(Narrator's POV)
Back on Homeworld, Steven was still reeling after the attack from Spinel although he wouldn't say it outright. While he knew that she was under the influence of the Dark Aura, it was clear to see that the hybrid lost trust in her and when you consider the fact that he already had very little to begin with, it made things even worse.
In Steven's mind, as unreliable a narrative as it often told him, the Heart Gem let herself get corrupted by the Dark Aura. If Hiddenite and Jadeite could fight against it, why couldn't she? It seemed more like a matter of Spinel's own weakness than Dark Aura Onyx's influence.
Nevertheless, Steven didn't express these thoughts and comforted Spinel before the Heart Gem went off on her own, telling the hybrid that she's around if he needs her. After she left, Garnet approached Steven and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"What just happened reminds me of back during the War: Pearl was overwhelmed and ended up within the Dark Aura. And she ended up attacking me and Bismuth." The fusion explained as Steven gasped. Pearl was one of the strongest Gems he knew and she ended up in the Dark Aura?
"It doesn't matter how strong a Gem is: If Dark Aura Onyx can sense even a hint of weakness within them....a single weak point and he can get to them. I've seen firsthand what the Dark Aura does to a Gem, Steven. It preys on whatever weakness you have. Your fears. Your worries. Whatever makes you vulnerable. And it traps you and tortures you within that darkness. It's enough to make a Gem go so insane that they end up shattering themselves." Garnet said as Steven looked at her.
"Garnet....how do we beat Dark Aura Onyx if he can do something like that?" The hybrid asked as Garnet hugged him.
"We'll find a way. We have to. But I could tell you're still untrusting of Spinel after what happened. And I told you that story so you'd understand that she isn't to blame for what the Dark Aura caused her to do. If Gems as strong Hiddenite and Jadeite can fall prey to the Dark Aura, then Spinel would be an even easier target, especially with all the guilt she carries over what she did in our first meeting on Earth." The fusion said as Steven smiled.
"I should have realized that. I'm sorry, Garnet. This just shows that we need to train hard and I'm willing to do that if it means Dark Aura Onyx won't be able to hurt anyone else." The hybrid said as Garnet kissed him on the forehead.
"That's my Steven. You've always made me so proud. Let's go back to Jadeite and Hiddenite---." She began to say as she suddenly stopped.
"Garnet? What's wrong?" Steven asked as Garnet got an angry look on her face and walked up the hallway a bit before reaching around a corner and yanking Holly Blue Agate from it!
"Um....Uh.......Hello there fusion! Er....I mean Garnet! How have you been?" Holly Blue asked nervously as Garnet noticed a communication device in Holly Blue's hand.
"Who have you been spying on us for? If it's who I think it is, I swear I'm going to end you here and now, Holly Blue." Garnet said angrily, her visor revealing three angry eyes as Holly Blue's expression went from a fearful one to a smug one.
"You really think I'm afraid of you, fusion? Especially now that I know the Pantheon is not only back, but has you and those other Gems in their sights? Go ahead. Shatter me here. It won't matter. At least I'll go down knowing you won't be far behind!" The Agate said as Steven glared at Holly Blue.
"You know what, Holly Blue? I don't have the time or patience for this after all that's happened on Earth. But if we let you go, then you'll just keep causing trouble for us. Sorry about what's about to happen....." The hybrid said as Holly Blue looked confused.
"What do you mean.....?" She began to ask until Garnet summoned her Gauntlets and....
(Poof!)
"Well. That will keep Holly Blue quiet." Garnet said as she sent the bubble to the Temple before she and Steven headed back to train with Hiddenite and Jadeite.
Garnet proves how good of a mentor she is to Steven(ignoring how oblivious she is to his feelings in canon of course) and Holly Blue Gets busted and bubbled.
See ya next chapter!
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The Pantheon
FanfictionAfter Steven's Departure from Beach City, Garnet is acting strange: She's far more reserved and quiet but unbeknownst to the others has also been having nightmares. When confronted by the others, she reveals her knowledge of 4 of the most powerful G...
