(Narrator's POV)
The Gems looked on as Steven stood face to face with Fire Agate. And while he was caught off guard last time due to him rushing in, the hybrid was more than ready for the Gem Commander this time. But even though he was ready, it still didn't erase the sense of pure power coming from Fire Agate. It was plain to see that this would not be a battle that's easily won but it's one that must be fought.
Memories flooded Steven's head of his last encounter with Fire Agate but the hybrid did his best to ignore them as Fire Agate chuckled.
"I can sense your trepidation, Steven Universe. That will be your downfall." He said as Steven never broke his gaze as he stared down the Gem Commander.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about what happened last time we met. But this time...(summons bubble fists) I won't lose to you!" Steven exclaimed as Fire Agate charged at Steven with a sword slash, but the hybrid managed to catch the blade in his hands(which were protected thanks to the bubble fists) as the two of them engaged in a test of strength, both of them trying to out muscle the other.
"You know, your death would be meaningful. Most don't get that honor. With your demise, things could go back to the way they were before when Gems like Dark Aura Onyx and I could roam freely and do what we were created to do. We all have a purpose, Steven Universe! Even you!!!" Fire Agate exclaimed as he did his best to push his blade upon Steven.
"I grew up not knowing what my purpose was. You don't know me, so stop acting like you've got me figured out! None of you do!!!! I'm sick of Homeworld and everyone else acting like they've got me figured out!!!!!!! Gahhhhh!!!" Steven yelled as he unleashed a wave of energy that sent Fire Agate back.
"Heh. Looks like I struck a nerve. Good. That'll make this much easier." Fire Agate said as Steven charged at him with a punch that the Gem Commander easily blocked. Fire Agate then sent a punch of his own towards Steven that the hybrid blocked with his shield as the two of them exchanged blows for several minutes with neither gaining an edge over the other.
The Gems were stunned but also proud at the same time. Especially Pearl and Garnet.
"I still remember when Steven was frustrated that he couldn't summon his shield. Now he's standing on even ground with Fire Agate. He's come so far." Pearl said as she and the others looked on.
After a while, Fire Agate chuckled.
"Steven, I daresay you're holding back. If you really wanted to finish me, you would have done it already." The Gem Commander said as Steven went silent. It was his earlier shattering of Cobalt that was beginning to weigh on his conscience. But then he remembered how ruthless Fire Agate is and knowing that set something off in the hybrid.
"Well.. if you're not going to even fight back, then I'll just end you here!!!!" Fire Agate exclaimed as he rushed right at Steven.....only for the hybrid to dodge and summon a pink chain before wrapping Fire Agate in it and sending him crashing into a tree!
But Steven knew he had to keep it up. He then remembered his fight with Jasper and summoned several barrier shields before sending them crashing into the still stunned Fire Agate, trapping him!
"You're right, Fire Agate! I HAVE been holding back!!! But not anymore! This ends now!!!!!!" Steven yelled as he summoned a massive spike wall and sent it right towards the Gem Commander.
"Heh. Well fought, Steven Universe......" Fire Agate said with his final words as the spike wall crashed into him, shattering his Gem and causing his form to vanish as Steven descended back to the ground as the red barrier disappeared.
"Steven!!!!! You did it!!!" Lapis exclaimed as she and Pearl hugged the hybrid.
"Nice work, Steven!" Amethyst said as Steven bubbled the shards of Fire Agate and sent them back to the Temple.
"Well done, Steven. I'm very proud of you. Just surviving a fight against Fire Agate is an accomplishment by itself, but to actually defeat him.....you've come so far these past few years." Pearl said as Steven smiled.
"Thanks everyone. But we still have Dark Aura Onyx to----Garnet watch out!!!" The hybrid exclaimed as Garnet turned around only to be engulfed by a wave of dark energy!
"GARNET!!!!!" Steven exclaimed. But he had no time to worry about his fusion mother as another wave of dark energy took him as well!
"No!!!! Steven! Garnet!!!! Grrrr! Show yourself, Dark Aura Onyx!!!!" Pearl yelled as Dark Aura Onyx appeared, a smirk on his face.
"Don't worry. They're still alive. They're just....somewhere else. But I'd worry more about yourselves." Dark Aura Onyx said as Pearl, Amethyst, Jasper and Lapis prepared to face the Gem Commander.
But what had happened to Steven and Garnet?
What indeed? We'll find out in the next chapter! See ya then!
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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...
