Chapters:

Chapter 25: Homeworld's Defense
Chapter 26: Consequences
Chapter 27: Checkpoint
Chapter 28: Mindfulness
Chapter 29: Showdown

Start:

3rd Person P.O.V.

Homeworld:

A riot ensued. Though, it was short lived since it took place near the Palace. Yellow put a stop to it.

The leader is some sort of pearl that no one has ever seen before. She has long finger nails that are practically claws, sharp teeth, black eyes with white pupils and the gem itself is black and on her chest. She surrendered almost without a fight when the other rioters were dealt with.

She's being held in an interrogation room.

(Yellow Diamond) Why did you start the riot? Why would you even start it near the Palace?

(Pearl) I won't tell you anything until I talk to the Batman.

(Yellow Diamond) That's not how this works.

(Pearl) Then, I won't talk.

Yellow sighed.

(Yellow Diamond) Fine.

She went to the door.

(Yellow Diamond) He'll be here soon.

She left. For just a second, she saw a shadow towering over her and it had horns on it's head. Her head was slammed on the table.

(Pearl) (groans) Never start with the head, the victim gets fuzzy. Then, they can't feel the next--

[THWACK]

His fist was slammed down on her hand.

(Pearl) See?

(Batman) What do you want?

(Pearl) I wanted to talk to you. The best way to get your attention was starting trouble.

(Batman) What?

(Pearl) Your alliance with the Diamonds is a mistake.

(Batman) Why do you say that?

(Pearl) The Diamonds aren't trustworthy. This whole Era-3 is all but a little game to them, White especially. You ever wonder why the Diamonds are testing you? To wonder why they insist on you being a part of the Diamond Authority?

He didn't answer.

(Pearl) I'll tell you why. They don't just need you to make them look good, they don't want you to be a threat. They'll wait until you die, which will maybe happen later tonight, and they'll reestablish Era-2. Or, they'll kill you themselves. Either way, as long as you're here, they'll play along.

(Batman) That's not true. They were desperate for Pink, that's the whole reason why they changed their ways just to get her back.

(Pearl) Maybe. But after she came back, they'll know just how to keep her on Homeworld permanently. You just can't admit that they won't change, can you?

(Batman) What makes you think they haven't changed?

(Pearl) I've seen it happen before. They act like they've changed, but they'll determine when enough's enough. I'll show you that the Diamonds haven't changed before the night is over.

(Batman) Good luck doing that when you're in a cell.

(Pearl) I should be wishing you luck.

(Batman) Why?

(Pearl) Oh, nothing.

She leans back in her chair. Her voice changed to a deeper, darker tone.

(Pearl) Do you like this voice? I use it to scare gems, much like how you scare humans on Earth. I can see why. Imagine something like you hiding in the dark and jumping out just when the timing's right.

She chuckled. She then returned to her normal voice.

(Pearl) Sometimes I prefer this voice to deceive others to think I'm some pearl.

Batman gets up to leave.

(Pearl) Oh, and Wayne?

He stopped he looked over his shoulder to see her giving out a sinister grin and her eyes looking at him like he's food.

(Pearl) Tell Steven I said hi.

He left. Yellow was waiting for him.

(Yellow Diamond) What did she say?

(Batman) She said she'll show me that you and the other Diamonds aren't to be trusted.

(Yellow Diamond) She did? Elaborate on that.

(Batman) She said you'll revert back to your old selves when I'm gone.

(Yellow Diamond) Oh.

(Batman) Is that true?

Her pupils shrank when he asked her that.

(Yellow Diamond) You... you really think we'd do that...?

(Batman) I don't know you or the others very well. And I've heard much about your past.

Yellow took off her helmet, letting it rest under her arm.

(Yellow Diamond) I'm not sure about the others, but I will never go back on a compromise.

He looked her in the eyes, and can tell that her words are genuine, she even took off her helmet to help express her speech further.

Joker: Who'da thought, the most brute Diamond is the most honest one? I guess she's the type to view honesty higher than most things.

(Batman) Okay. Keep an eye on her.

(Yellow Diamond) Where are you going?

(Batman) I'm going to patrol Homeworld. That pearl is planning something.

(Yellow Diamond) Will do.

Batman left. He goes to the balcony and glides off into the depths of Homeworld. Homeworld looked a lot like a city.

He hasn't explored this planet much, mainly because he only comes here when neccessary, or if the Diamonds want to see him. He looks around to see if there's anything worth checking out. He used Detective Mode to located any gem like the ones from earlier.

The gems from the riot had an insignia on their form, preferably on their chest that was a black circle, which looked similar to the gem of that Pearl he just talked to. If he finds more of them, which she definitely has more since it's a part of her plan, he'll discover her plans too soon and put a stop to it. He find five of them and a gem who doesn't have a insignia.

He listened to the conversation.

(Rebel) Look at you, such a puny gem. Although, you're disabled invalid, so it's no surprise.

It's a spinel, a yellow one. She was being beatened by two gems.

(Yellow Spinel) Please... stop!

(Rebel #2) Don't feel like it. So, we're just gonna hurt you.

(Yellow Spinel) Why are you doing this?

(Rebel) Because it feels good to beat on trash like you.

(Rebel #2) And we're angry over the changes. We were on top, now were reduced to be equivalent to handicapped freaks like you.

(Rebel) And Batman is to blamed for all of this. So, we're gonna pretend you're the Batman in the next five minutes.

(Yellow Spinel) But I'm not Batman!

(Rebel) See, this is why we hate being equal to you, you don't even know what pretend is. Heck, we'd be doing Homeworld a favor getting rid of embarrassments like you.

(Rebel #2) Yeah, you're so dumb.

She starts to cry.

(Rebel) Don't feel sad. We'll do it slowly to make it last (laughs)

(Yellow Spinel) Please, someone, help me!

(Rebel #2) Nobody's coming for you, especially Batman.

(Rebel) Yeah, we got plans for him. You'll be shattered today.

Batman's objective to interrogate one of them for information just changed to stopping them from shattering the spinel, and brutalizing them a little bit to give them a taste of their own medicine. He'll still interrogate one of them for information. He glides and lands on top of one of the rebel, poofing her.

(Rebel) Batman! It's Batman!

There's four of them now. They focused their attention to Batman now. The spinel looks up to see Batman fighting them.

(Yellow Spinel) I hope he breaks your arms, you meanies!

He headbutts a rebel, then he did it again but put his hands under her arms so he could yank her to the ground. He held on to one of her arms and stomped where the elbow is, breaking her arm, just like the spinel requested. Another one came running at him.

She tried to kick him but he caught her ankle and flipped her. She lands on her feet but he kicked her before she regain her balance and she fell to the floor. Then he grabbed her throat and used his other hand to punch her into unconsciousness.

Another one was hesitant on attacking, because he just dispatched three of her teammates within thirty seconds. Batman punched her arm hard enough to make her spin around and facing the opposite direction. He wrapped his arm around her neck without facing towards her and pulled her forward, lobbing her entire form against the hard concrete ground.

One left. He grabbed her throat and lifts her off the ground with a single arm.

(Batman) Tell me what I want to know about your leader, or get ready to eat my fist.

(Rebel) This is all I know! Don't hurt me!

[Rebel Interrogated: No Secrets]

(Batman) Of course not.

He grabbed her legs with his other hand and holds her up in the air for a second before slamming her face into the ground. He unties the spinel.

(Batman) You're safe now.

She doesn't look at him, she is still whimpering.

(Batman) What's wrong?

(Yellow Spinel) They... they called me disabled...

(Batman) Why would they do that?

She showed him her gem, it was half made. It only showed half a heart.

(Yellow Spinel) I was a reject to Pink Diamond. My gem and color was wrong and I was tossed away. Then, just when I thought I could be free in Era-3, this gems beat me up for the past hour.

She sniffled and wiped her tears.

(Yellow Spinel) Why did you waste time saving me?

(Batman) I couldn't allow them to shatter you. It's what I do.

(Yellow Spinel) They're right, Homeworld woulda been better off without me...

(Batman) That's not true. Spinels are meant to entertain, right?

(Yellow Spinel) Y-Yes. I can tell jokes.

(Batman) I know someone who would enjoy your jokes.

(Yellow Spinel) W-Who?

(Batman) I'll take you to her.

He wrapped his arm around her waist, causing her to blush. He used his other hand to grab his grapple to grapped up high.

(Batman) Hold on.

She lets out a yelp when the grapple took them both up high.

Palace:

(Yellow Diamond) Detective, you're back already? What did you find?

(Batman) Nothing yet. But I found someone who you would enjoy her company.

(Yellow Diamond) Who?

He moves out of the way to reveal the spinel.

(Yellow Spinel) M-My Diamond!

She saluted.

(Yellow Diamond) A yellow spinel?

Yellow was genuinely surprised. She also noticed the bruises she had on her.

(Yellow Diamond) What happened to you?

(Yellow Spinel) Some gems were beating on me because of this.

She pointed at her gem. Yellow didn't seem to care.

(Yellow Diamond) I apologize of your mistreatment. I trust he had handled them.

(Yellow Spinel) Y-Yes, my Diamond. Also, I was offered an employment opportunity to you from the Batamn.

(Yellow Diamond) Oh, really? What for?

(Yellow Spinel) To be your entertainer.

(Yellow Diamond) Entertainer?

(Yellow Spinel) Y-Yes. I can tell jokes.

(Yellow Diamond) Okay then, tell me one.

(Yellow Spinel) N-Now?

(Yellow Diamond) Sure, go ahead.

(Yellow Spinel) Okay...

She gulped and tried to regain her calmness.

(Yellow Spinel) What did the bismuth say when she finished the spire?

(Yellow Diamond) What did she say?

(Yellow Spinel) "It was inspiring!"

Yellow laughed, uncontrollably. The spinel wasn't expecting laughter like that, and she laughed a little, too. Yellow finally calmed down a little.

(Yellow Diamond) Oh, my stars, I haven't laughed like this in eons! Pearl?

(Yellow Pearl) Yes, my Diamond?

(Yellow Diamond) Escort this spinel to my personal chamber. I want her to be there whenever I'm on break just so I can have a laugh. Laughter is the best medicine.

The spinel's eyes turned into stars.

(Yellow Pearl) Will do, my Diamond. Come along, spinel.

(Yellow Diamond) Thank you, my Diamond! Thank you, Batman!

(Yellow Diamond) Of course. It is my pleasure.

Joker: Good for you, Bats. You just employed a gem in the Palace. You do realize that's bad for you, right? When I finally have control of our body, I'll be coming here to butcher all the gems in here. You just added another victim.

She gleefully followed the pearl.

(Yellow Diamond) That was fun. Thank you for introducing me to a professional comedian.

Joker: Oh, you're gonna love me when I take over.

(Batnan) I'll go back out there to find out more about these rebels.

He leaves by gliding off the balcony again. He used Detective Mode again to locate any more of those gems with the insignia on it. He needs to figure out the pearl's planning.

What's he going to call her? Black Pearl? She has the black and white colors on her form.

[I do not own Black Pearl, she belongs to her rightful owner, and I will not call her that in this story.]

Black Pearl sounds too easy. She can't be called Pearl either, because that's what everyone calls Pink Diamond's Pearl on Earth. Why is he even thinking of this?

A name for her wouldn't even matter, especially since after tonight, she'll be defeated, he believes so. Although, it isn't guaranteed. Anything could happen in one night, almost anything.

He'll just call her Pearl because that's the type of gem she is. Unless she names herself and he'll call her by that, maybe. It depends on whether she deserves that kind of respect or not.

He finds a small group of those rebels with the insignia on it, and they're moving stuff into an abandoned structure. He'll need a closer look on what they're doing. He silently lands and sneaks up to the entrance and lays his back against the structure wall of the entrance to keep out of sight.

Then, he peeks his head over the wall on the side and observes what's in there. There's a glass wall in the middle of the room and it looks strong. The rebels are just laying stuff around in the room.

Rocks, scrap metal, glass shards and parts of a ship. What was the point of this place? Was it a junk yard for them?

He makes himself present in the room. One of the three spots him.

(Rebel) It's the Bat!

One of them tried to punch him but he grabbed her wrist, punched her abdomen which made her lean forward, and uppercuts her hard enough that she poofed. Another one tried attack but he defeated her by grabbing her head and slamming it into his knee which knocked her back far when he let go. That last one, he gripped her collar and pinned her against the glass wall.

(Batman) You have information about your team. Tell me what you know.

(Rebel) Okay, okay! I'll talk!

[Rebel Interrogated: Secrets Revealed]

(Batman) The right choice.

He headbutts her to knock her out. He learns that Pearl is on top of their chain of commands. She's first in command, then there's a jasper whose second in command.

That hardly narrows it down since there's quite a handful of Jaspers on Homeworld and the rebel didn't even specify on what this jasper looks like except that she's "the perfect cut." Then, theres three more gems that are third in command, one of them is a fusion of two gems, so there's actually four gems that are third in command. It's a little weird that there's three gems who are third in command, why?

Those three gems weren't specified either. He needs to locate more of them. He looked around for over 30 minutes until he eventually returned to the Palace and try to discuss with the Diamonds about this rebellion they're about to face.

He returns to the Palace and there's Pink with Steven who just got off the Warp Pad.

(Batman) What are you doing here?

(Pink Diamond) Yellow called me here for a meeting in the Diamond Authority room.

(Batman) Steven, why are you here?

(Steven) I always attend these meetings.

(Batman) It's not safe. You shouldn't have come here.

(Pink Diamond) The Palace is the safest place on Homeworld. He has the protection of the four Diamonds and you.

Joker: Right, 'cause the four Diamonds would stop the Batman when he loses control and some handsome maniac takes control. I'll do him first.

They walked to the room Pink was called to. The three Diamonds were there.

(White Diamond) Wayne, what's the status on this rebellion?

(Batman) They're running a chain of commands. The pearl is on top, a jasper is in second, and three more gems are in third.

(Steven) A jasper? What kind?

(Batman) I was told she's the perfect cut.

(Steven) That's the jasper that tried to kill me multiple times!

(Batman) She is?

(Pink Diamond) Yes. She's one of the members in my court before I faked my death.

She used her gem to show a projection of the jasper.

(Steven) She's big and scary.

(Batman) I've faced worse enemies than the likes of her.

(Steven) Okay, if you say--

[BOOM]

The place shook.

(Blue Diamond) What was that?

(Batman) Trouble.

They all ran outside the room. Batman took Steven to his personal room.

(Alison) Wayne, what's going on?

(Batman) An incursion is happening. Steven, stay here, Alison will keep you safe.

(Steven) Okay, please hurry.

He runs to the main room. He finds Yellow fighting off a few rebels. White, Pink and Blue are down and Bruce saw why.

Yellow was distracted and she got punched by the jasper Steven spoke about. She hits the wall. The other rebels join up with her and they saw Batman.

Jasper put her hands on her hips and smiled.

(Jasper) About time you showed up. I was beginning to think you'd fled.

(Rebel) Jasper, what do we do now? The target is in the room.

(Jasper) Go to your coordinated position to move to phase two. I'll handle this.

They leave the room. He couldn't follow them because Jasper would stop him. He has to fight her.

(Jasper) Show me what you're made of!

He leaped in front of her, grabbed a hold of her and headbutted her. With his strength and momentum, he slammed her into the ground. She got up and was astounded by his action.

(Jasper) Surprising.

He jumped at her and wrapped his arm around her neck as he swung behind her. He kicked the back of her right knee, spun and did another kick with full force at her back which forced Jasper to fly forward.

(Jasper) (grunts)

She only managed to stand up as he got behind her and punched the back of her neck which forced her to look up. Within a swift moment, he lobbed her behind him as she slams into the wall. She fell flat on the ground.

She gets back up again. Those were heavy hitting moves, and it's hardly hurting her.

(Jasper) Not bad for a human, I guess. Not as weak as Steven.

He threw a Batarang at her but she caught it.

(Jasper) A shuriken? Really?

She broke it by clenching her fist.

(Jasper) Thought you be better than that.

She approached him, only to get a kick to the face by Yellow.

(Yellow Diamond) Did you forget about me?

(Jasper) Oh, finally, I was waiting for you to get back in the fight.

Yellow jumped over her grabbed her shoulders.

(Yellow Diamond) Strike now!

Batman charged, hits Jasper directly to her stomach area which made her lean forward involuntarily. Yellow jumps over Jasper again and wrapped her arms around his head and did an RKO. Jasper gets back up again.

She activates her helmet. Batman and Yellow looked at each other and then back at Jasper, as if they were having a telepathic conversation. Batman rushed at Jasper, slides on the floor and used his arm to trip Jasper on one knee.

Yellow ran not too long after Batman swept one of Jasper's legs. She jumps up and kicked Jasper's face with both of her feet. Luckily for Jasper, her helmet protected her gem.

Both Batman and Yellow regrouped with each other when Jasper got back up. Batman charged at Jasper when Yellow was unprepared on what to do next. She just watches him fight her until she can see an opening to surprise attack her.

He kicked her right knee which forced her to be on her left knee, then jabbed her in the face a couple of times before giving her a powerful uppercut which made her stand up. He ran up to her but then slide down on the ground to sweep one of her legs to force on one knee again. Then, he gets up and hits the back of her head to distract her momentarily while he uses his feet to jump on her knee up in the air to land on her.

She tried to punch him but he avoided her fist and grabs her arm to flip her on her back and he stomps on her face to break her visor. He backs up when she got up again. Yellow ran to Batman's side and Jasper look angry.

They both knew what to do now. Jasper approached them and they both backed up. Yellow got behind Batman.

Jasper tried to punch him but he ducked and Yellow vaulted over him to kick Jasper which made her step back. Batman did the same thing when Yellow ducked and his kick knocked Jasper back even further. They both charged at Jasper to kick her over.

That didn't work when Jasper uppercuted Yellow up high, grabbed Batman and used him like a baseball bat to hit Yellow which made her hit against the wall, cracking it. She threw Batman on the ground like how a basketball player slam dunks the ball in the basket. Bruce is grateful the suit protected his bones from that impact, imagine what would happen if it didn't.

Then, she stomps on his chestplate, which hurts his ribs, especially the one Charlotte cracked almost two years ago. Batman clutched his abdomen and Jasper smirked over his pain.

(Rebel) We released our commander and found figures in a room. A pearl and a human.

(Jasper) That must be the Bat's pearl. And the human is Steven. Good. Round them up, our commander wants them.

(Rebel) Will do.

Batman's eyes closed and he passed out.

Later:

Batman slowly wakes up.

(Yellow Diamond) Detective? Detective, wake up.

His head is resting in her lap as she tried to comfort him while he wakes up. He sits up and stood up along with Yellow.

(Yellow Diamond) Are you okay? I saw that your grabbed your abdomen area in pain.

(Batman) It's fine. Jasper just hit an old wound.

The other Diamonds woke up.

(White Diamond) What happened?

(Blue Diamond) Where's Jasper?

(Yellow Diamond) She's gone. She broke out the pearl we just locked up.

Everyone heard a scream. Pink ran into the room.

(Pink Diamond) WHERE IS STEVEN?!

(Blue Diamond) He's not here?

(Pink Diamond) No! He and Alison are gone!

(White Diamond) Oh, my stars!

(Batman) I'll find them.

(Pink Diamond) Please!

Batman goes to leave.

(Yellow Diamond) Detective, wait. Shouldn't you rest before you leave?

(Batman) There's no time for that.

Joker: Poor self care. How noble.

Batman leaves the Palace and tried finding anything relating to Steven and Allison's location. He found a three rebels with Detective Mode and followed them to a location that looks to be one of their camps.

(Rebel) Tonight's the night the Batman is no more.

(Rebel #2) Yeah, and in the morning, Homeworld will be back to what it was built upon.

(Rebel #3) So, where do you think the commander is going to do with Steven and the Bat's pearl?

(Rebel) Since they're both tied to the Bat, she'll probably use them as bargaining chips, or she'll just kill them both.

(Rebel #2) Maybe we'll be the ones to do it.

(Rebel) Yeah, Steven will be easy to kill. He's a human.

(Rebel #3) We just do what the commander says. If she wants us to kill him, we'll do it.

(Rebel) Slowly and painfully, make Pink Diamond suffer for starting the war.

(Rebel #2) Yeah, she's responsible for this, too.

Batman suddenly cuts in their conversation. He takes two of them and smashed them together to poof them. He takes the last one and holds her up in the air.

(Batman) Where's Steven and my pearl?

(Rebel) You don't scare me. I know you won't shatter me.

(Batman) No. I'll make you wish I shatter you. Where are they?!

(Rebel) Okay! Here, I got the coordinates for them!

[Coordinates Downloaded]

(Batman) If you're lying, I'll come find you.

He brutally slammed her on the ground, poofing her.

Joker: C'mon, Bats! Save Steven so I can kill him later.

He wants to save Steven but what about Alison? She needs to be saved, too. He couldn't just leave her.

He'll come rescue her the second he rescues Steven. He followed the coordinates to Steven. After he got there, he was sure in a surprise.

(Alison) Wayne?

It was Alison! But how? He followed the coordinates to Steven.

That rebel must've switched them up on purpose. Batman unties Alison from the chair she's tied to.

(Batman) Where's Steven?

(Alison) I don't know. They took him in some other direction.

(Batman) I'll take you back to the Palace and come find him. I have a lead on where he could be.

He returns to the Palace with Alison.

The Palace:

(Pink Diamond) Batman, did you find Steven?!

(Batman) No, but I have a lead.

(Alison) He came here to drop me off. Don't worry, Pink, we'll find him.

(Pink Diamond) Please, hurry!

Batman listened. He ran out and a ghost is following him.

Joker: Faster, Bats! Faster! We got to get to Steven so I can kill him!

The ghost half supports the saving Steven idea. Batman grappled up high so he can glide to the next area. He moves as quick as he can, Steven's life depends on it.

He got there, but he didn't see Steven anywhere. Just more of the rebels at another camp. He quickly lands on one of them to poof her, and used the new suit's fast maneuverability to takedown five rebels at once.

He then saved one for last to interrogate. He pushed her over and pinned her to the ground with his boot to her face.

(Batman) TALK! Don't make me crack your gem and look for the answers inside.

He growled.

(Rebel) W-What?! I don't know what you're--

(Batman) Steven's location! Where is he? And don't lie to me.

(Rebel) I don't know where he is!

(Batman) You're lying to me.

(Rebel) I'm not!

(Batman) I'm going to count to one, and then I get mad.

He warned.

(Batman) Three...

(Rebel) I don't know!

(Batman) Two...

(Rebel) Please!

(Batman) One.

(Rebel) Okay! Okay! Here's the coordinates! I promise, that's where she has him!

(Batman) Good.

He moved his leg and slammed his knee into her face, poofing her. He quickly followed the coordinates. It lead him to the abandoned structure he found earlier tonight.

The one with the glass wall. Steven was on the other side of it.

(Steven) Bruce, you're here!

(Batman) I'm going to get you out of there.

He tried using Detective Mode to see if there's an alternative way to get through the glass. Detective Mode wouldn't work. He tried again.

Detective Mode: Error

What's going on?

Detective Mode: Error

He continued to attempt to use it.

Detective Mode: Error

Joker: Oh, what do you know? Your sensors aren't working. Looks like you have to do this the old fashion way.

He looked around to see if there's something that could suggest a way in. He can see a door, but he doesn't know how to get to the door from the other side. The door opens and it's Pearl.

(Pearl) You're here, at last. Finally, we can begin.

Joker: Uh oh! I don't like the sound of that.

Steven backs up against the glass.

(Pearl) I hope you're paying attention, Batman. I'm about to show you an analogy. Pretend Steven is the human race, and I'm the three out of the four Diamonds.

She chuckled before her voice got deeper.

(Pearl) Let the analogy begin!

She drooled.

(Pearl) You know, I heard that gems can eat edibles. I wonder, what would human meat taste like?

Steven's eyes shrank in fear.

(Steven) Please, no!

Batman started to beat on the glass, not pulling any punches. The glass hardly cracks at his attempts. Steven screams as Pearl approached him with her claws looking sharp as knives and mouth opening up to reveal two sets of teeth.

One set has huge sharp teeth while the second set is tiny sharp teeth. She growled like a predator as she cornered her prey. She grabbed Steven's arms and he was hyperventilating as he tried to get her to let go.

Batman kicked the glass. No such luck either. Pearl opened her jaw as wide as she can. Steven screamed.

Her teeth made contact with Steven and blood splattered on the glass and Steven's scream stopped suddenly. The blood was blocking Batman's view, but that didn't stop him from hearing the sounds of flesh ripping. Then, there was silence, and eventually the sound of a door opening and closing.

Batman fell on his knees.

[Cowl Comms] Wayne, what happened? Did you find Steven?

(Batman) He's gone, Alison...

[Cowl Comms] What do you mean?

(Batman) Steven... the pearl killed him...

[Cowl Comms] No! No! Oh my...

He can hear her cry in the background of the comms he uses.

[Cowl Comms] W-Wayne... what... what are you going to tell Pink...?

(Batman) I should've protected him... he's dead because of me...

He took responsibility over Steven's death. He felt ashamed.

[Cowl Comms] Wayne... It's not... it's not your fault...

[Silence]

[Cowl Comms] Wayne.... Did you hear me?

Joker: He heard you. He's wondering how he can live with himself.

[Cowl Comms] Wayne, don't... don't let Steven's death... don't let it be for nothing... You must avenge him...

Joker: Oh, you can't bring him back. Let Uncle J take charge. No more bad memories, no more pain, no more fear. Scout's honor!

Batman looked up, the ghost's smile grinned wider, was he actually considering it's offer?

[Cowl Comms] Wayne... you need to tell Pink.

Joker: Oh, no! You think you'll keep on going? What's the point? Regardless on whether you stop this pearl or not, the Diamonds will never forgive you for letting this happen, especially since you told Pink you'll find Steven. Though, technically you did, y'know before he died.

Batman stood back up. He can't help but stare at the blood splatter. The ghost walks out from the side of the glass wall where blood isn't covering the glass.

Joker: Well, his death was some what horrifying. If it's any consolation, I'm sad, too. Seriously, I'm just as upset as you are, 'cause we share the same body. And 'cause I wasn't the one to do it. You shouldn't be too sad, I would've done worse.

He heard the speakers of Homeworld activate. He wasn't expecting them to operate at this time because they only activate when one of the Diamonds are making a public announcement. But it wasn't the Diamonds.

[Homeworld Speakers] Batman, what happened in that room wasn't some cruel, twisted game. It was neccessary. I was only doing what my analogy says. The Diamonds may not do exactly what I did to the human race, but you'll consider what I did to be mercy after they stab you in the back figuratively or literally. And don't pin your hatred on me, I was only doing what my colleagues wanted me to do. None of this was my idea, I'm simply playing along. You think about that next time you meet them.

The intercoms were turned off afterwards.

Joker: Well, she's right about one thing. Being ripped apart is mercy compared to what I had in mind for him. Now, let's go to the Palace and break the news to Pink as brutally honest we can get!

He grappled to the nearest thing and started to glide to the Palace. Once he got there, the Diamonds were already expecting him and is waiting for him to explain what happened.

(Blue Diamond) Bruce, what was she talking about on the speakers?

(Pink Diamond) Have you found Steven?

(Batman) Pink...

Joker: We did, just not the way you'd expect.

White covered her mouth, after hearing what the ghost said. The other Diamonds don't notice this because they're focusing on Batman.

(Batman) Steven is... he's dead... I'm sorry...

Pink fell on her knees. Yellow wasn't expecting that and immediately did emotions flooded her mentality. Blue instantly lets her tears out and activated her old power by accident.

White was already crying before everyone else heard the news because she saw it in his mind. Pink sobbed harder than anyone in the room. She had created him 16 years ago, given him life, and was brought into his life just two years ago, and now he's dead.

She can't bring him back because they don't have a body, and the rebels must know that because Batman didn't bring the body with him.

(Batman) I'm sorry, Pink...

Joker: [Blows nose] I'm not crying, I just have a runny nose.

The ghost pockets it's tissue.

Joker: Well, I think it went quite well, considering. Of course, I wouldn't have told her and given her false hope only to crush her when she finds out from that pearl. You've got a lot to look forward to, Bats. Seriously, it could've been far worse than it is now. Pink would hate you for letting her down. Hell, she probably does but hasn't said it because she's still crying over hearing that her son was killed from you. It's sad, isn't it? To think, Steven had survived lots and lots of things, only to die now while he was still very young. It's probably for the best anyway. He probably seen some things no other child should ever see and it wouldn't not coming out of his head any time soon. Like watching her open her mouth like Pennywise from IT. She probably did him a favor.

Batman left the Palace and tried to look for anything related to the rebellion. He found another one of their camps to raid for information. However, he stopped himself to listen in on their conversation, because there's two gems who he haven't seen at all and is wondering if they're the third in command gems.

(Kunzite) What's the status on the checkpoint?

(Rebel Leader) All quiet, nothing to report yet.

(Jade) D-Did any of you see the Bat?

(Rebel Leader) No, actually. He must still be at the room that one soldier sent him to.

(Kunzite) That room?

(Rebel Leader) Yeah, that room.

(Kunzite) Oh, yeah.

(Rebel Leader) Anyway, we've kept a low profile ever since we stationed here. We heard radio silence from our other checkpoint. The Bat must've been there.

(Kunzite) Blast. We'll check our other checkpoints. You have the map, right?

(Rebel Leader) Yes, ma'am.

(Kunzite) Good. Come along, Jade.

(Jade) Okay.

The green gem timidly followed the purple gem. Batman made himself present and tackled on one of the rebels.

(Rebel Leader) Target's here!

The rest of them, including the leader joined in on the fight. The two unique gems were gone.

(Rebel Leader) Circle him! Attack from all sides!

Two of them tried to punch him but he ducks and stood up, grabbed their throats and slammed them both on the ground. Two more tried to hit him but he ducks and they ended up hitting each other. One tried to take a swing at him with a pipe.

But he grabbed it, punched her to make her let go, then be bends the pipe in a way to make it ineffective to use as a weapons. Some of the rebels weren't expecting that and one of them exclaimed out loud.

(Rebel) He's too strong!

One of them had a knife and tried to cut him. After dodging it, he grabbed her wrist and moved it to make her vulnerable. He hits her face with his palm and then makes her lean forward and hits her face with his knee, she poofed.

Another one tried using a knife but he caught her wrist and got a direct punch to her forehead, she poofed, too. Another one tried once again but hasn't learned from the last two times they tried to cut him. He swats her hand away and grabbed her head.

Then forcefully slams her head into his knee. Now there's two and one of them is the leader. He quickly dealt with the one soldier who was his concern and Interrogated the leader.

He holds her up with one arm.

(Batman) The map. Give it to me or get ready to hurt.

(Rebel Leader) Here it is. Please, I don't want any trouble.

[Coordinates Downloaded]

(Batman) Too late.

He punched her directly in the face to incapacitate her. He has checkpoints marked all over the Homeworld area, and the Warps are also marked too. He sends them to Alison.

(Batman) Alison, send this to the Diamonds. Let them know about the checkpoints.

[Cowl Comms] Wayne, are you alright? You sound--

(Batman) Just send it to them.

[Cowl Comms] R-Right, will do.

Joker: Whoa, Bats! You look like you're depressed, you even sound like it, too. I actually thought you couldn't display emotion at all, guess I was wrong. There, there, dry those tears, Steven's gone and you can't fix it. Afterall, why are you even upset? He's a kid that you met two years ago all because he discovered your identity and wanted you to work with him. Come to think of it, if you hadn't shown up in Beach City, Steven might still be alive today. Way to go, Bats! A child died and it's all because of you!

Batman grappled up high and flew to another checkpoint.

Elsewhere:

Yellow just got sent of the other checkpoints of the rebellion whose spread around Homeworld. She took up the offer that was given to her, although, it may be more difficult than expected, for her at least. She isn't experienced to hand-to-hand combat as much as the Batman is.

She normally uses her sword, but it's broken, and she never really looked for a new one. The one she had was a gift from White. And she had it for thousands and thousands of years, only for it to be broke by a mortal in a costume.

She contacted him and asked if he assisted with her on the checkpoints. Afterall, it would be easier for him too, she noticed he didn't sound normal. If she didn't knew better, he sounds depressed, displaying some emotion.

It was surprising to hear him sound like that. No doubt it's from the death of Steven. She hoped he's okay.

Physically speaking, anyway. She climbs up to the top of the structure he's on. It's hard because she doesn't have a grapple unlike him.

(Yellow Diamond) I'm here.

She made herself present. She walked to him.

(Yellow Diamond) Where's the checkpoint?

(Batman) Over there.

He points. She noticed they're moving stuff in boxes.

(Yellow Diamond) How do we approach this?

(Batman) We strike when the time is right. You'll know it when you see it.

She waits right next to him. She watched as his eyes, trying to read him. He's eyes are focused on the checkpoint, nothing else, until he caught her eyes looking at his which made her look away.

(Yellow Diamond) Do you... want to talk about it?

(Batman) No.

(Yellow Diamond) Very well...

The silence was very awkward and agonizing for her. She hoped this opening would happen soon. The opening happened and they both went for it.

Batman grabbed a rebel and body slammed her, Yellow was surprised by this. He's not pulling his punches this time, that's good, right? As long as he doesn't shatter them.

Theres rubies, amethysts, and rose quartz. Yellow realized why theres some rose quartz here. They didn't join the rebellion because of wanting to restart Era-2, they did it out of vengeance against their wrongful treatment of discrimination when Pink Diamond took the identity of a rose quartz.

They suffered for no reason. Some of them took notice of Yellow Diamond, the very Diamond who bubbled them away, and charged at her. Ignoring Batman, the rose quartz chose to attack Yellow while Batman was busy with the rubies and amethysts.

(Rose Quartz Rebel) You!

One of them snarled bitterly.

(Rose Quartz Rebel #2) Oh, look who it is, the Diamond who bubbled us.

They had spears.

(Rose Quartz Rebel) Where's your sword?

One of them asked mockingly.

(Rose Quartz Rebel #3) Oh, that's right, it broken you're defenseless without it.

Yellow held her fists up, not caring that she can fight properly or not. One of them tried jabbing a spear at her but Yellow pushed it away and kicked her. She grabbed the spear and made the rose quartz hold it horizontal and tried pushing her.

This failed when another rose quartz took her spear and moved it in front of Yellow's throat and pulled back, choking her. Yellow tried to remove it away from her neck but the rose quartz kept it there as best as she can. The one Yellow tried to disarm took her own spear and aimed it at Yellow's gem.

(Rose Quartz Rebel) This is for all the discrimination you put against us!

She thrusted the spear forward, but it didn't move. The rose quartz looked at the spear and tried again, but no budge. She looks over her shoulder to see a hand holding it, and a fist moving to her face.

She falls over. It was Batman. Yellow can see the unconscious, brutalized rebels who were unfortunate to fight him now.

Yellow headbutts the rose quartz with the back of her head and stomped on her shin and she fell over. She kicked the rose quartz to make sure she doesn't get back up. There's one gem left and it was the leader of the checkpoint.

She was on the ground. Batman placed his boot on her cheek. She was valuable to interrogate for any information.

(Batman) Break your silence, or I break you.

(Rebel Leader) Please, don't hurt me! I'll you what you want to know!

[Rebel Interrogated: No Secrets]

(Batman) I'll do my best.

He crushed her head with his knee and she poofed. Yellow observed the boxes. She opened one of them and they have some weapons in it.

(Yellow Diamond) These are weapons we keep locked up in our weapons locker. It appears they've raided it.

Batman took Explosive Gel and sprayed it on the other crates and hit detonate.

[Explosive]

(Yellow Diamond) ...Okay then.

She would've been upset at the expense of dozens of weapons being destroyed, but this was neccessary to prevent the rebellion from using them. She looked at Batman's posture, noticing his shoulders are down. Normally, they're up and even with each other, but they're uneven.

He's clearly not alright, or fine. He's practically or already showing physical body language of depression. Yellow wanted to help him, but he keeps shutting her out.

Does he have someone to treat his mental health? Because you don't just shrug something like a death of a friend off. Maybe White can help him tomorrow after he gets a good night's sleep.

(Yellow Diamond) Can you... take me to the next checkpoint? I don't necessarily have the equipment to travel like you.

He beckoned her to come closer. He wrapped his arm around her waist which caused her face to heat up. His grip seemed unbelievable to her.

He grappled and they both went up.

10 minutes later

Normally Batman gets to checkpoints in at least two minutes. But carrying Yellow took longer. They both got to high ground near this checkpoint.

Yellow noticed a particular detail about the rebels here. They're holding destabilizer spears.

(Yellow Diamond) I can't be spotted in that area.

(Batman) Why not?

(Yellow Diamond) Those gems have destabilizer spears. A high voltage of destabilization in that spear. One touch, and I'll be demolished.

(Batman) It's fine. I'll do this one myself.

She didn't really know how to respond to that. Mainly, she thought he'd push her to help him. He grappled to a different area.

He saw a rebel hanging around near a ledge.

(Rebel) Did you see the commander?

(Rebel #2) The pearl? Yeah.

(Rebel) She looked different.

Batman fired his grapple and it launched at the rebel close to the ledge. He yanked it very hard and she fell off and onto the equipment.

(Rebel Leader) Whose screaming?!

Batman grappled up to where that other rebel was. He snuck behind her, tripped her and slammed his fist in her head, knocking her out.

[Thud]

(Rebel Leader) What?!

Two rebels are wearing armor.

(Rebel Brute) You're all pathetic. He's making you look like idiots!

They're aware Batman's here. They both walk up the stairs but Batman fired an REC orb blast and it knocks them both down the stairs. Batman walks down the stairs.

He grabbed one of them by the throat while she's on the ground and used his fist to smash her face.

(Rebel Brute) (groans)

She poofed. He grabbed the another one and did the same thing. She poofed.

He nonchalantly walks back up the stairs. Two of the last rebels came to inspect what was going on. Batman jumps off the ledge and onto one of the rebels, poofing her.

The leader was left. He pushed her off the ledge and caught her by her ankle. He's dangling off a 200 foot drop.

(Batman) Your team. Tell me everything, or I drop you.

(Rebel Leader) I'll tell you everything I know!

[Rebel Interrogated: Secrets Revealed.]

(Batman) There was never any doubt in my mind.

He moved her away from the ledge and drop and slammed her on the ground instead. Yellow leaped onto the area he's at.

(Yellow Diamond) That was impressive. You looked like a predator hunting prey.

She noticed there's some of their equipment not destroyed. She went through the mainframe. This has some of the records of the remaining checkpoints.

Only three more that haven't been dismantled. More will produced if they don't put a stop to the already existing checkpoints.

(Yellow Diamond) Detective, look at this.

She showed him the checkpoints and the names of the gems in charge.

(Yellow Diamond) There's the pearl serving top on the chain of commands. Then the jasper we fought a few hours ago. Then the three gems. Bluebird, Jade and Kunzite. I know those two.

She points at the last two.

(Yellow Diamond) They were in my court in the start of Era-1. I wonder why they would turn on the Diamond Authority.

Batman walked to the computer and read the files of the three gems he hasn't encountered yet tonight. There's nothing much about Bluebird, other than she's a fusion.

(Batman) This says here Jade has a rare disability that causes her to feel a high unusual sense of pain to her physical form if she were harmed. There's a long list of times she was punished by you. You beaten her.

(Yellow Diamond) Oh... right...

(Batman) Kunzite is your most trusted lieutenant. Era-3 eradicated her hard work to become that rank. She also has feelings for Jade.

Joker: Ah, romance. The one thing this story's missing. Whoops! Breaking the 4th wall again.

(Yellow Diamond) I can't believe it. I never thought she would do thie. Although, her disappearance from my court does make sense now. Still, I'd thought she'd remain loyal.

Batman stopped going through the gem computer.

(Yellow Diamond) Hey, you can try and locate the othet gems and I will handle the rest of the checkpoints. They mustn't be too difficult, and after watching your performance, I think I'll be just fine.

(Batman) Fine...

She watched him glide away.

At the Palace:

(Blue Diamond) Pink? Please come out.

(Pink Diamond) [behind door] No!

(White Diamond) Pink, please!

(Pink Diamond) [behind door] My son is dead! You expect me to just shrug it off?!

(Blue Diamond) No, of course not.

(White Diamond) We just want to be there for you.

(Pink Diamond) [behind door] Go away!

They listened to her wishes. They can hear Pink's hysterical sobbing from her room, wanting her son back.

(Blue Diamond) Oh. what are we going to do?

(White Diamond) I don't know. If only we knew where his body is and all we would have to do is to retrieve it from them.

(Blue Diamond) Perhaps Bruce could find it?

(White Diamond) Wayne could potentially find it, but I'm not sure how he is feeling at this very moment.

(Blue Diamond) Why?

(White Diamond) Because he feels like he failed, last time I checked him, which was when he announced Steven's demise.

(Blue Diamond) He is?

She nods.

(Blue Diamond) What if he... gives up?

(White Diamond) I know Wayne. He won't give up.

(Blue Diamond) How do you know him?

(White Diamond) You're talking to a gem who can read minds, Blue. I'm certain I know him.

(Blue Diamond) Yes, but his mood could change. He may not see a purpose.

(White Diamond) (under her breath) That's the clown talking...

She hoped that clown would not cloud his judgement. She detected that it's presence was growing more and more and it feeds upon Wayne's negative thoughts and emotions. Steven's death and him taking responsibility made the ghost skyrocketed it's presence, it's only a matter of time before it--

(White Diamond) (gasp) I need to find Wayne!

Elsewhere:

Batman was following a group of rebels. He remained out of sight and listened to their conversations carefully.

(Rebel) One of the leaders is coming here.

(Rebel #2) Who?

(Rebel) The fusion.

(Rebel #2) Why are they fused again? They haven't explained why.

(Rebel) I think it's because they're both small, puny gems who fused to become stronger. It's like what Jasper said. Fusion is a cheap tatic to make weak gems stronger.

(Rebel #2) But they're on our side.

(Rebel) The right side. I guess they're too weak to fit in the rebellion so they fused and became leader. It's strange, the pearl picked our three third in command leaders personally.

(Rebel #2) I can certainly understand why she chose Jade and Kunzite. But why the fusion? What's her name anyway?

(Rebel) Bluebird, I think.

(Rebel #2) What's so special about her?

(Rebel) Information, I guess. Even Jasper didn't like her very much.

Batman saw a figure flying to them.

(Bluebird) Jolly good, chaps! Our boss just announced that we're close to moving to phase three of the plan.

(Rebel) Good.

Batman noticed that one of gems placement on the fusion's form is under her eye, which also has a gem for an eye. That's Aquamarine, the gem who tried to kidnap humans. He still owes her a fist to the face.

He jumps down and lands on a rebel again to poof her. There should be a count on how many times he lands on a gem to make an entrance. He threw a Batarang at Bluebird to distract her and fights the rest of the rebel group.

He dispatched the rest of the rebels before focusing on Bluebird again. She flies at him with mini swords in both hands. He moves his arms up to block the incoming blades.

She flies around like a bee or a fly to annoy him. He wonders how he would fight her if she keeps flying around like a bird, guess that fits the name Bluebird.

(Bluebird) Oi! I trust you remember me, Batman?

She points at one of her gems that looks like a tear drop.

(Batman) Aquamarine...

(Bluebird) So you do remember me. I'm touched.

She flies at him again with the swords pointing at him, ready to slay him. He stands there, staring her down as she quickly approached him with her swords. She was confused on his stare down.

She then figured out why. She flew her neck into a cable wire from Batman's Remote Claw. He used the device that formally belong to Deathstroke when her back was turned as she was flying.

He grabbed her and held her up whilst holding her tiny throat. His hand is too big for her throat.

(Batman) The pearl, where is she?

He displayed no emotion on his face.

(Bluebird) She's at that spire over there, but she knows you're coming, freak!

He clenched his fist, breaking her throat and she poofed.

(Batman) Good...

He picks up the gems and pockets them in his belt. They won't be able to reform while they're in his belt.

10 minutes later

Batman glides to the top of the spire to see two pearls that look the same from behind. He doesn't know which to pick.

Joker: Roll up, roll up, it's "Pick the real Pearl show!" So, where's our first contestant? You! The one with the ears. What's your name, sir? Bruce? So, which one do you think it is, Bruce? Difficult isn't it? Is it the one on the left, or the one on the right? You know when I make the RIGHT decision, I usually LEFT out all the wrong decisions that aren't RIGHT. Helpful hint, Bats?

Batman went to the one on the right. He turned her around and grabbed her throat and--

Joker: Bad luck, Bats!

He looks to his left and she blasted his eyes with her eyes. He falls over.

(Pearl) You're not dying, it just feels like you are.

Batman is having a seizure.

(Pearl) My power is overwhelming your mentality. Drowning you in your sorrows.

Batman started to cough and choke on his hyperventilating breath, trying to resist.

(Pearl) What can you see? Steven's screams? His blood on the glass? You will eventually discover that the Diamomds are a mistake to create an alliance. Then, you will understand.

Batman stopped moving. She kneels next to him.

(Pearl) There is no savior. No more hope. No more Batman.

His eyes opens. That's not Batman.

(Joker) Maybe's already happened.

He gripped her throat as he stood up.

(Pearl) What?

She wasn't expecting the Batman to suddenly stand up looking all fine from the exposure. Some rebels came up the spire and he drops Pearl.

(Joker) Look at me! I'm amazing! And this body... I can't believe how strong it is!

Those are the words anyone would say if they suddenly gain the strength of Batman. Arms that can lift 1,000 pounds and legs that can lift/push 2500 pounds. The rebels are already panicking at "Batman's" posture and his smile.

They're unsettled by his smile, it looked unreal. One of them tried to attack him but he back hands her and she nearly spun off the edge. Another one tried to attack him but he grabbed her leg and twisted her ankle.

As she gripped her leg in pain, he stomps on her torso which broke her form. The third one tried to attack him but he grabbed her throat and leg, holds her up in the air and slammed her head onto the hard surface. The first one got back up and tried to attack him.

He gripped her collar, threw her over his shoulder but still holding on to her, and her entire form poofed as she made an impact on the ground. He did that with one arm.

(Pearl) Astonishing. Such brutality...

He stood absolutely still and she circled him, her teeth out.

(Pearl) You almost cracked these gems... You tell yourself you're not like us. You tell yourself that you're something more, something better. But we just saw your true self. My power only made your emotions resurface. Perhaps you're a murderer after all?

She noticed his sudden flinch about being called a murderer.

(Pearl) It seems you fear murder. Would you become one? Perhaps...

He just stood there. He fell on his knees.

(Pearl) I'll leave you to your thoughts, potential murderer.

She jumps off the spire, disappearing into the society of Homeworld.

Seconds later:

He's still on his knees, until he eventually stands up.

Joker: I'm merely there, Bats. I'm getting stronger the closer it gets to morning. It won't be long now until I'm in control. Just think of the fun we'll have. Brains. Brawn. Brutality! The full package! We'll have Homeworld and Gotham at our mercy! Y'know what the best part is? You'll be there with me, every step of the way. I don't know about you, pal, but I can hardly wait!

He looks around to see that no one is around, no gem is here anymore, they all left. He goes downstairs to search for clues about what they're doing next.

The Palace:

The door opens up and White's face perked up, expecting Wayne to show up. It's Yellow.

(Blue Diamond) Yellow, where have you been?

(Yellow Diamond) Dismantling the checkpoints.

(White Diamond) Have you seen Wayne? I need him to see him.

(Yellow Diamond) He's after the leaders of the rebellion. He'll bring them back to us.

(White Diamond) Oh, I need to find him before it's too late.

(Yellow Diamond) Why?

(White Diamond) I can't tell you.

(Yellow Diamond) Why not?

(White Diamond) He told me not to.

She can't tell them, he asked her not to. And they wouldn't be able to handle or understand what's going on with him.

(Yellow Diamond) Why? Is it a serious problem?

(White Diamond) It will be if I don't get to him.

(Yellow Diamond) He's bound to come back sooner or later.

White sits down in her chair to calm down. She read Wayne's mind and she saw all the horrendous things the clown did when he was alive. Here's a handful:

• Hired eight assassins after the head of Batman.
• Set up bombs that wired to explode skyscrapers.
• Broke out of his cell multiple times.
• Completed a formula that turns humans into hulking monsters.
• Poisoned himself with the same formula only to lose the fight against Batman.

And that's not even the tip of the iceberg. There's more horrifying things he's done. Imagine what he'll do with the body of Wayne.

She shuddered at the mere thought.

(Yellow Diamond) How's Pink?

(Blue Diamond) Worse. She won't come out.

(Yellow Diamond) Oh, dear.

(White Diamond) We tried everything but she continues to sob, not that it's unreasonable of her to do so.

(Blue Diamond) I was the same when I heard Pink was shattered.

(Yellow Diamond) I'll be right back out there momentarily. I came back to rest. I have no idea where he might be.

(White Diamond) Perhaps he's at--

She thought of something.

(White Diamond) Have you checked Central Tower?

(Yellow Diamond) No. Why?

(White Diamond) It seems like an obvious spot for the rebellion to have their main base at. Think of it, they're at the tower that can see most of the structures in Homeworld. All the checkpoints can be seen from there.

(Yellow Diamond) That's... actually a good observation.

(White Diamond) Well, I learned a few things from Wayne's mind. And he's a detective after all.

(Yellow Diamond) Right. And there's a good chance he'll be there, too.

She left to go at Central Tower.

Central Tower:

Yellow got there by sprinting. She got to the main entrance and defeated the rebels that guarded it. White was right, they're there.

She bubbled the rebels and sent them back to her personal chambers. She's done this to all the rebels she fought tonight. She busted down the door and walked inside.

She looks around to find anything or anyone. No one around. She eventually heard a voice from upstairs.

She went up the stairs and nearly walked into a room where she's clearly outnumbered. Each gem has a weapon that could be fatal for her. She listened to the conversation.

(Rebel Leader) All right, shut it! This is a conference about the target of the rebellion. The Batman. Our leaders were fortunate on gaining invaluable information against him. The Batman relies on fear against you. He wants you to be scared. He knows when you're scared, too. Let me assure you, there's nothing to be afraid of about him. He's just a human wearing a costume.

(Rebel) If he defeated the Diamonds, what chance do we have against him?

(Yellow Diamond) (mouthing) It was a stalemate...

(Rebel Leader) That's because the Diamonds underestimated him. He also relies on you underestimating you. Don't! Under any circumstances underestimate the Batman. He can and will defeat you if you underestimate him. He will also rely heavily on numbers being short. The shorter thw number of us there is, the higher chance he has to win. That is why when we establish checkpoints, we have a decent amount of gems to protect it.

(Rebel #2) Why do we have checkpoints?

(Rebel Leader) Because we use them to slowly but surely lock down Homeworld and monitor it. We use them to check where the Batman is since he can be anywhere.

(Rebel #2) But hasn't he dismantle our checkpoints?

(Rebel Leader) Yes, but we're going to reestablish them. Not only do we use them to lock the area down, but to distract him from the main plan.

Then, she picked up a communicator to answer it.

[Communicator] Change of plans. The Batman is here. Upstairs. Jade and Kunzite are trying to stop him, but they won't keep him busy long. Round up the soldiers and take them upstairs. Now!

It sounded like the Jasper she fought earlier tonight.

(Rebel Leader) Understood. All right, everyone move it!

Yellow was going to do a risky move that she always wanted to do. She makes herself present in the room, distracting everyone for a moment. As they try to redirect their attention to her after being briefed about Batman, Yellow jumps up in the air.

As she if falling to the floor, she emits a high voltage of destabilization. When she hits the ground, the destabilization she emitted turned into a shockwave that shocked everyone in the room and they all poofed instantaneously.

(Yellow Diamond) (panting)

She's never done that before. She felt proud and excited over what she accomplished. She took out an entire room full of gems within five seconds.

It took a lot out of her, though. It costs her energy to emit destabilization. Why doesn't she do this more often?

She heard a thud in the little small door over to the left of the room she's in. She could go upstairs to help Batman, but her curiosity got the better of her and she investigates the small noise from what looks like a closet door on Earth. She limps over to the door and opened it.

(Yellow Diamond) (gasp)

She had to show this to the other Diamonds.

Upstairs:

Batman was battling a purple sword wielding gem and a green one is cowering in the corner. She charged at him with her sword. He blocks her sword with his gauntlets.

She spun ridiculously fast but his fast reflexes blocked each hit from her blade. Eventually, her sword gets caught between the spikes on his guantlets and he moved his arm to break the sword. Those spikes aren't for show, you know.

She tries to attack with her hands. She threw a punch and he backs up. Batman went for a kick but Kunzite grabs his leg.

She tried to hit him with her elbow but he used one arm to block it and the other to push her over his leg to fall on the ground. When she tried to get up, he grabbed her head and slammed it to the wall which cracked it a little (the wall, not her). She punched behind his knee which forced him to kneel.

He swung his leg at her but she backed up. He then does a frontal kick while still kneeling which made him fall on his back and it hit her in the pelvis area. He flips back on his feet.

She threw another fist at Batman but he moved to where he had his back turned on her, but he did this for a reason. Her arm ended up just above his left shoulder as he grabbed her wrist and flipped her over in front of him. She lands on the ground near the wall roughly.

She quickly jumps back on her feet and tried to give him a frontal kick. He ducks a little to make her heel land on his shoulder as he gripped on her leg and kicked the leg that was supporting her. He lets go of her other leg which made her collapse on the floor.

As she tried to get up, he hits the side of her face with his knee. She was disoriented. He grabbed her and punched her head which made the back of it smash against the wall and it cracked (again, the wall, not her).

She poofed and her gem lands in his hand. He pockets her gem and he approached the green one who held her hands up, surrendering. He grabbed her collar and pushed her against the wall.

(Batman) Your leaders. Where are they?

(Jade) Upstairs, I promise. Please, don't hurt me.

He dropped her.

(Batman) I won't...

He went to the stairs but looked over his shoulder.

(Batman) If you know what's good for you, you turn yourself in immediately.

He walks upstairs. Ready for whatever they have planned and he hopes it's the last time he has to face Jasper and Pearl for the night. His body is getting closer to collapse.

The Palace:

(Yellow Diamond) Blue, White, look at this!

(Blue Diamond) (gasp)

(White Diamond) Is this true?

(Yellow Diamond) Yes, get Pink.

They rushed to her door.

(Blue Diamond) Pink, come out.

(Yellow Diamond) I promise you, this is something you want to see.

The door opens and Pink stood there, looking tired. But her expression change the second her eyes were fixated on something.

(Steven) Mom!

They both hugged and she cried into his shoulder.

(Pink Diamond) Steven! Where have you been?!

(Steven) I was taken by the pearl. She kept me hidden forever.

(Blue Diamond) Bruce said you'd died.

(Steven) He was wrong. The pearl made him see that.

(Pink Diamond) I'm so glad you're alive!

(Steven) Me, too. Well, I mean, obviously, because I'm alive right now.

(White Diamond) Oh, Wayne would feel much, much better knowing you're alive.

(Steven) How did he take it?

(White Diamond) Not good, not good at all. He blames himself for your demise.

(Steven) He shouldn't. There was nothing he could do.

(Yellow Diamond) Me and him were taking apart the checkpoints by the rebel. He also found me a very hilarious spinel. The poor thing was beaten on by the rebels.

(Steven) I should talk to her sometime.

(Pink Diamond) It's good to have you back, Steven.

She hugs her son, feeling like how she was two years ago the night she came back when White removed his gem. Suddenly, the screens not just in the Palace, but all of Homeworld turned on to the same channel and the city intercoms were activated.

[Speakers] Good evening, Homeworld. Welcome to our midnight performance.

It's the pearl. The camera is zoomed in to her.

[Speakers] What I have for you for entertainment is the showdown of the millennia. The grand finale we've all been waiting for. Homeworld's greatest and strongest quartz ever produced versus Earth's greatest and strongest human ever produced.

The camera pans out to see Batman standing on the middle of the platform on top of the Centeral Tower. And then, rebels climbed up and joined the fight.

[Speakers] Of course, the fight is heavily weighed in Jasper's favor, but this should be interesting to see, nonetheless.

Jasper climbs up and is ready to fight.

[Speakers] Begin!

All of Homeworld can see the fight that is about to ensue on the Central Tower. Some of the rebels stepped back when Jasper approached Batman.

(Jasper) A compassionate one would be at home, mourning over the loss of a friend right now. Yet, here you are.

She charged at him. He moves out of the way before she hits him. She made sure she doesn't run off the edge, which would've been bad for her.

Pearl sits on a chair that's elevated from the fight. She leans forward to get a closer look.

(Rebel) Jasper's gonna kick his butt.

Jasper redirected herself at Batman and he jumps over her. He swung his cape which hit her face to blind her. As she tried to regain her sight, Batman was beating on her.

He jabbed rapidly in multiple directs of her form. He then jumps and kicks her in the face. He then activated his Shock Gloves.

He leaps at her and wrapped his arm around her neck. He punched her lower back to electrocute her. She suddenly jolted out of his grip which made him let her go.

(Pearl) Uh oh! You made her angry.

She chuckled. Jasper charged at Batman again, but he jumped over a rebel to dodge her. She accidentally rammed into the rebel who was unfortunate enough to get in her way.

(Rebels) Kill him! Kill him! Kill him!

Batman dodged a few attacks from the rebels he's near and Jasper charged at him. Batman couldn't handle the rebels and Jasper at once. He jumps over another rebel and Jasper collided into the small group of rebels.

(Jasper) Stay out of my way!

Batman needed to deal with the rebels before fighting Jasper. But how? Jasper jumps up and lands on the ground with a shockwave that pushes everyone on the ground.

Batman jumped before it hit him. He figured out how to deal with the rebels. He jumps up high like Jasper, used his adrenaline to grab a lot of Batarangs from his belt, and threw one each to every single rebel that was on the ground.

The Batarangs hit the rebels and poofed them all simultaneously. Now, there's Jasper fight. He runs to her and he doesn't need to use his cape to stun her.

He used the Shock Gloves to do extra damage to her and to get even more critical hits to her form. He leaps around her with his arm wrapped around her neck. He repeats his previous action and shoved his fist in her lower back.

She leaped forward because of the electricity forcing her to jump up.

(Jasper) Now you break!

She charged again. Batman keeps evading her.

(Pearl) Whoo, she's on a roll.

Her feet stomping on the ground, shaking the ground. Batman ran to the side.

Joker: Toot toot! Watch out for the Jasper Train!

(Jasper) You cannot win!

Batman leaps over her.

(Jasper) Run for your life!

Jasper charged again, like a bull. She activates a helmet with horns on the front. It's similar to Batman's cowl.

The horns, which are supposed to be ears, on Batman's cowl is on the back of his cowl, meanwhile Jasper's is on the front of her helmet. Jasper steps on the gemstones of the rebels and they shattered into pieces, but she doesn't care. She wants to win.

(Jasper) You must face me!

Batman's Shock Gloves powered out. Great, now he has to wait for them to recharge. Jasper is incoming quick.

He threw a Freeze Blast at her and it froze her feet. She nearly fell over. She got herself free.

At least she's not running around like a bull. She tried to punch him but he grabbed her wrist to stop her punch for a second and hits her stomach with his fist. She leans forward involuntarily and he gets a strong, direct right hook to the face and she spun around.

She stomps the ground which made him lose his balance and she yanks him up with her left hand and her other hand ready to punch him. He caught the punch with his left hand, hit Jasper's face with his knee which disoriented her, her grip loosened and Batman did a backflip off her left knee to get away from her. She tromped over to him.

Batman jumped over her again but she grabbed his ankle and slammed him to the ground. He groans as he felt some of the inpact in his back.

Joker: Come on, Bats, just let go and let me fight this brute. I will certainly win.

Jasper tried to get him while he was on the ground, but he kicks her with both his feet at full force to make her back up. He flips back on his feet.

Joker: Oh, that's your problem, Bats. You never go all out, even when the enemy can take it. You still hold back against gems even though they can't be killed like people. You know when you hold back for too long, you eventually lose your strength? It's true. It's why I never held back anything when I was alive. Come on, just slug a full punch at Jasper, show her that you aren't a pushover.

He actually listened when he punched Jasper without any hesitation in his punch. She actually stumbled back a little. Pearl's eyes tinkled in astonishment, like she's been waiting for this.

(Pearl) Finally...

Batman was getting restless over this fight. It's getting them nowhere and he just wants to end tonight so badly. Desperation finally takes a hold of the Dark Knight tonight.

Jasper's physical properties may outmatch Batman, but with his tactical mind and unmatched skill in combat, she's bound to lose if he didn't hold back. She threw a punch but he ducks and striked at her abdomen with his fist, each punch dealing more damage than the next. The anger-fueled punchs actually felt satisfying to him.

Jasper gripped abdomen in pain. That's right, for once, Jasper felt actually pain. Then, she received a punch in her face that sent her to fly back.

She could've sworn she had a flashback to when Garnet punched her face like that. He's beating her like Garnet did, except he's not singing. She got kicked over.

He broke her right arm by putting his boot on her elbow and forcing her arm to bend backwards whilst it's on the ground. He broke her left wrist by grabbed it and twisting it 180°. She whined in pain, nobody's ever done that to her, nor did gems ever break the limbs of their enemy.

But he's not a gem. He's a human who she should've never crossed. And now, she's about to learn why.

As she's on the ground, Batman picks up her huge body with both hands and lifts her upward, she's facing the sky. She exclaimed as nobody ever held her up to where she's defenseless. She can't do anything but kick her legs back and forth which don't help her one bit.

She can't hit him because he's broken her arms. She's utterly powerless and at his mercy. What he's about to do will forever scar her.

He holds his knee up and slammed her back into it, breaking her in half literally before she poofed. Her ego and reputation were hit harder than her from hitting his knee. He'd thank Bane if he was still alive.

All of Homeworld witnessed Batman doing that to Jasper. As if defeating the Diamonds wouldn't be enough to scare away any potential offenders. This sent a strong message: if Batman can get to the Diamonds and Jasper, he can get to anybody on Homeworld.

He picks up her gem and pockets it in his belt. Now, he's holding onto four gems. Pearl jumps down from her chair.

(Pearl) Nicely done, Batman!

She congratulated him, honestly impressed. She held her hands up.

(Pearl) I'll surrender if you can handle this.

She blast his face with her eyes.

(Pearl) I've noticed that you have a little something inside of you that's begging to come out. Let's see if we can get it to come out.

Joker: I think she's talking about me, Bats. Or your little friend, but let's go with me. She's about to set me free. (chuckling)

Everything went dark for both Batman and the ghost.

In Batman's Mind:

The clown opens his eyes to find himself in a different environment. He can't see anything, but thankfully he had a flashlight. He explores the inner machinations of Batman's mind.

Joker: Bats? Where did you go?

He searched for the host of the body.

Joker: It's no use to hide, Batsy. I don't need you anyway. I just need to find the controls of this body and go out on a killing spree. I can't wait!

He gleefully skips forward. He finds a level that has a word "exit" written on it.

Joker: You know, this place is a little spooky. But for me? Ha! What do I got to be afraid of?!

A thud was heard behind him. He turns around to see a cell door. He... he knows that cell...

That's the solitary confinement cell in Arkham...

???: You're afraid of being ashes...

A voice spoke, a familiar one.

???: You're afraid of being forgotten... And you will be forgotten, Joker...

The door opens.

Batman: Because of me...

The clown flinched. Him? Scared? What kind of sick joke is this?

Joker forgotten? That's impossible. Not after what he has done. Nobody's mentioned his name in... how long was it?

Batman approached him. The clown timidly steps back but he got grabbed and held up high with a single arm.

Batman: I am vengeance. I am the night. I am Batman!

He declares and threw the clown to the cell. But Joker held on the cell. Doing this left him exposed and Batman forced him into the cell by being beaten.

He got kicked in there.

Joker: No! Bats, wait!

He closed the door and the clown was too late to run out.

Joker: NO! PLEASE! NO!

Batman: Goodbye, Joker.

Joker: NO, BRUCE! DON'T LEAVE ME, PLEASE!

He pushed the cell away. The clown moved his arm outside the cell, in a pathetic attempt to reach out for Batman. He cries out.

Joker: I need you...

But he doesn't need him.

Reality:

Batman opened his eyes. Pearl looked disappointed.

(Pearl) Better luck next time, I suppose.

She was grabbed and she braced for a beating.

The Palace:

The doors opened. Steven and the Diamonds watched as Batman entered the room, the pearl being practically carried. She has bruises and tears all over her.

(Steven) Bruce!

He could see expression change in Batman's eyes as they flinched a little when he saw Steven.

(Pearl) I bet that's a relief, isn't it?

He dropped her. Yellow grabbed the pearl and put restraints on her. Batman also handed her the poof gems he defeated earlier tonight.

(Batman) I'm glad you're okay.

White moved to him and checked him.

(Batman) I'm better now.

(White Diamond) I'll be the judge of that.

She reads his mind and mentality after she puts her hand on his forehead of the cowl. She looked actually surprised to not find anything.

(White Diamond) It's... gone?

(Batman) Yes.

(White Diamond) No more fourth wall breaks, I suppose.

(Steven) What?

(White Diamond) Nothing. Don't worry about it.

(Blue Diamond) Anyway, all the remaining rebels were apprehended by Yellow and her trusted members. No loose ends left.

(White Diamond) The night is over. You can finally get some well earned rest.

Batman walks to the Warp Pad that leads to Earth.

(Steven) I'll go, too. I'm a little tired, too.

He followed Batman to the Warp Pad.

(Pink Diamond) I'll go, too. I'm not letting Steven out of my sight any time soon.

(Blue Diamond) Very well. Come back soon, Pink.

(White Diamond) Tell Wayne to come back after he rests.

She nods.

Outside of the Palace:

(Amethyst Guard) I knew Batman would win.

(Ruby Guard) Yeah, right.

(Amethyst Guard) It's true. If he can fight Yellow and live, what chance did Jasper have? Plus, did you see how hard he hit her? She nearly fell over.

(Ruby Guard) Yeah, but-- Never mind. Never liked Jasper anyway.

(Amethyst Guard) She's still alive.

(Ruby Guard) Yeah, but after what happened, she'll never be seen the same way again. Everyone will think she's a pushover now. Trust me, with her reputation and ego going down, I'm sure she won't find any other purpose to even live.

(Amethyst Guard) Jeez. You think that's why Batman doesn't shatter?

(Ruby Guard) What do you mean?

(Amethyst Guard) Whenever Batman defeats a gem, he hurts them badly, but makes sure they're alive. Maybe he's smart enough to know keeping them alive is more punishing than execution?

(Ruby Guard) You're reading too much into it. I think it's because of some high and mighty self-righteousness. An unbreakable moral code.

(Amethyst Guard) My verison's better.

The ruby scoffed and rolled her eyes.

End of 3rd Night