Chapter 7: The Question

I had to change the name of this Chapter multiple times.


3rd Person P.O.V.


(Steven) Wait, you knew about this?


(Garnet) Rose Quartz... is Pink Diamond? I don't understand...


(Amethyst) Let me get this straight. Rose Quartz, the leader of the Crystal Gems, Steven's mom, was actually Pink Diamond?!


(Batman) Yes. All I know is that she faked her shattering. The reason why is still unknown.


(Pearl) Pink Diamond's final command to me was that no one could know. But now


(Batman) Did she knew that thousands of lives would die because of her secret?


(Pearl) S-she knew, but tried to prevent it.


(Batman) Many innocent lives on both sides of the war were taken because of her decision. Why would she do that?


(Pearl) I--


(Garnet) Rose...


Garnet stood up.


(Garnet) She... she... (groaning)


She unfused.


(Ruby) Sapphire!


(Sapphire) She lied to us! She lied about everything! She held our hands, looked us right into our eyes and told us to never question who we are as Garnet! We never questioned ourselves or her.


(Ruby) We couldn't have known.


(Sapphire) No! You couldn't have known. You never known what's going on. That's what I'm for.


(Ruby) Sapphire.


(Sapphire) But I never looked into her. I trusted her. I let her make fools of us all!


She ran to the Warp.


(Ruby) Sapphire, wait! Please. We could just stay calm and talk about this, right? Let's just talk.


(Sapphire) Talk about what? How our relationship is based on a lie? What else is there to say?


She warped away. Ruby fell on her knees, tears going down her face.


(Pearl) Ruby, I'm so sorry.


(Steven) Come on, Pearl. Help me explain everything to Sapphire.


(Pearl) Right.


(Steven) Bruce, you're coming for support.


Steven went to Ruby and placed a hand on her shoulder


(Steven) Sit tight, Ruby. We'll go and get Sapphire.


(Batman) We'll get her back.


(Ruby) Okay...


She then breaks down into sobbing.


Rose's Spring


They went here first.


(Pearl) Maybe she's here.


The entire place was frozen and had snow everywhere. Sapphire was definitely here.


(Steven) Sapphire!


He can see her. They went to her.


(Sapphire) Everything we were running from, she was right there all along, using us for her little war, smiling at us with those knowing eyes, making me believe in a better future that I couldn't see, because it wasn't real, and now, here we are, our friends shattered and corrupted. Of course she was Diamond. What a long road she took to torture us like this.


(Steven) It wasn't like that. You know shr didn't want anyone to get hurt.


(Sapphire) I don't know that. I clearly don't know anything.


(Pearl) You deserve to know everything. I was given to Pink Diamond just a few thousand years before she was given the Earth. I was supposed to make her happy. I just never could... I introduced her the idea of disguising herself as a quartz to fit in with the other amethysts at the Prime Kindergarten. She was looking for excitement.


(Steven) So it was all just so she could get out and have some fun?


(Pearl) Well, that's how it started... We traveled the planet and examined its contents. Until she saw humans and what they were. Preexisting creatures that are native to the planet. She then knew that the colony would've killed them all.


(Steven) So she did want to protect Earth. She didn't realize what the colony was doing to the planet.


(Sapphire) So what?! She suddenly started to care about Earth?


(Batman) More like she grew a conscience about the lives that would've been taken just for the sake of an empire already growing at large at the expense of other lifeforms.


(Sapphire) Why did she have to rope us into all this? Why couldn't she just stop the colonization herself?


(Pearl) She tried. When she told the other Diamonds she didn't want to go through with the colony, they told her to finish what she started. When she told the other Diamonds she wsnted to preserve life on Earth, they created the Human Zoo and threw a handful of humans in. She did everything she could as Pink Diamond, but her status meant nothing to Blue and Yellow, so she decided to make a stand as someone they couldn't ignore. She was going to scare every gem off the planet, but everything changed when she saw your fusion. Before Garnet, Rose was only fighting for Earth, but Garnet changed everything. Rose wanted to fight for her. She wanted to fight for gems, and maybe she was foolish and maybe even selfish, but she was...


(Sapphire) Following us.


(Pearl) What?


(Sapphire) This whole time, we thought we were following her, but she was following us. How could she not after you swept her off her feet?


(Pearl) Wha--what? Me?


(Steven) Are you kidding? You took her on this whirlwind tour of Earth, and then she wanted to live here with you forever.


(Sapphire) That's just how I felt when I came here with... Ruby! Oh, no! We have to get back right away!


They went to the Warp Pad to get back home.


At the house


They warped in the livingroom.


(Sapphire) Ruby, I'm so sorry! Where... Huh?


She saw a note written for Sapphire.


(Sapphire) Oh, no.


She picks uo the note and moved her hair out of the way so she can read the note with her one eye.


(Sapphire) "Sapphire, you were right. I need some time to think. So I am running away. -Ruby" This can't be happening.


She starts to cry.


(Sapphire) Oh, Ruby, I'm so sorry! You left before I could take back all the horrible things I said to you!


(Pearl) Well, Amethyst was with her, right? Maybe she knows whete she went.


They went to see Amethyst who is playing a game on Steven's gaming console.


(Steven) Amethyst, have you seen Ruby?


(Amethyst) Yeah, I've seen her. She asked for pen and paper a while ago. Why?


(Pearl) Because she ran away. Did you see where she went?


(Amethyst) I don't know. Maybe she'll come back! It's not my job to babysit her.


(Batman) Sapphire, do you see Ruby coming back in your future vision?


(Sapphire) Oh, maybe! But she's so wonderful and spontaneous. I have no idea what she... Why would she be a cowboy?!


She cried into Pearl's legs.


(Pearl) There, there. It's going to be okay. She's going to come back. She's got to come back. If she doesn't, then there would be no more Garnet, and what on Earth would we do without Garnet?


(Sapphire) Oh, Pearl! How will I ever get her back?


They hugged.


(Pearl) I don't know! You two are incredible together!


They both softly cried.


(Steven) Okay, it looks like it's up to us to find Ruby. Bruce, you're the detective, where would she go?


They both went outside. Batman spotted something in the sand.


(Batman) Footprints. That could be her footprints. It's the best lead we have at the moment.


They followed the footprints to the carwash.


(Steven) Maybe my Dad has seen her.


But he wasn't there strangely. The van wasn't there either.


(Steven) Where did Dad go?


Batman used Detective Mode to followed the tire tracks.


(Batman) Follow me.


(Steven) Wait up!


They both jogged aftr the tire teacks and it leads them uphill. They find both Greg and Ruby.


(Steven) There they are. After everything Sapphire said, she must be heartbroken.


They approached them. They are eating pizza.


(Steven) Hey guys.


(Ruby) Steven? How'd you find me?


(Steven) Well, I had Batman with me and he's the world's greatest detective. He can find anybody.


(Greg) Ruby was just telling me about your mom.


(Steven) Oh, are you okay?


(Greg) Well, I fell in love with Rose Quartz and she fell in love with Mr. Universe. Sure she never told me she used to be Pink Diamond, but (chuckles) I never told her I used to be Gregory Demayo.


(Steven) So, how are yo holding up, Ruby?


(Ruby) I'm okay. Want a slice?


(Steven) Um, thank you.


He took a slice.


(Ruby) How about you, Batman?


(Batman) Not hungry.


(Steven) Wait, you seemed so sad before.


(Ruby) Yeah, but me and Greg talked it out. I'm fine now.


(Steven) Are you sure?


(Ruby) Yeah, Sapphire was kinda right about everything. We really did stay Garnet because Rose told us we were... the... answer. It's my first time really thinking about it. It's my first time really thinking about me!


(Steven) What do you mean?


(Ruby) Back when I emerged, the first thing I did was get crammed together with a bunch of other rubies, then I was with Sapphire all the time. I was always checking in with someone, but now I can go wherever the wind takes me. I'm up here, eating pizza, reading comics! I dunno if Sapphire wants to read comics! I don't have to know!


She does a backflip up the van.


(Ruby) The rest of my life could be like this! I don't have to be Garnet, I could be on my own!


(Greg) Sure.


(Batman) Okay.


(Steven) What?! B-but you guys love each other! You're my favorite couple! You're like sugar and flour! I love eating them separately but I still want cake!


(Greg) Wait, what?


(Steven) I'm sure Sapphire would want--


(Ruby) I'm not focused about what Sapphire wants. I'm seeing my own future now, and it's nothin' but Ruby!


(Steven) But--


(Batman) If she doesn't want to be Garnet, you can't force her to. It's good to be independent.


(Steven) What if they never form Garnet again?! We gotta get 'em back together!


(Batman) It's not our decison, Steven. It's Ruby and Sapphire's. If Ruby doesn't want to be Garnet again, then you stand by and respect her decision.


(Greg) He's right. That's not our call to make. If it's not what Ruby wants, then it's not what Garnet wants, right?


(Steven) I... I guess.


(Ruby) I wanna live free! One with the wilderness! Facing danger at every turn! Not needin' nothin' or nobody to get me by! Just like you Batman!


(Steven) He has some allies.


(Ruby) Yeah, but most of the time, it's him doing the hard work! He's the guy that solves all the problems! I watched all the Gotham Gazette episodes with Sapphire as Garnet, so I know what I'm talking about. Much like the Night Of Christmas Eve, where Batman defeated the eight assassins before it was time for everybody to unwrap presents!


(Steven) But that's different. He had to do all of that because they were scaring and hurting people.


(Ruby) But still, he's independent. I want to be independent. I wanna be like this cowboy in the comics!


(Steven) Okay. Why don't you try spending a day out in the wild like the cowboy.


(Ruby) Yeah! Let's do it!


(Greg) Count me in!


(Steven) What about you, Bruce?


(Batman) No. I'm done here.


(Steven) You're leaving?


(Batman) I came here to show you the picture. And then I was suppose to find Ruby. We found her, you can take her home when she's up for it. Besides, I've been gone for too long, I have to go back.


(Steven) Oh, well, see you later.


(Ruby) Bye!


He used the buttons on his gauntlet to call the Batwing over. He grappled to it and it took him back to Gotham.


Later that day


Steven, Greg, and Ruby are out in the wilderness, like Ruby wanted to. Greg took the van with them in case they needed to drive back home, or to drive anywhere. Right now, Greg is sleeping and Steven is about to fall asleep.


Then, he noticed Ruby sitting on top of the rock.


(Steven) Hey, Ruby.


(Ruby) Hmm?


(Steven) Y'know, I got really scared when you said you didn't wanna fuse with Sapphire anymore. I felt like I was losing someone I cared about, but I saw how much fun you were having today. All this buckerooing really suits you. I'm sorry I tried to push you back into being Garnet.


(Ruby) It's... not true.


(Steven) Huh?


(Ruby) The stuff I said... it's not true!


(Steven) What?!


(Ruby) I mean, I did have a lot of fun today. I loved it! But... the whole time I... (sighs) I kept thinking about how much more fun I'd have if I were with her. Sapphire was always there with me. I'd feel her smile... just like... it was mine... It's so lonely now. I guess this is how Batman must feel sometimes...


She groans in frustration.


(Ruby) That's lame, right?! I came here to be my own gem, but I'm still thinking about what she'd like, what she'd want, all the time! Turns out, I'm no good at not needin' nobody.


(Steven) C'mon, that's not lame. You led us on a frontier adventure. You're still the same Ruby who did all that stuff, even if you're thinking of someone. Like Batman, he may be dark and bitter, but he has someone who he cares about. Alfred, his father figure. And his parents. I bet that there's never a day where he doesn't miss them. He may be the awesome hero, but he loves someone, too, and he has a heart.


(Ruby) Well, if I'm makin' my own decisions, then I'll decide I wanna be with Sapphire. (Sighs) I mean, I gotta ask her first. I just don't want it to feel like we're going back to how things used to be, back when someone else told us to be together. I want it to feel different.


(Steven) Wait a sec! I have an idea!


Back at the house


Morning


(Sapphire) Steven! Did you and Batman find Ruby?!


(Steven) She's outside. She's got something to say to you.


Sapphire hurried outside to see Ruby standing in front of the sun that's rising slowly to the sky.


(Sapphire) Ruby! Ruby, I'm so sorry! I should've never saif those awful things to you, that we didn't matter anymore. I shouldn't have pushed you away. I was wrong.


(Ruby) Nah, you were right. Someone else told us we were the answer. But, I don't believe that anymore. At least, not 'till I hwar it from you.


Ruby grasped her hand and got on her knee.


(Ruby) Sapphire...


(Sapphire) ...


(Steven) ...


(Pearl) ...


(Greg) ...


(Amethyst) ...


(Batman) [Not here]


(Ruby) Will you marry me?


(Sapphire) What? (Laughing) Marry you?


(Ruby) Yeah! This way we can be together even when we're apart! This time, being Garnet will be our decision! Whaddya say?


(Sapphire) Of course.


They hugged.


(Sapphire) I've been waiting to kiss your cute face!


They were giggling whilst Ruby was tossing Sapphire up to catch her and do the same thing over and over again.


Later


Steven placed a book on the table.


(Steven) This is just to give you some ideas. Ruby said she wanted your reunion as Garnet to be special. And there's nothing more special and romantic than a beautiful wedding.


(Ruby) It's like they say, if you wanna drink the cow, you gotta put a ring on it.


(Sapphire) But, sweetums, who says that?


(Steven) Let's take a look at printing styles for your invitations.


(Ruby) Would it be cool if we got flames on it?


(Sapphire) Oh, and some dolphins.


(Ruby) Yeah! Dolphins and flames!


(Steven) I think I've got exactly whst you're looking for on page 135.


(Sapphire) How long did it take you to put this together?


(Steven) My entire life.


(Ruby) This is gonna be the best wedding ever!


After a while


Steven got Peridot, Amethyst, and Pearl to help with the invitations.


(Pearl) This folding bone is so nice! Who knew that planning a wedding could be so fun?


(Steven) I did!


(Ruby) Time to sign.


Both of them signed the papers.


(Ruby) Here you go, Peri.


(Peridot) Ugh! We've been stuffing these envelopes all day!


She hands the envelope to Amethyst.


(Peridot) How many does that make?


(Amethyst) That makes ten!


(Sapphire) Oh, just ten. Hmm...


Outside


Pearl and Amethyst are setting up chairs. Steven and the two lovers are on the stage that's set up.


(Steven) So, my Dad will finish playing the music, and then, next, you'll do the "I do"s and then I'll say, "I now pronounce you Garnet!" And then you fuse. Everyone will cheer.


(Sapphire) Everyone... who survived.


(Ruby) Huh?


(Sapphire) Oh, it's just... there are so many old friends who won't be able to come. All the Crystal Gems who are corrupted and bubbled in the basement.


(Ruby) Maybe we could bring the bubbles up here?


(Sapphire) No, no. It's not safe. We can't risk them getting out.


At the house.


Steven is signing names on the papers. He was thinking about what Sapphire said. Not all of them are corrupted.


There's Bismuth. He got up and went to the Temple. He finds her bubble and pops it.


The gem glew and rised in the air. It formed a body and Bismuth dropped to the ground.


(Bismuth) (groans) Hmm? I'm back?


(Steven) (nervously) Hey, Bismuth. Long time no see.


(Bismuth) Rose. I mean, Steven!


(Steven) Oh, there's a third option now.


(Bismuth) Well, why would you out me out? I just tried to shatter you.


(Steven) You know how you fought Mom because her whole war strategy didn't make any sense? Well, you were right!


Bismuth noticed the bubbles in the Temple.


(Bismuth) (gasp) W-What's going on? Did Rose do this? Did she bubble everyone who disagreed with her?!


(Steven) Huh? Oh, no! No! It's not like that!


Bismuth can see an old friend of hers in a bubble.


(Bismuth) Tiger's Eye! (Gasp) Little Larimar! Beryl, Serpentine, and, ohh, Biggs! Biggs was beloved by everyone!


She jumped and grabbed the bubble.


(Steven) Bismuth, wait! Bismuth, you don't understand!


She popped the bubble.


(Bismuth) Come on, Biggs, help me free the othe--


It forme into a monster instead of her friend.


(Corrupted Biggs) (growling)


(Steven) Bismuth!


Steven quickly went to her and formed his bubble to protect them both from the monster.


(Steven) I'm sorry, Bismuth! This is not the Bigga you knew before.


(Bismuth) Steven--


(Steven) I know we had our differences, but so much has changed and I just wanted to tell you--


The monster popped his bubble but Bismuth shapeshifted her hands into giant hammers to hold off her corrupted friend. Then, she turned her hands into blades and sliced her friend. The monster poofed and left only it's gem behind.


Steven bubbled the gem.


(Bismuth) Only a Diamond could do damage like this. It was Pink, wasn't it? And why didn't Rose stop her?!


(Steven) Because they were the same gem.


(Bismuth) What?


After telling her the entire story.


(Steven) And that's the whole story.


(Bismuth) Hmm.


(Steven) Uh, are you okay?


(Bismuth) Yeah. Hang on a sec.


She walked over to the lava pool and dipped her face in it.


(Bismuth) (muffled screaming)


She finally dips her head out.


(Bismuth) Oh, my gosh! It all makes sense now!


(Steven) Pretty wild, right?


She sighed and slipped her feet into the lava.


(Bismuth) Steven, come here and join me. The lava's great.


(Steven) I would, but I'm not lava proof.


Bismuth then spoke.


(Bismuth) I was so excited to show Rose the Breaking Point. Can you imagine? "Hey, Rose! Check out this cool weapon I made! I'm gonna shatter you with it!" (Laughs) (sighs) I really thought all of our problems would disappear if we could just shatter a Diamond. Guess she ended up taking my advice.


(Steven) Um, sorry about all this.


(Bismuth) Thanks, for talking to me.


(Steven) Wow, you took that pretty well. Way better than Garnet did.


(Bismuth) How so?


(Steven) She unfused over it.


(Bismuth) What?! No! They're my favorite couple!


(Steven) Don't worry, they're back together, but they haven't fused yet.


(Bismuth) Huh?


(Steven) That's actually why I came down here to begin with. I wanted to invite you Garnet's wedding!


(Bismuth) Garnet's wedding, huh?


(Steven) Yeah, it would be great if you could attend.


(Bismuth) Yeah... okay. I don't have any plans, so I guess I can come.


(Steven) Yay! This is gonna be so much fun!


(Bismuth) Oh, yeah. No question this is gonna be the best wedding ever! So, what's a wedding?


Upstairs


(Steven) Okay, so we're getting everything ready for tomorrow. We'll have a hot dog grill going on out front, and the chairs and canopy are all set up.


(Bismuth) Probably should head out and say hi.


Steven threw a blanket on her to conceal her appearance.


(Bismuth) Uh, Steven?


(Steven) I don't wanna ruin the surprise.


(Bismuth) What surprise?


(Steven) You.


(Bismuth) They don't know I'm coming? Wait. I can't do this.


(Steven) You're right. You gotta have a gift.


(Bismuth) What? No. I mean... (sighs) What am I gonna say to 'em?


(Steven) You could do one of your signature catch phrases. Like, "let's get down to Bismuth!" [Business]. Or, "anybody wanna start a small Bismuth?" [Business]. Oh, oh! How about, "did you Bis-muth me?" [Miss]. Anyway, it's not gonna matter whaf you say. They'll be so glad you're here. Just be ready for my signal. This is gonna be great! They're gonna want you to be maid of honor.


He opened the door to go outside and get everyone's attention.


(Steven) Attention everyone. Llease gather around. (Clears throat) I'd like to propose a toast to Ruby and Sapphire! Now, we all know you guys have been runnin' a little hot and cold lately.


Everyone chuckled.


(Steven) We are all excited to see you two fuse back together and achieve lifelong room-temperature happiness. All of us, including...


He points at the house, expecting Bismuth to show up.


(Ruby) The house?


(Peridot) I didn't know inanimate objects were part of all of us.


(Steven) No... I'll be right back.


He went back to the house. Bismuth wasn't there. He saw that the blanket he put on her was near the Warp Pad


At The Forge


The door opens.


(Steven) Bismuth? Oh, there you are. What happened out there? I'm sure jf we hurry back, we can still surprise them. They're gonna be so happy to see you.


(Bismuth) If they wanted to see me so much, they coulda let me out themselves, but they didn't. Of course they didn't. I attacked their leader.


(Steven) They're not gonna side with Rose anymore. Not after--


(Bismuth) I'm not talking about Rose. I'm talking about you!


(Steven) But I'm not the leader. Garnet's the leader.


(Bismuth) And where's Garnet?


(Steven) She'll be back. That's the whole point. It's a big Crystal Gem wedding. We should all be there together.


(Bismuth) Why?! Why are the Crystal Gems still together after finding out that everything was a sham?! Somebody's making them believe jn the future, and it's you! You seriously think they're gonna want me around when the last thing I did was try to shatter you?! You told them everything, and they made their choice. They want me in a bubble, and you out there.


(Steven) But Bismuth...


(Bismuth) You say they want me to be made of honor? Well, I am. I'm made of the most solid, flexible, diamagnetic stuff there is, and I'm not as dense as you might think. I've got enough self-respect in this gem to accept that they don't want me on their team anymore. I blew it. Everything was different, and I didn't believe it.


Tears are slowly seeping from her eyes.


(Steven) Everything is different. We had a fight, so we can make up, right? If they didn't let you out because they care about me, then they're gonna care that I want you back on the team!


(Bismuth) Huh?


(Steven) I want you back on the team. Forget the surpirse. If we show up together, they're all gonna know that everything's okay.


(Bismuth) Heh, spoken like a leader.


(Steven) No. Spoken like a friend.


Back at the house.


They warped in the livingroom.


(Bismuth) Hey, everyone! Did you guys Bis-Muth me? [Miss].


Everyone dropped their cans of soda.


(Peridot) Ha! I win! Also, less importantly, who are you?


(Steven) I invited Bismuth. I hope that's cool.


Sapphire stepped forth.


(Sapphire) Bismuth.


She hugged her.


(Bismuth) Whoa, Sapphire.


Ruby and Pearl tackled Bismuth.


(Sapphire) You wouldn't believe what we've all been through. I'm so sorry. We should've--


(Bismuth) Look, I'm right there with you. Steven filled me in.


(Peridot) So, is anyone gonna introduce me?


(Amethyst) Let's give 'em some space.


(Bismuth) Oh, Ruby! Sapphire! I heard you're supposed to bring gifts to these things and these aren't weapons.


She opened her hand to reveal two rings.


(Bismuth) Steven seemed to thunj they'd come in handy.


(Ruby & Sapphire) We love them!


Tomorrow.


Gotham:


(Alfred) Sir, your tuxedo is ready to wear at the wedding. It's quite humorous, I always wanted you to be at a wedding, not exactly as a guest, but it is better than nothing.


(Bruce) Why don't you come along, Alfred?


(Alfred) I would, sir, but if trouble were to arise while the wedding is happening, I wouldn't be able to deploy the suit for you. Master Tim is at college, and Ms. Gordon is at the GCPD. But if you were to wear your body camera and an earpiece, if would be as if I am there.


(Bruce) Okay. See you when I get back.


(Alfred) Good luck, sir.


Beach City:


The wedding has started. Bruce attended just a few minutes before the wedding started.


(Steven) Are you nervous?


(Sapphire) I'm not.


He looks down to see some ice form around her foot. They both patiently waited. Steven was probably more nervous than Sapphire since he's standing in front of a crowd of gems.


Peridot was throwing flowers at everyone as she was walking down the aisles.


(Peridot) Flowers for you, flowers for you, flowers for you.


She eventually ran out and walked to Steven.


(Peridot) Wedding commander, all flowers have been deployed.


(Steven) At ease. Take a seat.


She sat down. Ruby is walking down the aisle with a huge smile on her face. Steven opened the book and started the speech.


(Steven) Dearly beloved gems, and humans, we're gathered here today to celebrate Ruby and Sapphire, two gems were love each other dearly and can form into one unique gem that no other gem could replace. Some know her as Garnet. She is their love, given form. Now, it's their turn to talk about that.


(Ruby) I know this is all kind of silly. I mean, we've been together for 5,750 years.


(Sapphire) And eight months.


(Ruby) I used to feel like I wasn't much good, just one of me on my own. But when we're together, it feels like it's okay to just be me. So, I want to be me with you. And... and not even the Diamonds will come between us.


(Sapphire) Ruby, my future used to look like one single, obvious stream, unbending till the end of time. In an instant, you pulled me from that destiny and opened my eye to an explosion of infinite possible futures, streaking across space and time, altered and obliterated by the smallest force of will.


Stars appeared in Ruby's eyes.


(Sapphire) What I mean is, you changed my life. And then, I changed your life. And now, we change our lives.


Steven opened a box that had rings in it. Ruby puts Sapphire's ring on and Sapphire put's Ruby's ring on.


(Steven) Ruby, do you take this gem to have and to hold, on this and every other planet in the universe?


(Ruby) I do!


(Steven) Sapphire, do you--


(Sapphire) I do.


(Steven) You didn't let me finish! Then, I now pronounce you Garnet.


He stepped back and gave them space. They kissed, and then fused. Everyone clapped.


Later on, everyone was dancing, drinking soda, or chatting amongst themselves. Steven noticed Bruce was sitting by himself with no one to talk to him. But before Steven could talk to him, Garnet picks him up in a hug.


(Garnet) Steven!


(Steven) Hey, Garnet.


(Steven & Garnet) Thanks for everything. (Laughs) I needed this. (Laughs)


(Garnet) What a wonderful idea. Humans find a way to make a moment's decision last forever. I don't need future vision to know I'll always remember this.


(Steven) I'm so glad.


He looks over to Bruce's direction. He's just sitting there, watching everyone, alone.


(Steven) We should go talk to him. He must not attend parties much.


They went over to him.


(Steven) Hey, Bruce.


(Garnet) Hello, Bruce.


(Bruce) Hey.


(Garnet) Thank you for helping Steven put Ruby and Sapphire together.


(Bruce) Don't mention it.


(Steven) Why are you sitting alone?


(Bruce) I don't know anybody here. Other than you.


(Steven) But you were introduced to the gems before we did anything else.


(Bruce) I meant personally. Besides, no humans here know who I am. It isn't safe to discuss what I did a couple days ago.


(Steven) Well, we can talk to you.


(Garnet) Let's do that.


(Bruce) I have no choice, don't I?


(Garnet) Nope.


(Steven) But that's okay. We can about whatever you want to talk about. How's Gotham now that Arkham City is closed?


(Bruce) A city. A peaceful one.


(Steven) I suppose that doesn't mean you stop training in your home, right?


(Bruce) I have a daily routine of training to maintain my body to how it was during my time as Batman.


He spoken low to make sure nobody else is hearing their conversation.


(Steven) How about Alfred? Is he okay?


(Bruce) Alfred is fine.


(Steven) That's good.


(Garnet) What did you think of the wedding?


(Bruce) It was nice.


(Steven) Why don't you dance with us?


(Bruce) I don't know how to dance.


(Steven) That's okay, we can--


(Bruce) Steven?


(Steven) Yes?


(Bruce) Why are you crying?


(Steven) Huh?


He took his hand up to his face to feel warm tears.


(Bruce) Are you okay?


(Steven) Yes, it's just-- oh, no.


(Garnet) Blue Diamond.


(Steven) She's here?!


(Garnet) And she's not alone.


The entire place got darker than usual. Everyone looks up at the sky to see two giant arms that fly. One is yellow, and the other is blue.


(Steven) It's the Diamonds!


The humans ran away, excluding Greg and Bruce.


(Bruce) Alfred.


[Comms] I saw, sir.


(Bruce) I need you to deploy the suit now.


[Comms] The Batwing is on it's way.


The arm ships moved past them.


(Peridot) We're over here, you clods!


(Pearl) Where are they going?!


(Steven) If they're not here for us, they must be here for the Cluster!


(Bismuth) What's the Cluster?


(Steven) It's a huge Earth-destroying geo-weapon that the Diamonds made out of a bajillion gem shards!


The hands started digging in the ground.


(Peridot) Wait a second, where's Lapis?


(Amethyst) She said she had to do something before flying that way.


(Steven) I gotta keep it calm and in it's bubble! I can use my mind to connect with it, but only when I'm asleep. Bruce, I need you to knock me out for a short period of time.


(Bruce) I can't determine how long you would be unconscious. But once my suit gets here, I can use the shock gloves to wake you up.


(Steven) Alright. Come on, hit me!


(Bruce) Are you sure?


(Steven) Yes! We don't have a lot of time.


Steven closed his eyes and waited to be knocked out. Bruce hit a certain part of his neck and he was unconscious within seconds. He stopped Steven's body from hitting the ground and gently placed him on the ground.


In Steven's Mind:


Steven opens his eyes to see a glowing orb and whispering.


Steven: The Cluster! Stay calm. Try to keep from forming.


The bubble popped.


Steven: No, no, no, no, no, no!


Reality:


(Steven) It popped!


He snapped awake. The ground was shaking. The ground opens up and these white things that look like souls grew and formed a giant hand, as if there wasn't enough hands.


It punched the yellow hand. Then it gave Steven a thumbs up.


(Steven) All right! Looks like it's in control of itself, and it's on our side!


The Cluster and the yellow hand started arm wrestling. The blue ship lands and someone comes out of it.


(Garnet) Blue Diamond.


She looks angry. Steven looks around to see that Bruce is gone.


(Steven) (thoughts) Where'd he go?! Right when we could need him the most!


(Blue Diamond) Rose Quartz... So you escaped Homeworld and crawled back here. This is Pink's world! How dare you use it as your hiding place?! COME! Answer for what you've done!


(Peridot) This is bad, this is bad, this is bad, this is bad!


(Bismuth) Come on, let's put her in a bubble.


(Everyone) Right!


(Steven) Wait! There's no reason to fight. Let me talk to her.


He approached her.


(Steven) Blue Diamond, please listen to me! I didn't shatter Pink Diamond. Pink Diamond's right here!


(Blue Diamond) Enough!


She shot an orb at Steven and it knocked him back far. The Crystal Gems has their weapons out and readied to attack.


(Blue Diamond) You cannot fathom how much I've mourned, what thousands of years of grief has done to me!


She used her power and everyone within a 500 foot radius can sense her power. She may be only six feet tall, but her power doesn't match her size. The Crystal Gems and Steven all dropped to their knees and cried as the power influences their emotions.


She approached Steven and grabbed him by the throat.


(Steven) (choking) Wait...


(Blue Diamond) You deserve this, all of you!


(Steven) (choking) Stop, please...


He couldn't breathe. Her grip was very strong. She twirled her knife in her left hand.


It still have Lars' blood stained on the blade. Steven was struggling, kicking her to let go, but, instead, she lets out a sadistic chuckle.


(Blue Diamond) So you finally squirm. Good, I want this to be as painful as possible. Any last words? Death wish?


(???) Behind you.


Both of them turned their heads, but they were too slow to see what happened. Blue was knocked off her feet and she dropped Steven. Steven grasped his throat and looked up.


(Steven) Bruce!


Blue got back on her feet.


(Blue Diamond) Who are you supposed to be?


(Batman) I'm Batman.


Steven smiled. Everyone who was still under the effects of Blue are looking up to see that the Dark Knight is here.


(Blue Diamond) What kind of hideous creature dresses up to be even more hideous.


(Batman) Worse than you?


(Steven) Ooh!


(Blue Diamond) How are you not on your knees?


Steven then realizes that. How is Batman not affected by Blue's power?


(Steven) Bruce...?


He looks over his shoulder to look at Steven and then back at Blue.


(Batman) We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Your choice.


She looked disgusted as she was threatened by a "supposedly weaker" creature.


(Blue Diamond) Did you just threaten me?


(Batman) No, I made a promise.


(Blue Diamond) I have no quarrel with you. This is between me and Rose.


(Batman) Then you crashed the wrong party.


(Blue Diamond) If you dare to stand in my way, I will eliminate you, too!


She tried to stab him, but he caught her wrist and turned it to make her drop it. Then, he kicks her away which made her fall over. She was both surpirsed and scared at how much force he put in with that kick.


As well as that punch earlier made her drop Steven. Maybe she should give up now. But she won't back down to a human.


She gets back up to attack Batman. She charged at him with a fist ready to punch him. He ducks and used his leg to trip her.


She fell on her hands and knees and then Batman moved his other leg forward and thrusted it back which made his heel hit her face, bruising it. He didn't even use his arms to do that. Steven is grinning ear to ear that his hero is utterly mopping the floor with Blue Diamond.


He knew having him around was a good choice. Not only is his detective skills are useful, his combat is also appreciated and unmatched by anyone else's. At least, any other gem's combat.


Blue gets back up but was practically thrown across from Batman after a brutalizing punch. She landed near Steven. She saw Steven and her knife.


She grabbed Steven and her knife. She held it to his throat. Batman equiped a Batarang.


(Batman) Let him go.


(Blue Diamond) Cease your equipment and I'll consider it.


(Steven) Don't do it!


(Blue Diamond) Silence!


(Steven) She's going to kill me if you stop!


Batman remained still. If he puts up the Batarang, she'll probably kill him. If he throws it, she'll kill him.


Right now, they're at a stand off. He throws it. It went past Blue Diamond.


(Blue Diamond) You missed.


Suddenly, it turned around and hit the back of her head. She lets go of Steven. Batman sprinted to her, jumped, and his fist hit her head so hard she fell to the ground and lets go of her power.


Then, everyone saw the barn fall out of the sky and destroyed the blue hand. Then, they saw someone flying towards them.


(Steven) Lapis!


She flies to Steven.


(Lapis) I saw the Diamond's ship and went to find something hard enough to destory their ships. But the barn was the only thing I could find. I wanted to destroy both of them, but the Cluster seems to be winning against Yellow's ship.


Blue Diamond gets back up and uses her power again.


(Blue Diamond) Lapis Lazuli! Does every gem that comes in contact with this planet turn traitor?!


Everyone fell on their knees again except Batman and Lapis.


(Blue Diamond) What?!


(Lapis) I've felt worse.


Lapis used the nearby ocean to make a few water orbs. Batman used a Freeze Blast to make them into ice balls. Lapis commanded the frozen liquid spheres to attack Blue Diamond.


Blue Diamond was just physically dominated by a human dressed as a bat and now she's being pelted by ice balls. This was not her day. Once the ice balls were gone, she growled in anger.


(Blue Diamond) Pathetic! You are nothing!


(Batman) Do you want a one on one fight again? I don't mind.


She growls in frustration. Lapis used the water to splash her. She was distracted.


Batman used the grapple to grab a hold of Blue Diamond and yanked her towards him. He clotheslines her and whilst she was in the air, he slammed both of his fists down on her. He lifts her up in the air and throws her across from them.


(Lapis) You and I make a pretty good team. With me controlling the water and you turning it into ice.


They both looked to see the Cluster lifting Yellow's ship and slamming it onto the already-broken blue hand which caused pieces of it to fly from it. He debris crushed the house.


(Pearl) The house!


(Bismuth) Don't worry, I can fix it.


(Steven) My Dad!


(Bismuth) Uh oh... I can't fix that.


Greg comes outside with Cat Steven in his arms.


(Greg) All right, I'm sticking with you guys!


Steven looks at the Cluster.


(Steven) Cluster, you were amazing! Are you okay? Do you want to go back in your bubble?


(The Cluster) 👍


(Steven) Okay, take it easy! You're the best!


It retreats back into the Earth's core. Batman walked over to Steven.


(Batman) Are you okay? No cuts?


(Steven) I'm fine. You were amazing! The way you punched her and... and... not affected by her power...


He looks at Bruce with concern.


(Batman) What?


(Steven) It's nothing.


(Garnet) So, that is a wedding reception. Nice job, wedding planner.


[Clanging]


The yellow hand made noises. A yellow fist emerged from it and the pilot inside the ship revealed themself.



She jumps off the ship and lands near where Blue Diamond was. Batman stood in front of everyone. Yellow looks at Blue.


(Yellow Diamond) What happened? Why haven't you shattered them all yet?


(Blue Diamond) That thing with the pointy ears. It calls itself Batman. It's stronger that looks.


(Yellow Diamond) Bat-Man? What the stars is a Bat-Man? It sounds like a hybrid of a human and a bat.


Yellow noticed her bruise.


(Yellow Diamond) It did that to you?


Blue nods in embarrassment.


(Yellow Diamond) (sigh) Fine. I'll slaughter it and them for you.


She draws a sword. Steven runs in front of everyone, including Bruce.


(Batman) Steven, what are you doing?


(Steven) Stop! Listen to me, I'm the one you're missing! I'm Pink Diamond!


Yellow finally spotted Steven.


(Yellow Diamond) You!


Steven was only 60 meters away from Yellow Diamond. She ran to him and got there within three seconds, nothing would be able to outrun her.


(Batman) Steven!


Her blade nearly decapitated him. She missed due to how fast she moved. She then gave Steven a swift kick, harder than it looked and it caused Steven to fly away.


(Everyone) STEVEN!


Batman used his grapple to grab Steven and pulled him towards him. He used Detective Mode to inspect the damage.


Identity: "Pink Diamond" Updated estimated two days ago.
Condition: Unconscious. Injured!


Injuries: Fractured skull, broken nose, and missing teeth. Bleeding from mouth and nose.


Yellow Diamond did all of that. How Steven is still alive is beyond him, no human could survive that type of damage all at once. Maybe it's because he's half Diamond which makes him more durable.

Hold on! Steven's skull is healing itself, how is that possible? Batman doesn't have time to process this when he can hear footsteps approaching him.


He turns off Detective Mode to see Yellow Diamond with her sword in her hand.


(Yellow Diamond) Get out of my way, before you join her fate.


(Batman) Never.


He gently placed Steven on the ground.


(Yellow Diamond) You may be able to defeat Blue, but I'm stronger and faster than her.


(Batman) Maybe you'll be a challenge.


(Yellow Diamond) No, I will.


(Batman) That makes the two of us.


She swung the sword at him but he ducked and tried to sweep her off her feet. She jumps and tried to stab him with the sword. She missed and the sword gets stuck into the ground.


(Yellow Diamond) Blast!


She tried to pull it out. Batman grabbed the back of her neck and forced her face to slam into the handle of her blade. Doing this loosened her sword from the ground and she pulled it out finally.


She spun and tried to attack his side with it. He slapped both of his hands on the blade and it stopped it. Both of them were in a struggle.


Bruce is preventing Yellow from using her sword by pushing it back, and Yellow is pushing the sword at him.


(Yellow Diamond) Give. In!


He quickly hits her face with his elbow and forced her arms to make the sword barely touching her own throat and he holds her arms there.


(Batman) Never!


In Steven's mind:


Steven wakes up to see every surrounding him.


Steven: Guys, what's going on?


He gets out to see that he is phasing through everybody. He looks at himself on the ground.


Steven: Oh, gosh! Yellow did that?!


Speaking of Yellow and looks to see that Batman and Yellow were in some sort of a hold. He lokks back at himself.


Steven: Am I dead?


He looks at himself to see that he's still breathing.


Steven: Am I some sort of ghost?


He looks at everyone around him. He can hear their thoughts.


Pearl: "Oh, stars , I was never prepared for this day! I never thought it would happen!"


Garnet: "We are not losing Steven to a Diamond. Not after all we've been through."


Amethyst: "Steven has faced worse things than a foot to the face. He should be fine. He'll be fine, I hope."


Lapis: "Steven, no! I should've stopped her. She was too fast!"


Peridot: "It should've been me instead. Agh! Why did Yellow had to be such a clod?!"


Bismuth: "Steven's a tough lil' guy. He should make it. Look, he's still breathing."


Greg: "Oh, God, please don't be dead! Please, stay alive, Steven! You're tough like your old man, maybe tougher."


He looks at Batman and Yellow. He tried hearing what they think. He couldn't hear anything from Bruce, but he definitely heard something from Yellow.


Yellow Diamond: "How is this abomination still standing? We've been at this for two minutes!"


Steven thought maybe he could try something. He touched Yellow's helmet, and she felt it. This shocked Yellow, it was enough to get her to loosen her grip on the sword.


Batman took the opportunity by making the blade still and he took one of his arms and slammed his elbow down on the blade, breaking it. Yellow was quickly brought back to reality.


(Yellow Diamond) (gasp)


She got punched in the face and then Batman uppercuts her, causing her helmet to come off.


Steven: Whoa!


He approached her while she was trying to get back on her feet again. He grabbed her head with both of his hands and headbutted her. Steven runs to Batman.


Steven: Bruce, stop! I got this!


He felt a hand touching his arm and he heard Steven's voice. He used Detective Mode. He can see Steven.


Steven: Before you ask, I don't know either. I think this is one of my powers when I'm asleep. I can talk to Yellow and Blue Diamond, just let me do it. I'll be fine, I'm like a ghost.


While he was unsure, he did listen because Steven is like a ghost since he can only see Steven in Detective Mode. It was very surprising to the both of them that Detective Mode can even see Steven. Batman steps back.


Steven walks over to Yellow who is now trying to get up. He touches her head and speaks,


Steven: Pink isn't gone! I'll explain everything if you just stop this fighting!


(Yellow Diamond) What the--?!


She looks around.


(Yellow Diamond) What was that?


Yellow was nervous now. All the gems behind Batman are even more confused than the Diamond herself, she looked scared.


(Yellow Diamond) It's you, isn't it?


Batman doesn't say anything.


Steven: It's not Batman


(Yellow Diamond) Stop it! Stop it right now! Get out of my head!


Blue rushed over to Yellow.


(Blue Diamond) What's going on?


(Yellow Diamond) I hear a voice talking to me! It won't go away.


Steven: Bruce, I need you to hold them together. That way I can talk to them both at once.


He used the Remote Claw to attach one end on Yellow and the other on Blue. It pulled them together and wrapped around them both. They both felt the back of their heads touching.


Now that they're trapped, Steven can talk to them. He held both of their hands.


Steven: Please, the fighting has to stop! We aren't enemies, we're family! Please, listen to me! I need you to know who I am!


He sent a powerful aura at them.


(Blue Diamond) Impossible...


(Yellow Diamond) This aura...


Reality:


Steven wakes up. His wounds and injuries are gone. He moves past the shocked gems and looked at the two trapped Diamonds.


(Yellow & Blue Diamond) PINK?!


End of Chapter 7


3/9/2021


Author's Note: This took me two days and I got over 8000 words on the seventh chapter! Let's go!

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