Galaxy of Monsters (Godzilla/Steven Universe crossover)

Chapter 8: The Golden Demise

Whether it came from Planet X, Mars, Kilaak, Garoga, or somewhere else in the vast and limitless universe, those who spoke its name trembled. Ancients worshipped it as the end of all things, the devourer of worlds, the Golden Demise. It was therefore fitting that it should be crowned the King of Terror, or to bear a title of nobility at all. 

The Parallax's data core shared a trait with most galactic stores of information. There was nothing to be said of King Ghidorah and his bloody reign across the stars, because there was nothing to be feared more than the Diamonds. They had made sure of that.

Emerald and her crew, meanwhile, were determined to bring Hessonite to justice for her crimes. They found the decrepit space station, proving that Sapphire was partially true to her word. Several sections looked badly damaged from meteor strike or some other calamity. 

The outside of the derelict resembled a spinning top floating in the void, protected by thick layers of chrome steel and titanium alloys. Windows were scarce. They could hardly be seen as the few that were present were no bigger than an average porthole. 

The ship's primary sensor bathed the docking bay in a holographic light, scanning it for signs of recent activity. There were no lights active anywhere. Rutile thought of it as the loneliest place in the galaxy, a fitting place to hide. 

"Rutile, bring us in closer. See if you can land the ship in that bay."

"I'll try, captain, but the damage it's sustained may leave us vulnerable to a sudden collapse."

"We'll have to risk it."

"Captain!" said Ruby with great zeal. "Visual feed indicates that another ship is inside. It appears to be the only one in this station besides us."

Emerald held her chin, thinking that Hessonite was within her grasp. The Parallax activated its landing gear and slowly hauled itself into the hangar. The ceiling was draped in mechanical arms that once lowered and lifted smaller vessels. Fitting the modern warship proved to be a challenge, but Rutile handled the controls with unmatched precision. She was a top pilot, no doubt. 

Things were going to be somewhat different this time around, however. The captain had a plan in mind to catch their troublesome target. 

"Amethyst, you will come with me into the station. Bring your de-stabilizers. Ruby, be on the lookout in case Hessonite tries to escape here. Rutile, jam any outside communications that aren't wired in Homeworld's channels."

"You're trying to corner Hessonite, captain?" Rutile tilted her head. 

"Yes. Now, let's get to work."

"Is there anything I can do?" asked Pearl with renewed optimism.  

The captain shook her head. In truth, she had yet to find any use for Pearl, but could not shake a sense of guilt as the pale Gem took on a despondent look on her face. 

Hessonite, wherever she was, did not come to this scrap station unprepared. She was familiar with an old urban legend that this place was haunted, and despite lacking in superstition herself, the runaway criminal had encountered several traps set throughout the fourteen main decks. She survived three of them so far. Something in her head told her not to ask who was responsible for them. 

The first was a typical explosive tripwire, the second caused the floor to disappear and give way to a spike crusher, and the third rained molten iron from the ceiling. She was in no rush to discover what the other traps were capable of. 

Still, Hessonite caught herself glancing over her shoulder countless times as she wandered the twisting corridors for the bridge. The sound of footsteps bounced off the walls in a maddening echo, but she could not tell with certainty if they were her own.