to comfort her friend at such a place.

Turning herself around Azurite slowly walked away from the poles as she approached Lapis. Looking at her face made Lapis turn her head and advert her eyes. It was too painful to see it.

"Thank you for coming with me, Lapis." Azurite said softly.

Lapis nodded.

"Let us return home. You have a very important day tomorrow." Azurite said as she summoned her Warp Whistle.

"Umm...Azurite?" Lapis said as she turned her head to look at her, "I know we've talked about this, but...are you sure this is a good thing for me?"

Azurite nodded, "Yes. As much as I would enjoy having you at the hospital, it will be more fitting for you to do this instead. I understand that you do not like this planet or it's inhabitants for what has befallen you my friend, but this will help you expand your knowledge among them. We are not forcing this on you, so if you decide not to do this then I understand, though my father and mother will need to have you be productive to some capacity."

Lapis closed her eyes as she increased the grip on her arms. Azurite and her family have allowed her to stay at their home. She was a little nervous on the offer, but agreed to it since if she did try leaving the planet again she would face another similar circumstance from Home-World. There were...steps she had to take during her first days on Earth, but with a little help she has been able to learn it's customs and ways, even though it was strange to her. As of now was something she never thought she would do, but...Kameron and Steven were doing it and with them she'll be a little less nervous and uncomfortable, at least she thinks she will. Christie and Green weren't forcing her into this, but...there wasn't gonna be anyone at the house at times and she didn't want to see the Crystals that much either, so her options were limited.

"I'll do it."

October 18th 7:40 a.m.

Sitting in Principal Owens' office Kameron and Lapis sat down side by side with Principal Owens placing his eyes on both of them while at his desk.

"...I see. Miss Lazuli, I welcome you to Dewey High School. Be assured that you are welcomed here, but understand that I will not appreciate any kind of violence to be placed on school grounds. I do not mean to sound harsh, especially with what has happened two weeks ago, but this school is very important to me and I do not wish for it to be destroyed. Understand?" Principal Owens said calmly.

Lapis nodded, "I understand, sir."

"Very good." Principal Owens said as he turned his attention onto Kameron. "I am sure that you'll do your best to help her feel at home here, Kameron."

Kameron nodded, "Yes, sir. I'll help her as much as I can." He added as he looked at Lapis.

"Good. And this is my personal saying, but are you okay?" Principal Owens asked.

"Don't worry about me, Principal Owens." Kameron replied nonchalantly.

"I need to. It's my job as the principal to know the well-beings of my students. It concerns me with what happens with you outside of campus." Principal Owens said as he tightened his grip in each hand.

"I'm okay." Kameron assured. "Thank you for worrying about me, but be assured that I am well."

Principal Owens sighed as he pushed himself up from his desk, "Very well. You both may leave now. And have a good first day, Miss Lazuli."

"Thank you, Principal Owens." Lapis replied as she picked up her messenger bag from the floor.

Both her and Kameron stood up from their chairs and walked out of the office. As they entered the halls twenty minutes remained until Home-Room started, but there was no rush since it wasn't that far. As the two began walking several people began to stare right at them. Some began to whisper among each other while the rest were either curious at them or showed narrowed eyes. Lapis glanced at them before quickly adverting her eyes. A small gasp exited from her mouth as her eyes slowly widened. Her eyes slowly descended to see her hand being placed in Kameron's before it slowly tightened it's grip. Raising her head she turned to Kameron, whom kept his eyes forward as they walked with a serious expression across his face.

"Thank you, but you don't have to go out of your way to protect me. I'm not helpless." Lapis said quietly.

"I know. I just wanted to ease your worries. Is this too much?" Kameron replied as he turned to look at her.

Lapis shook her head. "No. It's fine."

The duo continued walking right as they made it to their lockers. Releasing his hand from Lapis', Kameron began entering his combinations before his lock opened, giving him access to his locker. Placing her attention onto her own locker Lapis reached into her bag and pulled out a piece of paper before opening it to see a collection of numbers on it. Reaching her free hand out she placed it onto the combination lock and started twisting it to the correct numbers. Once she reached her third number the lock opened up, giving her access.

"So...I just put in things I don't need for class and get them back when I do need them?" Lapis asked.

"Correct. First Period is Art, so keep your notebooks and sketchbooks. Since you're new I'm sure Mr. Rayner will help you out with what you need to do. He's a very creative guy. But not as creative as my Aunt Vidalia." Kameron replied as he placed several books into his locker.

"Aunt Vidalia?" Lapis asked as she placed a few books in her locker.

"She's a friend of the family. She was my mom's college roommate back in the day. They've remained close over the years and when I got to know her she introduced me into the world of art. Ever since then we'd see each other from time to time, though I haven't been able to make the time as of now." Kameron explained before closing his locker.

"I don't fully understand most of what you just said, but I believe this "Aunt Vidalia" is important to you." Lapis replied as she closed her locker.

"Double-Eyes."

Hearing his nickname Kameron looked behind Lapis to see Scarlett walking up to them. As she did her eyes turned to see Lapis, making her lips stretch into a grin.

"Hi, you must be Lapis Lazuli. I'm Scarlett Jane." Scarlett said as she raised her hand to her.

Lapis looked down to see her hand before raising her head to Scarlett's face. She slowly raised her hand before placing it into Scarlett's and shaking it slowly. Once they were done she immediately retracted her hand back.

"Kameron, who is this?" Lapis asked.

"She's one of my best friends. She's friendly." Kameron assured.

"He's right." Scarlett said just before her eyes slowly narrowed. She then walked up to Kameron, having her face dangerously close to his with a hand on her hip, "Although, I do get upset when a certain someone ghosts me and the others."

"A lot had happened... and I wanted to clear my head." Kameron replied.

Scarlett huffed as she pulled her face away from his. Raising a hand she soon placed it onto his right cheek, near his scar. "I was scared. Not just me, but the others too. Plus we heard from Jenny and Kiki that you quit Fish Stew Pizza. You know how I am when you put us in the dark. That's not cool, Kameron." She said softly as she rubbed his cheek.

Kameron slowly raised his hand, placing it onto Scarlett's. It felt warm and soft, soothing his thoughts for the moment. It is true, he had quit Fish Stew Pizza. He also hadn't talked to his friends until the day after the aftermath. That was very jerkish of him since he should've spoken to them the moment they called. But instead he made them worry even more.

"I'm sorry. I know it's not enough, and it is to excuse my actions. I'm okay if you don't forgive me." Kameron replied softly.

Scarlett stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his lower waist and placing her head onto his shoulder. "I forgive you, dummy. Just don't worry us so much, okay?" She added as she tightened her embrace on him.

Kameron slowly wrapped his arms around her waist.

As this was happening Lapis stood to the side, watching it play out. Truth be told...it reminded her of Cherry and herself. Though there was this strange feeling building up inside of her the more she looked at this. Scarlett is one of Kameron's friends, he's known her longer than Lapis...but this weird sensation was making her angry for some reason.

Scarlett slowly removed herself from him as they locked eyes, "I'll see you in class," She added as she turned her eyes onto Lapis, "You too."

Lapis blinked as she watched Scarlett walk away from them.

"C'mon. Let's get going." Kameron said as he walked forward.

Without a response Lapis followed him.

October 18th 10:00 a.m.

*Whistle Sound*

The coach pulled the whistle out of her mouth as she glanced at each of her students.

"Alright everyone! Today is a nice day outside, so that meets we're gonna work ourselves off until we pass out. But before we get into that we have a new student here with us." The coach said as she walked up to Lapis before stopping right in front of her, "What's your name, sweetie?"

Lapis stared at her with a blank expression as she opened her mouth, "Lapis Lazuli."

"Huh. That's a nice name. Well, let's see if I can make you sweat." The coach replied.

"Gems are unable to sweat." Lapis pointed out.

"Even so, I wanna see what you're made of." The coach replied as she walked away. She then stopped at the center of the field. "Alright everyone, soccer is today's activity. We're all gonna be divided into separate groups. Girls are going first. After a while the boys will get a turn, but for now you'll be running laps. So come up here ladies. Boys, get to running."

Each one of the boys turned their sights to the track and started heading toward it without question. As they left Lapis watched Kameron go as she made her way to the center of the field. With every step she took she couldn't help but look down at the gym clothes she was wearing. A white plain T-shirt, gray sweatpants, and white sneakers. It felt...so weird wearing something like this, especially the white sneakers. But this was a requirement, so she had to wear them alongside her other footwear when P.E. is over. One of the strange customs of Earth she might not like to go through.

"Lapis."

Hearing her name getting called, Lapis lifted her head to see Scarlett nearby. Walking up to her Lapis noticed several other girls around circled around her.

"So...you're Lapis Lazuli?" Chelsea said as she walked to her.

"I am. Who are you?" Lapis replied as her eyes narrowed.

"Chelsea Park. Nice to finally meet you in person rather than hearing your name from Badass." Chelsea said as she crossed her arms.

"Badass?" Lapis replied as she tilted her head.

"She means Kameron." Angela said as she stood next to her sister. "Hi, I'm Angela."

"I'm Sadie." Sadie added.

"Are you friends with Kameron as well?" Lapis asked.

"We are. How are you enjoying your time here?" Chelsea replied, earning her a nudge from her sister.

"I still hate this planet. But...I'm learning to tolerate it." Lapis said as she placed her hands on her hips.

Just as Chelsea opened her mouth to speak another girl suddenly came into their group. The girl was light-skinned with long blonde hair and ocean-blue eyes. She wore silver ring earrings and wore a small amount of blue eyeshadow and silver lip-bomb. She turned he attention onto Lapis as her lips stretched into a grin.

"OMG! Are you a new Gem?" The girl ask as she stepped up to her.

Lapis cocked an eyebrow at the sight of this new girl, "Who are you?"

The girl blinked as she placed a hand over her mouth. "Oops. Sorry. My name is Brittney Star. Welcome to Dewey High."

The more Lapis looked at her the more confused she became. "Uhhh... Thank you? Are you also a friend of Kameron?"

Brittney shook her head. "Nah, he and I aren't that close. We've spoke a few times, but I wouldn't really call us "friends," exactly. Though as of now I am a little worried about the guy."

"What do you mean?" Lapis asked curiously.

"I mean, the guy and his family protect the entire world from monsters. At first I thought that was so cool, but the more I saw him at school after a tuffle the more concerned I got. He's a sweet dude, but I dunno...sometimes it looks like he's pushing himself too much." Brittney explained.

"That's not too hard to see, especially with that new scar on his face." Chelsea added.

"No denying that. But...after that invasion I don't blame him for pushing himself. But I wish he would understand that we're all worried for him." Angela added.

"Totally. The look in his eyes looks like someone who is completely done and wants to end it." Brittney said.

Hearing this made most of the girls look at her with widened eyes. Lapis merely blinked at her with a cocked eyebrow. Just as she opened her mouth to ask what that meant a loud whistle soon entered everyone's ears, making the girls turn their heads to the coach.

"Alright, ladies. You all can gossip when you're on the track. Right now, you're playing soccer." The coach said as she held up the ball before dropping it onto the grass. "Both teams get into positions. Show me what you girls are capable of and after I'm impressed you'll switch to track."

Listening to the coach Lapis and the girls began to get into formation. Lapis stood at the center of the field confronting another girl from the opposite side.

"To play soccer you only use your feet. Using your hands are against the rules, except for the goalie. First team to score enough points wins." The coach explained. She then turned her attention to Lapis. "Understand Lazuli? Only use your feet and aim for the goal over there. This is also a team game, so make sure you cooperate with the others too." She added as she pointed to the opposite goal.

Lapis nodded, but...adverted her eyes at the thought of "teamwork," in this thing. She barely knew anyone here other than Kameron and Steven, but she couldn't ask for their help in this at the moment. Plus she wanted to know what Brittney was talking about. As much as she didn't want to do it, "Cooperation," was an unfortunate benefactor in this situation.

*Whistle Sound*

At the sound of the whistle the girl in front of Lapis ran forward, stealing the ball right below her. Turning her head Lapis watched the girl run from her and started running. The girl in front of Lapis grinned as she dribbled the ball before tossing it to her right, giving it to her teammate. Small snickers left the girls mouth as Lapis passed her. Coming up to the girl's teammate Lapis ran right beside her, but just as she attempted to take the ball the teammate kicked the ball further away from them before sticking her leg out, making Lapis trip and fall onto the grass with a grunt.

"Have a nice trip. See ya next fall." The teammate girl said as she jogged away.

Lifting her head Lapis glared at girl as she groaned while standing up. As she started running after her Sadie slid across the grass, stealing the ball away from the teammate and making her way to Lapis.

"Follow me." She said quickly as she ran passed her.

Without a response Lapis began running right behind her.

"Are you okay?" Sadie asked.

"No, I'm not." Lapis replied angerly.

"Don't worry. We've got your back. Here. Go for the goal." Sadie said as she passed the ball to Lapis.

Taking the ball Lapis lightly kicked the ball forward as she increased her momentum. Up ahead another was coming up to her, wanting to steal the ball.

"Lapis. Pass the ball." Scarlett called out.

Lapis turned her head to her direction. Either pass the ball or allow the ball to get taken again. Those two choice entered her head as her opponent was dangerously getting close to her. Closing her eyes she quickly reopened them at passed the ball to Scarlett.

"Watch me." Scarlett called out. Another girl came to her to take the ball, but as she was coming up Scarlett dribbled the ball to the side and spun herself around the girl before going forward. She then turned her head to Lapis as they were getting close to the goal. With a grin across her lips she quickly tossed the ball to Sadie. Sadie then quickly passed it to Lapis.

"GO FOR IT!" Scarlett and Sadie yelled.

Further and further to the goal Lapis pulled her leg back and kicked the ball straight ahead. The goalie jumped in to grab it, but her fingers weren't able to touch the ball as she fell onto the grass while the ball impacted the net.

*Whistle Sound*

"Team 1, One point." The coach announced.

Roars of excitement echoed through the field. Lapis quickly turned around and before she could react both Sadie and Scarlett around their arms around her, stunning her in place.

"You did it, Lapis! You did it!" Scarlett cheered.

"You totally did it, Lapis! That was an amazing kick!" Sadie cheered.

Both Sadie and Scarlett released themselves from her as the rest of the team came in.

"Not bad Blueberry. You've earn a small percentage of my respect." Chelsea said with a hand on hip. Angela stood next to her before elbowing her sister.

"You did good on your first try. That was great." Angela said joyfully.

"Yeah, totally!" Brittney added as she wrapped her arms around her. "That was, like, totally awesome!"

As Brittney released her Lapis blinked her eyes at the girls looking at her. They...won and in turn they proceed to give her affection. But...it felt so...strange...yet so familiar.

"Are you okay, Blueberry?" Chelsea asked.

Lapis adverted her eyes as she turned her head away from them. She nodded as she tilted her head down, making her hair cover her eyes.

As the girls looked at her the atmosphere began to slowly change. They had just won...but the victory was short-lived. Lapis' expression was somber and soft as she held her arms. Her lips frowned as she stood in place in silence.

"Lapis. Do you want to talk about it?" Scarlett asked worriedly.

"Why? What do you care?" Lapis replied bitterly.

"Uh-uh, don't go down that road, Blueberry. Badass is down that road and you really shouldn't follow it." Chelsea said firmly.

"We just met. Why are all being so nice to me? Even after I took this planet's ocean for my own benefits." Lapis replied as she slowly raised her head with her hair covering the right side of her face.

The silently looked at her as Angela stepped forward, "Calm down, Lapis. Let's go talk about this, okay?"

Lapis nodded as Angela turned her attention to the coach, "Coach. We need to take a break."

"Breaks aren't allowed-" The coach replied before getting interrupted.

"This is important. We'll be right back, but right now there's something else that needs our attention." Angela said firmly.

The coach huffed at her, but allowed the girls to take a break and watched as Lapis and her group walked away from the field.

October 18th 10:20 a.m.

Inside the girls' locker room Lapis sat down on the bench with the girls surrounding her. The lights above were dim and flickered after every second. The sounds of water dripping was hear from just the other side by the showers and the sinks. Not as bad as the boys' locker room, but it could've been a lot worse under different circumstances.

"Okay. Lapis, please tell us what's wrong?" Angela asked carefully.

No response came from her.

"It's okay, Lapis. Please let us help you. Yeah, you don't know us and we don't know you, but you don't look like a bad girl. Plus that look in your eyes is giving off "I'm depressed and miserable," vibes. And the best way to handle that is by talking to someone." Brittney said softly.

Raising her head Lapis narrowed her eyes at the girls. But then...her eyes slowly started to soften a little. Closing her eyes she sucked in some air and exhaled it out of her nose. "Fine. If you girls really want to know, then I'll tell you."

Opening her mouth Lapis began to explain her troubles. From the beginning she started talking about her thousand-year imprisonment within the mirror owned by Pearl. Afterwards she told them about how Kameron and Steven freed her and her reunion with Zuli and Cobalt. She then explained how she thought by using the planet's oceans it'll help her get home, but it never worked and instead Steven healed her Gemstone, giving her the chance to return. As she got to the part about how different Home-World had become and joining the Off Colors her voices slowly cracked. The she explained what her Diamond asked her to do before being forced to come back to Earth by Jasper. Kameron saved her...and as of now she can never return home. She might have friends on Earth, but...it still makes her feel trapped.

As Lapis was finished telling these girls her story a gasp exited out of her mouth. One by one each of the girls wrapped their arms around her while increasing their embrace. Here they were...hugging her again...and as they were doing this tears began to form in her eyes before they slowly fell onto her cheeks. Why...? Why was this happening to her?

Soon enough each of the girls released themselves from her as they gave her smiles. "Lapis. It's gonna be okay. It might not seem like it now, but it will be okay." Scarlett said softly.

"How do you know?" Lapis replied with a small crack in her voice.

"We don't." Chelsea said as she crossed her arms. "But...we have faith that it will be. And what you've experienced was so messed up, but you can't let that hold you down forever."

"Trust us, we've each had our own struggles to go through in life. They're not as devastating as yours, but to us, they were heartbreaking and difficult to go through. But each of us found a way to cope with it and take a step forward. It isn't easy, believe us it truly isn't, but with that first step it'll start to take effect once you slowly go for the rest." Angela added.

"The Off Colors sound like amazing people. And...I'm sorry for your lost, Lapis." Sadie said as she walked up to her. Raising her hand she placed it onto Lapis' before raising it up, "This might sound fast for you, but let us be your friends. We're not going anywhere. We won't leave you alone or let you feel miserable. It won't get better right away and you don't have to trust us right away, but let these humans help you with your pain."

"This planet is your home too. You've got friends, a family, and a chance to make a fresh start." Brittney said as she wrapped her arm around Angela's waist. "It's not too late."

Lapis slowly turned her head to each of the girls. Scarlett. Sadie. Chelsea. Angela. Brittney. These...ordinary humans were showing her compassion and genuine concern for her well-being. Even after she explained what happened they were still being nice to her. Her lips began to shake as did her eyes. When talking to someone she knew her worries would soften, but when talking she didn't know who showed true sympathy...it felt...so strange. Her lips began to stretch into a smile as more tears formed in her eyes.

"Don't cry, Blueberry. I'm sure Kameron would give us a long-ass talk if that were to happen." Chelsea said.

Lapis sniffled as she began to wipe her eyes. "O-Okay. B-But I have one last question. What did you mean when you said Kameron would end it?"

"That doesn't matter. It's not important and you shouldn't worry about it." Scarlett said as she took Lapis' other hand before her and Sadie helped her up. "For now, let's go back. we've got little time left before next class."

Lapis nodded as they all made their way out. As she walked she wiped away the remaining tears from her eyes. It would definitely take a while, but it looks like she's found another reason to stay on this planet. For Azurite. For Kameron and Steven. And now, for the new friends she's made. And this time...things were gonna be different, no matter the cost.

End of Episode 45.

Hope you enjoyed this. This actually took me a while to establish, but I'm finally glad I was able to finish it.

Lapis Lazuli is my favorite character within Steven Universe and to me, she didn't get the development she deserved in Canon. For those who think her Canon Counterpart's development went well that's absolutely fine, but to me, she wasn't developed well.

This episode marks the last filer for the moment. There will be more, but when the time is right. To me, filers should only happen when there isn't anything going on or when a great battle is over the the characters need a break. But that's just my opinion.

PM me for any questions and leave a review if you all wish to.

Catch ya all later.

Next Time:

Birds Of A Feather