Time continued ticking, and time on Homeworld became something the Crystal Gems grew more used to. They were getting a bit of a rocky start, Pearl especially, but Sapphire was confident that things will go just fine. She never said things were going to be easy after all. It did seem though some Gems were busy doing their own things as of were. It really had been interesting so far, for better or for worse. Exploring Homeworld had been a blast for some, but for others things had gone a bit bumpy. Either way, it would be a while before they get on Homeworld's good side yet. It was easier than any of them expected with Blue Diamond, but she wasn't the only Diamond on Homeworld and they had to consider that. They were close to Yellow Diamond before with one of her subjects, so, most likely they'd run into her sometime soon. What it'll become was unknown, but, it was best for them not to cause anymore trouble.
Outside, the fighters of the Crystal Gems decided that just lazing around waiting for something to happen wasn't going to be an option, or at least not a good idea. So, working off memory, Amethyst brought Jasper and Ruby off to the same training grounds she saw the other fighters train beforehand. They could see why they were training here; it was flat, out of the way, and room to maneuver. Once more, there was actually some training equipment already there, proving this was a training spot. Peridot and Steven joined them too, mostly as a spectator though unlike the others. Despite her own training, she preferred to be on the sidelines rather than keep on fighting. The other Gems though got to practice right off the bat, and didn't waste anytime starting up some practice runs. For a start, Ruby, Amethyst, and Jasper had set up some large practice dummies. These dummies, although didn't fight in any advanced attacks, actually did move on their own with some tech work from Peridot. The three were for small, medium, or large fighters (probably guess which one got which).
"You got them, guys!" Steven cheered. The other three continued fighting their own practice dummies in their own way; Ruby fought her with strength but also used her smaller size as a tool for dodging the attacks. Amethyst dos similar tactics, and had the advantage of attacking from afar with a rolling attack, and Gem whip. It was Jasper who used mostly strength alone, fighting it head on. The dummies weren't strong, so Jasper wasn't worried over injury. One punch after the other, Jasper began to cripple her target more and more, until one well aimed slam of her fist knocked the head clean off! The head flew in the air in a spin for a good few seconds until someone actually caught it.
She wasn't one of Jasper's friends though.
"What's goin' on here?"
"Amethyst, don't distract me now," Ruby said, still fighting her dummy. However, a large, muscular, purple arm ended up picking up her dummy to get her attention. Ruby turned around, only to find that this Gem wasn't their Amethyst. This one was just about Jasper's size, and outfit to match. Basically this Gem was Jasper with Amethyst's colors and face, and her Gemstone not on her chest. Instead, it was on her fist. She didn't look angry, though smugness was surely evident in her expression. Ruby would still protest if she didn't see the Gemstone moved, and her Amethyst standing nearby.
"Having fun with the training spot?" She asked. Her voice also mimicked Amethyst, albeit slightly lower tone.
"Well, yeah. Wait, are you -"
"Another Amethyst!" Amethyst realized. She remembered seeing the Homeworld Amethyst before while she was training, though wasn't too sure if she really was what she thought. After seeing the gemstone matching hers though, it was a guarantee that this was another Amethyst. The Homeworld Amethyst soon saw her apparent "mini me" standing nearby. Compared to her, the other Amethyst was about half the height. The Homeworld Amethyst then saw Steven nearby, and confirmed her thoughts with a smirk.
"So you're all the Earth Gem visitors, aren't ya?" She guessed.
"How'd you guess?" Ruby asked.
"Word gets around fast, especially when the news is about six Gem colored aliens visiting too," the Homeworld Amethyst explained. Made sense; with the mane six on their tour pretty much all over the place.
"So, this your training ground?"
"Nah, it's open to whoever. Just didn't expect this variety of Gems to come by today. How often do a Ruby, Jasper, and Amethyst train at the same time anyway?" The Homeworld Amethyst said, showing some slight tactlessness in her statement. Sounded familiar. Still, that reminded Amethyst about the other, larger Gem she was training with last time she saw her. The huge Gem didn't look like another Amethyst to her, so, that statement seemed a little ironic of the Homeworld Amethyst to think that. Steven felt a bit confused nearby, and nudged Peridot.
"What's wrong with training together?" Steven asked.
"Well, it's more typical for Gem types to stay with their own type of Gem when it comes to instructions rather than mixing types for the same work. Unless the Diamonds say otherwise, that is," Peridot explained to him. There wasn't anything wrong with it, but as Peridot said, it was just more standard as all.
"You here to train too?" Jasper asked.
"Not today. Yellow Diamond wanted some practice dummies for her Quartzes, and apparently you've been busy with them," she said, a finger pointing to the dummies they were fighting with. Upon mention of what Yellow diamond wanted, Peridot quickly gathered them up and brought them to the Homeworld Amethyst. Even with her involvement with the Crystal Gems, her good graces still was to Yellow Diamond, and if she wanted some of the dummies, she'll get them.
"Here you are," Peridot said quickly, giving them to her. Unneeded, but efficient anyway. Homeworld Amethyst lifted them with ease over her shoulder.
"Alrighty then, I should be going. Catch you later," she said, turning to go. However, Amethyst just met the Homeworld counterpart, and didn't want to just go right away. Besides, seeing other Quartzes would be a good idea too. Looking to Amethyst, Ruby already got the idea, and looked back to the Homeworld Amethyst.
"You wouldn't mind showing us the division, would you?" Ruby asked. Homeworld Amethyst stopped and turned around.
"Sure about that? Yellow Diamond isn't really one for surprise guests."
"We belong to her anyway, might as well," Jasper retorted, which was technically true, and a reason for them to go back to her. Besides, her mission was to get Peridot back anyway, and she didn't give her the news yet.
"Hm, alright then, follow me," Homeworld Amethyst decided, shrugging. If they did belong to Yellow diamond anyway, might as well bring them back for a while. It was a quick decision, but at least they were getting one. Steven and Amethyst were excited to see the Quartzes in their own work, and wondered how it would be.
~~~~~~
Guided by the Homeworld Amethyst, Jasper, Peridot, Steven, Amethyst and Ruby all were brought off to the more active area of Homeworld's community. It wasn't a building that Homeworld Amethyst had brought them to, but rather a open training zone. The sounds of punches, kicks, grunts and warrior cries easily told the others that training was in full swing. Either that or a riot started, whichever came first. The area was separated by tall metal walls, with a holographic gate in front of them After standing there for a little bit, the gate moved aside to allow them through, bringing them inside. The entrance gate itself was up on a balcony, and it gave the other Gems something to look at. Off of the balcony, they looked around to find a open, rocky area with varying Quartz Gems training in unison. They saw about ten warriors down there, all of them looking like Jasper and Homeworld Amethyst do. In comparison, Amethyst and Ruby felt pretty small, as she didn't see any of them their size. Homeworld Amethyst jumped down from the balcony, landing on the ground with a sturdy landing. The others followed ... yet, Steven and Peridot's landing wasn't as graceful. A.K.A, landing on their faces. At that moment though, another taller Gem was also present, observing the group as they trained up.
One of the Quartz appeared a bit taller than the others. She was that same red-haired Quartz Amethyst and Rainbow saw earlier, though here they got a better view of the Gem than before. Her skin was light silver, with stripes of pure white similar to Jasper, though her stripes moved down rather than to the side. Her left side was completely white while a pointed stripe went down from her good eye, which was also silver. Her suit was a dark grey, but didn't show any diamond symbol on it. As for size, she was three times bigger than Amethyst, and was easy to point out from the group.
"Hey, got the practice stuff," Homeworld Amethyst said, catching her attention. Of course, she looked down at the others close by, walking past the Homeworld Amethyst.
"Did Yellow Diamond demand more Quartz Gems?" She asked, a little annoyed with more Gems arriving.
"No, she didn't, but -"
"Then you're trespassing. Get out before I pound you all in the dirt," she threatened, cracking her fists. Maybe it'd make sense if Jasper and Peridot weren't there too, obviously showing Yellow Diamond symbols on them, and therefore, showing their respect to her.
"Hey, I have my right to be here! I have a Peridot for her anyway," Jasper retorted, pointing to the diamond symbol on her, and then pointing to Peridot.
"Why would she want that embarrassment of a Gem? Why don't you take your pebbles, and play in the dirt," she mocked, shooing them away even. Steven didn't get the mock, but everyone else was getting angry at her.
"Hey, I'm right here!" Peridot snapped.
"Don't care," the white Gem said bluntly. Peridot was ticked off.
"Watch your mouth, they've been through more than -" Jasper warned. Suddenly, she grabbed Jasper by the collar, and pulled her up off the ground with little effort. Jasper glared at her, not expecting such a bold move to a veteran war Gem.
"You looking for trouble, runt?" the Gem growled.
"What'd you call me?!" Jasper snarled. Suddenly, the Homeworld Amethyst got in the way before things could get too out of hand.
"Rupee, drop her! Yellow Diamond warned you what'll happen," Homeworld Amethyst advised firmly. Rupee looked back to Jasper with a rough groan passing her lips, before she roughly dropped her to the ground, and moved away. Of course, Jasper got right up and was still fuming.
"Hey, get back here, you clod! No one mocks me and gets away with it!" Jasper demanded, but the others grabbed her before she could charge at Rupee. It took the combined efforts of everyone else just to keep her still. After some struggling, Jasper (while annoyed as ever) relented, as Homeworld Amethyst looked back to them.
"Who's the tough shot?" Amethyst asked, equally annoyed with her arms crossed.
"That's Rupee. She's a bit new, and has a bit of an anger issue," Homeworld Amethyst replied with a groan. Rupee took no notice of the others, and went right back to the training group. Obviously this Gem wasn't up to making any friends, on Homeworld or not.
"How new?" Jasper asked. She'd only been gone for a few months, yet didn't remember seeing her.
"Only a month, really; and I swear she's not getting any better. Just stay out of the way, and you'll be fine," she warned. It was probably the best she could do when to came to them and dealing with Rupee. Jasper just groaned though, and grabbed Peridot, walking to the tower.
"Come on, let's get this over with," Jasper groaned.
~~~~~~
Jasper and Peridot both wasted no time in getting right over to the tower in question. Comparing Blue Diamond's tower to Yellow Diamond, this one appeared more broad, and held an uncanny resemblance to the Equestrian Crystal Empire castle, down to the hollow base where Gems can walk through if they wish to, and a suspended diamond right at the center. Either the Crystal Ponies took inspiration from Homeworld, or Homeworld took inspiration from the Crystal Empire. Either way, Jasper and Peridot weren't here to look over the architecture, they had a report to bring in. Jasper knew how to do so, as the design didn't change since she last seen it months ago. All she needed to do was simply clicked on the diamond in a few spots before it activated. Consider it like the doorbell to a large mansion. After a little bit, a screen soon appeared, showing the same room with the same Yellow Pearl.
"What is your business?" Yellow Pearl asked, awaiting the answer. Jasper straightened out, and her arms and hands went into a diamond symbol in front of her, her fingers touching eachother to do so. Peridot quickly did the same.
"I'm here to report on my mission to Earth; I've retrieved back Peridot " Jasper informed, showing Peridot next to her. Yellow Pearl looked quizzically at her.
"What happened to your enhancers?" She asked, eyebrow raised. Peridot felt a bit embarrassed.
"Eh ... they were ... lost," she said sheepishly. Yellow Pearl's expression wasn't changed, but she eventually turned away. Off-screen, she seemed to get the cue, and after a nod, the screen turned off. Soon afterward, the diamond itself glowed bright yellow, and released a set of rings which hovered over both of them. After rushing down over their bodies, the two ended up teleported away, from outside to inside.
After the teleportation, Jasper and Peridot found themselves in Yellow Diamond's throne room. Unlike Blue Diamond, which was more formal, this one appeared more like a working station than most. There was a throne, but rather than detailed patterns, instead there was many different screens, each with their own bit of information on them. Course, the two didn't focus on them (well, Jasper didn't), and instead focused more on the Gem on the throne herself.
Yellow Diamond.
Her Pearl noticed them first, but didn't say a word until Yellow Diamond looked down to them after checking on one of the screens. It was rather clear that Yellow Diamond was the more techy Diamond of the authority. Her yellow eyes looked sternly down at them.
"Greetings, my Diamond. I've returned with your Peridot," Jasper informed, making the diamond symbol again.
"I can see that. Why aren't you contacting me from the ship?" Yellow Diamond asked firmly.
"The ship ... was destroyed," Jasper answered grimly. She didn't want that kind of news to be the first thing, especially to Yellow Diamond of all Gems. The expression on Yellow Diamond's face remained unchanged though, keeping a judging look.
"By who?" she asked, slowly and firmly. That question was rougher to answer. Now, normally Jasper would answer straight out that it was the Crystal Gems and their pony friends who'd done it, but after what she'd done with them through the months on Earth, ratting them out to the Diamond authority might not be the best idea in her mind, especially concerning what they were trying to do. She hated to, but eventually she answered.
"No one. There was a ... malfunction, on my way to Earth. That's why I was away for longer than I should, my Diamond." Course, she was lying through her teeth, but the others in the room, Peridot included, seemed to buy it. Peridot wasn't there when it happened, so, hearing from Jasper what had happened to the ship was just as believed as it would be. Jasper looked down shamefully, and waited for Yellow Diamond to say something to them both.
"Incompetent manufacturers," Yellow Diamond scolded under her breath, before looking back to them again. "I'll inform them on the matter. I don't appreciate your lateness, Jasper, yet indeed you brought Peridot back unharmed, so consider it a warning."
"Yes, my Diamond," Jasper said in a bow. Then, it was Peridot's turn, who was feeling internally frantic since the second they showed up.
"Peridot? ... How is the Earth?" Yellow Diamond inquired.
"Uh ... F-Full of life," Peridot got out, trying to get her nerves together at this point. Not often do any Gems, nevermind a low-ranking Peridot, to be in the presence of the ruler of her world (metaphorically and literally). Yellow Diamond looked back to her screen for a moment.
"Organic life," she noted in a sigh.
"Y-Yes, well -"
A loud *ahem* from Yellow Diamond silenced Peridot immediately, making the green Gem clam up. Yellow Pearl saw this, and smiled cheekily, enjoying seeing Peridot's reaction. Peridot only gulped a dry gulp before Yellow Diamond spoke again.
"I saw you both arrive in the training yard. You're not alone, I've noticed ... Who else is with you?" the Diamond asked, the last part deeply serious. Jasper and Peridot didn't think she saw them out there, but Jasper decided to answer first.
"Well, there's an Amethyst, a Ruby -"
"Not them. I know who they are," Yellow Diamond interrupted, silencing her just from that. "... but, why the human? Why is he here?" Now, there was trouble, and they both hesitated. They didn't want Steven to get in trouble just for being here, and Yellow Diamond wasn't one to take this lying down either. Yellow Diamond looked carefully at their reaction, and seeing them both hesitate made her suspicious. It wasn't their fault though, with the Diamond still remembering the spiteful call she'd gotten a month earlier by one particular Draconian ...
"What. Did you bring. To my planet?" asked Yellow Diamond, loosing patience with them. Eventually, Jasper relented.
"Some organic lifeforms, my Diamond. I guarantee though they're not here to harm you, or anyone else," Jasper assured her. Yellow Diamond had trouble believing in that.
"Tell me their names," she demanded. they didn't want to go too far, but they didn't had much choice in her presence. Eventually, after another pause, Peridot finally relented, and listed off the Mane six, and adding Steven at the end. Yellow Diamond listened with every single word with full focus, taking note of every single one. When she stopped though, Yellow Diamond felt a little confused (though didn't show it). She brought her hand to her chin, and thought it over for a little bit. Maybe, what happened next, was inevitable.
"What of the Crystal Gems?"
That question hit them both like aimed daggers. Jasper knew well what the Crystal Gems had done to their kind a long time ago, and if Yellow Diamond was informed correctly about their presence, then things could end up going very badly for them. Heck, Amethyst and Ruby were both outside at the moment, and if she found out that, she'd have their Gemstones for sure, and maybe Jasper and Peridot's own. Yellow Diamond wasn't as forgiving as Blue Diamond unfortunately, and how she'll react would most likely be harsh.
"C-Can you be more specific?" Asked Peridot worryingly. Even Peridot herself as she said so, knew it wasn't the best choice of words, and the stern look on Yellow Diamond's face turned into annoyance. She didn't need to explain herself to anyone or anything, for they got the order as they got it, when they got it.
"I expect full honestly from all my Gems, you two should know this same as anybody. So, I'll ask you again, nice and slow, and one of you better answer; What. Of. the Crystal Gems?" Yellow Diamond's tone felt like she was pouring salt on an open wound; stinging and effective more she did so. Jasper looked like the words were actually hurting her at that point, and Peridot was in full panic inside. Finally, Peridot gave up.
"They're alive and well, my diamond, but please don't be mad at them they're too low in numbers to be a threat to you, your world, or anything here, please don't be mad at us both, we tried our best while stranded, and they -"
"Alright already!" Yellow Diamond bellowed, her voice echoing in the room. She knew her words would break them, but not this much, and just a simple 'they're alive' would've been just fine. Peridot was in full panic mode, cold sweat running down her face, as she said the information very quickly from fear. this was not a Diamond one should tick off, and their reluctant behavior was getting close to doing so. Yellow Diamond should've known a Peridot would crack too easily under pressure. She just sighed, pinching between her eyes before responding.
"So, by the information, what remained of the Crystal Gems actually assisted you?" Yellow Diamond questioned, still firm but not as forceful in tone, now that the two were being more honest to her. This time, Jasper answered.
"They did, I admit. they helped us both for the months on Earth before we returned, and didn't leave us for dead," Jasper said. Yellow Diamond thought for a moment.
"And the organic creatures, Twilight and them. Did they assist you too?"
"Not as much, but, yes."
Yellow Diamond took a moment of thought over this bit of information. Jasper and Peridot basically accepted help from something that used to be the enemy of Homeworld. If they had full loyalty to her, then they shouldn't bother themselves with it, and yet they allowed them to do so. Still, even with the Crystal Gems alive, her thoughts shifted to the organic creatures present as well. How much had they done, she could only wonder.
"I feel like you two are holding back on me."
"Huh?"
"I've received a message from Earth a month prior to now ... They're here, and I know you know where they are. So tell me; where are the Crystal Gems?"
And the reluctance returned just like that. What was she going to do if she found that out? After earlier though, this reluctance didn't last as long. Sure, Blue Diamond talked to her about Pearl and Melanite, but Blue Diamond avoided saying who's Pearl she belonged to in particular - group wise.
"With Blue Diamond," Jasper simply stated. It was bad to put Blue Diamond in the issue, but maybe putting an equal who accepted them might cut them some slack. Yellow Diamond had one final question in mind for them before dismissing them.
"What about Kyra?"
At this point, Yellow Diamond assumed Jasper and Peridot were aware about Kyra's plans. Jasper however was rather clueless, and Peridot kinda saw it coming at this point. Still, far as she knew, Kyra was stuck on Earth, so, what could he do now? Confidence struck her there.
"He's stuck on Earth, my Diamond," Peridot clarified, much more confident that time. This shift Yellow Diamond noticed quickly, but was glad there was no hesitation that time. Well that, and that Kyra won't bother her as he claimed to be.
"Much improved. Good work for both of you," Yellow Diamond congratulated. Peridot, in spite herself, smiled happily for a second.
"You two can go now. I'll notify you on your next task." she was ready to let them go, but Jasper remembered Rupee by then. What was the deal with her, and why wasn't she notified about it?
"My Diamond, before we go, I want to ask you something."
Yellow Diamond was silent, but allowed Jasper to continue with a circling motion of her hand.
"What's with Rupee?"
Jasper didn't need to add any more.
"Rupee's a new Gem we're currently testing. Prone to anger, yet, she's showing surprising improvement."
"Improving in behavior, I hope," Jasper thought. If she was staying, control over anger would be just swell. Yellow Diamond looked to her two followers again.
"Be off on your way," she finished. Another diamond from close by glowed yellow, and the two teleported away again. When it was just her and Yellow Pearl, Yellow Diamond could only breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that Kyra won't have a chance to bother her, or Homeworld anymore ...
~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Amethyst, Steven, and Ruby had to wait for Jasper, and Peridot back at the training yard. Rupee was busy with her training to bother the three again (for the moment). They didn't had much to do, yet Amethyst and Steven intently watched the Quartzes do what they wished. After a little bit, Steven saw Homeworld Amethyst, starting up a larger practice dummy to use for a bit.
"Hey, Ame, whatcha doing?" Steven asked, walking over to her. Homeworld Amethyst looked back to him.
"Just ready to pummel this dummy," she answered.
"You're going to use your Gem weapon?" Steven asked hopefully. Homeworld Amethyst smirked, and summoned her weapon for Steven's sake. While Amethyst had a whip for her weapon, Homeworld Amethyst's weapon actually consisted of a purple tinted brass knuckles. Steven's eyes popped out wide and starred as he saw the brass knuckle, and swung the weapon right at the dummy, sending it flying off a good twenty feet before it collapsed on the ground in a heap. All three saw the hit, and Steven was most impressed.
"WHOA! Awesome!" Steven beamed. Amethyst and Ruby know that Steven was rather easy to please, and Homeworld Amethyst was surprised how psyched he was seeing that happen. Course, she didn't meet with Pinkie yet ...
Watching nearby, Rupee took a moment to see the reactions from the other three. These fighters were pretty small for Quartz Gems. Ruby was understandable, for she was supposed to be a smaller fighter, but the other two were smaller than anticipated. Amethyst was three times smaller, and Steven ... Well, she didn't had any clue about Steven. He didn't look like any particular Gem she'd seen in the area; small, soft, not showing any sign of strength or danger to anyone. She didn't bother herself with them at first, and kept her mind right on her own practice until she got bored of that. Punching the daylights out of a practice dummy, or basic exercises could only go so far. During one harsher punch on a dummy, it was sent flying in the air. It landed harshly right by Ruby and Steven, almost landing on them!
"Hey! Watch where your hitting!" Ruby yelled.
"You shouldn't had been standing there, pebble," Rupee replied, not caring in the slightest about their safety. Ruby just groaned, rolling her eyes. Yet, just as things calmed down, Rupee decided to mess with them, and deliberately whacked another dummy at them. when the dummy landed, it hit Amethyst and Ruby hard, knocking them both to the ground. That made them both even crosser still, as Ruby tossed the dummy off of them. Fuming to the point of literal smoke, Ruby stormed right up to Rupee.
"Listen here, you useless piece of slab, I've had it up to here with you! Apologize right now or I'll -"
"Or you'll what? Punch me with those tiny hands? You want a better fight, so beat up a pile of gravel," Rupee mocking, laughing at the enraged red Gem. Ruby basically had enough, and got her own Gem weapon; a boxing glove. Soon, Ruby punched at Rupee like crazy, rapid punching at her leg. However, Rupee wasn't fazed in the slightest, and the punches did nothing to her. Rupee looked down to Ruby after a bit before grabbing her by the head, picking her up, and tossing her aside like trash. Ruby bolted back and tried more out of rage, but Rupee was starting to feel a little bugged.
"Oh, you wanna fight do ya?" Rupee said with a sinister, toothy smile. Amethyst saw what was coming; she got out her whip and quickly got it around Ruby's waist. One yank saved Ruby from being crushed by Rupee's stomp. Steven grew worried, as Rupee walked over to them.
"Wait, stop! Please stop fighting!" Steven begged, getting in between Rupee and Ruby. It was a very bold move, and one that could get Steven hurt, but he couldn't stand to keep watching this. Rupee though wasn't so easily intimidated.
"Not much of a fight, now move so I can drill her face in the dirt," Rupee said, ready to do so.
"No, please don't!"
"Why? You want to get cracked?" Rupee asked. She even had the nerve to grab Steven by the collar, and lift him clear off the ground! Amethyst and Ruby looked on with shock, as Rupee raised her fist to smash his skull. Homeworld Amethyst went right in, and grabbed Rupee's arm, holding her back. This was as far as she'll allow it.
"Rupee, you take one strike at him, and Yellow Diamond will have your Gem," she warned. She made her let go, but didn't drop Steven, having him in a single handed, full body grip. She felt his soft, fleshy skin which felt funny in her hand. Amethyst and Ruby both were ready to pummel her, weapon drawn against her.
"Want somethin, do ya? Catch!"
Rupee has the nerve to throw Steven high in the air!
"Steven!" Ruby and Amethyst gasped. The two ran like mad to try to catch him before he could hit the ground. Rupee found it amusing how desperate they both were trying to catch him, Rupee still under the idea that Steven was some other Gem on Homeworld. Steven spun around in the air, falling down to the ground, but before he could land, a Gem did indeed catch him just before landing.
Jasper.
She and Peridot got back from their meeting, and Jasper saw everything that happened. Steven was just happy he didn't splatter on landing.
"Rupee! What was that for?! You can't throw him like that!!" Jasper snapped. Not the first thing that would come out of her mouth, but after seeing Steven flailing in the air, Jasper felt like she had to. Rupee looked roughly at Jasper.
"You again. Why not? Go on, humor me."
"Does he look like a Gem to you?! He's fragile, and soft!" Jasper yelled, holding Steven up to show her. Rupee could care less about the state of Steven, or any of the other Gems for that matter. Being called fragile and soft may be true when comparing, but not really the best choice of words. Rupee went right over to her.
"That punk got in my way, runt," Rupee growled, a muscular hand gripping Jasper's arm. The pain hurt, and enough to make her drop Steven. Steven fell to the ground, but not as much pain as it could've been if no one caught him. Peridot could see how much was escalating, and quickly rushed off with Steven before he could get hurt. Jasper forced Rupee to let go with a good whack of her other arm. Rupee went for her neck, but Homeworld Amethyst got in the way, and pushed them both away from eachother. The two still glared at eachother despite that.
"Enough, both of you! We'll all be in trouble if this keeps up," Homeworld Amethyst advised. Rupee and Jasper took a moment or two before Rupee spoke. Soon as Homeworld Amethyst moved aside, Rupee looked down at her.
"Alright, tough Gem. Tomorrow. Right here. We're dueling. And we're gonna settle this," Rupee decided, pushing Jasper away by the face. Rupee then walked away for the second time. Jasper didn't feel too fazed, though picking a fight may not help with their goal. Yet, she couldn't back down either. She do that, and Rupee would probably go after her at this point. Besides, it might make them even for Rupee's assaults on them. They didn't need anymore time there, so Jasper began to go.
"We're done here," Jasper simply groaned to the others. She'd get it done at the moment, sure, but it wasn't the best time for that. Jasper needed to be ready more than most if she was to confront Rupee. As for Rupee ...
Well, she was looking forward to cracking Jasper's gem tomorrow ...