3rd Person P.O.V.

9 days after Pink Diamond returned to Earth.

Steven had received a tape from Batman. It's a tape from his suit camera that was dated two days ago. Steven, Pink, and Greg watched it.

Steven knew who the Riddler is and had to explain him to Pink. They found his constant self praise annoying and his overconfident insults to Batman even more annoying. Pink watched in awe how Batman is capable is performing acts that seem beyond what the average man is capable of doing.

The three of them laughed and wheezed when Batman yanked Riddler from the floor and forced him to walk around, thinking he'll die if he stopped. It was poetic justice. Pink enjoyed laughing along with her husband and son, she enjoyed doing anything with them.

Reading, singing, walking, anything activity that the three of them could do together. Pink felt very bad when she heard that Batman didn't have a mother or father growing up. He spent most of his life preparing to become something that nobody else probably could become.

She was glad to hear that Alfred is his father figure, at least he has someone to see when he comes home. Steven and Pink wish to see what Batman's home is, especially since he's rich. Although, how they would get there is something they don't know yet.

Gotham is only a state or two away, but the traveling there would be very long using a car. The Batwing gets Batman there within minutes, but it's not possible for everyone to go with him on a single trip. Maybe one day Steven would build a Warp Pad in Gotham or in Wayne Manor to be a fast travel.

But they would need his permission and he probably may not want a Warp Pad in Gotham, because any gem could get in Gotham and that would be trouble if they roam around. Today, Steven wakes up to see Pink and Greg enjoying some coffee.

(Pink Diamond) Oh, Steven! I'm glad you've awaken! It's been too long.

(Steven) It was only for eight hours, Mom.

(Pink Diamond) Too much time away from you.

(Greg) I only got five hours of sleep because she's too excited.

(Steven) Mom, you've been here with us for nine days, shouldn't you be calmed down by then?

(Pink Diamond) Time for gems are really fast, especially as a Diamond.

(Steven) I know. But still, nine days is enough, right?

(Pink Diamond) Nope. There can never be a time where I don't miss my family.

(Steven) It's not about not seeing us again, it's more about space. Being patient is a virtue.

(Pink Diamond) Sorry, I'm just so happy to be back!

(Greg) So are we. But we can't stay awake for all eternity like you. It'd be nice, though.

(Steven) Bruce can stay awake longer than us. He's used to be awake a long time and sleeping for a short time, too. I kinda wish Bruce lived here in Beach City.

(Greg) I think he's happy where he is. And if he moves to Beach City, I would no longer be the richest man.

They saw a ship landing on the beach. Steven, Greg, and Pink go outside to investigate this matter. Steven saw someone who looked familiar.

(Steven) (gasp) Lars!

He rushed to him and hugged him.

(Lars) Whoa, hold on, I just stepped foot on this planet.

(Steven) You look... different. Is that a cape? Where did you get those clothes?

(Lars) I found them. Come meet my crew.

(Steven) Your crew?

(Lars) Yes. When you left, I explored the caves of wherever I was and found a couple of gems who were referred as the off colors. They're basically the black sheep of gem kind. Okay, this is Padparadscha.

(Padparadscha) I detect that I'm about to meet the Steven.

(Lars) She's can predict what already happen.

(Steven) Nice to meet you.

(Lars) This is Fluorite, a fusion of six gems. She's the cheif engineer of the ship.

(Fluorite) Helloooo Steeeeven.

(Steven) Hi. Lars, where did you get the ship?

(Lars) We stole it from Emerald.

(Steven) Who's Emerald?

(Lars) A captain. Like me.

(Steven) You're a captain?

(Lars) Yep. We're like space pirates.

(Steven) Cool! Who else is in your crew?

(Lars) The Rutile Twins. They're like a siamese twin, except they're a gem.

(Left Rutile) Hello.

(Right Rutile) Greetings.

(Lars) They're the pilot. And this is our strategic operations, Rhodonite.

(Rhodonite) H-hello.

(Lars) She's a star crossed fusion.

(Steven) Hello. You kinda look like Garnet.

(Rhodonite) Thanks, you're Steven, right?

(Steven) Yep. Oh, Lars, I'm sorry that I had forgotten about you.

(Lars) It's okay. I'm kinda glad you didn't rescue me. Because I wouldn't have all this awesome gear.

(Steven) Still, I feel bad.

(Lars) It's okay. Hey, how have you been? Last time I saw you, you were freaking out because I died.

(Steven) I'm fine. And I got my Mom back!

(Pink Diamond) You're Lars.

(Lars) Whoa, Pink Diamond? I thought Rose Quartz is Steven's mom.

(Pink Diamond) It's a long confusing story, but to make it short, I'm Steven's mother and Steven's a human boy.

(Lars) Wow. I missed a lot.

(Steven) Homeworld has changed. It's a new era. The Diamonds have changed.

(Rhodonite) That's not possible.

(Pink Diamond) Take it from me. They have. I guess you haven't heard the news.

(Lars) No. Because we're constantly chased by Emerald. We came to Earth because she doesn't know where it is.

(Steven) If you're having trouble, you should have someone to come with you.

(Lars) Like who?

(Steven) Batman.

(Lars) BATMAN?!

(Padparadscha) I detect that Steven is going to surprise Captain Lars.

(Left Rutile Twin) The Batman?

(Right Rutile Twin) Lars, who is Batman?

(Steven) You never told them about Batman?

(Lars) Look, I had a lot going on my mind. I totally forgot to tell them about Batman.

(Rhodonite) W-who is the Batman?

(Steven) He's a hunan that is a lot like your captain. He's heroic.

(Fluorite) Theeeee Baaaaatmaaan?

(Lars) I forgot that you can call him.

(Steven) You want me to call him?

(Lars) S-Sure! Okay, crew, let's be professional when he gets here.

(Padparadscha) I predict that Steven is going to call the Batman.

(Lars) Okay, so when can he get here?

(Steven) He always shows up after a few minutes when I call. Hold on. I can't really speak his identity next to you. So, I'll be over there.

He steps away and Lars and his crew were waiting for him to return.

(Pink Diamond) So, what's your crew name?

(Lars) We're the Off Colors!

(Pink Diamond) What an intriguing name. Why did you choose it?

(Lars) Homeworld referred to them as off color because they're defective by their standards. But they're perfect to me and the best crew I could ever ask for.

(Off Colors) Aww, we love you too, Lars.

Seconds later.

(Padparadscha) Oh, thank you, Captain Lars.

Steven rushes back.

(Steven) Batman says he's coming. He'll be here soon.

(Lars) Okay! Okay! Okay! Whew!

(Left Rutile Twin) I've never seen Captain Lars so excited before.

(Right Rutile Twin) Me neither.

(Lars) This is the Batman I'm talking about! The Batman!

(Steven) That's exactly how I acted when I heard he was coming.

(Rhodonite) S-so, can you explain to us how this Bat-Man is similar to Captain Lars?

(Steven) He's the guy who takes big risks to save everyone else and he wears clothes like Lars'. And he has cool gadgets.

(Lars) It's true, he's awesome!

(Padparadscha) Captain Lars supports Steven's idea of Batman being similar to Captain Lars.

(Steven) Trust me, he's-- That's him!

Everyone looks up in the sky to see some black clad creature flying to them.

(Lars) He's-- He's here!

He lands.

(Batman) Evening, Steven.

(Steven) Hey, Batman. This is Lars.

(Lars) B-Batman, sir!

(Batman) Hello, Lars.

He shook his hand.

(Lars) W-wow, you must squeeze a stress ball a lot, heh.

(Rhodonite) (whispers) I've never seen Captain Lars so timid before.

(Left Rutile Twin) (whipsers) Me neither.

(Lars) What has Steven told you about me?

(Batman) He told me you died and was brough back from the dead. And you have a crew of gems that are considered to be defective from Homeworld society.

(Lars) That's all correct information, sir.

(Batman) Steven said I could come with you to investigate about Emerald.

(Lars) Oh, it would be an honor, sir. Come on in the ship, I'll fill you in.

Batman followed the reanimated teenager inside the ship.

(Steven) Wow, last time Lars was like that, he was trying to fit in with the cool kids. He even said, "bingo bongo!"

(Pink Diamond) Bingo bongo? (Giggles) That's silly.

(Steven) Yeah. I thunk it's his catchphrase. I hope he and Bruce get along. Oh, wait, I almost forgot. Lars!

Lars comes back out with Batman following him.

(Lars) What?

(Steven) Be sure to bring Batman back to Earth before morning. Which is in like nine hours.

(Lars) Okay, sure. I'll just--

(Batman) I can keep track of time for nine hours. Let's go.

(Lars) R-right. So, see ya in nine hours or less.

The crew went inside and the door closed. The ship took off.

(Pink Diamond) Steven, can we play those board games you've spoke about?

(Steven) Sure. Monopoly or Trouble?

(Pink Diamond) Both!

(Steven) Let's start with Monopoly.

In space

Lars' ship

(Lars) That's everybody, Batman.

(Batman) Nice to meet your crew. What do you and your crew do when you're in space?

(Lars) We travel around and loot anything that's property of Emerald. Well, we don't actively steal. We take an opportunity when we're given one. But we spent the last few days trying to get away from Emerald.

(Batman) Emerald?

(Lars) She's a gem captain whose chasing us. Even after Homeworld changing, I guess. She must've not heard the news.

(Batman) Well, you and your crew haven't either.

(Lars) Well, whether she heard it or not, she won't care because all she wants is her ship back and me dead.

(Batman) Perharps a compromise could resolve the issue.

(Lars) Hey, that's not a bad idea.

(Rhodonite) It seems less risky than attacking her.

(Lars) Rutile Twins, send a call to Emerald.

(Rutile Twins) Yes, Captain Lars.

The twins worked on the telecommunications and a screen appeared with the gem captain.

[Communicator] (Emerald) Oh, it's you off colors again... and Wayne?!

(Off Colors) Wayne?

(Lars) Wait, you're Bruce Wayne?

Batman shurgged his shoulders.

(Padparadscha) I predict that Emerald is going to reveal the identity of the Batman to Captain Lars and it's Bruce Wayne!

(Batman) That's correct.

(Lars) You know Batman?

[Communicator] (Emerald) Know him?! He's the reason why I was disbanded by Yellow Diamond!

(Batman) I apologize for my involvement with the Diamonds. We were just trying to cure Earth from gem corruption.

[Communicator] (Emerald) Oh, really? You think I'm goimg to believe that?

(Batman) Believe what you will. I can't change what happened.

[Communicator] (Emerald) Captain Lars, why did you call?

(Lars) I call to settle a compromise between us. Maybe we can have some sort of trade to make us neutral with each other?

[Communicator] (Emerald) How about returning my ship to me? Maybe then, all will be forgiven.

(Lars) Except I kinda need it to travel. Anything else?

She put her hand to her chin and they could hear her feet tapping on the floor.

[Communicator] (Emerald) Oh, I know! Bring me Wayne. I want to show him how much I appreciate him interfering with my status.

She grins like someone planning something devious.

(Rhodonite) I think she wants to kill him.

(Batman) (sarcastically) Really?

[Communicator] (Emerald) Yes! I want to mount his head on my wall and his equipment! In fact, bring me his head and his equipment and you can keep my ship.

(Batman) I can give you some of my equipment. But I'm afraid my head is off limits.

[Communicator] (Emerald) Well, either Captain Lars brings me my ship, or you. That's my demands.

The screen turns off.

(Fluorite) Caaaaptain Laaaaaars, whaaat doooo weee doooo?

(Lars) I... I don't know. We can't give her the ship, we need it. But we can't give her Batman.

(Batman) It's okay. Give me to her and I can change her mind. I can be persuasive in a lot of ways.

(Lars) Are you sure?

(Batman) I battled the Diamonds and lived. I'm sure she isn't as difficult as them.

(Lars) Yeah, but she has, like, a lot of soldiers. And her she has a sword that could cut you in two.

(Batman) I'll be fine.

(Padparadscha) I detect that Batman is going to give in to Emerald's demands and is going to surrender himself to her.

(Batman) Not exactly, but close enough. Call her again.

Lars hit a request.

[Communicator] (Emerald) Have you come up with a decision?

(Lars) Yes.

(Batman) I'm all yours.

[Communicator] (Emerald) (squeals in excitement) Excellent! Bring him to me.

(Lars) Send us your coordinates and we'll arrive.

She typed them on her control panel.

[Communicator] (Emerald) There. Now, I'll be waiting for you, Wayne.

The screen turns off.

(Lars) Are you sure about this?

(Batman) Yes. Can you explain more about Emerald to me? I would like to know who I'm meeting.

(Lars) Well, she is a little obsessive with things. Which I'm sure is nothing to you since you've probably met and dealt with a lot of obsessive people. She's one of the those people who likes their things and hate thieves. She also likes power, like the control of power. I think that's why she's mad at you. You took that power away.

(Batman) She's an obsessive megalomaniac who doesn't like others touching her things.

(Lars) Yeah. What you said.

He could tell Lars didn't understood megalomaniac.

(Batman) Megalomaniac is a term for someone who has a compulsive lust for dominance and/or urge for control.

(Lars) Thanks for explaining that to me.

The ship zooms over to Emerald's ship. Both ships are compatible with each other. The ship connects itself to Emerald's, that way, Batman can be handed over without going out in space.

He probably should've brought the XE suit. They heard footsteps approaching the bay door. The door opens to reveal Emerald and three amethysts behind her.

(Emerald) Greetings, Wayne.

(Lars) Bingo Bongo.

She shot Lars a glare. Then resumes her attention to Batman. She holds her hand out, expecting something in it.

Bruce looks at her with a little confusion in her eyes. Was she wanting to hold his hand?

(Emerald) Your equipment.

(Batman) Let's just talk about this.

(Emerald) Oh, we'll talk. But, we'll discuss somewhere private. And I don't feel comfortable with your equipment in your possession, you could use them anytime and I need to take some precautions. You understand, right?

He reluctantly took off his belt and gave it to her.

(Batman) I'll need that back when we're done.

(Emerald) Not if you're dead.

(Batman) We can compromise without anybody getting hurt.

(Emerald) Sure. It all depends on your choice of words.

She beckoned him to follow her and he did. The amethysts followed them. Lars prayed he leaves her ship alive.

Batman followed Emerald into a room. While they were walking earlier, Batman counted ten soldiers on her ship, half of them are amethysts, two are rubies, and the last three are peridots. He could take them if it comes to it without his equipment.

Emerald puts his belt on her waist, it barely fits her. She tried moving it to see if she could make it work. Batman does nothing but watch her trying to model his belt.

(Batman) If you want, I could get you a belt of your own.

She looks up.

(Emerald) Charming. But I'm not here to discuss about "belts."

She tried to take it off. Except she didn't know how. Batman walks up to her and got behind her.

(Batman) Like this.

He puts his hands at the center of it and pushed on it and pulled the belt off. The two ends looked compatible with each other and can be attached together. She blushed green.

(Emerald) Anyway, you took my status away from me. Now I'm no different than the common soldier. I worked hard for thousands of years and all of it is reduced to "equality." It's disrespectful to the soldiers who gave their lives for the war that was nothing but Pink Diamond's twisted little game.

(Batman) It's not like that. We honor the fallen.

(Emerald) How would you know? You Earthlings are shortlived and fragile compared to gemkind.

(Batman) Not me.

(Emerald) Why do you say that?

(Batman) I defeated Yellow Diamond in a fistfight. Although, she had a sword. Humans can be useful, but what your empire did wasn't fair to the countless lives that were taken because of it.

(Emerald) So what?

He gripped her collar with both hands and lifts her off the grounds.

(Batman) It's disrespectful to those who died for the sake of a overpopulated empire. There's enough gems and colonies, you don't need anymore. Think about it, Emerald, you lost your job, thats it. The creatures who were killed by the colonies lost everything they had, especially their lives. You still have your ship, your equipment, your soldiers, nothing has changed. The only difference is your record being changed.

Emerald looked like she has nothing to say.

(Batman) Lars could be willing to return the ship to you. Maybe you both can share.

He gently placed her back on her feet.

(Batman) What do you say?

Emerald looked conflicted on not knowing what to choose. She sighed.

(Emerald) I suppose we could compromise about our ships and crew. But...

She looked embarrassed.

(Batman) What?

(Emerald) I... I like the rivalry we have. It's the only thing that gets the adrenaline rushing in these days.

(Batman) Well, you both can have some sort of rivalry while sharing the same ship. It can't be something dangerous. You just need to talk to him.

(Emerald) (inhales then exhales) Okay, fine.

She gave him his belt back and they both walked back to the control room on Lars' side of the ship. To the Off Color's surprise, they find it unbelievable they came back.

(Lars) Thank God.

(Batman) Lars, Emerald wants to talk to you.

She steps towards him and he looks at her confused.

(Emerald) Captain Lars, Wayne stated that we could, perhaps, share the ships and we could... we...

(Batman) She enjoyed being your rival. It's the most fun she has when she was discontinued from her service.

(Emerald) Y-yes.

(Lars) Uh, sure. We could share the ships and could still be rivals. We just can't kill each other

(Emerald) Okay, that's good enough.

(Lars) We can discuss this more, but I need to take Batman back to Earth first.

Later

On Earth

(Greg) How long have we been playing Monopoly?

(Pink Diamond) 5 hours 21 minutes and 43 seconds and counting.

(Steven) (yawns) Monopoly can be played for a infinite amount of time.

He looked out the window to see Lars' ship landing. Although, it didn't stay there for long since it dropped off Batman and left. Steven rushes outside.

(Steven) You're back. How was it?

(Batman) It went well. I resolved the conflict.

(Steven) That's awesome. You wanna stay here for tonight?

(Batman) Thanks, Steven, but I have to go back home. I wouldn't want to worry Alfred.

(Steven) Okay. Thanks for coming. I know you probably had better things to do.

(Batman) I don't.

(Steven) Still. You didn't have to come here but you did anyway. I appreciate that.

He hugged his leg (because he's so small compared to him). Batman pats his head and ruffled his hair a little before calling the Batwing over.

(Steven) Bye, Bruce.

(Batman) Stay safe, Steven.

He grappled away.

End of Chapter 11

3/21/2021