//------------------------------// // Grounded to Earth // Story: My Little Universe: Season 2 // by EquestrianKirin //------------------------------// Days came and went, the weather growing steadily colder and more brisk as it shifted to autumn. Summer was starting to loosen itself, and the colder winter was having a tighter grip. As for progression on the ship, it was starting to pick up speed for the first time in weeks. That was a pretty good thing too; production on the Galactic Ray needed it. As a matter of fact, the Galactic Ray's exterior was pretty much complete over all, it was the interior they needed to work on. Plus, durability was also a must for the spaceship to get out of Earth's orbit, not to mention surviving any unexpected encounter and/or obstacles they might go through during their space travel. If it can make it all the way to Homeworld in one flight would be up to question, but, they needed to figure that out eventually. Aside from that, other things were going along well; in particular the training exercises. Peridot had continued her martial arts with Garnet since Ruby and Sapphire got back together, and she alone was doing much better in her respected field. The green Gem was beginning to blossom into a strong-willed fighter, and that was something Garnet was hoping to see. Even if Peridot would end up getting her enhancers back, she can still defend herself without them. Or heck, she might even do better with the enhancers on her in agility and her skill. As for Connie, the swordsmanship training was going along just as well, and with less stress with Connie not thinking so small of herself. Connie was willing to fight until the end, but she'll still fight alongside her close friend when the time comes around. Pearl was pleased as well with the results, no doubt about that. Like Peridot, Connie too was blossoming into a strong-willed fighter. Within the Beach House, Connie, Twilight, and Steven were together, and were looking through one of Connie's books. During these training sessions, Connie had found out about Steven's big trip, and decided that the best thing for him would be some extra study on space procedure. What better and more convenient than a space manual Connie found from Twilight's library? It was probably the best Steven would currently get since the Gems were pretty busy as it was. Besides, the Gems were indeed just sentient magic rocks, and as such, they didn't need any spacesuits, oxygen packs, or whatever for their space traveling. Twilight and Steven both needed some sort of information, but Connie had gotten one from her own library on account Twilight's book was from a pony world rather than a human one (you can imagine the complications). As they were reading through, Kyra soon came back to the Beach House. Before anyone did anything, Kyra made his signature prayer for Rose's picture first. It became a typical thing for Kyra to do, and a typical thing for the others to see him do after a while (even if it was unneeded at least). After that, Kyra turned over to the three. "What's going on, may I ask?" Kyra asked, a little curious with their study session. "Twilight insisted Steven and her learn a bit on space travel before they leave for Homeworld," Connie explained. Kyra took a minute to look at Twilight's book, which Twilight herself had on a page with instructions on spacesuit use, which included what a proper spacesuit has and how it works. Since Twilight had an equestrian version of it, the spacesuit was for equine rather than human. Kyra took a bit to study himself on it, not considering the risks of the trip anyway. Still, he didn't come to the Beach House just for a simple visit; something came across his mind about Twilight and her pony friends, and something he should address to her at least. "I see. Now, Twilight, can I talk to you for a second?" Kyra asked. Twilight Sparkle was a bit perplexed, but agreed anyway. She kinked the current page as her bookmark so she can get back to it later on, and went over with Kyra just over by the Warp Pad, Connie and Steven overlooking. After a bit, Kyra turned around. "Pardon me for asking, but, are alicorns still revered very highly back on Equus?" Kyra questioned. Twilight cocked her head to the side in some confusion; yes, Kyra was found on Earth here, but he should know some bit about Equestria (by now, at least). "Of course they are. How come?" "Well, Twilight, you haven't considered any sort of permission to just run off, had you? Or at least tell other alicorns what you and your friends are preparing for. Excuse me for mentioning it, but I haven't noticed any sort of mention of it from you, or anypony," Kyra explained. Twilight just stood there with a shocked stare. They were going so far with this, so sure of everything, and Twilight forgotten the most common sense to get permission to even go on such a trip! Kyra knew that permission was a must for this, to put it lightly, and somepony like Twilight Sparkle needed this permission the most out of the rest of the mane six. Steven and Connie both looked over to her, hearing what Kyra was saying, and how much of a point he brought up. For Twilight ... "Oh my Celestia, you're right! How could I be so stupid?! Sorry, Steven, Connie, I have to go!" Twilight said, quickly pulling out her key, opening her portal, and rushing through within a minute after figuring it out thanks to the reptilian Pony. Kyra was at least grateful that the alicorn was considering the idea and going with it. However, then Kyra looked over to Connie and Steven, but before he could say anything, the Warp Pad behind him activated again, with Garnet coming back with a recently bubbled gemstone in the palm of her hand. Must've finished up another solo mission. Kyra moved aside as Garnet made the bubble disappear. "Hey Garnet! Fight another monster today?" Steven asked in glee. "Wasn't too much trouble. Here you go," Garnet said, giving Steven another little gift from her trip, only this time it was a small red and blue flower. "Cool! Thanks, Garnet," Steven said with a smile. Kyra began to head out the door (the portal already closed after Twilight flew off), but before he could go off, something else soon presented itself; a small haze of white suddenly appeared. An aftermath of the portal jump? Not quite. The haze began to go over to Garnet, and started to manifest from the haze into a object; a piece of rolled paper, kept together with a royal sun symbol on some yellow ribbon. Garnet went on and opened up the message, reading it over with Kyra, Connie, and Steven wondering what it said. "Who is it?" Steven asked. "Celestia. She wants me to come by the castle," Garnet said, rolling the letter back up. As Garnet readied her magic key to go, Connie and Steven were a bit interested; Twilight had told them some information about the goddess of her sun, and they wanted to see her at some point. Kyra seemed mildly interested on her really, and he turned to the kids. "Well if that's settled, I'll be by the barn if you need me," Kyra stated, heading out the door. Garnet had her own appointment, so she went on with her own portal, and went on through. Two appointments involving the same princess was a bit much, though needed they supposed. ~~~~~~ Canterlot castle was about as regular as it would usually be. Even after everything that happened with Sombra, Tirek and Nightmare Moon, repairs on the castle were a success. Within the throne room, Celestia herself was patiently waiting for her message to go through, and for her guest to arrive. The Alicorn was hoping for her to arrive soon, as some words were needed to be said. Celestia began to relax once she noticed a light appear over by her throne doors; as the fusion in question went on through the portal made. It was interesting that the Equestrian ruler would want to see a fusion like Garnet, though it was something probably worth expecting. And Garnet probably could guess what it was about too; as the mane six went back and forth probably got the space trip leaked out somewhere. When it came to height, Garnet was a bit taller than Celestia, but not by too much if you count the mane and horn. If anything, she matched closer to Kyra, or Pearl in height. As for Garnet, her Ruby side hadn't forgotten her last fiasco with the princesses, and wanted to keep respect at full height. Garnet gave a bow to Celestia upon arrival. "No need to be so formal, dear," Celestia said with a small giggle. Celestia got enough loyalty from her subjects as it is anyway. "You wanted to see me?" "Indeed. It's about your journey, and the involvement with my student," Celestia began. Garnet figured as much. The Alicorn went over to her, but she didn't seem to be very angry or disappointed in Garnet too much despite that. Garnet spoke first beforehand. "I'm sorry I didn't consider -" "Don't be. I'll allow Twilight and her friends to go if they're willing to. In fact, I have a few questions regarding your journey to Homeworld, if you're willing." "You're ... Not mad?" "A bit disappointed perhaps; I'd wished you told me of something like this sooner. Although, I'd take you're very excited yourself on it?" Garnet gave a calming sigh, looking to the Alicorn. "Very much so, and we're so close. Won't be long before we can go," Garnet said, hands together and a big smile. Celestia smiled too, and moved over to her, reminding Garnet who she was talking to again. "I'm glad to hear that. Because I'd like to ask a favor of you." A favor? What favor would Celestia want for Garnet to do? Still, the fusion was all ears, Celestia looking right to Garnet's eyes. "I'm sure you've aquatinted well with my student by now, and she must be very busy with helping you out back on Earth. I'd like you to tell her that I have another friendship assignment relating to Homeworld. Whenever she gets time -" before Celestia could finish, the throne doors actually opened up again. Garnet and Celestia turned over, and saw the Alicorn in question standing there. "Celestia! I'm sorry to come in unnoticed, but I - ... Garnet?" "Twilight," Garnet said flatly. Guess telling Twilight was no longer needed as much after all. Of course, the alicorn was going to see Celestia anyway, so, perhaps it was for the best either way. In fact, Celestia ended up laughing upon seeing Twilight just show up seemingly out of nowhere. "How convenient for you to arrive, Twilight. I've agreed to let you go," Celestia said with a motherly smile. Twilight was left blushing on hearing her; her own paranoia and worry had gotten better of her again. Guess Garnet had already asked for her, and Celestia gave Twilight the green light that way rather than Twilight saying it herself. Still, for Celestia, this was a perfect moment for them both; technically speaking, they both were the respected leaders of their group, so, what better person/pony to talk to? "Twilight Sparkle. I'm sure you're easily aware of the task Garnet has been striving for, with her journey back to her Homeworld. Well, for your new test, Twilight Sparkle, as the princess of friendship; go to Homeworld, and show the true meaning of friendship to all who live there," Celestia announced. Twilight wasn't sure if she should be pleased or freaked out; the alicorn was given the right of way to help Garnet go to Homeworld and handle whatever Garnet had in mind, but at the same time, it became something of a requirement for her now. Previous assignments in the past requested by Celestia were done with extreme sureness of time, and precision, be it her task to go off to Ponyville, or to visit the Crystal Empire for the first time, or whichever. For this though, Twilight hoped that the ship will be done soon; this was a huge mission on an otherworldly planet the ponies (Twilight anyway) only scratched the surface on thanks to information by the Gems themselves. Any modern information mainly came from Peridot most of the time whenever it came around to it, but again, it wasn't too much. Twilight needed a minute to calm down first before Celestia and Garnet got a reply from her. "W-Wow! I promise I won't let you down," Twilight assured her. This was probably the best news Garnet had ever heard, and a big smile was evident on her face upon hearing that. Her vision for tranquility on Homeworld and Earth was looking bright. Before Twilight could go though, Celestia had something else to be made known to both of them. "I appreciate your enthusiasm. I do request though, for the Elements of Harmony to remain on our planet for when you go; I'll be sure to keep them safe upon your return. Speaking of which, I'm sure it might be a good idea to figure out how long you'll be gone for, right?" Celestia pointed out. Amongst everything, that was the only thing neither one of them even considered. Traveling time was one thing, but traveling off planet was another. They could be gone for years and not even know it until they get back, which was something that they didn't need to be worrying over, nor want to. Still, as the goddess she was, Celestia had a way to help them out, as she went over to the throne door. All Celestia needed to do was motion them to follow her, and that's exactly what they did. ~~~~~~ "Dad!" With a spring in his step, Steven had decided to go off and visit the car wash after his little reading session with Connie. It'd been a while since Steven had visited his old man for the longest time; pre-occupied with all sort of Gem stuff. As Steven went right over to the carwash, he quickly found Greg Universe finishing up washing Mayor Dewey's van by the time Steven went on and showed up. Soon, Greg saw the little scamp, and Steven was greeted with a father-son hug. "Hey little champ, what's up?" Greg said, playfully fluffing Steven's hair. Steven looked to his old man with a big grin. "Hey Dad! I got something awesome to show you, come on!" Steven insisted, trying to get Greg to come along. Of course, Steven was talking about the spaceship, and Steven didn't tell Greg about it just yet. "What's the big surprise?" "Guess what? We're building a spaceship! Come on, I'll show ya!" Greg chuckled on hearing that, happy to see Steven so excited. "Alright champ, lead the way," Greg said. He was done with work anyway. Greg just went along with Steven for the while, his mood more of a farther happiness then anything over the top ... Then he saw the ship. Bringing Greg to the production site (the other Gems taking a break), Steven let his dad get a good look at the giant spaceship (which by that point looked as big as the barnhouse for the main body alone). Since Steven was a kid, of course Greg expected Steven to be talking about a smaller model made up of basic metal, wheels and more like a go-kart. Not like this! Greg didn't really know what to say, as Steven went over to the large ship itself, arms spread out from under the opened mouth of it. "Uh ... I uh ... Steven?" "Cool right?! Come on, I'll show you inside," "Steven, whoawhoawhoa! You serious about this? You can't be -" "Steven!" Their conversation was cut short when Lapis came back into the picture, landing by Steven after a short flight with something in her hands. Greg had gotten the memo on Lapis as of were, so seeing her wasn't an issue. Even if it was, the concept of his kid going to space overpowered that like crazy. "Look what I got~?" Lapis said in a singalong tune, holding out her surprise for Steven. The surprise was a personal space suit, just for Steven's size. The color of it matched a typical spacesuit, but a key difference being the symbol of Steven's gemstone onto the suit. A mark of a star was also marked around the symbol too, signifying the crystal gem status. Steven was very pleased with this, but Greg didn't know what to say at first. "COOL!" "Rarity spent all night working on it. Go on, try it on!" Lapis insisted. Steven happily went on and tried it on, quickly getting it on himself. The suit fitted him perfectly like a glove. Lapis was pretty pleased with the result like a mother to her child. "Astronaut Steven, ready for take off!" Steven said, trying to look the partly a real astronaut. Finally though, Greg got to his senses and got the words out. "No!" Lapis and Steven both looked to Greg. "Yeah I am." "No you're not - I'm not allowing it!" "But dad, we've worked so hard on it!" "Steven, you're grounded!" ... Well that escalated quickly. "WHAAAT?!" "What? No no, I mean you're grounded; I'm not having you leave Earth!" "Oh ... WHAAAT?!" "Come on, mister universe, it'll be fine I promise!" "Sorry, Lapis, but I'm drawing the line at leaving our planet. Sorry kiddo," Greg said. He knew that Steven would be disappointed, but as he said, he drew the line at leaving the planet. Going with the Gems, perhaps. Going with the Mane Six, maybe. Leaving off planet to wherever for who knew how long, not a chance. ~~~~~~ Back in Equestria, Garnet and Twilight both were still following Celestia. The alicorn's idea for helping them out extended away from Canterlot, and actually off towards the everfree forest. In particular, the sun goddess brought them to the old Castle of the two sisters, Not much had changed for the last time Twilight had seen the place, and remembered her involvement with the area rather well, including Steven and Lapis's first visit to Equestria through this place. This was Garnet's first time here, so it was a bit new to her. Even in this old place, Celestia had something new for them to get their barring out and down pact. However, as she went, Garnet and Twilight both realized that Celestia was bringing them up the levels and floors until she stopped at one of the doors. Before Twilight and Garnet could go in, the Alicorn knocked onto the door with her hoof. "Sister?" A voice asked from the other side of the door. "It's me, Luna. Is it all set?" "Bring them in." Curiosity peaked, Celestia brought both Twilight and Garnet inside the room in question. What exactly did these two had in mind? Well, it didn't take very long until they found out. The large room appeared to be either an observatory or a planetarium, or maybe even both. The roof was domed out and hollowed, leaving plenty of room inside. For the moment anyway, the room was completely cleared out of many items so they'd have maximum usage of the room itself. In this case, Luna had already arrived and set up what seemed to be plenty of various stars, as if Luna purposely brought the starry night sky indoors, and painted it on the walls and ceiling. Still, Twilight and Garnet could tell this was magic and not just a simple paint job, especially seeing some stars float in suspended animation around the room as well, like holograms if you will. Garnet and Twilight looked around for a bit with surprise evident on both of them. "Wow," Garnet simply said. This indeed was a surprise, coming from magic Alicorns. With a nod, Luna took it from there as Celestia waited outside. If anyone knew about the stars, it would be Luna. "I don't remember seeing this here," Twilight commented, looking around at the stars in awe. "This is our star chart. Being the princess of the night, knowing about the stars is something that I had to learn and study on," Luna explained, heading to the center of the room. Garnet took a moment to observe the stars a bit before looking to Luna. "So, is Earth apart of this star chart?" Garnet asked. Luna moved over to one of the stars amongst the various amounts, which looked smooth and rounded out. "Here you are. And if I'm not mistaken, Homeworld is where you've placed your destination?" Luna asked. Garnet nodded, and Luna looked to another star; this one diamond-shaped to signifying it from the others. As far as distance went, the Homeworld and the Earth weren't too far apart, thus explaining how Earth can see Homeworld. After finding them both, Luna moved the other stars aside, like enhancing the image, and had it when Earth's galaxy was on one end, and Homeworld's galaxy was on the other end. In between them both were only a few extra stars, one of which was right in between the straight path made out. A blue flash of her horn made out a line connecting Earth to Homeworld, but this line wasn't a purely straight line as it stopped on at least one other planet before reaching Homeworld. "Judging from the distance between both your planet, and the Homeworld planet, you can't make it on one forward fly; you'd have to stop on at least one other planet on your way in order for you to make it. If nothing interferes beyond that, the whole flight should take a month in Earth time to get there, and a month's time to return. How long entirely depends on how long you remain on Homeworld, in true terms," Luna explained. Garnet would normally ask how Luna would know about Homeworld and all that, or how she would guess that they needed a pit stop, but considering she knew a particular chaotic entity, she felt that she didn't need to ask if she knew an answer. Twilight looked over to the line drawn out, following it from Earth to the other extra planet on the way. The extra planet, although hard to tell at first, looked about Earth-sized but nothing showing any continents or oceans or what not. Still, if they needed a pit stop, then she might as well not argue with it; she'd never studied too much on space just yet, and still currently a bit short on knowledge for space travel. "You're a big help, Luna." Garnet said with a smile. Now the trip wouldn't take as long getting there as they thought. ~~~~~~ Back with Earth, though, the issue with Steven and his dad was still an evident one. Up and down all day, Steven tried his best to get Greg to change his mind, and while Greg felt a bit bad for denying him despite his focus on it, he kept his word firm and didn't change his mind. Not many of the other Gems really knew what happened just yet, as Lapis didn't know if getting everybody (or for that matter, everypony) involved would be a good idea or not. As for Greg himself, he got the idea that this was rather important to Steven, and that Steven wanted to help as much as ever, but as his father, he had to draw the line somewhere at somepoint. And now, that line was deeply drawn in, and he was for sure he didn't want Steven to fly off into space with the Gems. Not that he didn't trust the Crystal Gems, don't get him wrong, but the concept itself for his kid to go off-planet, to a planet he knew little about was enough to have him put his foot down. Besides, he didn't have any clue what would happen to him outside of the planet anyway, and these new Gems in the Crystal Gem group (some of them anyway) didn't make him feel any better about it. That didn't mean Steven didn't stop trying to change his mind as the day went by. Later on that night, Steven ended up having to sleep with his dad back at the van, in his PJs rather than the spacesuit. Bit out of it, but, Greg insisted it to his kid for a bit anyway. Steven had calmed down a little bit from his begging, but still wished he can go on the trip in the first place. At that point, Steven and Greg were both asleep, Steven sleeping in a little sleeping bag that looked like some sort of bug in design. As the two were sleeping, someone else decided to come on down for a visit, and gently poked Steven's face. "psst. Steven. Steven?" Steven eventually woke up, a little groggy really, but awake either way, and soon saw Lapis Lazuli right by him on her knees. By the look on her face, despite of earlier, she looked happy for ... something. "Want to see something really cool?" Lapis asked eagerly yet quietly. Steven got himself awake after a bit, and got himself up. Lapis and Steven, quietly, went off of the van and started to walk away. Steven could hear his dad murmuring in his sleep, telling him he was dreaming. The perfect time for Lapis and Steven to slip away. With a small little flight be Lapis, Steven was brought back to the barn. The others Gems weren't present by that point, so it was only Lapis and Steven. The Galactic Ray gleamed in the moonlight, but Lapis's interest didn't put it directly at the ship itself. Instead, Lapis gleefully went over back to the barnhouse. Lapis opened up the barn doors, and standing in the middle of the room was Lapis's surprise. It looked like one of Peridot's robonoids, but except a lot bigger, about the size of Mayor Dewey's van. Apart from that, it looked pretty much the same. "Whoa! Cool! Where'd you get this?!" "Pearl suggested an extra pod in case the main ship would reach a malfunction, so Peridot got one of these after going around earlier today. We weren't supposed to test it until tomorrow buuuut ..." Lapis's expression and smile told Steven the main idea, as she got the pod to open up, revealing the interior of controls and seating, just big enough to fit them both. "YES." Just under a minute later, Lapis and Steven eagerly got into the giant robonoid, Steven in his spacesuit too. Steven sat up front, and Lapis sat in the back, as the hatch closed up. Both were very excited, but suddenly the robonoid began to fill up with what seemed like some odd green liquid. Steven instinctively held his breath, but eventually he couldn't hold it in after a bit, only to find he could still breathe. Lapis had no such issue with it. "Come on, try it out!" Lapis insisted eagerly. But, Steven didn't had any clue how; he wasn't from Homeworld, and not everyday you see someone have something like this. "How do I do that?" Steven asked. "Put your hand on the pad in fornt of you," Lapis said, pointing to the main touch pad in front of him. Steven did so, and immediately after he did, he suddenly felt them both rise up, as the robonoid got out some leg sticks for some locomotion. After it was stable, Steven tested the movement when he moved his hand forward. As he did, the robonoid began to walk forward back outside with ease, no swaying or drag to move. A good start. "How about this?" Steven got both his hands on the pad, and moved forward. The walking began to turn into a full on, 6-legged gallop, easily as fast as a horse at full speed (not counting the ponies). Lapis and Steven were getting a kick out of this. The galloping robonoid was soon out on the open field, Steven and Lapis giggling and having fun as Steven tried to get used to the controls. They didn't go too crazy at first, mainly working on walking, trotting, and running, but after a while they tried to get a bit more playful with the equipment. "Hey, check this out!" Steven then decided to work out his fingers into each leg, making each one work in unison for each side. Two sticks were brought up as the other four connected side by side. Soon, with a little Steven magic, the robonoid began to move around in smooth motions and some good stepping like it was dancing to music. The dance moves were a strong mix of robot and disco, and the robonoid performed very well for it. Lapis and Steven were enjoying it very much. "Impressive Steven, a fine display of movement," Lapis complimented in a aristocratic manor. "I humbly thank you for joining me on this dance," Steven replied on a similar manor. The two laughed afterwards, as Steven got the legs back to where they should be. After that though, Steven then looked over to Lapis, scooting aside so Lapis had some room beside him rather than behind him. "Here Lapis, give it a try!" Steven insisted. In the fun of the moment, Lapis Lazuli nodded and went over to the controls with her own hands. Steven was having fun, might as well share it with his buddy. The giggling Gem began to get the robonoid moving about for a bit, trying to get used to it herself. After getting it down pact, Lapis noticed a hill in the viewing glass, and began to move over to the tall hillside, getting to the top easily. "Good job!" Steven congratulated, though when they went to high-five each other, suddenly the balance was soon lost, and the robonoid began to tip over. Lapis got it to stop rolling, but they ended up upside down, the viewing window looking up to the sky. Lapis tried to get themselves upright, but when she tapped the pad, one of the legs suddenly shot out what seemed to be a small blaster into the air, exploding like a firework. That gave the two a big idea, looking to eachother with eager grins, as Lapis tapped the screen some more. Each tap gave up to more shots, thus giving them a firework show, which itself was pretty awesome. Lapis kept tapping, and glanced to Steven's happy face. Suddenly, Steven accidentally tapped the screen with a move of his hand, but that made multiple shots shoot at once, making an awesome explosion, looking like a diamond (made sense). "ooooOOOOOoooo. MY TURN!" Steven beamed. Lapis let him handle the firework show, making an amazing show of fireworks. Even if they were all the same color, they were still lovely to look at... Then the robonoid was suddenly moved. In a 180 spin, Lapis and Steven suddenly were no longer facing the sky, but instead seeing the face of Kyra right outside the hatch. Kyra had to tap the robonoid with his cut hoof to open it up. "Oh, hey Kyra," Steven said nervously. Kyra sighed. "I thought we're gonna wait until tomorrow," Kyra reminded. Lapis and Steven got out of the robonoid. "Sorry, Kyra. I just wanted to cheer Steven up," Lapis admitted. With Steven's denial to go, Lapis figured that it would help with some fun to make Steven feel better. While it did work for a bit, getting caught wasn't part of the agenda. "Well, if I may; you two can cheer eachother up tomorrow morning, but now you two help me bring this back," Kyra instructed. Moving over to the robonoid, and starting to roll it back to the barn. Being a large piece though, it wasn't very easy to do alone. "Wait, go inside. It's easier to use," Steven pointed out. Kyra gave it a try, and went inside to work out the controls. Soon, the robonoid became active, and Kyra began moving it back. As he left, Steven looked to Lapis. "You did this for me? You didn't have to, Lapis," Steven said. "I wanted to Steven. After all, you're my beach summer fun buddy," Lapis said. Soon, Steven and Lapis hugged eachother, and began heading back.