Steven Universe: A Bridge Too Far

Chapter 8: Hearts of Stone

Steven Universe and Lars Barriga are standing in fear at the sight of the menacing figure standing before them. Her wicked smile, her glowing blood-red eyes, her body covered in dark shadow that surrounds her figure.

The boy gasps loudly, his heart skips a beat 'T-The big glowing red eyes from my dream, that glared down at me when I was at a sleepover in Connie's house! Is this...her!?'

The figure giggles evilly, slowly wiggling her fingers that are black claws. They look sharp and most definitely sound as sharp as a chef's knife. The boys shiver, not wishing to be on the receiving end of those talons.
Steven quickly holds Crystal in his left arm and brings out his shield in his right hand, readying to defend himself and Lars "W-who are you?!"

The gem slowly walks up to them, her steps make little to no sound...as if she is floating across the grassy ground. She still maintains her wicked smile, her eyes never leaving Steven for a second. She didn't care about seeing the fear in the boy's face or his body language...she could FEEL his fear, giving her a strange sense of gratification. While maintaining her eye contact with Steven, she can see him holding the Crystal in his arms. Seven lets out a sigh of contentment, wishing to simply kill Steven and take the Crystal all for herself...however, something inside feels pity for the boy. After all, she remembers the research she went into and, the discovery he is Rose Quartz's son. He isn't her and he is his being. And he found these shards to get his wish, Seven slowly closes her eyes and breathes in deeply, remaining perfectly still. She starts having internal thoughts, and conversations within. Seven begins thinking to herself 'If I may give an offer...an offer he can't refuse? Yes, build trust...sell myself, sell my pitch. Be his friend.'

Lars quickly goes up towards Steven, panic filling his tone "S-Steven! W-What is she!? She seems like she's gonna kill us! We should leave, now!"

Steven feels Lars trying to tug his arm, but he resists. He looks into Lar's eyes, speaking softly "Lars! Please, calm down...she...hasn't attacked us yet. She wants something...otherwise, why are we alive right now?" he says, holding the Crystal tightly in one arm "Besides...I don't think we can outrun her."

Lars kicks the ground, biting his lower lip out of frustration "C-can't you get that Crystal to teleport us out of here? Shouldn't it be strong enough now?"

Steven looks at Crystal, it gives out weak glows. His eyebrows are raised, is Crystal afraid as well? This seems to be getting worse by the second, Steven whispers to Crystal "Crystal? We need your help right now...can you get us out of here?"

The Crystal gives rapid glows, yet its thoughts are now linked with Steven. His eyes widen and looks at Lars "Don't ask me how or why, but Crystal told me the only way is through the warp pad..."

Lars' face becomes pale, slowly looking at the figure covered in dark shadows, her hair messy and wavy "We're so dead..."

Steven shakes his head, standing in front of Lars "Take Crystal from me and get back to the warp pad, I'll hold her off as much as I can!"

"What!? You can't take her on! And besides, that's far away! Even if I somehow were to get there I can't use voodoo like you do!" Lars yells.

Steven grits his teeth, feeling anger swelling inside "Better than sticking around here and dying!"

Lars gasps softly, seeing Steven serious is an eye-opener. If there is a chance, he has to trust Steven. He goes to take the Crystal from Steven's arm "Okay Steven...I trust you, please don't die on me-"

Suddenly, Seven is standing right beside Lars and Steven, smiling widely at them. Her eyes glowing red eyes are wide. She speaks in a soft yet amused tone "Now now now, there's no need to run away, Lars..."