Opal, Ruby, Sapphire AU | Steven Universe

Gem Heist (Zoo Arc: Part 2)

As their ship drifted closer to the enormous pink structure, the Gems grew quiet. The tension in the air was palpable. Steven noticed with mild alarm the Red Eye floating nearby, keeping watch.

        "The Human Zoo," Sapphire murmured.

        "That thing's huge!" Ruby gasped, seated at the controls.

        "Of course, it has to be," Sapphire replied. "It was constructed with ample space for specimen containment, storage, synthesis labs, barracks and vehicle bays."

        "How do you know all this stuff?" Ruby asked, turning to set suspicious eyes on her.

        Sapphire froze. "Uh. . . future vision, of course."

        Ruby snorted and gave her a light punch on the arm. "I'm just kiddin'. 'Course a Sapphire like you would be a know-it-all."

        Sapphire bristled and Opal laid a hand on her head. "Gems, calm yourselves," the fusion said, and turned her gaze upon the Zoo. "That ship is like an iceberg. The Zoo itself must be contained in that lower. . . majority, right?"

        Sapphire nodded.

        "Dad's gotta be in there," Steven insisted. "We just have to find him and bust him out."

        Surprisingly, as they neared the entry bay (Ruby at the controls and Sapphire directing at her shoulder) the panels opened easily. Still, everyone held their breath as they passed through the security field into the port. No alarms went off, no guards came running.

        Ruby exhaled. "The ship's still registered."

        "Let's hope no one thinks to check inside," Opal said drily.

        The vehicle drifted into a vacant bay. Opal noticed two large figures by the doors and gasped. "Amethyst guards. . . Right." She touched her fingers to the pearl set against her forehead. "As if we could just waltz up as a fusion, a defected Sapphire and. . ." her eyes softened as they settled on Steven. ". . . And you."

        "We just need disguises!" Steven offered hopefully. "I'll be Esteban Universidad!"

        "It doesn't matter what your name is!" Ruby cried. "We're . . . well, look at us! We'll be shattered!"

        Sapphire stepped forward. "We won't stand out if we play the roles we were made for."

        She gave Opal a pointed look and the fusion nodded, shrinking down into two familiar Gems.

        "Amethyst! Pearl!" Steven cried.

        Pearl gave a tiny wave and Amethyst grinned. "What's up, Steve-o?"

        "Alright everybody, let's listen to Sapphire," Pearl said, giving Amethyst a gentle nudge.

        Sapphire shot her a grateful smile. "Today, I'm a Sapphire travelling with my personal Pearl." After gauging Pearl's response, she turned to the others. "And my Ruby guard."

        Ruby sighed, but nodded.

        "Esteban," Sapphire continued, "I brought you as an offering for the Zoo."

        Steven brought his hands to his face in mock horror. "Pobrecito Esteban!"

        "What about me?"

        Sapphire turned to Amethyst. "You're accompanying me as extra muscle. You're the one who captured Esteban, and will be the one to lead him into the Zoo."