Before Peridot's ship crashed, another Gem that was held prisoner had escaped and used one of the escape pods and landed in a different version of Earth. Now he tries to live a normal life, but he'll soon realize the past catches up with everybody...
"How many more Gems are trapped here?"
That was the question Steven asked Ruby, but was it true? Little did The Crystal Gems know was that there was another Gem held prisoner in the ship by Homeworld, Black Crystal. Just before the ship fell out of space, Black Crystal escaped from his cell and tried to find his way to the bridge and set a course back to Earth so he could make a break for it. But when the ship began shaking after some kind of explosion, he tripped and fell, accidentally activating one of the escape pods and being flung, not to Earth, but across the galaxy.
3 years later, he is now residing in an alternate version of Earth, where everybody had technicolored skin, so he fit in just fine, he is working a stable job to maintain his new home, and he's getting an education at Canterlot High School, luckily, he was able to work on some citizenship papers and other important paperwork to make him appear to be a legit human being. Everything was going great for him.
...Or was it?
Not only does he have to deal with Sunset Shimmer and her cronies, Snips and Snails, but now other Gems are coming out of the woodwork; The Crystal Gems, Homeworlders, and corrupted Gems. With his past quickly catching up with him, can he keep who and what he truly is a secret? And more importantly, what does Sunset want with him anyway?
Author's Notes: A Steven Universe/My Little Pony: Equestria Girls crossover.
Black Crystal is my Gemsona.
If you wish to add your own Gemsona into the story, please PM me with details on your Gemsona, and I'll see what I can do. Not all Gemsonas will be in the story, only a selected few.
Just above Earth, within Outer Space, a giant neon green spaceship shaped like a hand floated, its course not being set yet. Within this ship were Gems. No, not those kind of Gems, Gems that are alive; sentient, even. Some would even call them aliens.
But I'm getting off topic.
Like I said, inside this ship were Gems; two of them were controlling the ship, Jasper and Peridot, and the rest were prisoners.
Including me.
That's right, I'm a prisoner and I'm narrating this story. Somebody's gotta tell it, plus I'm bored from sitting here, doing nothing. Anyway, my name is Black Crystal; I have dark gray skin, black spiky hair, my gemstone, a hexagonal crystal, is embedded within my right inner wrist, and my weapon is a black crystal scythe, I know, kinda iconic, ain't it? I'm wearing black shoes, gray anklets, purple pants, dark purple shirt, a black belt with a yellow diamond mark that has been crossed out by a red "X", indicating my betrayal of Homeworld and Yellow Diamond herself, and a deep purple poncho-like cloak with a gray and black zig-zag pattern along the hem that has a hood which covers my face.
Alright, enough about my appearance, let's get back to the story.
I was just sitting in my cell, minding my own business, and planning my escape, despite the singing I heard next to me, when Peridot and Jasper were walking by, conversing with each other, but it sounded more like arguing.
"We can't leave yet!" Peridot complained, "The whole point of coming here was to check on the Cluster."
Cluster? What Cluster?
I didn't have much time to think about it when Jasper's fist made contact with the wall next to Sapphire's cell, "STOP SINGING!" she loudly ordered, startling Peridot, "Rose Quartz takes priority, get back to the bridge and set a course for Homeworld!"
Ah, Rose Quartz. Now that's a name you hardly ever hear nowadays.
With that, Jasper left, leaving Peridot to her thoughts as she returned to the bridge, "'Go to Earth', they said, 'It'll be easy', they said..."
Shortly after they left, Sapphire went back to singing. Seriously, what does she hope to accomplish with that? Soon enough, I got my answer, in the form of another, yet unfamiliar, voice.
"Hey." he whispered, "I like your song. Are you Sapphire?"
Huh? How did he know who she was?
"You escaped." she whispered back, then I heard a weird sound, "Of course."
"C-C'mon! I-It's s-sa-a-af-fe!" the voice spoke in a distorted tone.
"Thank you, Steven."
"Y-You-ou're welcome!"
Steven? Who's that?
"SAPPHIRE!" a voice in the distance called out.
"Come on!" Sapphire said, and she used her super-speed to take this 'Steven' to wherever the new voice was.
...The coast is clear. Now to escape!
I drew my scythe from my gemstone and started hacking away at the floor and ceiling near the energy door, quickly revealing wires that connect to said door. Without missing a beat, I cut the wires from the top and bottom and deactivated my little roadblock. Once that was done, I rushed out of the room, trying to find my way to the control bridge so I can turn this hunk of metal around and head back to Earth, there, I can make a run for it and they'll never find me.
"WHERE IS SHE!?!"
That was Jasper! I gotta hide!
I ducked down into an empty cell and watched Jasper run past me, guess she must not have noticed that I escaped as well. Well, you know the Earth saying: "Never look a gift horse in the mouth", don't know how they came across a saying like that. Not seeing Jasper anymore, I came out from my hiding place and continued to the area where she came from, maybe the bridge is that way. Then I heard...
Singing?
No, it's not from Sapphire, but who?
I couldn't think on it long when I heard crashing and banging, the typical sounds of a fight. I had to find the bridge, fast. I went on for what felt like hours, but in reality, it was only a few minutes, and found a dead end. I have to turn around and—
BOOM!
An explosion shook the ship, enough to throw me off balance and onto the floor. What I realized too late, was the "dead end", was actually one of the hidden escape pods. I landed on and activated the pod, feeling myself be trapped inside it. Then I felt like I was being launched when gravity threw me backwards in the pod, I knew right then and there that I was thrown into the farthest reaches of space.
3 Years Later...
In the center of suburban Canterlot sat a home belonging to me, Black Crystal, I exited said home and went on my way to Canterlot High School to continue my education. I walked along the street, greeting some familiar faces in my neighborhood. Before I went to school, I went to Sugarcube Corner, which was my place of work, to grab a muffin for breakfast, when I got there, I saw Mr. Cake sweeping out in front of the store.
Ah, Mr. Cake. The proud father of Pumpkin and Pound Cake, and husband of Mrs. Cake...and one of my employers. Though I'm not fond of people in general, I am fond of the Cakes. They knew my usual, so Mr. Cake saw me and gave me a chocolate chip muffin.
I know Gems don't need to eat, but they don't have to know that.
I continued on my way to school, passing by multiple people trying to get to their destinations. Eventually, I made it to Canterlot High half an hour early, I decided to admire the building before I went in. It was large, "U" shaped, and almost similar to a castle, with the reared up horse statue standing tall and proud in front of the school, it made me appreciate my new, normal life, and wanted nothing more to do with Homeworld or The Crystal Gems or any of that.
Never again.
Soon, the rest of the student body began passing by me to enter the school, I decided not to dawdle any longer and head into the building with my fellow students. I didn't have a posse or a group of friends to call my own, I was all alone, and I was okay with that, like I said, I'm not fond of humans other than the Cakes. People can do whatever they want, as long as it's away from me, and that's not about to change.
But what I didn't realize is that the notorious school bully, Sunset Shimmer, and her lackeys, Snips and Snails, were watching me from afar, the former sneering at her target and the latter two snickering evilly. The troublesome trio trekked past the students as they gave them a wide berth to get to me, completely unaware of my surroundings. Sunset was going to do whatever it took to maintain her hold on the school, even if it meant getting the most reclusive guy in CHS begging for her mercy...
I was on my way to the library to study up when I felt a sinister presence, I knew it was Sunset because she's been breathing down my neck since freshman year. I tried to blend in with the crowd to lose her, but it's kinda hard to do that when I'm wearing a weird-looking cloak. I pulled back the hood and joined the students in stepping aside for the queen of the school, luckily for me, she didn't see me disappear from her sight.
Sunset growled, "We lost him!"
"Oh well, guess it's not gonna work after all." Snips dismissed.
"Yeah, plus he gives us the creeps anyway." Snails added.
Sunset grabbed them both by the front of their shirts and lifted them off the floor, "Find him!" then proceeded to throw them across the hall, landing on their butts.
"Y-Yes, ma'am!" they both said in fear and ran off.
For the love of karat, show some backbone! I thought, angry that people can be intimidated that easily.
I snuck away and made it to the library, I began to study with the time I have left before the first bell.
5 Hours Later...
BRRRRRRRRRRRING!
The lunch bell finally rung and I picked up my things and stuffed them into my backpack. I left the classroom and made my way to the cafeteria after several hours of boring schoolwork and lectures. Eventually, I made it to my destination and got my lunch; a salad and an apple.
I took my lunch and went to a table in a dark corner of the cafeteria, the most secluded lunch table in all of CHS...and my personal spot. I sat down and began eating my food as I people-watch; everybody's in their own group, never separating to join anyone else, it's always been like that since I arrived here, but I can't help but feel like they should be more social. Rose Quartz would have a field day with these kids.
...It was then I had remembered a crucial part of my past. It had been over a thousand years since I first joined the rebellion against Homeworld and got captured and interrogated. I had been a prisoner for longer than I can remember...
1,000 Years Ago...
I couldn't believe it.
I thought I was doing the right thing, helping Rose Quartz.
But all it did was get me captured.
I sat inside my gemstone, my physical form all but destroyed, thinking about how I got into this situation. I was defeated in the war with Homeworld, my gem bubbled, and sent back for interrogation with the Diamonds. I don't know how long I was in my little containment cell, but I do know was that the silence was deafening, I quietly prayed that Rose would save me, but let's face it, she's light-years away, fighting for her life.
No. I knew I had to save myself. But how?
Not long after I reached this conclusion, my physical being began to reform and I found myself facing trial with Yellow Diamond on the judge's stand.
"Court is now in session for the trial of Black Crystal, for the crime for treason, how do you plead?"
"...Guilty."
Present Day
"Daydreaming, are we?"
A sickeningly familiar voice pulls me out of my reverie, it was none other than Sunset Shimmer, but without her little cronies. She sat adjacent from me, eyes staring into my soul and that evil smirk stretched across her face. If I wasn't trying to lead a normal life, I'd gladly take my scythe and slice that smile clean off her face.
"What do you want?" I demand to know, harshly, making it clear that I don't enjoy her company.
"Why, Black, you wound me!" she says, overdramatically, "I just wanted to grace you with my presence."
I give her a deadpan look, "...I'm not joining your little crew, and you're despicable for trying after I said 'no' last time, and the time before that, and the time before that, and so on."
Sunset scowled, "Fine. Have it your way." she got up, but before she left, she said, "But keep this in mind: I always get what I want."
"Sure...whatever helps you sleep at night."
She snarled and stormed off, finally leaving me to my devices. I still don't get that girl's problem, I'm nothing worth talking about to these people, much less obsessing over. I have no friends, no family, no nothing, I have nothing she can benefit from, so why is she bothering me?
BRRRRRRRRRRRING!
Darn. The bell rung. Time for the next class.
I throw my garbage away and place my tray on a conveyor belt that leads to the kitchen for cleaning. I head to my next class, the thought of Sunset wanting me to join her still fresh in my mind.
After the final bell, I decided to lounge on top of the base of the statue, watching the clouds overhead go by as the students leave the school grounds for whatever plans they have. I spend this time relaxing before I head to work, so I don't get too stressed out, especially with the Cakes' newest employee.
"Hiya, Blacky!"
Speak of the she-devil.
I sigh in exasperation, "Hey, Pinkie."
"Aww! What's got your pants in a wad, Blacky? You're usually not like this till break time at Sugarcube Corner."
"Number 1, stop calling me that, and number 2, Sunset Shimmer is why my 'pants are in a wad', as you say."
Pinkie harrumphed, "Of course it had to be that Meanie Meanerson Sunset Shimmer. What did she do to you now?"
"Still trying to get me to join her little gang."
"Still? Wow, she's pret-tee persistent!"
"No, 'annoying' would be more appropriate."
"Well, anyway, I'd love to chat more, but I gotta prepare a surprise 'Welcome to Canterlot' party!"
"What? For who?"
"The new guy! Abyssal Shield!"
Oh yeah. That guy. I noticed him a few times walking back home from work or school, he'd always take long walks in the local park ever since he came here. I swear, he's more reclusive than I am, why doesn't Sunset go after him?
"See ya at work, Blacky!" with that, she bounced away.
...I'll let that one slide this time.
I sigh again continue my post-work ritual. After a good hour, I chose to get up and head to Sugarcube Corner. When I got there, I immediately saw an anomaly, actually, three anomalies; Sunset Shimmer and her pet trolls.
I groan and walk behind the counter, ready to take orders for the customers, "Welcome to Sugarcube Corner, how may I help you?"
Unfortunately for me, luck was not on my side. Sunset shoved the person in front of me aside, "Outta my way, nerd!"
"Uh, Sunset? You may be all powerful at school, but here, we treat people with respect." I say.
"Shut up, and just get me a chocolate milkshake!"
"Okay then." I write down the order and give it to Mr. Cake.
Sunset took a deep breath and spoke again, "So, Black...Black Crystal, listen; I'm a very patient woman, and right now, I am slowly, but surely, losing my patience. I can give you EVERYTHING you've ever wanted, all the power you need to control CHS alongside me, so...perhaps you're willing to reconsider...?"
"No." I quickly cut her off.
She didn't seem to like that as she slammed her hands onto the counter, "WHY?! I OFFERED YOU EVERYTHING, YOU HEAR ME?! EVERYTHING!! SO WHY?! WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO DEFY ME!?!"
Silence.
That's all I could hear. Everyone stopped talking at Sunset's sudden outburst. But me? I stood my ground, not letting her get an inch in this argument we found ourselves in.
"...Let me answer that with another question: what do I have that you could benefit from?"
That made Sunset be taken aback, like she had no idea I was about to ask that.
"Simple. NOTHING. I have NOTHING for you. You're wasting your time, energy, and resources trying to get me on your side."
Sunset just stood there, mouth agape, taking in everything I said to her.
"I think it's about time you left."
I look behind me to see Mr. Cake, not very happy like he usually is. He took Sunset's order and tore it up in front of her, earning him gasps from everyone in the store. She turned back to me as I remained stalwart, she scowled and turned to her table.
"Snips. Snails. We're leaving."
The two little helper monkeys swiftly stood up and left the shop with Sunset in tow. I turn to face my employer.
"I'm sorry about that Mr. Cake, I didn't mean for—"
"Black."
I quickly quieted myself when he spoke. He put a hand to my shoulder.
"Sometimes..." he gave me his usual smile, "...you just gotta say no, even to customers like that."
I can't believe it, I thought he going to fire me. I couldn't help but smile back. Suddenly I hear cheering, everyone in the sweet shop is cheering...for me? Because I stood up to Sunset Shimmer?
... I decided it was time to get back to work.
3 Hours Later...
I finished my job for the day and headed back home. I took the scenic route in the park, and during then I noticed Abyssal Shield, taking one of his usual walks; he had peach colored skin, spiky dark red hair, but I can't see what color his eyes are because of the sunglasses he always wears, he wears them because I recently learned his eyes are light-sensitive, he's wearing a black jacket with a blue t-shirt underneath, and denim pants, he's pretty much a loner like me, but he's been seen with a small group of friends. His best subjects in school are Advanced Math and Science, and enjoys videos games and long walks, like I said before. He dislikes bullies, I know firsthand because Sunset tried to intimidate him, but he stood his ground peacefully, any guy who can do that is okay in my book.
...Don't give me that look. You try to ignore Pinkie when she's ranting and raving about new students while working and you see how easy it is.
I didn't give him anymore thought as I continued home. When I got there, I saw a pickup truck in front of my house and sitting inside it was Applejack and Big Macintosh. I walked over and they greeted me.
"Howdy partner!" Applejack said.
"Eeyup." Big Macintosh said.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing the famous Apple siblings?" I ask.
"We have a huge order for apple pies and fizzy apple cider tomorrow, and we need somebody to watch Apple Bloom and her friends for the day."
"Seriously? Can't you just get Rarity or Rainbow Da—" I stopped immediately after I saw Applejack's glare, guess she and Rainbow Dash are still butting heads, "Never mind. I'll do it."
Applejack lightened up and flashed me a smile, "Ah knew Ah could count on ya! See ya tomorrow!"
With that, the two started up the truck and left. I sigh in exasperation for the second time today and head inside my house.
Strange...
Why do I have a bad feeling about tomorrow...?
Eh, I'll just sleep it off, it's probably nothing.
The buzzing of my alarm clock halts as I press the snooze button. I sit up, stretch, and get out of bed to do my daily routine; get up, eat breakfast, and go about my day. I recall that I was supposed to babysit Apple Bloom and her friends today, so I quickly finish my breakfast and head out the door and on my way to Sweet Apple Acres.
On my way, I saw Abyssal Shield walking through the park with Sunset hassling him, maybe she finally gave up on me, one can only dream. I turn away and continue on the path to the local apple farm. Once I made it, Applejack was there to greet me with Apple Bloom and her friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. They waved to me and I waved back, not wanting to come off as rude since I never associated with the young ones.
"Hey there, Black!" Applejack said, "Got ma sister and her friends ready for ya!"
"How long are you two gonna be anyway?" I ask.
"At least a few hours, makin' pies and cider ain't an easy job."
I sigh, "Okay."
She beams, "Great! See y'all later!"
Applejack returns to the farm house to help Big Macintosh while I'm left with the three children.
"So...what do you girls wanna do?" I ask them.
"Well, we had a schedule planned out, Rarity helped me with it." Sweetie said.
"Really?"
"Yeah!" Sweetie showed me the schedule, "First, we're gonna go to the arcade to play games and eat pizza, then we'll go to the park and watch Scoots do some tricks with her scooter, and finally, we'll come back here and play in the orchard."
"Wow...that's...impressive. You even got everything time stamped."
"Rarity helped me with that, too."
"Okay, let's go."
The trio cheered and raced off in the direction of the arcade, I had to run to catch up with them.
Something tells me this is gonna be a long day...
After arriving at the arcade, the girls got their coins out and began playing the games while I sat back and watched, but I didn't sit still for long until I saw one of my favorite arcade games: Pac Pony. It's similar to Pac Man back on the other Earth, but equine based, I got used to it pretty quickly. Anyway, I pulled out a quarter and inserted it into the machine, and the game began...
...It's been hours since I started playing the game, and when I made it to the infamous "kill level", my character died and I regained my senses. I must've lost myself in game somehow. I blinked and shook my head, looking behind me to see the girls in awe.
"So...awesome..." Scootaloo said.
"Black...are ya okay?" Apple Bloom asked, worriedly, "Ya looked...really into that game...so much that...you couldn't hear us...so are ya okay now?"
"...Yeah, I-I'm fine. I guess I just...blacked out for a bit there." I respond.
Sweetie snickers, "'Blacked out', ha-ha, you know, cause you're name's Black?"
The rest of the girls and I began to snicker, too, until it went into all-out laughing. After a while, our laughter subsided and we just smiled at each other. It took me a minute to realize that everyone in the entire arcade was staring at us, the girls seemed to notice too as they blushed in embarrassment.
"...Maybe we should move on." I suggested.
"Yeah, that's probably a good idea." Scootaloo quickly agreed.
We immediately took our leave and headed for the park, hopefully Sunset wasn't still there when we arrived...
...Oh, who am I kidding? When it comes to me and Sunset Shimmer, I always have the worst luck.
We enter the park and sit down next to a tree, watching Scootaloo perform some tricks on her scooter, which, admittedly, were pretty cool, she was actually pretty skilled. I was amazed by her athletic ability, why she didn't go pro with her scooter is beyond me. But the fun was not to last as the fiery-haired witch walked over to us, prompting Scootaloo to stop.
"Black Crystal." she said, contemptuously.
"Sunset Shimmer." I said in the same tone as her.
"How are you?"
"I WAS having fun, until YOU came along."
"That's too bad."
"Quite."
Silence.
"So..."
"So..."
I sigh, "Alright, enough beating around the bush, what do you want?"
Sunset sighed, "...I just want you to join me, what's wrong with that?"
"The fact that you're trying to get me under your thumb."
"No, It's—! It's not that, I...I..." she stutters, "Well, at first I was trying to, but...I started thinking and...you were the first person to stand up to me and..." she blushes, "...I admire that."
I stare at her incredulously, "Are you serious?"
She nods feverishly, "Yeah. There. I said it."
Apple Bloom seemed to be studying her with a focused expression, "...Eeyup, for the first time, she's actually tellin' the truth."
I pull her close and whisper, "Are you sure? I don't wanna get into something I can't get out of."
She nods, "Ah'm sure. Ah'm an Apple, Ah can sense these things."
I turn to Sunset, who refuses to look me in the eye, then back to Apple Bloom, "Alright. I trust you."
"Just...be careful around her, okay?"
I nod, "I will." I turn back to Sunset, "Listen," she finally looks at me, "I don't know what you're playing at," she lowers her head, "But..." she perks back up, "I guess...I'll think about it."
"Really?" she asked.
"Really. Give me a couple days."
"Um, okay. See you later...I guess."
With that, Sunset left, leaving me confused about why she was acting weird. Sweetie smirked, making me raise an eyebrow.
"What?" I ask.
"I think she likes you~" Sweetie sing-songs.
"Ain't gonna happen."
"Yeah!" Scootaloo added, "Plus she's evil and has blackmail on everyone at school!"
Now that we can definitely agree on. After that moment was over, we continued to watch Scootaloo's tricks, and when we were done, headed back to the farm.
Shortly after arriving, Applejack greeted us with a platter with glasses of fizzy apple cider on it. The girls eagerly took a glass each and began chugging them down, I grabbed my own glass and sipped it when Applejack spoke up, "What do ya think?"
I finish sipping and take a breath, "Ahh, it's good, really good."
She smiles, "Ah'm glad ya like it." then she checks the time on her phone, "Well, we got everythang done for today, Ah think we can handle the girls from here."
"Actually..." Applejack perks up at my words, "I think I'll keep watching them for the day, they're great company, and well...they've kind of grown on me."
Applejack smirks, "Well now, Ah never pictured you of all people to be a softy."
I glare at her, "Don't tell anyone or I'll end you."
She guffaws, "Okay, if ya say so. Have fun, y'all!"
Applejack leaves us be with our glasses of cider, chuckling all the way back to the farmhouse. Scootaloo looks at me and smirks, along with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.
"So...we've grown on you, huh?" she says.
"Ah thought you hated other people." Apple Bloom snarks.
"S-Shut up." I stutter out, making the trio giggle.
After that bout of embarrassment, the girls went to go play in the orchard; they played games, like Tag, Hide and Seek, and a bunch of others. Eventually, they tried to get me in on the fun, and who was I to say no? Especially when they used their little puppy dog eyes on me.
...You know, they scare me when they do that.
Anyway, while I did have fun with the girls, something kept nagging at me, like something bad is going to happen. Was this the same feeling from yesterday? Was it some kind of warning? Either way, I kept my eyes open, just to be safe and make sure nothing and nobody tried anything dangerous with the girls around.
Suddenly, I heard growling. Not like angry human growling, this sounded...unnatural. Almost like...
...Oh no.
"Girls. Get back to the house." I order with finality in my voice.
"What?" they chorused.
"I've got a bad feeling all of a sudden, and my senses never steered me wrong. NEVER."
"Ya think somethin' is out there?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Yeah. Get in the house. Barricade the door. Trust me on this."
They looked uncertain for a time, but nodded to me all the same.
"Alright, we trust you." Sweetie said.
"Good. Now get going." I said.
They turned around and ran as fast as their legs could carry them to the farm house. I watched them leave until they were out of my field of vision, then set my sights on the intruder.
"I know you're there. Show yourself."
The bushes rustled as the intruder moved, it slowly came to reveal a disturbing sight; a six-legged tiger-like creature, four in front, two in the back, with reddish orange skin and black stripes, a spiky ball at the end of its tail, razor sharp fangs and claws, no eyes, and appeared to have extremely heightened senses. But one distinguishing feature caught my attention: the oval shaped, brownish orange striped gem with cracks running through it upon its face.
There was no mistake.
This thing is a corrupted Gem.
But how did it get here?
I couldn't think much about it as it tried to push me back with a really powerful roar, I held my ground until it finally stopped to take a breath. It bared its teeth to intimidate me and readied its claws for battle.
I wasn't scared, I've dealt with these things before.
I held my right arm out in front of me and revealed my gem, making the Gem growl. I made my gem glow brightly as I summoned my jagged crystal scythe, I held it like I was a reaper, ready to hack the life out of my opponent. The Gem made the first move and pounced, I jumped backwards and slashed at the Gem's face, making it recoil in pain.
I went on the offensive and swung my scythe at the tiger monster, rapidly landing blows in succession, but the Gem had enough and smacked me back with its two left paws, causing me to slam onto the ground. It pounced on top of me and tried to bite me, but I held up my scythe's handle and the Gem chomped at it like a chew toy, trying to get to me. Using my special strength, I took both my feet and pushed it off me, gravity causing me to somersault backwards as the Gem fell to the ground behind me.
I needed a plan to end this battle fast, so I rushed to the nearest tree and waited. Soon, the Gem was back up on its paws and charged, ready to mow me down, but I stepped to the side and it crashed into the apple tree I was standing in front of. I ran to the next one as it shook the stars out of its head and gave chase, only to crash into another tree.
I repeated this process for a good five minutes until the Gem's exhaustion finally began to show, panting heavily as it collapsed to the ground. I walked up to it and dealt the final blow by taking the end of my scythe and impaling its head, creating a puff of smoke that dissipated to reveal only the gem on its forehead that was left. I bubbled it and sent it to a bunker back at my house, relieved that the battle was over.
CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...
The round of slow clapping received my attention, but when I turned around, I was horrified by who was there.
"Bravo, Black Crystal, bra-vo."
Sunset Shimmer.
"Guess there's more to you than you're letting on."
"Why are you here, Shimmer?" I demand.
"To see what's up, after all, you babysitting a bunch of brats was too good an opportunity to refuse, to show everyone the softy you really are. BUT." she smirks evilly, "I found something MUCH more valuable."
I lowered my head, "What do you want?"
"Nothing."
That surprised me. I look up at her, she's checking her nails.
"You said you'd think about joining me, and to give you a couple days." she turns her attention back to me, "And I'd BETTER hear the right answer, or I'll reveal to everyone at Canterlot High what you really are."
"..." I remained silent, shocked at Sunset's proposal.
"I'll take your silence as a 'yes'." she saunters up to me and plants a kiss on my cheek, "And maybe, once I've gotten the crown, I'll make you my little prince. See you at the Fall Formal."
She takes her leave with a slight shake to her hips.
Guess I ended up on the same boat as her other victims.
...I decided to leave the farm before anybody started asking questions, though I couldn't help but feel like I was being watched.
???'s POV
The subject left the area after defeating the Tiger's Eye, bubbling it, and sending it to its place of residence. The fiery-haired girl seemed interested in him, but can't be deemed a threat yet. I received a call from my wrist communicator that one of the Peridots made for me.
"This is Moonstone. Go ahead."
"Has the subject made progress yet?"
"Yes. He's defeated the Gem I planted and captured it."
"Excellent. He's stronger than we gave him credit for. No wonder Yellow Diamond wants him dead."
"Why, though? He's just another traitor."
"A traitor that has a power that can surpass the Diamonds if he becomes stronger."
"...I see."
"And our job is to personally deal with potentially dangerous Gems and stubborn missions. After all, we are Homeworld's Black Ops team."
"The Feldspar Gems, I know."
"I'll see you at the rendezvous point. Labradorite out."
The communication disconnected. With nothing more to do in this precise area, I leaped out of the tree I was in, landing on my hands, pushing off the ground, and flipping in midair before landing on my feet. I rushed to the warp pad I have hidden within the foliage and stepped on it.
"Knowing your enemy is the key to your success."
I teleported away, heading to the rendezvous point to meet up with the rest of the team.
I gave Sunset's proposal a lot of thought in a two day time frame; if I didn't comply, she'd reveal the real me to the school, jeopardizing my normal life. I had no choice, Sunset's backed me into a corner. I know what my answer is.
On an unrelated note, a new student has joined CHS, she goes by the name, "Twilight Sparkle". Interesting name, to say the least. Anyway, I recently learned that she's competing against Sunset for the Fall Formal Crown, that'll be interesting. This brings up a question: what's so special about that crown that Sunset's dying to get her hands on it?
Maybe there's something she's not telling me.
Then again, I'm no better.
Well, nonetheless, I'm more than likely going to owe Applejack an explanation for why I had Apple Bloom and her friends hole themselves up in the house. Maybe I can come up with a good enough excuse that even Applejack will buy it.
...At least, I hope.
BRRRRRRRRRRRING!
There's the lunch bell.
I left my current class and entered the cafeteria, grabbing my lunch, and headed to my usual table, as expected, Sunset Shimmer and her cronies were waiting for me. I sat down and awaited the interrogation of CHS's Queen Bee.
"So...what's your answer?" she asked.
"I'll admit it, you've got me pinned to a wall with no way out...that being said..." I take a deep breath, "You win. I'll join you."
She sneers, "I told you I always get what I want."
"BUT." I continue firmly, "I'll only do what you say within reason."
Her smile drops and she sighs, "You drive a hard bargain, but okay. Now," she leans in close, "tell me everything."
"About what?"
"Who you are, where you're from, what that creature was, things like that."
I sighed, "Okay. I suppose you deserve an explanation. But what I say doesn't leave this table."
She smiles, "But of course."
I explain to them nearly everything; about Gems, how they become corrupted, Homeworld, even my betrayal of Yellow Diamond. Sunset took everything in stride, but Snips and Snails seemed lost by my words.
Idiots.
After I finished my explanation, Sunset looked like she was deep in thought.
"That's about everything. So, think I'm crazy yet?"
"No. After everything that's happened and what I've been through, I believe you."
Wait.
What she's been through?
"Good to know I have a trained mercenary on my side."
"I don't do that anymore."
"Then what do you call that battle back at the hick's house?"
"Protecting innocents."
"Whatever. One final question: is there a way for humans to become Gems?"
"...It's completely unheard of. I heard my leader, Rose Quartz, gave up her physical form to give birth to a half human child."
"So basically, for a human to become a Gem, they have to be born one."
"Exactly."
She scoffed, "So much for that theory. No matter, I'll gain power one way or another."
Power?
Could she be talking about that crown?
"Anyway, we should get going, things to do, you know." Sunset and her little pets stood up and walked away, but Sunset stopped and came up next to me, "By the way..." she turned my head to face her and she kissed me on the lips, "That was for saying 'yes'. See you soon, my prince."
With that, she finally left, nearly bumping into Abyssal Shield along the way.
"Watch it!" she snarled at him.
He sighs as she left the cafeteria, sitting at his own table like me. Soon after finishing my lunch, I took my leave, but not before I heard rhythmic banging and stomping coming separate areas of the room...
BRRRRRRRRRRRING!
I left the classroom and saw a peculiar sight; everyone's wearing the old Canterlot Wondercolt merchandise from three years ago. That's weird, nobody cared for the stuff anymore, why is it resurfacing now? I pushed those thoughts to the side as Sunset, Snips, and Snails were walking in my general direction with smug smiles on their faces.
Sunset reached out and grabbed my arm, "Come with me."
"Whoa, whoa! Where are we going?!" I asked.
"You'll see."
She walked me over to the Vice Principal's office and knocked on the door, said Vice Principal stuck her head out the door as Sunset adopted the most innocent look I've never seen on her features.
"Vice Principal Luna! Something terrible has happened!"
Sunset takes Luna to the gymnasium to show her and me the damage that was done to it; tables and the disco ball destroyed, balloons and trash littered the area, and banners and streamers were ripped to shreds.
Yep, this is definitely Sunset's handiwork, I deadpanned in my head.
"Isn't this just awful? And after Pinkie Pie worked so hard to make things so perfect. Why Twilight Sparkle DO something like this?" Sunset said, acting innocent.
"Why would you think Twilight was responsible for something like this?" Luna asked.
"Yeah...why?" I questioned.
"Because I have proof." Sunset handed her a file.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the school's pretty boy and Sunset's ex-boyfriend, Flash Sentry, sneaking away as he eavesdropped on us. I crack a smile, finally seeing one of Sunset's plans go up in smoke. I drop it immediately and develop my usual poker face to avoid suspicion, but inside, I felt utter glee, anxious to see what happens next.
"That should take of her." Sunset said.
"Yeah, but now they're going to postpone the dance." I said.
"I'll think of something, okay?"
"Whatever."
"Now...how about we spend some alone time together, my prince?"
"You're never gonna stop calling me that, are you?"
"Nope."
I sigh in exasperation. I really don't wanna know what her idea of "alone time" is.
We sat in a broom closet in the gym with Snips and Snails, watching Sunset's plan unfold.
"This is your idea of 'alone time'?" I question, annoyed.
"Oh that, I was teasing you." she said.
"Good to know..." I said, half sarcastic, half glad.
She opened the door a crack and saw the students leaving the gym, which was now fixed up. Somehow, Twilight Sparkle was able to convince the entire school to help clean up and repair the damage done to the decorations for the Fall Formal. Man, that girl really is something else.
Sunset scowled and turned to her lackeys, "You're lucky she was able to pull this off. Next time I ask you to make a mess of things, try and show a little restraint! I want this formal to happen tonight just as much as she does."
After she said that, she quietly closed the door, waiting for the last of the students to leave.
After THAT little episode, she allowed me to go back home and get ready for the Fall Formal, not like I can, the outfit I'm currently wearing can only be changed if I get destroyed and have to reform myself. Oh well, guess I'll just have to go as I am. On my way back, I run into Applejack and her new group, and she doesn't look happy to see me.
Well, might as well get this over with.
"Ah've been lookin' for ya, Black Crystal! What's the big idea of having ma sister and her friends barricade the house up?!"
"Because there was a dangerous creature in your orchard, I dealt with it personally, and it shouldn't bother you again. I'm sorry for what I told your sister and her friends to do, but it was merely a precaution in case something went wrong."
She raises an eyebrow, "And ya promise not to do it again?"
"Only in case of an emergency, which it was."
"Hmm..." she scratches her chin as she looks into my eyes, "...Alright then, I believe ya."
"Glad that's out of the way." I sigh in relief.
"Um..."
I turn to the new voice and see a girl with lavender skin, purple hair with a lighter purple and hot pink streak in it, and purple eyes.
"Applejack, who's this?"
"Oh! I almost forgot! Twilight, this is Black Crystal, a family friend, Black, this is Twilight Sparkle, a new friend of ours."
"Nice to meet you, Black." Twilight greeted as she held her hand out.
"Likewise." I took her hand and shook it.
"Well, I hate to meet and run, but we have to get ready for the Fall Formal."
"Same. Maybe we'll see each other there."
"That'd be great, see you then!"
Twilight and the others left, leaving me to ponder something I just realized; Applejack and Rainbow Dash appeared to be friends again. But how? Less than a week ago, they couldn't stand to be near each other. Could Twilight have something to do with that? I turn to their retreating backs and smile.
"Twilight Sparkle...you really ARE something else. You almost remind me of..."
Moonstone's POV
I sat atop one of the many buildings of Canterlot City, watching the subject as he appeared to be reminiscing. He turned to leave when I received a communication, I took cover and answered the call.
"What is it? I nearly got caught."
"I've gathered some intel while you've been keeping an eye on the subject."
"And that is...?"
"The subject will be attending an event called the 'Fall Formal' at that educational institute. I estimate THAT will be the perfect time to strike."
"Very well. When will it start?"
"Tonight. A few hours before the moon reaches its peak in the night sky."
"I'll be there. What about you or the others?"
"We'll be in hiding, but we'll stay in contact."
"Alright then. Best not reveal our entire hand before the game has truly started."
"Poetic as always. Labradorite out."
The link disconnected. I swiftly made my way the institute where this Fall Formal is taking place. Once I arrived, I hid on the roof, waiting for night to fall.
Back at my home, I waited for hours for night to come, since I already finished my daily chores around the house and Mr. Cake gave me the night off for the Fall Formal. Maybe tonight I'll see what's the big deal about that crown. Was that why Twilight was trying to become Princess of the Fall Formal? Or was she just trying to knock Sunset Shimmer off her pedestal?
Either way, I'm dying to see what happens.
Night had fallen across Canterlot, and I took this chance to look into my bunker before I leave for the formal. The only Gem that was in here was the one I recently defeated, I learned that it was called a "Tiger's Eye", seemed like an appropriate name for it. I sensed another presence behind me, no, it wasn't another Gem, it was a presence I'm all too familiar with.
"I hope you have a good reason for intruding my home AND my bunker...Sunset Shimmer."
"Aww, you noticed me, you're so sweet." she said.
"Your sinister aura is something I've known since Freshman year. What do you want?"
"To see if you're ready."
"I thought I explained to you that my clothing can only be changed if I'm destroyed and reformed."
"Oh no, we're not going to the Fall Formal, per se."
"What?"
"We're going to send Snips and Snails in to give Twilight a little...persuasion, to hand over the crown."
"...And where do I come in?"
"Oh, you'll find out soon enough. Come on, let's go."
"Fine."
The two of us left and headed to the school, where the dunce duo were waiting for us; they were wearing top hats and those tacky tuxedo t-shirts.
"Okay, you two know the plan, right?" Sunset asked them.
"Right!" they said as they saluted.
"Good. Now go!"
They rushed into the school as Sunset walked behind the statue and picked up a sledgehammer.
"What's that for?" I ask.
"You'll see."
"Sunset..." I chastised.
"I'm not going to hurt anyone, okay?!"
I glare at her, "I'm beginning to have second thoughts about this plan."
She glares back, "You wouldn't dare betray me."
SLAM!
The doors quickly opened to reveal Snips and Snails carrying a purple dog with Twilight and her friends chasing after them, over to our area. Sunset stepped out from behind the statue and raised the sledgehammer above her head.
"That's close enough!"
This shocked the girls, especially when they saw me with her.
"Black...?" Applejack asked, "Why?"
I didn't say anything, I just looked away.
"Twilight!"
I looked at the dog the duo were holding. Did that dog just talk?
"Don't hurt him!" Twilight said.
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it," Sunset said, "I'm not a monster, Twilight," she shifted her gaze to them, "let him go."
Snips and Snails were confused, but released him anyway. The dog ran to Twilight and she embraced him.
"You don't belong here." Sunset held her hand out, "Give me the crown, and you can go back to Equestria tonight."
Equestria?
"Or keep it, and never go home!" she readied the hammer to swing, making Twilight gasp, "Tick-tock, Twilight, we haven't got all night, the portal will be closing on its own in less than an hour. So...what's your answer?"
Portal?
What is she talking about?
Twilight took off the crown she was wearing and looked at it, obviously contemplating on what to do.
"No." she answered.
But Sunset didn't take kindly to it, "What?! Equestria, your friends, lost to you forever! Don't you see what I'm about to do to the portal?!"
"Yes. But I've also seen what you've been able to do here without magic; Equestria will find a way to survive without my Element of Harmony, this place might not, if I allow it to fall into YOUR hands! So go ahead, destroy the portal, you are NOT getting this crown!"
Now I get it.
That crown has some kind of powerful magic inside it.
This was Sunset's plan right from the very beginning.
But the question I want answered is...why?
"Fine. You win." Sunset drops the sledgehammer behind her and nearly hits Snips and Snails.
Twilight breathed a sigh of relief when Rainbow came up next to her, "You. Are. So awesome!"
Applejack gave Twilight a pat on the back, "Can't believe you were gonna do that fer us."
Rarity spoke next, "It's no wonder you're a real, live princess."
Sunset looked like she was getting frustrated, and shouted out, "Oh, yes, she's so very special!"
With that said, she lunged at Twilight, knocking the crown off her head, the two tried to get the crown, but Twilight's dog nabbed it and ran away.
"Grab him, you fools!"
Snips and Snails charged forward to catch him, but I remained where I stood, not wanting to be part of Sunset's sick game anymore, regardless of what dirt she has on me. Out of frustration and anger, she went after the dog herself, knocking her cronies out of her way. The little guy couldn't get in the front door and Sunset had him cornered.
"Spike! Spike!" Rainbow called with her arms out.
The dog named Spike took the hint and whipped his head towards her, letting go of the crown and sending it to her. She caught it with ease, but Snips and Snails tried to snatch it.
"Fluttershy!" she called as she tossed it to her friend.
Fluttershy froze with fear after seeing the people barreling at her, so Applejack pulled out a lasso and saved her, but she dropped the crown, allowing Snips to get it. Pinkie was able to sneak up on him and take it, initiating a game of Hot Potato until Twilight accidently threw it to Sunset.
"I'll take that!" Sunset giggled evilly, "At last!"
Spike growled at her as Twilight picked him up.
"More power than I could ever imagine!"
Sunset placed the crown on top of her head, and right then and there, I saw the change.
The crown glowed a sinister green and enveloped her in a beam of dark magic, levitating her into the air against her will. The students began coming out and seeing the chaos occurring here. I could see Sunset crying from crown's power, but the dark magic burned away her tears and her eyes began to glow.
She underwent some grotesque transformation; her skin turned red, she developed claws, and even her clothing changed. She held herself as a thunderclap sounded through the area, when the light died down, we saw the transformation was complete; her hair looked more fiery than before, her sclera turned from white to black, her irises remained the same cyan color, she sprouted wings, pointy ears, and she was wearing a fiery dress with black spiky heeled boots. She cackled as she looked herself over, admiring her new look, which was hideous in my eyes, she looked like a demon from Tartarus, as the locals call it.
She sneered devilishly as she blasted Snips and Snails with dark magic, transforming them into demons as well, but smaller and different colored.
"This is gonna be so cool!" Snips said with glee.
They started going towards the girls, ready to attack them, until the students screamed out in fear and making Sunset turn her attention to them as they retreated back into the school.
"I'VE HAD TO JUMP THROUGH SO MANY HOOPS TONIGHT, JUST TO GET MY HANDS ON THIS CROWN, AND IT REALLY SHOULD'VE BEEN MINE ALL ALONG!" she growled as her eye twitched, but regained her composure, "BUT LET'S LET BYGONES BE BYGONES. I AM YOUR PRINCESS NOW, AND YOU WILL BE LOYAL...TO ME!!"
She used her dark magic on the wall, crumbled it, and tossed it to the side, flying inside as the student body ran in panic. She looked around and then closed her eyes, focusing her magic as she opened them, revealing hypnotic swirls that would give little kids nightmares. Rings of dark magic closed in the students' heads, turning them into mindless zombies, Sunset admired her handiwork as Snips and Snails walked up to her.
"ROUND THEM UP AND BRING THEM TO THE PORTAL." she ordered.
They saluted and got to work. Sunset walked out of the school and saw the girls waiting for her.
"SPOILER ALERT: I WAS BLUFFING WHEN I SAID I WAS GOING TO DESTROY THE PORTAL, I DON'T WANT TO RULE THIS PATHETIC, LITTLE HIGH SCHOOL, I WANT EQUESTRIA! AND WITH MY OWN LITTLE TEENAGE ARMY BEHIND ME, I'M GOING TO GET IT!"
Twilight looked upset when she saw Flash become one of Sunset's army, but recollected herself and geared up for a fight, "No. You're not."
Sunset flew to her and cackled again, "OH PLEASE. WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING TO DO TO STOP ME? I HAVE MAGIC, AND YOU. HAVE. NOTHING!" she emphasized that last word with her hair burning up.
"She has us!" Rainbow proclaimed with the others behind her, making Twilight smile and Sunset so angry that her eye twitched again.
The demon laughed once more, "GEE, THE GANG REALLY IS ALL BACK TOGETHER AGAIN!" she wiped away a stray tear and conjured a fireball, "NOW STEP ASIDE! TWILIGHT HAS TRIED TO INTERFERE WITH MY PLANS ONE TOO MANY TIMES ALREADY! SHE NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH!"
She made the fireball grow bigger and threw it at the girls, Twilight tried to shield herself and the girls did the same as the attack came flying at them.
Okay, this madness has GOT to stop!
I ran out in front of them and summoned my scythe, ready to block the blow, it made contact and, predictably, my other skill activated; my scythe absorbed the energy from the ball of fire, reducing it to nothing as my scythe's blade glowed blood red.
Sunset laughed as she thought victory was in her grasp, only to look and see the girls were alright and...glowing?
"WHAT?!" she exclaimed.
"I second that, WHAT?!" I said.
They all looked at each other and smiled, while Twilight looked like she had a major revelation.
"The magic contained in my Element was able to unite with those that helped create it!"
A light came from the crown and enveloped the girls.
Sunset looked at me in anger, "YOU!!! YOU BETRAYED ME!!!"
"When you tried to kill the girls, all bets were off!" I replied, "So take THIS!"
I swung my scythe and launched a wave of blood red energy at Sunset and it exploded on contact, sending her flying into the building and creating a Sunset She-demon indent.
"Black?" Twilight questioned.
"I don't know what's going on, but whatever you're all doing, I'll buy you some time, just do it quick!" I said, then rushed to Sunset, ready to fight.
Moonstone's POV
The subject has commenced battle with the demoness creature, trying to protect the powerful magic those females possess. I made a call to the rest of the team.
"Hey, are you guys seeing this?"
"I'm seeing it, but I'm not believing it."
"I say we step in and deal with that monstrosity."
"Aw c'mon! Can't we wait and see what happens? It's just getting good!"
"Stop acting childish, Sunstone." I ordered, "But she's got a point, I wish to see where this goes as well."
"Are you serious?!"
"For the love of karat, shut up, Amazonite! I'm leading this operation, and I agree with Sunstone and Moonstone, I'm curious about these girls' power."
"Hmph!"
"Must you always be so headstrong, Amazonite? You'd be more attractive if you dropped the attitude."
"I'm doing this for my Diamond, not to hook up with some lunkhead Gem!"
"Whatever. Labradorite, shall I make my move after the dust settles?"
"Be my guest. Just don't rough them up TOO bad."
"Understood."
I disconnect the call and watch the battle unfold.
"King may trump Queen, but Ace trumps all," I summon my weapon, a scythe with a crescent shaped blade, and checked its sharp edge with a finger, "and I have one up my sleeve..."
Black's POV
I ran up to Sunset as she pried herself off the wall of the school, jumped up, and delivered a double kick to her head, making her stumble back. She growled in anger as she tried to blast me with a green energy ray, but I absorbed it with my scythe and sent it back to her. She became enraged after the explosion and resorted to attacking me with her claws. After the first two swipes, during the third one, I grabbed her wrist, conducted a 90 degree spin, and using my super strength, I flung her into the side of the building, creating another indent.
The two kept trading blows as the girls charged up their magic, making Sunset frustrated by the sheer absurdity of her opponent being able to beat her.
"RRRGGGGGHHHH!! HOLD STILL SO I CAN HIT YOU!"
"Not a chance!" I said.
"WHY ARE YOU HELPING THEM?! YOU HATED PEOPLE! YOU DIDN'T WANT ANY FRIENDS! SO WHY?! WHY DO YOU DEFY ME TO HELP THESE PATHETIC WHELPS!?!"
"...Because all life is precious, and worth protecting."
(stop music)
THAT left her dumbstruck.
"That's what Rose Quartz taught me, and I swore to live by her words after she passed on. I may hate humans, but I still believe life is precious, no matter who or what it is. Even me...and even you. Right now, I could've killed you at any time, but I didn't, because if I did, I would've gone against everything I believe in. I refuse to fight you anymore, Sunset."
She growled, "WHO SAYS YOU GET TO STOP FIGHTING?!"
I smirk, "The fact that I've bought just enough time."
"FOR WHAT?"
Magic...
"Together with the crown, they create a power far beyond anything you could imagine," suddenly, Sunset began clutching the sides of her head in sheer agony, "but it is a power you don't have the ability to control. The crown may be upon your head, Sunset Shimmer, but you cannot wield it, because you do not possess the most powerful magic of all - the Magic of Friendship!"
The girls held each other's hands in the form of a heart and two halves of a rainbow coiled upwards, then collided together to make a full rainbow that headed towards Sunset's demon form.
"NO!" as the rainbow wrapped itself around her, she grunted in pain, "WHAT, IS, HAPPENING?!"
"Here, and in Equestria, it is the only magic that can truly unite us all!"
They glowed so much that were incased in a ball of light and they released a beam to the students that freed them from Sunset's mind control, and made it to Snips and Snails, trapping them in rainbow tornados as well. The girls gathered together and the ball of light grew brighter and brighter until the entire area was engulfed by it. The student body approached the broken entrance of the school and saw the girls lying on the ground unconscious. They slowly began to wake up, except for Twilight, who had to be woken up by Spike licking her face, Twilight smiled as Spike leaped into her arms and the two cuddled before seeing the crater left by their performance. Twilight, accompanied by her friends and myself, walked up to the massive hole in the ground to see Sunset Shimmer, completely purified of her demonic transformation.
"You will never rule in Equestria," Twilight stated, "any power you may've had here in this world is gone; tonight, you've shown everyone who you really are, you've shown them what is in your heart."
Sunset raised her head and showed everyone something I never thought she was capable of...
...She was crying.
"I...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry! I didn't know there was another way!" she said.
"The Magic of Friendship doesn't just exist in Equestria, it's everywhere." Twilight looked back to see her friends, "You can seek it out...or you can forever be alone. The choice is yours."
"But...But all I've ever done since being here is drive everyone apart. I don't know the first thing about friendship."
Twilight grasped her hand and pulled her out of the crater and waved another hand to her friends, "I bet they can teach you."
"Those are my girls! Whoo-hoo!" Spike declared.
"Did that dog just talk? Whoa, weird." one of the guys said.
Spike looked annoyed, "Seriously? A talking dog is the weird thing about all this?"
"I, for one, think you're adorable." Rarity said while picking him up and scratching between his ears.
"Oh yeah." he said, enjoying Rarity's treatment.
Principal Celestia walked to Twilight with the crown in her hands, "I believe this belongs to you. A true princess in any world leads, not by forcing others to bow before her, but by inspiring others to stand with her. We have all seen you are capable of just that, I hope you see it too, Princess Twilight."
"...I do." Twilight says.
With that, everyone cheers for her, slightly starling her.
"Would now be a completely awkward time to ask you for that dance?" Flash asks as he holds out his hand to her, smiling.
Twilight looks at the moon for some reason, then back at Flash, and grabs his hand, giggling in embarrassment.
Just then, I sensed something...something familiar...
...Another Gem.
Before Flash could escort Twilight back to the dance floor, I grabbed her shoulder and stopped them, "Black? Is something wrong?" Twilight asked.
I looked up at the roof of the school, "Whoever's hiding up there, come out. NOW."
Nothing.
Then, a mysterious figure leaped off the roof and landed in front of Twilight, Flash, and I; she had a slim humanoid body, pale white skin, purple hair with white highlights, purple eyes, wearing a purple shirt with pink accents, black shorts, dark purple cloak and boots. But also had something on its right shoulder blade that really caught my interest: a crescent shaped, bluish white gemstone.
"Greetings, Black Crystal, I have been waiting to make my approach." she spoke.
"Alright, who are you?" I demand.
"I am Moonstone, second in command of the Feldspar Gems."
Suddenly, I was in shock. The Feldspar Gems? Why are THEY here?!
"You seem surprised. It is an expected reaction. After all, you know who we are." she pointed to my belt, "And that mark is the proof."
"...The Feldspar Gems...Homeworld's Black Ops Team...Why are you here?"
"Yellow Diamond wants you dead because she assumed you possessed a power that could easily rival a naturally created Diamond. Personally, I didn't believe it at first, but seeing your two most recent battles proved that those assumptions were correct."
"Two most recent...!" I then realized something, "It was YOU!" I pointed a finger at her, "YOU'RE the one who sent that Tiger's Eye after me!"
"We had to test you to make sure Yellow Diamond wasn't arrogantly blowing smoke, but you proved her right."
"'We'? So there's more of you."
"Of course. But they're in hiding at the current moment. It's just you and me. That being said..."
Moonstone reaches her left hand to her gemstone as it glows and pulls out her Gem weapon: a crescent shaped scythe. It looked a lot like mine, but hers has a more clean, sharp edge.
"...This game of chess has begun, and I shall be the knight that topples the king."
"Wait, what?"
"Allow me to rephrase; I will now exercise my abilities by terminating your existence."
That was all I needed to pull out my own Gem weapon and ready my battle stance. The two of us stared each other down, neither of us showing any fear nor hesitation. We both took one step, then just before the next one, we used the foot in front of us to propel us forward towards each other at break neck speed and clashed blades in the middle. I ground my teeth as I struggled to push her back, but she appears to be stronger than I originally thought, she doesn't even look like she's breaking sweat holding me back with little to no effort.
Eventually, we pushed away from each other and she rushed up to me with what appeared to be super speed and used her scythe against mine and broke it, shards flying everywhere. She smirks at her little accomplishment, but I smirk back, knowing one of my other abilities whenever my scythe's blade is shattered. In my mind, I picture the shards morphing into smaller scythes, which they did in reality, and I sent them flying at Moonstone, leaving gashes all over her body in their wake.
I hold my scythe in front of me and regenerate its blade to its former glory, I rush back into the fight, intent to take down Moonstone.
Labradorite's POV
"She's not going to make it."
The remainder of my teammates hiding with me looked surprised at my words.
"Who?" Amazonite inquired.
"Moonstone."
"WHAT?!"
"Come now, Labradorite," Sunstone interjected, "have a little faith in her, why don'tcha."
"Faith has nothing to do with it," I counter, "it's clear that Black Crystal is the better fighter, and it's only a matter of time until Moonstone's physical form is destroyed."
"So what do we do? Nothing?" Amazonite asked, tauntingly.
"No. We wait. Wait until Moonstone's inevitable defeat, then grab her gemstone and return to Homeworld for debriefing. If they interrogate her for information, the whole operation is up in smoke."
"And how, pray tell, do we get back to Homeworld?"
I didn't respond, I just contacted one of our fellow Homeworld Gems.
"This is Peridot 012, go ahead."
"This is Labradorite, Moonstone has initiated combat with the target, but our second in command will eventually fall. Requesting permission for an emergency evac."
"Hmm...I've always trusted your judgement, it never steered us wrong before. Permission granted. Peridots! Prep an emergency evac!"
The call disconnects.
"Amazonite, get ready to grab Moonstone when she's destroyed."
The two of us kept trading blows; one minute I'm ahead, and the next I'm behind, and then finally, I shatter her scythe. I rush up to her, my own scythe reared back and ready to swing, when I remembered her little quote about chess, so I spoke...
"...Checkmate."
SHING!
And I decapitated her in one swing.
"No...way..." she uttered, breathlessly.
Then, she exploded in a cloud smoke, leaving behind her gemstone as it clattered on the ground.
"Okay, now to bubble this up and send it to the bunker."
I walk over and kneel down to pick it up...
...Only for a gigantic broadsword to be pointed at my face.
"Sorry, but you ain't doing nothing with nobody."
I look at my newest assailant; she was fit, but muscular, had pale green skin, green eyes, black hair with a green highlight, wearing a white crop top with an overly long right sleeve and no left sleeve under a pale green hooded mantle, a green armored skirt, black shorts, black and green boots, and fingerless gloves, and her diamond shaped gemstone was in the center of her forehead. All in all, she looked like an amazon warrior.
"Ooooh! Isn't that the buster sword from that old game?" I hear Pinkie ask.
"You mean Pony Fantasy VII?" Rainbow asked back.
"Eeyup." Big Mac said.
"Step away from the gemstone." the amazon-like Gem ordered.
I just growled in frustration.
"Go on, get back." I took the hint and stepped away, "Sunstone, go get it."
I look to her left and see another Gem; she was beefy for Gem, had golden skin, spiky dark gold hair, yellow eyes, wearing a long, yellow, sleeveless dress with orange accents with slits to expose her thighs, white shorts, and white boots and gloves, and she had her circular gemstone upon her chest. She walked to Moonstone's gemstone and picked it up.
"No sudden moves or I'll bash your head in." she said.
"You got her? Good."
Over to the amazon Gem's right, I see yet another Gem; he had light gray skin, black eyes with green slits, dark gray hair wearing a gray leotard with greenish accents, brown furry wrists, ankles, and shoulders, black boots, outfit has various discolorations of green, yellow, and blue on black parts, dog-like hood, wears sleeveless gloves, but no shoes, and his gemstone was on his left canine.
"Since you now know about us, I believe introductions are in order; I am Labradorite," he said, then began naming off the others, "You already heard Sunstone's name, and this," he patted the amazon's shoulder, "is Amazonite."
I summon my scythe and level it at them, "...Black Crystal."
"No need to introduce yourself, we know who you are."
Just then, above the skies, the giant neon green hand appeared. It was Peridot's ship. But how? A large green orb hovered down from the ship and just behind the enemy Gems, it opened to reveal Peridot, but she seemed to be a darker green, could it be a different Peridot?
"Get in, quickly!" the Peridot said.
"Right," Labradorite said, turning to the others, "you heard her, get on board!"
The other two nodded, Sunstone ran into the pod, but Amazonite kept her "buster sword" leveled at me as she backed into the pod, she dismissed her weapon, and turned to enter with her team, but whipped her head back to me.
"You destroyed my teammate's physical form," she said, contemptuously, "I'm gonna remember you for this, it's not over!"
She climbed in the pod as it closed and it hovered back to the ship, which entered some kind of light speed, leaving the planet's atmosphere. I dismiss my own weapon and breathe a sigh of relief, glad that little problem was over.
"Black."
Only for a new one to arise.
I turn around to see Twilight, the one who spoke, and her friends, glaring at me.
"Is there something you're not telling us?"
I sigh again, but this time in exasperation, "Okay...you win."
I explain to them everything I know about Gems, even who I truly was, from being Homeworld's assassin to becoming a mercenary in Rose Quartz's army to save a different Earth than the one they know. I even told them how I'm the only one of my kind; since I was swayed by Rose Quartz's words after I was tasked to assassinate her, Homeworld dubbed Black Crystals to be failures and dismissed the project without a single thought, never creating more. As I finished, the girls' expressions ranged from anger to shock to interest.
"So...that's pretty much everything. I didn't tell anyone all this for their own protection, even Sunset Shimmer didn't get every bit of information from me."
"Hmm..." Twilight seemed deep in thought, "Okay...I believe you."
I was surprised by Twilight's acceptance, "Really?"
"Really."
"Same here," Applejack stepped up, "ya didn't speak a single lie in yer explanation, so Ah believe ya, too."
The rest of the girls voiced their agreements, but Sunset remained quiet as she walked up to me.
"Black?" she asked.
"Yeah?"
"I...I wanted to apologize for my behavior toward you...and I was hoping...if we could start over, and be friends. No blackmail, no joining anything bad, I just want you to be my friend."
"Hmm......" I purposely took my time just to torment Sunset one last time for everything she did, I honestly once believed that she was unworthy of friendship.
But I don't anymore.
"Okay, we can be friends." I quickly answer, earning a shocked expression from the whole school.
"R-R-Really?" she stuttered.
"Of course. It's obvious you've changed, and I've never seen you show remorse before, so...yes, I'll be your friend."
Sunset smiled wide and swiftly embraced me, "Thank you, Black! Thank you so much!"
I hesitated, but soon enough I hugged her back, feeling a warmth inside me I haven't in over a millennia. And it felt good.
"Now that the situation is taken care of," Celestia interjected, "how about we head back inside and continue our Fall Formal?"
Everyone cheered and returned inside the school, except for Sunset and I, the former because she felt like she didn't deserve to go in, and the latter, myself, just wasn't into the whole dance scene.
"Black..." Sunset spoke, "W-Will you..."
"Yeah." I say, "I'll stay here with you for the night."
She sniffs, "Thank you."
She and I sit down, propped up against the base of the statue, looking at the stars as we sat close to each other. The occasional passerby would assume we were dating, but everyone knows that isn't happening.
I look at her peaceful form and think, Not yet, anyway.
The Fall Formal ended on a high note and the girls were wishing Twilight goodbye while Sunset and I stood by the ruins of the school's entrance.
"You'll look out for her, won't you?" Twilight asked them.
"Of course we will," Rarity said, then crossed her arms, "although I do expect some sort of apology for last spring's debacle."
"I have a feeling she'll be handing out a lot of apologies." just as Twilight said that, Vice Principal Luna handed Sunset a spatula and Snips and Snails came with a wheelbarrow full of bricks.
"It's okay, I'll help you." I reassure her, earning a grateful smile from her.
"We better get going." Spike said.
Twilight nodded to him and turned back to her friends, "I know we've only known each other for a short time, but I'm going to miss you all so much."
She allowed a stray tear to glide down her face as she took a deep breath and turned to the portal.
Spike walked up to her and said, "That crown does suit you, Princess Twilight."
"You know what, Spike? I am feeling a bit more comfortable wearing it."
"And the wings?"
"I've been walking around on two legs and picking things up with these!" she empathized by holding her hands up, "Wings? I'm thrilled that's all I'll be dealing with back in Equestria!"
With that, the two other-worlders left through the portal and the moon reached its peak in the sky, negating the girls' new transformations. Pinkie tried to go after them, but hit a solid surface, indicating the portal has closed.
"Oh, bummer!" Pinkie whined.
I allow a small laugh at Pinkie's randomness, finding a new fondness for the girls.
"So..." Sunset began, prompting me to look at her, "That stuff with Homeworld...is it over?"
My eyes widened in horror and realization; Homeworld now knows where I am, and will stop at nothing to be rid of me.
I slowly shook my head, "No..." I then look up into the night sky...
"...It's just beginning."
Now I know, without a single doubt...
...Life at Canterlot High School will never be the same again.
It had been almost half a week since that fateful night, the night that changed everything. Ever since I revealed who I am during the Fall Formal, nobody treated me the same; I had a lot more respect from everyone because of my abilities and sympathy for my tragic past. As for Sunset Shimmer, everyone treated her like she was the plague, steering clear of her and whispering curses under their breath to her. But me? She and I were inseparable, the best of friends, we took care of each other, I even had to protect her from a group of three gray skinned boys who wanted payback.
I gave them Tartarus in a hand-basket.
As time went by, I noticed Sunset blushing every time we laughed or smiled, there was no doubt about it.
Sunset has a crush on me.
But I couldn't return her affections, she needs a friend right now, not a lover, though it is tempting now that I've seen a sweeter side of her, but either way, I stand firm on my decision. Sunset is my friend, my best friend even, and I will remain as such.
...For now.
Other than that, there was one other thing on my mind: Homeworld. They're going to come back, I just know it.
But will I be ready to face them when they do?
BRRRRRRRRRRRING!
The bell for lunch had finally rung and I headed out of my latest class and to the cafeteria. The whole walk there, Homeworld was fresh in my mind; they're going to come for me, that's unmistakable, but who will they send this time? The Rubies? Jaspers? Peridots? Or will they send out the Feldspar Gems again? The latter is most likely since that Amazonite has a grudge against me. I was so busy thinking about Homeworld that I didn't realize that I had already gotten my lunch and was walking around the cafeteria aimlessly.
"BLACKY! OVER HERE!!" I hear Pinkie yell.
I turned to see her and the rest of the girls, including Sunset, sitting at a nearby table. I smile and made a beeline to their spot, trying to ignore the stares aimed my way. I sat and spoke to Pinkie.
"I thought we agreed you'd stop calling me that."
"Aww! You're no fun! Gems are no fun!" Pinkie pouted.
"Who said we were fun?" I smirk.
Sunset giggles at my inside joke, making me smile at her.
"Ugh!" Rainbow groaned, "Will you two just date already?! You're killing me here!"
"Rainbow Dash!" Rarity chastised, "If they wish to pursue a relationship, then that's their choice! You didn't need to make a fuss about it!"
"They've been at this for three days now, either they kiss and start going out or they try to be less obvious about their feelings, I'm trying to eat here!"
The two of them kept arguing while Sunset and I tried to cool down the blush that arrived on our faces. Even to our friends, our feelings were obvious.
"A-Anyway," I tried to take back control of the conversation, "Do you girls have any free time after school? I want to show you the bunker."
"You mean...?" Sunset began and I nodded.
"Yeah, I think it's time I showed some more trust for you girls, despite the fact that I detest humans." I muttered that last part.
"It's gonna have to wait," Rainbow interjected, "we have to get ready for the Musical Showcase that's coming up."
So much for taking some of my mind off of Homeworld, "Oh...okay."
"You can come with us, you know." Sunset offered.
"I-I don't wanna be a burden."
"It's okay. Besides, I need some moral support if a bunch of students show up at the gym."
By "moral support", she means she needs a bodyguard if somebody tries something they'll regret, at least that's what I think, "...Okay then."
"YAY!!!" Pinkie cheered.
Everyone continued their lunch like normal, except for me, still thinking about how to protect everybody from Homeworld and...the Diamonds.
Sunset sighs, "I am never gonna live that down."
I knew what she was talking about; helping out at the gym was a disaster, no one accepted her assistance, everyone glared at her and whispered profanities behind her back.
Geez, and I thought Homeworld was bad.
That thought by itself brought my focus back to Homeworld, I knew I needed to protect these girls for when they come, but how can I keep them out of harms way and guard Sunset from the student body trying something stupid? None of the scenarios in my mind seemed remotely close to working, I've been wracking my brain out (if I had one) since this morning and it yielded no results.
"Black?"
My thoughts were crushed as I brought back to reality and realized that we were all still in the music room and I wasn't responding to a word the girls were saying, if their expressions of concern were anything to go by.
"Are you...okay?"
Sunset was the one who was speaking to me, I shake my head and answer, "I'm fine. I was just...thinking, that's all."
"...About Homeworld?"
I tense up, Sunset notices before I could repress it and hugs me, "It's okay, I'm scared too."
"I can't let you girls get hurt, those Homeworld Gems are far stronger than you know, I got lucky fighting Moonstone. Who knows who they're going to send to end me? I can't...I just can't lose again."
"Again?" Sunset pulls away to look at me, but keeps her hands on my shoulders, "What did you mean by that?"
I sigh, "It's nothing."
She narrows her eyes, "No. You don't get to brush me aside anymore. Tell me what's wrong."
I turn my wrist to look at my gemstone, shimmering in the fluorescent lights above us, "...I'll tell you when school is over. Okay?"
Sunset was hesitant, but nods and hugs me one more time before pulling away, "Okay."
"Sunset Shimmer, please report to the Main Foyer." Vice Principal Luna's boomed through the PA system.
"You wanna come with me and show a few new students around the school?" Sunset offered.
I nod, "Yeah. I think that'll do us both some good."
We leave the music room as Rainbow dismissed Fluttershy's offer to play one of her songs.
Rose Quartz would've been soooo disappointed with Rainbow...then again I'd doubt she'd care. I thought bitterly.
Not long after we left, we arrived at the front entrance of the school, Sunset took the initiative to speak with the new students, "Hi! Are you the new girls we're supposed to show around?"
Stepping out of the shadows, three strange and rather attractive looking girls, one yellow with poofy orange, yellow streaked hair, another pink with purple, aquamarine streaked pigtails, and the last one light blue with a normal blue, dark purple streaked ponytail, all wearing unusual attire, appeared with creepy smiles on their faces, minus the blue one, who held a sweet smile instead, "We are." the yellow one spoke.
Hmm...something about these girls seem...different. And not the good kind of different.
But Sunset didn't seem to notice as she continued the conversation, "Canterlot High is such a great school, I'm sure you'll like it here."
"Oh, yes, we do sense there's something...magical about this place." the yellow added as she and her gal pals sneered.
...That tears it. Something isn't right here. Better keep my eyes on these chicks.
But Sunset seems to be oblivious to their words and behavior as she lead the group down the hall and I followed, keeping a close eye on them.
As Sunset began showing them around, I kept watching them like a hawk as I was thinking who they could be, They can't be from Homeworld, otherwise I would've sensed their power. Are they from that "Equestria" place Sunset explained to me? It's a good possibility, but I need proof to back up my theory. I look their necklaces and it hit me, Those gems...they don't look normal to me, not even normal to Homeworld standards. I strain my senses and feel a faint amount of power coming from those necklaces, Okay, it's there, but how do I prove it?
"A musical showcase?"
I was snapped out of my mind as the yellow girl spoke again, I saw that her little cohorts were giggling amongst themselves, not a good sign.
Sunset took over the conversation again, "I'm sure since new, Principal Celestia will allow you to join. Right, Black Crystal?"
She just HAD to tell them my name and put me on the spot, didn't she?
"...Yeeeeeaaaaah." I say, unsure and suspicious.
Sunset and the yellow girl raise an eyebrow at my answer, prompting me to panic internally, For the love of karat, if there was any way to let them know my suspicions, THAT would certainly do it!
"We have been known to sing from time to time." the pigtailed girl added, conveniently not noticing my apprehension.
"Hello! We sing like all the time!" the ponytailed girl butted in, continuing to divert attention away from me, "It's how we get people to do what we want!"
Wait, what was that?
The yellow, poofy haired girl grunted at the blue girl and moved her hand in a "cut it out" motion, prompting her to speak again, "W-What did I say?" she asks, obliviously.
"What you MEANT to say was that a musical showcase is a great way to get to know our fellow students." she intercepts and corrects.
Yeah, and I'm an almighty Black Diamond. Hence the sarcasm.
"Oh, yeah! What she said is what I meant to say, that's what I meant...to say." the blue girl agrees and gives out a completely unconvincing smile.
Sell it somewhere else, ladies, 'cause I ain't buying it.
"Or what you WOULD'VE said if you weren't the worst." the pigtailed girl said to her, making her retaliate.
"You are!"
"You'll have to excuse them, they're idiots." the yellow one assures as the other two go, "Hmph".
Sunset just stares at them weirdly while I keep a neutral expression from years of practicing. She notices the gems around their neck and smiles.
"Those are pretty." Sunset comments as she reaches out to touch them, "Where did you..."
The yellow girl immediately got defensive and grabbed Sunset's wrist before she could get close. Realizing her folly, she let go of her and chuckled nervously.
"Sorry! As you can see, these pendants are very important to us, we'd hate for anything to happen to them."
Gotcha.
The trio began to leave, except for the blue girl, who was pulled away as Sunset finally began to have her own suspicions.
"So you finally figured out that those three aren't as innocent as they seem?" I ask her.
Surprised, she asked, "You thought so too?"
"I thought so before you started the tour, something isn't right about those girls, and I've got proof just by watching them."
"Really? What is it?"
"I'll explain once we get to the cafeteria. I think the rest of the girls should hear this."
Sunset nodded in agreement and we headed to the cafeteria to tell the girls our findings and to get something to eat.
Those girls...they weren't acting normally.
And that magical line?
Could they be talking about Equestrian Magic?
...Or was it my Gem Magic?
Either way, Homeworld was going to have to wait, we got bigger problems right now.
Meanwhile...
Somewhere far outside Canterlot, a crystalline surfaced plate was sitting in a clearing within the woods, this was commonly known as a Warp Pad for Gems. Suddenly, a pillar of light shined down upon it and revealed four figures; the tallest of the four had dark purple skin, a square shaped afro, two gemstones in both of her palms, wearing silver shades and a purple-ish bodysuit, seriousness radiating from her, the second tallest was pale with short blonde hair ending in a point behind her head, a circular gemstone upon her forehead, wearing a blue shirt, yellow shorts, and ballet slippers, acting somewhat as the tallest figure, the shorter third figure was purple with long, messy white-ish pink hair, a gemstone embedded within her chest, wearing a sleeveless dark gray shirt with a strap sliding off a shoulder revealing a black strap, black pants, and white boots, contrary to the last two, this figure had laziness in her eyes, the last figure was a human boy who was as short as the third figure with black fluffy hair, wearing a red shirt, blue pants, and red flip-flops, excitement and determination in his expression. They viewed their surroundings as if they had never had there before, despite that, they knew they were on a mission and had to dismiss any hesitation.
"You're certain about this, Garnet?" the pale one spoke.
"Yes Pearl," Garnet answered, "this Warp Pad may be new, but my Future Vision has never steered me wrong. He's here. I can sense him."
"I don't know," the purple one began, "it's been a long time since the war, what makes you think he'll just come back with us?"
"Don't be like that, Amethyst," the human boy said, "I'm sure he's a nice guy."
Pearl giggled and patted his head, "As optimistic as always, Steven."
"Alright, let's get moving," Garnet said, taking the lead, "I can sense him in this direction."
"Right!" they all agreed.
With that, they began walking in the direction of their goal, or more specifically, the city of Canterlot, where the unsuspecting Gem lives.
"I wonder who this Black Crystal is like..." Steven whispered to himself.
