Chapter 8: Hearts of Stone

Steven Universe and Lars Barriga are standing in fear at the sight of the menacing figure standing before them. Her wicked smile, her glowing blood-red eyes, her body covered in dark shadow that surrounds her figure.
The boy gasps loudly, his heart skips a beat 'T-The big glowing red eyes from my dream, that glared down at me when I was at a sleepover in Connie's house! Is this...her!?'

The figure giggles evilly, slowly wiggling her fingers that are black claws. They look sharp and most definitely sound as sharp as a chef's knife. The boys shiver, not wishing to be on the receiving end of those talons.
Steven quickly holds Crystal in his left arm and brings out his shield in his right hand, readying to defend himself and Lars "W-who are you?!"

The gem slowly walks up to them, her steps make little to no sound...as if she is floating across the grassy ground. She still maintains her wicked smile, her eyes never leaving Steven for a second. She didn't care about seeing the fear in the boy's face or his body language...she could FEEL his fear, giving her a strange sense of gratification. While maintaining her eye contact with Steven, she can see him holding the Crystal in his arms. Seven lets out a sigh of contentment, wishing to simply kill Steven and take the Crystal all for herself...however, something inside feels pity for the boy. After all, she remembers the research she went into and, the discovery he is Rose Quartz's son. He isn't her and he is his being. And he found these shards to get his wish, Seven slowly closes her eyes and breathes in deeply, remaining perfectly still. She starts having internal thoughts, and conversations within. Seven begins thinking to herself 'If I may give an offer...an offer he can't refuse? Yes, build trust...sell myself, sell my pitch. Be his friend.'

Lars quickly goes up towards Steven, panic filling his tone "S-Steven! W-What is she!? She seems like she's gonna kill us! We should leave, now!"

Steven feels Lars trying to tug his arm, but he resists. He looks into Lar's eyes, speaking softly "Lars! Please, calm down...she...hasn't attacked us yet. She wants something...otherwise, why are we alive right now?" he says, holding the Crystal tightly in one arm "Besides...I don't think we can outrun her."

Lars kicks the ground, biting his lower lip out of frustration "C-can't you get that Crystal to teleport us out of here? Shouldn't it be strong enough now?"

Steven looks at Crystal, it gives out weak glows. His eyebrows are raised, is Crystal afraid as well? This seems to be getting worse by the second, Steven whispers to Crystal "Crystal? We need your help right now...can you get us out of here?"

The Crystal gives rapid glows, yet its thoughts are now linked with Steven. His eyes widen and looks at Lars "Don't ask me how or why, but Crystal told me the only way is through the warp pad..."

Lars' face becomes pale, slowly looking at the figure covered in dark shadows, her hair messy and wavy "We're so dead..."

Steven shakes his head, standing in front of Lars "Take Crystal from me and get back to the warp pad, I'll hold her off as much as I can!"

"What!? You can't take her on! And besides, that's far away! Even if I somehow were to get there I can't use voodoo like you do!" Lars yells.

Steven grits his teeth, feeling anger swelling inside "Better than sticking around here and dying!"

Lars gasps softly, seeing Steven serious is an eye-opener. If there is a chance, he has to trust Steven. He goes to take the Crystal from Steven's arm "Okay Steven...I trust you, please don't die on me-"

Suddenly, Seven is standing right beside Lars and Steven, smiling widely at them. Her eyes glowing red eyes are wide. She speaks in a soft yet amused tone "Now now now, there's no to run away, Lars..."

Steven and Lars freeze in place, wondering how she was able to move so fast without them realising. Lars begins shivering in terror, his teeth chattering violently while screaming out "H-h-how do you know my name!?"

Seven blinks a few times, pursing her lips and tilts her head sideways "How do I know your name? Because your friend Steven said your name while you two were quaking at my presence."

Lars and Steven slowly look at each other, then slowly back to Seven. Wondering why she was talking to them like this as if they were having a friendly conversation. Something just didn't add up and Steven knew this at least. While still keeping his shield up, Steven stares down Seven, his eyes and voice showing fear despite a brave stance "W..what do you want with us? You haven't tried attacking us yet...what's your game?"

Seven blinks a few more times but gives Steven a wide smile, chuckling softly "What's my game? My...I forgot about that line from you humans, you are all so very interesting indeed!"

Lars keeps standing behind Steven's shield stance, he doesn't know what possessed him to speak, he simply spoke his mind "S-Stop messing around! Are you trying to kill us or are you messing with our heads!?"

Seven slowly looks at Lars, her eyes burning with hatred towards the human boy. Her wide smile didn't fade, only making the boy more terrified. She speaks in a restrained manner "Lars, you really should learn to keep that fat mouth of yours shut...after all, you never know what kind of trouble you will find yourself in."

Lars suddenly feels himself starting to fall onto his knees, the words alone are enough to succumb to fear. He begins shaking, hugging himself until Seven appears kneeling beside him, gently holding up "Forgive me, Lars...I let my emotions get the better of me. Please, sit down with me, including you Steven."

Steven spins around, going to strike Seven with his shield until he sees her...helping Lars get up? He is completely lost, he hasn't met or faced anyone like this menacing person. Who or What is she?
Seven notices Steven's body language, lost and afraid. She makes her smile softer and gestures to some small flat rocks near them "Please, let's all take a seat together."

Lars gulps fearfully, but despite Seven's talons for fingers, she is holding him with great care and surprising softness in her hold. He tries looking towards Steven for some advice or at least something, anything to explain this insane turn of events. But the young boy looks into Lars's eyes, unable to provide any explanation, he is just as in the dark as well.
Steven Universe slowly follows Seven, who guides Lars to a small flat rock and gently sits him down. She makes a strange humming tune as she looks at Steven, her voice calm "Have a seat beside your friend, I believe we'll have a few things to talk about. And I am sure you have a few things you'd like to ask me...so, shall we?" she says, slowly sitting down on a rock.

Steven quickly goes over to Lars' side, inspecting him for any damages. But finds nothing that could harm him. Steven stands in front of his older friend, holding the sides of Lars' face "Are you okay Lars? Please talk to me!"

Lars feels Steven's hold against his cheeks, gently touching the smaller hands. He takes a deep breath and sighs softly "I-I'm okay Steven, she didn't hurt me...I promise."

Seven can't help beaming brightly hearing this from the young man, she folds her arms and crosses her legs "I might be a rough-looking individual, but I can sometimes be a real sweetheart...to those who truly deserve such a blessing from me" she says, not resting her chin on her hand.

Steven slowly lets go of Lars and sits down on a flat rock, staring at her cautiously "Who are you?"

Seven grins, showing her white teeth "Hm? Oh yes, my apologies, I am Yellow Pearl 007. Former Scout Research Assistant to none other than Yellow Diamond herself, but please...call me, Seven." says Seven, bowing her head.

When Seven revealed her allegiance with Yellow Diamond but not anymore? Steven had to know more "Former? Does that mean you're not here on their behalf?"

Seven nods slowly "Yes."

Steven stares at her concerned "...Do you like, y'know? Wanna elaborate?"

The Shadow Gem grins widely, never taking her gaze off Steven "Oh, I'll give you my little backstory. Honestly, I feel we have something in common after all. I was one of the original Yellow Pearls from a long, long time ago. After all, the 007 does give that away, does it not?" Seven lifts her head from her hand "I was a loyal servant, doing whatever I could as part of my, let's say, 'programming' when serving Yellow Diamond. I did this for as long as I was created, but...I started to change my perspective ever since we discovered the Earth during its infancy. Tell me, you are familiar with the Prime Kindergarten, located on Earth in Facet Five?"

The boy is having a difficult time taking this in, still wondering what could've happened to make Seven how she is now unless she was always like this. He perks up when she asks a question, this makes Steven flinch.
He gulps nervously "Y-yeah? So what if I know about it? What does this have to do with you?"

Seven smirks somewhat smugly, her tone becoming a bit arrogant "What does this have to do with me!? I was one of the people tasked to help oversee the Kindergartens spread across the Earth!"

Steven's eyes almost bulge out, crying out "Huh!? You're saying there's more on the Earth!?"

Seven nods proudly "Of course! Do you seriously believe we'd build only 'one' hidden base? You have a lot to learn, Steven Universe. I am surprised those Crystal Gems didn't explain this to you! Although, Prime is...or 'was' the most functional base of operations" she gives the boy the side eye "but that doesn't mean others can't become operational. You humans may have discovered the majority of what's on the surface of your world, but you've yet to see what's under it! Just because you thwarted the Diamonds before, doesn't mean your Crystal Gems led by Rose Quartz and now you fully wiped out the 'lines of communication', they still have ears in dark places."

Steven Universe feels a massive cold shiver spread across his body 'No...she can't be serious, there's more underneath than we thought!? I have to get back and tell everyone! But...how!?'

Seven rolls her eyes with amusement, wanting to prove her intelligence "What about Bismuth? She didn't appear for over 5300 years until suddenly, she appeared in Beach City and a few days later, disappeared?"

But the boy surprises Seven as he stands up, tears forming in his eyes and glares at her "I'm sorry, but she's important. You're not a Crystal Gem, you don't deserve to know her as we did."

The Dark Gem stares at Steven slowly sitting down, she sighs softly "Apologies, I tend to lose track of myself. One of the many reasons I wasn't liked by Yellow Diamond or the others for that matter. But what I am trying to explain is that I was there to see your Earth grow, and to see the Cluster being established into your Earth" Seven suddenly smirks at Steven "but now it doesn't seem to be functioning as intended, you wouldn't have happened to contain it by any chance?"

Steven tenses up, wondering how she knows so much about him. But as if Seven read his mind, she speaks "I did say I was a Scout Research Assistant, I've been keeping tabs on you all for the past few years. So much so, I didn't bother sharing incredibly important details."

This bit of information from Seven managed to throw Steven off, even Lars looked up after feeling relaxed. Steven leans forward slightly "You...kept things about us away from the Diamonds? But...why?"

Seven rolls her eyes up, looking into the sky. She ponders on this for a moment, pursing her lips tightly before speaking "I've always been so fascinated with human evolution when you compare it to us Gems. There is a night and day difference, your race is so complex it baffles me to this day. I watched and observed as your race grew from great apes roaming in Africa to hiding yourselves in caves, building cities from stone to eventually advancing so much to this day. I wanted to know more! How could a race like you, be so kind to another yet be so cruel at the same time? It's as if the word 'Contradiction' lives and breathes in the form of flesh...I even found your written literature, by reading all of your stories. From terrible ones like that vampire series 'Highlight' to masterpieces called 'Lord of the Kings'."

Seven slowly looks down at herself, seeing her body and clothing in almost pitch black. She adjusts her cracked glasses she still has somehow. Seven gestures to her torso "I've even gone so far as to wear your human clothing, I found this yellow-...hehe, former yellow youlee cotton linen dress alongside other clothing, this made Yellow Diamond so furious at me, which was the straw that broke the camel's back...Oh, I love these human sayings."

Steven shakes his head, more confused than before. He can't grasp her endgame if there is one, he presses her "Seven, please explain...you're going off again and I'm sorry, but I don't have time to listen to this if the Diamonds are coming. I need to get back home-"

The Dark Gem slaps her hands together "Oh! Yes, about that...I dealt with Yellow and Blue, don't you worry Steven Universe...you don't have to thank me~"

Lars and Steven quickly stand up, their mouths dry and hearts pounding "You destroyed the Diamonds!?"

Seven nods happily, clapping her hands repeatedly "Yes, yes, yes! Perfect! Perfecto! Parfait! You heard me right! Do you know why I did that?" her expression changes into a pure rage, screaming from the top of her lungs "BECAUSE THEY TRIED KILLING ME!"

Steven and Lars freeze hearing her deafening scream, their eardrums ring and rumble. They slowly sit back down on the rocks, not wanting to give Seven a reason to kill them.
Seven breathes heavily, very slowly regaining her composure, moving the razor-sharp talons through her dark wavy hair "My usefulness came to an end, I did go behind her back sometimes to explore my own goals and research the unknown, and I say this genuinely...I always upheld my duty. But I've done more for her than she would ever know, Yellow is arrogant and selfish. My achievements meant nothing to her. All because I wanted to see a universe that was like the stories humans had written, a chance that magic weaves around me! A chance to learn about worlds long before our history! It's always been my calling, so much so, that Yellow ordered me to investigate a meteor that went by her ship, all by myself. What I found, killed me...but it also brought me back to life" Seven chuckles to herself "I don't think you need me to go on?"

Steven while listening to Seven talk, her words seem like the truth and genuine struggle. Yet, she seems to have every she could ever want. She isn't a yellow Pearl any more, something different. He couldn't truly understand the humiliation or the life she lived, but Steven felt they had something in common, wanting something greater than themselves. The boy softly speaks to her "Seven...I'm not gonna lie, you seem twisted, confused and prideful. I dunno what you were like before, but I liked hearing you talk about what Earth was like, and the stories you read. It opened your eyes I think, you dreamed of exploring the universe, finding lost magic and lost history. You want to be loved...am I right?"

Seven snaps her head at Steven, her eyes blaring red "Loved? No, I gave up on the thought of being loved thanks to that idiot Captain. If you're thinking about peoples' love, spare me...I have no use for their 'love', Steven. I want to be remembered as a being of Great Intelligence and Grand Exploration. To be respected enough that inspire others who will carry my name across the stars..eventually finding a special place on your Earth."

For the first time Steven met Seven, she was smiling warmly. Her red eyes no longer glow "I wish to live on top of a mountain overlooking trees, and rivers while the rain pours down. Seeing the sun creeping up from the horizon. No technology, no secret mystery or complexities."

Steven can't help but smile happily at Seven, still worried about her. But there is some sort of light inside her "Yeah, I can see you living peacefully like that."

But as soon as he said that, her eyes glowed red again. Seven's face becomes stoic, making an awkward silence for the half-gem. Seven places both feet on the ground, hands resting on her knees. She starts smiling softly "Steven Universe, I have an offer to make you."

"An...offer?" The boy says, blinking confused.

"...Would you like to join me, Steven?"

Steven shakes his head in disbelief, and his head becomes fuzzy "Join you? What're you talking about? You're not making any sense to me, Seven?"

Seven starts leaning back, her fingers intertwined with each other "Didn't you have a vision? Red eyes like mine, glaring down at you? Do you remember that Steven?"

"Wait! How do you know about my dreams!?"

Seven maintains a calm composure alongside a calm tone "I felt someone was watching me when I was floating in a dark empty void in space. Then a pair of eyes stared into my back, so I glared back."

Steven nods slowly "So it was you back then, you had a look of murder..."

"But now, Steven. After taking time to reflect on my situation and learn about yours, I feel we could benefit each other" Seven stands up and calmly walks towards Steven "After all, when I saw you in that instance...I knew what you desired like incense filling the air. Your thoughts were open, Steven."

Lars who has remained quiet, intently watches his friend speak to an insane gem. He was amazed, that Steven managed to have some sort of conversation. Even to see Steven give her happy thoughts, but for a moment that ended within seconds.
He felt so small and insignificant listening to Seven, thousand years compared to his life. And despite Steven's younger age, he still goes through more trials and tribulations to protect friends, family and the Earth. And all Lars could do was worry about himself in his small pond, acting like a jerk to Sadie. He feels that his problems and worries should matter but experiencing and seeing the grand scale of things? It didn't seem to matter so much now, what was his purpose anymore? Giving Steven a reality check speech? Lars feels he is feeling a massive reality check right now 'Seriously, what good am I too Steven? As if I had done anything besides getting him to think straight, I'm just dragging him down right now! Damn it...if only I can do...SOMETHING!' Lars clenches his teeth, hitting his knee.

Lars watches Seven kneeling to Steven's side, her facial expressions softened and her eyes show compassion. Her dark talon fingers slowly transform in normal looking fingers like Pearl's, she gently holds Steven's right arm, giving a small smile "I know what kind of wish you want to make Steven, I know you have the chance to make that a reality...the chance to bring someone you love back. Your mother, Rose Quartz...I'm right aren't I, Steven?"

Steven feels his eyes becoming watery, lower lip quivering, gripping the shield's handle "Y-yeah, but why do you care?"

Seven grins widely "Because I have something you don't have yet, Steven Universe. The last piece to make all of your dreams come true!"

Using her left arm, she raises her hand into the air. Dark energy appears out of nowhere and swells into her arms. Making harsh whirling and crackling noises, she holds a ball of red fire and dark shadows that soon form into a black shard that breathes red, fading in and out slowly.
Seven giggles loudly at Steven "You have the final three shards which combined into what you call a 'Crystal.' When all four of the shards become whole, it shall grant any wish you desire!"

Steven and Lars gasp sharply, seeing the final piece in Seven's palm. If it wasn't for the previous horrid noises that made it appear, it would've looked much more majestic in the sunset. Steven sweats nervously, his journey seems to be coming to an end. All the boy has to do if now reach out, take the final shard all for himself and ask for 'Rose Quartz' to return to everyone back on Earth. The half-gem doesn't realise how rapidly Crystal is glowing.
He can finally be Steven Universe, to live his life as he wants. Seeing the happy faces of his family, everything would be great, everything would be normal, it's perfect. His expression becomes desperate, standing up from the rock and staring into the shard "Anything I desire, anything I desire... Mom, everyone will be so happy-"

"STEVEN! SNAP OUT OF IT!" a scream from behind Steven and Seven is heard.

Steven quickly looks back to see Lars, looking terrified with what he's down and has a hand to reach out for the gem boy "S-Steven...come on, think about this. Too good to be true, remember what I said to you, don't forget the others...what would Connie think?"

"C...Connie?" Steven recalls his outburst made her shocked, he made her cry. He covers his mouth, tears finally pour down his cheeks.

Seven surprisingly, didn't react to Lars' yell or Steven's crying. She gives a soft smile, like she expected this all to happen "There there...it's okay little man, your friend over there is right. It is too good to be true...because as much as I'd love to simply give you this shard so you can make a wish. I also want your Crystal, Steven. You see the conundrum, right? We both want the same thing."

Steven soon calms down, keeping his thoughts on Connie and the Crystal Gems. He looks at Seven, tears still present on his face "Yeah, you mentioned an offer to join you...what is it exactly?" he demanded.

Seven smiles happily, intertwining her fingers. She stands up and slowly walks around Steven "You see, I was talking to someone or...something as you two had a tactical discussion with me. Because I don't want the shards for myself, but I am tasked to obtain them for the entity that saved my life."

Steven Universe slowly stands up, wondering what could've killed her and brought her back "Who?"

"All I will say is The Darkness," Seven says seriously.

Steven feels a strong gust of wind blows against him, he doesn't know what that means. But he gets a feeling it's no joking matter, Seven is a prime example of this 'Darkness' existing and what it can do to people.
Before he can ask something, Seven continues "I was talking to the Darkness, and to be honest, they've taken quite an interest in you Steven. After all, you're holding incredibly valuable that they can't seem to ignore. Whatever its purpose, they must have it...and you know what?" Seven makes her fingers in long sharp talons again "I could easily kill you and take it for myself."

Steven lifts his shield, preparing to fight. But he looks through the shield, seeing Seven smiling widely. She slowly approaches the boy, having a firm tone "But I didn't feel it was right to take something away you worked so hard to achieve. So I made a suggestion to the Darkness, and they have a generous proposal for you, should you join me."

The boy shivers, the world around him stands still. Hearing only his breathing "W-what proposal could they make that isn't greater than having my mom back?" Steven asks nervously.

Seven chuckles loudly, grinning from ear to ear "They can bring your mother back, without you having to make a wish, Steven Universe."

Steven's jaw dropped, and he almost dropped his guard completely. He looks into Seven's eyes, and a hint of anger shows in his own "Liar! You fooled me Seven, here I thought there was some good in you after all! But you're just trying to find a way to have me killed!"

The Dark Gem slowly shakes her head, having a neutral expression, staring down at Steven "No Steven, this is the truth. This is what they offer, they can bring your mother back. You don't need that Crystal of yours. Because of the power and influence of the Darkness, they have a wide variety of possibilities you couldn't even begin to imagine. Trust me, Steven, they've shown me their way of life...and look at me, Steven. I'm alive again. They can find a dimension where your mother resides, and bring her to you..."

She sees Steven isn't budging, Seven sighs quietly "I asked them if I could give you and your friends the support they will need. You all shall be safe under the Darkness, you will discover things about yourselves you didn't believe could've been possible! Isn't that what you want, to live a happy life with those around you? And having your mother back by your sides?"

Steven's eyes soften hearing those words, remembering again, why he went through all of this. He could make some sort of difference, but everything that Garnet, Pearl, Amethyst, his dad, Connie, Lapis, Peridot and even Bismuth. All of the people he met in Beach City, his friends. Lars is watching them in fear, he is defenceless against Seven.
Seven starts becoming a bit irritated, and she presses further "Okay, Steven. Pay attention, you're being offered your mother back, you're being offered protection under the Darkness that includes not just you, your family and friends but Earth itself. The Darkness can help end this pointless conflict between you and the Diamonds-..." Seven can't help but grit her teeth, her brow twitches "...I'll sweeten the deal for you Steven...you will be able to have an audience alongside me. You'll be able to talk and negotiate, with one of the leaders. So long as you remain loyal and follow the Darkness, and you'll have a world without war."

Steven Universe doesn't move a single muscle, just standing completely still. Only remember to breath a couple of times. His mind is blank, the canvas is white and he has no paint on his pallet to create anything of comprehension. Steven can only make a painting of distortion, confusion, inner conflict...what was the correct choice now? To take the offer from Seven? Would she truly uphold her end of the bargain, all she said were words. Potential empty promises, she wants the Crystal and as Seven said, she could force a fight and take it whenever she wanted. But she didn't, Seven wanted a talk, maybe wanting Steven to be happy after all.
He notices her kneeling in front of him. She offers a talon-free handshake, giving a supportive smile "I swear, you shake my hand. And everything will be well in the end. Do you trust me, Steven?"

Steven looked at her hand and then into her eyes, they weren't glowing red. But a hint of yellow in them, deep down, she is still a Yellow Pearl at heart. Steven looks back towards Lars, who at this point, just makes a depressed expression. Lars gives his friend a look to proceed with what Steven feels is the right choice 'I said what I could Steven, it's up to you to make the right choice.'

Steven looks back into Seven's eyes, she doesn't change her posture or facial expressions. The boy closes his eyes, going through all of the memories. He lied multiple times in front of his friends, he prioritized something over what mattered to him today. His family, his friends. Connie. And for what? As Lars said, over a wish that he may or may not get. And whatever this 'Darkness' wants with the Crystal, they need Seven to use it for their needs...Steven can feel deep inside, that it can't be for their benefit. It was too good to be true.
"Well? What do you say, do we have a deal?" Seven asks hopefully, her hand still open for Steven.

Steven slowly opens his eyes, feeling calm and collected. He breathes in and out softly, staring into Seven's eyes, his composure ready. Steven takes a step forward, speaking plainly "No."

The world seems to have been frozen in time, no grass or the distant rustle of trees and howls of wind could be heard. Lars smiles proudly at Steven, quietly fist pumping to himself 'That's the Steven I know!'

Seven watches Steven intently, wondering if he is wavering, self-doubting, unsure or simply afraid. But she's been around long enough when seeing those eyes, he has made his mind up "Steven, please say that again, do you wish to join-"

"No" Steven quickly repeats, his gaze hardening onto Seven.

The Dark Gem is taken aback by this, where did this sudden composure come from? She felt confused, her eyes even showed signs of hurt. But she slowly smiles widely, chuckling darkly to herself. Seven stands up quickly, taking a few paces away from Steven "Oh Steven, you surprised me. I thought you would take that offer! I really, really, REALLY hope you didn't think I was lying to you. Because I laid out my soul to you, that's right, my soul...Steven. I told you things about myself that others wouldn't have cared about."

Steven doesn't move or flinch, but stands his ground and listens to Seven continue "I talked with the Darkness, I stuck my neck out for you! I truly wanted to see you happy because I thought we had some sort of connection! Yet you take everything I said to you and throw it all in my face!? You could've seen your mother again! You could've protected your loved ones! You could've saved your world! WHY? WHY!? Why didn't you take the offer, Steven Universe!?" she screams, making the ground tremble.

Steven smiles softly at Seven "Because...if I accept, it wouldn't be me. Not only that, I wouldn't be who my family and friends love. My mother would've never wanted me to do this. mom may not have been perfect, but she had a good heart in the end. She loved this planet and its people. One that I was chosen to carry on, I may be seen as Rose Quartz to many, but I know I'm Steven Universe. I'll fight to be everything I wish to be. I'll fight for those I love."

Seven smirks widely "So, you come to believe you're the hero of this story?"

Steven shakes his head sideways "It's not about being the hero of some story, it's about doing the right thing. I'm sorry Seven, but what the Darkness offers doesn't seem like a future I'd believe in. Neither should you."

Lars' eyes sparkle hearing Steven's courage, emphasizing his commitment to his own identity and values. His respect and love for his mother and her values, seeking to take them forward and forge his future. Lars smiles happily "Steven, I'm proud of you man. Everyone will be back home."

Seven's shoulders slump down, feeling defeated and exhausted. But quickly laughs maniacally, her eyes return to their bright red glow and her fingers become longer and sharper. Steven doesn't seem phased, neither does Lars as they watch Seven laugh. She breathes heavily, glaring at the half-gem "Oh...I see, you're not going to budge! Oh well, since you don't want your wish...fancy giving that Crystal to me? I still have a promise that must be met~"

Steven keeps the dark crystal close, glowing red constantly "No Seven, I can't let you do whatever you gotta do. All I ask from you is, please give up...let's work together. We can resolve this. Trust me."

Seven bites her lower lips, her body shakes violently "I told you, I don't care for that damn Crystal...but it's a price I paid for being here, and I want to live. So I'll ask you again, give me the remaining shards...NOW!"

But Steven refused, holding his ground. This only infuriated Seven, she screamed into the air, causing Lars to cover his ears while Steven winced slightly, ready for her incoming attack. She snarls at the boy, extending her claws and dashes towards him. Steven quickly blocks the incoming attack, her slash has such strength and ferocity, that it nearly sent him flying across the land.
Seven doesn't relent, pressing her attacks in swift repeated motions. But Steven can figure out her patterns, he remembers moves from Captain Beach City. He blocks an attack, manages to ricochet the talons away and spins around, quickly lifting the shield and uppercuts under Seven's chin.
She stumbles back near Lars, touching her chin and Seven seethes painfully "That was very, impressive, Steven. Not bad at all...but you made a critical mistake!" her eyes glow at Steven.

Steven yelped, covering himself with the shield and bracing for impact, but nothing happened! He opens his eyes and notices Seven's open palm near Lar's face, she grins madly "I gave you a chance, Steven." her palm glows red.

Lars quickly looks to Steven, reaching out for him "Steven! Run-" but a blast of red energy swipes across his face and torso, Seven chuckles darkly as she watches Lar's body fall to the ground.

"LARS!" Steven yells, dashing towards Seven until she suddenly appears behind Steven and slashes his back, making him drop the crystal and cry out "AAAAAAH!"

Seven easily catches the nearly completed Crystal in her talons, carefully inspecting it for any damages. She ignores Steven collapsing onto Lars "Oh dear, I got a little bit of your blood onto this Crystal? No matter, adds character, wouldn't you say?" she glares down to the boy laying on his friend, trying to get up but collapses.

She sighs disappointed, maintaining her wide smile "Is THIS what you want to be? Is this doing what's right? You should've taken the offer, Steven. You have nobody but to blame but yourself."

Despite the pain, Steven manages to turn his head and face his attacker. Still looking more determined than ever "You can't win Seven, deep inside you know you've lost. It's only a matter of time before you realise that selling yourself to something greater than you isn't winning. You'll only blame yourself for that. But you can make it right now...don't give in, please..."

Seven's smile quickly changes to a conflicted smile, pain is visible on her face. Maybe even questioned herself for a brief moment. But she quickly pulls out a small dark crystal and crushes it on his hand. Seven guides it towards Steven and Lars, watching it envelop them.
Steven panics, wondering what's she doing to him and Lars "Seven! What're you doing!? Stop this! SEV-" he didn't finish, for the shadows that covered them two, vanished into thin air.

Seven looks at the Crystal and then the Shard that floats in the air, she lowers it down from the sky and holds it. Seven watches the Crystal's red glow fade in and out as if it were a heartbeat. She slowly reattaches the final shard onto the Crystal and a high-pitched shrieking sound erupts from the crystal itself. Seven didn't seem phased one bit, instead letting go of the Crystal which floats into the air above, spinning around rapidly and blasting a large boom of red and black energy in the sky.
Seven's facial features are neutral, not looking excited or disappointed. She observes the Crystal floating back down to her, its condition now pristine. As if it was never shattered, like a beautiful 4 sided diamond. It has a perfect red circle inside, its glow fades in and out.
The Crystal floats in front of Seven's face, speaking clearly and plainly "Well done, our child. You have completed your task to restore this vessel to the Darkness. But your work is not yet done, we must discuss our next course of action before we arrive at our destination."

Seven looks down slowly "Yes, I shall do so for you."

"Do not pity the child, it is a shame he didn't accept our generous proposal. But you tried to get him on our side by peaceful means. Your hands were forced. Please understand."

Seven nods slowly, not looking at the gem "Yes, I understand. What would you me do, my lord?"

The Dark Crystal floats slowly away from Seven, and she quickly follows suit "We must make our plans before we arrive...on planet Earth.

Steven slowly opens his eyes, he feels Lars' body is with him. He sighs in relief but panics when Lars doesn't move or even breathe "L-Lars? Please get up-AHH!" Steven seethes in pain from the slashes in his back.

He tries to take a look around and soon sees four figures approaching them. The last he could see was that they were oddly shaped and strange looking, but at the same time, lovely and unique looking. Steven reaches out to them, he feels tired and weak "W-who are you guys?"

A tall and imposing figure with smaller gems slowly approaches them two, She has a teal and mint-green colour scheme with multiple eyes and a segmented body. Her voice is slow but considerate "You are...in a Kindergarten...in the Gem...Homeworld."

To Be Continued

*Checks the time and blinks* It's been about 3 years since I last updated the story. I am sorry for this, but to be honest, I didn't feel like it was worth doing because of the lack of attention the story was getting. I decided to stop writing for awhile, having some surges of inspiration until it all faded.

I was writing a different story for a mobile game I like, but when I was writing. I felt it was wrong for me to leave this story behind. So I mustered up my lazy arse a few days ago and began writing Chapter 8. Again, I am sorry for being so lazy. But I did promise I would finish this story no matter what! I'm not sure when I will post the next chapter but I am hopefully now moving with purpose and should begin writing Chapter 9 26th/27th.

A lot has changed in my life, especially in 2023, my grandmother died. It happened so suddenly, I was going to a shopping mall until my uncle gave me a call about her death. I remember trying to control myself as I walked to get the bus. Wishing It wasn't real.
But I had to face reality, and I managed to pull through with my uncle in the next few months. Her funeral went smoothly.

Then a month or two after that, I felt pressure on my head for weeks, until one day I got some sort of nerve damage that has been present for months now. It's not painful, but it's like a radiator being turned out and you can feel the tension on the side of my head, left cheek, eyebrow and head. I did tests and the doctors said nothing bad was happening in my brain or my blood.
I have to wait until next January to see someone about this. Hopefully earlier. Then I went through stomach issues, it was awful. I took counselling for over a month due to my mental health deteriorating. However, I was able to somewhat accept my conditions and try to move forward the best I could.

Thank you all for reading this if you did, I appreciate it!

Please Read & Review, really helps!

Until Next Time.

We...ARE THE CRYSTAL GEMS!