Through the Burns and the Pain

'Oh..OH STARS! That's bad.'

That was the thought that ran though his mind...that, weakness and pain, so much pain. It felt as if his abdominals were being stabbed and pierced continuously.

'Where's that pain coming from? and why does it feels like I am  submerged?'

He opened his eyes as hard as it was to and looked down. His eyes started watering as fear gripped his heart.

'No..No..NO! FUCKING NO!'

His mind started running a mile a attosecond, looking at his damaged gem. Thoughts running through the last few hours..Days, maybe? How long was he here? He silently winced as he felt that pain again..why wasn't the fountain working? He looked at his gem again..as memories flowed back.

'Splintered, cracked, paled and caved in at the top... quite a number on me.'

He remembered now, It was during a simple artifact mission with Connie, Amethyst, Bismuth and Lion. The pentagon shaped temple they explored were littered with mazes filled with traps like spiked ceiling, pitfalls and fire spewing walls. Exciting, but still childsplay for the experienced hybrid and his entourage. When they reached the throne room, Steven’s team were surprised to see  that someone had already beaten them it.

A draconic looking gem mutant, the size of a three ruby fusion with a shade of purple similar to Spinel. It held the object, a colorless crystal lantern with a transparent flame, in between its claws, admiring it; before turning towards the Crystal Gems. With a small 'smile' on it face it gave off a mighty roar; the force and volume throwing the team to their knees.

It launched itself towards Stevonnie, as they were recuperating from its initial attack. The last thing Steven remembered was forcibly unfusing Stevonnie before receiving a thunderous blow straight to the gem, the lantern turning a dull rose pink, and Connie blood curdling scream of his name.

"Steven, please open your eyes."

With as much strength he could muster he turned towards the sound of the voice...and the scene caused more pain him even more than the fight.

Garnet had unfused to Sapphire and Ruby. Sapphire blaming herself for not being able to see this happening and Ruby desperately trying to dissuade her from such thoughts, while failing to stay calm as lava hot tears fell from her eyes. The second furthest from the fountain.

Bismuth held Peridot and Lapis in a huddle of tears furthest away from the fountain, fighting to stay strong herself while trying to  reassure the two that he would make it through this.

Pearl and Amethyst held each other for dear life as they try to find a bit of solace; the duo tears and sobs louder than anyone else's. They were the second closest to the fountain

Though none of theirs was the voice he heard. That pleading, heartbreaking voice that simultaneously killed and strengthening him.

"Steven."

He could hear them, even in the state he was in . That one belonged to the one at the very edge of the fountain. Tears streamed down her closed eyes, pure anguaish on her face as she gripped the fountain edge, on her knees as small whispers of grief filled swears and beseeching statements for his safety came from her.