(Narrator's POV)
"All right. Well done, Steven. I must say I'm impressed. With how much progress you're making, I think you may have a chance." Jadeite said as Steven trained with her. In a short time, the hybrid had learned some new abilities, including a phase dodge and a pink energy sword. He had also learned how to have better control over his more powerful abilities such as his Time Dilation and Super Speed.
Still, even with these new powers and control over the ones he already had, he still felt like he was far behind the Pantheon, a feeling that Hiddenite could easily sense. Hence why it was now her turn to train the hybrid.
"Steven. You have all these new abilities. But they don't mean a thing if you don't have the proper control as well. And I can sense in you another side that you must become harmonious with in order to even have a chance against the Pantheon. Your human side alone won't be enough nor will your Gem side alone be enough. To defeat the Pantheon, you must tap into the full potential of your powers and to do that you must achieve perfect harmony with your Gem." Hiddenite said as Steven nodded.
"But how do I do that? My Gem half is unstable. I don't know if I can fully control it." He said as Hiddenite smiled.
"Close your eyes and focus your mind. Your Gem half is locked up by your own emotions. Go to it and communicate with it." She said as Steven closed his eyes and focused his mind. He then found himself in a room with a pink sky. And right in front of him in a cage was his Gem half, Pink Steven
"It's you. Listen, I know I've kept you in here. But you....you hurt people!" Steven exclaimed as his Gem half just looked at him.
"I...never meant to. All I've ever tried to do is protect you. Before Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl or anyone else was there, it was always me. And it's always going to be me, Steven. When you think no one else is there for you, I will be. Know why? Because I love you." His Gem half said as Steven looked at him.
"Someone has to look out for you, y'know?" Pink Steven said as Steven finally spoke.
"We need to work together. The Pantheon is coming and if we want to have any chance against them, you and I need to work together. We can't operate separately anymore. What I'm trying to say is this: We need each other. So let's work together." Steven said as Pink Steven looked at him for a moment and smiled.
"All right then. You're in the driver's seat from here on in, Steven. Let's do this." He said as the two fist bumped.
(Back on reality.....)
"Steven? Are you all right?" Garnet asked as Steven opened his eyes and revealed Pink Diamonds in them before they reverted back to his regular colored eyes. For the first time ever, the hybrid finally felt like he was mentally and emotionally in sync.
"I....I did it. Garnet....I did it!" Steven exclaimed as he hugged Garnet, who smiled and kissed his cheek.
"I can tell. You seem ready, Steven. In fact, why don't you head back to Earth? Pearl just contacted me and she said she and Connie just got finished with their training and that Connie wants to spend some time with you if you have a chance. I'll stay here and train. Can't let you get ahead of me, now can I?" Garnet said as Steven smiled and headed back to the Warp Pad before warping away back to Earth.
(On Earth)
"Steven, you're back!" Connie exclaimed as Steven had just arrived through the Warp Pad.
"So what do you want to do?" The hybrid asked.
"Well. I figured we may only have a few chances to spend time together before the Pantheon comes back for round two, so I thought you and I could go out for a while?" Connie said as Steven nodded and held her hand as the two headed out.
Heading into town, Steven smiled in relief as everyone was safe even after the Pantheon's attack. Thankfully they hadn't come to the town otherwise it would have been an even worse situation.
Still, that just meant that when they did come back, Steven and the others would have to be ready to send them packing. Losing wouldn't be an option this time.
"Steven......I'm glad you're here with me." Connie said as Steven smiled. In truth, this was something he needed: Just him and Connie together.
"You worried about the Pantheon?" Steven asked as Connie sighed.
"I'd be lying if I said no. You saw what Dark Aura Onyx used against me. The only reason I made it out with my sanity was because of you. You're always saving me, Steven. Just once....I'd like to be the one who saves you." She said as Steven smiled at her.
"You are. You don't realize how much you save me, Connie. Without you....I would have lost myself a long time ago. You are the one who makes things brighter for me. You're the one who makes all the pain and all of what I've had to go through worth it. I can endure a mission with the Gems because I know you're here waiting for me to come back. I love you." Steven said as Connie tearfully smiled.
"I love you too, Steven Universe. More than you will ever realize." She said as the two shared a kiss and gazed at the blue sea together for what may be one of the final times.
Steven's achieved perfect harmony with his Gem half. Will it be enough to stand against the Pantheon? 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...
