*YAWN*
"Well day, princess, I have to say. You've been on a role lately," said one of Twilight's guards, as the alicorn was going through Canterlot Castle. And what a long day it had been again, running off around Equestria doing who knows what for who knows how long at this point.
"You think so? Great … *YAWN* okay, is that everything? … Or do I need to ask?" Twilight asked, surprisingly unamused by the question she herself presented. And to her tired eyes, the unicorn levitated out the list once again, but as he went through it, it was surprisingly close to the bottom for the day. She could only hope so: so many different meetings to get to, conflicts to handle, and who knows what else were really eating up at her by now. The guard needed a minute but he eventually found something.
"Aha. K, looks like you're needed over at Homeworld to discuss friendship matters with the Diamond Authority royal court," said the guard. Twilight stopped moving briefly.
"Another meeting?" she groaned. The guards looked surprised, but Twilight quickly recovered. "I-I mean, great! Haven't seen them in a while, and I can definitely see that big festival still going on! … Can I take a nap first?"
"A nap? They're expecting you within the hour," insisted the secondary guard. Twilight groaned, sitting down on the floor. There always was SOMETHING keeping her from that soft, warm bed of hers, and at this point she might as well toss it, because there wasn't much time to use it at all. The guards looked to one another before the older one went over to her.
"It's the last meeting for the day, if it helps you," the guard said. Twilight, tired and annoyed, just scoffed.
"Yeah, right, and I bet there's at least twenty more after that! And twenty more after that twenty! Not even CELESTIA had this much work to do!!" Twilight yelled, spooking the guards a bit.
"Actually she did. And more," the younger guard corrected. Twilight froze for a brief moment … before collapsing onto the floor. Nothing felt worse than feeling like a whining filly.
"Your highness, I know this is a bit hard for you to contend with, but this is all just part of being Equestria's ruler. You got to be on your mark with whatever comes your way."
"And besides," said the other guard, "You're doing wonders for Equestria. I mean look at what you did today."
And the second guard brought over the list of things to Twilight. She didn't really levitate it, letting it fall over her head before doing so and vaguely reading it over. Her tired eyes saw all sorts of important things she did today, as little break as there even was.
"I guess so. … Boy, but I feel exhausted," Twilight yawned, slowly levitating the list back to the guard. "I could really use some -"
"Coffee?" another guard said, levitating a cup for her. Not exactly the biggest fan of coffee, but Twilight needed something to keep the up and up throughout all of this work. Few sips later, and Twilight got moving again over towards her room. The coffee tried giving her some zing to keep her awake, and it was just enough to keep her from stumbling on her own hooves.
"So when do you want to go and handle this?" one of the guards asked. Twilight sighed and turned back to them.
"In just a minute," she decided. Both guards understood, but just as Twilight opened the door …
*WHACK* "AAHH!"
"Princess!"
Such a quick turn of events as something suddenly zipped out, grabbed the alicorn, and pulled her right inside! It moved just a little too fast for any of them to make out what was happening, and the guards rushed into the room, ready for any sort of attacker. … Well, almost any sort of attacker.
They found Twilight inside, stuck with what looked like a rope around her neck with someone holding her back like a pet on a leash. But it wasn't exactly the situation Twilight was in, but more of a matter of WHO that made the guards a bit perplexed. Looking behind her, Twilight saw the familiar look of Princess Cadance herself in control of this rope.
"Cadance?!" gasped Twilight. And she wasn't alone either, Spike being there right alongside her, sitting on the bed.
"Twilight. Sorry for the sudden involvement," Cadance said, as she removed the rope and allowed Twilight to calm down. The guards nearby couldn't help themselves.
"What did you do that for?!" the guard asked. Cadance gave them a bit of a look … a rather stern look. Twilight brought her hoof to her neck, feeling where that rope was, as Cadance went to the guards.
"Step outside for a moment. I wish to speak to my sister-in-law alone," Cadance instructed. The guards, a little hesitant at first, did eventually nod and stepped out of the room, to which Cadance promptly closed the door before a word could be brought in again.
"Was a rope really necessary?" Twilight asked, hoof to her neck.
"Considering you're always running off before we can talk to you … kind of," Spike admitted. Twilight didn't get it, but Cadance helped her in that regard. They can't afford to take anymore chances, or wait for much longer.
"We're starting to worry about you, Twilight," Cadance began, "You've been running around all over Equestria for weeks, and I don't recall you being given the proper time off throughout any of it."
"Yeah, and you've barely used this bed," added Spike, "It's so comfy, why wouldn't you use it?" and he made a few bounces on the bed as if to make his point. Twilight O SO WANTED TO, but the words of the meeting echoed in her head.
"Cadance, Spike, I'm sorry but I didn't have as high of a position as before. I'm Equestria's new ruler, of course it's gonna be harder."
"Twilight come on, the longest you've ever actually napped was during that Convocation, and even THEN it was only thirty minutes," Spike pointed out, "Why don't you give it a break?"
"And let Equestria unguarded?! I left Canterlot before, and Grogar nearly trampled the place!" Twilight exclaimed, following by throwing herself on the bed for the first time in weeks. … Boy did that bed feel good.
"But that's still only one time," Spike retorted, "That was just some freaky timing, that's all, and nothing like it happened since then. The worst that happened since then was a run out on ink."
"Yeah, I know. By the way, did you get refills?" Twilight asked. Spike simply had to show Twilight a drawer full of spare ink bottles to show they do indeed have enough ink for notes.
"Good. That's one thing handled off the list," Twilight said, following by a yawn as she laid there in bed. Cadance levitated her up a bit to try and talk to her again.
"Listen, it can be hard to keep track of an entire empire, but if you don't take care of yourself you might not be able to even handle that. … You know, I think there was a lesson about that before, don't you think?"
"That's not the same thing!" Twilight insisted, getting up to her hooves again, "Fluttershy didn't have an entire country to worry about. Nevermind one that's nearly been destroyed by renegade Parasprites, which may I remind you, WAS ALSO MY FAULT!"
"AND you fixed it. Equestria's still here -"
"Equestria's only standing at the expense of -" Twilight felt a cold shiver that stopped her yelling, "... C-Celestia's passing. She sacrificed herself for Equestria, and her AND Starswirl the Bearded believe in me. They're counting on me to make sure -"
"To lead Equestria, we know that, you've been saying several times already since you started," Cadance cut in.
"About at least forty six times... er, forty seven including right now," added Spike. Twilight froze in her dramatic stance (hoof to her chest and all that) only then realizing just how many times she was saying that. Her ear flickered briefly before she turned quickly back to them.
"And I'll keep saying it! The work waits for no one, and I have to do it! There's nopony else that's open to any of these meetings, the confrontations, the public appearances, not to mention ANY big danger that can pop up at any moment!"
"But what if you're wrong Twilight?" Spike then asked, trying to get through to her.
"W-Well, what if you're wrong?!"
"... Seriously?"
Twilight was losing it, but she did get in a more casual stance after that. Cadance went over to her, placing a helping wing on her shoulders as the exhausted looking mare looked up to her.
"We can't ignore it anymore, you need a break. Tell you what: that Era 3 Festival has been going on for a bit, and I've heard it might be ending soon. Why don't you just take a break from all this for a bit, and go by and have some fun before it stops, what do you say? One good hurrah for Era 3?"
Twilight thought about it as best her tired mind could do. It didn't sound much like the best physically relaxing thing to do, but when it comes to mentally relaxing things to do, it was just the ticket for her. … You know, if a meeting wasn't called for, that is. But then she got an idea.
"You know what? Perfect!"
Cadance and Spike looked very good about this, until -
"I have to go there and handle the friendship lesson meeting with the Diamond Authority anyway, I can get that done WHILE I have fun!"
"Wait, what? Twilight, hold it -" but it was too late for Spike to say anything, and Twilight already bolted out of the room, already telling the guards to follow her off to Homeworld. Spike gave himself a good slap to the forehead.
"COME ON! How hard is it to give a princess a break?" Spike asked himself in annoyance.
"Well on the bright side, she can join the festival after the meeting." she moved to Spike and gave him a wink, wing wrapping around Spike, "Because we are gonna make sure she does. You in?"
"Are you kidding?" Spike said with a smirk.
~~~~~~
"A meeting, my Diamond?" Garnet asked.
Back on Homeworld, things had been going rather smoother throughout each of the days since it got started. A bit bumpy of course, some more than others, but it had reached the point when much of the residence were getting better suited to the ideas the festival was trying to convey. And it was during the ending factors of this festival when the diamonds called on a meeting to be held, with many of the Harmony Gems present for it along with members of the royal court.
"We've figured that since your friendship lessons had been very good," said White Diamond, "We should try and learn more from the Ponies of Equestria. After all, they do have a very high value on it … well, most of them do."
"I'm just trying to lend a helping hand," insisted Steven, feeling modest, but complimented, about his involvement on the matter.
"And you did wonderful, Steven," complimented Blue Diamond, "It's that kind of friendship and understanding Homeworld should all know."
"I agree, it's brilliant," said Yellow Diamond in her matter-of-factly fashion, "It would at the least help cause less trouble in out colonies with these ideas in mind."
"AND," added Pink Diamond, who hopped up to Yellow Diamond's shoulder, "We all can have more fun times together. You know, I was thinking of making this Era 3 Festival a yearly thing, and maybe next year you all can join in more on the fun!"
"I like the way you think, Rosebud," said Pinkie Pie, suddenly popping up from Pink Diamond's hair. White diamond flustered, considering the royal court was present, but Blue Diamond found it kinda cute.
"Well, If I'm gonna be honest for a second here, I'm very impressed with y'all. Just three days, and you got settled in like pigs to a mud wallow," Applejack said. Some chuckled on the idea of her analogy.
"Yes, we uh … pigs, would have to settle in sooner or later."
"It's very great to see," Garnet said.
During this chat, there was some things to note over with the court members. Lapis Lazuli saw Yellow and Blue's courts all fine and dandy, but White's court seemed a bit lacking to say the least. Something White diamond seemed a bit ashamed about.
"Where's the rest of your court?" Lapis asked. White Diamond flustered, which was becoming a common thing at this point, but rather than say it out loud, Lapis decided to ease her mind a bit and fly up to her so she can whisper it instead.
"Um … they've … kinda left me. Mostly. … They felt I was too dangerous after I became this," White diamond answered. Considering White Diamond did nearly blow up Homeworld, that was kinda easy to figure.
"Who's left?" Lapis inquired.
"Pearlis I think. And a few others, but, they're not here right now … Unfortunately," White Diamond said. White Diamond could use some of her court to feel a bit more comfortable, but one can't wish for everything. White spoke a little bit louder that time though, which caught the attention of Fluttershy.
"Don't worry, maybe we can find the others and show them you're not so scary," Fluttershy suggested, friendly hoof placed on White's shoulder. It was really the best she could ask of them at this point. But then White diamond took note of the Harmony Gems themselves.
"Um speaking of which. Are all of you present?" White Diamond asked.
Well, they figured someone would ask eventually, this answer brought out after some bit of thought.
"He wouldn't come," sighed Jasper, "He told us to quit talking about it."
"But, he said he was too busy, didn't he?" said Star Quartz.
"Far as I'm concern, it's the same thing."
"... I see. It's alright," White said.
How could she blame him, really? After everything she did and everything she tried to do before that big trip around the cosmos. Out of all the Harmony Gems, she knew Flint would be the hardest to gain trust from, if anyone.
"Well don't worry about it," said Rarity, "I'm sure he'll come by if he feels like it and join us then."
"One can hope," Garnet thought.
It was bothering her plenty when it came to him. You'd think he would be a bit more open, but Garnet was still seeing him so distant and cold about such things. What was the problem with him? Though she did have one idea …
There's too much to do here: I'm studying Corruption right now, figuring out this Grogar situation top of that, not to mention there will be no one else here to actually watch over anything. Hard enough since much of our group's been off into space anyway.
"And the Pearls warned us of him too. … We'd better watch for him. ..." Garnet thought. Garnet paused and tried to figure out what that would be, but before she could get an answer formulated, there suddenly was a commotion by the front door, as a royal guard of Canterlot started to speak.
"Presenting the ruler of Equestria: Twilight Sparkle!"
And then in came Twilight. It still was a bit odd seeing her come last to a meeting like this, but one look at the alicorn and they all could see why she would be late. The Diamonds, princesses and royal court all saw, not a regal alicorn tidy and ready to go, but instead a completely worn out and exhausted looking pony. Twilight Sparkle just looked awful: her mane and tail with numerous knots in it, her eyes barely able to keep open with notable bags underneath them, and as she was walking towards her position she needed one of the guards just to keep herself steady. She knew the importance of this meeting so she tried her absolute hardest to keep herself awake and "presentable" for the sake of the situation.
"Twilight?" asked Starlight.
"Hey everybody *yawn* sorry I'm a little late. Won't happen again," Twilight promised, trying to act like nothing was wrong with her. But it was painfully obvious she was simply not all there.
"Dang, Twilight. I'm just gonna say it, you look terrible," said Amethyst.
"No! No, I'm cool, just had a long night … ok, where do I - oh there!" and Twilight went off towards her spot over by the platform with the guards keeping her company. She had all the essentials with her, including the equipment and map levitating (kind of) not too far behind her.
"Are you sure you're up for this, Twilight? I can deliver the speech if it makes you feel better," Cadance offered. Twilight considered it for a few seconds under one of her guards gestured her to continue.
"It's fine, it's fine, really it's fine. Besides, I'm the princess of friendship. I mean, what kind of princess of friendship can't make a speech about friendship?!" Twilight insisted, giving off one of those "fake cool face" smiles … and looking a little nuts.
"But Twilight -"
"Sorry to interrupt, your highness," said one of the guards, "But you need to start, everyone's waiting."
"OH! That's my cue," Twilight trotting fast onto the platform, accidentally releasing one of the scrolls prematurely, just for her to levitate it again and bring it with her. Of course this brought some concern, yet before Cadance could go up the two guards positioned themselves just in the way, much to Cadance's confusion.
"Excuse me," Cadance said.
"Hey, how's it going?" said one of the guards. Well, there wasn't that much they could do now, Twilight was already there.
And so things were "all set", but it seemed that everyone except for Twilight herself saw there was something wasn't correct. Yellow, Blue, and White were giving glances to one another in either confusion or concern for the Alicorn. However, one of the guards did offer some support as she was close to dozing off right there by her podium.
"Coffee, princess?" said the guard, levitating a cup to her. OK, not the best support, but Twilight took it anyway and gulped it down, the coffee buzz bringing her around enough to at least keep her awake.
"That's the seventh one today," Spike commented. That didn't make things any better and Twilight began this speech by hanging up the poster … just for it to be in the wrong order. Embarrassed she quickly swung page after page under she found the right one (which showed what looked like a symbol with all of the Harmony Gems together, Gems and ponies). She cleared her throat.
"Now then," Twilight began, "I'm very glad to be joining you all today. For today we -"
"Uh, Twilight, the diamonds already went through that part," whispered Starlight. Twilight blushed looking to Yellow and Blue Diamond, and shuffled her cards to catch up.
"Oh, uh, sorry, anyway uh … ah!" she cleared her throat and tried again, "I know some of you might be wondering what truly can come from friendship. Some can say friendship alone doesn't increase work revenue, or perhaps it doesn't always keep some in line. But speaking from experience, the value of friendship can become the strongest known element in all the universe. Friendship, in definition, is the emotional connection between a number of people who share a close bond with one another. An understanding that can bring even the harshest of conflict to an end ..."
Twilight began levitating a pointer, only to accidentally drop it from lack of focus. She chuckled nervously and quickly just picked it up with her hooves instead. She was getting more exhausted.
"The best reflection is from this group right here: the Harmony Gems. For so many years, they have faced challenge after challenge that tested both their strength and their will from dealing with monsters to the biggest of revelations. But it was their connection and friendship that keeps them all together. *yawn* If any of them fall, they help pick eachother up. If they have a problem, there's always someone there to help in whatever they need … any questions before I continue?"
In surprise, a lot of hands were raised right away. Twilight needed a minute.
"... Ok, uh … the sapphire up front," Twilight said, pointing to a Sapphire. But the question she had she didn't prepare for.
"Are you feeling alright?" the Sapphire asked. Twilight was unamused.
"... I'm fine," Twilight said, "Any questions involving the lesson?"
And the hands were dropped right away. Twilight was starting to get annoyed, but she continued anyway despite her condition. It didn't really help that even with the coffee zing, it was already waring off and she was looking ready to topple at any given moment.
"Hey Spike, did Twilight get any chill time since being princess?" Steven asked.
"Not in the last few weeks," Spike replied, "Trust me I tried, but it's always "I'm the princess of friendship, it's my job." or "Somepony has to handle this, and if I don't who will?"."
"Did she at least get some sleep?" Connie asked. Spike paused, and actually shrugged.
"Oh boy," Connie and Steven thought. This was more than enough, and they tried going up onto stage just for the guards to stand in the way.
"Come on, let us up there," Rainbow Dash insisted.
"Not in the middle of the speech," the guard insisted, hoof raised, "You have to wait until after it's over."
"But look at her," insisted AJ, "She looks more worn out than a working Ox on a summer's day!"
"Yeah she's wearing herself out," added Bismuth, "Can't you give her a break before she crumbles?"
"You can be concern as much as you want to, but the schedule demands this kind of workload. Celestia had to do that same work, and since Twilight's the new princess she too has to handle that load. I'm sorry, but it's true," the guard said, showing the list causing all of this trouble anyway.
"Look, I understand how important it is to follow a schedule more than almost anyone," said Starlight, "but there's an Alicorn up there that can barely even hold her pointer right now. Can't someone just fill in for her instead? Garnet, Bismuth, hay even I'm willing to do that!"
"And the princess insisted she would handle it herself," retorted the guard, "no one interrupts her now. Besides, this is cutting into the schedule anyway."
"That's it, give me that thing!" snapped Emerald, grabbing the list and shredding it to pieces. The two guards were stunned, seeing the list get torn up in the matter of seconds, Emerald being the literal shredder.
"There, no more list, no more workload, now call that pony off the podium before she thinks it's her bed."
"For once I'm with you," Peridot said. You KNOW it's serious when Peridot was working with Emerald on this.
"You know those are daily lists right?"
"MOVE!" and Bismuth and Jasper moved the guards out of the way. Forceful, but these two were a pain in the flank either way. The guards were growing worried, but then …
*yawn* "So … so in conclusion friendship is what can … can keep someone going … keep … going …" The irony of her talk was on pure show, and Twilight struggled so hard just to keep herself awake. The diamonds didn't need to have this go any further.
"It's alright Twilight, another time then," Blue Diamond insisted. This just made Twilight annoyed.
"Please, I-I'm fine! Bet your … y-your flank I …"
"My. Flank?"
And with one trip over her own hooves, Twilight finally just gave up. In front of the entire royal court, all of her friends, Twilight Sparkle just collapsed right there, falling onto the ground with a flop.
"Oh my gosh! Twilight!" Spike was the first to bolt up to the platform, and right to Twilight's side. Twilight became unresponsive as the others tried to coax her back around, but lucky for them she was still breathing. Much of the royal court was left stunned by Twilight's "death", but after checking her Garnet addressed the courts.
"It's alright everyone, she just fell asleep," Garnet announced, "We'll have to cut this short."
It was a disappointment, but the royal court could see that this wasn't gonna continue, as did the Diamonds.
"Twilight?" Amethyst gently poked the Alicorn, but all that did was evoke a small snore coming from her muzzle. She wasn't gonna be waking up anytime soon, not soon enough to finish her speech anyway.
"Yeah, she's out cold," Amethyst confirmed.
"Guess all those weeks of work finally caught up with her," Steven said. Twilight was helped up somewhat by Spike, and Peridot, but Twilight didn't notice any of it at all. Or even if she did, she was too tired to care.
"Alright, we're getting you home right now," decided Spike, "No excuses, no work, just straight to bed."
"We'll bring her back."
The two guards then started to move forward towards her, but some of the others were having some suspicions over these guys, especially when they already were trying to levitate Twilight over to them without any word on their part. They've caused enough trouble.
"OH NO you don't, we got this," Bismuth insisted, grabbing Twilight before they could go off with her.
"W-We're really sorry," said one of the guards, "We didn't think she ended up THIS bad."
"Didn't? Think? Look at her!" Peridot snapped, not even her screaming enough to wake Twilight up. The guards stepped back a bit.
"Twilight has done more than enough to help Equestria now," Cadance said, "She doesn't need anymore of those major workloads."
"My apologies, but we were just trying to make sure all of Equestria's caught up again. Celestia would've done the same thing she did."
"NO. She wouldn't," Cadance simply stated. Both guards felt the eyes stare daggers at them, giving them both a good case of goosebumps. The point was there: both guards were too caught up to notice just how tired Twilight was through those weeks, and now the end result was there. A overly-exhausted pony who was too tired to serve right now. One of them took a step forward, taking off his helmet for a moment.
"Then at least allow us her escort back home. It's the least we can do to apologize for our mistake," the guard said. Some silence hung in the air for a moment or two, but eventually Twilight was indeed given to them by Bismuth.
"Alright, here you go. Make sure she gets straight home, and straight to bed," instructed Cadance.
"Right away. Let's go," the guard said. So with that instructions in mind, the two guards turned and started off on their way back towards home. Not many of them really felt anymore suspicious, but something didn't seem to sit Garnet right, as they were going off. Soon as the two off and out of sight, Garnet began to move off again.
"Where're you going?" asked Spike.
"Making sure she goes to the right place."
~~~~~~
The palace still loomed off in sight of the two guards in their walk through Homeworld, making sure that the alicorn didn't just stumble off of her personal ride on the way. Homeworld neither of them were too familiar with, so exact navigation to both of them was a bit challenging, especially since many of the signs were of Gem language. Nothing Ponish or English here for them to work out in their walk around the Diamond City.
Twilight Sparkle would help them out, but she was still passed out and sleeping with only a few murmurs escaping her muzzle as they continued along.
"Oi," one of them groaned, "This is a fine wagon of hay, now they're all mad at us. Not to mention we got a passed out princess on our hooves."
"Tell me something I don't already know. How's she looking?" the other guard asked. The first guard looked to Twilight, who was still murmuring in her snores. He even did an eye-check, but not even that woke her up.
"Haven't seen her this bad since that whole "Cutie Map" study happened. Maybe even worse. How long do you think she'll be out for?"
"My guess? … Hay if I know. Five hours? Six?"
But then Twilight started talking.
"It's ok. Just put the hay in the apple, and eat the candle …" and she went right back to dreamland again. YEAH, she wasn't gonna be coming back around again, not for a while anyway.
"Better make it eight," the other guard noted. The first guard had to agree and they continued their walk from there.
With Twilight still too tired to react to much of anything, too exhausted to give direction, the two guards found themselves wandering from one of the streets to what looked like a T-split in the path, the road splitting off opposite sides going off to who knows where. No one else seemed to be around the area, and both ponies stopped. Where'd they end up now?
"I knew we should've taken a left at that four way back there," the princess-carrying guard said, thinking they've made a wrong turn. However, the other pony thought otherwise after checking the area a little bit more. He looked on towards one of the buildings off a ways.
"Hmm … no, I think this is it. Hang on a minute," the guard said. He then trotted on ahead a bit to check the area as the second guard stood there, making sure Twilight didn't fall off his back pre-maturely, landing on the floor rather than a bed. He even lifted one of Twilight's wings so they wouldn't drag on the ground. Eventually, off about twenty feet away, that other guard took a look around the next corner, and then gave a signal with his hoof.
"Ah, we're here, c'mon," the guard said.
Both guard started trotting off in that direction after getting that confirmed for both of them. The next corner was still isolated, Gems either off at the festival or off with the Diamonds by now. This area nearby the palace was a bit more open than the crossing, but that didn't mean there wasn't anywhere to hide out in.
Once both of the ponies moved out towards this position, looking around on more time to make sure that they were indeed left undisturbed, and without any surprises …
"Let's get this over with."
The older one gave a whistle, hoof brought to his muzzle. Loud enough to be heard, but not screeching enough to wake Twilight up. The whistle echoed on for a good second and a half afterwards, and both stallions waited there for something to happen.
And that was when they started to come out. Given the signal, some strange figures began to come out from the dark corners and cracks in the buildings. While many of these figures seemed unfamiliar to many a pony, and to the guards it was no exception, one of these figures seemed, and deemed, all too familiar to them both.
As the other monsters were bringing themselves out from the shadows, one of these ponies actually appears no taller than the guards were. This was a pony coming out of the shadows of the buildings, a Unicorn to be exact. Though "Unicorn" might not entirely be correct, as her horn appeared to be broken as some small electrical fizzing emitted from it as she walked out, the scar over her right eye the very second thing the guards saw of her. Her mane in a natural crest of rose colors, her fur coat a dark orchid made darker from the life she steppe from. Her whole body was clad in armor, horseshoes scraping the ground and the dim light gleaning off of her obsidian steel. All of the other guards didn't pay much attention on her, only seemingly focused on the two arriving guards and the prize they had with them.
"Well boys," said the unicorn, "Looks like the "princess of Equestria" is finally out cold. … Took you two longer than he'd like."
"She kinda lasted a bit longer than expected, but as you promised," said the older guard, levitating Twilight off of his back, and placing the body over by the broken unicorn. Her eyes looked to her, checking to make sure this wasn't just some fluke, but Twilight was indeed out cold.
"Good. I have to say, I'm impressed. Not everyday a set of ponies from the Royal Guard would turn around on their own queen," the unicorn said, as one of the creatures by her picked up Twilight. The unicorn noted that the beast was holding her rather roughly (namely upside-down by her back leg).
"Hold her like she actually means something to you, we don't want her waking up until after we get there," the unicorn instructed. The creature listened to the unicorn's words, and instead went on and held her as if she were a infant, cradling her in its arms. A bit excessive, but good enough.
"Just remember our end of the deal, alright? We didn't do this for nothing."
"I'd love to reward you now, but that's not my call to make," reminded the unicorn. "You'll have to talk to my king about that one."
The unicorn gave the signal for one of the storm creatures to begin taking Twilight Sparkle away. Just before they could go …
"Put the Alicorn down."
Garnet. She'd been trailing the two ever since they left the palace, and seeing this was more than she would allow. The two guards were shocked on seeing her there, though the unicorn seemed a bit less surprised that something would be suspicious by now. In fact, she was more counting on it.
"You were followed," the unicorn simply said, referring to the guards.
"I'm giving you to the count of three to let her go," Garnet warned, "And if you don't …" Garnet made her point clear by getting into a fighting stance, fists clenched and ready. She wasn't typically one to just jump into a fight, but her future vision told her simply talking wouldn't amount to much. The unicorn was barely threatened.
"You really want to fight? One against the entire storm battalion? You're a bit out-numbered you know."
"I'd more call it even. But I'd rather not fight if I can help it. I'll let you go if you let Twilight go, and we both can leave unscathed," Garnet stated, giving the unicorn a way out. The unicorn huffed, with only one thing to say ...
"Kill her."
So much for a way out. All the storm creatures behind the unicorn drew out their shields and spears and in a war cry started running right for Garnet. All except for one, who was still holding Twilight under the unicorn's orders. However, none of them knew just what kind of fighter Garnet even was, and it only took them about ten seconds to suddenly start to become over-powered by this fusion. Garnet easily dodged the spears, reflected the claws, and blocked the shields used against her like a pro, and one after the other the storm creatures were being forced back. First one that tried a attack on her she simply threw him aside, kicked away the second one, and actually did a frontlock suplex on the third into the fourth coming up behind her, the leverage aiming her legs enough to do a "kangaroo kick" onto another to send it flying into one of the buildings. The unicorn quickly learned they were NOT going to win this fight if Garnet was handling them this easily.
Not without her, anyway. Angry, the unicorn joined the fray, making a leap off the ground and using one of the storm creatures as a platform for another jump, landing her right in front of the fusion. Garnet's motions were quick to keep up, each hand blocking a swift kick from the fighting unicorn. Surprising really, that this unicorn was this well-classed in physical combat. Garnet didn't even need her gem weapons for this, and gave the unicorn a hard slap to the face, knocking her head over hooves for a bit before she landed upright. The unicorn made a charge at Garnet again, this time her horn glowing and sparking like a electric taser. Garnet brought both hands out and grabbed her horn before she could skewer her, sending electricity surging through her body for a good three seconds before they broke off. A strong hit, but not enough to take down the fusion.
"You may have got me out-numbered, but you're out-matched," Garnet stated.
"I can see that," the unicorn huffed, spitting to the side from that slap, which still stung her face.
"Now please, just let Twilight go. I don't want to keep fighting you over this."
"Likewise. So …"
And then the unicorn gave a whistle to the guard in question, suddenly the storm creature went from "nurturing" to nasty, and pinned Twilight to the ground, his claws inches from the passed out Alicorn's head. Garnet knew a threat when she saw one.
"You wouldn't want to be responsible for the death of the princess, would you? It's entirely your call," the unicorn said. Garnet froze on seeing this happen. Garnet was conflicted: either let her go with them, or let her die on the spot. And with her not responsive as it is, Twilight couldn't break free. Garnet tried to see what outcomes would their be, but the end result was the same. ANY move on her part against her now, will make Twilight die.
As much as Ruby and Sapphire didn't want to, Garnet raised both hands in submission.
"That's better. …"
And the unicorn took the opportunity to rush forward, her horn sparking again, and THIS time she connected and stabbed Garnet right in her stomach! Unlike the first shot, this one was fully charged and Garnet suffered the full effects of it. The unicorn didn't move an inch until Garnet succumbed to the attack, and exploded into a dust cloud. While this did poof Garnet, Ruby and Sapphire were still whole, and both of them split up and apart, electricity leaving them both very stung and frazzled.
"Surround them," ordered the Unicorn.
"Don't lay a finger on her!" Ruby shouted, rushing over to her sapphire as the storm creatures surrounded them both, keeping them at bay. This didn't last too long though as one of the storm creatures grabbed Ruby and held her back in a bear hug, as Sapphire was held up and away from her as well. Ruby kept thrashing to try and break free, but the combined strength of Garnet wasn't exactly on her side anymore.
"How could you do this?! Twilight's YOUR leader! Equestria wouldn't be standing without her help!" Ruby shouted to the guards in question. The two guards didn't answer that time, feeling a little bad (underline a little) but felt less worried now Garnet was split apart.
"You two shouldn't be worrying over "Twilight". You got bigger things to worry about," warned the unicorn.
"Like what?" Sapphire asked. The unicorn moved closer to Sapphire, looking her over, just able to see her one eye.
"I've heard of you. You can see into the future. Why don't you just use that, and see what will happen now to your friends back at the palace?" the unicorn offered. Sapphire actually did take a moment to check that, trying to calm down, but as she was …
"YOW!" Ruby's anger had heated her up so much, that a fire was actually lit up on the storm creature's fur, making it release her and race around in a panic, trying to make the fire stop. The next thing she did was try to make the other storm creature release Sapphire, kicking the storm creature square in the face to make it let her go, but what Sapphire saw in that future vision of hers made her quiver.
"Come on, let's get Twilight!" Ruby insisted, angry and ready to fight again, but Sapphire grabbed her.
"We have to get back to the palace! Now!" Sapphire said in urgency.
"Wha - But what about Twilight?" Ruby asked, shocked.
"We can't do anything about it right now, the Diamond Palace is gonna be invaded and conquered if we don't hurry back!" Sapphire said.
"WHAT?!" Ruby gasped.
"I'll explain on the way, now let's go!"
They got the full situation now. As much as they wanted to help Twilight out of this mess, they couldn't do anything here without a bigger loss back at the palace. Sapphire gripped Ruby's hand, and rocketed off straight back to the palace at lightning fast speed. The unicorn simply sighed.
"That's what I thought."
…….
Sapphire and Ruby wasted no time in their mad dash through Homeworld, Sapphire mainly leading the way as Ruby was holding on tight. This situation must be extremely urgent, because both didn't even have time to fuse back into Garnet in their mad dash. Sapphire was going so quick, Ruby was practically flying.
"S-Sapphire! T-Too F-Fast!"
"No time to lose, we got to warn them before they arrive," Sapphire said, seeing the palace in their sights. Ruby could see it too, but she was just trying not to loosen her grip on Sapphire in their mad dash. For Sapphire, she looked on towards the palace, and she didn't really see any form of threat just yet. Nothing flying around the castle, no smaller hills from any burrowers, and not any other signs of danger yet. A welcoming sign, sure, but Sapphire didn't slow down in her approach. She made a bee-line up the from steps and straight into the palace doors.
Everyone was still there, thank the stars, but they quickly saw the split-off fusion instead of their Garnet.
"Ruby? Sapphire?" asked Bismuth. Sapphire finally stopped running when she got to her friends, Ruby accidentally bumping right into her before falling to the ground. Ruby needed a minute from that G-force lag, breathing heavily.
"You're split?" asked Spike.
"No time to explain anything now - we have to hurry!"
"Hurry, what for? What's going on?" Steven asked. Sapphire tried to keep herself calm without getting a panic attack.
"I-It's Grogar, he's coming with an entire army with all sorts of creatures. They're coming here!"
That was all they needed to hear to suddenly raise an alarm around the entire room. Sapphire wouldn't be the one to lie about this sort of thing, and besides, why else would they be split up like this anyway if they were Garnet just minutes before? White Diamond grew worried on this sudden news as with many others, but being the "North Star", she did try to keep some form of a straight face.
"When is he coming?"
"Any minute now. Everything have to be ready to keep him from taking over," stated Sapphire. Yellow Diamond took action.
"You heard her: any of you, gather the Jaspers and Amethysts and double security," Yellow Diamond demanded, the first Gem to move going off and doing just that. Bad enough that Stubby made his nasty trick AND Grogar already stealing much of their Gems, they didn't need another form of attack like this. Blue Diamond spoke next.
"Hurry, block off the entrance to the palace however you can," Blue instructed. Gems from her court, including Sapphire, went over towards the frontal doors and closed them tight. The ponies were up and doing the same, giving some extra power in closing the doors shut. Starlight Glimmer jumped in next, but not for pushing the doors.
"Everyone away from the center," Starlight said as her horn began to glow. Those by the door did so, and with a blast of magic, Starlight Glimmer shot the doors and sealing them shut with a well-aimed ice beam, lining the entire center of it with a thick layer of ice. Nobody was getting in that way. As that was going on, Steven then got another question.
"Wait. We're all here right? Twilight's at home and Flint's back at the temple, who's missing?" Steven asked.
"Uh … nobody?" Pink replied.
And just like that, the lights went off. And then came the sound of a welcoming trumpet. This one wasn't played by the singing Gems this time, as Yellow looked over and found them rather quiet. In fact, they looked just as confused as everyone else. The spotlights tried to find the source, and eventually they did end up finding something else playing the welcoming royal horn. Sitting there by the curtains was Bray, with a royal trumpet being played in his muzzle.
"Oh no," White muttered.
"I thought we just sealed the front door," Yellow Diamond silently stated.
"M-Me too," quietly said Pink. And eventually, Bray finished his trumpet blowing and, just after suddenly kicking White Pearl aside, presented the crowd before him.
"Presenting the almighty king of Tartarus itself, and your grace for this afternoon - pray he doesn't shatter you. GROGAR!"
"He's already here?" wondered Blue Diamond. Grogar. Well that name didn't exactly ring as many bells all too much, but bells were easily heard as the king ram in question started to come on in, tossing open the curtains himself and starting to walk along the welcome mat. His followers came in behind him: Bray, Budgerite, Stubby and a few others following him behind. They did hear some confusion amongst the crowd around them, but Grogar didn't pay em much time.
"Afternoon, my boy. Now we got the pleasantries outta the way. Please leave my house."
"Wait. your house?" Steven asked.
"Yes, are you deaf or something?" Grogar questioned in a grumble. Bray was alright, but Budgerite felt humbled by seeing White Diamond, Stubby even moreso.
"But, this isn't your house, it's the Diamond's house," said Steven. However, this response gave everyone in the room a surprise, as Grogar bolted forward, and plucked Steven out of Pink Diamond's arms, tossing him like a doll to his own subjects.
"Well this is mine now," Grogar announced, "Anything else got a problem with that?"
"Uh, yeah, we do!" said Pink Diamond, getting up from her throne. She, Rainbow, Applejack, and Connie got in Grogar's way before he could do anymore damage.
"Don't worry Steven, we got you," Connie said.
"Oooooo, I'm am frightened," said Grogar, before he and his subjects started laughing, save a few humbled souls. Grogar stopped laughing abruptly before going right up to Connie's face.
"Hear this, foxy face! I didn't come here to kill you this time - just a nice friendly visit to tell you to CLEAR OFF! YOU AND YOU'RE WHOLE LOT BOTH! CLEAR OFF!" Grogar demanded.
"Is this a joke?" questioned Jasper, hardly threatened. She for one only saw an angry and confused goat, so why jump in? Grogar grumbled. Blue Diamond then got up and went over to Grogar.
"You got exactly ten seconds to explain yourself, Grogar. We just started Era 3 before you arrived, and I'll have you know it's imprisonment to attack a Diamond."
"Be quiet, doll, I'm talking to a real creature here," Grogar snapped.
"Excuse me?" Blue gasped, deeply insulted. Being called a clod was one thing, but being called a DOLL?! A artificial figure what's only purpose is to be blindly played with? The other Gems started to feel a cold shiver on this kind of insult, but Grogar didn't care. In fact, he added onto it as he turned to Steven.
"Hey, Steven was it? Do me a favor and clean up this mess you made of my throne room! Pick up all your dolls and go play outside before I trample them all!" Grogar warned. Though, admittedly, his warnings just weren't all that impressive: him and a few others against an entire royal ball of hundreds of Gems with the Diamond Authority standing right there, not to mention the mane six and Equestrian company. Not to mention -
"I got it," said Yellow, frustrated by this delay.
"U-Uh, Grogar?" said Stubby, hiding behind him. Grogar cracked his neck as Yellow Diamond went for him, but he wasn't gonna stick around. Grogar waited for this moment, the bells chiming on his chest, and his horns starting to glow a ominous blue. One of the sapphires though suddenly rushed out, and was rushing towards her.
"My diamond!" she gasped, rushing in the way of Grogar's magical blasts. The sapphire flew off a few feet before landing on the ground.
"Oh my gosh! You alright?" Steven asked, bolting instinctively towards her. Yellow Diamond pinned Grogar down with one hand, his subordinates jumping back so they wouldn't get crushed, as Steven went to see the sapphire. Bray, Budgerite, and Stubby were grabbed and pinned too by those protecting Steven. The sapphire on the ground was jittery, unable to even get up as she was glitching out a bit.
"What's wrong? Is your gem cracked?! Say something, what's the matter?!" Steven pleaded. His sapphire moved in and pulled him back, but Steven felt her touch was a bit more cold than usual. Soon though, they found out why.
*HISSSSS!*
The Sapphire was suddenly no longer herself. Her hair, which just before was well-kept, now morphed into smooth skin along her head. Her face had altered into just a single, glazed eye. Her dress had formed into a wave of tentacles, like a jellyfish, and her arms had now withered away to nothing. The sapphire screeched and wailed like a tortured pig, trying to see something - ANYTHING, but with no luck. She felt scared, confused, and the only thing she could do to save herself was to keep as many away from her as possible, wailing and thrashing at whatever got close.
"C-Corruption? … You … YOU CORRUPTED HER!" Steven shrieked. Grogar finally pulled himself out of Yellow Diamond's grip, the diamond left almost as stunned as the others in the room. And for good measure, he aimed his horns and shot a yellow aimed electric light right at Yellow Diamond! Yellow Diamond screamed as the shot struck her right between the eyes, the aura of the blast traveling all around her. This blast though wasn't the same as the corrupting light, as they all found it branch off and strike Blue, White, and Pink Diamond next, them all screaming before Grogar, single handedly, poofed them all at once!
"See what happens when you oppose almighty king Grogar?!" roared Bray, laughing hysterically at the quick takedown of the diamonds. NOW it was serious, as all the creatures present trembled at what they just witnessed. When it came to the course of history, this wasn't the first time the diamonds had been poofed, but it was at least one at a time. Grogar took three down in just one hit! Grogar raised his front hooves above Pink Diamond's stone, but before he could crush them underhoof, a blue blur from Blue Pearl snatched them all up, and the Harmony Gems got in Grogar's way, Bismuth already armed up with her hammer hands and Jasper with her helmet.
"You again? Doll? give them here," Grogar said, in a tone like a mother to a child keeping a toy away as he held out his hoof.
"You really think we don't exist? You're working with a Gem right there!" Jasper said, pointing to Budgerite nearby.
"SHE'S half sparrow, she actually HAS a adapting brain. Now be good dolls, and hoof them over."
"Over our shattered gems," warned Bismuth.
"Shattered … Budgerite, translate," Grogar said.
"That means … *gulp* dead. Killed," Budgerite peeped, still shaking from seeing one Gem corrupted, and another four poofed on the spot.
"OH. Well, I can arrange THAT!" Grogar said as he charged his horns again. Steven rushed in, and just before the fire, got out his gem shield to reflect the hit. He didn't want his friends shattered or corrupted. Bismuth went on, and swung her hammer right at the ram, knocking him back a good ten feet. However, Grogar was barely even hurt by the hit.
"We won't let you take over Homeworld! THIS is part of our world!" Steven stated, standing strong against him. Grogar thought a hybrid like Steven would try to see on better terms, but apparently he won't listen to his reason. He rolled his eyes, and his horns started to glow.
"You're joking, right?"
"I only make jokes when it's supposed to be funny!" Steven said.
"Look at you: here you are about to be killed by me, and for what? A bunch of robots who don't know anything else except for what they're programed to know. And those diamonds you got don't know ANYTHING except conquer and destroy. Open your eyes detective: you're risking your neck for literal war machines!"
"Keep talking goat, and I'll break your neck!" Jasper warned.
"OOOO, proving my point, are you? COME ON THEN!" Grogar roared. Jasper gladly complied and rushed forward, meeting Grogar head on - literally. Both head slammed into eachother, and while it did make Grogar move back, it barely was enough to hurt him, as he charged for another electrical shockwave running through Jasper's helmet, and through her body. It was a very nasty blow, making Jasper step back briefly before Grogar's teeth met with her face! Jasper, panicked, slammed Grogar off of her … just for her body to briefly glitch.
"Dang it," she growled, feeling her gemstone had been struck with a good crack in it. ONE BITE did that, and it was protected under her helmet visors no less! Starlight and Peridot rushed to her to support her, as Grogar laughed and his subordinates cheered.
"Go, Grogar!"
"Seriously?! You're a Gem, aren't you?" Rainbow Dash said, pushing her hooves down on Budgerite's head.
"Doesn't mean I have to like you guys, geesh. That's kinda how enemy teams work," Budgerite shrugged. And Grogar heard the bird Gem.
"Thanks for the reminder," Grogar said. While his next electrical shock didn't strike everyone, it made Connie and Rainbow Dash get off of them, with only AJ getting struck and electrocuted hard. It was enough to send Applejack flying, and Bismuth catching her before she struck ground.
"Got enough, or do I have to stop your heart with another?"
"Stop talking, you monster!" shouted Pearl, aiming her spear.
"OH, so I'M the monster! Yeah, I kill, and maybe tortured once or twice, but I don't leave MY subjects as nothing but foundation and accessories! Yeah, I saw them: living combs, sentient walls, bloody thinking statues! You tell me who's the real monster here, with THAT kind of mindset," Grogar roared.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Lapis rushed forward straight for him, and Grogar literally snapped Lapis's head off in one quick swing of his sharp teeth, her stone flying in the air!
"Lapis!!" Steven shouted, rushing to get her, only for Grogar to ram him away. Peridot cushioned the blow, and rushed to grab Lapis Lazuli from the air. But there was even more danger now than ever with their strongest fighters cut out of the game.
"OH, you crossed the line goat! TIME TO GET THE BEATDOWN!" Amethyst shouted.
"I'M A RAM, GET IT RIGHT PEOPLE!" Grogar screeched before charging for Amethyst, but he wasn't just facing one as the others were charging for him. Nothing he couldn't handle though: he whacked aside Amethyst, pinned down Ruby, and in a 360 spin got Fulgurite in his mouth and crunched down on her neck before throwing her off aside, leaving just the gemstones to be picked up by Pinkie Pie. This crazy onslaught of one Gem after a nother continued more and more until only the following Harmony Gems remained unscathed: Pearl, Peridot, Fluttershy, Rarity, Spike, Sapphire, Connie, Bismuth, and Steven. The others either poofed or too injured to try and fight again, Rainbow not able to fly due to an injured wing. Grogar looked to Steven, but as he was there he saw the gemstone on his stomach. He sniffed the air, and he actually got a scent from Steven.
"Well what do you know. Budgerite, you got a brother after all," Grogar said, Budgerite seeing the gemstone herself. The ram spoke again.
"I could go on all day, kill you all one after the other. … However, if you'll like to join me instead, kid, I'll make it much easier on you."
"What? Of course not! I don't like fighting anyone, but if you're going to try and kill my friends, I'll fight you anytime!" Steven declared. Well it was worth a shot.
"Have it your way. But remember, this is your decision." with that final warning, Grogar's horns began to glow nice and bright in its yellow hue. Steven brought up his shield to protect his friends, as it seemed that was where he was aiming to.
… Just to quickly change to blue, and shot to everyone else in the ballroom! In a mighty roar, his corruption light spell struck every single other gem in the room, with the soul exception being Budgerite. Steven was left speechless, and mortified by seeing all the gems there being struck, and becoming corrupted right in front of him. All Gems turning into horrifying monsters right before their eyes. The Harmony Gems were scarred. Once Grogar was done, he turned to the remaining ones with such a demonic smile across his muzzle, licking his sharp teeth as if ready to taste blood. His joy was even more so seeing Steven pouring tears.
"Who's next?"
"RUN FOR IT!" Steven yelled. for those that remained, they were forced moving when Grogar shot another beam at them. This one missed just enough, but they had to get out of there and fast. Steven wanted to go back and help, to TRY and save them, but Yellow Pearl made sure to grab him and pull him along. She didn't want any more diamonds killed today.
"That's it! Run! Run from king Grogar like the ants you are!" Grogar bellowed, laughing like a madman as he saw them all attempt to run away, fallen gemstones and ponies in their grip best they could. There wasn't that much time to even think as they ran for it, knowing well that this monster of a ram had complete control over any Gem in his way, be it shattering or corrupting. Even worse, they were also hearing heavy hooves right behind them.
"All those gems. What do we do?!" Steven asked, terrified and still shaking.
"We can't do anything right now, we just have to leave. We'll figure out something later," Sapphire concluded. As much as Steven hated the idea. But what could they do? None of them can cure corruption, but Steven then realized there was someone who could.
"Nephrite! Soon as we get back, we'll get Nephrite!" Steven concluded.
"Think she'll help us?" Yellow Pearl asked, hopefully.
"She'd better," Sapphire thought. Sapphire could only hope that the two components would be cooperative.
*BAM!* And suddenly another problem suddenly showed up, as the walls in front of them suddenly began to close around them, blocking their way! They all were forced to skid to a halt, seeing these walls had faces on them, and these faces all were defying them. Only now did Grogar catch up to them, cracking his front hooves like knuckles.
"Oh, look at that. You found a dead end," Grogar said. "No matter. You're just in time for lunch, and some of my subjects are feeling peckish. first course: Crystal Gem Asada!"
"No me gusta," Steven muttered. Grogar charged up his horns, the others trying to get the walls out of the way, but those walls were not going to budge. Steven got out his shield, the size just big enough to cover the entire hallway frame, making the oncoming blast of magic just bounce back. Grogar had to duck to avoid his own shot, but seeing this was simply irritating. But then …
"Back off!" Spike yelled, more in worry. It wasn't until NOW that Grogar knew Spike was even there, but seeing him now made him actually back up. What was HE doing here?!
"WALLS, MOVE!" Yellow Pearl shrieked, trying her hardest to make the walls move.
"Pretty pretty please with ice cream on top!" Pinkie added, but these walls simply weren't moving an inch. Even with Grogar's hesitation, they had little time for any delays, so Blue Pearl took a more brutal approach: leaping off the ground, she aimed both legs forward like a spear, and skewered right through one of the walls. This poofed it immediately, and Blue Pearl made sure to grab it.
"Sorry," Blue Pearl said. With a whistle, everyone else bolted through. Grogar snapped out of it, now galloping behind them.
"Half of you, try and cut them off! The rest, check for more Dra - Dra - Dragons!" Grogar instructed, as the Gem walls started to go off to try and do just that as Grogar gave chase. Those four diamonds were still with them, poofed or not, and he wasn't going to let them get away from him THAT easily. This break off from those walls did give them some form of a lead, them dodging what shot Grogar tried to get on them with either a swift jump or a block from Steven's shield, but Grogar wasn't willing to give up on their escape.
Eventually, probably out of pure luck, they managed to get out of the palace walls, and reach the docking station where the Pink Diamond ship was waiting for them.
"Hurry, in those legs!" Steven shouted. Grogar finally had enough, and charged up for one more blast of energy. This time his horns glowed a hazy green, and it launched like a fast-moving grenade. They didn't know what it was, but Sapphire suddenly bolted forward, and summoned an ice wall just strong enough to make everyone stop. And just in time too: the blast landed right where they would've been if they kept running, exploding the path clear off, and even part of the ship! Pink Diamond's ship felt off balance with its foot blown off, and started to collapse to the side, crashing down to the world below in a heap of metal!
"Where're you gonna go now?" Grogar asked, "Don't think all of you are able to jump that far to your ship without your flying doll and pony to help you."
"I'm warning you, ram! One more step, and we'll -" Bismuth was silenced by another guttural bellow from Grogar.
"You'll what? Kill me? You wouldn't dare, not in front of your "little starlight". Besides, that won't uncorrupt your little playset in the palace, or handle that "North Star" of yours, will it?" Grogar mocked, referring to Steven. That infuriated them even more, but Steven was hot with fear all of a sudden.
"W-WHERE'D YOU HEAR THAT NAME?!" Steven gasped. They ONLY ever heard that name once, and they were sure that Grogar was not there at all, at least while they were there.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Grogar snarled, starting to close in.
"Grogar, don't do this! Please! Homeworld needs the Diamonds, they don't deserve corruption!" Steven pleaded. Grogar just laughed.
"There you go again, thinking they're actually alive! Why don't you just give me them and the rest of your mud dolls and we'll call it even?"
"Mud dolls?! WHY YOU -"
"Bismuth, no!" Steven pleaded, holding Bismuth back before she could just charge in blindly. However, Grogar gave a warning shot, which made Steven jump off the ground again. Bismuth caught him before he could end up floating off again. This spook though made all the gems he was holding tossed onto the ground.
"And to think you're actually in charge of this supposedly amazing group," Grogar mocked, "How can you stay in charge of you can't even fight?!"
"You don't have to fight to be a good leader!" Steven retorted. Grogar snorted.
"For you hairless monkey-faces! In the real world, might is what keeps you on top. You can spout all this "friendship" and "harmony" nonsense all you want, but you don't got a snowball's chance in Tambalon if you can't enforce it."
"You're wrong Grogar! Being a good leader's about caring the most for your people, it isn't just about who's the strongest," Sapphire said.
"And yet I won. Here's a lesson for you: neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."
"The stars does that mean?" Yellow Pearl asked. Grogar's horns began to charge up again.
"That means don't spout bullcrap to someone trying to kill you!" Grogar snarled. with just one jump to make it across, some did start to try and get over, but some still stayed over and readied to block Grogar's shot. The shot charged up more and more, the ominous green haze to signal the bombing spell again. They all armed up for Grogar's next attack, but the anticipation might've come a bit too soon, as Grogar continued to charge up the blast for a devastating hit. Grogar looked all over, signaling out the target specifically. They were focused on the horns, but not the hooves, them glowing slightly as well.
"GOTCHA!" Grogar said, suddenly stomping the ground. The power from his magic-enhanced hooves was enough to crack the ground, sending a board right under the shield skyward. This forced Steven to let go of the shield, and only THEN did Grogar fire!
"Steven!"
… silence. The attack was swift, but suddenly everything was quiet. All they could comprehend was Connie rushing in the way and taking the full hit, a pain-filled scream, and a thud onto the ground. Next thing they knew, Connie was on the ground, with her weapon of choice flying in the air before landing nearby. Immediately, Steven raced over towards her, Connie just sitting there and contemplating, eyes frozen wide and irises shrunken down.
"Connie?! Connie wake up! Wake up!"
"S-Steven … I - …" Connie felt her body start to shake a bit, her eyes trying to figure out where any of them were. Slowly, Connie began to realize the situation she was in when she looked to her arm.
"S-Steven, stay back!" Connie pleaded, trying to push him away. The more times she tried, the more forceful she became, eventually no longer an intention.
"What's wrong?!" Steven asked.
"S-s-s-s-steven …"
Steven felt his heart stop seeing Connie's face transform in her screaming: her mouth stretched wider across her face, and began turning jagged like a jack o lantern's smile. Her hands, which kept trying to push him away, now grabbed hold with serrated hooves, tearing into his shirt. Her hair began to harden and turn sharp, like porcupine quills jutting out of her back, and some shards of gemstones, from what Gem DNA she had in her now started sprouting out of her head and curving into ram horns. Her eyes, pain-filled yet primal, started turning red like the ram that forced this fate onto her.
Connie Maheswaran was now corrupted.
Corrupted.
…
"... No ……. C-Connie. …"
"HA! You should see your face! You should've listen to me!" Grogar laughed. Steven turned to Grogar. Connie went for Steven, but Grogar had the nerve to grab hold of her with his own magic, pulling her to him. Steven was quiet, just staring at Grogar as he was laughing at them. This ram. He corrupted so many Gems, toppled the Diamond Authority, and now was laughing at Steven's loss.
Something broke. In a pain-filled cry, Steven grabbed the sword on the ground, and suddenly he raced forward at the demonic ram. Tears pouring from his face in misery and anger, Steven swung the sword at Grogar over and over again. For the first time in his life, Steven was trying to kill someone. and it was as horrifying to everyone else as it was funny to Grogar.
"YOU MONSTER! MONSTER! MONSTER!!" Steven cried, continuing to try and land one good hit through his crying. That smile on Grogar's muzzle would not go away, and to further the point. Grogar smashed the sword with ease with a single bite of his incisors. Steven still tried to get him with his own fists, punching like crazy but barely doing much damage to him either. All Grogar did was swing his hoof and threw Steven towards the others.
"STEVEN, STOP!" Starlight said, grabbing Steven to keep him back from the homicidal creature.
"Starlight, let go of me! LET GO! GROGAR!!" Steven demanded. And to further pour salt on the wound …
"Go on, Bismuth. Let him go," Grogar insisted.
"Change her back, Grogar, or so help me!" Bismuth warned.
"Help you? You know what, fine, I'll help you back home. I'd say this is even," Grogar said. His magic turned active again, and he sliced a decent-sized hole into the fabric of reality. Looking through, this actually wasn't any trick, but actually part of their home turf. They could even see what looked like the barn!
"We're not leaving without her!"
"She's corrupted, doll, she's useless with you. but don't worry, I'LL make sure she'll have a happy life with me. And besides, I'm the only one that can change her back. … Maybe." and then Grogar just laughed again. So even he wasn't sure if he can change her back?! Steven's anger was halted on this reality, Grogar using a spell he wasn't sure how to reverse, and now Connie was another one of Grogar's servants, the creature still trying to reach him. They weren't sure if it was out of primal anger, or if Connie was still trying to reach her friend.
"Sit down!" Grogar demanded, forcefully whacking Connie's head with his hoof, infuriating Steven even more as he tried moving. Connie screeched again, but was still caught in the magic aura by her neck like a caged dog. Connie struggled more and more, but behind her red eyes, there was a sense of urgency in her struggle. Too bad everyone else couldn't get to her before they began to hear the sound of the other corrupted Gems coming their way.
"So what's it gonna be? Heroes?" Grogar asked once more. The odds were stacked against them, and with a horde of Corruption coming their way, and their only exit they probably won't ever get again at this rate, the choice was the only one they had.
"We'll be back to get our home, Grogar," Sapphire said.
And they began to go. Grogar didn't really believe them, but found it satisfying that they're leaving his kingdom for the moment, giving him time to get himself together. Connie, growing even more desperate to get to them, struggled and lashed like mad to try and get to them. Steven was last to watch all of this happening, Connie screaming one more time before Steven was pulled through. Suddenly, the group was all through the portal, crashing down hard into the ground. Finally Steven forced himself free.
"STOP!" Steven cried, rushing back to the portal. He saw Connie there, crying, trying to do anything to get away from the ram, but Grogar refused to let him try, and slammed the portal shut on his face. It felt a bit bittersweet, but in the end they did get out of Grogar's grasp. For now at least.
"Is everyone okay?" asked Pearl.
"No. No, I don't think I'm gonna ever unsee that," Peridot shuttered, the images of screams and corruption being the only main thing that was filling her mind. Those images were all stuck inside their heads, but their attention began to go over to Steven, who was just sitting there. Connie was gone.
"C-Connie …"