Why'd You Have To Go? // Steven Universe (Pearlmethyst)

Chapter 5: Split Decisions

Why must space ferrets have so many limbs? This was the exact thought that was running through Pearl's head as the Crystal Gems ran for cover just outside the temple.

"Get down!" Garnet yelled as one of the creature's large purple claws came swinging over their heads. Amethyst pushed Pearl to the ground as they tried to avoid it and the two crawled behind a rock that sat on the beach.

The purple creature was long and lanky and looked like a centipede with its many sprawled limbs. The face however was almost rat-like if it wasn't for the giant purple gem on its cheek.

"What is this thing again?" Pearl asked Amethyst in a loud whisper.

"Corrupted gem," Amethyst answered quickly, summoning her whip and running towards the thing.

Pearl wasn't sure exactly what that meant but then again she didn't understand most things the gems talked about either.

Pearl watched as Garnet helped Amethyst, summoning two large gauntlets. Pearl tilted her head slightly. It seems they all had weapons, even Steven. Pearl looked down at herself. She had to have something, right?

As much as she focused on summoning, well, anything, Pearl didn't even know where to start.

Sighing dejectedly Pearl tried to think of a way to help. She wondered if she could run into the temple and get that sword but she decided she better stay away from anything stored away in her room.

"Pearl!" Amethyst yelled as the corrupted gem picked the distracted Pearl up to examine her. Having nothing else to do (and panicking only slightly) Pearl punched the thing square in the nose and they both fell to the ground. Grinning triumphantly, Pearl stared at the creature as it attempted to recover. Steven ran over to Pearl to make sure she hadn't cracked her gem again, but also to compliment her on the sick right hook.

"That works too," Amethyst mumbled under her breath. Seeing as Pearl was ok, the purple gem rushed towards the corrupted gem in attempts to finish it off. Unfortunately the thing must of recovered more than it let on because with an easy swipe of its paw, it batted Amethyst away.

Not wanting to give up, Amethyst threw her whip around the arm that hit her. She wrapped around it and managed to circle around the creature until it could barely move. Just when she thought she had it, the corrupted gem let out a bursting cry and broke free of the weapon, making it disappear into nothing. Not having anything to hold onto anymore, the smaller gem was tossed through the air and landed many feet away from the battlefield.

Within those seconds, Garnet had been waiting to make her move. While the corrupted gem had been dealing with Amethyst, Garnet had hidden behind it to deliver a final blow. She swung her gauntlet down on the creature's back. The corrupted gem flopped to the ground allowing Garnet to pin it down.

Something inside Amethyst grew angry watching this. In less than a second she looked at Garnet, looked at Pearl who was staring at the whole scene with wonder in her eyes, and then back at Garnet again. An ugly glare fixed onto the fusion. Within that same second however, Amethyst saw one of the creatures arms reach for Garnet without her knowledge. Claws fully extended. In a split second decision, Amethyst gathered her energy and sprinted as fast as she could towards the corrupted gem- or more accurately: Garnet.

"Looks like you could use some help," Amethyst winked at Garnet right before she ran into her, toppling her off the creature.

"Amethyst..." Garnet glared in annoyance. As she stood up from the sand, so did the corrupted gem. Consequentially, Amethyst (who had taken Garnet's place on top of the creature) fell to the ground.

"Look out!" Steven pulled Pearl aside as the corrupted gem ran past them. Instead of attacking, however, the thing slid back into the ocean where it had came from. Pearl and Steven walked back to where the other two gems stood in tension. Garnet had a hand on her temple. Amethyst stood waiting for the others with her arms crossed.

"Haha...looks like that one kind of got away from us huh?" Steven asked.

"It wouldn't have if Amethyst hadn't gotten in the way," Garnet said quietly.

"Excuse me?!" Amethyst turned to Garnet, "But I-"

"You have been acting out all week Amethyst but this is going too far," Garnet continued, "How can we depend on you during missions if you won't take these things seriously. Just because you're upset about Pearl doesn't mean you can let your emotions jeopardize the mission at hand."

"My emotions?" Amethyst laughed angrily, "H-Hey, now I'm not the one who's getting emotional. You want to make this about Pearl?"

"Guys..."

Amethyst didn't stop "Talk about jeopardizing the mission, at least I'm not trying to show off in front of Pearl just to impress her! What are you trying to prove anyways?!"

"Guys!"

The two turned to see an upset Steven staring at them in disbelief. Then they noticed the direct absence of Pearl next to him.

"Why are you guys fighting?" Steven's voice sounded shaky like he wanted to cry. "This isn't like you two. And you're upsetting Pearl even more!"

"We wouldn't have to fight if Amethyst wasn't being so reckless," Garnet said quietly, squeezing her hands into fists. If only the others could see behind her glasses.

On the other hand, Amethyst couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Well maybe once Garnet stops being a major jerk for once I'll start listening to her." Amethyst didn't wait to hear another word and stormed off into the temple where she could hide in her room.

Garnet looked at Steven for a moment before walking inside too.

Neither had noticed Pearl sitting by the window with tears in her eyes.