Episode 33: Legacy
Many Years Ago
Up above in the skies, a bright sun shined it's warmth upon the planet Earth.
Down below was a huge, huge field surrounded by trees. The trees stood tall and strong, enjoying the light given to them by their friend the sun.
From branch to branch squirrels leaps and chattered, heading into their homes after collecting some food for themselves and their young.
In their nests, birds chirped cheerfully and spread their wings up high. Flapping them they soared into the air and flew across the many branches in their sight.
While the animals were carrying on their day, a young woman happened to be traversing by the trees. The woman was tall with fair-skin, light-green eyes, and flowing red hair. The woman wore a green plaid collared-shirt with dark-blue jeans and dark brown boots. A smile was seen on her lips, whistling a tune with every step she took. Although...she carried a long double-bladed axe on her shoulder, holding it with a firm grip in her left hand.
Passing by another tree, the woman stopped in her tracks. Halting her whistling, she raised her head to the tree right in front of her. Taking the axe off her shoulder, she lowered it so it could fall into her other hand. Her smile turned into a smirk as she turned her hips and raised her axe back, ready to aim her weapon at one of nature's most precious gifts.
"STOP!"
A loud voice entered the woman's ears, making her shutter and lower her axe. Turning around she narrowed her eyes to see who would stop her and just a few feet away from her the woman found the one responsible for the halt.
Appearing from behind a tree was none other than Rose Quartz, leader of the Crystal Gems. Step by step Rose approached the woman with a serious expression and hands on her hips.
"Don't harm this tree." Rose said firmly.
The woman's eyes widened at the sight of a Gem. Her parents had told her about them when she was little, but...never in her life would she ever see a Gem with her own eyes. She wasn't sure if she should be excited to meet one, curious as to why a Gem was here, or concerned of any dangers she wasn't aware of.
"You're...a Gem." The woman said with light awe.
Rose blinked at her and tilted her head. But she did nod to the woman.
"I am Rose. Please leave this sacred place." Rose replied.
The woman blinked at Rose and shook her head.
"I'm sorry, but I can't. I need to get some wood." The woman said, turning around and lifting her axe again.
Just as she attempted to swing it her axe was then taken out of her hands. Turning back around she saw Rose hold it with one hand before taking it with the other.
"I will ask again." Rose replied calmly. "Please, leave this sacred place. I will not allow anyone to harm these beloved trees."
The woman soon narrowed her eyes at Rose, "I need to get wood for my family. If not, we won't be able to make fires, cook, or even repair our house."
"You don't need wood for your family. Don't you have a cave for shelter?" Rose replied.
The woman blinked at Rose. A cave? A...cave? Was she not aware of how much time has passed? How much progression humanity has made? The times they lived in now?
Closing her eyes the woman let out a long sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head back and forth.
"Rose." The woman said as calmly as she could. "People don't live in caves anymore."
Rose then blinked at the woman and tilted her head to the side. Humans don't live in caves anymore?
"They don't?" Rose asked.
The woman shook her head, "We don't. That was a long, long time ago. Now we live in houses made of wood. Not all of us, but me and my family do and we need wood now for the house, keeping ourselves warm, and to help us cook." She added, raising her hand to Rose.
Rose looked at the axe and then back at the woman. If humans don't live in caves anymore and need wood to survive, then...a problem has surfaced. The Earth is their home, but...it's Rose's home too and it's wrong to be hacking and slashing away at trees. Nature is apart of the planet and it's so, so beautiful. The plants, the trees, the animals, the environment. She had seen humans become fond with nature, so why are they attacking it now?
Shaking her head, Rose held the axe up with one hand before turning her head to a nearby tree. With just a glance the branches of the trees stretched out and grabbed onto the axe before pulling it back toward it and wrapping it into it's bark.
The woman's jaw nearly dropped at what she just witnessed. The tree...just...came to life...?
"I am sorry, but I'm afraid I cannot let you continue to harm the forest." Rose said with a solemn tone.
Sucking in some air, the woman narrowed her eyes and began walking away.
Rose looked back at her and frowned. Though the issue right now was taken care of, it was far from finished. She didn't mean to do that, but that woman gave her no other option.
Turning her head back, Rose looked at the tree in front of her and approached it. Raising up her hand she softly placed it onto the bark. Feeling it's rough but strong layer, Rose's lips lightly went up as she raised her head to see the various leaves and animals above. Though she loved humans very fondly, the very thought of this tree meeting it's end by that horrid axe was terrifying.
"Rose!"
A gasp exited Rose's lips. Turning around she saw the young woman again, only this time...she brought someone with her. The person she brought was a very tall light-skinned man with short red hair and brown eyes. The man was very muscular while wearing a red-collared plaid shirt, dark-blue jeans, and big brown boots. His face carried a bushy beard, though his eyes were glaring right Rose for her to look at.
Coming up to Rose, the man and young woman stopped in front of her with crossed arms.
"My name is Earl. This is my daughter, Roxanne." The large man said, introducing themselves. "Roxanne told me you won't let her chop this old tree down. Is that true?"
Rose nodded. "Yes. I can't let you harm this forest."
Earl hummed a little. That's what she thinks this is about?
"Rose. I don't know much about Gems, but I do know a lot about forests and we're not here to destroy the forest." Earl said.
Rose's eyes lightly widened, but they soon went back to their original state as she pointed to the axe encased in bark.
"But your daughter was going to harm this tree. This tree is apart of the forest and in turn you are harming it. I cannot allow it." Rose replied.
Roxanne let out a sigh, "Listen, my father and I love this forest. We really do, but we also want to survive. The tree behind you has been around for years. She's old and our wood-stocks are running low. Do you want us to die?"
A gasp exited Rose's lips.
Letting the words flow around in her head, Rose's eyes shifted back and forth, wondering what she's suppose to do to solve this issue. On the one hand she loved the beauty of nature and it's gifts to the planet. No-one has the right to harm it. On the other hand, she doesn't want humans to die. She fought in the Great War to protect them as much as she could. They deserve to live their lives the way they want to without any danger. But now...she was preventing them from doing that.
Realizing this, Rose's eyes widened as she looked at both Earl and Roxanne. She...was preventing them from living. If they don't have wood they'll...
Earl and Roxanne lightly gasped while looking at Rose. Fresh tears began erupting from Rose's eyes until they began to fall onto her cheeks and drop from her chin. They...weren't so sure how to respond to her, though guilt did start to creep into her hearts at the sight of her sorrow.
"I...I don't want you to die." Rose said with a small sob. "I just...I...I want to keep the trees and animals safe. But if I do that then you suffer. And if I allow you to chop them down then they suffer too. I...want to do both, but...then everyone dies."
Covering her face, Rose fell onto her knees with sobs exiting her mouth. Why was this so hard? The forest, nature, the animals... Humanity. Her, the Crystal Gems, and the Rainbow Gems made a promise to protect their new home after the Great War. But...now...she's facing something she's never had to face before. She doesn't understand. She's tried to use peaceful words, but that didn't work. What was she gonna do?
As she continued to sob a soft touch was placed onto her head, making Rose halt her sobs. Removing her hands from her face she looked up at Earl and Roxanne, whom looked at her with sorrow in their eyes.
"Rose. Don't cry. I didn't mean to say that to you." Roxanne said softly.
"We do love nature. But we want to live too." Earl added. "We're not chopping the old tree because we want to. We're chopping it down because we have to."
Rose wiped away her tears and sniffled a bit. "I don't understand."
"Sometimes forests start to clutter and overgrow areas where humans live. So, to fix the problem humans chop down trees so that there will be space for us and the trees. We also make sure the animals get their equal space too." Earl explained while rubbing the top of Rose's hair.
Rose blinked at him and turned to his daughter whom nodded at her.
"If you can speak for the forest, can you ask the tree about this?" Roxanne added.
Standing up from the grass, Rose turned around and walked up to the old tree. Raising out her hand she placed it onto the bark and closed her eyes.
'I'm sorry, but...they wish to cut you down.' Rose said in thought.
I know.
'I'm sorry, but...I want humans to keep living.'
Do not blame yourself. For what it's worth, I'm happy that my remains will help them.
'Thank you. And...I'm sorry.'
Do not apologize. We are stronger than you might think. If you wish to keep us safe, search for my family on the brink of extinction. They are the ones that need protection the most.
'Where will I find them?'
You will know when you see them. You will know.
Removing her hand and opening her eyes, Rose turned to Earl and Roxanne.
"She told me she's grateful that her remains will help you." Rose said.
Both of them nodded.
Turning her head, Rose locked her eyes onto the encased axe and raised out her left arm. The bark surrounding the axe began to spread out and open up until the axe dropped onto the grass.
Lowering her left arm, Rose approached Earl and Roxanne before raising out her arms and engulfing them into a hug. Though unexpected, father and daughter used their free arms to wrap them around Rose.
Soon enough Rose released them.
"Now that I have a better understanding of this, I must go protect the trees in danger." Rose said as she walked away.
"Good luck." Roxanne called out.
"And we meant it too, Rose. We're only cutting down old trees. Don't worry." Earl added.
"Thank you. Goodbye." Rose said, waving back at them.
With her new goal in mind, Rose quickly sprinted through the forest. Thanks to this newfound knowledge she'll be able to save the forests that need her the most. But if there are reasonable humans involved, she'll try to find a way to sort things out.
Present Day
Over the horizon the sun began to fall over, making it's light grow dimmer and dimmer on Beach City.
Walking down the town sidewalks, Steven and Connie were side by side enjoying the most delicious treat you could ever have on a sunset: popsicles. Steven held one with pink and green coloring while Connie's was red and blue.
"So, how are you liking Beach City?" Steven asked.
Connie took another lick of her popsicle before responding. "It's pretty fun. I'll admit, your brother really put on a good show when we first met, but going to Funland was really amazing too."
Steven giggled a little. Yeah, Kameron is so cool, especially with what he can do. Steven can't exactly do the same things as he can, but that doesn't mean he isn't amazing himself. Being about to create defensive bubbles and float in the air is already a good starter, but...it makes him wonder what else he can do.
Right when Steven was about to think of other abilities in his arsenal he looked up from his popsicle and saw a familiar face near Nature's Gifts.
"Lars! Hey, Lars!"
Hearing his voice, Lars stopped dead in his tracks and turned his head to see Steven and Connie coming up to him. Quickly turning around, Lars covered his face with his hand.
"No... No, not now." Lars whispered to himself.
Sucking in some air and slowly exhaling it out, Lars turned around to see the two stop in front of him.
"Up top, Lars." Steven said, raising up his hand.
Rolling his eyes, Lars hive-fived him back.
"Hi, Lars. What are you up to?" Connie greeted.
Lars adverted his eyes, wondering if he should tell these two his plans. Kameron wasn't around to help, so Lars was on his own this time. Steven doesn't know how to keep a secret even if he tried, and Connie and Lars barely knew each other, but she might be able to keep things to herself. *sigh* I guess it won't hurt to tell somebody. That'll kick off this pressure from his chest.
"Okay. Follow me." Lars said, opening the shop door and letting the two go in before him.
Inside the shop piano music filled in the ears of the trio. From their left their were aisles of flowers from top to bottom. Each row showcased many colors and different varieties that made it quite difficult to choose what would be the best type to pick. From the right were large baskets of flowers with hand-shovels to the side. Below the baskets were rows of pots with bags of seeds next to them and several watering-cans.
At the very center of the shop housed a large fountain with water pouring from the very top. The water showered a small circle of plants surrounding the fountain and even sprinkled onto the hanging plants near it.
Connie raised up her head to see the roof of the building was made of glass, letting the light from the sun come in while also shielding her eyes from the rays. Interesting.
Steven looked pass the fountain and noticed some people on the opposite side of the store. The first was a very short pale-skinned man with a large green hat on his head. The man had brown eyes and wore glasses, though the right side of his lenses was much larger than the left. He wore a orange buttoned-shirt with green shorts and wooden sandals. Next to the man was a tall Caucasian woman with long red hair and light-green eyes. The woman wore a strapless green dress, long elbow-length green gloves, and had a sunflower on her left ear. Last was a young pale-skinned girl with short green hair and light-green eyes. She wore large circular glasses, a dark-green T-shirt, light-blue shorts, and green sandals.
Walking pass the fountain Lars walked up to the counter where the people were and tapped on their service bell.
*RING*
Hearing the bell the three individuals turned their heads to Lars and noticed Steven and Connie coming up.
"Why hello, young man. Welcome to Nature's Gift. I am Samson Garden. This is my wife, Isabella. And our daughter, Meadow. How may we help you?" The short man asked.
Closing his eyes, Lars clapped his hands together. You can do this, Lars. You can.
Opening his eyes, Lars looked at the Gardens, whom looked at him with curiosity and concern.
"I... I want to give flowers to...a girl I like. But...I don't know anything about flowers or what kind she would like." Lars admitted. "Please, help me."
Steven and Connie locked eyes on Lars as their pupils turned into stars. There wasn't a single word they could say to him on what he was about to do...so instead their mouths stretched up high, giving him the biggest smiles that they could muster.
Isabella raised up her hand to her mouth. A light blush appeared on her cheeks before her lips stretched into a grin. Oh...that definitely takes her back.
Walking around the counter Isabella walked up to Lars and gently took his hand into her own. Lars' cheeks immediately started turning red while he looked up to Mrs. Garden, who continued grinning at him.
"Come with me. I may know the perfect flower for your first love, my dear." Isabella said with a soft voice.
Walking away from everyone else, Lars' face began to turn as red as a tomato. He's just here to get some flowers. He's just here to get some flowers, and yet...he couldn't take his eyes off of Mrs. Garden as they walked.
Samson rolled his eyes with some chuckles exiting his lips. "Oh boy."
Samson then turned to his daughter Meadow, "Honey, would you mind showing our customers our selections?"
Meadow nodded.
While Samson turned around and walked through a door behind him, Meadow walked around the counter and raised out her hand to Steven.
"Hi, I'm Meadow." Meadow said with a sweet voice, holding out her hand to Steven.
Steven happily took her hand and shook it, "I'm Steven. It's nice to meet you."
"You too." Meadow replied before turning to Connie, "I'm Meadow."
"Connie," Connie said, shaking Meadow's hand.
Removing her hand from Connie's, Meadow's eyes then turned to the popsicles Connie and Steven had in their other hands.
"I'm sorry, but you both need to throw those away. Food isn't allowed in the store." Meadow said with some authority in her voice.
Steven and Connie turned to one another and looked at each other's popsicles. Their lips then frowned at what Meadow had just told them to do, but if those were the rules of the store then they have to follow them. Turning around to the entrance they saw a large trashcan and threw their popsicles into them.
"Okay then, follow me." Meadow said, walking over to the left side of the store.
Steven moaned a little while he and Connie followed Meadow. It sucked that they couldn't finish their popsicles. They were nearly done, but rules were rules and sulking about it wasn't gonna make things better either. Maybe looking at different flowers can change things.
Coming up on Aisle 1, Steven and Connie walked up to Meadow was she took out a small basket of white flowers. Taking one out, Meadow raised it up to Steven's nose.
"Have a sniff." Meadow said.
Closing his eyes, Steven sniffed the flower presented to him. His eyes soon opened up along with a small gasp.
"Wow... That smells amazing."
Thank you.
Another gasp exited Steven's mouth. That voice... He looked at Connie, then Meadow, then back to the flower. That voice didn't sound like Connie or Meadow. But...they were the only ones around.
"Are you okay, Steven?" Connie asked.
Steven wasn't so sure how to answer that, but there was something he needed to confirm at this very moment.
"Meadow, may I please hold that flower?" Steven asked.
Meadow tilted her head at the boy, but didn't see anything wrong with a request like that.
Taking the flower from Meadow, Steven slowly raised it up to his face.
"Hello?"
Hello.
Another gasp exited Steven.
"You can talk?"
Of course I can. Although...I've never talked to a person before.
"My name is Steven. What's yours?"
I'm Jasmine. Nice to meet you, Steven.
Steven's pupils instantly turned into stars. He...can talk to flowers... HE CAN TALK TO FLOWERS! THAT'S SO COOL!
"Connie. Meadow. I can talk to flowers!" Steven said excitedly.
Both girls looked at each other before looking back at Steven. Meadow gave him a confused expression. Sure, she's talked to her flowers and other plants since she was little, but...plants being able to talk back? That shouldn't be possible.
Connie looked at Steven with confusion too, but then she thought back to the stuff Kameron and his family showed her and it began to click in her mind.
"Steven... Is this a Gem ability?" Connie asked.
Steven rapidly nodded.
"You're a Gem?" Meadow asked.
Steven raised up his T-shirt a little, revealing his Gemstone.
Meadow blinked for a moment and a smile began to grow on her lips. Taking Jasmine from Steven's hand and putting her back to the basket she was in, Meadow took Steven's hand and quickly rushed out of the aisle.
Connie watched the two go and quickly followed them. With Steven being able to speak to flowers, there's no telling what Meadow was gonna do with him.
Going toward the back of the store, Meadow kept her hold on Steven as they passed by several potted plants. Approaching a door up ahead she opened it up, bringing Steven and Connie with her.
On the other side of the door Steven let out a large gasp. Right in front of him lied the biggest tree he had ever seen with his own eyes. Surrounding the tree were a plethora of dandelions. And circling the dandelions were various bushes covered in roses and thorns. There weren't just regular red roses, but some were blue, some were purple, and surprisingly, some were even pink.
"Wow..." Steven said in awe. "Is this your family tree?"
"It is." Meadow answered. "She's been in my family for generations. I like coming here afterschool to talk to her. And I know we've just met Steven, but since you spoke to Jasmine, can you talk to trees too?"
Steven turned his head to Meadow before turning it back to the tree. Speaking to a flower was unexpected, but talking to a full-grown tree? ...Maybe?
"Wait." Connie said, coming up to Meadow's left side. "Aren't you asking a bit from Steven? He just learned that he can talk to flowers. Shouldn't he take it slow first?"
Meadow looked at Connie before looking to Steven. Taking into account what Connie said, Meadow...hadn't really thought about that. And the more she thought about it the more her lips started to frown.
Seeing her frown made Steven frown. Maybe...it is a bit much to ask him to speak to her family tree, but if it means that much to her then why should he refuse?
Letting go of Meadow's hand, Steven quietly approached the massive tree. Raising up his head at the branches and leaves, a smile appeared on Steven's lips. This tree is very big and it looked so beautiful. Talking to trees does sound a little...weird, but then again having powers was also weird too, but a good kind of weird.
Looking down at his hands, Steven placed them onto the tree.
"Hello?" He asked.
Hello. - An elderly female voice replied.
A gasp exited Steven's lips. It worked! It actually worked!
"Connie. Meadow. It's working." Steven called out.
Both girls walked up to him and stood at his sides while looking at the tree.
"My name is Steven. What's your name?"
I am Gaia. It is very nice to meet you, Steven. Although...it is rather unusual for me to speak to a human.
Steven chuckled a little.
"This is new to me too." Steven then looked at Meadow, "Meadow said she's been talking to you."
She has. It is very lovely to have her company. She's such a good girl.
"Gaia said she likes your company." Steven said to Meadow.
Meadow smiled and softly placed her hand on Gaia's bark. "I like her company too. Can you tell her I love her?"
Steven nodded, "Gaia. Meadow said she loves you."
Thank you. I love her too. However, as much as I would like to continue this conversation, I must ask for your help, Steven.
Steven was taken back by Gaia's words. She needed help?
"What's wrong?" Steven asked.
My kin. They are in danger. Monsters are harming them. Humans are fighting against them, but they are having trouble. Please, protect my family.
Monsters are attacking Gaia's family? They have to be stopped. Steven wasn't gonna allow them to hurt innocent trees. Though...the burning question now was...where were her kin?
"Where are they?" Steven asked.
They are with the remembrance of your mother, Rose Quartz. Please, hurry!
His mother...? It wasn't too hard for Steven to figure that out. But...where Gaia's kin were still lacked details.
Regardless, Steven removed his hands from Gaia and quickly ran off.
"Steven!" Connie called, running after him with Meadow following.
"I'm sorry, Connie, but I have to go. Gaia's family is in danger and I have to help them." Steven replied, going back into the store.
"Uh...okay? Go help them." Connie replied.
Going back toward the front of the store, Steven spotted Lars with Mrs. Garden at the fountain.
"Lars!" Steven yelled, gaining his attention. "I need your help. Gaia's family is in danger and we have to go help them."
Lars gave Steven a confused expression. Who is Gaia? Shaking his head, Lars believed this had to be a Gem issue and he needed to be apart of it. Though he was a Rainbow Gem, that didn't mean him and Steven can't work together on this.
"Can I have this flowers on hold?" Lars asked Mrs. Garden, holding a bouquet of red Tulips.
Mrs. Garden wasn't entirely sure what Steven just said, but the boy's expression was clear that it was an emergency. Taking the tulips from Lars, she gave him a nod.
With that taken care of, both Steven and Lars left the store in a flash.
From a large beam of light, Steven and Lars arrived at their destination alongside the rest of the Crystal Gems.
When the boys went into the Universe Residence and explained to them what Gaia told Steven they knew exactly what he was talking about and all five of them went to the Warp Pad. Traveling by Warp Pad was very similar to travel by Warp Whistle for Lars, though it still made his stomach a bit queasy.
All around them the Crystals and Lars were surrounded by huge branches. Where they were standing was a large branch too with various other branches stretching out of it and connecting to the rest. Above them there were humongous leaves nearly covering the skies and rays of the sun shining through them. Down below there were other huge tree branches and just below them were a field of grass.
"What is this place?" Lars asked.
"No time to talk. We need to go!" Garnet said, rushing pass Lars with Pearl and Amethyst following her.
Steven followed after and Lars just booked it. He'll ask about it later.
While all five of them were running on the branch Steven couldn't help but catch some glimpses at where they all were. Was this really where his mother Rose was remembered the most? He's never been here before, but just looking at the branches was giving him some Deja Vu.
Up ahead the group found a large open tree trunk and went inside. From within the trunk the group found several broken branches laying on the ground and when they looked up they saw several undamaged branches sticking out from the walls and leading them to the upper-floor.
"No!" Pearl yelled. "The upper branches are too high for us to jump. And we can't use the walls either."
"Why not?" Amethyst asked, walking up to a wall and putting her hand on it. As she did she felt a soft and squishy surface and removed her hand, only to see a sticky substance remain. "Oh...that's why."
Steven quickly walked up to the damaged branches and placed his hands on one.
"Hello? Are you okay?" Steven said to the branch.
The branch...didn't respond.
"Can you hear me?" Steven tried again.
Still...no response.
No... No, no, no. Adding in some pressure onto the branch Steven tried to get a response out of it and yet he was still getting nothing. But...instead of a response the broken branch's bark started to grow and stretch. It stretched and stretched until it reconnected with the wall.
Ugh... What in acorns is going on? - said a grumpy male voice.
A gasp left Steven's mouth.
"You're okay!" Steven cheered.
Hey! Don't yell so loud, kid. Geez...
Letting go of the branch, Steven went over to the others and applied some pressure onto their bark. Just like the first one, the other branches started to grow and reconnect themselves onto the walls. Not only that but the branches started to lift themselves slightly into the air, giving the group what they needed to get to the second floor.
The Crystals merely stared at Steven from what he just did. He just...repaired the branches. Yeah, like it was no big deal.
"Steven, how did you do that?" Pearl asked.
Steven looked down at his hands and lightly moved his fingers. "I'm not sure. I just started talking to plants earlier."
"Good work, Steven." Garnet said before leaping onto the first branch.
Pearl and Amethyst followed after while Steven grabbed Lars' hand and caught up. Lars shook a bit from Steven's sudden jumping, but kept his balance on the branches so he wouldn't fall off.
Reaching up to the second floor the group went right through the opened trunk and went right back outside.
Picking up the pace the group soon found themselves at a large intersection, giving them two pathways to choose from.
"Which way should we go?" Steven asked around.
"We'll split into two groups so we can save time." Garnet replied. "Pearl, you and Amethyst go with Steven to the right and me and Lars will go to the left."
"Okay." Steven replied before looking at Lars, "Be careful, Lars."
"Got it." Lars said just as the two groups went toward their paths.
With the de-facto leader of the Crystal Gems with him, Lars felt a little confident about taking on whatever they were gonna face. However, a small bubble within his stomach was telling him otherwise. He's still new at this, but...even if he was a novice, he'll do what he can. He has the O.E.C., so that'll give him a leg up and assist Garnet if she needs it.
Garnet kept her attention on the path. Taking Lars would have her witness his abilities in action and to see if he can be a Rainbow Gem. It wasn't her place to decide, but she'll let the universe make the decision.
As the duo were running a loud buzzing sound entered their ears. With every step they took the buzzing only kept getting louder and louder. Up ahead while traversing up a large tree branch, the duo stopped in their tracks to the source of the buzzing.
Down below on a massive tree stump there were two people going up against four large creatures. The creatures themselves were yellow with large eyes and wings rapidly flapping. They had very small arms yet huge stingers surging with electricity. Lastly, they each had a yellow Gemstone located on different sections of their heads.
Though the creature did look deadly, Lars and Garnet's attention were mainly on the individuals. One was a middle-aged light-skinned man with short blonde hair and blue eyes. He wore some metallic armor on his shoulders, arms, legs, and chest encased with strange spheres on them. And on each shoulder were the initials D.H.P. on them. The other was a middle-aged dark-skinned man with short brown hair and eyes while rocking a short beard and sideburns. The man wore a black vest with dark-green pants and black boots, but what stood him out the most was his mechanical arms with the initials D.H.P. on the shoulders.
Raising up his left arm, Lars looked down at the O.E.C. and popped up the dial. Although it felt really, really stupid to use, he turned the dial onto the number ten and pushed on it. In mere seconds his skin began to turn light pink along with his hair, although his eyes turned dark pink. He's already used three colors already, so might as well use he's least favorite and see what it can do before switching to a more interesting color.
The moment Lars turned pink a soft smile spread across his lips. A warm flow traveled through his heart, making him hum. Spreading his arms forward the branch he was standing started to grow more and more until Lars lowered his arms, making it stop.
"Huh. Cool. I can manipulate plants too." Lars said, looking at his pink arms.
With the newly stretched out platform, Garnet summoned her gauntlets and ran toward the edge before leaping into the air and throwing her fist out at one of the creatures. The one Garnet was aiming for lifted it's head at her, but by then in was already too late.
POOF!
With just one punch Garnet destroyed it's body, leaving only it's Gemstone remaining. Grabbing it in midair she descended onto the stump below, gaining the attention of the D.H.P. soldiers and the remaining creatures.
Taking a few steps back, Lars began to run up to the edge too and jumped off to catch up with Garnet. Little by little he started to fall, but he quickly stretched out his arms and wood rapidly grew right out of the stump and made a branch for him. Grabbing the branch, Lars pushed onward and another branch was formed below him, giving him something to land on and a added boost toward one of the creatures.
One of them near Lars turned to Lars and noticed him coming. Pushing itself forward it lunged it's stinger right at him, but Lars quickly raised up one of his arms, causing at trunk to erupt in front of the creature and having it's stinger plunge into it. Watching it struggle to break free and remaining airborne, Lars pushed out his other arm to make a long branch come to him. Landing on it he kept on going and pulled his fist back before throwing it at the creature. When doing this his arm was starting to get covered in bark and his knuckles were given pointed edges.
POOF!
With a single punch and his bark-covered arm, Lars destroyed the creature's body and quickly grabbed onto the Gemstone. With his left hand multiple vines burst out of his palm, wrapping themselves around the newly made trunk and making Lars spin around it until he landed on the stump.
Looking down at the Gemstone he quickly wrapped it in vines and joined up with Garnet.
"How was that?" Lars asked.
Garnet lightly gave Lars a nod.
Both D.H.P. soldiers were at a lose at what they just saw. A pink teenager just used nature to beat a monster...
The remaining creatures hissed at their enemies and started lunging at them. The D.H.P. soldier's spheres on his armor started glowing before he launched himself into the air like a rocket and pushed his right arm out, unleashing a burst of energy from his palm.
POOF!
With just one shot he destroyed the creature's body and grabbed the Gemstone.
The other D.H.P. soldier smashed his fists together, causing steam to erupt from them before he leaped into the air. Raising out his right arm he grabbed the final creature's head just as it attempted to sting him before landing back onto the stump and slamming it right down. Screeches continuously exited the creature's mouth as heat started to seethe onto it's head. The D.H.P. soldier didn't care and slowly increased his grip on it, making it screech more and more.
POOF!
With some additional pressure the remaining creature exploded. Extra steam exited from the D.H.P. soldier's shoulders as he picked up the Gemstone and stored it into his palm.
"We could've handled it on our own, but thanks for the help." The armored soldier said. "My name is Paul. This is my right-hand Johnathan."
"I'm Lars. This is Garnet." Lars replied while pointing his thumb at Garnet.
"How the hell were you able to do that?" Johnathan said to Lars.
Lars opened his mouth to speak, but Garnet raised her hand in front of him, making him silent.
"Why are you here?" Garnet asked.
"That's classified." Paul informed. "Speaking of which, we're in a hurry."
Paul and Johnathan then turned around and started walking away.
Without another word, Garnet and Lars followed them. Hardly anyone comes to this place anymore, so if D.H.P. is here then their intentions are either neutral or absolute. Only one way to find out.
On the other path, Steven, Pearl, and Amethyst jogged while keeping their eyes straight ahead.
"It's incredible that you can manipulate nature, Steven." Pearl said. "Your mother would be proud."
"Really?" Steven replied.
"Totally." Amethyst said. "Rose had like some connection with plants. It's kinda cool."
"Have you unlocked any other abilities?" Pearl asked.
Steven shook his head. "No. I just learned to talk to plants today."
Pearl slightly frowned, but gave Steven a nod. He's still learning. He just needs a little more time.
Coming up to a corner the trio made a quick turn and spotted another large tree trunk up ahead. Rushing up to it they went inside and found a person fighting off some monsters.
The person was a light-skinned young woman with red neck-length hair and blue eyes. The woman wore a black-hooded jacket with white pants and black sneakers. She was equipped with black fingerless gloves, pierced ears, an "X" shaped mark on the left side of her cheek, and a long claymore sword with a silver hilt and a keychain attached to it's end showing a silver-bird with a star on it's chest.
Gripping onto her sword's hilt with both hands, the woman charged at the three monsters. One of them lunged at her with it's electrically charged stinger, but she quickly shifted her body to the side and swung her blade.
POOF!
With just one slash she sliced the monster in half, leaving only it's Gemstone behind.
Glaring at the remaining monster she dashed forward and leaped into the air. Twisting her body she rapidly spun herself around like a top and passed right by the monsters before landing.
POOF!
POOF!
Lowering her sword she didn't look back as the two monster exploded and their Gemstones fell onto the ground. Raising herself up she placed her sword on her back and gathered the Gemstones before putting them into a pouch on her left hip.
Turning her head the woman spotted Steven, Pearl, and Amethyst nearby. She narrowed her eyes at them, but let out a sigh and approached them while they continued looking at her with shocked expressions.
"Wow... That was so awesome!" Steven cheered.
The woman placed a hand on her right hip, stopping in front of the trio.
"Why are you here?" She asked.
Pearl blinked at her before shaking her head, "Why are you here? This is a sacred place."
The woman rolled her eyes, "That's classified. But since you're here, take me to the Fruits of Life."
The Fruits of Life?
Pearl and Amethyst looked at the woman in silence while Steven looked at her with confusion.
"How...do you...know about them?" Pearl asked carefully.
"That is also classified." The woman replied. "Also I'm on a time limit, so either take me there or it'll find it myself."
Okay...that was a little rude, but at the same time the Crystals were also on a time limit too.
Steven had absolutely no idea what she was talking about and can't really give her an answer, but perhaps Pearl or Amethyst might know. But...looking at their silent expressions, it didn't look like they were willing to give the woman an answer.
"Um...what's your name?" Steven asked, wanting to break the slight tension.
Turning her head to him the woman opened her mouth, "Vanessa."
Vanessa...
"My name is Steven. This is Pearl and Amethyst." Steven said, introducing themselves. "Let's work together. That way we can both find what we're looking for."
Vanessa let out a small sigh. Working together? It's bad enough to fight monsters and now Gems are asking her to team up? But...as she thought about it more it just made more practical sense.
"Okay. But only until we find the Fruits of Life. After that I'm gone." Vanessa clarified.
Pearl closed her eyes for a brief moment to gather her thoughts. It's clear that Vanessa is with D.H.P. due to her skills, but...what bothered Pearl the most was how Vanessa knew about the Fruits of Life. Only a few selected people in the world only know about it.
Amethyst merely glared at Vanessa. She already doesn't like her for her knowing about the Fruits of Life and for not explaining her reasons for gaining it. But...teaming up will her was gonna have to be mandatory since as much as Amethyst would want to argue with her, there was no time for that.
"Very well. Follow us." Pearl said, walking away.
With this team-up made, Vanessa followed her with Amethyst and Steven joining in.
Exiting out of the tree trunk the quartet made their way onto yet another humongous branch. Steven marveled at the area, growing a large smile across his lips. It's pretty hard to believe that his mother made a place like this. It feels so...peaceful here. Like you can just take a nap next to a tree and have nothing to worry about. The warmth of the sun... The sight of the leaves above... Nature is a very, very powerful force, and now Steven can communicate with it. Maybe...even more if he puts his mind to it.
Vanessa kept her eyes focused on Pearl while they walked. They just met, so trusting each other was both a difficult task and a fragile decision. Sure, the Crystal Gems and the Rainbow Gems are protecting humanity from monsters, but D.H.P. were putting in the work too. Even if she wanted these factions to be locked up for allowing monsters to roam the planet and slaughtering people or destroying homes, Vanessa knew that wasn't an option.
1.) Both factions are the only ones who can eliminate these monsters.
2.) They are above Earth laws in certain areas.
3.) They have connections with the governments.
4.) Prisons can't hold them, even if they behave themselves.
5.) Without them, D.H.P. won't have a fighting chance if something worse comes up.
Up ahead the group found an entrance to an area, but it was blocked off by vines covered in thorns.
"Looks like you're up, Steven." Amethyst said, giving him a little push.
Walking up to the vines, Steven slowly raised up his hands and gently placed his index fingers onto areas where there weren't any thorns.
'Hello. Can you hear me?' Steven said in thought.
Leave! - an angered male voice replied.
'Please let us pass. I have to save Gaia's family.'
Gaia? You know my grandmother?
'I do. It's hard to explain, but my name is Steven. I'm a Crystal Gem.'
...
I do not trust you, Steven. However, Grandmother is precious to us. I will allow you and your allies to pass, but if you are here to harm us, then my voice will haunt you for the rest of your days.
Steven's eyes dilated slightly. But he understood and gave the thorny vine a nod.
Removing his index fingers, the vines began to unravel and open up until they disappeared from sight.
On the other side, Steven took a step forward and his pupils immediately turned into stars. In front of him stood a vastly large area with numerous trees to the sides and squirrels scurrying across the branches. At the center stood an incredibly large tree trunk with huge branches grown out of it. The branches held large sphere objects on their edges. The objects themselves ranged in a variety of colors, but their shapes looked like big basketballs. Most notably about the area was the very thing directed under the trunk.
A fountain rested underneath it was a large statue of Rose Quartz at it's center. Water rapidly fell from the eyes and continuously filled the fountain accompanied by pink roses laying in the water.
"Rose's Sanctuary..." Pearl whispered.
Vanessa let out a small hum at the sight in front of her. Gotta admit, she's never seen such an elegant place surrounded by nature. But for now, her sights were targeted onto the fruits above.
Passing by the Crystals, Vanessa sprinted through the grass and once she approached the fountain she jumped high into the air and landed on the statue head before pushing herself high into the air. Coming down onto a large branch she spotted a large red fruit. Pulling her sword from her back she swiped it on the stem, breaking it away from the branch and catching the fruit into her free hand.
Putting her sword onto her back again Vanessa raised her hand to her right ear and pressed on it with her index and middle finger.
"Paul. Johnathan. I've acquired a Fruit of Life. What's your status?" Vanessa said.
"We've acquired some too. Looks like it's mission-" Paul replied until he got interrupted.
*BZZT*
*BZZT*
"Paul? Paul!? Can you-"
*HISS*
Vanessa immediately stopped talking and slowly raised her head at the horrific sound she just heard. Above her lied a large monster with a long black body, many legs, and white fur around it's neck. The monster opened it's large jaw, reveal a green sphere-like Gemstone within it. But more importantly, acid started dripping from it's mouth.
*HISS*
Letting out another hiss, the monster unleashed a burst of acid at Vanessa. Watching come to her she quickly jumped out of the way, having the acid hit the branch instead. Holding onto the fruit as she fell, Vanessa rotated her body forward a few times until she straightened herself up and landed onto the grass. Turning around her eyes widened at the sight of another acid attack. She wasn't given time to dodge, but before she could turn her body Steven appeared in front of her and raised out his arms, encasing them both in a pink bubble.
When the acid hit the bubble it didn't leave any marks or even a crack. Steven then turned his head back to Vanessa, "Are you okay?"
Vanessa blinked at the boy, but slowly nodded at him.
The monster then detached itself from the large tree and hurled itself toward Steven. However just when it was coming in close Amethyst came in in her ball form, crashing into the monster and knocking it away.
"You're up, P!" Amethyst called out as she uncurled herself and landed on the ground.
On cue Pearl rushed through the area with spear in hand. Narrowing her eyes at the monster she leaped into the air and thrust her weapon toward it. However, the monster quickly maneuvered from the spear and reappear behind Pearl. Turning around Pearl looked up and the monster fired a large stream of acid. Jumping out of the way she ran straight at it, but right when the monster finished spewing acid it rapidly pushed it's head and chomped onto Pearl.
"Ah!" Pearl screamed.
The monster then rotated it's head and threw Pearl into the air, making her spiral into the air before she crashed into a tree. Dropping down she bumped into several branches below until she got onto the grass. Several grunts exited her mouth with every branch she hit and when she finally dropped her spear disappeared from her hand.
Amethyst watched Pearl fall and then glared at the monster. Summoning two whips from her Gemstone she began rotating into a ball before her form grew in size and was covered in purple flames. Launching herself at the monster the monster itself opened up it's jaw wide and pulled it's head back before firing a huge stream of acid. On contact the acid quickly extinguished Amethyst's flames until she quickly burst out and crashed on the ground. A few grunts exited her mouth while she looked up and saw the monster coming at her.
"NO!" Steven yelled.
Dismissing his bubble he ran from Vanessa and approached the monster while Amethyst kept it's jaw from chomping on it.
"Amethyst!" Steven cried.
Looking down at him, Amethyst frowned at his worried expression, and before she could utter a word the monster managed to chomp on her.
POOF!
With his own eyes, Steven saw his big sister get crunched.
The monster opened it's jaw again, letting Amethyst's Gemstone fall to the ground and stop at Steven's feet.
Steven's eyes started to shake as his knees felt weak. Falling onto his knees he picked up Amethyst's Gem. Tears began erupting out of his eyes with his lips beginning to quiver. Small sobs began to leave his mouth with fresh tears falling from his eyes. Why...? W-W-Why did this happen? How could Steven let this happen? More tears started falling from his eyes as he held Amethyst's Gemstone close to his chest.
The monster lowly hissed at Steven, watching him cry over seeing his big sister getting poofed. More hisses exited it as it opened it's jaw and went straight for him.
POOF!
Gasps exited Steven's mouth, making him open his tear-covered eyes and look up. Standing right in front of him was Vanessa with her sword out and still holding onto a Fruit of Life. In front of her the monster...was gone. The only remain of it was it's Gemstone.
Placing her sword on her back again, Vanessa walked up to the creature's Gemstone and picked it up. Turning around she walked up to Steven and kneeled in front of him with a soft expression.
"Y-You saved me." Steven said with a sob.
"That's my job." Vanessa replied softly, handing Steven the Gemstone.
"But... But I didn't defeat it." Steven said, taking the Gemstone.
"Maybe not, but I already got what I came for. So you deserve something too. Consider us even for saving me." Vanessa replied.
Standing up Vanessa turned her body and began walking away.
"Wait!"
Stopping in her tracks, Vanessa turned her head back to Steven.
"Why do you need the Fruit of Life? What does it do?" Steven asked.
Part of her didn't want to answer, thinking he should already know. But if Steven already knew then he shouldn't be asking. So...at the very least...he should get an answer.
"Rose Quartz grew these fruit. They are able to heal any form of sickness or illnesses." Vanessa replied. "I've heard stories about them from my grandfather. And recently my new cadets were infected with some form of toxin. Our doctors tried everything they could, but nothing worked. So...remembering the stories, my group and I came here. That's why I need the fruit."
Steven blinked at her. That's...why? She's trying to help others too. And...his mom made that fruit? Unbelievable...
"None of my business, but you should quit being a Crystal Gem. Kids shouldn't get involved in things they don't understand." Vanessa said before walking away.
Watching her leave, Steven looked at the creature's Gemstone in his left hand and Amethyst's in his right. He attempted to speak, but...no words were formed. Instead...Amethyst's Gemstone started to glow and raise itself from Steven's hand.
a bright purple light surrounded the Gemstone and started taking form until Amethyst reemerged from it. She looked the same, except now she had on a white tank-top, black-pants with purple stars on her knees, light purple sneakers, and her hair was now in a ponytail.
Opening her visible eye she saw Steven right in front of her with dry tears on his cheeks. Walking up to him she handed him her hand. Steven then gave her the creature's Gemstone, which wasn't what she wanted, but she placed it into a purple bubble and sent it off. Taking Steven's hand she helped him up before her little brother embraced her. A small smile appeared on Amethyst's lips as she returned his hug.
When they were done, Steven looked over to see Pearl still lying on the ground. Rushing up to her he gently turned her onto her back and slowly raised her up.
"Pearl... I...I'm sorry. I didn't help. I could've, but...I didn't." Steven said sadly.
Groans exited Pearl's mouth with her eyes slowly opening up. When her vision cleared Steven and Amethyst appeared, though her main focus was on Steven's sad expression.
"Steven. It's...okay." Pearl said as best as she could.
Steven shook his head, "No, it's not. I did so much training to prepare myself and I didn't do anything. How can I be a Crystal Gem if I can't do what I need to do?"
Amethyst and Pearl frowned at Steven's words right when Amethyst placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, you did what you could. Speaking of which, where's Vanessa?" Amethyst said, looking around.
"She left." Steven answered.
"You at least protected her, Steven. That's our main responsibility to be a Crystal Gem." Pearl assured.
Helping her up, Amethyst took over and brought Pearl to her feet while Steven walked away.
Looking up he gazed at the large tree behind the fountain with a statue of his mother. Right... The main reason why they came here in the first place. Walking up to the tree Steven closed his eyes and placed both of his hands onto it's trunk.
'Are you okay?' Steven asked in thought.
I am. Although I feel some pain from the creature, I thank you for defeating it. - An elderly male voice replied
'Gaia asked me to come and protect you. Vanessa told me my mom made fruit from you.'
Rose Quartz is your mother?
'She is. But...after what happened, I...I-
Child. It is alright. No need to feel sorrow.
No, it isn't. I've always wanted to be a Crystal Gem. I've wanted to be just like my big brother, Kameron. I've wanted to follow what my mom did, but... even after I trained to use my powers I wasn't able to protect my family from a monster. What kind of Crystal Gem would do that?'
...
...
What is your name?
'I'm Steven.'
My name is Arbor. Steven, don't be so hard on yourself. I may not know certain things, but I do know that you'll be a great Crystal Gem. But it requires patience. You can't become something in an instant. With time, you will learn.
Look at me. I didn't become a tree after getting put into the ground. It took time, patience, care, and resolve.
'Resolve?'
Yes. Life is quite difficult, but as long as you are yourself, you will see through it.
Steven smiled lightly at Arbor's words. Pushing his head forward he rested it on Arbor's bark.
'Thank you, Arbor.'
You are welcome, Steven. There is a word I have given to your mother when we spoke: Unless.
'Unless?' Steven questioned.
Unless someone like you cares so much, nothing will ever change.
Steven removed his head from Arbor and softly rubbed his bark. Letting his words flow through his mind, Steven wiped any remaining tears from his eyes and looked up at Arbor.
"Thank you, Arbor." Steven said with a bright smile.
End of Episode 33.
Sorry this took so long. I wanted to do a lot of stuff here.
Now...all of the main Crystal Gems are done and it's time to keep going.
See you all soon. Next time...there's gonna be a surprise.